Page 40 of Sea and Sky
The rowboat knocked against the ship and Gavin settled again as it rose to their destination. Kyler’s heart pounded. He’d been so damned careful his whole life. Now he was faced with a crew of people that looked at him like they wanted to ravage him, probably because of rumors they’d heard about merfolk. He had to will himself to stay calm.
The prince was not Vex. Not even close. Gavin would see to it no one harmed Kyler. Vex usually took advantage of Kyler by drugging him and throwing him into crowds for a fee. Kyler shivered at the memories. He’d usually been a bit of a brat those days, but he never thought he deservedthatas a punishment.
Damon climbed out first and helped Ailey. Kyler wasn’t ready to face the rowdy crew, but he put on a smile and climbed aboard the ship on his own.
As soon as he was over the rails, Gavin wrapped Kyler in his arms and greeted the crowd. Kyler recognized a few of the men on board. Men he’d sucked off for payment over the years. Men Vex had let use him.
“I had no idea you were merfolk,” a harsh voice said before a rough hand grabbed his hair and yanked Kyler’s head back, pulling out a yelp.
Gavin growled. His dragon rumbled through as he spun. “Donottouch him!”
The man laughed. “You’re not the only one that’s stuck your prick in that tight little hole.”
Too many chuckled. Too many sounded familiar. Kyler’s head spun, and he had to fix his smile to keep from failing.
How could this be Kyler’s luck? What was Jessi’s deal now? Surely she made a new one with Vex to be here. He didn’t want to know, but he desperately needed to.
“The boy is a good fuck, ain’t he prince?” Someone said before clamping a hand on Gavin’s shoulder and squeezing good naturedly. “Little brat too. Stole some coin. He owes me.”
Voices went up in agreement. Kyler had stolen froma lotof people.
“I call for justice,” Jessi’s voice rang from the other end. Kyler wanted to jump ship. Perhaps it would be better than staying.
Ailey pushed to stand next to Gavin. “What proof do any of you have?”
“I fucked him and then twenty minutes later, my coin is missing. Seems proof enough.”
Ailey’s mouth dropped open. “That’s no proof at all.”
Kyler stood taller. “I don’t consider it stealing when you underpaid me to begin with. You thought you’d enjoy me for a bargain.” He walked up to the man. He was handsome in a grungy way. His dark hair was a mess, full beard untrimmed. Kyler could remember the heft of the man’s cock on his tongue, the saltiness of his seed. “You should have done better at hiding your valuables.” Kyler danced out of the way when the man lunged for him.
The laugh escaped Kyler before he could stop himself. He had no idea what had gotten into him. The crew chortled at the failed attempt to hit Kyler. Thinking about it, taunting the man wasn’t the smartest move, but he had to show he wasn’t afraid, even when he was shaking in his boots. These men knew what Vex did to him, whatthey’ddone to him.
“What is all the commotion going on?” A new voice joined the others.
“Captain Basil, so good to see you again,” Ailey said, probably for Kyler’s benefit.
The captain was another dragon. Horns sprouted from his forehead and curved backward. His cotton shirt bellowed open, exposing his muscular chest. He had an air of confidence. Kyler didn’t know if he could trust him. He didn’t know what to think anymore orwhoto trust. With Jessi on board, this entire ship could be a trap. But how could he tell Gavin?
Ailey turned towards the captain, ignoring the jeering men. “Can we find our quarters? I’m ready to change into something more comfortable and I’m sure dear Kyler is as well.”
Someone snorted behind them. “Dear Kyler is working on some sort of scheme. That’s what he does, boss. Don’t trust ‘em. He’ll suck you dry with the best orgasm of your life, then steal your coins.”
The words were true enough, but not while Kyler was with Gavin. The excitement of Kyler being merfolk had devolved into the crew being angry at his schemes. He absolutely hadn’t thought this through enough. He’d thought the crew would be naval, not sailors picked up at common taverns like pirates.
Gavin’s chest rumbled, and heat poured from him. Smoke rose from his nose and open mouth. Anger rolled off the prince. And while Kyler appreciated it, Gavin didn’t need to work himself up so much he shifted and capsized the ship.
Kyler pressed a hand to Gavin’s chest. “Calm, love. Everything will be fine.” But Kyler wasn’t so sure.
“Everyone will keep their hands off Kyler. You don’t know him like I do, don’t know his life.”
“Youdoknow he’s a pirate, right?” Jessi called out.
Barnacles.Why was she doing this?
“We do,” Ailey answered, startling Kyler. He looked at her, but she had kind eyes. “Now, we’d like privacy.” She turned back to Captain Basil. “Our quarters?”
“Yes, right this way, Your Royal Highness. Please forgive the crew. They’re a bit wet behind the ears. New to being around royals is all.”
