Thorne’s expression remained as unreadable as ever. “It takes time to load and transfer supplies to the beach. Your traveling trunks will not be making the journey.”
Vivienne’s brows lifted. “Not making the?—”
“Ms. Omphrey has larger canvas packs you may use,” Thorne continued smoothly, ignoring the interruption. “Bring only what you can carry. Keep in mind, you will also be assigned to transport additional supplies.”
“Aye, Commander,” Lewis responded, forcing a mockingly solemn tone.
Thorne’s only reaction was the slight raise of one eyebrow, his silence louder than a reprimand.
Lewis rocked back on his heels, drawing out the pause before giving an exaggerated nod. “I guess we’ll get going?”
Another slow blink from Thorne.
Vivienne pressed her lips together, barely smothering a laugh as she caught the amused glint in Cirrus’ eye. Lewis had a talent for making other people squirm, but for once, he may have met his match.
* * *
Vivienne rummagedthrough her traveling trunk, her fingers ghosting over the fabric of neatly folded clothes. How much should she bring? No one had said how long they’d be on the island. Did anyone even know? She eyed the canvas pack Commander Thorne had given her and sighed. This wasn’t going to fit everything.
She had just begun prioritizing when her cabin door swung open.
Cirrus slipped inside, closing the door behind him in one fluid movement.
“What are youdoing?” she hissed, scrambling to her feet.
“Nice to see you too.” His smirk was maddening.
She let out a sharp exhale. “What, you don’t knock anymore? Has being at sea completely ruined your manners?”
His eyes flicked to her hands. Straight to the handful of undergarments she was still holding.
Heat rushed to her face. She turned on her heel, shoving the garments back into her trunk and slamming the lid shut.
A wicked glint sparked in his ice-blue eyes. “It’s not like I haven’t seen those before.”
Her blush deepened.Infuriating man.
“Are you here to borrow some bloomers, or was there something else you needed?” she shot back.
Cirrus took a slow step toward her. “I thought you might want to?—”
“Gods, Cirrus,” she groaned, throwing up her hands. “You can’t just barge in here and think we’re going to?—”
“I’m not seducing you,” he cut in, his laughter low and teasing. “Right now, at least.” He winked.
She rolled her eyes, biting back a scathing response.
His expression warmed as he reached into his coat, pulling out a small slip of parchment and a thin charcoal stick. “I thought you might want to send a message to Briar.”
Vivienne’s breath stalled.
“Only officers can use the homing doves,” he continued, watching her reaction, “but I figured she’d be with Johanna, and I doubt either of them was thrilled about you leaving.”
She stared at him, lips parted, caught between gratitude and suspicion.He remembered.After everything, after years apart, he still remembered.
Tears burned at the edges of her vision. She blinked rapidly, willing them away.Pull yourself together, Vivienne.
Cirrus’ forehead wrinkled in concern. “Whoa, I wasn’t trying to upset you.”
