Sarah's POV The cold intensity in Alexander's eyes made me painfully aware that he now viewed me as nothing more than a stranger. I quickly pulled my hand back. "I was just curious about the tattoo," I said softly, trying to mask the hurt in my voice. "I've never seen anything quite like it." His grip on my wrist loosened slightly, but his expression remained guarded. I seized the moment to change the subject, holding up the vibrating phone. "Why did you lie to me about there being no signal at sea?" I asked, my voice sharper than intended. "You clearly have reception. Was that deliberate?" Alexander moved closer, backing me against the wall. Water droplets from his shower still clung to his broad shoulders, and the scent of his soap—clean and something distinctly hi


