Page 8 of From Russia With Blood

As much as I want to cause a fuss, I am here under false pretenses. If I’m caught, my weaponry is as good as confiscated. As we walk down the hall, my mind drifts back to Katrina. I wonder if my new room assignment will get me even closer to her. Probably not. There’s still no way I’d get upgraded to the Coral Deck. That’s practically a pipe dream at this point.

They must have hit on just the right lottery to land that. That or something sinister is happening. I can’t figure it out, but there’s an idea that itches around in my brain. It’s close to the surface, but I still can’t scratch at it. Something is deadly wrong. I feel it in my very core, but on the surface, nothing seems at all amiss.

Shaking my head, I follow the security chief as we go up a few decks, stopping at 6B, Mermaid Deck. If my calculations are correct, I should be right below the Party Deck, where all kinky fun is sure to be happening soon. Perhaps moving me up a few decks will be in my favor? It definitely couldn't hurt.

We step through the door and into the room. It’s certainly not something to write home about, but at least it has a porthole. Though I wouldn’t have complained, having at least a little bit of natural light makes everything just a touch less claustrophobic.

“Are you sure this is my right room? I don’t want to start unpacking and have you pound on my door again.”

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “This is your destination, sir. Is there anything else you need from me?”

I look him over again, memorizing every feature, anything that will help me identify him later. He has such a plain face; nothing really jumps out at me. His nose, though, that has some character. A large scar runs down the front, ending where a slight bend shows where it’s been broken before. It’s distinctive enough that I should remember it.

As I watch him leave, that uncanny feeling drips down my spine, twisting at my insides. I’ve only felt dread like this a few times in my life. The most recent was when Gloria was murdered. Suppressing a shudder, I dig into one of my bags to grab a bug detector.

Thankfully, it’s a small room, so sweeping doesn’t take too long. I stow away all my monitoring equipment and pull out the fun stuff. It’s been far too long since I’ve played with my toys, and a certain blonde with lips to die for keeps popping into my brain at inopportune times.

Pulling out my barbed wire flogger, I grin as I lay it next to my more mundane-looking pieces. It’s made of leather but crafted to look like wicked steel with sharp points. It’s not the most painful toy in my arsenal, but it certainly packs a punch.

I run my fingers over the faux spikes as I inspect them. Everything is still in good condition despite the lack of use. Glancing at my watch, I look over all the rest of my implements before heading out to orientation. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for – my first glance at Luka in what feels like an eternity. What better way to observe someone than to put them in a crowd?

Taking the elevator up to the ballroom, I’m a little taken aback by the number of people on this cruise. I knew it was more of an exclusive affair, but I was expecting way more people, especially with the switching up of rooms. There were maybe two hundred people, and that’s if I’m being generous. With a ship this size, everyone could probably have two rooms of their own at least. Why make me move?

I scan over the crowd but don’t see any sign of my prey. Unless my intel was faulty, he should be on this ship. My lips thin into an angry slash as, one by one, I go through the other guests. It’s too late to leave and scour any other ships that might be leaving. Even as we all huddle together, the light tremor indicating movement ripples through the crowd.

Normally, we’d all be above on the decks, but with the pending storm and need for orientation, they decided to cast off without the massive farewell. Besides, with a cruise like this, most people don’t want anyone else knowing they’re on it.

I don’t see Luka, but eventually, my eyes settle on Katrina. She’s wrapped her arms about herself, eyes wide as the ship starts to move. The small niggle to go and protect her is back, but I can’t let myself act on it. Feelings are no good right now, not when my heart is still healing. Besides, after this trip, we’ll never see each other again, so what’s the point?

Turning my attention to the space, I note all the equipment pushed up against the wall to make space. I whistle low under my breath. Whoever created this cruise put in a lot of money. Rich reds and midnight blacks surround the area. Closing my eyes, I let my imagination roam, filling in the gaps.

Irritatingly enough, all the scenarios that play out involve a girl with a mouth that won’t quit. She’s not the type of submissive I want. She’s not...Gloria. That’s the truth of it. No one will ever be her. Shaking my head, I dispel any remaining visuals featuring Katrina naked. I’m going to take her in hand, there’s no doubt about that, but she’s not the mission.

“Attention, everyone!” The same woman that was checking everyone in stands tall and proud in the center of the ballroom on an ornate dais. Her no-nonsense outfit has been exchanged for an elaborate cat costume, complete with what looks like a butt plug, kitty cat tail.

I glance over at Katrina, wanting to see her impression of the outfit, but she’s either too scared to notice or doesn’t really know what she’s looking at. At first glance, it looks like a regular tail, but when you take into account how she moves with it in her, it’s obvious.

“Let’s get through this as quickly as possible so you can all get ready for your first night. First item. The bands you’re wearing are to remain on and with you at all times. Not only does the color denote play and comfort level, but there’s also a chip that stores all your limits. This is also the only way in and out of your room. Trust me, you don’t want to be fumbling about after a play session and have to wait for one of our Dungeon Masters to let you in.”

Smatterings of laughter fill the space, and the hostess gives us all an indulgent smile while she waits for things to quiet down. “We ask you to confine your more extreme play to the Party Deck where Dungeon Masters have a better way of keeping an eye on things. If you want to play with someone in your room, that’s your choice, but also know we cannot be everywhere at once. You play at your own risk.”

Katrina’s eyes are like saucers as she looks down at her wrist then back over to her friend, who looks about ready to vibrate out of her skin. To be young and naive again. I don’t wish her any ill will, but I am concerned about sub frenzy consuming her. Unless they have a good dungeon where they live, she’s going to crash so hard when she gets home. Judging by the frown marring Katrina’s face, she’s in agreement with me.

“There will be no electronic devices allowed on the Party Deck. You will be scanned as you enter the space. There will be older cell phones at the scan-in station for you to meet up with someone and find out what they’re into. Though these lists are extensive, we do recommend negotiations before playing with someone you don’t know.”

“That being said, our universal safeword on this ship is sanctuary. Only use it when it’s absolutely necessary. If you prefer your own safewords, that’s fine, but it will not trigger the system for help if it’s needed. All rooms are wired to recognize that word, so even if you’re in someone’s room, if you need help, just call out sanctuary.”

That churning in my gut returns. My scans earlier showed no listening devices. Perhaps I missed something? Unease trips up my spine as I go through the mental list in my head. Every inch was checked. This definitely puts a damper on my mission. I’ll have to be extra careful not to alert anyone. Though it’s triggered by a certain word, there’s no doubt it can listen and record everything else.

“Please do also remember there’s a two-drink maximum per day. We cannot afford to mix play and drinks. If you seem inebriated before coming in to play, we will turn you away.”

At least that part is safe. Shaking my head, I ignore the smatterings of excited conversations as everyone starts to plan out their night. While they’re consumed with toys and fetishes, my brain is full of questions. Where is Luka, and how the hell did he escape me seeing him on this ship?

Chapter 4

Luka

Hunger races through my blood as I prowl around in my room. There are too many windows on this ship for me to safely roam, but at least my room is on the inside where not a drop of blasted sun can interfere. Pulling up my screen, I check through the various rooms I’ve purchased, looking over the men and women that reside in them.