Chapter 14 14.Big toys
Tabitha’s POV
“You’ve been staring at the fishermen for quite some time now. At first, I thought it was because you were fascinated by the good catch,” Arthur says with a faint smile. “But when you mentioned you used to live here, I figured maybe you had some history with boats.”
I nod, a small laugh escaping me. “You’re not wrong. My dad was a fisherman. We didn’t have a big boat or anything fancy, but he’d take me out sometimes when the weather was good.”
“It’s probably why I couldn’t stop looking at the shore today. For a second, it felt like I was ten again, waiting for my dad to call me over and let me steer.”
“That sounds like a good memory,” he says gently.
“It was,” I murmur. “One of the best.”
Arthur gestures toward a sleek yacht docked a little ways off. “Well then, why don’t we go for a little sail? That one over there is mine. Not the fanciest one I own, but she gets the job done.”
My jaw drops. Holy shit. Of course he’d own a freaking yacht! The Becketts control the biggest private fishing and shipping lines in the island! But to casually point at a fancy yacht he owns is blowing my mind. Arthur shrugs like it’s not a big deal.
“Why not? I promise I won’t kidnap you. Besides, she’s not even one of the good yachts. Next time I’ll bring the one with a built-in wine cellar.” He grins.
Goodness, I know he’s not trying to brag but… damn. These rich men and their big toys!
He raises his brows, waiting for my answer. I hesitate. Part of me knows I should probably say no. But something about the sea, the sun, and Arthur’s charming persuasiveness makes it hard to resist. He’s like the kindest person I’ve met on this island since I got back.
“…Alright,” I say, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Just for a little while.”
His smile widens. “Perfect.”
The yacht is more impressive up close. Arthur helps me aboard, and soon we’re gliding away from the shore. The sea breeze wraps around me, and the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the hull is strangely soothing. I rest my hands on the metal railing and watch the tide pull in. I feel closer to my father than ever.
Arthur moves easily across the deck and brings out a small cooler.
“I packed a few things earlier. Sandwiches, some sparkling water, and those ridiculously overpriced macarons my sister keeps stashing in my fridge. Want some?”
I take a sandwich and a drink, grateful. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He settles across from me. “So… did you happen to go to Silver Hills High?”
I pause mid-bite. “Yeah, I did. Why?”
“I figured. My younger sister went there too—Melanie. Not sure if you know her though,” he informs, sipping on his wine.
The name clicks almost immediately. I remember her. Aside from the fact that she’s carrying the Beckett surname, Melanie was also popular in her own right. She was one of the top students during high school and beautiful too. She was quiet, polite. Never spoke to me, but never laughed with the others either. She was one of the pretty girls who didn’t participate in my bullying.
“We weren’t in the same class,” I say after a moment. “But I remember her. She was… nice. I don’t think we ever talked, but I don’t have anything bad to say about her.”
Arthur nods. “Knew it. The two of you are the same age.”
I cock a brow. “Wait, how old are you exactly?”
He doesn’t look much older than me, maybe a few years older than the quadruplets.
“I’m twenty-four. Why? Do I look old enough to be your uncle?” he jokes.
I snort. “Seeing how your hairline is still intact, I’d say you look decent for your age.”
“Gee, thanks. I’ll take ‘decent’ over ‘ancient’ any day,” Arthur replies dryly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
We exchange a look, mine amused, his mock-offended, and then we both end up laughing. It’s the kind of laugh that comes out before you even realize you’re enjoying yourself.
The rest of the trip goes by easier than I expected. We talk about nothing in particular—random snacks we like, dumb movies we hate, the kind of places we’d escape to if we had the chance. At one point, Arthur lets me take the wheel. He stands behind me, giving a few calm instructions but never hovering. When I manage to steer the yacht without crashing into anything, he gives a slow clap like I just saved the world. Well, smashing his big toy into something is the last thing I want.
Arthur has that light presence around him that keeps people at ease. I find myself loosening up without meaning to. I’m not used to that. I don’t trust it, not completely. But part of me appreciates it more than I want to admit. I’ve been tense ever since I came back here and it’s nice to finally relax around someone, especially someone of his status.
Time slips faster than I expect. Before I know it, the sun is already setting.
“That was fun. But we have to go back. I don’t want Alpha Emery to think that I kidnapped his stepdaughter,” Arthur quips.
I let out a quiet chuckle. “Smart man. I hear he holds grudges.”
Arthur smiles faintly and glances at me.
“We should do this again sometime. Maybe next time, I’ll even let you drive without supervision.”
“I didn’t crash anything, did I?” I raise a brow.
The yacht eases around, cutting gently through the darkening water. As the shoreline comes into view, so do the tall figures standing at the dock.
My heart jumps to my throat. Shit. What are they doing here?
Evren, Luca, Reed, and Jace stand by the shore. All four of them are staring right at me… and none of them look happy.
I have a feeling that I’m in trouble.