Page 5 of Treasure of the Abyss

“Yes.”

He tied off the boom, slid closer, and gently pried her hands from the railing. Massaging her stiff fingers, he lifted them to his mouth and kissed her knuckles before lowering their hands into herlap.

“I know you’re scared, Mace. I honestly didn’t think you’d come…but seeing you on the dock…” He squeezed her hands, and his smile widened. “It meant the world to me. You’re facing your biggest fear…forme.”

Her eyes watered, but she didn’t lookaway.

It’s not enough. You deservemore.

She blinked, and teardrops spilled down hercheek.

“Aw, Mace, don’t cry.” Camrin released one of her hands and brushed the moisture from her cheeks. He smiled. “I haven’t told you how beautiful you look. I’ve never seen—” He cleared his throat and touched one of her shoulder straps. “Is this forme?”

Macy nodded. “My mom madeit.”

He leaned closer and cupped her chin. “I can’t wait to make you mine. I’ve waited solong.”

Camrin kissed her like he had on the dock. She curled her hands into fists on her lap, clenching the delicate fabric of her dress. His lips were soft, but demanding, and soon she felt the press of his tongue. She opened her mouth with the shock of it, and his tongue delvedinside.

I can’t dothis.

Macy recoiled, pressing a hand to his chest to keep him fromfollowing.

Kissing him was like kissing a brother; if that made her feel ill, what would joining with him belike?

“Where are we going?” she asked, keeping her tone pleasant to mask herdiscomfort.

I can’t dothis.

Camrin licked his lips, chuckled, and returned to the rudder, giving no indication that he noticed her discomfort. “You’ll see. The moment I saw it, I knew you’d loveit.”

They sailed in silence, and Macy’s muscles eased over time. She lifted her face to the wind, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the warm rays of the setting sun on her skin. She breathed in the brine, recalling the time she’d spent on her father’s boat. She…missedit.

The boat lurched in a sudden blast of wind. Macy grappled for the rail, eyes flashingopen.

“Shit!” Camrin leapt to hisfeet.

She turned her head to look at him, and the breath fled herlungs.

Ominous clouds darkened the sky behind them, and — in the far distance — she could make out the flash of light from the lighthouse. The signal only meant onething.

Get off thewater.

The wind hit them again, bringing achill.

“Camrin…”

“I know, Mace! Just…stay calm.” He unraveled the rope securing the boom, wound it around his arm, and braced hislegs.

A web of lightning spread across the clouds, followed by a roll of thunder. It reverberated through the sky, rattling the rigging and mast. Swelling waves lifted the boat and water splashed over thesides.

“W-we need to go back!” she cried, but she knew there was no turning around. You didn’t sail into a storm. “Camrin, we need to get off thewater!”

“I know, Macy!” His shouts were nearly lost in another blast of thunder. “We’re almostthere!”

She looked toward the bow which was directed at the horizon; the last sliver of daylight vanished, leaving only a faint crimson afterglow just over the water. The darkness thickened behind them as the storm was sped closer on strengthening winds. The angry ocean thrashed around the boat, and water pooled at Macy’sfeet.

Another clap of thunder; stinging rain peltedMacy.

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