Even with the heat of the flames, Erinna shivered and took another sip of ale. The warmth was only temporary and didn’t cut through the ice that remained in her veins.
A heavy coat was draped around her shoulders. She startled and turned to stare wide-eyed as he adjusted it around hershoulders, tucking the excess fabric around her body. The smell of woodfire and pine consumed her.Hisscent.
Erinna didn’t resist the comfort. She tugged the coat tighter around her. The tension in her body eased as she succumbed more and more to his care. It was nice to be cared for, even for a moment. Even by a pirate.
His eyes flickered to her bandage. “What happened to your head?” There was worry in his tone, and he moved in closer, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Oh, right.” Erinna touched the bandage that was now damp with sweat. “I didn’t duck in time.”
He blinked as if expecting more of an explanation, but Erinna just took another sip of her frothy drink, welcoming the warm burn of alcohol.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back.” He moved quickly across the courtyard, leaving Erinna to her solitary peace. She considered leaving. Slinking back to her hut, but wondered if he would come looking for her, regardless. Kane returned with a fresh bandage in his hand.
He crouched, nudging her legs apart to move between them and inspect the wound more closely. Erinna’s breath caught as his hands brushed the side of her face, his fingers unwrapping the bandage with deft, gentle strokes.
Her legs burned where they made contact with his body. A searing heat that sent a flush to her cheeks. His warmth was so utterly welcomed, as it thawed the remaining cold in her veins. Erinna had to fight from leaning in.
“So?” Kane started.
“So?” she repeated.
“What hit you?” He inspected the wound, lightly tilting her head from side to side before letting out a satisfied sigh. It was clear Serg had done well. It would heal without a scar, but it was best to keep it covered until it scabbed.
“Asher was helping me with the witchstone.”
“Asher did this?” His brow furrowed, and he shifted uneasily on the balls of his feet.
The warm glow of the embers illuminated his face, and even in the low light, Erinna could see circles forming beneath his eyes. Neither of them was making great headway in their projects, and she found some level of solace in that.
“No, not technically. I got her to try and imbue the witchstone and, well…let’s just say it was a bad first courting.”
Kane chuckled and started the process of rebandaging her cut. Some of the tension eased from his back and shoulders as he focused on the work. “Thank you for all your help,” he said, voice low and thick.
“Not like I had much of a choice, right?” She meant it as a joke, but the humor didn’t reach him. Kane leaned in, focused on the work. Erinna could see the stubble growing on his jawline, her eyes trailing a lazy path to his full lips before quickly darting to an insignificant tree she could see from over his shoulder.
Kane continued. “No, really. Brax has been thrilled to have your help. Even if he would never admit it.” He finished wrapping the new bandage around Erinna’s head and inspected his work with pride.
“You’re too nice for a pirate,” Erinna blurted out. A statement she never thought she would say in her lifetime. But it was true. Kane treated her well—too well—for a pirate.
Kane laughed, a deep and resonant sound that landed a little too close to her heart. “You’re too talented for Tarth.”
This again, Erinna groaned internally. “I’m not one for flattery, Kane.”
He studied her for a moment. His amber eyes drifted briefly to her lips before returning to meet her gaze. On instinct, Erinna pressed her legs tighter around him.
Kane plucked the cup from her hand and took a large gulp before answering.
“I don’t flatter. I take pride in my ability to see potential. My crew is hand-selected, and one of the most fearsome teams on the sea. I’ve seen enough of your work to know you would make a good fit.”
“So you’re saying I have potential, then?” She raised a playful brow, another attempt to distract from whatever feeling was building between them.
“It’s more than just potential, Erinna.” Amber and shadow danced across his face.
“If you’re impressed by that, you should really go after my father.” Erinna tried to look away, but he caught her chin with his finger and thumb.
“I’d much prefer to have you.”
The fire sputtered and crackled behind them. Her heart hammered into her chest. If he continued like this, she might just pass out.
