Pleasure Cruise Trilogy (Box Set)

by Michelle M. Pillow

  “I don’t think this qualifies as a dress,” she muttered. “I’ve seen bathing suits with more material—not your bathing suits, but bathing suits in general.”

  Kira grinned.

  “It’s perfect! It’s exactly what I would’ve picked out for you, well, almost what I would’ve picked out for you. The skirt would’ve been shorter with me in charge but it’ll do nicely. So, you want me to send Dominik back in here to see what he thinks of it? Bet ya ten bucks he gives it a standing ovation,” Kira said, laughing.

  “No thanks,” Clare mumbled. “And you’re still babbling. Stop it. If you keep it up, I’ll assume you’re in love with that man in your room.”

  Kira made a choking sound but was quiet.

  Clare had seen quite enough of Dominik to last her a lifetime—or, more correctly, he’d seen quite enough of her. Even if he was the first man she found herself potently attracted to in eons, it wasn’t like she could ever look him in the dark, penetrating eyes again. She shivered. “Now go get dressed and try not to come on to anyone until after orientation.”

  Kira saluted naughtily and giggled. “Okay, fine! I can’t make you any promises but I will try my best. You’re always sucking the joy out of all my well-laid plans. I swear, Clare, you missed your calling as a nun.”

  “And you’re lucky tonight is designated as one of the formal nights on this ship,” Clare said. “If I have to dress up, so do you.”

  Chapter Three

  Clare cringed in horror seconds before the hailstorm of camera flashes blinded her. Photographers gathered around them like paparazzi, snapping their mandatory fifteen shots before thrusting tiny scraps of paper in their direction so they could purchase copies later. The luxury ship’s ballroom was an overdone, gaudily romantic affair of gold statues and cherubs, crimson red and gold velvet curtains. Where the deep red carpet filled with dinner tables left off, a long dance floor and stage began. Instruments for an orchestra were set up in the corner, but there were no musicians that she could see. She’d be surprised if they had actual musicians. The soft pop music playing overhead came from a loudspeaker system run by an excitable twenty-something in a short baby-doll dress and insanely high-heeled shoes.

  Thankfully, Dominik had not thrown her cosmetic bag overboard and she was able to find a couple of Asian-style sticks to pull her hair back off her neck. The red silk wisped as she walked, making her a little self-conscious. She was aware that gazes turned to her and watched. At first, she thought they were staring at someone walking behind her, until she looked back to see that no one else was there. It took her a minute to realize she’d been the one they were focused on. It made her feel sexy and a bit empowered. She wondered if Kira was always on a natural high because of the amount of heads she turned.

  As usual, Kira had been running late and Clare had gone ahead without her. Clare suddenly wished she’d waited for her friend. They could have brought the house down with a grand entrance. But, in truth, she’d gone ahead because she didn’t want to chance running into Dominik in the hallway.

  “I absolutely love this ship!” Kira exclaimed, sprinting up and placing her hand on Clare’s arm. She nearly jumped in excitement. “It reminds me of Vegas! I so want to quit the boardroom and move here. What do you say? Should we quit our jobs and become deckhands?” Kira paused and made a very serious face. “Or we could live on cruise ships. We’d just book them back-to-back and jump on a new boat every month. I was talking to someone in the elevator who does that. So they only have to pay for flights once and can take several trips right in a row. Think about how cool that would be.” She began ticking points off on her fingers. “Room service. Internet. Gambling. Coffee bar. Sex toy shop. Gym. Spa. Food. Exotic ports.” Then, grinning, she grabbed Clare’s arm. “And an eternally rotating supply of new men!”

  “You’d grow tired of this life fast. You know you like those high-pressure meetings too much.” Clare shook her head and gave a small laugh.

  “But I like rotating supplies of men, too.” Kira pouted impishly.

  Turning to her friend, Clare looked her over. Kira wore a tight leather dress that fit snug to her body, leaving little to the imagination. Clare had to chuckle at the outfit. It was so Kira and if anyone could pull it off, it was her. Suddenly, she scowled. It wasn’t Kira’s short dress that the caused a problem, it was the fact Kira hadn’t managed to lose the two intruders.

