The ship rocks gently beneath me as I wake, the faint scent of salt and something sweet—probably the leftover bread from last night—lingering in the air. I'm alone in Hongjoong's cabin, the captain nowhere to be seen. Through the porthole, I can see we've anchored near an island with vibrant green foliage.

I rise slowly, my body still aching from last night's activities. The memories make my face flush—Hongjoong's hands gripping my hips, his mouth on my neck, the sound of his low moans in my ear.

The cabin door creaks open suddenly, and Hongjoong appears in the doorway, leather coat slung over one arm, a predatory smile on his face. "Awake, pretty prince?" he purrs, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "Good. We're going ashore today. The crew needs supplies, and I thought you might enjoy stretching your legs... away from prying eyes."

His gaze rakes over my body, still clad only in a loose shirt that belonged to him. I can feel the familiar heat pooling between my legs despite my better judgment.

"What if I tried to escape?" I ask, though we both know the question is meaningless now.

Hongjoong laughs, stepping closer until he's inches away, his hand coming up to trace the line of my jaw. "Then I'd have to punish you," he whispers, his thumb brushing my lower lip. "And we both know how much you love my punishments."

He leans in, his lips just about to meet mine when a loud knock interrupts us.

"Captain! We're ready to go ashore when you are!" calls Yunho's voice from outside.