Chapter Three

Axel

The regrets set in the moment I set foot on the ship.

I'm immediately struck by the sheer number of people congregated in the massive atrium. The excited chatter of the passengers fills the air. Music pumps through speakers, providing a party atmosphere. Everywhere I look, there are people radiating a joyous energy. Rainbows adorn clothing and rainbow flags are in abundance, and there are huge glittery banners against the wall. It's a beautiful sight—one that warms my heart while simultaneously filling me with a sense of trepidation.

Across the room, I see my security detail, Brian, keeping a watchful eye on me without drawing attention to himself. Next to him is one of the cruise staff who's been assigned to take me to my room. I pull my cap low over my eyes, grateful for the sunglasses that shield my face. With my unruly shoulder-length hair pulled back into a low ponytail, and casual jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers, I look as far from my rock star persona as possible—no eye-liner and hardly a tattoo in sight.

I take another moment to observe the scene in front of me. A deep breath steadies my nerves, and I remind myself why I'm here—to repair my image, and most importantly, to make sure my brother Rick okay. While he's at the clinic, I need this time away from the constant scrutiny of the press, this opportunity to reconnect with myself and figure out what truly matters.

Brian beckons, and with a sigh, I weave my way through the crowd, keeping my head down.

I bump into someone. The guy drops one of his bags and his phone clatters to the tiles along with some papers.

"Fuck. Sorry," I say and automatically bend down to pick up the device and collect sheets of paper that lie at our feet.

As I glance up, our eyes meet, and I'm struck by their warmth—a soft shade of brown framed by impossibly long eyelashes. His smile is shy and sweet, so different from the awestruck expressions I'm used to seeing on people's faces when they recognise who I am.

"No worries," he replies, quickly looking down. "I wasn't paying attention either."

His voice is gentle and he looks just as lost and overwhelmed as I feel.

"Are you alright?" I ask.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." He hesitates for a moment before adding, "Just a bit out of my element here, I guess."

"Tell me about it," I murmur, smiling in spite of myself. It's weirdly comforting to know I'm not alone in my anxiety about this cruise.

"Axel, we need to keep moving," Brian interjects, stepping forward to usher the guy away.

His eyes widen in surprise, but then he quickly regains his composure. "Right, well, enjoy the cruise," he says, offering me a small smile before disappearing back into the throng of people.

"Thanks," I call after him, trying to get another glimpse, but he's gone.

There's a nudge at my elbow. "Come on, Axel," Brian says, guiding me away from the bustling foyer out into a long corridor. I follow the cruise employee until eventually we reach an elevator that takes me to my suite. She opens the double doors with a card she then hands to me, while Brian holds the door open.

"I'll leave you here, Mr Zelman. Your butler will be with you shortly but please call me directly if you need anything at all."

"Thank you."

She nods and disappears down the corridor. I wish I could follow her back out, off this ship and onto dry land.

"Axel?"

I turn to Brian who's holding open the door. I sigh and step inside.

The suite is massive and bloody luxurious. The first thing to grab my attention is the floor-to-ceiling double-height windows covered with sheer white curtains. My gaze is drawn upwards to the mezzanine level where I assume the bedroom is. The bottom level has a dining area with an eight-seat dining table, a huge lounge area, and a number of doors that probably lead to a kitchen and bathrooms. It's tasteful modern décor that's both elegant and inviting with dark timber floorboards, cream leather, and shiny stainless steel. My home for the next ten days.

Before I can get further with my explorations, the doorbell sounds and Brian lets in a uniformed staff member.

"Welcome aboard, Mr Zelman. My name is Skyler, and I'll be looking after you during the cruise. Your luggage has already been delivered. May I help you unpack?"

"Uh, no thanks." I prefer to do it myself.

"Of course, sir," he replies, unfazed, crossing to the dining area. On the sideboard, an ice bucket cradles a bottle of champagne. He gestures to it. "Would you care for a glass?"

Suddenly a glass of bubbles sounds good, although I'm not exactly sure what I'm celebrating. "That'd be great, Skyler. Thanks."

He smiles widely, as if glad to be given something to do, and reaches for the bottle.

Brian crosses to my side. "I'm going to head out and familiarise myself with the layout of the ship then I'll be in my cabin. Let me know what time you plan on heading out and I'll come back."

"Heading out? Are you fucking kidding me?" I take the glass from Skyler who retreats to the edge of the room. "If I have my way, I won't be leaving this suite for the next ten days. You can basically have a holiday, as I don't need a babysitter."

"My cabin is on the next level. It won't take long for me to be here if you need me," he replies, ignoring me. He consults his phone. "There's a meet-and-greet the day after tomorrow. Until then, your time's your own. You can probably make your way around the ship alone, but I'd prefer to know where you are."

I shrug in a way that's non-committal. I have no idea what to expect on this cruise. Can I get about incognito, and even if people work out who I am, will it really matter? Argh. God, I long for the days when I could get about without worrying about being recognised. "Have fun exploring. You can fill me in about the ship later. Right now I'm going to put my best effort into polishing off the bottle of champagne and then take a nap." I chug the glass to prove my point.

Skyler is at my side in an instant, bottle in hand. I hold out the glass. "Thanks, Skyler. You don't have to hang around. I've got this taken care of."

I take the bottle from his hand and his eyes widen in response, but he quickly schools his expression.

"Of course, sir. Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"Nope." I say, waving the bottle. "This is perfect."

He gives a small nod. "If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call. I'm here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible."

"Will do, thanks," I say as I head to the couch and drop onto the comfy cushions.

He gives me one last polite smile before turning and disappearing out the door.

Brian comes and stands in front of me. "Listen, Axel, I know you usually only have security for the big gigs, but Nigel arranged for me to be here in case of any issues. I'm at your beck and call for the duration of the cruise. I don't care what you do while onboard but it's my job to know where you are if any issues arise, so do me a favour and give me a heads-up of your movements. Okay?"

"Argh. Whatever." I refill the flute and take another sip, the bubbles tickling my nose.

Brian shakes his head and moves towards the door.

"Hey, Brian." He stops when I call out, and turns in my direction. I plaster on a smile. "Just wanted to say that I appreciate what you're doing."

"I know." He nods and leaves.

I sigh and take another sip as I take in the details of my surroundings. The sitting area is comfortable with its large sofa and glass coffee table on a gorgeous soft rug, all centred in front of a huge flat-screen TV. A fruit bowl sits on the table, filled with fresh fruit that looks almost too perfect to eat. I place the champagne bottle beside it. My gaze drifts to the floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to a spacious balcony. The view through the sheer curtains is of the city skyline but soon the buildings will be replaced by an endless expanse of water, stretching out towards the horizon. With no escape.

At least I have a huge suite with all the creature comforts and can hide out here most of the time. Maybe it won't be so bad after all. All I need to do is focus on the music and getting through the performances.

Ten days will go by in no time at all.