Page 95 of Crossbones
Van puts his hands between us. “Not worth it—” he says firmly.
Harrison shoves Van’s hand aside and steps closer. “You heard me. You lot are good for nothing but causing issues—”
“You trying to start something?”
Harrison’s lip curls. “Maybe I need to put the De’Vero in his place again and send a message.”
“What makes you think you succeeded the first time?”
Harrison shrugs. “I know you threw the fight before.”
“Then take the win, mate,” I sneer.
“You think by doing me a favor you’re better than me?” Harrison growls.
“No, Blondie, IknowI’m better than you.” My tone is low and dripping in ice.
Harrison scoffs and gives me a sneer of his own. “Is that a challenge,Your Highness?”
“Enough!” Blackwell growls. He looks at me, his eyes holding a question. I give him a subtle nod. “You two want to fight it out, fine—tonight, at sunset. First to draw blood,” he says loud enough for the crew to hear. “We could all do with some entertainment.”
“You better bring your A-game,” I taunt. “I’m not doing you any favors this time.”
Harrison bares his teeth in a feral grin. “You remember that when you’re down on the deck bleeding.”
The sun is setting on our left and the mood is lively as men gather around the edges of the main deck. Bets are being exchanged, rum is flowing and the sound of raucous laughter drifts on the light breeze. This isn’t a fight to prove a point to the crew, even though it’ll mean something to Harrison and I—to them, it’ll simply be entertainment. Which means, I can go all in, and I fully intend to put Harrison on his back. Energy ripples through me at the thought, and I bounce on the balls of my feet, eager and ready.
Van stands next to me, a frown on his face. “Just don’t kill him,” he mutters.
“I’m not going to kill him,” I say dryly. I look over at where Harrison is standing on the other side of the cleared out space we’ve designated for the fight. He’s glaring at me, a deadly glint in his eyes. “Can’t say the same about him though. I think he’s going to try.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Van grumbles.
“You’ve seen the prince fight before, Van. He’ll be fine,” Flynt says, glancing up briefly from where he’s sharpening my cutlass against a whetstone.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” I say, humor lacing my words as I look pointedly at Van.
Van shrugs and holds up his hands. “Just don’t think it’s smart to be doing this so far from a safe port is all.”
“If he touches me with that blade, I deserve it,” I grin. “Hopefully I’m not too rusty.” At Van’s look of horror I laugh and clasp him on the back. “I’m just joking, Van—relax.”
Blackwell appears on deck, his presence always sends a rush of something dark and dangerous through the crew, not to mention what it does to me—and the crowd hushes ever so slightly. He walks over to Harrison who finally drags his attention away from me to address his Captain. His gaze softens ever so slightly—the respect and partnership they have obvious in the way they’re heads are bent together. I can’t hear what is said, but Harrison looks begrudgingly at Blackwell and nods once.
The pirate Captain turns his attention to me and my blood practically sings—the rush of adrenaline and nerves mixing with the potent attraction I feel towards him. A slow smile spreads across my face and his scowl lessens ever so slightly. He walks over and stops in front of us. Van and Flynt exchange a look and after handing me my blade, they fade to the edge of the crowd, giving us some space.
“You sure about this?” He asks.
“You need to stop asking me that—makes it seem like you don’t have faith in me, Captain.” I tsk in a teasing manner. “I’m disappointed.”
“Harrison has had it out for you this entire time,” Blackwell growls. “Just—be careful.”
“The concern is touching,” I smirk at him. “But I can handle Blondie.” I lean in closer. “The more important question is what do I get when I win?”
I barely catch the sharp hitch in his breathing. His lips twitch and he looks at me intensely, hunger glimmering in his eyes.
“I’m not a prize to be won,” he mutters.
“You’re right,” I swing my cutlass. “You’re the whole damn treasure.” I go to walk past him and lean in. “One I fully intend on claiming—just as soon as I put your quartermaster in his place.”
