Chapter Twenty-Five
Drake watched as Lydia gawked at the cruise ship. It was a magnificent vessel, a luxurious explorer style cruise ship. The ship itself was a gorgeous egg shelf white, with gold lining. It looked like this would be its first voyage out to sea. Drake grabbed Lydia’s hand and placed it gently in the crook of his arm.
When she turned her head to look at him, he was already staring at her, a sweet smile on his face. The paparazzi, catching sight of the lovers, went crazy, cameras flashing every which way. Calls of Lydia sent shivers down Lydia’s spine. She wasn’t expecting them to know her name. And yet the did. They’d uncovered Drake’s mystery girl already. Or had the expose they’d done yesterday been released already? Lydia wasn’t sure how she felt about the paparazzi digging into her background. Madame Novella said that nothing would connect Lydia to her services, but now Lydia wasn’t so sure. Paparazzis were natural sleuths, if anyone could find something it would be then. She should’ve thought about this before signing the paperwork. Damnit.
~~~
Drake couldn’t take his eyes off of Lydia. She looked gorgeous today. Not that she didn’t always look gorgeous, but today, she looked exceedingly so. She had put her blond hair back into a single braid and had framed her face with two strands. He’d watched her in the bathroom as she applied the teeniest amount of mascara, bronzer, and cheek tint. When he’d commented on how little makeup she’d put on, she’d expressed that she wanted to go with a more natural look. She just wanted to enhance her features a tiny bit. Her body was accentuated by the formfitting dress, perfectly hugging her natural curves. The dress itself was a delicate white with vibrant sunflower patterns.
Drake had smiled at her outfit choice, as he recalled the conversation they’d had when they first met.
“What’s your favorite flower?” Drake had asked pouring more wine into Lydia’s glass.
“Sunflower.” She’d whispered shyly, her breath smelling like the Malbec they were drinking.
“Why sunflowers?”
“Because sunflowers represent happiness.”
“Come on, Princess. I’ll show you around deck.” Drake whispered into Lydia’s ear so she could hear him above the shouting Paparazzi.
“I’m so grateful they all won’t be aboard with us.” Lydia replied as she boarded the vessel with Drake.
“Just our assigned photographers, love.” Drake replied, his nickname making Lydia’s heart skip a beat.
She’d definitely have to tell him later tonight that that nickname is a no go.
~~~
Lydia's breath caught in her throat as they stepped inside the ship. The walls were adorned with a stunning display of artwork by Pablo Picasso, each stroke and color blending together to create a masterpiece. The ceiling was a deep cobalt blue, dotted with shimmering flecks of gold paint, giving the illusion of a starry night sky. As they continued deeper into the ship, they came upon a grand staircase that led to the formal dining room. Lydia's eyes widened in awe at the opulence of the room, fit for royalty with its gilded chairs and sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. And beyond the dining room, there was a door that opened to a magnificent ballroom. In one corner stood a grand piano, begging to be played, while in the other corner stood an ornate organ, its pipes gleaming in the dim light. Lydia couldn't contain her excitement at the sight of these beautiful instruments, knowing that classical music, her favorite genre, would soon fill this elegant space.
Drake leaned closer into Lydia, seeing the smile on her face, “There is a famous pianist on board, mother wanted live music during the after-dinner entertainment.”
“And what pianist would want to spend their time with the oh-so-wonderful Alston family?” Lydia asked the tone of her voice loitering on insulting.
Drake chose to ignore her, he knew she was looking for an argument and he wasn’t going to fall into her trap, “Louis Lortie.”
Lydia’s mouth dropped, “No fucking way.” She squealed with delight, her earlier anger fading. “I cannot believe I’ll be hearing Louise Lortie play live. He is one of the most sought-after pianists.” She gushed.
“The Alston’s money is old and stretches out far. To decline a request from an Alston, would be social suicide.” Drake said nonchalantly.
Lydia rolled her eyes at Drake’s response, “Why does that not surprise me?” She mumbled under her breath, walking towards the door leading out of the ballroom.
Drake grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, clamping his hands down on her waist. “If you want I can get you a private showing with him?”
“And take up more of his precious time?” Lydia asked with a snarky tone to her voice, “I’d rather not.” She said turning from Drake once more.
“Love,” Drake said trying to talk to her.
“No Drake, you don’t get to do that. You don’t get to use a nickname and talk me to like we’re friends. This is just a business arrangement. That it. You made that perfectly clear last night.” Lydia hissed quietly under her breath, so the conversation could only be heard by herself and Drake.
“Lydia,” Drake mumbled, placing his hand on her chin, turning her once more to face him, “I truly am sorry, I lashed out at you, and I said things that I knew would hurt you, whenever I hurt, I tend to try and make others feel like I am feeling, and I know it’s not an excuse for hurting you, and I am trying to work through my issues, can you forgive me please?”
Lydia looked into Drake’s beautiful blue eyes and she could detect the sincerity in them, but her heart was still aching at his cruel words from last night. As much as she wanted to forgive Drake right then and there, She knew that she needed to protect herself, and protect her heart; because even though she’d just barely met Drake, she was already falling in love with him.
“How about we start over and begin again?” Lydia said flashing a small smile at Drake. She couldn’t completely forgive him, so this peace offering would have to do.
Drake inhaled deeply before letting out a slow breath. “Okay, I can do that.” He extended his hand out to her, and she took it, “Hello Beautiful, I’m Drake.” He said flashing her charming smile, that made Lydia’s insides quiver.
“Hey Drake, Im Lydia.” She responded biting her lower lip, causing Drake to break eye contact, his gaze traveling down to her lips, causing him to take a deep swallow. He wanted nothing more than to grab her in his arms and devour her mouth but he knew he’d have to work towards that.
“Well, I know we just met princess,” He said with a joking smile on his face, tearing his gaze from Lydia’s lips, “But would you like to see the room we will be sharing on this voyage?”
Lydia blushed at his nickname for her, she was closer to a pauper than a princess, but when she was with Drake, he usually made her feel like she was indeed a princess. “Lead the way, Prince Charming,” Lydia said smiling brightly at Drake.