His body against mine feels incredible. I wish I could enjoy this moment and his kiss. But seeing as how we are on a ship that I am in command of, this does not look good in front of the crew, I'm afraid.

"Please, Paton, my crew."

As gently, but firmly as I can, I push him off of me, and he complies.

"I am sorry, My Lady," he says again, this time loud enough for the others nearby to hear. "The ship lurched and I just don't know what came over me."

I clear my throat. "Apology accepted."

I try not to blush, but I feel the color rise in my cheeks. I finally manage to sit up and see that Georgios is looking right at me. The color in my cheeks is no longer due to embarrassment, but now anger, as my eyes meet his. I am not even sure at whom I am angry; Paton for embarrassing me in front of my men, Georgios for what he is putting me through, or myself. The conflicting emotions are killing me. Georgios smugly signals for me to join him.

"Paton, please excuse me. The Captain needs to speak with me."

He nods and I stand and walk towards Georgios still holding tightly in my hand the beautiful dolphin Paton has carved.