As we walked through the ship's corridors, my mind began to race. What if my mother, or worse, Cal, saw us? We would never be able to see each other again. I would be forced to marry Cal, who would keep me trapped. The coldness crept back into my bones and my mind played several horrifying scenarios.

"Rose? You alright?"

Jack's voice silenced the chaos inside of my head. The worry in his voice was reflected in his eyes. He ran a finger along my jaw and tilted my chin up so I could look into his eyes.

"If you changed your mind and want to go back to your mother and Cal, I'll understand. I know I have nothing to offer you, I just-"

"Jack Dawson, I-" he pressed his palm against my cheek, sending chills down my spine.

"Please. Let me finish." His eyes begged me to listen. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you, and that I understand. I don't know what happened to the $10 I had in my pocket, but I'm pretty sure it's gone. You deserve the world and I simply can't give it to you. All I can offer is my love, but even that won't take care of everything you need."

I smoothed his hair back and his eyes closed. He seemed to melt under my touch. I tried to hold back my tears when I saw the lines of pain etched across his face.

"Oh, Jack." I murmured. "Why would you even think I'd leave? I love you so much that words cannot describe it." My voice grew louder as I tried to express my emotions without crying. "I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back to…. Them. I don't need fancy things like before; those things trapped me. All I need is you, Jack. You saved me, in every way imaginable. I'm too involved now. You jump, I jump, right?"

He opened his eyes and I saw that tears threatened to spill onto his face as well. He nodded and a few tears slid down his cheeks; only then did I let myself cry. Jack lifted my chin up so I could meet his gaze and then pressed his lips against mine. That kiss was electrifying; so tender yet so passionate. Every inch of my body felt like it was on fire. I could feel the chill in my bones start to thaw. Our mugs clinked, spilling some hot chocolate on our already-ruined clothes. When Jack pulled away, I shot him a disappointed look. He reached for my hand and our fingers intertwined as he chuckled.

"C'mon. Let's find our room."

All the lines of pain had been erased and were replaced with a brilliant smile. He led me down the hallway, reading out every room number.

"344…343…342! Here we are! Now stay here, just for a second." Jack opened the door then turned around to hold up a warning finger. He shot me a mock-serious look as he entered the room.

"Jack, what are you?" He shushed me as he set our blankets and hot chocolate on a small table. I couldn't help but laugh as he made his way back to the doorway. A smile played at the edges of his lips before he scooped me up and kissed me as he carried me into our room. I heard the door slide shut before he placed me on the bed.

"I've always wanted to do that," he said with a smile that made my heart race.

I tried to pull him with me, but brought our mugs with him before sliding into bed next to me.

"Why, thank you, Mr. Dawson!" I giggled as I reached for my mug.

Jack kissed me quickly as he handed me my mug. Sitting in bed, nestled against Jack's strong chest, my world was complete. Even after the hot chocolate was long gone, we still sat like that.

"Jack?" I broke the silence. "What if my mother or Cal finds us? I'll lose you forever!"

"Rose De-Dawson." He corrected himself. "I will never let anyone take you away from me. Cal will never lay a finger on you ever again. They don't control you anymore."

I could hear a fierceness in his voice, which completely contrasted with how gently he stroked my cheek.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

"I love you too," I said before pressing my lips against his as passionately as possible.

I pulled his body on top of mine, and he peppered my neck with light kisses. As our kisses deepened and became more urgent, I could feel his fingers undoing the tiny buttons on my dress. Every remnant of last night's cold started to leave my bones for good.