Page 45 of Queen of Whispers and Mist

“Though if I had to guess,” Bronn continued, looking around, “I’d say we’re on one of Darkhollow’s many isles.”

“That far south, really?”

“We may not have reached the official border of the territory, but its islands run all along the coast, and I don’t know of any other beaches with sand this shade.”

Ronan could hardly argue with the explanation. It was as good of one as any.

“Do you know anything about these islands?” Shadow asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, are we likely to find food and clean water? Shelter?”

Bronn scrubbed a hand over his chin, eyes taking on a faraway cast as he considered the question before eventually nodding. “It’s likely. Smugglers have used these islands for years for their network of caves and relative lack of settlers. We should be able to scavenge easily enough until help arrives.”

Ronan didn’t love the absence of settlers—that spoke to either hostile terrain or a lack of essential supplies. Though there was something to be said for not accidentally trespassing on someone else’s property.

“And if help doesn’t arrive?” Shadow prompted.

“Then it looks like we’ll be building a raft, doesn’t it?” Bronn said with a smirk. Though Ronan couldn’t help but note the exhaustion lining his features.

No one was building a raft today.

“Have you three found a place to make camp?” Ronan asked.

Bronn shook his head. “Jagger and Buttercup went scouting, though. We should head back, see what they’ve found. I don’t much enjoy the idea of leaving Caly on her own for long either.”

“I’m sure your captain can take care of herself,” Shadow said with a smile.

“Without a doubt. Doesn’t mean she has to.”

When Bronn turned and started back the way he’d come, Ronan nudged her with his elbow. “See, he gets it.”

Shadow didn’t pretend to miss his meaning. Instead, she rolled her eyes and started jogging backward so she could hold his gaze. “The day I depend on a man to wipe my ass for me is the day I’d gladly die.”

He snorted. “There’s a fair bit of tasks between taking care of you and wiping your arse.”

Shadow smirked, but there was no mistaking the edge to her voice when she shot back, “I’m no one’s damsel, Butcher. Nor do I aspire to be. Best you get used to it.” She started to turn around, then, thinking better of it, added, “If I invite a man into my bed, it’s because I want him there. Not because I need him.”

Is that an invitation? Because I gladly accept, kitten.

“There’s nothing wrong with needing someone,” he called, jogging after her. It was a fact he’d come to begrudgingly accept himself. Life wasn’t worth living if you didn’t have someone to share it with. He saw the truth of it day in and day out, first with Von and Helena, then with Lucian and Effie. His own lonely existence and resulting downward spiral was a perfect counterpoint to theirs. Needing someone didn’t make you weak; it meant you had something worth living for.

“We’re going to have to agree to disagree, because the only person I will ever count on is myself.”

“That’s a lonely way to live,” he called as she raced away.

“At least I’ll never be disappointed,” she shot back.

Ronan ruefully shook his head. Mother, but she wasn’t making this easy on him.

Good. She shouldn’t.

That way, when he finally won her over, he’d know he earned it. Not just her body, but her heart. And he’d spend the rest of his life rejoicing in the fact that he’d accomplished what no other man could.

He’d earned her love.

CHAPTER16

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