Chapter 6 Luka

The lock clicked shut, a finality that sent a fresh wave of anger crashing through Luka. Trapped. The captain had locked him in his cabin like he had promised while he was on his way to all the welcoming parties.

He should have been grateful to relax in the luxurious cabin with its plush furnishings and flat-screen TV, very different from the dank prison cell his father saved him from. Luka was never content when he was denied fun and that’s what the captain was doing.

Luka’s phone vibrated, and he stared at the phone in his hand. Charlie’s text had broken the suffocating thoughts of his locked cabin.

Charlie: Hang down from your balcony, move three cabin balconies to the right and drop to the landing with the elevator. We’ll be waiting there for you.

Luka: I have to unlock the balcony door first without a key. He locked it.

Charlie: Use your name tag and slide it down the side while you turn the knob.

Luka: Okay, I’ll try that.

He changed into his swim trunks and wore his jean shorts over them. He picked up his mesh top from the closet floor. He took his name tag card and slid it down the side of the door as he twisted the doorknob. It didn’t fucking work.

Sweat prickled his palms as he surveyed the balcony door. No keyhole, just a sleek electronic lock. He searched his suitcase for a lockpick on his keyring Maleko had given to him in case he forgot his key to the apartment. His fingers skimmed the worn grooves of his makeshift lockpick, made from a hairpin and a paper clip. Fear coiled in his gut. What if it doesn’t work? What if the alarm blasts, summoning the captain’s goons before I can reach Charlie? The image of those burly security guards, their faces cold and unforgiving, sent a tremor through him.

Luka’s frustration grew as he listened to the sounds of joy and music coming from every corner of the ship, while he remained trapped and excluded. His fear was overshadowed by a strong desire for friendship. Taking a deep, shaky breath, Luka pressed the pick to the lock. His heart hammered against his ribs as he manipulated the delicate pins, the tension growing with each passing second. A tiny click, a sigh of relief. The door swung open revealing the sea. In a matter of seconds, he had his phone in hand and was typing out a message to Charlie.

Luka: I’m on my way.

When he stepped onto the balcony, the cool night air slapped against his damp skin. The wind whipped at his hair, carrying the distant strains of blended songs from the nearby parties. Below, the deck stretched out like a dark abyss, the unforgiving steel promising a bone-jarring impact. A sudden wave of nausea washed over him, causing his stomach to roll. Can I really do this?

With a silent prayer, Luka swung his leg over the railing, the metal cold against his skin. His bare feet dangled in the wind until he reached the next spot. He inched sideways, using his arms, each movement a victory against his fear. The lights twinkled below, creating a revolving kaleidoscope of shattered rainbows. Panic clawed at him when he looked down at the raging sea, but he gritted his teeth, pushing forward. He had to trust Charlie would be at the end and trust his own instincts.

One dangerous move after another, he inched his way along the ledge, keeping his balance like he had when he surfed tumultuous waves in a storm. His doubts gnawed at him, forewarning him of falls and fractures. But the music grew louder, a flare guiding him through the darkness. Finally, he reached the end, the open elevator visible below him. Then Luka let go.

The world became a blur of rushing wind and churning water. He braced for impact, but it never came. Strong hands grabbed him, hauling him to safety. Charlie’s face, etched with concern and relief, filled his vision. There were other crewmembers helping him land safely.

“Crazy stunt, man,” Brent said, his voice rough with emotion. “But you made it.”

“You did it!” Charlie hugged him.

“I didn’t want to miss the street light party.”

“Did you bring your bracelet?” Charlie asked.

“Shit! I forgot it.”

“What color do you want?” Brent asked.

“Red.”

Brent handed him a red bracelet. Both Brent and Charlie wore red bracelets, too.

Luka sagged against the wall, his legs trembling. He had broken the rules, defied the captain, and risked his freedom. But as the elevator doors slid shut, carrying him towards the laughter and music of the party, he knew some risks were worth taking.

They walked to the pool party and the first place they stopped was the open bar. Charlie, Brent, and Luka each ordered a frozen Pi?a Colada.

“Tastes awesome,” Charlie said.

“This is damn good,” Luka added, looking over his shoulder at all the men around the pool. He hadn’t ever seen this many gay men in one place. Laughter and music swirled around him, mixing with the salty tang of the ocean air. He wondered why he hadn’t ever thought about going on a gay cruise when he was free. He could get used to all this partying every night. Luka scanned the scene, his eyes landing on a group of boisterous young men splashing each other in the pool.

Brent left them to talk to a man who had been eyeing him while they were in line ordering their drinks. Brent was in his twenties, with spiky blond hair and blue eyes. He could be a brother to Charlie, who had blond spiky hair with the same color eyes, but Charlie was stockier and taller than Brent.

“How long have you known Brent?” Luka asked.

“Forever. We’re cousins.”

