“I’ll—” The man paled as a hand closed over his forearm. Clean, black cloth and fine stitching caught her eye.
“You’ll leave the lady alone,” the velvet voice rumbled just behind her.
Unexpected heat raced up her stiff spine. Captain Hook pushed the man away and wedged himself between them.
“You…you’re…” the man stammered before turning and shoving his way through the crowd in haste.
“Good riddance.” Hook faced her, glancing over the splatter of ale on the billowing tan shirt tucked into her tight breeches. “You all right, love?”
“I can take care of myself,” she snapped, still caught up in her anger.
His eyes widened.
Shit. She was supposed to seduce him, not brush him off. “But…” She licked her lips before glancing away, then back. “I really appreciate the help.”
He tipped an invisible hat, the motion as natural as if he rarely went around without one. “Always happy to help a lady in distress.”
“How very gallant of you.” It took everything she had to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
“Can I buy you another drink,…?” He cocked his head, waiting for her name.
“Tinker Bell.”Oh, Beryl’s wings. She hadn’t planned to give him her real one. She grinned through her error and slid closer. “And I do believe you already ordered another round for everyone.”
His fingertips, with nails painted a midnight black, grazed the edge of her shoulder before he pulled back. The touch, so brief and fleeting, sent a thrill down to her toes. It shouldn’t have. He was a pirate—a notorious one. Worse, her target. But if he was interested, it made her job so much easier. Stealing the ruby was a test, and she couldn’t fail—not if she wanted the merfolk’s queen, Titania, to trust her. She needed her trust before the queen would even discuss a trade for the black pearl, the only object known to fix anything broken, even her bracelet.
“Tinker Bell.” He took his time with her name, and the way he drew out the words melted her more than any drink.
“Just Tink is fine,” she added, suddenly warm.
“Aye. Not that swill, Tink.” He gestured to the nearby drinks. “The barkeep has a few more pleasurable options.”
“Well…” Tink ran her hand down his sleeve. “I think I might enjoy that.”
Chapter 2
Tink
Hours or minutes later—Tink couldn’t tell—she and Hook spilled out of the rancorous bar into the still night air, their clothes sticking to the humidity dewing their skin. Barely a sliver of moonlight slipped through the cloudy night sky, but Tink hardly noticed. Her vision blurred at the edges. Each step wobbled more than a little.
Damn, the dark rum he’d procured had been strong. She’d only taken little sips compared to him, but still, it clouded her head.Stupid, stupid, stupid.What was she thinking getting drunk like she was just out for a good time? The only bright side on this dark night was Hook had downed more than enough to make his gaze heavy with lust and his step just as unsteady as hers. He didn’t even blink an eye when she suggested he show her his ship.
“Pride of the seas!” he proclaimed, flinging an arm toward the docks and splashing half of the drink he still carried over its rim.“You won’t find a more impressive ship than theJolly Roger. Not in all of Neverland.”
“I’ve heard it’s quite big. Strong. Fast too.” She giggled, not at all faked, and brushed against his arm. No, more like stumbled into him. A lesser man might have tripped and fallen into the nearly empty streets, but not Hook. Tink may as well have hit a tree for all he moved.
“Careful there, love.” He steadied her with his hook, somehow delicate and careful despite his drunkenness. “Wouldn’t want you to miss out on such a sight.”
“No.” She looked him up and down, taking her time as they stumbled along. Tink licked her lips slowly, carefully. “We wouldn’t want that at all.”
The hooded glance he shot her, shadowed by the night, stirred her blood more than it ever should.Filthy, stealing, double-dealing, no-good pirate, that’s what he is.It didn’t matter that he could charm the fins off a fish and his grin could melt iron. He stole the Heart of Fire. He deserved to have it stolen from him. Not to mention a pirate had gotten her into this mess, so it was only fair she used another to help get herself out.
Tink twisted the bracelet around her wrist. She’d find a way home. Saving Lily, the closest person she had to a sister, was worth the cost, and she’d make the same choice again in a heartbeat.Durin’s beard, I’d do anything for her. But she’d be damned if freeing Lily from that wretched Captain Blackbeard would cost her a place in the Sylvanna Vale. It had been a night similar to this one. Beautiful and peaceful. Tink shivered.
“Are you all right?” Hook asked.
Tink glanced up at the roguish pirate with a start. When had they stopped walking? Worse, he sounded almost as sober as she suddenly felt. That wouldn’t do. “Just cold for a moment.” She gave him her best honey-and-whiskey smile and trailed a hand down his arm.
Okay, that was a terrible excuse. Tink silently cursed herself as she kept her grin frozen in place. No living thing could be cold in the tropical humidity they practically swam through.
