Page 212 of Rage

“Does it matter if I look like I am Mantrik? I am,” Orion said, his composure regained. He watched me with an appraising look. “Half this ship is.”

I swallowed hard, turning this news over in my mind.

Was this ship run just like the kingdom? Was the only choice to trade my service to the crown for service to the ship?

Orion’s brows lifted, and a smirk played over his lips. “You look as if you have had an incredible revelation.”

“Is everyone on this ship a captive?” I asked.

“The only captive is your Prince. He is quite comfortable in the brig.”

Orion stepped in close again, his hand raised, not quite touching my face, but close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin. I sucked in a sharp breath, ready for him to strike me. Fury lit under my skin. I almost wanted him to.

His eyes fixed on mine, he licked his lips. “You can be as free as the rest of us,” he said, low. “Look into my eyes, let yourself feel what I give you.”

I leaned in, closing the gap between us. His eyes widened, and the pull I felt when I looked at him intensified.

“Forget about everything else, leave your past behind. I have all you need,” he murmured. “Join the crew, and I’ll even allow you to take dinner to him.”

“I will,” I said. My voice was hoarse, and he grinned, flashing those sharp teeth again.

He moved quickly, releasing my bonds. The ropes fell to the ground with a loud slap. His hands gripped my biceps in a moment, his gaze boring into mine.

The intense need filled me as his breath tickled my nose, and he spoke in a whisper over my lips.

“You belong to the ship now.” His voice wrapped around me, enclosing my mind like silk on skin. “You belong to me.”

His mouth pressed to mine, and I leaned into his kiss, his tongue parting my lips. Our deal was sealed. No matter what else happened, I knew I was his.

Chapter Two

Hari

The smell of salt and mildew filled the air as I worked, my fingers fumbling with coils of thick rope. I arranged them in neat stacks that fit into barrels, and hanks that could hang for easy access. The ship creaked under the constant sway of waves, and the rhythmic clanking of chains and scrape of cloth echoed around me. Despite the hum of activity, a sense of tension hung in the air.

Orion had kept his word, more or less. The moment he led me from the hold, I stood free. I was given clothing to wear; my previous teal uniform of the kingdom discarded. I dined with the rest of the crew in the mess where Cook fed us hearty meals full of spices. He said the style was from the Captain’s homeland.

I took dinner to Dorian. I was not allowed inside the cell he sat in, but I sat outside. I left him feeling more confused than before. He talked of his mother, why he was locked away. He spoke no words of comfort for me, or care for my situation.

Every task since felt like another step deeper into my new life. Scrubbing dishes, oiling the deck, tying ropes. Occasionally,I thought of Dorian. Though as soon as I did, Orion managed to appear.

“How’s the rope coming along?” Orion’s voice broke through my thoughts. Smooth as sea-worn shore, as if he hadn’t claimed me for this ship, this life.

“It’s coming,” I said, forcing a neutral tone, though my pulse quickened. I remembered Orion’s lips on mine, the force of his lust overtaking me.

Orion leaned against the mast, crossing his bare arms, and watched me. I breathed out through the heavily charged air and forced myself to focus on the task at hand. My fingers fumbled over the ropes, and I wrapped and knotted, letting the hum of the world melt away.

“Rope is a delicate thing,” Orion murmured.

I jolted as his fingers brushed over mine. I hadn’t noticed him step near, or crouch down. He was so close, and he gripped the half-wound hank between my hands.

His fingers wound over the knot I had just tied, grasping the loose end, and he pulled it gently. “One wrong tug, and it’s all undone.”

The pile of hemp fell from our fingers, and he caught it deftly, quickly wrapping it into a sturdier knot. My heart raced, and I met his gaze. I was suddenly aware of the quiet ship, the lack of crew around us.

Orion’s gaze was intense, and I felt the tug toward him again, as if he held the very anchor to my soul.

“Is that how you see me? Undone at one touch?” I breathed.

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