Harrison
Marina Botafoch is a playground for the rich and one of two docking ports for megayachts.
I wasn’t thinking of Raegan when I took one of the cars and came down here after sending her back to her hotel. Now, I’m remembering the time we walked around the harbor together. A year ago, we strolled along this same boardwalk, her asking me questions about the boats.
Weeks later, I chartered her one for one of the best weekends of my life. I’d spend the rest of my life on the damned seas, my stomach rolling with the waves, if it made her smile.
She reappeared in my life yesterday, and she’s already leaving it again. I barely got her back, and she’s gone.
“Mischa and Zachary never promised to love me before they hurt me.”
I hoped in time she’d understand why I left. Now, she sees how dangerous Mischa is… and she still blames me.
I hurt her. But Mischa is capable of ending lives. She must see how much worse that is. How our happiness can’t possibly be realized until he’s gone.
Regardless, the idea of her being in the same room with the man who’s ruined lives and ended others has my gut cold with panic. I can’t make decisions from panic.
A young boy playing chase with a friend runs into me, calling out an apology over his shoulder as he continues along his way.
“Harrison.” A familiar voice has me turning.
“Christian.”
He extends a hand, and I hesitate only a second before taking it.
“Perhaps retirement doesn’t agree with you? You look older.”
“We all do this year.”
“I heard you’ve been spending most of your time in Paris.”
“We are visiting.” Christian nods toward a yacht. From this angle, the shiny, white object looks roughly the size of one of Sebastian’s football pitches.
“A new prize.” I zero in on the name, the Bijou. “Your former jewel has made way for a new one. Looks like the disposal of La Mer was profitable.” My words are laced with recrimination.
“In some ways,” he says cryptically. “Have a drink with me.”
We’re not friends or business acquaintances anymore, but given what I learned from Rae, things are escalating with Mischa’s business in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m not ready to turn away possible allies, even if I don’t trust them, which is why I asked to meet Christian.
My abs clench as I follow him onto the yacht.
Is this how my brother feels about talking with law enforcement?He acted nervous when I put him in touch with my contact, but he promised to share what he knew. Whatever insights he refuses to share with me.
I’m still angry Sebastian wouldn’t tell me—there seems to be a lot of that going around—and that I had to act on good faith. But he didn’t give me much choice.
I pull up short when I see the young woman sunbathing.
She rolls over and spots me. “Harrison!” She sits up, pulling a towel across her bare chest.
“Sylvie. I hope you’re well.”
A man—boy?—lies next to her, frowning protectively.
“I finished university,” she says. “Papa said my boyfriend could come on holiday with us.”
The man-boy’s face relaxes a little at this reinforcement. I hide my smile.
“How nice for you both.” With a nod, I follow Christian across the deck.