Page 60 of Sea's Secret

“People are not kind and good like you, Meria; they want power.”

“But he is your brother. I am sure some agreement could be made to help both parties. I am sure he wishes to find his sister, too—you are similar. He is looking for his friend.”

“We are only similar in appearance. I assure you, he is an honest, virtuous prince. Unlike me, he is a true gentleman.”

“But you said you were—”

“I said I would act like a gentleman; I can act very well,” I winked.

“Like you act when you’re The Cruel Hand?”

“What?” I said a little rougher than I would have liked. But the question took me by surprise.

“That is not you, Dominick; it was who you were forced to be.”

I was silent, not knowing what to say to that. She did not know me, nor the darkness inside of me.

“So I am going to talk with Peter.” She did not seem sure about it, so I turned my head to the side.

“Are you?” I asked.

“Yes, I am quite sure I will. You cannot make me not see him.” She stood taller, her shoulders back.

“Good,” I said, turning to look at the wheel.

“Good,” she said, moving closer, so that our arms brushed, and I felt no pain at all. It was a startling and incredible feeling, but I didn’t know if I should like it—so I moved away a few inches.

“Good,” I repeated again with a nod and a smirk.

“Good, so if you are okay with it.”

“Ah–you were so close!” I said with a chuckle. “Go; do what you want, just be careful,” I said with an intense look, gazing down at her furrowed brow.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and before I knew what was happening, her hand was on my shoulder, and her lips were pressed onto the side of my cheek where my scar was. I turned to look at her, my mouth hanging open in shock, but she was running across the deck.

That little—I touched my cheek where she’d just kissed me, baffled, yet I knew I had to have been smiling like a fool.

“Yes, it’s so obvious you do not like her. I see the way you despise her,” Sands said, coming out of nowhere.

“Shut it,” I snapped, dropping my hand from my cheek. “I never realized how irritating you are.”

“Aw, you adore me. I was just reminding you; she’s your friend.”

“And you are a spineless jellyfish. Go find something to steal.”

“Already did, Anything worth stealing has been stolen,” Sands said.

“Anything good?”

“Plenty of gold.”

“That’s good,” I said with a nod, hoping Sands would drop any conversation about Meria. I needed some time because I was feeling a bit strange after she kissed the scar on my cheek.

“So–” Sands began, but I cut him off.

“I wish I had my maps, but the captain did have a map of the Misted Seas, so if I have this right, we will reach the Misted Seas tomorrow.”

“Change of subject, nice,” Sands said with a laugh so annoying that I pulled out my sword to keep him from coming any closer to me. He only laughed harder, bending over to slap his knee. “I have never seen such a reaction from you before!” Then, peals of laughter.

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