in tides with the Billionaire Alpha

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – Olivia’s POV

The soft hum of the ship's engines vibrates through the floor as I walk down the dimly lit hallway toward my cabin. My heart is still pounding from the encounter on the deck.

How did he know my name?

My fingers brush over the metal room key in my pocket as I glance over my shoulder. The hallway is empty, but I can't shake the feeling of being watched. My mind replays every word that man said, every flicker of his intense gray eyes. “People like him never change.” How did he know about Ethan?

I shake my head. Coincidence, that’s all. He probably overheard me arguing with Ethan at dinner. People eavesdrop. It’s nothing.

But deep down, I’m not convinced.

When I reach my door, I push in the keycard, and the little green light flashes. I slip inside, locking it behind me. The room is quiet except for the distant crash of waves. I head straight for the balcony, sliding the glass door open and stepping outside. Cool air rushes over me, and for a moment, I let it calm my nerves.

The ocean stretches into darkness, the ship's lights reflecting in tiny glimmers on the water. I grip the balcony rail and exhale slowly.

“Relax, Olivia,” I mutter under my breath. “You’re being paranoid.”

But even as I say it, my eyes scan the deck below. No sign of him. No dark suit. No sharp gray eyes. Good.

I head back inside, slide the balcony door shut, and lock it for good measure. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, lighting up with Ethan's name.

Ethan: At the casino. Big win tonight. Don’t wait up.

I roll my eyes so hard it hurts. Big win? He probably means for his ego, not his wallet.

I toss the phone face down on the bed and head to the bathroom to wash up. Warm water runs over my hands, and I stare at myself in the mirror.

"You're not crazy," I tell my reflection. "You're just on edge because Ethan's being Ethan."

But that man… his voice, his eyes, the way he said my name like it was a secret only he knew — it’s still stuck in my head.

How did he know my name?

---

I wake up to the sound of knocking.

At first, I think it's part of my dream, but the noise comes again — sharp, steady taps. I sit up, heart racing, glancing at the clock. 2:13 a.m.

Who’s knocking at 2 a.m.?

Another knock. It’s coming from the door.

“Who is it?” I call, voice hoarse with sleep.

Silence.

I slip out of bed, heart thudding like a drum. My bare feet press against the cool floor as I tiptoe toward the door. I peek through the peephole. No one’s there.

My pulse quickens. Don’t open it, Olivia. Don’t be stupid.

I wait, holding my breath, listening hard.

Nothing.

I back away slowly, glancing toward the balcony. The sliding door is still locked. No one’s getting in.

I climb back into bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin, eyes darting around the room. Every shadow feels sharper, darker. I tell myself it’s the rocking of the ship that makes the world feel off-kilter. But sleep doesn’t come easy.

---

The next morning, sunlight streams through the glass doors, bathing the room in gold. I squint against it, still feeling the heaviness of a bad night’s sleep. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I grab it.

Ethan: Breakfast at 9?

I check the time. It’s 8:47.

Typical. No "good morning." No "how did you sleep?" Just "where are you, and how soon can you be useful to me?"

I type a quick reply: Sure.

After a quick shower, I slip on a light sundress and head to the dining area. It’s packed with people this morning — families, couples, friends clinking mimosas. The air smells of coffee, fresh bread, and sweet syrup.

I spot Ethan at a corner table, scrolling on his phone. His hair is still a little messy, like he just rolled out of bed and walked straight here.

"Morning," I say, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Hey,” he says, not looking up.

I watch him for a moment, waiting for him to notice me. He doesn’t.

"Big win last night?" I ask, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

“Yeah, hit a lucky streak,” he says, grinning like he’s still riding the high of it. “You should’ve been there.”

I sip my coffee slowly. “Right. Next time, I’ll just stand behind you while you gamble away our vacation.”

He glances at me, his smile fading. “Don’t start, Liv.”

“Start what?” I ask, keeping my tone sweet. “A conversation?”

His eyes narrow. “I’m serious, Olivia.”

I laugh, but it’s hollow. “You’re always serious, Ethan. That’s the problem.”

He goes quiet, tapping at his phone like I’m not even there. I watch him for a moment longer before looking away. My eyes scan the dining room, moving from table to table — and then I see him.

Him.

The man from last night. Same dark hair. Same sharp eyes. Same suit, only now he’s rolled up his sleeves again, showing those strong forearms. He’s sitting at a table across the room, sipping from a coffee cup, watching me like he’s been waiting for me to notice.

I feel my breath hitch, heart stuttering in my chest.

He raises his cup in a small, knowing toast.

I snap my gaze back to Ethan, hoping he didn’t see. But Ethan’s still buried in his phone, oblivious as ever.

What does he want?

I glance back toward the man, but now he’s gone.

My stomach twists, and I push my plate away.

---

Later that afternoon, I decide to explore the ship alone. Ethan’s off "networking," which I’m pretty sure means hanging out at the casino again. I wander through shops selling overpriced jewelry, past the pool deck where kids splash in the water, and finally end up at the lounge. It’s quieter here, dim lighting and soft music playing in the background.

I settle into one of the leather chairs by the window, watching the ocean pass by. My body finally relaxes, the sway of the ship lulling me into a rare moment of peace.

“Mind if I join you?”

I jolt, my eyes darting to the man now standing beside me. It’s him.

He moves with such quiet grace I didn’t hear him approach. His gaze is steady as ever, stormy gray eyes locked on me like I’m the only thing in the room.

“Not interested,” I say quickly, shifting in my chair.

His lips curl into a grin that’s more wolfish than friendly. “You sure about that?”

I narrow my eyes. “Do you always stalk women on cruises, or am I just lucky?”

He lets out a low, deep chuckle that sends a shiver down my spine. "You’re definitely lucky."

“Look, I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not in the mood.” I stand, brushing past him.

But he catches my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. The air shifts, like the space around us has shrunk. His eyes meet mine, and for the first time, I see something behind them — something wild.

“I’m not your enemy, Olivia,” he says softly, his voice like thunder right before a storm. “But you’re about to need one.”

I yank my hand free, heart pounding so hard I feel it in my ears. “Stay away from me.”

I walk away fast, not daring to look back.

His words echo in my mind. “You’re about to need one.”

My palms feel clammy. My heart won’t settle.

I tell myself it’s nothing. Just another guy trying to be mysterious.

But the feeling of his eyes on me stays long after I’m gone.