Sean’s already wide eyes widened even more before he once again focused his gaze on the floor. “’Twas nobody. I just prefer my privacy, if ye dinna mind.” he said quietly.
The ship suddenly listed to the right and they both scrambled to steady themselves. Sean’s small hand grasped the bedpost to stop him from tumbling to the floor. Colin listened for his men’s call, but didn’t hear anything. He knew he should go check to see what was happening, but he wanted to continue this conversation.
Torn between his duty to his men and ship and the lad that had been through so much, Colin swore under his breath and turned toward the door. He paused, resting his hand on the knob and said quietly, “I do hope one day ye will trust me enough to tell me yer story. Until then, please know that no harm will come to ye while ye’re under my watch.”
Sean said nothing and Colin forced himself to open the door and walk out, leaving the boy to change his clothes alone as he’d originally wished.
Finally left onher own, Seonag blew out a long, exasperated breath. If Honey had stayed in his quarters any longer she’d have given up her farce. She quickly pulled her shirt over her head and dipped a clean corner into the water of the basin and wiped down her arms and washed the remnants of the dried blood away.
She’d washed her hands earlier after Duncan and Honey left the room, but with so much to do to get a meal ready for the men, she hadn’t even thought to check the rest of herself for evidence of the stitches she’d sewn.
She folded her soiled shirt and set it aside. Did pirates launder their clothing? She didn’t know, but judging from what she’d seen so far, they didn’t. She’d change that at once.
They were surrounded by water for God’s sake. Would it hurt them to haul up a bucket or two and clean their clothing?
Not in the least. Her mind made up, she contemplated unwrapping the binding flattening her breasts because it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. But knowing Honey could return to his quarters at any time and see her made the decision easy.
But she did tug on each side of the linen strips trying to loosen them up a wee bit.At least that will lessen some of the constriction.
Hastily, she slipped a clean shirt over her head and glanced at herself in the looking glass. A stray lock peeked through, so she tossed her cap on the bed and quickly re-plaited her hair before putting her hat back on and tucking the strands back under.
With a last look, she drew a deep breath and walked out of the chamber, determined to find Honey and insist that he have the men bring water on board for cleaning.
As Seonag made her way to the main deck, she passed Sweeney and he halted her advance by grasping her arm, spinning her around to face him.
“What are ye up to, boy?” He bent low so they were eye to eye, his wretched breath overwhelming her senses, making her want to vomit.
She tried to pull away her arm, but his fingers dug into her flesh, making her want to cry out, but knowing she couldn’t without giving away that she was a woman.
“I know ye’ve got a dastardly plan whirling around in that little head of yers. We’ve no use for ye here.”
“Sweeney!” Boomed a familiar voice from the end of the hall. The crewman paled and let go of her arm immediately. “Dinna ye have a deck to swab?” Honey asked.
“Aye, Cap’n. I was just on my way to do that.”
“Then I suggest ye stop harassing the new help and tend to yer own duties.”
“Aye, sir.” Sweeney gave Honey as wide a berth as the narrow hallway allowed as he passed to make his way to the deck.
“Sweeney,” Honey called after him.
The man paused and turned to look at Honey but remained silent.
“Keep yer hands to yerself. If I see you manhandling the lad again, ye’ll be swimming with the fishes.”
“Aye, Cap’n,” Sweeney said before scrambling up the stairs and disappearing above deck.
“Are ye alright, lad?” Honey’s voice was filled with concern, his forehead creasing as he looked her over.
Seonag nodded, but didn’t dare speak. She didn’t trust herself to say anything. She was relieved Honey had appeared when he did.
“Where are ye off to?” Honey asked.
“To the galley, Captain.” Even though the area they called a galley barely passed as one, but it was an area that allowed them to prepare food, so a galley it was.
He nodded, studying her face.
She felt like he could see into her very soul. If he could see the thoughts running round her head, he’d kick her off the ship.
