Chapter 3
1480 Words
Chapter 3 – Olivia’s POV
I walk fast, almost running, my heart thudding in my chest. My hand still tingles where he grabbed me, his touch warm but somehow chilling. “You’re about to need one.” His words play on repeat in my mind.
I keep looking over my shoulder, but there’s no sign of him. The hallway leading to my cabin is long and quiet, the faint hum of the ship's engines the only sound. No footsteps. No shadows moving behind me. But that doesn’t stop the unease twisting in my gut.
I reach my cabin door, fumble with the keycard, and push it in too fast. The red light flashes.
“Come on,” I mutter, glancing back down the hallway. Still empty.
I try again, slower this time. The green light flashes, and I shove the door open, lock it behind me, and press my back against it, breathing hard.
For a long moment, I just stand there, staring at the empty room. The bed is perfectly made. The curtains are drawn halfway, sunlight streaming in, lighting up the soft blue carpet. It looks normal. Safe. But I don’t feel safe. Not at all.
I walk over to the balcony door, check the lock twice, then step back, arms wrapped around myself. Get it together, Olivia. He’s just a man. A strange man, sure, but still just a man. There’s no reason to be so freaked out.
But he knew my name.
My phone buzzes from the nightstand, and I jump so hard I almost trip. “Ugh,” I breathe, pressing a hand to my chest. Calm down, Liv.
It’s Ethan.
Ethan: Meet me at the casino. Need to show you something.
I stare at the message. Part of me wants to stay right here, in the safety of my room, but I know Ethan. If I don’t show up, he’ll just send another message, or worse, come looking for me. I’m not ready for another argument.
Fine. Casino it is.
I grab my purse and head back out, my eyes darting around the hallway like I’m expecting him to jump out from the shadows. But no one’s there. Just me and the endless hum of the ship.
---
The casino is a loud, flashing mess of lights and noise. Slot machines ping and clatter, people cheer or groan at the blackjack tables, and a heavy scent of cologne and alcohol hangs in the air. It’s everything I hate about crowds — too loud, too bright, too much.
I spot Ethan at a poker table, grinning like he’s already won. He’s surrounded by strangers, laughing with them like they’re old friends.
“Olivia!” he calls, waving me over.
I push through the crowd, my nerves still buzzing from earlier. “What do you want, Ethan?” I ask, arms crossed.
He flashes a grin, holding up a stack of chips. "Look at this! I’m on a streak, baby!”
“Seriously? You texted me to show off your winnings?” I glare at him, every bit of patience I have wearing thin.
“Don’t be like that,” he says, pulling me closer to his side. The smell of whiskey is on his breath. “We’re on vacation, Liv. Lighten up.”
“I’ll lighten up when you stop acting like a child,” I snap, pulling away from him.
He gives me a look — that hard, sharp look he’s been giving me more and more lately. The one that says watch yourself. I don’t back down.
“Go ahead and keep playing,” I say, forcing calm into my voice. “I’m going back to the room.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” he mutters, already turning back to his cards.
I walk away, pushing past strangers, my mind still racing. My head is pounding now, my pulse in my ears.
“Rough night?” a familiar voice says, just behind me.
I freeze. Slowly, I turn around.
It’s him. The man from the deck, the lounge, and now here, standing just a few feet away. His sleeves are rolled up again, his tie gone, and his gray eyes are locked on me with that same knowing look. He’s leaning casually against the wall, like he’s been waiting for me.
“Are you following me?” I ask, eyes narrowed.
“Would you believe me if I said no?” he replies, his lips curling into a slow grin.
“No,” I say, taking a step back.
He tilts his head, his eyes sharp but curious. “Smart girl.”
I glance around the casino, looking for security, but no one’s paying attention. Everyone’s too caught up in the thrill of winning or losing. No one’s coming to help you, Olivia.
“What do you want from me?” I ask, my voice low but firm.
His smile fades, and for the first time, his face looks serious. “To help you.”
“Help me?” I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “By stalking me around the ship?”
“I’m not the one you should be worried about,” he says, his voice quieter now, but somehow more intense.
“Yeah, well, I don’t need your help,” I snap.
He steps closer, and I take another step back. “You will,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. “When it happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“When what happens?” I ask, my chest tightening with frustration and fear.
But he doesn’t answer. He just gives me one last look — long, steady, like he’s memorizing my face — and walks away.
“Wait!” I call after him, but he’s already disappeared into the crowd.
I stand there, breathing hard, my heart racing. I glance around, half-expecting him to reappear like he always does. But he’s gone.
Who is he?
I head straight for the elevators, pressing the button over and over like it’ll make it arrive faster. My eyes stay on the crowd, scanning every face, looking for those sharp gray eyes. But he’s nowhere.
When the elevator dings, I rush inside, tapping my floor number. The doors close slowly, and just before they seal shut, I see something that makes my heart stop.
Him.
He’s standing at the edge of the crowd, eyes locked on me, face calm but watchful. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t follow. He just watches as the doors close, his gaze burning into mine like a brand.
The second the doors shut, I press my back against the wall, my chest rising and falling with every panicked breath.
Who is he?
My fingers tremble as I run them through my hair. Think, Olivia. Think.
He’s not just some random guy. He knows too much. My name, my room, where I’ll be, even what’s happening with Ethan. People don’t just know things like that.
The elevator dings, and I step out quickly, glancing both ways down the hall before walking fast. My keycard is already in my hand when I reach my cabin. I push it in, green light flashes, and I’m inside, locking the door in seconds.
I stand there, back against the door, listening. Nothing. No footsteps. No knocks. Just the steady hum of the ship.
I slide down to the floor, knees pulled to my chest. My phone buzzes in my purse, but I don’t reach for it. I just sit there, heart thudding, eyes on the door like it’s about to swing open.
Minutes pass. Maybe hours.
Finally, I pull out my phone and check the screen. It’s a message from Ethan.
Ethan: Big win tonight, babe! Gonna celebrate with the guys. See you later.
Of course. I drop the phone on the floor, tilting my head back, eyes closed.
Another buzz. This time, it’s not Ethan. It’s a number I don’t recognize.
The message reads:
Unknown: Lock your balcony door. Now.
I stare at the message, heart pounding so hard I feel it in my ears. My eyes snap to the balcony. The curtain shifts slightly, just a flutter from the breeze.
Or maybe not.
My breath comes fast and shallow as I crawl toward the balcony door. It’s locked. I know I locked it. But my hand moves to check anyway, fingers trembling as I tug at the handle.
It doesn’t budge. Locked. I locked it.
But then I hear it.
Tap. Tap.
Soft knuckles on glass.
I freeze, eyes locked on the curtain, heart in my throat. Slowly, I reach for my phone with one hand, never taking my eyes off the glass.
Tap. Tap.
It’s louder now. Steady.
“Who’s there?” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
No answer.
But then, the curtain shifts again.
And I see them.
Gray eyes staring right at me.
- Writer
