Page 38 of Veiled in Stars and Silver
“He’s a willing martyr for the cause,” he said, feeling affection for his first mate. Smee had been in Neverland almost as long as Hook. The man was always jolly and exceedingly loyal. He’d found happiness and wanted to move forward with his life, despite everything.
Hook wished he could do the same.
They glided around the other couples. Wendy had become solemn. “I want to help. After we find my brothers and make sure they are safe, I want to assist you in freeing Neverland.”
When they came back together, he pulled her a little closer. He studied the sincerity in her gaze. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to use her brothers to ensure her cooperation. Maybe Hook could simply trust her to follow through. “I would like that, Wendy Darling.”
The music died and he, ever the purveyor of good form, bowed over Wendy’s hand. When he straightened, he realized she was focused on something behind him. He turned at the sound of moaning. A couple sitting at a table were moving, she in his lap, he holding her hips as she thrust up and down, her skirts hiding their most compromised state but their movements and the ecstasy on their faces as clear as hell.
The night's debauchery had begun.
“I believe it is time to call it an evening, love. Come, I’ll escort you back to Madame Pearl’s.”
But Wendy didn’t take her eyes off the couple. Something akin to hunger lingered on her face. Shit. He needed to leave. He’d sworn he wouldn’t engage in such events. He had more important things to attend to, but the look on Wendy’s face tempted him to stay.
The couple was working into a frenzy; him degrading into swearing and her crying out with each thrust. Those around took little note as they were getting into their own tête-à-tête. Madame Pearl’s women, seeking their favorite partners. Some were already beginning to entwine on the grassy knoll, skirts being pushed aside, trousers split open.
“Wendy.” Hook touched her arm, and she gazed at him at last, but she didn’t look the least bit embarrassed. Her cheeks were flushed, her pupils dilated.
Hell. His own body roused. What would she let him do if he stayed? Would she let him touch her? Make love to her? No, he really needed to leave.
“Trust me. You don’t want to stay for this next part,” he said, his voice gruff.
Her chin rose. “Maybe I do.”
He couldn’t remain but he also didn’t want her there, and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was worried when his men came for her in their drunken aroused state, if she’d gut them with a knife or if he was worriedhe’dgut the first bastard that laid a hand on her.
His jaw clenched. Definitely the first.
Glancing up the path, he saw the women who’d decided not to join in the night’s festivities making their way up the hill from the gathering. He had a responsibility to them, and he forced himself tocalm. “Fine. But you keep those knives stashed. And when you’ve had enough, come up to Madame Pearl’s.”
Music played, but it was nothing like the melodies that had played earlier that evening. Hook turned and made his way up the path, leaving Wendy frozen at the bottom.
Then, she suddenly was by his side. The tension in his body released a little. She didn’t say anything at first as they walked.
“Does that happen every night?” she finally asked, her voice low.
Hook nodded. “Something like. Every night Pan isn’t holding us captive.”
She cast him a side glance. “But you don’t take part?”
An annoyance stirred in his chest. “I’m their captain. I don’t need to expose myself before everyone. Besides…” He tilted his head toward the women ahead of them on the trail. “Someone needs to make sure no drunken idiots bother those who choose not to engage in the night’s endeavors.”
She stared at those entering Madame Pearl’s house, her lips pressing tight in thought.
“I want to go with you tomorrow, to get the pickleweed,” she said.
They’d reached the entrance. Hook opened the door for Wendy to enter. He’d stand outside, on guard until everyone had calmed for the evening. “I’ve asked Cora to put together the other ingredients of the potion tomorrow so that all we will need to do is add the pickleweed to it.”
“So?”
“So someone needs to stay to ensure that it’s done right and Pan doesn’t sabotage us.”
Her shoulders fell. “And I can’t breathe underwater.”
“Yes, well, I’d much rather spend a day with the ladies and send you to face a sea full of possibly murderous mermaids.”
“I’m sure you would,” she grumbled, causing him to grin, only partially because he realized she might very well prefer facing the mermaids. “Yes, fine.” She planted her hands on her hips. “You go rest, and I’ll keep watch.”
