2. Margo

Platitudes usually did nothing for Margo. She was too cynical and practical to feel encouraged by empty words of comfort. And yet, Negals confidence in her ability to turn immortal was welcomed, and it made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

She hadnt intended to voice her fears and insecurities, especially not during the party, but Negal had been so sweet and said such nice things that it had all felt too good to be true, which meant that it couldnt be.

She was no princess, and Negal was not her prince.

He was amazing, not just because he was a god, but that only diminished the probability of him being hers. She was just an average woman, a nobody, and she didnt believe in fairy tales.

Then again, she wasnt any less worthy than Mia or Frankie, so why not?

Margo sighed. As much as I want to continue the fairy tale, I dont want to fall on my face when the clock strikes midnight either, so I should get going while I can still walk.

The last thing I want is for my princess to wear out her slippers. Negal rose to his feet and offered her a hand up.

Margo laughed. That was a good one. She took his offered hand. But you dont have to leave just because your feeble human date is exhausted. You should stay and have fun. I can find my way back to my cabin by myself.

His lips thinned out, and his brows dipped in an affronted expression. First of all, escorting you to your cabin is my privilege and my duty. And secondly, I wont have any fun without you, so there is no reason for me to stay.

Her heart happily somersaulting in her chest, Margo lifted on her toes and kissed Negals cheek. You are adorable.

What she really wanted to say was that she loved him, but she still wasnt ready to make such a declaration. They had just met two days ago, for goodness sake, and she didnt really know him well enough to have strong feelings for him. It was an infatuation, and surprisingly, for her, lust.

The kiss they had shared earlier had been like no kiss shed ever experienced, but it had probably been nothing special for Negal. He was an exceptionally good kisser, which was one hell of an achievement given that his fangs elongated when he was aroused, and he had definitely been aroused by their kiss.

Was she ready to take it to the next level, though?

She should be if she was like any other twenty-seven-year-old who wasnt a virgin, but she needed a little more time. Negal was hot, had the face of an angel, and on top of that, he was also smart and kind, but getting naked with a male and allowing him into her body required a deeper emotional connection, and that couldnt happen overnight.

Negal looked at her with amusement in his eyes. Adorable is not the adjective a male wants to hear from a female he desires. He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss.

How about sweet? she teased.

No, not sweet either.

Handsome?

Getting close. But no. I was thinking along the lines of irresistibly sexy, devastatingly attractive, etc.

You are all that and more. She averted her gaze. We should congratulate the newlyweds and say goodbye before we leave.

Sharon and Robert are on the dance floor. Negal wrapped an arm around her waist. But if you want, we can say hello to Kian and Syssi. You said that you wanted to meet them, and I see them walking toward their table.

Margo swallowed. Perhaps not tonight.

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, Dont feel intimidated. Kian is a little gruff but hes a good guy, and if you want to catch him in a good mood, this is the best time. Hes with his wife and the rest of his family, and hes having fun.

That was true. Besides, she would be less intimidated by the guy while looking her best and with Negal by her side than if she was summoned to his office or cabin during the day and on her own.

Still, Margo wanted Mia and Toven to be there when the introductions were made. After all, she and Frankie had gotten invited to the cruise only because Mia had insisted, and Toven had backed her up.

Lets find Mia and Toven first. I want them to introduce me to Kian and his wife.

Negal regarded her for a moment before nodding. I dont see why you need them, but if their presence will make you more comfortable, then why not?

Im here thanks to Mia and Toven. I mean, Im here because you saved me from the Modanas, but if I hadnt gotten in trouble and needed rescuing, I would have waited in the resort to be picked up as Mia had arranged.

Negals arm around her waist tightened. But then we might never have met. Im sorry that you had such a scare, so I cant say that Im happy you got kidnapped by the cartel, but I believe that everything had to happen the way it did so we would find each other.