There was no way in hell I would ever put Tanya in that position. If she wanted to get to know him, then that's fine, but I'd never pimp her out. She mattered too much to me. I made my way out after Callista to be cut short by Tanya. She looked at me, her eyes widening like I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
"Follow me," Tanya guided me, pulling me off.
"What?" I giggled.
She twirled around and began to search through her bag. Once she pulled out her compact, she handed it to me. The mirror revealed a red smear of lipstick all around my mouth. I couldn't help but smile as Tanya gave me a makeup wipe to remove Callista's lipstick.
"You you trying to"
"Hahaha!" I belted out.
"Stop laughing!" Tanya forced out through her laughter. She snatched the wipe from my grasp and began cleaning up my face. I felt like a child, but the laughter continued between us for some reason, "So this is what you were doing. I was looking for you everywhere."
"My bad," my giggling began to subside.
"Is it that good that you need it now?" she questioned.
I gave a slight shrug, "Why not?"
"You little slut," she smiled.
"Shut up," I teased back before throwing away the wipe, "So, how are you liking the party?"
"I don't know anyone," she admitted, "That Roy character looked so sleazy."
Sleazy? I think Callista may need to have read the signals between the two.
"He seemed to like you," I hinted.
"Eh," she said, sticking out her tongue like she was sick. "Why would I ever?"
"I don't blame you," I agreed. I'll put up with him before I make her be around someone she has zero interest in.
"I mean, I would use him for his money, but I could never physically be attracted to him. I mean, Dimitri, I understand. He's hot, and I picture Roy with multiple women under his arms on his fancy yacht," she explained.
"So it's his dirty dick you don't like," I laughed.
"Fuck you!" she giggled while giving me a slight shove.
"Where's Eric?" I asked, "I forgot about him."
"Ladies?" Roy appeared, "Lovely to see you again."
His eyes were glued to Tanya. She looked at him once before giving a somewhat fake smile, "Want to buy me another drink?"
What? She just asked that. He nodded and gestured for her to grab his forearm.
"One second," I interjected, grabbing her hand before she seized his, "Are you sure?"
"I got this," she reassured me with a wicked wink, "Don't worry."
I released my grip, "I'll be here."
An uncomfortable twinge pulled deep within me as she walked away with Roy. I didn't technically do anything. I just spoke to her. She decided independently, but it still bothered me inside for some reason.
Thoughts ran through my head as I approached a secluded part of the yacht. The sun began setting as beautiful blends of magenta, bright orange, and deep blue danced across the sky. The breeze started to pick up as the yacht lights were switched on. You'd think I was trying to reenact the Titanic with where I decided to sit, but it was away from everyone and all the noise. I needed a little piece of quiet. The sounds of the waves crashing against one another, accompanied by the wind, were very relaxing.
"Mind some company?" I saw Eric before me, holding a blanket as a peace offering.
"Sure," I smiled. Seeing him gave me some relief and comfort.
Once he got adjusted next to me, he grabbed my ankles and pulled them over his lap. As he began rubbing my feet, I felt everything relax.
"Oh! Yes!" I groaned, "I missed this!"
Eric smiled, "I could tell you were in your head. You always get that look in your eyes when you can't stop running up there."
"I just have a lot on my mind," I brushed it off.
"About Tanya and Roy?" he asked.
I froze, "What do you mean?"
"I passed by them in the bar on my way over. She looked happy, laughing."
"Really?" I asked, "She's okay?"
He chuckled, "You two always worry about each other like family."
"You both are the only family I have. I can't help but want to keep you both safe.
I saw the smile fade to a severe gaze. His touch turned to a kind rub, "So, I'm still your family?"
"We had sex," I admitted, "I'll never stop caring about you just because of sex."
"Can I be more than just family one day?" he asked.
"I don't think you'll ever not be my family," I stated, "We could develop into more if our emotions lead us there, but if they don't, you'll still never lose me."
He looked down, and I couldn't tell if what I said hurt. I didn't want to treat him like an object, so I wouldn't lie to him.
"You mean that?" he raised his glossy eyes to meet mine.
"Yes," I gave a nod, "The sex is one thing. You've been in my life long before last night ever happened. If it never happened again, oh well. You'll still have me here."
He smiled and leaned in, kissing me abruptly. My eyes widened. I wasn't expecting that turn.
When he leaned back, his old smile was back.
"These past two months have certainly been a rollercoaster," I admitted.
"Are you happy?" he asked.
"I'm content. I couldn't be happier," I gave a wicked smile.
"Happier, how?" he questioned.
"We've talked about owning our bar one day, you, me, and Tanya. Perhaps more than one," I continued, "Maybe I want to be able to provide that for us."
"Why?" his gaze narrowed, "You're typically very humble; don't get me wrong, I like this side of you too."
"Perhaps I'm ready to grow up," I diverted, "Anyhow, by the end of all this-"
I pressed my tongue to my mouth. Should I let him know? Can I trust him?
"Will you do anything for me?" I pressed.
Confusion swept his face, "You don't think I would?"
"I want it all," I admitted.
"All of what?"
"This," I gestured.
He looked around the yacht in more confusion.
I caressed his forearm to bring his attention back to me. I leaned closer to him while raising my champagne glass, "I'll do whatever I have to to get it."
He locked my eyes and knew I was telling the truth. He rattled his glass to mine before pecking me on the lips, "This should be fun, knowing you."