“Fine,” Hook sighed. Not like they could do anything more today. Plus, he needed to look into that rumored royal outpost, see what he could discover. Perhaps he’d even see about pocketing a few interesting papers, if there were any to be had.
“Actually, I’d like to go to the market. Maybe buy some new clothes…that fit.” Tink gestured to herself and Hook’s too-big shirt that she still wore. His shirt. A knot tightened in his stomach. With that cloak wrapped around her, he could almost forget.
“And since you kidnapped me, half-naked no less, I think you owe me coin to pay for some.” She held out her hand like a child asking for a treat.
Damn if that doe-eyed look didn’t make him want to give it to her. “You stole from—”
“From you first, yeah, yeah, but you still kidnapped me.”
A passerby gave them a look but kept going. Wise on their part. “You’re not a kid.”
She groaned. “Adult-napped? Whatever.”
“Fine.” He fished out a small bag of coins and passed it to her.
The blinding grin she gave him in return—had he ever seen such a genuine one?—was worth it.
“Shall we?” She turned to Smee.
He grinned, offering his arm like some kind of gentleman, and led her away down the cobblestones.
The back of Hook’s neck burned. Of course she’d prefer his first mate’s company. Didn’t every woman? Gods, how he loved and hated that man.
“Careful, you’ll turn green with envy.” Sage smirked at him, one hand on her hip.
“It’s not…we’re not.”
She rolled her eyes and slapped him across the back—hard. “You’ve always been a poor liar. She’s nice, though. Maybe be kind to her?”
“I am—”
Bright laughter cut off his words. “Sure, sure.” She shook her head. “Half-naked, huh? You left out that little detail. Must have been a nice sight.”
“Don’t start.” Bloody hell. If another one of his crew tried to take her from him…
Sage smirked again and raised her brows. “See? I joke, and you get that look like you’re going to cast me off into the depths.”
“She stole from us, got us cursed and into this mess. I can’t want her. I should hate such a thieving little—” He snapped off his words before he could spill her identity to the streets. Last thing he needed was for her to cause more trouble.
“Well, for the record, I think she feels the same way about you.” She winked and knocked her hip against his before sauntering off down the street. Hook was left to gape after her, unable to muster an argument or even a quip in response.
Chapter 16
Tink
With gold in her pocket and the freedom to walk around town, Tink’s wings twitched with the urge to fly. She’d be able to today, and well, even her footsteps were lighter. Whatever that bitter scent had been in the witch’s shop that sent her sneezing, it’d passed without any ill effects as soon as they stepped outside.Thank Holy Flora for that.
“Come, look and see these pieces crafted with love and care, sure to brighten any lady’s day,” Smee called in his best salesman’s voice.
Tink smiled at the passing customers and held out her hand, decked out in bracelets and rings Smee’s sisters had made from carved shells and asked them to sell in town. Okay, so she wasn’ttotallyfree, but she didn’t mind helping out—for a while. Not to mention that with the strapping sailor nearby, no wise person would bother her. Plus, it gave her time to get accustomed to this…city.
Many a sailor had clamored about the beauties of Rochland, but the façades of homes and storefronts looming over the cobblestones rankled against her very nature. The constructs of stone and wood were painted garishly bright colors and crammed one on top of another, with tiny alleys between their neat and orderly squares. Rare window boxes provided the only breath of nature, and even the flowers in those were often wilted and pitiful. Pixies were one with nature, and their homes personified that deep connection—built in and around great trees, taking advantage of all the forest had to offer. The treehouse she’d acquired had been a perfect example. The closest to home she could find. Here, humans had scraped the land clean, destroying the beauty and wonder of the island in favor of their horrendous craftsmanship.
Her stomach turned over, and it was a battle to keep her grin in place. At least the cove had been better, with its homes at one with the life around them—mostly. Still, they were nothing like her home in the Sylvanna Vale. Her mind whirled with possibilities as she stood in the sun, wings bound. Ideas for improving the homes in the cove presented themselves one after another.
But she wouldn’t be with these pirates long enough to craft the designs, even if they wanted her tinkering. Her smile faltered for the briefest moment. Perhaps she could leave designs for them to put to use after she’d gone.
A gaggle of well-dressed ladies rushed toward her and Smee, chatting with one another and waving lace fans. Their dresses sported as many colors as the nearby shops. No doubt the grinning Smee blowing them kisses caught their attention as much as the jewelry. Tink forced her smile wider as she showed off the last of the goods—well, for a minute, until Smee instructed her to let the women try them on themselves.
