Page 67 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

“What do you think?” Hook asks as we move higher and higher, inching closer and closer to the night sky just as the stars begin to appear. It starts off as one and then two and before I know it, the entire sky is full of them.

The ride stops when we’re right at the top, making me feel close to them and it reminds me of the gift Hook gave me.

“You gave me the stars. Why?” I turn to him. As if feeling my stare, he too turns back to look at me.

“Because it was something I could give you. And you deserve a night without your dreams becoming nightmares.” He frowns and gives me a look as if to say it’s as simple as that.

“Because you shouldneverhave to wake from a dream so dark, it leaves you in fear. Or wonder what lies waiting within it.” His frown deepens and a dark glint enters his eyes.

“I won’t let anything harm you in or out of the darkness. But know that there is nothing inside it that I won’t hunt and kill. You’re safe with me.” His dark eyes blaze with an emotion I don’t recognize as he searches my face for something.

But I’m struck silent by his words to form any reply. It’s been so long since anyone cared about what I think or feel that all this time I’ve been waiting for his trick or game to be revealed. When it wasn’t a game at all. It was just him caring.

“Thank you,” I finally reply before clearing my throat of emotion.

He gives me a soft smile before looking around us and slowly adopting his usual confident persona. “There’s a job I need to finish off in a couple of nights. AneventI have to go to and could use your help with.”

The mention of an event already has my interest piqued, but it further rises once he says he needs my help.

“My help?” I question. Surely, I heard him wrong. What could he possibly need my help with?

“You should be warned though. It could get messy.” He nods, attempting to look serious but I spot the glint of light in his eyes.

“Messy?” I try to smother my smile. I was well aware of the trouble Hook used to get into and can only imagine the things he did now.

He hums a reply. “I might also have to do some questionable things.”

“Let me take a wild guess and assume it will involve stealing, tricking or conning someone?”

Hook’s smile grows as he nods, giving me a thoughtful look. “There’s a heavy possibility.”

I quirk a brow. “And maybe even get into a fight or two?”

A savage smirk slides across his face. “Most definitely.”

I laugh as a warmth fills my chest. This moment between us felt like we were back on Neverland with a world full of possibilities ahead of us.

“What do you say? Ready to join me on a little adventure?” His eyes brighten as a rush of excitement fills me.

“Count me in.”

CHAPTER17

“Stay close to me.”Hook fixes the cuffs of his black suit jacket for the third time since we arrived outside Lord Basilius’ manor.

His entire suit is black-on-black, a dark contrast to the white tie with small skulls on it. And apart from the small, matching silver skull cufflinks, every other item he wears is also black.

But it makes his electric blue eyes stand out, drawing me to them each time he glances over at me.

“There are many dangerous people here that would—” I take the crook of his arm and glance up at the large manor.

“I’ll be fine.” It wasn’t the first time I’d been to something like this. And although I never thought Hook’s event would end up being a ball, I was excited to be here.

The young Lord of the Dark Realm was celebrating his official move to the Mortal Realm, and it was supposed to be a night to remember. Or so Cash told me.

Hook glances down at me, his eyes still as intense as they were when he first saw me in this dress.

One that looks like it was carved from the stars themselves. And with Hooks ability to attain such unique items, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was.

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