With a silent prayer, I dig my heels in and sprint like my life depends on it, which it does.
I wait until the exact second, my feet hitting the rise in the ground like I'm stepping on a trampoline. And then I launch myself into the air, my arms outstretched.
For a moment, I'm sure I will miss my mark. Rhyland and the plank seem to be moving away from me, the distance growing larger every second. But then, I feel this pull—like a magnet, my fingers close around Rhyland's wrist, his grip firm and sure on my arms.
I'm hanging on for dear life, my legs and lungs burning with the effort. But Rhyland, being the show-off he is, lifts me like I weigh nothing, crushing me against his chest as he blurs us off the narrow plank onto the ship's deck.
I collapse against him, my heart pounding. "Jesus," I gasp, my voice shaking with adrenaline and relief. "That was…"
Rhyland grins, his arms tightening around me like he'll never let go. "Told you I'd catch you, baby."
It had to be his telekinesis. That's the only explanation for how I felt like I was suddenly auditioning for Cirque du Soleil mid-air, defying gravity and managing to stick that landing like an Olympic gymnast.
One second, I think, "Well, this is how I die," and the next, I float through the air like Mary Poppins on a sugar high.
"Okay, Obi-Wan. Did you use your Jedi mojo to turn me into a human projectile? Because I'm pretty sure I didn't grow wings in the last five minutes."
Rhyland, the smug bastard, grins. "What can I say, baby? I couldn't let you go for another swim with our resident sea monster. Besides, you've got to admit, it was pretty impressive."
I roll my eyes. I hate to admit it, but I know he's right. Rhyland will always be there to catch me, no matter how far I fall.
We waste no time scouring the ship, looking for anything resembling a key. The boards creak and groan beneath our feet, but they hold steady, which is a minor miracle, considering this vessel looks like it's been around for centuries.
We find a set of stairs leading below deck, and as we descend into the ship's bowels, my jaw nearly hits the floor. We're greeted by a treasure trove that would make even the most seasoned pirate weep joyfully.
"Well, slap my ass and call me a landlubber," I breathe, my eyes wide with wonder. "This is quite the haul."
Everywhere I look, treasure chests overflow with glittering jewels, shiny coins, and enough gold to make Midas himself green with envy. The entire floor is blanketed in a sea of riches, the sheer luxury almost blinding.
Rhyland, being the cocky bastard he is, apparently takes my snarky commentary as an open invitation. He delivers a sharp smack to my leather-clad ass, the crack of it echoing through the chamber like a gunshot.
"Damn straight, it's a haul."
I squeal and whip around, my eyes narrowing to slits as I level him with my most withering glare. "Excuse you, Captain Grabby Hands," I snap, "I was speaking metaphorically, not issuing an invitation."
Rhyland smirks, "Don't pretend you don't love it, baby. That sweet little ass of yours was made for my hands."
I snort, "Oh, I'll show you sweet, Bitey Boy," I mutter, my tone dark with promise. "Keep it up, and you'll sleep with that tentacle creature tonight."
Rhyland grins, utterly unfazed by my threat. "Bring it on, Angel. You know I can take anything you dish out and beg for more."
I laugh, "Oh, I'll make you beg all right," I mutter darkly, my eyes glinting with mischief. "Beg for mercy when I'm through with you, Rhy-Pie."
Rhyland's brows furrow like he's just now catching onto my creative name game. "What's with all the damn nicknames?" He growls, and I can tell I'm getting under his skin in the most delicious way possible.
I smirk, batting my eyelashes innocently. "Aw, what's wrong? Not feeling the love, Fjord Fluff?"
"Not entirely," he grumbles, his nose wrinkling adorably. "EspeciallyRhy-Pie. Sounds like something you'd call a fucking cupcake."
I laugh, "Well, get used to it, babe. I've got a whole arsenal of pet names locked and loaded, ready to make you blush like a schoolgirl."
Rhyland grins, his teeth flashing white in the dim light. "Fuck, I love it when you get all feisty," he growls, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine and makes my nipples tingle. "Gets me rock hard for you."
He stalks closer, his movements predatory and full of intent. "Keep sassing me like that, and I might just have to put that smart mouth of yours to better use."
I tilt my chin up defiantly, meeting his heated gaze with a challenge of my own. "Bring it on," I taunt, my tongue darting out to wet my lips. "I can handle anything you dish out."
Rhyland chuckles darkly, his hands coming to rest on my hips as he pulls me flush against him. I can feel the hard length of him pressing insistently against my stomach, and it takes every ounce of my self-control not to grind against him like a cat in heat.
