The following day Kimberly was still working in her cabin, her eye trained on her wristwatch. It was five minutes past twelve and Rick had still not barged in with his over whelming presence, like he normally did. She vacillated between waiting for him, or going to his cabin. He made the decision for her in the form of a text message, requesting her to meet at his cabin.

Kimberly walked into his cabin, expecting to see lunch on display, instead Rick was on a satellite phone, loud angry voices were exchanging comments. He seemed to be on a conference call with two or three people.

'Just hold on,' Rick instructed, killing the microphone, and placing the instrument to his ear. He looked at his watch with irritation, intermittently spoke into the phone, held it away from his ear, as the arguments continued.

'Enough! Rick exclaimed in a strained tone.

Kimberly discreetly walked away, allowing him some privacy. She was almost out of earshot, when she heard Rick bark the instruction, 'Set up a conference call right now with all regions!'

Kimberly was flicking through the ship's events diary on its entertainment channel and noted that there was going to be a simulation of a motor cycle cross road speed event. She looked at her watch it was starting in twenty minutes from now. She quickly scribbled the reference to where the event was to be held, when Rick came to her.

'Honey, do you mind if we don't lunch together today, some urgent matter is demanding my attention?' he pleaded.

'That's fine,' she nodded. I'll grab something at the restaurant, then go check out some of today's events. I'll text you, where to find me.'

The ship was large enough to resemble a city, with its many restaurants, shopping malls, and theatres, she could not even count the number of swimming pools she'd seen, or the many sporting arenas.

'Shall I order a tray for you here?' she asked.

'No, just some tea, thanks,' he seemed irritated by the call that had distracted his attention. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his head down, so she could kiss his lips.

'See you later,' she murmured as the satellite phone buzzed again.

He nodded, opening the door to see her out. Kimberly enjoyed a sandwich and coffee and made her way to the motor cross event. She loved speed, especially the off the road racing kind and motorbikes were a secret passion. She had a bike back at Leeds. When she was still in university, she and a group of friends used to race religiously every weekend. Sadly since her career took off, she gave less and less attention to the biking, eventually stopping all together. Well she'll just watch today, and reminisce over the "good old times".

An arresting smile displayed across her lips as she reflected on their hell raising days, not many who looked at her today would connect the lady of today, as the hell raiser of her late teens.

There were six bikes on display in front of her now, a large screen pitting the six riders against each other in a simulated format. Three brave young men were already togging themselves, with gloves and goggles to pit their skills against each other. Kimberly could feel the adrenalin rising in her body, her palms moist with anticipation. Two more contenders joined the three, the facilitator was enticing the spectators calling for one more entrant. Spontaneously Kimberly decided to give it a bash, raising her hand and walking to the arena.

You're crazy girl, you're out of practice!

Well she'll give into the moment of weakness. It was just a sport right? There was loud applause, at the anticipated start of the event. Her face a mask of concentration as she made her way to the last bike waiting to be mounted. Kimberly was mentally recalling all the pep talks she and her mates would dish to each other before their races. She observed the way two of the men clutched the handles and their arched bodies, alluding to their expertise at the sport. The other three just seemed to be novices or doing it for the fun of it, just like her.

She was given her goggles and gloves. She scribbled her name in the entrant's register, and quickly texted Rick to let him know where she was, hopefully she'd be done, by the time he would come to join her. They were allowed a test lap, to warm up. Kimberly did not display too much of her abilities, instead she tested the controls, tried to identify all the obstacles on the screen. Well at least with a simulation event, there was no cause for concern, it was like playing computer games, no chance of one crashing and resulting in personal fatalities. She noted the times of her competitors for each of their laps. Whilst she did not test her speed during the warm up, her two male contenders were pretty nifty riders it seemed, by the rate they accomplished the warm up lap.

'On your marks!' the facilitator yelled.

She dropped the goggles over her eyes, slowly pumping the accelerator, monitoring her rev counter against her two worthy contenders. With nervous anticipation, she awaited the green light. The engines around her roared loudly, the spectators' applause reached her ears. When the green light appeared, she was first to cut around the first corner.

Not bad, still have some of your touch!

