Chapter 19 Captain Clarke
Westly didn’t know what to do about Maleko. He should have blocked his number, too. Hopefully, Luka blocked that idiot’s phone number after he had called, but if he hadn’t, Westly planned on doing it. Apparently, Maleko didn’t know Luka had gotten off too, and this was no time for Luka to find out. He surely would leave. He wanted to go to Luka, but he needed time to adjust to the new truth. Once they stopped in Sint Maarten, they could spend some quality time away from the ship. He leaned against the door between them and didn’t hear a sound. What was he doing in there? What if he left his cabin? He wouldn’t dare, would he?
Westly poured himself a drink and sat down in his chair. He had to go in there and check on him, but it might make him angrier. Nothing could be solved with Luka stewing on his side and away from him, though. He would try to explain why he took him on when his father asked. He’d tell him the entire story and hope.
After he finished his drink, he walked over to the door and opened it. Luka was on his knees, looking out the porthole. He was completely naked.
“I want to talk to you.”
“About what?” Luka turned around to face him.
“About my contract with your father. I want you to know all of it.”
Luka got up and sat in one of his chairs. “Could you sit so you’re not standing above me like you own me?”
Westly didn’t verbally respond but sat down across from him.
“I’m listening.”
“Your father called and asked if he could meet with me. He explained who he was, and that you drove the car but didn’t take any other part in the crime. I agreed to see him in Miami.”
“How did he know about you?”
“Court papers. We met at a bar and had a few drinks. Right off, I liked him. He was straightforward with what he wanted from me and why.”
“What did he want?”
“He wanted me to remove your name from the complaint claiming you were part of the crime. He told me you were a good kid and would never damage property. He told me how young you were, and that he wasn’t around to be a good role model for you. He asked me if I could teach you some skills and how to be independent. He wanted me to make sure you didn’t repeat your mistake. He said, ‘don’t be easy on my son.’ He needs to learn to be a man and accept the consequences of his actions. He told me you were gay, and he feared for your life in prison.”
“And you agreed to that when you knew I was involved with the destruction of your home?”
“I agreed with most of it. I kept your name on the complaint but made an agreement with the court for an alternative to prison. I intended to make you suffer. That all changed when I met you. I could see you weren’t a person who would destroy property or commit crimes.”
“But you lied to me all this time. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’ve already told you I had promised your father to keep the details of the deal from you. He didn’t want you to know who I was.”
“Tell me why you came on to me.”
“Why do you think?”
“To set me up and take me down, destroy me emotionally.”
“Luka, I told you I don’t do relationships well. I want you in my life, and I may have done it all wrong. Please, I want you to give me a chance to make this up to you.”
“Make what up? All your lying?”
“I didn’t lie. I kept my promise to your father.”
“I don’t know how I feel right now.”
“And how do you feel about Maleko?”
“I don’t owe you an inventory of my feelings.”
“I guess you don’t, but I want to have a relationship with you.”
“I’m not sure I want one with you. I’ll always feel you blame me for what happened. I can never make up for agreeing to go along with Maleko’s plan or for the destruction of your home.”
“I don’t blame you, Luka. If I did, you’d feel my anger. I don’t hold that against you. I know you wanted to keep Maleko and worried if you didn’t help, he’d find someone else. From what I know about him, he would.”
“I know all that, and I don’t plan on letting any man make a fool out of me again.”
“That’s not what I’m doing with you. We have an agreement and so far, we both are keeping to it, with one exception.”
“What’s that?”
“Me falling in love with you.”
“In love with me?”
“I feel something very deep inside for you. Now, mind you, that wasn’t my original plan. You’re tougher than you think. You’re determined to do your time without blaming anyone. I admire you for that. There are other things I love about you.”
“I thought I admired you and believed you’d help me straighten out, but now I’m not sure you have my well-being on your list. I wanted a relationship with you. I really did, but now I’m not sure.” He stood, walked over to his berth, and slipped beneath the covers. “I need to sleep, since I have to get up and scrub decks all day in the scorching sun.”
“I wish you were staying on my side.”
“Good night, Captain Clarke.” Luka closed his eyes, pretending he was sleeping.
Westly had no other option but to leave. He wouldn’t beg. There was no point pressing his luck tonight. He’d give Luka some time and space and then see if he’d want to talk more. He hoped Luka would miss spending time together. He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Luka.
Captain Clark: I’m sorry you’re upset with me. I hope you’ll come to understand my situation. Remember the day after tomorrow we’ll be stopping at Sint Maarten. You’ll have to come with me since I have business there. Hope you sleep okay. I miss you.
Westly waited for a response, but there wasn’t any. He didn’t know what to do to get Luka back into his bed. He turned on his laptop, did some research on Sint Maarten, and made some reservations for them.