“Kallie!”
Ash stumbled back into the wall, his muscles digging into a picture. Her body pressed against his felt so wonderful and warm, but the tears streaming from her eyes made him ache. Kallie was shaking. Filled with a fear she was trying desperately to control. His arms wrapped around her and he led them to the bed, sitting them both down on the edge. His legs steadied the rocking of his body against the mattress as Kallie curled into him. Her cheek fell against his bare shoulder and her nose nuzzled against his cold cheek.
Then, he felt her heave again.
“Here. Get under the covers. Let me get you a patch and some Sprite.”
“Please don’t leave me,” she said breathlessly.
He kissed the top of her head before settling her underneath the covers.
“I won’t,” Ash said as he stood and put on his clothes. “I’ll be right back.”
He slipped into the bathroom and ripped the bathroom mirror back. The contents of the cavern came spilling out as the boat rocked and bobbed. He bent down and grabbed the patches before knocking his head against the edge of the sink. He bit down onto his lip to keep from cursing out in anger before he stumbled back into the main room.
“Lift up your shirt,” he said. “I’m going to put this at your side.”
His fingers glided over her skin, smoothing the seasickness patch over her soft curves.
“Are you thirsty?” Ash asked.
“Please come lie with me,” Kallie said.
“I’ve got Spri—”
Another wave crashed against the yacht, sending the boat careening and Kallie into a crying fit. Ash slid underneath the covers with her and held onto her tightly, her leg pressed between his. Her face was buried into his neck. Her tears drenched his shirt. His hand rubbed up and down her back as her heaving slowly ceased and he did whatever he could think of to calm her down. Kissed her forehead. Ran his fingers through her hair. Pulled her close.
Anything to keep her from quaking with fear.
“This yacht is as safe as it gets on the high seas,” Ash said. “I promise you, we’ll be able to ride out this storm.”
“What if we hit a large wave?” she asked. “What if we tip over?”
“People only encounter those types of waves in hurricanes. I don’t think we’re in one.”
“You don’t think?” she asked.
“No. I don’t. Hurricane-style storms have a different makeup. A different cloud cover and formation. That type of formation isn’t what we’re encountering. I think it’s a simple island heat storm.”
The boat dipped heavily, sliding them both to the edge of the bed against the wall of the yacht.
“Simple?” Kallie asked.
“I promise you, we’re going to be okay,” he said. “You have my word.”
“I’m scared, Ash.”
“I know you are. But so long as you’re with me on this boat, nothing will happen to you. I swear it.”
He pressed his lips to her ear and softly sang to her. Reassured her in every possible way he could. His want—no, his need—to protect her was surfacing in ways he’d never felt before. Nothing was more important than her safety. Not even his. He’d sacrifice the yacht. His life vest. His existence. Anything to make sure she made it out of the storm okay. He stroked his fingers through her hair and pulled her close as the waves battered the sides of the boat. There were moments where it dipped so heavily into the water that Ash was concerned the boat would capsize. He started running emergency scenarios in his head. Ways to get them out from below deck if the yacht did turn over.
Ways to get her out, at least.
Ash felt like an ass. He should’ve known better than to attempt something like this. Summers in St. Barts were volatile, and he knew this. He had allowed his time with Kallie to blind him to realities that were plainly in front of his eyes. He had allowed her romance and her beautiful green eyes to sweep him away. Make him feel impenetrable and infallible in his decision-making.
Fuck. He felt like an idiot.
He had no idea how to get out of this situation. The only thing he knew he could do was ride it out. Kallie clung to him as his body warmed and his skin dried against the mattress. He couldn't simply lie there and do nothing. He had to be at the helm. He had to be in control of the boat. He couldn't rely on the miniscule safety procedures the yacht came installed with to get them out of the storm. He had to be there. Looking out and dodging waves. Making sure lightning didn’t strike them too closely and risk electrical damage to the yacht.