Page 93 of Seven Oars
“How’slike that, Rosamma?”
It was the first time a pirate had called her by her name.
And he said it right.
He took it from her and owned it. He’d done it playing his vile game, making a mockery of it.
“Only your wrist,” she meekly explained, betraying none of what churned inside her.“For comfort.”
“And do you want to touch more than my wrist? Offer me more than comfort?”
He’d figured out she was attracted to Phex and was taunting her with it.
“You don’t want more from me,” she whispered, nearly undone by the heavy pressure in her chest, the tightness his nearness caused.“In this, you’re like all the other men.Phex.”
“Do you want that to change?”
Her eyes flickered to his impassive, scarred face.
What should she say? What answer was the right answer?He knew as well as she did that in denying her a man’s desire, her peculiar ugliness mostly shielded her from rape. Her curse and her protection.
He let the silence stretch.He hadn’t outwardly threatened or hurt her… yet. He hadn't even moved.
“Come closer.”
Closer? Her feet were already toe-to-toe with his rugged boots, which looked twice the size of hers.
She took a small breath and stepped into his space. She was now looking down at him as he stared back, unblinking.
That was the pinnacle of his difference from Phex. Not the size, not the well-shaped head on a thick neck, which she had to admit they shared, but the eyes.
His were not Phex’s eyes.
The way this pirate looked at her twisted Rosamma’s insides.
“Do you hate it here, Rosamma?”
Her shakes were increasing, and her vertigo with them.
“You know I do. And so do you.”
His eyes glittered.“Do I?”
She couldn’t play anymore. He wasn’t Phex.
“Yes, Fincros. This place brings nothing but pain. It will destroy you. It may already have.”
She felt his direct gaze leave her. His forehead furrowed slightly.
“You are not very good at playing my game.”
He surged to his feet so fast that Rosamma fell backward.
His body hadn’t come into contact with hers, but the suddenness of his movement unbalanced her.
Her head reeled. It was a miracle she stayed upright.
Gro mumbled in her sleep and turned over, drawing Fincros’attention.
