Page 34 of Mark

“How about I just help you to your cabin?” I ask, grinning wide.

“Such a handsome fellow.”

Finally on her feet, both Freya and I hook a shoulder under each of Nanna’s arms. But at our first step, we are blocked by the insufferable sister and the guy I noticed she was with earlier.

“I think we should take Nanna to bed,” she declares.

“No. She’ll suffocate me with a pillow,” Nanna argues.

“We’ve got it. Enjoy the rest of the party,” Freya tells them, smiling tightly.

The man’s eyebrows pinch together. “We only came up because—”

“Because we wanted to spend time together,” Esther finishes loudly.

Freya’s gaze goes from the guy to her sister. “That’s okay. I’m sure we’ll get to spend time together at some point.”

I force out a laugh. “She just doesn’t want to tell you we were already planning to go to bed.”

“You two are an item?” the guy asks, and I’m not sure he’s happy about that.

“We’re…” Freya begins but doesn’t continue.

“We’re cruise room neighbours too,” I reply.

“Yeah, that,” Freya mutters.

“Is someone going to take me to bed or what?” Nanna demands.

“Yes,” Freya answers, before turning to her sister. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

“Your sister is a treat,” I mutter as we leave the deck.

“You didn’t have to insinuate what you did. If you think I’m sleeping with you, you are utterly mistaken.”

“I would rather swim with sharks,” I fire back.

“Good!”

“And don’t think this makes us friends.”

“Never even entered my mind,” she growls.

“The sexual tension between you two is affecting my sciatica,” Nanna grumbles.

My lips twitch as I secure her more closely. In another life, she could be my nan’s twin. The resemblance between the two is rather uncanny.

But I can’t help but wonder if she is picking up sexual tension. Not on my part, but Freya’s. She wouldn’t be the first girl to pretend she isn’t obsessed with me.

I eye her more closely, thinking maybe it will be best to keep my distance after all.

It’s not like a restraining order will work when she’s living right next door.

Yeah, I will definitely be keeping my distance.

Right after we get Nanna to bed.

CHAPTER EIGHT