Page 7 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

“Even with one hand,blindedand without a weapon, I’d have you on your back and at my disposal in seconds.”

He dips his head to the side of my face. “Don’t worry though. I’ll make sure you enjoy every second of it.”

I wiggle a hand free and make a move to slap that smug look off his face. But his own hand whips out, grabbing my wrist and stopping me.

I open my mouth to demand he set me free when he moves quickly and before I know it, he has me in his arms and is throwing me into the black machine.

I land on the soft chairs as he slides in beside me, blocking my way out.

I turn to see if there’s another way out, but I don’t know how to open the strange window door on the other side.

Turning back to him and his insufferable smirk, I glare at him, imagining ways to strangle him.

“If you don’t let me—”

Hook moves quickly, leaning closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine as his right hand reaches around me. My heart rate kicks up speed as that musky scent slides over me once more.

“What are you…”

I clench my hands and shake off the strange hold he has over me off, reminding myself that I’m his captive. That this Hook isn’t the one I once knew.

But it’s all too late as I notice the flicker of amusement in his eyes, one filled with a mischievous glint as his hand whips back around and he straps me in with a click.

He chuckles as I shove him back to glance down at my bindings. “Let me out of this…contraption.”

His chuckle only grows, his eyes now sparkling with amusement. “It’s a seat belt.”

“I don’t carewhatit’s called, only that you’ve tricked me and tied me up. Release me now.”

I should have known better than to let my guard down with Hook. He thrived on games and challenges, and it seems I was his newest one.

“You’re not bound. It’s for safety.” The sparkle in his eyes only grows.

Unperturbed by the glare I give him, his eyes dip to my body. “Your hands and legs are still free.”

I pause as his words filter past the growing rage. He’s right. My legs and handsarefree. Which only makes me frown. Why tie me up but leave me half free?

Before I get a chance to think about it, he leans in once more.

“Besides, we both know that if I were to tie you up, you’dneverescape.” His eyes dip to my lips before returning to my eyes.

“But that might be something you’d also enjoy.” His grin turns smug.

My body freezes at his words. “I didn’t realize you were still so delusional after all this time.”

Hooks smug look cools, the spark of amusement in his eyes quickly dimming at the cold bite to my tone.

“You’d be surprised how far people are willing to go to maintain the delusions they have and forego the truth that stares right back at them.” He clenches his jaw before looking away and out a window that reveals only darkness.

I frown, ignoring the swift change in him as I realize I can see out the dark windows even though I couldn’t see into them.

Maybe it’s some type of spell…

Glancing around the strange carriage machine, I notice the space is divided into two. The back section Hook and I are in is large enough to fit three people while the front has two singular seats spaced out. And I can see out all the dark windows, though none of them reveal anything other than a long barren road and deserted buildings on each side of us.

Looking back at the straps across my body, I run my hand along the length of it and down to the seat where it’s connected to a small contraption. My fingers hit off a button and it clicks, releasing me immediately. A flutter of excitement rushes through me at my small victory.

Only to deflate as I turn and spot Hook staring right at me.

---