“Her cheeks burned afresh at the memory of that final night before
her departure from Sibu. She had gone to his berth out in the
saloon and pleaded with him to let her stay—sinking every last
vestige of pride in her desperation to be with him. Only he hadn't
cared. He'd told her roughly to get back to her cabin and stop
making a fool of herself. Next time he needed a woman, he had
said, he would make sure it was one and not some silly little girl
with romantic notions.”