  Dominik’s dark eyes were on her, his gaze roaming leisurely over the red silk he’d given her to wear. Her body lurched at the potent heat of his gaze. Shivering, she grabbed Kira’s arm and pulled her along as she walked away.

  “Why did you bring them with you?” Clare asked under her breath, her eyes wide.

  “What?” Kira giggled. “You’re still upset, aren’t you? I thought you might be.”

  “Of course I’m upset! Why wouldn’t I be upset?”

  “Just calm down. We need them to go with us to the director. Look, it appears as though this boring orientation thing is about to start, then we have to report to some muster station thing so one of these ship workers can tell us not to fall off the boat. Afterwards, we’ll have the room assignment matter cleared up. Though I, for one, vote we share the rooms with them.”

  “Kira!” Clare clenched her teeth, grinding them together in an effort not to yell. Just the memory of Dominik’s eyes was doing strange things to her limbs. It was as if her body boiled and melted all at the same time. She could practically feel him behind her, watching, looking, drooling.

  “What?” Kira asked. “It’s not like you have a boyfriend or husband to answer to. Besides, I think Dominik is cute, completely do-able. And he’s funny, seems well-educated. We talked for a long time in my room. Did you know that he can speak seven languages and he’s independently wealthy? He even gives to children’s charities. How cute is that? I knew I got the good guy vibe off of him. And I love how he laces most of his comments with sarcasm. They both do. It’s hilarious and kind of reminds me of you, so you’ll have lots to make fun of together. You should’ve heard him and Cabin Boy going back and forth. I was practically rolling on the floor with laughter.”

  “Kira, I-I don’t want your leftovers, all right? We’ve been through this scenario before. Remember Kevin? He flirted with me to get to you. I fell for it—let him wine, dine and use me. In the end, all he wanted was your number.”

  Kira shook her head. “Kevin was just a confused little boy.”

  “Kira, I swear that you’re my friend and I love you, but you’re seriously pushing your limits with me today.” Clare trembled slightly at Kira’s words.

  Kira had the type of personality that drew people in, made them want to be around her. And even though her friend talked big and was open about her sexuality, she was no whore. She was more discriminating than people thought about whom she gave her body to, or had been until they set foot on the love boat from hell. Clare was jealous about that, but would never let her feelings interfere with the friendship. Kira couldn’t help her magnetic charm.

  “Kira, I—” Clare began, only to have her words cut off as a deep voice drifted from behind. She blinked in confusion, not able to finish the thought.

  “Kira?” an English-accented voice drawled. Clare turned to see her friend’s cabin boy. His long brown hair hung just past his shoulders and he was dressed to impress. He looked completely enamored by Kira and Clare wondered if her friend even realized that the man had fallen for her. No doubt that Kira was immune to such things. It seemed to happen on a weekly basis. She had yet to see her friend reciprocate the feelings and wondered if Kira would ever fall in love. It was her hope that her friend would someday find happiness, but it didn’t seem likely. “Such a lovely name for a very captivating woman.”

  Kira looked at Clare and winked audaciously. She lifted her finger and wound it into Cabin Boy’s dark silk shirt. Giving him a vixen’s laugh, Kira purred, “Talk like that might just get you a repeat performance.”

  “I would give
anything for a performance from you, Clare.”

  Clare gasped. The low, sultry voice was next to her ear, whispering and soft. Intense heat radiated onto her back. Dominik stood close to her, but didn’t touch. When she felt him pull away from her neck, she said, making her voice dip breathlessly, “And I’d be more than happy to give you a repeat performance.”

  Dominik’s breath caught in a sharp gasp. Clare felt warm fingers stroking along the back of her arm—gentle and slow. It was the first touch and it shook her to the core. She felt connected to him in some strange way she couldn’t even begin to comprehend. Turning to glance over her shoulder, she shivered. It was a mistake. He leaned into her and she saw his parted mouth, begging to be tasted. Her lids lowered and she almost allowed him to draw closer. Jerking back at the last second, she sarcastically added, “You want me to call you names, throw stuff at you, and start screaming for you to leave me alone? I’d be more than happy to.”

