Wolcott approached them, not taking his eyes off Sin. “How is this possible?” he asked, to which sin realized wasn’t directed at her, but she was going to answer it anyway.
“My birth name was Ella.”
Wolcott’s eyes widened, meeting Max’s gaze, who nodded in confirmation. He gave them a dazzling smile that turned into a joyous laugh, bracing his hands on their shoulders. “Please joinus,” he urged, stepping forward, forcing them to follow. “I’m certain there are many stories to tell.”
Max met her gaze, shrugging, before they each sat on the trunk of a fallen palm tree.
Drinks were passed around, and so much food that Sin could barely eat. Turns out having a ravenous desire to fuck someone into oblivion can ruin an appetite. The rum, however, sin was grateful for.
They spent the night listening to stories of Iris, and Sin couldn’t believe them. She was a legend, known across kingdoms for her strength in bravery, and willingness to put herself on the line to help others.
Sin met Max’s gaze, her eyes watering as he smiled at her softly, knowingly. Those stories made her realize that one day, far into the future, she wanted to be a mother. So that she could pass on her mother’s legacy.
Thank you.
His face slackened at her words, making Sin stand. Max took her outreached hand, pulling her into his lap. Their kiss made others make mocking oohs and aahs, but they couldn’t care. Smiling against each other’s lips, grateful for whatever their future beheld.
* * *
Sin awoke in an unfamiliar bed, her head pounding in pain.
Turning her head as far as her headache would allow, she found a naked Max beside her. The room rocked, making her stomach churn.
She ran and opened all the doors until one revealed a very naked Wolcott. “Good morning,” he said with a voice filled with gravel.
She saw there was a toilet behind him, and before she could question why the fuck he was there and naked, she emptied the contents of her stomach.
She gripped onto the sink to keep herself from falling, struggling as the room kept rocking. There was a circular window in the chamber, and looking out, Sin quickly realized they were on a boat.
“Stars,” she rasped, turning to search for the outside.
There was a sliding door that led to the outer deck of the ship, and there was no landmass to be seen.
“What the fuck?” she nearly shouted.
A deep inhale of surprise sounded from inside the room, followed by Max’s voice. “What’s going on?”
She turned to look at him with an incredulous look. “Yes, please explain exactly what’s going on!”
Wolcott raised his palms in surrender before reaching for loose pants, slowly making his way out of the room.
For several moments, she and Max stared at each other.
His mouth twitched just the slightest.
“Don’t you dare laugh,” she demanded, though there was a growing smile on her face.
He bit his lip to hold it down, but it didn’t work.
“Max, what the fuck!” she shouted that time, then pressed her fingers to her temples, seething in pain. “Why are we on a ship, Max? Let’s start with that question.”
Max pinched the bridge of his nose, rubbing it while squinting his eyes shut. “We’re headed… somewhere. to help the pirates with… something.”
Sin’s eyes widened. “Something?”
He smiled, finding her reactions humorous. “As if you had any plans. I’ve known you haven’t done anything for weeks now.”
She narrowed her eyes, frowning.