“I have lots of cousins in Brazil, but I haven’t seen them in years.”

“So, what’s the deal with you and the captain locking you in?”

“I can’t discuss the details, or I’ll be off the ship at the next dock.”

“Is he your boyfriend or Dom?”

“No, he’s nothing to me. Just my employer.”

“I saw the way he looked at you. I don’t think he sees you as just a crewmember.”

“I’m not saying I wouldn’t want him to fuck me, but he has too much power over me, and it scares me.”

“Big John from lunch has been working here for two years. He said the captain shows no interest in anyone, male or female, on the ship. He didn’t know if he was gay. No one does.”

“I don’t know what he’s into. I think he gets off on controlling people. Definite top.”

“Are you sure you’re not interested in him?”

“I’m afraid of him. I had a boyfriend in California and things didn’t end well, so I’m cautious.”

“Maybe if you offered to service the captain, he might stop locking you up.” Charlie laughed.

“That won’t happen. When I told him he looked hot, he said it was inappropriate. I’m not coming on to him. But he saw me in my G-string.”

“And?”

“He said I was indecent.”

“I guess he doesn’t knock, does he?”

“Nope. Don’t ask me anymore questions about him. I’m getting nervous.” Luka needed another drink. “I’m getting another drink. Do you want another one?”

“No, I’m heading over there to that hot guy in the red trunks with pink hair.”

As he turned around, he bumped into a uniformed man. At first, he thought it was Captain Clarke, but he had seen this officer on the bridge. He was the officer who’d winked at him.

“Hey, I’d like to talk to you,” the officer said. His tone was like Captain Clarke’s. Luka didn’t know if he had any authority over him, but he figured he’d better listen to what he had to say. With all the lights blinking, it was difficult to make out the officer’s features, but his light hair and gray eyes stood out. He was handsome, but not as good-looking as the captain.

“I was just getting a drink,” Luka said as he swiped his hair away from his eyes. He also checked to see what color bracelet he wore, but he only wore a black watch on his wrist. So, he wasn’t part of the party, or not yet.

“Let’s get drinks and talk.”

Luka couldn’t help but wonder why he was wearing a uniform during a lively party. Maybe he had to welcome the passengers at the parties, too. Luka followed him to the bar, but there were so many men to push through that he grabbed Luka’s hand and pulled them through the crowd.

“What are you drinking?”

“Frozen Pina Colada.”

The officer ordered two of them, then he handed Luka one when the bartender set them on the bar.

“Let’s talk over there. It’s too loud and too many guys.” He pointed to two chairs away from the pool area. The music continued to blare loudly, but the air was filled with the chatter and laughter of countless men.

They sat down facing each other at a small umbrella-covered table.

“So, Luka, why are you working under Captain Clarke?” The lights blinking from the umbrella above them projected colored dots dancing on the officer’s face.

“Why don’t you ask him?” Luka sipped his drink.

“He mentioned you needed a better direction and expressed his intention to show that to you.”

“He gave me a job. I didn’t have one.”

“Are you and he seeing each other?”

“I’m single. I’m not seeing anyone right now. Why do you want to know?”

“I’m interested, that’s why, but the captain and I are best friends, and I wouldn’t want to make a move on someone he was interested in.”

“Will you do me a favor?” Luka asked.

“What’s that?” The officer placed his hand on Luka’s.

“Don’t mention you saw me here.”

The officer grinned as he looked up. “Too late.”

Curious, Luka turned his head to see what the officer was smiling at, and his eyes met Captain Clarke’s familiar face.

“I should have known you would be here.” The captain glared at Luka, but his voice was calm.

The other officer stood up. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“Thanks, Brock.”

The captain took Brock’s seat as he left. “Explain what you’re doing and how the hell you got here?” He raised his voice.

“I never went to a party like this, and I wanted to check it out. I climbed across the balcony to the elevator and jumped.”

“The door to the balcony was locked.”

“I unlocked it.”

“You hung from the balcony railing?”

“That’s what I did.”

“Do you realize how dangerous that is?”

“Less dangerous than going to war?”

“How did you unlock the balcony door without a key?”

“I was just lucky, I guess. I played around with something I had, and it worked.”

“You’re going right back to your cabin and we’re going to have a private talk. I see Charlie and his cousin Brent are here.”

“I’d like to finish my drink first, sir.” Luka knew he was pushing his luck, but he hadn’t had a good drink like this since his arrest. He had hopes of hooking up with someone to help him forget Maleko. That was obviously not going to happen.

“Get up now!” Captain Clarke shouted over the loud music.

“Yes, sir.” Luka carried his drink as he stood up. The last thing he’d wanted was for Captain Clarke to catch him at the party. From the sour expression on the captain’s face, this would not end well. He hoped he wasn’t too angry.

“Leave your drink on the table!”