It was a ten lap race, Kimberly's eye scanned for the obstacles that would throw her off course, she skillfully maneuvered through the sharp bends, recalling all the tactical lessons she was taught on the real circuit. Her two contenders were very close on her back, the other three were not so fortunate with the obstacles. She was calculating when she would need to make a pit stop. After two laps, she gauged her fuel consumption per lap, and mentally calculated when she would be on reserve. She knew the two behind her were waiting for her to dictate the fuel stop, that's where most races were won or lost by the time taken at the pit stop and the weight of the additional fuel that affected one's speed.
Kimberly was rather pleased she improved her time with each lap. After five laps she was still in the lead. She made the call to refuel after the sixth lap. The two contenders followed suit. Unlike with the real race where one physically stopped, the simulator, held the bike in idle mode, whilst the contender punched a keypad on the screen indicating refueling, tyre check and so on. Her one contender made headway before she could finish her pit stop. He opted not to do a tyre check. She was second to get back in the race, and now she was sandwiched between her two rival contenders. Kimberly's one eye was staid on the large screen scanning for obstacles further ahead, whilst simultaneously covering the lap. She could see a huge sand and grit boulder ahead that required negotiating through. Perhaps this is where she could regain her position, but suddenly with two laps to go, a light flickered on her dashboard, signaling she was low on oil.

No! not now.

She groaned frustratedly.

Is only a sport Kimberly.

She could hear the moans and disappointed from the spectators, in the background. They could see everything she could see on the same screen. Some seemed to have their money on her and felt as disappointed as she was that she may have to pit stop again and risk losing her position.
A lap and a half to go.  Could she make it? Should she make a second pit stop? It would be so embarrassing to be killed in the middle there with just half a lap to go. Perhaps she could make the stop, and try increasing her speed to make the finish in second place. She was very close on the heels of her the one rival in front of her. He bravely sped on, attempting to negotiate the rugged terrain. Grit, rubber and smoke were fighting each other as he failed to make the climb, his tyres caving in.

Yesss! Stay Calm Kimberly!

Kimberly revved on the accelerator, picking up her speed and flying at breakneck speed over the rubble, skillfully keeping the bike absolutely steady, she did not want to touch her brakes that could cause her to skid and fall. Clearing past her competitor, she resumed pole position.
There was spontaneous applause from the spectators.  It was euphoric, dulling every other sound around her. The oil light was repeatedly flashing red, she now had less than half a lap to go and needed to make the call. She was in pole position. Should she make a pit stop? Did she want to finish in second place? Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she took the risk. Recalling her previous lap times, she figured in less than forty seconds, she was going to stall just before the finish line, or if good fortune favoured her, she was going to be taking the banner as the winner.

Please, please just keep going!

Silently she urged to the oil indicator to be still.   The crowds were sensing her victory.   She could hear applause and chanting behind her. Her eye scanned the screen, her rivals were still behind her trying with difficulty to negotiate the rubble, when she cleared the last lap and acknowledged the winner's flag.

You did it, you beauty!

She mentally complimented the bike, feeling the adrenalin and joy that she used to enjoy in her earlier years. Kimberly hurriedly slapped the keypad, indicating she'd completed the ten laps and that she was switching off all controls.
She slid off the bike, removing the goggles, her eye scanning the screen to monitor who would take second and third place. Her closest rival that was tailing her for most of the race had made a tactical error with his tyres, relegating him to third spot. He came to her sheepishly, as she was removing the gloves, she rubbed her sweat stained palms on her shorts.

'You're no novice!' he accused with a grin, 'not the way you took off and negotiated around those obstacles,' he laughed.

Kimberly grinned, 'Guilty, I'm no novice, but it's been two or three years since I've tested myself on a bike,' she claimed.

'Well done!' he extended his hand, 'Paul Sutton,' he introduced himself.

'Hi, Kimberly Sloane,' she replied.

Paul guided Kimberly back to the podium to receive a mock winner's trophy. The trophy was a replica of the ship and the event engraved on it.

'What was your strategy?' the facilitator enquired, putting a microphone towards her.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Rick. He was smiling proudly, she waved to him.

'I used the first lap to monitor my required speed against my competitors,' she smiled at her close rival, Paul.

He grinned, shaking his head.

'The rest of the laps were just a matter of not loosing time. Off course the eighth lap was quite a dilemma' she cringed.

'What were your thoughts?' he prompted.

'With just two laps to go, I made the call, not to pit stop. I had forty seconds to go, when the oil light was throwing up a storm of note. My first instinct was to try and finish as fast as I could. But caution prevailed, so I gauged the distance between myself and my nearest competitor and just reduced my speed, easing some of the pressure and let it coast home.'

'Well done Miss Sloane, and well done to all the competitors,' the facilitator cut off his microphone.

'May I buy you a celebratory drink?' Paul offered.

Kimberly could see Rick making his way to her. His eyes also did not miss the company she attracted.

'Thank you, but I'm with somebody.'

'That's too bad,' he murmured.

Kimberly tried not to react, but her brightened cheeks betrayed her. Paul's eyes followed Kimberly's.

