Rachel chased after James as he disappeared down the side deck. Her steps were fast, her breaths uneven, but James didn't stop.
James noticing that Rachel was still chasing, sighed. He'd had enough.
He halted abruptly, spinning to face her.
"Back off," he said sharply, his tone laced with irritation.
Rachel stopped in her tracks, blinking. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she hesitated—watching the man she had dismissed earlier now look at her like she was an annoyance he didn't have time for.
James turned away, intent on walking off.
But then she said it.
"Wait. Please... wait."
The words stopped him—not the plea itself, but the weight behind it. Her voice wasn't sharp or theatrical. It was genuine. And that was what made him pause.
James paused, exhaled slowly, and turned his head halfway.
"Say whatever it is you need to say. Quickly. I'm hungry. I left my food back there with that idiot, and I can't be bothered to take it with me."
