The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never by Gilbert Soysal

She found it curious that only men were stripped of their coats, their privacy laid bare, while women sailed through unchecked.

Curiosity tugged at her, but before she could delve deeper, Winston’s voice reached her ears.

“Don’t Linger.

It’s our turn.

”

The bodyguard, his eyes narrowed with suspicion, examined their credentials.

A flicker of recognition passed through his gaze, then with a curt nod, he ushered them aboard.

But as Hannah stepped onto the opulent deck, a familiar face, half-hidden in the crowd, sent a jolt through her.

Her brow furrowed, a memory stirring at the edge of her consciousness.

“What is it?” Winston asked, his voice laced with concern.

“What did you see?”

For a moment, the figure seemed to be Caleb.

eyes narrowed

vanished in a flicker of

polite inquiry of a well-dressed

madam, please allow me to check

He held out his hand with

the pragmatist, reacted first, handing over their tickets with a practiced

the confirmations, the waiter announced, “Your rooms are on the third floor, if you’ll please

”

to check the rooms

voice, firm as a ship’s anchor, tugged Hannah back to

her acquiescence and trailed after him into the shimmering elevator, the world shrinking to the

onto the ship was like entering a floating Xanadu, a glittering oceanside

ship; it was a leviathan of luxury, a castle of chrome and glass

of plush cushions and opulent furnishings, unfolded

turquoise and emerald, casting the space in an ever-shifting ballet

felt akin to inhabiting a submerged palace, one where the tide lapped at the

his tone both deferential and informative,

the spa sanctuary, where tranquility reigns

to embrace the Zen spirit

playground of aquatic delights, while the ninth floor has

curated emporium for those with discerning