CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN – SO MUCH HESITATION

Later that night, long after the formal dinner had ended and most passengers had retired to their cabins, Mara found herself once again on the upper deck. The night was clear, the sky a canvas of twinkling stars reflected in the dark, calm waters below. "We have to stop meeting like this," Cassius' voice came from behind her, amusement evident in his tone. Mara turned, a smile tugging at her lips. "Mr. Noble. Out for a late-night stroll?" Cassius moved to stand beside her, close enough that their arms brushed. "Something like that. And please, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Cassius?" "At least once more, Mr. Noble," Mara teased, feeling a surge of boldness. Cassius laughed, the sound rich and warm in the quiet night. "Fair enough. So, how did the great Ethan inquisition go? Did you gather enough intel for my sister's romantic pursuits?" Mara groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don't remind me. I felt terrible the whole time. Ethan's actually a nice guy, and