“I—” Dinesh began.“Look, I—”
I lifted my hands.“Never mind.Doesn’t matter.”
I glanced at Domingo, who appeared subdued.
“I’m glad you treated my friend with the respect and honour he deserved, even whilst he was forced to bed men such as yourself.”I gave Dinesh a purposeful look, so he’d know I was intentionally maligning him.
Domingo put a hand to his chest.“I was neverforcedto bed anyone.I was popular enough to choose my clients, I’ll have you know.At least whilst I worked at the Turnkey.”
“Well, I’m glad.Are you going to stand there, or will you bring me some soup?”I asked, having put the sobering events of the past few days behind me and preparing to enjoy my dinner.
The meal was superb.Mr Guthrie had gone out of his way to provide us with the most high-class victuals he could provide.
Domingo and Squid retreated and left us to enjoy our dinner in private.We were silent as we ate, since the day had been melancholy and the food was hearty and a testament to Guthrie’s talent.
I cleared my throat and fondled the end of my spoon.
“And will there be any dessert on offer?”I asked boldly.
Dinesh stared at me with astonishment.Perhaps he supposed the strange events of the day to have eradicated all romantic intentions.Which they absolutely had, but the special dinner in the privacy of our rooms had revived them.
“Would you like some?”Dinesh asked, his gaze running up and down my torso, which was all he could see above the edge of the table.“I didn’t prepare anything.However, I could certainly use a tasty finish…”
I gave a nod and lifted my arms wide, as if encompassing the whole of myself and everything else.
“You may do anything you’d like with me.Distraction, remember?And Domingo told me we must wield joy as if it’s a weapon.”
Dinesh pushed his chair away from the table and stood.“Seems as good an idea as any.”
“I agree,” I said, lowering my arms.
“Help me clear these dishes, will you?”
That…was not what I’d expected him to say.However, I obliged, wondering if he was buying time to come up with a dastardly plan.When the table had been emptied of everything but the fancy cloth, he told me to strip.
“Now?”I asked.
“Yes.And then I want you to lay yourself out upon that table.If you want to be my dessert, then, by hell, you shall be.”
“Oh,” I squeaked, my bollocks tightening and my cock going full mast in a moment.Then a basic human need made itself felt.
“Wait, wait.”
“Whatever for?”
“I think… I think I’d better…you know…” I gestured toward the door.“The privy?If you don’t want a special surprise with your dessert?”
He rolled his eyes.“If you must.For God’s sake, take the cloth napkin with you and make sure you’re squeaky clean afterwards.”
I stood straight and gave a salute.“Aye, aye, Captain.”
“Get away with you.Bloody rascal.Have a good shit.”
I grinned.“Oh, I aim to.Got to clear the way, you see.”
He huffed a laugh and waved me off, trying not to grin.
The privy was a luxury I’d be loath to give up.The regular members of the crew were forced to use a utilitarian spot on the bow that had no cover or comforts.As a favourite of the captain at first and then as an officer of theArrow, it was a benefit that I’d received and that I thanked my stars for every damn day.