  A finger glided down her exposed spine before he pulled back, not touching her again. Almost wistful, he said, “That was not the performance I spoke of. But I do not mind your stubbornness. In fact, I find everything about you refreshing. I’ve grown weary of women just falling into my arms.”

  “Nice come-on. Has it actually worked for you in the past?” Clare’s body still stung where he’d touched her bare skin. Her nerves tingled and jumped, demanding more. Her breasts suddenly felt heavy, and, to her horror, her nipples tightened beneath the silk for all to see. She swallowed, trying to adjust her arms so it wasn’t as noticeable.

  Dominik moved to stand beside her and her actions only drew his gaze down to her chest. A lazy smile glanced over his lips as he gave her peaked breasts a pointed look.

  “What?” Clare shot. “I’m cold. Someone threw out my clothes.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have done it. I don’t know what impulse came over me. But, if you like, I could warm you,” Dominik offered, his tone dipping to a seductive murmur. His dark eyes were inviting. “I’m very hot-blooded.”

  Damn, but he is just too gorgeous for his own good! Clare thought with a light moan. The look on his face said he was teasing. If the circumstances were different—like he hadn’t seen her masturbate in the shower—she might actually think he was charming. He seemed nice, if a little on the dominant side. Clare didn’t mind a strong man who knew when to take control, but too much was too much. Seeing the look on his face, she couldn’t help but chuckle. Was the man ever serious?

  A flash exploded around her and Clare blinked, automatically turning her face away from the photographers. Kira stopped her by grabbing her arm, posing for her personal paparazzi until the very last flash.

  “I love this,” Kira said. “It’s like we’re movie stars. I’m so buying all of those.”

  “At twenty dollars each? I think not,” Clare answered, annoyed by the little spots dancing in her vision.

  “You are so cheap sometimes,” Kira said, completely unconcerned. She waved like a Hollywood starlet into the distance. Clare followed the gesture. There was no one on the receiving end of it. “I’ll add it to my room charges. I can afford it.”

  A waiter came up to them with a tray and notepad, keeping her from having to answer. Clare looked at him. He appeared a little green in the face, just like the porter had been. She frowned, looking around at the staff. It would appear that most of the crew was supernatural. It wasn’t a big deal, as the supernatural kind had been living quite peacefully amongst humans for nearly half of a century. A lot of the time humans and such creatures didn’t intermingle, each living out their own lives in their own ways.

  “I’ll have a Sex on the Beach to drink, please.” Kira grinned.

  “That can be arranged,” Kira’s cabin boy interjected. Looking at the waiter, he shook his head, refusing a drink. Clare saw him eyeing Kira’s neck with rapt attention. She wouldn’t be surprised if they began making out right there in the banquet hall. Kira would probably enjoy putting on such a show.

  The waiter turned to Clare and Dominik. Clare could’ve really used a stiff glass of Scotch, but she shook her head in denial. If she started drinking before she ate, she’d be drunk in no time flat. The waiter gave her a lingering smile when she didn’t answer. Dominik’s hand lifted to her back in a protective manner. She glanced at him and frowned, stepping away from his possessive gesture.

  “I’ve borne witness to the seductive power of your water,” Dominik put forth, a little dryly. His gaze peered into her, and she could see he was hurt by her open dismissal of him. The fact that she could hurt him surprised her. Up until that moment, she didn’t think he’d ever take anything seriously. “So I’ll have the water, please.”

  The waiter frowned and rolled his eyes slightly. Clare took a deep breath, hoping she didn’t look like she was blushing. The waiter turned to the bar to put in Kira’s drink order and pick up a glass of water.

  The waiter returned, giving Kira a slip to sign.

