Karol, unperturbed by his demeanor, leaned in, her voice insistent.

“Is there anything else to be arranged? I can ensure it's taken care of."

"No need," Gerard replied tersely. "That's been handled. Focus on your own responsibilities, Miss Morris."

Undeterred, Karol assured him, "Of course."

His next words came with a tinge of irritation. “And keep your distance; the perfume-it doesn't agree with me."

Karol's cheeks tinged with pink as Gerard's words sank in. She offered a strained smile and retreated, pondering his aversion to her fragrance.

She only wore the perfume for him. Her use of the scent a deliberate choice to linger in his memory.

The irony wasn't lost on her. The fragrance was sophisticated, meant to enchant, not overwhelm.

One of the burly men broke the silence, voicing concerns about the weather affecting their journey.

Gerard's response was firm, eyes fixed on the man. "Results are what matter. Make it on time, and you'll get paid double."

The promise of double pay sparked a gleam in the eyes of the crew, each man silently vowing to reach the island with haste.

Amidst the exchange, a man with questionable intentions looked Karol's way and licked his lips, his actions crossing a boundary.

Karol met his gaze with an icy dismissal before retreating to the cabin.

Come morning, the elements were in their favor, the winds gentle, promising smooth sailing.

Within the hour, the ship was cutting through the waves of the middle sea. Gerard, ever watchful, peered through a telescope, his gaze sharpening as the silhouette of the island came into view.

Karol, with a thoughtful gaze toward the horizon, murmured, “We're almost there."

As she spoke, she closed the distance between them. Gerard lowered the telescope, casting a wary look as she neared once more.

“I just feel safer near you," she said with a sheepish grin, staying cautiously apart.

Gerard's patience waned, his frown deepening. “Everyone has their limits," he cautioned.

Karol faltered under his stern gaze, her demeanor shifting.

Suddenly, a rogue wind whipped up, darkening the sky and churning the sea, setting the sails dancing wildly.

Gerard held on to the railing tightly. Seizing the moment, Karol clung to him, feigning a need for support. "My apologies, Mr. Harris, this wasn't intentional."

A timely gust had indeed been her ally, and close to him, she couldn't help but notice his scent and broad back, a reassurance amid the chaos.

Gerard's expression soured instantly at her touch. “Enough,” he warned.