Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138844 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138844 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 694(@200wpm)___ 555(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
“All right, my two cents,” he said quietly. “If Macklin joins a prank, we’re not talkin’ whoopee cushions and glitter-filled shoes. He puts thought into shit, and he’s patient.”
I inclined my head in agreement.
“Then we consider the size of their operation,” he continued. “We have a lotta brats involved—and not a single clue falls from their loose lips? Practically unheard of—even more so when you think about where we are. Their options are limited on a ship, and every brat has an Owner who’s gone through their luggage. If they snuck somethin’ on board, it’s tiny or digital.” He leaned a little closer to me. “Furthermore, they’re too relaxed. When Shay tries to pull a fast one, he’s either fidgety to a degree, or he’s territorial of a location he’s hidden somethin’ in.”
He was right. Noa, in particular, would have fretted much more if he had a responsibility to keep secret. Or an item, a prop, whatever. Yesterday and today, his biggest concern had been not using BDSM titles in public.
“So we can assume the little ones have no responsibility, perhaps only knowledge,” I deduced.
River shrugged and reached for his coffee. “Or there’s no prank at all.”
Was that what he believed?
“That’s your verdict?” I asked. And if it was, I would believe him. River Tenley was probably our most antisocial member, but nobody knew people better.
He took a swig of his coffee and mulled over his answer. “My verdict is that Macklin recruited a bunch of brats to act like somethin’s goin’ on. His goal is to show us that he can fuck with our heads.”
I’d say his two cents were worth much more.
I looked out over the pool, everybody having a great time, and figured…this was the journey they got their mental orgasms from. For as long as I had been active in the lifestyle, the risk of “something possibly going on” had been a greater drug than final results. Once a prank was revealed, there was a moment of celebration and cursing, but also a beat of deflation because the fun was over. Until someone planned something new.
I was confident that was why River hadn’t said anything. He was letting everything play out.
“There’s one thing, though,” he added with his brow furrowed. “I haven’t figured out Ash’s role in this.”
“What do you mean? Do you think he’s involved?”
“Not with the brats,” he explained, “but he should be Macklin’s target. It’s just—he hasn’t been around to see the false trails or anythin’. Far as I know, he’s close to oblivious that somethin’s goin’ on.”
That was true. Ash hadn’t been there for the events when the rest of us had become suspicious.
Day three
Cameron Jacobson
Spotting Archie leaving their lunch table, I hurried to finish my meal.
“I’m gonna catch Archie, Master.” I drained my juice glass and snatched one strawberry for the road. “I’ll see you later?”
“Of course—we’ll probably be at the pool,” Master replied. “Have fun, little pet.”
Oh, I would!
I kissed his cheek, rounded the table and kissed Daddy and Noa too, and then I scurried off. Through the crowded buffet area and toward the elevators.
I was so damn excited for Tate’s demo.
“Archie!” I called.
He turned around and smiled. “Hey, you.”
“Hey.” I came up next to him and popped the strawberry into my mouth. “Do you know if any Tops will be present?”
“Just Master Kingsley,” he replied. “Tate will demonstrate on him.”
Sexy.
We went up to our floor together, and we chitchatted about the day. And it’d been a lazy one! We were at sea today, so every dynamic was off on their own to explore the ship. Master, Daddy, Noa, and I had spent the morning at the rock-climbing wall, and both Daddy and Noa had been their usual fearless selves. Daddy had showcased his arm strength, which was pure porn, while his legs had been secured in a harness.
After that, we’d gotten our pool time. Sun, cocktails, snacks, and splashing around. I just loved cruises! I could live here.
We arrived at Master Kingsley and Tate’s room, and I knocked on the door.
I was actually thankful it was going to be a small demo. It would only be Tate, Macklin, Archie, Kit, and me. And if everything went well, Tate was going to schedule a bigger demo at Mclean.
Tate opened the door with a smile and welcomed us in.
“Hello, I wish to buy everything,” I started by saying. “Master told me to go nuts.”
Tate chuckled. “Don’t worry, I have plenty of candles. But I also have the recipe, you know. You’re more than welcome to it. It’s not like I’m setting up a business.”
I waved that off and entered their stateroom. Archie, on the other hand, declared himself a big tipper for recipes. In short, he wanted to buy it from Tate, who found Archie bonkers for that.
“What the fuck? I’ll just forward it to you, hon.”