Page 38 of Of Magic and Rum
It's been several hours since we sailed from the rocky island, and the crew still showers Anne and Mary with unending gratitude. Those two won’t have to do chores for the unforeseeable future.
“I’ve seen everyone thanking our mythical visitor except for one mule-headed individual who rhymes withsmack,” Duke says gruffly.
I rub the pad of my thumb against one of the wheel’s wooden pegs. “In due time, Duke. Can you blame me for being a smidge jittery that some random rocks will appear to impale my ship after those escapades?”
“Icanblame you, and I will because that sounds like an excuse for not pulling your head out of your ass.” Duke coughs into his fist, grimacing and scratching his beard after it subsides.
Anne’s coral hair stands out amidst the crew like the brightest star in a clear night sky. She laughs with them, slaps their backs, and talks about lord only knows what, but she makes it look effortless. This crew, these people, have already become her friends and family.
“Iwillthank her. But I can’t grovel at one of my crew member’s feet in front of the rest of them.” I wet my lips, that goddamned twitch sparking in my cheek again.
Duke clears his throat, swigging some grog to keep from coughing before wiping his sleeve over his mouth. “She’s not just a crew member. We both know that. I’m not saying to declare your undying gratitude aloud in the middle of the deck, Jack. Take her somewhere private and ensure she knows you appreciate her risking her life for you—twice.”
Somewhere private. Heaven help me, as if I can trust myself anywhere in private with this woman now. But then again, maybe I don’twantto trust myself.
“I’ll talk with her,” I clip, turning the wheel to make the sails catch the wind.
Duke steps closer, his stare burning the side of my head. “I meantnow.”
Rolling my eyes, I step away from the helm with my palms lifted. “You are as stubborn as I am. We’ve been spending entirely too much time together in close quarters.”
Duke chuckles—gravelly and hoarse. “Onthat,we agree.”
Cutting through the busied crew hauling rope and repairing the small holes the ship received from the rocks, I motion to Anne with a finger, keeping my face neutral. “Anne, a word?”
Anne gives sidelong glances to Glog and Mary, who tease her, playfully shoving her as if she’s about to be chastised by the captain. I open the door to my cabin and hold it, ushering her inside before following and closing it behind us. It takes three seconds for Truffles to emerge from his cat slumber and immediately begin curling figure eights through Anne’s calves.
“Aw, hey, little one. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, yes it has,” Anne coos, crouching to pet my cat’s back and head.
Making a clicking sound with my teeth, I produce a dried fish. Truffles happily saunters to my desk to receive the small treat.
No sooner is the cat content and Anne stands; I cross the room, making her backpedal until her ass presses to the door, and I hover my chest near hers. “It’s come to my attention that I’ve yet to thank you properly.”
“And you chose to do that by cornering me?” Her slender fingers explore the sash tied around my hips.
I inhale her scent, the memory of those satin lips moving against mine, torturing my very being. “Mm, does it make you—uncomfortable?”
“Not in the slightest,” she breathes out, her back arching, pushing her hips against me, and those emerald eyes grow sultry and heavy-lidded.
Slipping her hat from her head, I toss it behind me, ignoring the sound of skittering claws as it almost lands on Truffles. “What kind of a name is Rhode, anyway?”
She smiles, sweet and bright. “One not of this world. But I’m not so sure how much it suits me nowadays.” Her finger traces the scar on my brow, the touch trailing down my cheek, neck, and collarbone.
“Thank you, Annie,” I whisper, catching her curious hand and kissing her knuckles.
Her eyes brighten, her body shivering,shudderingfrom my touch. “You don’t have to thank me, Jack. Because I’d do it repeatedly, and a thousand times over if it means—” Anne rises on her toes, bringing her mouth a breath from mine. “—having you in my life.”
I cup her chin with both hands, ready to devour her, to make her mine. Our mouths are so close now her breath moistens my chapped lips, and as I draw closer, my thumbs swirling her cheeks, her eyes closing to receive me, the clanging godforsaken bell goes off on deck.
“Christ,” I curse, sucking in a breath and steadying myself against the door with one hand.
Anne flops back to her heels, concern wrinkling her forehead. “What does that sound mean? An alarm of some kind?”
“They’ve spotted a ship. Either it’s a shipment vessel or the Royal fucking Navy here to ruin our day. I sincerely hope it’s the former,” I mumble before giving a peck to her forehead.
We both freeze. How easily the action came to me.
“You’re welcome,”SaintAnne says, blissfully breaking our silence. “Captain,” she finishes, chewing on her bottom lip as she says it.
