Page 16 of Of Magic and Rum
When Mary raises her hand, I feel Anne’s body tense behind me. Mary’s expression remains emotionless, but I have the faintest inkling she’s doing it for a reason I don’t bother todecipher. She always has her reasons for damn near everything. And with everyone’s hands held sky-high, the results are clear.
“That settles that, Anne.” I turn to face her, and she’s glaring burning splinters into my eye sockets. “We’re still a couple of days’ sail before we can come about and intercept. Until then, business as usual.” Pointing to the back of the ship, I can’t help the victorious grin pulling at my lips. “I do believe the shit bucket needs to be emptied this time of day.”
“Wait,” Anne calls out as I step away and pause. “After this, we’re to continue as if nothing happened?”
Unabashedly, I drop my eyes to her booted feet and lazily drag them up her body until reaching her face again. How I wish I couldseethose curves. “You’re an uninvited guest aboard my ship. You’re to continue with your assigned duties as if, yes, nothing has changed until we reach Vane. Now, you don’t have to go about the deck with your head held low like a scolded pup.”
She shoves past me, colliding into my side and heading for the back as I’d instructed.
“And Anne,” I beckon, smiling at her when she stops to look at me. “Feel free to show a little moreskinnow, too—if you wish.”
Her hands clench at her sides, and she storms away.
I let out a breath and drum my fingers on my sword’s hilt, watching her until she disappears into the latrine. It’s not always the easiest business, being a leader and making the hard decisions. But it would have only been a matter of time before she would’ve fucked up—someone would’ve caught her with her trousers down, squatting to piss, or glimpsed one of her tits when the wind blew just right or through a rain-soaked shirt. And what then? They would’ve questioned my obliviousness. I can’t have that.
“You sure about this, Captain?” Ragnar asks, dragging a hand over his beard and blowing out a breath.
“Vane won’t stop for nothing. You know that as well as I do. This plan is foolproof. Trust me.” I pat my old friend’s arm before making my way to Mary.
Mary’s braiding rope with extra pep, glaring at it as if she wishes it would catch flame.
“Piece of eight for your thoughts?” I lean on the ship’s side, crossing my legs at the ankles.
“This bloody stinks. That’s what. I give Anne this whole speech about us lady folk sticking together, and then I do what? Vote for her to be handed off to that godforsaken sod.” Mary pulls the next bit of rope so tightly it unravels.
Reaching for the rope before she destroys it all, I gently take it from her. “I assume this was a lesson of sorts for her?”
“Trust.” Mary folds her arms and watches Anne angrily scrubbing the deck. “Shecantrust me, but she needs to learn there’s such a thing as far too quickly.”
I do nothing but nod.
“You’re not going to hand her off, are you?” Mary snaps her gaze to me when I don’t answer immediately, and her arms fall slack at her sides. “Captain?”
“I always have a plan, Read.” After jostling her, I leave a slack-jawed Mary standing there as I head for my cabin.
Once inside my quarters, I leave my door open a crack and sulk into my chair. Truffles emerges from his hiding spot beneath the desk and hops to my lap, curling up on it with a contented purr. I snatch the small dagger resting in an open drawer, smirking as I remember Anne not only going for the one at her hip once buttwice—such a little spitfire that one. I stroke Truffles’ fur, its softness finally making my body relax. With my free hand, I carve the shape of the jewel that’s been consuming my mind for months, ensuring I never forget where this long, arduous journey will take us.
There’s a knock at my door, and I slide one of the numerous books across my desk over the drawing before answering, “Come in.”
Glog pokes his head in with a curt smile, deepening the groove in his chin. “Am I interrupting anything, Captain?”
“Just self-wallowing. What do you need?” Smiling at my cat, I scratch his head, making his eyes close and his bushy tail sway.
Glog enters with a pewter bowl in hand. He’s in his usual attire of a gray tunic shirt, cut-off trousers, bare feet, and an apron that was once white and is now littered with various colorful stains. “Wanted you to try the new bone broth I’ve been experimenting with. Added new spices and sea biscuits to give it something to chew on and taste different.” He holds the bowl out to me, still grinning.
Once I take the bowl, Glog adjusts the red bandana tied tightly over his dark hair with both hands and presses his palms together, waiting for me to taste it.
Eyeing him over the rim, I take a sip. It’s good. Really good. As simple as bone broth is, you’d think you were consuming something far more complex. “This is amazing, Glog. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but this crew is damn lucky to have you.”
Glog sighs in relief and slaps his hands together before taking the bowl and turning for the door. “I’ll whip up a big enough batch for lunchtime then, yeah?”
“Oh, Glog, before you go.” I snap my fingers and motion him back to the desk. “Since you’re down there with storage, do you remember that ornate chest we pilfered some months ago? The one with all the lady garments in it that we’ve never known what to do with?”
Glog puckers his lips and then nods.
“Rummage through it, will you? See if there’s something—green.”
“Right away, Captain. I’ve never pegged you for the type who fancies wearing women’s clothing behind closed doors.” Glog gazes at me with sudden focus.
