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She insisted in a breathless voice, “Robert, I don’t think this is a good idea.” But at the same moment she was reaching for his arm and wrapping hers in his. Her skin felt hot and her breathing heavy as confusion fogged her mind. Anna had to admit to herself that she liked being with this man, even though her better judgment told her to run. She knew she never could.

Anna strolled along the main deck with him arm in arm, and they stopped to chat with different women and men as they walked along. Several of the women were talking about the classes they had been holding.

Robert was amazed how genuine she was around other people and he could see that she believed in treating everyone equally, both men and women. The other people on the ship seemed to respect her that much was obvious. He could also tell someone had polished and educated this pearl of a woman, but who, and why did she ended up as a mail-order-bride, he liked to know.

“Walk with me Anna.” His deep voice willed.

They walked again, arm in arm, his tall frame guiding hers toward the entrance to the steps that lead to the lower deck area. Captain Drake watched with some interest from the upper deck, but Robert and Anna seemed unaware they were being watched by anyone. He guided her along, far removed from the world around them, till they made it to the bottom step.