Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
The numbness from earlier is starting to wear off, especially now with Sienna’s new comment. I managed to somehow put Phillip and Vivienne out of my mind most of the day while I was out on the excursion. I wish so badly I could keep it that way. Unfortunately, I can’t help but ask her for details, even though I know they’ll hurt to hear. “Did you? Where?”
“They were alone together in the library. She was all over him!” she says with disgust. “I mean . . . they weren’t kissing or anything, but it looked like they might have been headed in that direction if I hadn’t stumbled upon them, you know? I really think he thought he was going to get away with it! Having you and her. You’d be really proud of me. I did this whole Oh-have-you-seen-Casey spiel just to get under his skin.”
My eyes widen, and I finally turn to her. “Sienna, you didn’t.”
She grins, as beautiful as ever in her pale-green dress that almost perfectly matches her eyes. “Absolutely, I did! You thought I was just going to let him get away with that? Stringing you along while he plays two women?”
It hurts to hear her perspective on things. Is that really what he’s been doing? It didn’t feel that way. He and Vivienne aren’t together—at least that’s what he told me, and despite all the mounting evidence to the contrary, I’m not ready to throw him under the bus. I hate how that looks. It’s a weak stance to want to support him right now. If I were a third party looking in, like Sienna, I’d be shouting at myself to see reason too. He’s a rich powerful man. OF COURSE he was playing you, girl!
“I can’t believe you said that. I’m sure he looked appalled. And Vivienne, god, what did she think?”
“Who cares about Vivienne!”
I bristle at her steely tone. “She’s not the bad guy in all of this.”
She shrugs and gives a little apathetic eye roll. “Fine. Whatever. She’s not the bad guy, but I also don’t want to be in her corner. I care about your feelings, and whether you are willing to admit it or not, you clearly have been involved intimately with Phillip the entire time we’ve been on this cruise. How many times have you slept together?”
I swallow and shrug, looking down. “It doesn’t matter.”
“So more than once.”
“It really doesn’t matter.”
“Oh my god, more than twice, then. Casey, I’m sorry.”
It’s those words “I’m sorry” said in that sympathetic, caring tone that finally chisel away the last of my resolve. When I look back up at her with a tight smile, tears rim my bottom lashes. “It’s fine, Sienna. Really. You’re making it into a bigger deal than it is. Now tell me, what happened after you said that comment to them, which, by the way, I don’t condone. I’m sure it made the situation worse than it has to be.”
She frowns, clearly irritated that I’m not as worked up about Phillip as she is. “I’m sorry if I put my foot in my mouth. I just . . . It’s not right, Casey.”
I nudge her shoulder with mine and offer her a timid smile. “It’s all right. You were just trying to be a good friend. You are one, you know? I can’t believe I’ve only known you a week and already you’re going to bat for me against Phillip Woodmont, of all people.”
“You’re the one who started a fling with him! I still can’t believe it. Did he tell you he was single?”
It’s hard for me to swallow past the emotions tightening my throat.
“Yes.”
“Damn. Well, I’m not saying I know what was going on between them, only that it didn’t look good. They were alone in the library. I mean, she came all the way here to see him. Do you think he invited her?”
“No. Tyson mentioned it to me this morning. Apparently, it was a big surprise.”
Sienna hums like she doesn’t like the sound of that. Then her eyes widen upon seeing something behind me. “Oh god, incoming.”
I recognize Phillip’s presence even before I turn around. The shift in the air, the subtle notes of his cologne, the tingles that race down my spine.
I’m shaking by the time he finally speaks. “Casey, can I have a moment?”
“Don’t bother,” Sienna says for me as she steps toward him. “I told her I saw you with Vivienne last night. You must know Casey could do much better than the likes of you. You should see how many men flirt with her on a daily basis. Anyone would be lucky to have her!”
I squeeze my eyes closed and shake my head in warning. “Sienna—”
“What? It’s the truth. You’re a total catch, and he should bloody well know it.”
“I appreciate the intel.” There’s humor in Phillip’s voice when he speaks. Thank god for that. I think Sienna has slightly forgotten her manners. Phillip is the man in charge on this ship. It’s plausible for him to have the two of us removed from Aurelia for causing trouble.