Page 17 of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen

“Some men behave one way when they’re around other men. Then pretend to be decent sorts when around women. They’re not that kind. They’re the same no matter whose company they’re in.”

“I don’t care. I’m always going to be wary of men and keep my guard up around them. Especially the large ones.”

His eyes narrow at me, and I narrow mine right back.

Before Kearan can respond, Enwen puts in, “Are you making new friends?”

“What?”

“Are you trying to replace me?” Enwen’s voice rises in pitch.

“What are you on about?”

“Let’s get something straight, Kearan Erroth. I’m your best friend. You can’t replace me with someone else. I will not allow it.”

Kearan takes one hand off the helm to point at the other pirate. “How many times do I have to tell you? We are not friends.”

“Yes. We. Are.”

“Just because someone is nice to you doesn’t make them your friend.”

“Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of our strong friendship.”

Kearan closes his eyes. “What the hell does that even mean?”

“I’ll see you below for that game of cards later.” Enwen makes his retreat.

“What game? I haven’t agreed to any game.”

Enwen disappears without answering, and all returns to blessed silence.

For about two seconds.

“What?” Kearan asks.

Since there’s no one else around, I have to assume he’s talking to me.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to. I can hear your thoughts from here.”

I say nothing to his stupid words.

“You’re thinking about how weird Enwen is, right? He’s mad. I can’t believe Alosa—”

“I was thinking,” I say, if only to shut him up, “that you treat your friends poorly.”

“How many times do I have to point out that Enwen is not my friend?”

I don’t know why I’m still talking to him. I hardly care what Kearan does with himself or who he interacts with. Maybe I’ll blame every uncharacteristic thing I do during this voyage on Alosa. She’s the one who told me to speak up. Put the crew at ease. Except what I’m about to say shouldunsettle Kearan, something that seems to bring me a small measure of joy.

“You forget,” I say, “I was ordered to supervise you aboard theAva-lee. Enwen was the only person who cared about you when you were too slobbering drunk to be aware of anything. He was the only one who saw your potential. Even Alosa only took you on because her navigator died, and she didn’t have time to replace her with someone adept when we were fleeing from the pirate king.”

“Wasthe only person who cared about me?” Kearan asks. “And now? Who else cares about me now?”

“Only Alosa.”

Kearan looks disappointed, as though he hoped I’d say someone else. He recovers quickly, though. “She tried to kill me once.”

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