Page 9 of A Captain So Callous and Cruel

“Only curiosity?” I wonder, my voice low and breathy. I’m not sure if I meant to sound like that, but it lures the captain in further.

His eyes drop to my lips for a moment before he narrows them. Releasing his grip on me, he straightens. “Yes, Red. Nothing more than curiosity.”

But his body deceives him. Behind the confines of his pants is the clear outline of his hardened bulge, and I know he’s affected.

Pride blooms inside of me. He’s caught interest faster than I imagined he would. Perhaps it has something to do with the effects of my siren call, though it is far less potent than during the shift.

Still, I know how to toy with a man and leave them wanting more. Taking one last sip of the wine in front of me, I meet his gaze again. “I appreciate the lovely meal, as well as the company, but I’m quite tired.” I feign a yawn. “Perhaps we can continue our conversation another night, Captain? It’s been such a long day. I fear I’ll be poor company if I linger any longer.”

I try to hide the lump in my throat as I swallow it down.

Coming across as timid is part of the allure. Portraying a mousy and unsure daughter of a whore who lacks confidence is the role I must remember to take on.

The Captain needs someone to fix—to save.

But it’s hard to completely diminish my personality, and again, I’ve been too bold. Speaking to a ship captain like this, so brazenly… under the assumption he hasn’t called me to fuck me, either. I’m sure others have been thrown overboard for less.

It’s as though he can see through my cracks as his lips purse in contemplation. His eyes sparkle with unspoken words—silent promises that both intrigue me and make my stomach churn. Is he going to demand my company? My breath thins at the likelihood of it.

But then he relaxes back into his chair, his tone hard to read when he mutters, “Sure, Red.” He raises his hand and snaps his fingers loudly. “KAUPMAN,” he booms, snapping his fingers again.

The door immediately opens, but when the man steps forward, it’s the familiar, loving eyes of Kai I see, not a man named Kaupman. They soften for a moment as they sweep over my body, his shoulders visibly relaxing when he sees me, but then his face hardens and he turns his attention to Captain Erickson.

“Aye, Captain. Kaupman asked me to assist while he tended to the crew on the port side.”

“And you are?” He looks angry, and I sense that he doesn’t like when things are not orderly.

“The name’s Kai. Recruited from Morda, Captain.”

A thick silence settles in the room as he scrutinizes Kai—sizing him up. I can practically see the wheels in his head turning and it makes me nervous. So easily, Erickson could kill Kai right here and now.

He could kill me, too.

A shudder rolls through me at the thought.

“Very well. See to it that she makes it back to her room. Immediately.”

There’s finality in the Captain’s words, and I stand, curtseying as a sign of respect. “Thank you again, Captain. Goodnight.”

He watches me without a word, and I hold my breath as I cross the room toward Kai. It isn’t until I’m stepping through the threshold that Captain Erickson speaks, sending a chill down my spine from his words.

“Sweet dreams, Red. I’ll fetch for you soon.”

Looking over my shoulder, I see him rolling the handle of a dagger around his fingertips, playing with the weapon in a way that sends a clear message.

Refusal is not an option.

CHAPTER 5

Hali

Kai acts gruff with me. His hold on my arm is firm as he leads me away from the Captain’s quarters. His movements are sharp. I feel forced, tripping over my feet as we move. He doesn’t speak once to me, and for a second, it almost feels like one of the Captain’s men is guiding me further into the belly of this ship. It’s easy to pretend that it is.

I look down, hyper-aware of the many bodies we’re squeezing past. The ship is large, but the corridors are narrow, and there are countless rooms and stations. The stench of rot is heavy in some pockets of the ship. Musk and men—so many of them—and aged wood. The only pleasant part about it is the scent of the sea hangs over us thickly, and I can endure the other smells if it means I can smell my home.

I yearn for my shift. To be at peace in the sea. Other sirens hunger for the hunt. To bring down the sinful ships that trek our ocean home. I understand it. I’m here for the same purpose. I hunger for it, too, but I don’t think that’s all there is to life.

I have a different purpose now. After my revenge, I want freedom in the form of starry skies and sandy beaches. I’m so close, I can taste it.

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