Claim Me Captain! I'm Addicted to You!
Chapter 21: London Courage

Chapter 21: London Courage

Nick matched Georgia’s kiss with fiery hunger, his hands sliding over her waist, pulling her flush against him. His touch grew bolder, wandering up her sides, and just as he was about to cup her breast—

She grabbed his cock.

Like she was grabbing a handful of rice.

His entire body jolted.

’FUCK!’ he screamed internally as he hardened instantly in her grip. His hands froze mid-roam, his brain short-circuited, and for a second, Captain Knight—the unshakable, untouchable—forgot how to breathe.

Georgia pulled back with a smug smirk, eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Who’s innocent now?" she whispered, then turned on her heel and strutted out of the office like nothing happened.

Nick stood there in stunned silence, towel barely hanging onto his hips, his ego and blood pressure both in disarray. He leaned back against his desk, staring blankly at the doorway she disappeared through.

’What the hell just happened?’

His body was still buzzing, his pride bruised in the most confusingly arousing way.

Minutes passed. Still no movement.

Then came Steven.

He took one look at Nick—half-naked, dazed, eyes empty—and raised a brow. "Uh... should I invite you to breakfast? Or maybe get you a priest? You look like you either saw a ghost or just got hit by a hurricane."

Nick exhaled hard, dragging his hands down his face. "Damn it... I don’t understand her. I don’t understand me anymore!"

Steven chuckled. "Sounds like you got more than your coffee stirred this morning."

Nick turned, still in disbelief, and mumbled, "Go ahead. I’ll get dressed and catch up."

He disappeared into his cabin, still questioning every decision that led to that... unforgettable grip.

When Captain Knight strode into the galley, the air buzzed with quiet chatter and clinking utensils—the morning shift crew already deep into their breakfast. But Nick’s sharp eyes scanned the room with a singular purpose.

He was looking for her.

And there she was—sitting with Evelyn, casually eating like she didn’t just turn his entire morning upside down.

Without missing a beat, he grabbed a plate, loaded it with food, and ignored the curious glances thrown his way.

Steven spotted him and gestured toward their table, where he was seated with a tight-lipped Sarah. "Nick! Over here!"

But Nick didn’t even glance at them. Instead, he changed direction and confidently strode over to Georgia and Evelyn’s table, sitting down directly across from Georgia like he owned the entire ship—and maybe her too.

Sarah’s spoon froze mid-air. Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.

Georgia didn’t even look up. "Pretty sure I’m getting stabbed with imaginary knives right now," she muttered, loud enough for both tables to hear.

Evelyn stifled a laugh, slapping a hand over her mouth.

Nick leaned forward, voice low and filled with playful menace. "And I’m pretty sure I’m being toyed with by someone who knows exactly what she’s doing. And guess what?" He smirked, his gaze burning into Georgia’s. "I’m loving every second of it."

Evelyn choked on her coffee. Steven blinked. Sarah’s jaw clenched.

But Georgia? She only arched a brow, a sly smile curving her lips as she calmly spooned another bite into her mouth—like she hadn’t just wrecked the Captain’s entire composure that morning.

Georgia shoveled food into her mouth faster than usual—not because she was hungry, but because Nick’s heated stare was practically drilling a hole through her skull. His eyes were shameless, smug, and maddeningly amused—as if he knew exactly what he was doing.

She swore he was doing it on purpose. The man didn’t need a weapon; his gaze alone could trigger indigestion.

Then she remembered the question she’d planned to ask him earlier—before that bathroom disaster derailed everything.

She cleared her throat and wiped her lips. "Captain, can I ask you something... in private?"

She didn’t even glance at Sarah, but she didn’t have to. The shift in energy was enough. She could practically feel Sarah’s glare slicing through the air like a knife.

Nick’s brow quirked, and a slow, devilish smile curved his lips. "Private, huh?" he drawled. "Now that makes me very curious. What kind of question is too dangerous for public ears?" He leaned forward slightly. "Of course. We’ll finish this over coffee—in my office—after breakfast."

Georgia’s eyes narrowed. That tone. That smirk. He was plotting something.

He was planning revenge.

And honestly? She couldn’t blame him.

’You started it, genius,’ she scolded herself, stifling a groan and stabbing her eggs like they were to blame for her impulsive behavior. ’Wrong move, Georgia. Very, very wrong move.’

After breakfast, they returned to Nick’s office—this time, he closed the door and locked it with a firm click that echoed ominously in the quiet room.

He didn’t move away from the door. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned against it, his gaze sharp and unreadable. "Alright," he said, voice low and commanding. "What’s the question that couldn’t wait?"

Georgia didn’t flinch. She just wanted this over with—fast. "I want to ask if I can borrow your phone. Just one text. To my best friend. She’s on the cruise ship too, and she must be losing her mind by now."

Nick’s eyes narrowed slightly, reading between the lines. "You want to reach your friend," he echoed. "But not your family?"

She shook her head. "The only family I have left is my niece. She’s four. She couldn’t attend the wedding because she got sick, so she’s with my best friend’s parents in the countryside. I trust them."

Nick tilted his head. "And you’re sure you can trust her now? If she’s still within reach of your ex?"

"Absolutely." Georgia’s voice was steady. I trust Ella with my life."

Nick studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. We’ll call. But I’m talking to her first. I need to confirm she’s alone. Then I’ll switch to speaker."

"Tell her this phrase, ’The dreamers finally wake up’, she’ll know what it means," Georgia said.

Nick nodded, took the phone, and gave it to Georgia. Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed in Ella’s number.

Nick placed the phone on the table and hit dial.

It only rang twice before a cautious voice answered:

["Hello? Who’s this?"]

Nick leaned in. "Hi, I’m looking for Ms. Ella Collins."

["This is she. What’s this about?"]

Nick gave Georgia a quick glance before continuing. "Ella, listen carefully: ’The dreamers finally wake up.’"

There was a long silence.

["Hold on. Let me move somewhere with better reception,"] Ella replied suddenly, her tone shifting.

Nick’s eyes flicked toward Georgia.

"She’s with someone," Georgia whispered. "She’s trying to move away."

Nick gave a slight nod, silently impressed. Then...

["Oh my God! Georgia?! Are you okay?"] Ella’s voice was frantic now, her facade dropped.

"Yes, I’m safe. I’m alive. But listen closely," Georgia said, her voice tight and urgent. "I walked in on Nancy and Raymond. In his suite. I caught them together, making out. I called off the wedding, and Nancy pushed me. She pushed me into the water and left me to die."

["What the—?!" Ella gasped. "Are you serious?!"]

"I don’t want to face anyone right now. Please don’t tell anyone you talked to me."

There was a pause. Then Ella’s voice came back, rushed, shaken—terrified.

["Too late, Georgia. You need to hide. Now. Are you on a vessel called London Courage?"]

Georgia’s heart thudded. "Why?"

["Because Raymond is on his way to that ship—right now!"]