I glance at Mong and he nods in wordless agreement. He’ll sub in, because Iamgoing to that party, whether she allows it or not.
“Oh, of course! I didn’t mean him! He hates parties, and he’d never agree to come, even if he wasn’t working. I was talking about Mong, the pretty guy who serves our table.”
She answers that with a thoughtful hum. “Heisa very attractive man, and young. Hmm, I could use another pair of hands. Would he be interested in helping at the cocktail bar?”
This is starting to sound like a lot more than a ‘little’ party. I wonder how many people will be attending. From what Hex told me, the last one had quite a few, and they were only employees. She didn’t specify if that will be the case this time, so the likelihood of other VIPs alongside the assistants attending it is high, especially if she needs staff.
“He said he’s super excited to show off his new cocktail to your guests,” Hex assures her, making an OK sign with his fingers.
They bid farewell after agreeing to meet up by the fountains on the ship’s greenhouse deck, from where she will take us to the venue for the party.
It’s not her cabin, or the dining hall. Those are quicker to access from the residential and entertainment decks, respectively. She’s taking us somewhere else, and a have a hunch that it’s a part of the ship we haven’t been to yet.
26
Hex
AranandIgetdressed, instruct Mong what to do if he finishes the security shift before we are back, and head out. With the make-up both of them are wearing, it really looks like they’ve swapped their ages. I love this version of Aran too, but I won’t lie—I prefer him older.
Maybe it’s because those extra few lines near his eyes add more character, or maybe it’s because of the way his jaw is a little sharper, like it’s set perfectly into the shape it should be. He usually exudes maturity, intimidation and an aura of dependence, all three of which tickle some deep part inside me, while when I look at his face now, I see a rebel bad boy with a short temper.
I chuckle to myself. I can picture him being like that in his twenties. If he got along with dad and since they served together, he must have been a little crazy and dangerous. Not that he isn’t now—quite the contrary—but he isn’t impulsive and nor does he get riled up easily, like he used to when we were both younger.
“Would you enlighten me what’s so funny?” Aran says as we enter the elevator that will take us to the greenhouse level.
I glance at him, unable to help my eyes as they roam him from head to toe. He looks absolutely delicious in Mong’s VIP lounge uniform, which Mrs. Lynx requested he wear. It’s different that the one he, and by extension Aran, wears at the dining hall. More expensive. More exclusive. The vest and dress pants are a deep, almost black, blue, while the shirt underneath is burgundy. We are so lucky both he and Mong have a similar build, or the clothes would have been too small. As it is now, they hug him very tightly, showcasing all of his assets.
“It might also be a good idea to refrain from looking at me this evening. You’re drooling a bit,” he adds, his lips lifting on one side.
Did he just make a joke at his own expense? I knew he had it in him.
“Your ass just looks so…appetizing. It makes me want to bite into it.” I mime just that as a thrill of desire slithers inside me. “You shouldn’t be allowed to wear clothes so snug.”
“It’s part of tonight’s mission. And you better not let yourself get distracted by it.”
Easier said than done, even if he pulls his stern and authoritative voice on me. “Dream on. I’m the pinnacle of professionalism. I never get distracted.”
He pets me on the head. “That’s a good boy.”
My cock takes immediate notice of the praise and the way his facial muscles try to suppress a smirk as he realizes I’ve almost slipped over to being very unprofessional. But I can’t really help it—I mean, all it takes is one smidgen of attention from this sexy man and I’m ready to bend over the first available surface.
Still, I channel my inner Buddha and try to remain calm and collected and to pretend I am not already turned on. I almost succeed, but I’ve never been good at meditating, so it’s Aran’s turn to be amused with me. When I ask what’s so funny, he doesn’t say, ignoring my question the same way I ignored his earlier one. It’s only fair, I suppose, but as we make our way to the fountain, he won’t stop peeking at me.
Is there something wrong with the way I look? But I put on what he and Mong picked for me, since the hoodie and tights I wanted to wear apparently weren’t very appropriate for the kind of party we’ll most likely be attending. Instead of that, I’m now clad in white slacks and a fluffy mulberry purple turtleneck with sleeves that only reach my elbows.
I had a look in the mirror—I’d say I look like the treat that I am, but maybe Aran doesn’t like this hue of purple on me…
Just as I am about to ask, we are spotted by Mrs. Lynx, who waves us over with a big smile. She’s put on a bright red pencil dress which reminds me of Eleanor’s stilettos, and one of those puffy cropped cardigans over it. The mask she wears in the non-VIP parts of the ship is also present. While I expected Mr. Lynx to be with her, she’s alone.
“Hex, dear! You look marvelous in this purple,” she compliments me, hooking a finger under my chin and scanning me with her eyes from top to bottom.
I can feel Aran vibrating next to me. It both excites and scares me because what if he acted out of character like he did when Mong got too close? I’d be thrilled he is so obsessed with and possessive of me, but punching or strangling the woman who’s about to take us to a party full of drunk and distracted VIPs would be the worst thing for our mission. Besides, I am sure he will have plenty of opportunities to show his undying love for me and claim me in public when this cruise is over.
“Thank you, Mrs. Lynx. Mong helped me pick.” I tip my head at Aran.
Her attention shifts to him and a dark spark appears in her blue gaze. He is mouth-watering, I know, but he’s also obviously taken. By me. Once we are off this ship, I will make sure everyone knows it.
“I can tell he has very good taste indeed,” she comments, looking between me and him. “Now, shall we get going? The guests have already started arriving.”
