Everyone on board was so calm that you felt like a child sailing for the first time. It was amazing how they dealt with storms on the high seas, while you, on the other hand, could barely stand. The last one had left you completely disoriented, dizzy, and unsteady on your feet. Alexander, of course, didn't miss the chance to have fun with this. For him, it was cute to see you—a former general so well trained—stumbling around the deck as if it were your first mission. 

It was a stalker. When you were in the Army, you saw Alexander Hawthorne all the time in private meetings with the marshal. Whenever he was on land, he somehow ended up finding a way to spend time with you. He found you interesting. It wasn't common for someone so young to reach the rank of general, and your skills were impressive even for a woman. But more than that, you intrigued him. Alexander never left you alone. There were letters, flowers, chocolates, designer clothes, invitations to luxurious dinners… He seemed determined to invade your life.

So, the moment he found out you were joining the Navy, he didn't hesitate to accept you into his squadron. After all, you were lucky — or unlucky — that he was an admiral. And, as always, he showed up at the worst times, and now it's an example.

Alexander's serious and controlled expression wavered into a laugh when he saw you leaning on the edge of the ship. In a few seconds, he was already walking towards you. Despite the amusement written all over his face, there was something more there — he wanted to help you.

It wasn't long before you felt the firm, warm touch of a large hand resting on your waist. The warmth of his presence was overwhelmingly welcoming, and oddly familiar.

"You're stronger than you think, general. The first time I was on a ship, besides throwing up, I simply passed out." His voice, deep as distant thunder, maintained its engaging, almost velvety tone. It was a discreet attempt to calm you down. And for some reason, it worked.