'We can't compete with that now can we?' he teased. 'I've enjoyed the race, see you around Kimberly.'

She smiled politely, as he took his leave.

Kimberly made her way towards Rick, 'hi,' she smiled.

'Hi yourself,' they gazed at each other, wanting to be in each others' arms, but restrained themselves with difficulty.

'Lady of many talents, I would never have guessed!' he smiled lazily, oblivious to all the females drooling over him.

'Perhaps you may congratulate the winner Mr. Buchanan,' she invited.

He took the hint, his hands casually on her shoulders, placing a kiss on her cheek.

'So who's the competition?' he questioned, the innuendo not lost on Kimberly.

'I've won the race, so it's not important,' she grinned, deliberately ignoring his barb. 'Everything under control with you, work wise?' she enquired casually.

'Yes, I had to do some hand holding and pacifying, but all's well now,' he replied.

Kimberly gave him the trophy to hold.

'So how long have you been racing?' he enquired, 'seems I still need to learn a lot about my wife.'

'Perils of a five minute courtship,' she reminded him.

'Except I can't even lay claim to the five minutes, you used it to run to the pharmacy,' he reminded her.

'Right,' she looked away.

'So tell me about the biking,' he asked

'I don't race,' she teased him.

'Kimberly, the way you mounted that bike and took off, and defended your position in every lap that was no amateur feat!' he complimented proudly.

'So you were there right from the start!' she smiled.

He nodded.

'I haven't done anything in the last three years, but back in Leeds it was the highlight of the weekends,' she informed him. 'Although, it feels like a lifetime ago,' she pondered.

'So you've found something more exhilarating to pass the time then?' his eyes were hinting mischief.

Kimberly felt her face grow a deep hue of pink. She hung her head, feeling self conscious.

'Oh darling! You know that saying about a picture painting a thousand words, that's your face right now,' he groaned softly.

Kimberly wished there was a pool right there she could dive into.

He had an arm around her distracting her, she was trying to play the guitar, he was trying to kiss her, they were giggling, when there was a knock on his cabin door. For once Kimberly was not concerned who would see her with Rick Buchanan. He searched her eyes, she smiled, continuing to softly play on the cords.

'Come in!' Rick responded to the knock.

'Excuse me, Mr. Buchanan some urgent documents need your signature,' James announced, handing the documents to Rick.

Kimberly continued to play her guitar, singing softly.

'Good day, Ms. Kimberly,' James greeted, his eyes not making contact with hers.

'Hi James,' she smiled.

'Excuse me a minute,' Rick kissed Kimberly on her cheek, taking the documents to the nearby table to go through them.

'Mm mm,' she murmured and carried on singing softly.

'You sing beautifully Ms Kimberly, there's a karaoke competition at the High Tides night club tonight, perhaps you should enter,' he boldly declared.

Kimberly cast her eye in Rick's direction, knowing it would not have his seal of approval.

'Do you want me to physically throw you off this ship James?' Rick questioned, mildly irritated.

'No Sir,' he shifted embarrassedly.

'Perish the thought, Kimberly!' he cautioned.

'I'm not thinking, I'm just singing,' she replied, trying to keep a straight face. 'See the trouble you're getting me into?' she whispered to James.

'I'm sorry Ms Kimberly,' he smiled, 'although I can't imagine any trouble worse than being fed to the sharks!' he exclaimed.

'His bark is worst than his bite,' she whispered, 'so don't worry too much.'

'All done,' Rick returned the signed documents to James.

'Flirting with my staff!' he accused, resuming his seat next to her, when James departed.

Her eyes locked with his. How could he think she could look at another man, when she was head over heels in love with him. He consumed her every waking moment, even when she tried to work.

'You're the only man I want,' she spoke softly, putting her arms around him.

'Yeah?' he questioned,

'Yeah,' she replied huskily, her lips reaching for his.

He carefully removed the guitar that stood as a barrier against her chest placing it on the floor, then hoisted her onto his lap. With deliberate slowness, he unbuttoned her shirt, his hand slipped through, his palm measuring her firm breast in his hand. His fingers felt like an electrical current passing over her body. A hot sensation skimmed deep inside her. Kimberly sighed, shutting her eyes, reveling in the torturous pleasure his caress provided. His thumb circled around the aroused peak, heightening her desire. Their hungry eyes trained on each other in a magnetic gaze.

'Riccardo, kiss me,' she pleaded.

