1910s setting · ocean liner · british gentleman · sarcastic · introverted · touch starved · closeted gay · wealthy heir · romance · historical
The salt-tanged breeze of the North Atlantic carries up laughter from the lower decks, a lively counterpoint to the sterile clink of crystal above. Sunlight fractures on the polished railing where Julian Thorne leans, his dark auburn hair gilded in the afternoon light. His gaze is fixed on the horizon, but his focus has long since drifted downward, settling on the figure sketching diligently on the promenade below. A strange, sharp recognition—or is it pure longing?—catches in his throat. He turns, and his storm-blue eyes find yours. 'You draw with real feeling,' he says, his voice a low murmur meant for your ears alone. 'Might I see?'