Page 16 of Scourge of the Shores
Robert thinned his lips, gauging the intensity in her voice and tracing the curve of her back and rear as she leaned over the table. Fine enough to make the sea itself stop and stare. He lifted his eyebrows and decided to lighten the mood. “Looks like ye got a tough job.”
“Ye sure ye want to retire here?” she asked and peered up at him.
He threw his attention toward the open doors to keep from staring at the perfect curves of her lips or backside. “If you succeed.”
Danna sighed. “Anything else ye can tell me about this map?”
“I’ve heard there is an enchanter’s brew from the East that will dispel dark waters and make them crystal clear under the sun,” Robert said, mentally examining his stash of stolen enchantments. He didn’t have it.
Danna shifted her weight. “Aye, and I suppose ye got one in yer pocket?”
Robert crossed his arms and inclined his head. “Even if I did have any enchantments, I wouldn’t give them to you. An enchanter’s brew is worth at least a hundred Delphi. And one that powerful,” he clicked his tongue as he thought. “Priceless.”
“No harm in askin’,” Danna retorted.
He stole a glance at her.
She wasn’t paying him any attention as her hand curled into a fist. “Anythin’ else ‘bout the map? The dragon? The waters? Have ye heard anything about sailing them?” The desperation in her voice made his chest ache—to be so full of vigor and life, and yet so defeated.
“No,” he said.
“Ye’re full of piss and promises, and I got no use for either.” She slammed her fist on the table and jolted up. “Get out.”
His smug smile reached across his face. “I am not useless.” He locked eyes with her and crossed his arms and ankles as he leaned into the table. “Help me help you,” he crooned. His gaze dipped to her healing lip for a brief moment.
“Stop it, mate,” Danna said with a stiff neck.
He scoffed, removing his attention from her lips. “Stop what?” he asked, knowing exactly what she was referring to. He didn’t give her the chance to respond. “Let me help you make tar and pitch or harpoons, or something. Then you can help us?”
For the first time, Danna hesitated. A second too long. Long enough for Robert to see she wasn’t entirely indifferent.
“Trade one man’s labor for four or five.” She crossed her arms. “Seems hardly fair.”
“But you have my knowledge of the dark waters.”
“I already knew they’re dark.” She scoffed. “Leave.”
Robert rocked himself off the table and squared his shoulders to her. His eyes traced her face, etching her features into memory. She was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on. He dipped his chin to her in respect.
“Aye, Captain,” he said and let his arms fall to his side.
Her attention dropped momentarily to his bare chest beneath his open shirt. “Stop doing that,” he said with a half-smile.
But she only pointed the dagger at his face. “I said, ‘Leave.’”
He rubbed his father’s thumb ring with the pad of his forefinger as he debated leaving as she wished or trying one more time to stay. If he left with her forced farewell, he doubted he could return with any other excuse. So he licked his lip and chuckled under his breath.
“Danna, I won’t try to hide my admiration for you.” He met her gaze, and at her uncomfortable silence, he continued. “At least, come see what I say is true. See how much work there is for our ships and how long it will take us to leave. Wake Ervin, bring him, and the other man. Bring the whole island, I don’t care.”
“What for?” she shot back. “I already told ye I can’t help.”
“Well, we make up a lot of bodies.” He shrugged and hoped to win her over with one last plea for his hidden motives. “Maybe we can form some assembly line or work smarter and together rather than alone? Mutually beneficial, of course.”
“I’m sure it’ll be to yer benefit, more so.”
“Ye of little faith,” he said. “I’m a Jaymes. Ruthless, aye, but also honorable. My word is my word. I admire you for your dedication and leadership, obviously. I can already tell men cower before you. Such a strong woman. I’ve never encountered such before.”
“Flattery don’t fill bellies or fix ships, Captain Jaymes.”
