The question, a shard of accusation, ignited the fire in her chest.

“Why are you here, Rocco? Why did you defy me and barge into Newfort alone? Don’t you know I was half mad with worry when I couldn’t reach you?”

Rocco lowered his eyes.

“I… I overestimated myself.

” His voice trembled a bit.

“I thought I could find something and help you.

I did, but then… then I was taken, dragged onto this ship.

I don’t know who…” His voice trailed off, swallowed by a shuddering breath.

“I thought I’d never see you again.

Then someone paid my ransom, booked this room, told me to wait for news.

Hannah, her anger melting away like frost in the sun, held him close.

“Don’t worry,” she murmured, her voice a balm.

“When this ship touches land, you’ll be off it, and we’ll go home.

counterpoint to her promise, cut through the

what

shot him

“Don’t worry,” she clipped.

me

her, Rocco’s fingers tightened around hers, his

you promise them?” he rasped, his voice

a bad

flew to Winston, a snarl twisting

spat, the tremor in his voice betraying his steely

“Don’t hurt Hannah.

you if you

Rocco from his superior height, a sneer twisting

us, you’d be

between

and already you’re at each

crackled with tension, thick enough to slice

room itself reeked of neglect, a

were clearly quarters reserved

a sigh, Hannah stepped behind Rocco, guiding his

murmured, “I’ll take you

you

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