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There were several thousand people in Civitavecchia, the port city of Rome, who waited in the sunshine to board the luxury cruise ship, The Regina Mediterranean, the flagship of the Mediterranean Cruise Line. The passengers anxiously waited for a dream-come-true vacation to ancient cities and civilizations that bordered the Mediterranean Sea. A young man with dirty-blond hair dressed in jeans and a faded polo shirt stared at the people and shook his head. He disliked people and rarely interacted with them. He stood quietly and watched as crewmembers loaded old ladies into wheelchairs and port workers pushed transport carts piled high with luggage from the pier to the ship. The man, finally bored with the scene, moved over to the priority boarding area where he watched VIPs board the massive ship.
He saw the black stretch limo. He knew she was in it. The woman, the love of his life whom he’d lusted for and schemed to have for years. The woman he lived across the street from in Richmond, Virginia’s fan district. He’d lived in a single room — in a boarding house — for three years so he could watch her come and go. He’d watched her in the light of day and in the shadows at night. He’d peered through her windows whenever he could. He knew he was a voyeur, and a peeping Tom, but he didn’t care... because she was his.
He’d known his love for eight years, he’d wanted her the entire time, now he was ready, and the time was right. His body was perfect, it’s only purpose was to serve her. His mind was pure with thoughts of nothing but the perfect life they’d have. His heart thudded with excitement, his loins stirred with anticipation. Now, they would be one. He’d have her on his terms and he’d possess her — every finite particle that was Michaela McPherson. She’d learn to honor him, to be obedient, they’d live forever, and they’d be happy.
He gritted his teeth as her rich old lady friend emerged from the limo with the help of her chauffeur. He hated the nosey old bitch with a royal title and a gazillion dollars. But the old lady wasn’t a problem. After all, she was... well old.
He cursed when he saw the massive German Shepherd. What the hell was the dog doing on the cruise ship? It was her retired police dog and the dog hated him and had almost gotten to him over the years. At first, he was furious, but then he smiled to himself. He’d need to take care of the dog and he had just the thing to make the dog history. There’d be no more problems with the dog.
Then he saw her... his love. He almost swooned as Michaela McPherson stood next to the limo. She was stunning, beautifully dressed in a lime green pantsuit with a beautiful silk scarf. He was so excited. In just a few days, she’d be his... forever.