34. Marina

Marina maneuvered through the crowded wedding hall, balancing a laden tray, her arms shaking with the effort.

The damn immortals could have invested in carts so moving dishes from the kitchen to the dining room wouldnt have been such an onerous task.

Were they even aware of how heavy these things were?

For them, the trays probably weighed nothing, but they hadnt stopped to think how heavy they were for human females.

Marina let out a breath.

She was just irritated because shed been working almost nonstop for two days and didnt get to spend enough time with Peter. The cruise was almost over, and she was running out of time to make him fall in love with her.

Heck, who was she kidding. She was in love with him already, and he was merely infatuated. When the cruise ended and they had to part, he might be sad for a day or two, but she would be devastated.

Serves you right for scheming, she murmured under her breath.

The scent of roasted meats and exotic spices filled the air, clashing with the sound of love songs floating through the room. Marina didnt know why, but in her mind, romantic music went with wine and dessert, not meat and potatoes.

Not that she had anything against either. She loved both in any form or shape.

You look beautiful tonight, a deep male voice said behind her.

She nearly dropped the tray as she spun around to find Peter watching her with an amused grin.

You startled me. Not a smart move when Im carrying a heavy load.

Dance with me. With a swift motion, he plucked the tray from her hands and set it down on a nearby table. Then he grasped her hand and pulled her toward the dance floor.

Marina tried to resist. Peter, stop it. I cant dance with you. Im working, and look at me! She gestured at her apron, but that wasnt the worst part of her appearance.

Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, a few loose tendrils sticking to her flushed face from the heat of the kitchen. She had hastily applied some eyeliner that morning, but it had no doubt smeared over the course of her long workday.

Couples swirled around them as Peter pulled her close, his large hand settling at the small of her back. You deserve a break.

I look messy, and you are set on embarrassing me in front of your family, and especially your mother.

Peter laughed. First of all, you look as beautiful as always, and secondly, I love my mother, but she has no say in my love life.

The word love hung between them, charged and bold and painfully irrelevant.

Marina couldnt resist teasing him about it, even though it would no doubt backfire. Love, huh? Thats a strong word.

Peter didnt shy away. Instead, he pulled her closer. Yes, love. Im not taking it back because its the truth. Ive fallen for you, and I dont want to let you go.

The breath stalled in Marinas lungs. She swallowed hard, peering up at him through the fan of her lashes. Then dont, she blurted.

I dont intend to.

As Peters words lingered in the air, the music around them seemed to fade, and the chatter and laughter of the other guests became a distant murmur.

Regrettably, his expression looked teasing rather than serious, and Marina knew he didnt mean it the way she wished he would.

Afraid that her disappointment showed on her face, she shifted the conversation away from that dangerous territory. Amanda was really sweet today, she said. When I told her about Larissa not having anything to wear tomorrow, she promised to find something for her. I was so touched that the clans princess volunteered to assist a lowly human.

Peters brows furrowed. Every member of our clan helps humans. We made it our mission to save victims of trafficking and rehabilitate them, and we fund most of the effort from our own coffers. Not to mention that we liberated you and your people from the Kra-ell.

Evidently, shed hit a nerve. Im sorry. I didnt mean it that way. Its just that Amanda is such a princess, and she comes into the kitchen issuing orders without asking anyone if we can actually do what she wants, so I assumed she was stuck up. I was surprised at how nice she was and how accepting of our relationship.

The furrow between his brows smoothed out a little but didnt disappear. What did she say?

She said that it was a shame I couldnt be your date for tonight because she hadnt seen you so happy in a long time.

Marina waited with bated breath for him to confirm what Amanda had said, and after what seemed like forever, he nodded. Thats true. Being with you makes me happy.

Same here. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. But I need to go.

As the song ended, Peter released her, his demeanor pleasant but distant.

With unease churning in her gut, Marina returned to work, her mind a whirlwind of what-ifs and maybes.

Peter had confessed that he was falling for her, and hed even said that he didnt want to part with her, but when shed blurted that she wanted him to take her with him, his reaction was far from enthusiastic.

Had he guessed her intentions? Did he think that he was just a means to an end for her?

It might have started that way, but it no longer was.

It was as real as it got.