  “Automatic gratuity?” Kira mumbled to herself. “Gratuity on each drink. Automatic gratuity added to the staterooms for each day we’re here on the ship. You guys sure do have the hidden costs thing down to an art form, don’t you?” Then a little louder, she said, “I don’t mind tipping. I just like it to be my choice according to services provided.” To her cabin boy, she said, “Don’t worry, I would so tip you for services rendered.”

  “Water,” the waiter said, losing his smile. Kira shot Clare a knowing look before rolling her eyes upward. There was no slip to sign and thus no tip.

  Clare stared at Dominik and tried to back away as he flashed a devilishly sexy smile at her. She jolted, feeling that smile all the way to her heating pussy. Wrinkling her nose at him, she tried to pretend she wasn’t affected by him. Bumping into a warm body, she spun around in surprise. The tall porter ghoul grinned lecherously at her. He bowed his head, his pale green eyes raking her over. Clare shivered, left cold by the ghoul’s attention to her body.

  Nervous, Clare backed up again. Dominik’s arm shot out and he caught her as she collided with him, spinning her around so she faced him. He pulled her instantly to his strong chest. Clare gasped. His body was firmer than she imagined—and so very hot. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was his leather-clad erection that rested along her waist. Kira’s comments came back to haunt her, and she couldn’t help but try to gauge if he actually had a roll of dollars stuffed into his pants. Somehow, she doubted it. She felt the tremors his touch caused all the way to her toes.

  Dominik held the water in his free hand while keeping Clare trapped against his chest.

  “See, they should market this as an aphrodisiac. One drink and you fall into my arms.” Dominik smiled. His eyes dipped to her mouth.

  Clare gasped and tried to pull away. The cruise director began speaking to the crowd from the stage, welcoming the guests. She could barely concentrate on what the man said. She couldn’t see anything but the man who held her.

  She tried to struggle against Dominik’s arm but, as he pulled her closer, her movements only seemed to make their contact all the more intimate. Clare felt his breath blow over her neck. A low, animalistic sound came from him, making her shiver with anticipation. The wickedly tight leather of his pants slid along her silk-covered hip, scalding her with the fire radiating off his erect cock. Clare stopped struggling, stiffening instead.

  “Let me go,” she said. It was hard to look dignified when she was gasping for breath.

  “As you wish, Clare.” With a demonstration of power, Dominik slowly released his arm from her. It made Clare realize how easily he could control her with his strength. She looked up at him. He stared deeply into her wide eyes, his gaze full of promise and meaning. His strength frightened her, but beyond that, it excited her, making her feel weak in the knees. “I only wish to please you. In fact, I still need to apologize for that little incident when you got out of the shower. I was bewitched by your beauty and wasn’t myself. Would you let me take you to dinner to
make it up to you?”

  Clare’s mouth opened and she gasped for air. There was just something about him that drew her to him. She couldn’t explain it. It was a feeling deep inside her that called out to him. If they had been alone, she was sure she’d have boldly kissed him. She was thankful for the sound of the director’s booming voice because it brought her back to reality and kept her from having to answer his question.

  Oh, this wasn’t good. It wasn’t good at all. She didn’t want a relationship. She wasn’t ready to be hurt again. Trembling, she silently cursed. She always fell too hard, too fast. Her heart was her greatest weakness. She’d just have to make sure she avoided him for the rest of the trip.

  “…welcome to both our supernatural and human guests,” the ghoulish director was saying.

  Clare shivered. It was as she’d thought. This was a mixed-race cruise. She glanced over at Kira, who fit easily into the circle of her cabin boy’s strong arms. The man looked human enough, as did Dominik. Clare frowned. She’d never seen Kira get so cozy so fast. Moving to get away from Dominik, she stepped around to Kira’s other side.

  “Please enjoy the human meals we have provided for you,” the director continued. He motioned to his side.

  Kira’s face paled dramatically, as if she’d just now heard what was going on. Clare swallowed, growing really nervous. An excited energy glanced over the crowd. A line of willing, half-naked men and women were led forward from a side door wearing nothing but white loincloths and barely-there togas. They posed for the onlookers. Some of the women bared their breasts, wiggling around indecently.