Luce's glacier blue gaze met mine, his expression sobering. "For now. But we both know it won't be the last bump in the road."
I exited as the others came into the area.
“Thanks for the sandwiches, Rissa!” Cathy called as I headed back out onto the deck.
Luce followed me up. By the railing again, I drew in a deep breath of salty sea air. Luce moved to stand beside, close enough that his shoulder brushed mine. I half expected him to make some flirtatious remark.
But he just stood there in companionable silence, his profile proud and chiseled against the bright sky. I relaxed incrementally, surprised to find his presence more comforting than arousing for once.
There was more to Luce than the arrogant, womanizing facade he presented to the world. Hidden depths, carefully concealed, that I wanted to explore despite my better judgment.
Lost in my musings, I startled when Luce reached out to tuck a windblown strand of hair behind my ear, his calloused fingers lingering just a beat too long against my cheek.
"Penny for your thoughts?" His deep rumble sent a flutter through my stomach.
"Nothing important." I dodged the question, hopefully smoothly. "Just mentally preparing myself."
"For the masterpiece magical ritual of protection?" His tone was light, but I could hear the undercurrent of tension.
"Something like that." I shifted to face him fully, searching his expression. "Luce, are you sure you want to dive with me to get it?"
Something flashed through his eyes too quick to decipher. "I'm sure. There’s no knowing what might be there. If you're brave enough to sacrifice everything, the least I can do is have your back."
Warmth bloomed in my chest at his words, and I glanced away, afraid he'd read too much in my gaze. "Well. Once we have more privacy, we can work on the having back and front parts…I like you being around. Even if you are an arrogant ass most of the time."
Luce barked out a laugh. "Just keeping you on your toes, kitten."
“Don’t call me kitten.”
He bumped my hip with his playfully, the rare moment of earnestness evaporating. But even as I shook my head, I couldn't quite suppress the answering smile.
But then Luce ruined the moment by smacking my butt as he turned to head back to the wheelhouse with a roguish wink.
I scowled after him, even as an undignified squawk escaped my throat. One step forward, two steps back with that man.
16
LUCE
Two eternal anddull days later, I leaned against the doorframe of the cockpit, watching Rissa settle into the captain's chair. "You ready to learn how to drive this thing?"
Rissa looked up at me and batted her lashes in an exaggerated manner. "Ooh Luce, I don't know, it seems so complicated!" she exclaimed in an unnaturally high-pitched tone.
I chuckled and shook my head. This ought to be entertaining. "Come on now, a smart woman like you? Driving a boat is a piece of cake."
"Well, if you say so..." Rissa sing songed. She gripped the wheel and turned to me. "So, what do I do, Mighty Captain Lord Daemon?"
I moved closer and placed my hands over hers on the wheel, enjoying the warmth of her skin. "First, check your instruments. Throttle, navigate, communicate."
Rissa nodded solemnly. "Aye aye, sir."
Then she glanced at me slyly. "You know, I've never actually driven a boat."
"What, never?" I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you liked the sea."
"Um, have I mentioned that I hate water?" Rissa snorted. "Other than when I placed the diamond and now, the longest I've been on a boat was crossing over from Morocco to Gaul with Rey. And I was not happy about it, let me tell you."
I snorted. This woman never ceased to surprise me. "Well, there's a first time for everything. Let's see what you've got."
