He shook his head to himself with a scoff, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Fine then.” He stepped forward, and with little effort, grasped myupper arms and moved me into the room. His touch sent an unexpected sensation through me.
We both looked at his grip on my shoulders.
Damn it, were even his hands beautiful? Those long, slender fingers, dotted by one dark beauty mark on his ring finger like a little secret. Hands that would play the virginal like a Guardian. That would play me like a—I cleared my throat, and my mind.
He dropped his hands.
“Listen, I was paid to ensure your safe passage under lock and key, to Whiterok.” He released my shoulder. “Those were the terms of the contract I signed, and I am a man of my word.”
Then he turned on his heel and carelessly threw over his shoulder, “Dinner is at sunset. You will be let out then.” The door slammed behind him and with a turn of a key and a click, they sealed me in.
The ship lurched forward, and for the first time in my life, I left Oakhaven.
Chapter 6
Isat on the rickety cot in the room. Was this to be the rest of my existence? Locked doors, orders, and endless waiting. I was always so certain it would be more. I wanted to cry, scream, fight. But for what? To who? My thoughts were driving me mad. I’d be nothing. No one. Forever.
As soon as the sky shaded pink, my fist collided with wood. “The captain said dinner was at sunset!”
Keys rattled and the door swung open, the small drucia waiting on the other side in silence.
I swept past her, ascending the staircase with purpose.
On the deck, the vast sea expanded in every direction, as flat as glass. The fading sun inflamed the world in hues of orange and gold, while the rhythmic sound of sailors at work and the gentle waves against the ship’s hull filled the salted air.
It was calm this far from land.
Scanning the deck, I spotted him and his broad figure against the sunset sky.
“Do you at least feed your prisoners around here?” I shouted across the ship.
He turned slowly, expression steadfast despite the curious looks from wide-eyed sailors flitting my way.
With deliberate steps, he approached me.
“I was told you were a lady.” He looped his arm into the crook of my elbow firmly, spinning me around. His touch was warm. “Not a barking dog.”
I smiled prettily. “If you wish to call me abitch,” I said emphasizing the curse loudly, “then come out with it, Captain. Do not hide behind some terrible attempt at wit.”
More glances fell in our direction as the captain forced a false smile and firmly navigated us across the bustling ship’s deck. Despite the scowl etched into my face, for some sick reason, I savored every moment we touched. He felt real. Corporeal. Like an anchor when the rest of my world was thrown into the air, sent flying, uncertain of its landing.
“Ladies aren’t supposed to speak in such a manner,” he said in a sharpened whisper that raised gooseflesh down my neck.
I let my stare bore into his features, however handsome.
“Ladies are not supposed to be locked away either,” I said.
“I must manage my cargo as I am instructed to,” he said, anxiously tonguing his cheek. “Although, I assumed you had been made aware of those arrangements.”
“That’s what I am then? Cargo.” I held his gaze, refusing to back down.
He winced.
The crew moved with practiced ease, acknowledging the captain with nods before returning to their tasks.
“No, and I apologize for the way the situation was managed. I believe the measures were for your safety and in that attempt your dignity was overlooked. I’m sorry for my hand in that.” His words were thoughtful and measured.
A savory smell drifted from the direction of the dining hall we were nearing. My mouth watered. I had refused to eat that morning, too grief-stricken to take a bite. But I was never one to miss meals.