His mouth reached over hers, their tongues entwining, erotic and sizzling, like a raging force binding them together. Rick removed her shirt, his mouth searching for the aroused nipple. He unhooked her lacy bra, dropping it to the floor, his tongue caressed over her skin, sending a tingling sensation throughout her body. Her shorts was deftly discarded next, his fingers trailed over her sexy satin briefs. His eyes followed his hands as they caressed over her thighs, purposefully towards her soft innermost part. Kimberly whimpered and groaned at his seductive teasing. She waited impatiently for him to please her where she wanted his touch most. His fingers found her aroused and wanting.

'I want to touch you,' she complained, not having much room to maneuver. He eased her back a bit on his knees, hurriedly loosening his buckle and zip, freeing his erect manhood. Rick seductively guided her hand to his aroused organ. Her fingers experimentally slid down the length of him, testing his response to her touch.

'Darling,' he murmured, his tongue stoking her earlobe, his lips sending erotic sensations to every part of her body. Kimberly stroked him, her thumb circling his tip, her fingers coming into contact with his substance, loving the sexy feel of him.

'Kimberly when you do that, I lose all control,' he groaned.

She did not stop, loving the pleasure of it herself. It was like the pupil had overtaken the master. He hurriedly removed his trousers and all her remaining garments, adjusting her to sit astride him, lifting her by her hips, then moulding her on him, and guiding himself into her.

'Riccardo, oh it feels so beautiful,' she purred against his lips.

'You're beautiful, my love, I can have you five times a day, but you're like a drug, an addiction,' he groaned, his lips demanding hers hungrily.

'Riccardo don't stop, I don't want you to stop!'

'I will try, Kimberly' his fingers caressed her naked flesh.

She ripped off his shirt, her aroused nipples burned against his chest. She clung closely to him, raising her pelvis, up and down, joining Rick as they found a rhythm that brought them explosive pleasure she matched his stamina, giving him as much pleasure as she took from him.

'Kimberly, I can't hold on any longer,' he begged, thrusting forcefully and deeper, as they soared to new heights of pleasure.

'Riccardo, she gasped, her nails piercing into his flesh, he felt the constricting muscles he was waiting for, she was gripped tightly to his body, as she exploded like shards of glass, only then did he released himself as he felt her reach that point of no return and together they succumbed to the explosive release.

He allowed the length of his body to slide onto the settee, taking her weight on his chest.

'Wow, that was so exhilarating,' she purred, kissing his lips.

'Yeah?'

He always seemed to say that when he wanted affirmation.

'Don't you believe me darling?' she spoke softly.

'You are such a wonderfully demanding lover, I keep asking myself if you are for real,' he smiled adoringly, 'especially when you've not known another man.'
Kimberly cupped his face with her fingers, 'Riccardo, everything I give to you when we make love, is from what you bring out in me. Darling you stir the emotions and feelings in me to respond to you the way I do,' she assured him.

'You are so beautiful. You give me so much pleasure. I cannot believe you are mine, Kimberly.'

'You haven't thrown our marriage certificate overboard, have you?' she snuggled up to him.

'No,' he smiled, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

'Good, that should be your point of reference.' she teased.

'I keep it close to me, and remind myself constantly, that you really belong to me.'

She gazed at him adoringly, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

'I have been lonely for so long. I want a family Kimberly.'

Oh boy, I knew if anything was going to test this marriage, it was going to be this subject.

She had been expecting it, but just not so soon. She knew from the continuous way he spoke of his lonely life, that Riccardo felt incomplete. He was a multi millionaire, an eligible bachelor, well not anymore, who graced the social and businesses pages of various newspapers, magazines and journals, yet with all that he still was left wanting, feeling incomplete without his very own family.

'Riccardo, I know you want children,' her palm cupped his cheek consolingly, 'we will have a family as I promised you, now are you going to honor the agreement we reached?'

He gave her a tormented look, burying his head in her neck, 'yes,' he dragged out not very convincingly.

'I'm getting cold,' she murmured, feeling the mood change between them.

Meekly, he lifted his weight off her carrying her to the shower with a gentle smile. Kimberly pulled his head to her lips, she smiled back, kissing him repeatedly.

'Shall we take a bath?' she invited. She much preferred a shower, but thought he needed some tender loving care.

His eyes lit up, 'is it strictly a bath?' he enquired, mischievously.

Where does he get the stamina from? She wondered. He really tested her physical strength. Her own endurance sometimes amazed her.

'I'll leave the agenda open to you,' she hinted, 'a bath with you is going to be a novelty.'

'I best make sure you have a good memory of it then,' he grinned.

