Page 27 of Captive of the Pirate King
“Why are you here?” I manage.
“I saw you slip away and I thought you might be tempted to do something stupid like this. So I followed you. And I thought it would be more honorable to announce my presence than to slink around in the bushes.”
“Neither one is honorable.” I can barely think—can barely compute the fact that Locke has known I am a girl all along. Thewhole time. Every time we spoke to each other, he knew. “So when you were talking about handling things that were—long and thick—and when you explained how to please a woman—”
“I was having a bit of fun. You’ve been the most entertaining part of this entire voyage.” He’s looking into the trees to grant me privacy, but I can see his profile, and the cocky grin on his face.
“You bastard,” I gasp. “This is not a joke. This is survival.”
“I’m well aware.” His smile fades. “But you have to believe me, Nick, I’m not going to tell. And even if someone finds out, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“You wouldn’t be able to stop it,” I say. “The decree of the Pirate King keeps women from being allowed aboard any ship flying his flag. And you’re not the Pirate King, or a captain, or even a first mate.”
He looks back at me again, keeping his eyes on my face. “I can protect you.”
“I doubt it. Is that why you followed me here, to protect me?”
“I wanted to warn you about the foolishness of what you’re doing. Of course I knew you wouldn’t listen, in which case I hoped we could enjoy this private spot together.”
My stomach flips and dives. “I was here first, and I’m not inclined to share.”
“Maybe you don’t have a choice.” His smile returns, dark with sultry promise. “I am a pirate, remember? I do what I want, and you don’t own this spring.”
My face blazes hotter than the water. “Fine,” I bite out. “Then I’ll leave. Thanks for spoiling one of the few pleasures I’ve had in weeks.”
I clap both hands on the lip of the rock and start to haul myself out.
“Damn it—just stay in there.” Locke cups a hand to shield his eyes. “I’ll go. I’ll wait halfway along the path and make sure no one disturbs you.”
He turns away. The sight of his broad back makes me think of the tattoo he conceals beneath his loose white shirt. Locke can’t enjoy himself in the larger hot springs, either, because of whatever he’s hiding about his identity. He’s not a spy for one of the seven kings. Maybe he’s a member of a rival pirate gang? Maybe he’s planning to steal something from the Pirate King?
I have no idea what he’s hiding, but the only way I’ll find out is by getting closer to him. And knowing his secrets might give me the leverage I need to protect myself.
Besides, he seems devoted to guarding my secret, even though I objected to sharing the pool. It’s kind of sweet, really. And now that my fury is easing a bit, I can’t deny that the prospect of having him naked in the water with me isn’t completely repulsive.
“Wait,” I say, and Locke halts.
“Maybe we could share,” I murmur.
“Generous of you. I suppose you’ll demand that I blindfold myself again?” he says dryly.
“You don’t have to wear a blindfold,” I say. “But you can’t touch me.”
“Just so we’re clear—You’re asking a pirate to share a bath with you, while you’re naked, and not touch you.”
“Yes, exactly. And thanks to our conversation in the galley, I know you’ll respect my wishes.”
“Of course,” Locke says, turning slowly around. “I’m so damn honorable.” His lashes sink low, his eyes burning like pale stars beneath them. “So the rule is, I can look, but I can’t touch.”
“That’s correct.”
“I can live with that.” He drops his knife belt and starts stripping. At first I glance away—but then I swerve my gaze back to his form. I’ve seen him naked before and honestly, I want to see him again. All of him.
In this quiet place, sprinkled with birdsong and hazy with floral fragrance, he and I are shedding more of our layers, scraping away the civility and pretense.
It’s dizzying, intoxicating. Dangerous.
21
