Chapter Twenty-One

She opened her mouth to scream, but one of the ship's invaders came up behind her and hooked their arm around her neck, clamping in hard and cutting off the cry.

She still bugged her eyes in recognition of the person who stood before her.

Bill.

She smelled perfume faintly, too.

Amanda.

That made Taylor smile, despite the grim circumstances she found herself in.

So, Amanda was holding her. Bill was before her. She didn't know who the third man was, but it didn't matter. He had a gun. It was clear why he was there.

Noticing the grin, that nameless man said, "You think this is funny or something?"

She tried to speak but Amanda's arm around her neck made the task difficult. She motioned and the guy raised the gun. "We'll let go. But you scream and you're dead."

Taylor nodded the best she could. A few seconds later, Amanda's arm retracted.

Taylor managed a little laugh. "Hi, Amanda," she said, turning to face the other woman. "I recognized the perfume. I guess even when boarding a ship for nefarious purposes it's important to smell good."

Amanda's cheeks burned red. "I don't take shit from a little street rat."

The comment stung Taylor, but she tried her best not to show it. She couldn't keep the tears at bay, though, as Amanda kept talking.

"You think just because some king took pity on you that you're actually something? We looked into you. You're nothing but an orphan. A castaway. No one wants you, kid. Can you blame them?"

Taylor's eyes burned with tears as a tightness spread across her chest. She knew she was going to die, but why did they have to hurt her so badly before killing her? Their words were far worse than any physical pain they could throw at her.

"I'm doing humanity a favor here," Bill said. "One less in the dregs of society."

That's when Taylor spun around to see him raising his own black, silenced pistol at her. The look in his eyes was cold and detached, as if he was merely swatting a fly.

Taylor opened her mouth to scream. It was too late for her, but she could warn everyone else on the ship. She let loose just as Bill dropped his gun and grabbed his head, screaming in pain.

Someone had thrown something at him, and after it clattered to the ground, Taylor saw it was a defense baton.

Ireneo appeared, having come from the shadows, with Tariq and the rest of the security detail behind them, fanning out and closing in on the invaders.

Of course! Taylor thought. In her panic, she'd forgotten that Ireneo's men were always around, blending in with their surroundings. One of them must have gone to fetch the king, too.

"What did you say to my baby girl?" Ireneo asked, grabbing Bill by the neck and lifting him— actually lifting him —off the ground.

Now it was Bill who was trying to speak but couldn't, thanks to the mighty hand clamped around his neck. His eyes bulged and his face turned blue.

Ireneo let up before killing him. But the man did pass out.

The king let go, smiling in satisfaction as Bill's body fell to the deck's surface with a dull thud.

The security forces swarmed Amanda and the third man, and the would-be invasion was over in a matter of seconds.

Ireneo had his Little in his arms, hugging her tightly as she clung to him.

"You, little one, are a treasure," he whispered. "The apple of my eye. My everything. Pay no attention to their words. They're merely hired assassins. They hurt and kill for money."

Her tears were gone, replaced with a feeling of bliss.

"I love you, Daddy!" she said.

"I love you, little one. More than anything."

He kissed the top of her head and continued to hug her as Captain Reagan stopped before them.

"I just radioed the Coast Guard and they're on their way," he said. "Our radar has located the ship these thugs came from." He tapped Bill's unconscious body with the tip of his toe. "Everyone onboard that vessel will be arrested within moments."

"Good," Ireneo said. He smirked as he pulled away from Taylor and looked at the three captives. "And one of these snakes will no doubt cave and testify against the corporation who employs them. That is, if they want a lighter prison sentence." He chuckled. "We have time to worry about all that. For now, my kingdom is safe. And most importantly, my baby girl is. That's what matters."

"I want a deal!" the nameless man and Amanda called out in unison, as the ship's security force—and Ireneo's—led them toward the brig where they'd be held until the Coast Guard took them into custody. Bill was still unconscious as he was hauled away, but he was groaning and would be fine in moments—though he'd most likely have one heck of a headache.

"Daddy, can I still have the sleepover with my friends?" Taylor asked.

The king chuckled. "Yes, little one. With some guards outside. The danger is over, but just to be on the safe side…"

She hugged him.

Despite the trouble, it had still been the perfect day. And there was still fun left to be had.