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Chapter 6

Author: StaceSteele
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-25 19:24:16

Amity looked at his outstretched hand for a long moment, then slowly placed her fingers in his. "Just this once," she said, though her voice carried a warmth that suggested she wanted more than once.

Jake drew her into his arms, and they began to move to the distant waltz. Here on the deck, with only the stars as witnesses, the careful boundaries of their upbringing seemed to dissolve. Amity was lighter than he'd expected, following his lead with the same grace she brought to her violin.

"You dance well for a shipping magnate," she murmured, close enough that he could smell her perfume—something subtle and expensive that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary.

"You dance well for someone who claims to reject high society," he countered.

"Finishing school," she admitted with a rueful smile. "Some things stick despite our best efforts to forget them."

As they turned, Jake caught a glimpse of movement through the ballroom's windows. Several faces were pressed against the gl
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  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 14

    Miles Monroe's expression shifted, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face for perhaps the first time in Jake's memory. The businessman calculating risks had momentarily replaced the controlling father."Jake," Miles said, his voice lower now, "we should discuss this privately.""There's nothing to discuss," Jake replied, feeling a strange new confidence. "I'm not asking for your permission or your blessing. I'm telling you how things are going to be."Captain Morrison, sensing the shift in power dynamics, cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, this deck needs to be cleared for regular operations. I suggest you continue this... negotiation elsewhere."Richard Jenkins-Whitmore straightened his jacket, his face a careful mask once more. "Amity, we'll speak later. When you've had time to consider the implications of your choices." He turned to his security detail. "Have the tender return to the ship. My daughter has decided to complete her contract."As Richard strode away, Liam appeared at

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 13

    "Why not?" she interrupted, her voice gaining strength. "Because it might damage your precious reputation? The same reputation you've been using to manipulate my career?" She turned to Jake, her eyes blazing with newfound determination. "Marcus wasn't just unfaithful, he was Father's hand-picked choice specifically because he had gambling debts Father could leverage."Jake felt sick, and understanding washed over him. "Your father was using him to control you.""A business arrangement," Richard said coldly, as if discussing a shipping contract. "One that would have benefited everyone involved.""Everyone except me," Amity shot back. She looked at the tender boat, then at Jake, and made her decision. "I'm not getting on that boat."The security guards moved to flank her, but Jake stepped forward, placing himself between them and Amity. "She said no.""This is none of your concern, Monroe," Richard snarled. "You're nothing but a spoiled boy playing at rebellion.""Maybe," Jake acknowled

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 12

    "I mean that Miles wasn't my parents' choice for me." She smiled faintly at Jake's shocked expression. "Oh yes, there was quite the scandal when I chose the ambitious young shipping executive over the banking heir my family had selected. My father threatened to cut me off completely."Jake stared at his mother, seeing her in an entirely new light. "I never knew.""There are many things you don't know about me, about us." Emma stood, smoothing her impeccable outfit. "Your father wasn't always... like this. Success changed him, hardened him. Made him forget what it was like to fight for something that truly mattered.""Why are you telling me this now?""Because I saw how you looked at that young woman when she played." Emma's eyes were kind but resolute. "I recognized it—the same way Miles once looked at me, before spreadsheets and market shares became his primary passion."Jake felt a surge of hope. "Will you help me?""I can't fight your battles for you, Jake. But I won't let your fat

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 11

    She led him to a small technical deck near the ship's bow, accessible only to maintenance crew but currently deserted. The morning sun bathed the metal surfaces in warm light, and the sound of the ocean was louder here, more immediate."This is where I come to think," Amity said, settling onto a maintenance crate. "Away from the performances, the expectations, the careful choreography of being someone's daughter."Jake joined her, the metal warm under his hands despite the morning breeze. "What will you tell your father?""The truth, probably. That I'm not coming back to Sydney. That I'm tired of pretending his world is the only one that matters." She pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. "He'll threaten to cut off my trust fund, of course.""Would that change anything?"Amity was quiet for a long moment, considering. "It would make things harder. But I've been earning my own money for two years now. The violin commissions, the performance contracts—they're mine. Clean m

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 10

    Before Miles could respond, Jake slipped out the door. He heard his mother's voice rising in his defense as it closed behind him, buying him time he desperately needed.The ship's corridors were quieter now, most passengers having retired to their cabins after the evening's entertainment. Jake wandered aimlessly at first, replaying the night's events in his mind. The revelation of Amity's true identity had been shocking, but it hadn't changed how her music made him feel—or the connection he'd sensed between them.Without consciously deciding, he found himself heading toward the crew deck again. This time, however, he was intercepted before he could get far."Mr. Monroe." Liam Jenkins-Whitmore stepped out from an alcove, blocking Jake's path. "A word, if you don't mind."Jake tensed, expecting another confrontation, but Liam's expression was surprisingly conciliatory."I owe you an apology," Liam said, gesturing toward a nearby sitting area. "For what my sister revealed about my person

  • The Cruise Ship Royal   Chapter 9

    The small rehearsal room suddenly felt impossibly crowded. Jake found himself caught between two patriarchs, each radiating the kind of power that could destroy careers with a phone call."Richard," Miles acknowledged with icy politeness. "I wasn't aware you were aboard.""I boarded at the last port when I learned of my children's... adventures." Richard's gaze swept the room, taking in Jake's defensive posture beside Amity, Liam's obvious discomfort, and the security officers' barely contained desire to be anywhere else. "It seems we need to have a conversation.""Father, I don’t have time for yours or Mr. Monroe’s games, I’m tried of it actually one moment I’m being called a gold digger, because I don’t dress like normal rich people, offered to join them after finding out just who I am with even more disdain than the first comment, accused that you father paying for my violin was paid for and designed for by using your money, which it wasn’t thank you. Oh and now I’m gone to a manip

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