Page 107 of Heir of the Beast

He shows me another note.

~Are you searching for your room? Or me?~

“Room,” I say too fast. He has lovely handwriting, very odd for a cutthroat individual. But these guys do not seem uneducated—in fact, quite the opposite.

“Why are you being,” I pause, “nice to me?” I speak loudly like he is slow. I wince and bite my lip.

He is expressionless as he writes, then hands me the note.

~My little dancer, I can hear your lovely voice just fine.~

I blush. Of course he can, I know, I’m an idiot. “I’m sorry,” I say sheepishly.

He watches me for a few unnerving seconds, then writes again before handing me the paper. ~You are beautiful, and I am nice to beautiful things.~

I resist rolling my eyes. It is hard because they want to disappear clear back into my skull like I am possessed. “Lucky me.”

He takes a few seconds to respond, then hands me the paper~.~

~You sound ungrateful. Would you like me to tie you to my bed then? Or maybe you can dance for me later?~

I suck in a breath as I read. “No, I am not ungrateful. Thank you for showing me kindness.”

I’m breathing hard in panic, and I am really striking out on being street smart. I need to save the attitude because this could get ugly in a hurry.

I think I see him grin, but it’s gone so fast I might be seeing things. I take another breath. “May I go to my room?” I need to get away from him STAT.

I see him studying me, and it makes me squirm. This guy has a very penetrating stare that seems to unravel my sense of calm. I just want to jump out of my skin. I need some Xanax pronto.

He writes then flips the paper around so I can see~.~

~I will have Marcus show you to your quarters. I will fetch you for dinner in a few hours. I WANT your company.~

I swallow and nod. Mercy, he wrote ~want~ in caps, and that makes my heart palpitate.

He turns and whistles loud through his teeth, gaining everyone’s attention. Quick sign language happens, and the older man I talked to before nods and comes running at me.

“Of course, Your Grace.” He bows to Siron and then turns to me. “This way, princess.”

I am rushed off the platform, feeling his stare on me. I don’t like it. It’s too much too soon. I need to get off this boat ASAP.

Siron is being nice now but for how long? I can sense his desire like a second skin. I am running out of time. “Marcus, is it?”

“Yes, princess. Ye may follow me to yer room.”

I follow him inside the large ship’s cabin and through many hallways until we stop at a metal door with yellow lights. I turn toward him and bite my lip. “Can you help me?”

His head jerks toward me in shock. “Ye are Siron’s now. He will move heaven and hell to keep you. It’s best ye accept yer fate.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “I can’t!” I lower my voice and look around. “I can’t. I am in love with another. Prince Apollo of Garthorn!”

He opens the door and lets me walk past him; angry tears cloud my eyes. He gives a heavy sigh and pauses at the door.

“I am sorry. Yer gown for tonight is hanging in the wardrobe. Please do not upset Siron. Ye will not like it. Keep him on yer good side, princess.”

He shuts the door, and I start hitting the metal wall repeatedly. With ragged breaths, I glance around the beautiful chamber and grit my teeth.

It is adorned with yellow and grays, very girly, with lace and satin fabrics. A lot of wealth here, especially for a room on a scary pirate ship.

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