Page 55 of Queen of Whispers and Mist

“A bath wouldn’t go amiss either,” Sebastian said, clearly still sulking as he gave the pirates a blatant side-eye.

Entirely unfazed, Bronn held up the two jugs of rum he’d faithfully carried all day. “What do you say, mateys? Shall we claim our bunks then meet up for a proper meal and celebratory swig?”

At the promise of alcohol, Bast perked right up. “I say, home sweet home,” he crowed, rushing off to select his choice of lodgings.

With an aggrieved sigh, Jagger and Buttercup followed.

“Keep an eye on him, yeah?” Ronan called.

Jagger stopped only long enough to call over his shoulder. “Not my circus.”

Ronan’s expression clouded. “What the hell does that mean?”

Calypso and Bronn laughed. “He was saying Sebastian’s your problem.”

“Don’t I know it,” Ronan said darkly.

“We’ll look out for him,” Caly promised. “Come on, Bronn. Let’s check out our fancy new digs.”

Ronan fell quiet, then shook his head and let out a soft chuckle. “I still can’t believe it.”

“That he was captured and left to rot?”

“Ha! That I have no trouble believing. You’ve met the man. Who wouldn’t want to lock him up and throw away the key? Can you imagine how much those riders regretted their decision the second Bast opened his mouth?” He huffed out a laugh. “No, I just meant that he’shere.”

“It is quite the coincidence,” Shadow agreed.

“I don’t believe in coincidence.”

“So, what then? You think the stars brought him to you?”

His gaze turned considering. “Stranger things have happened. Especially recently.”

“Well, enjoy your gift from fate.” She gave his shoulder one heavy thump and made to move past him.

“Hey!” He grasped her belt loop and reeled her back. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Jerking her thumb in the direction of the abandoned village, she said, “To claim my room and celebratory rum before they drink it all without me. After the last two days, I think I’ve more than earned it.”

His eyes searched hers, genuine concern stamped on his handsome features.

“What?”

“Just wondering what else is going on in that head of yours. You’ve been quiet today.”

“Who could get a word in edgewise?” she replied, her tone bland but lips curved.

“Welcome to life with Bast.”

She laughed along with him.

“Now,” he murmured, brushing a piece of her fallen hair behind her ear, “tell me the real reason you’ve been so in your head.”

Tingles exploded across her skin as his knuckles idly stroked along her jaw. It was the first time he’d touched her since they woke up on the beach, and she was no more immune to him now than she had been then. How was it he could make even the most innocent caress feel intimate?

Then he rocked her further when he proved with a single question just how attuned to her he really was.

“Did you have another nightmare?”

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