She would surely not forget her first bathtub experience with Rick. He had her begging for his love and possession, and what amazed her was the record breaking orgasm she experienced with him. They were lazing on the settee, giggling, cuddling, discussing their lives when they would be back home in less than four days. She could not believe almost three weeks had flown past already.

'I've called grandma,' he told her.

'Is she a dragon lady? I feel kind of intimidated to meet her.'

Rick laughed. 'Grandma! No she can't hurt a fly.'

'Oh, I don't know. Women are possessive over their sons and grandsons.'

'You'll love her just like I do, don't worry.'

'So what was her response to your express marriage? Kimberly asked, as her fingers brushed feathery strokes over the fine hairs on his muscular chest

'She refused to believe me, saying the first thing I should do when I arrive is produce the wife and the marriage certificate! So I assured her I will be there with said marriage certificate and my gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, world famous, stunningly, beautiful __'

'Right, you were that descriptive! she cut him off.

Rick laughed, 'I'm just trying to ease your nervous tension, my love.'

Her mobile rang interrupting them, 'excuse me,' she tried to get up to answer it.

'Secret lover calling,' he teased not allowing her to get up.

'Rick I need to answer that,' she giggled.

'Who is interrupting my time with you?' he persisted.

'Let me answer, then we'll know,' she laughed. 'Dad! How are you?' she smiled happily, 'I'm back in London next week,' she responded to his question.

'I miss you too Dad.'

'Did you tell your dad, you're married?' Rick whispered, kissing her neck.

'Shut up!' she whispered, pushing him away.

'Er! I'll try and see you early next week Dad. I love you too. Bye.' Cutting the call, she punched him in his tummy, 'can't you behave yourself?' she scolded him, becoming nervous at the impending visit she needed to make to her dad.

'Darling you should get it over with as soon as possible,' he grinned, observing her pacing around his cabin like a caged lion.

'Why did I allow you to twist my arm, instead of doing things the traditional way?' she moaned.

'Do you regret marrying me, my love?' he grinned, increasing her irritation.

'I'd love to say yes, and wipe that arrogant smile of your face! she threw at him.

He lifted her into his arms, cradling her like a baby, 'you're going to love me for the rest of your life, aren't you?' he demanded to know.

'Oh, I don't know, perhaps some fresh blood may attract my interest in a few years __' she did not get very far, he threw her on his bed, tickling her mercilessly.

'I take that back. Stop!' she begged.

'You want to play games, learn the rules,' he smirked a warning at her not giving him the answers he wanted to hear.

She dared not respond.

'No smart rejoinder?' he challenged.

'I'm so tempted,' she groaned, 'but not while I'm mercilessly pinned under your body,' she laughed.

Kimberly wanted to research some material at one of the libraries. She called James.  'This ship feels bigger than the City of London, can you guide to me one of the libraries.'

'Pleasure Ms Kimberly, I'll be there in five minutes,' he offered.

'Oh, don't rush right now I can wait,' Kimberly countered.

'I'm not busy right now Ms Kimberly, and Mr. Buchanan is at the gym, he won't be back for the next hour.'

'Okay see you now then,' she smiled, recalling Rick's gentle complaint that she was too demanding a lover, but he loved her being so demanding.

She texted him to let him know the library she was going to, and that she would meet him at the restaurant at twelve. Amazing how diligent she'd become in doing the reporting and checking in thing, like a well trained wife. She groaned to herself thinking that less than a month ago, she was an independent career woman and now she had to schedule and balance her career and personal life to that of her husband's. Well at least it was a major consolation that she loved him and treasured every moment they spent together.

Looking at her wristwatch, she noted she had three hours to do her research. She set the alarm for eleven forty five, giving her sufficient time to be able to drop her stuff back in her cabin and meet Rick for lunch. She very quickly became engrossed in her work, Kimberly got stuck into her research, making notes where she could, and photo copying stuff she wanted to keep as reference. She was pleased with all she had managed to accomplish, it had been a productive three hours.

'Well fancy seeing you here!'

Kimberly looked up into the smiling eyes of Paul Sutton.

'Are you stalking me?' she grinned, looking at her watch. Eleven forty.

'Would it be favourably received?' his eyes were smiling, but his serious tone was unmistakable.

'No it won't,' she replied politely, wanting him to know, his interest was not reciprocated.

'Please don't leave on my account,' he wanted her to stay, observing her pack her material away.

'I was scheduled to leave now,' she informed him and on cue, the alarm buzzed on her mobile.

'Can I not entice you to a drink?' he persisted.

'Kimberly!'

She heard Rick's voice behind her. She could not see his face, but his tone, conveyed the controlled anger.

Oh boy! This was all she needed.

-End Chapter Five-