Chapter 274

"Mira." "Damn it," I muttered under my breath, then got up to leave. "Stay." Ashton blocked my way. I glanced around, searching for an escape route. The restaurant was one of three on board, and it wasn't even lunchtime. I thought I'd be safe here. How did he even find me? "I'm busy," I said. "Doing what?" I nearly said "work," the excuse I'd used for the past two months, then remembered I was on a cruise ship. A group of guys strolled past, carrying scuba gear. "Diving," I blurted out. "I signed up for a class, and I'm running late." "I'll come with you." I let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't want you to come with me. Shouldn't you be enjoying this perfect afternoon with your new girlfriend?" I pushed past him without waiting for an answer. He caught up easily. I started jogging. He kept pace. People turned their heads as we passed, probably thinking we were lunatics. I kept running until we reached the spot where the diving coaches were instructing a group of young men. I rented ge