Page 56 of Folds
“You’re in luck. I have one left.”
“I’ll take it, then.” I drop a gold coin into his palm, and he raises an eyebrow, yet doesn’t question it.
“No trouble.”
I nod and give him what I hope is a reassuring smile. While he knows I’m a pirate, he also won’t turn down my gold. It’s better than whatever currency they’ve cooked up here. As long as I don’t cost him more than I’ve given him, we’ll be fine. I add another coin, and tension bleeds from his shoulders.
“Any food? Or do I need to venture out?” The thought has a shudder rolling through me.
“Just stew and bread. All we got during festivals or we can’t keep up. Ned, by the way.”
“Loch.”
His eyes widen the slightest bit, and I wonder if my name has actually made it this far.Once I’ve ordered, he walks away, and I go back to gazing at the crowd. I doubt anyone will sneak up on me, but I won’t take any chances. A woman at the end of the bar catches my eye. It could be because she has the shiniest black hair I’ve ever seen. Or it could be her laugh lifting over the other voices. In reality, it’s her animated conversation with the barmaid. I couldn’t fathom what they’re talking about. Suppose it’s none of my business.
When Ned joins them and glances at me, I realize I might be wrong. I have a feeling I’m about to get dragged into this woman’s affairs whether I like it or not.
chapter three
KERES
“I’m sorry, miss, but I just gave away our last room,” the owner says.
“Except I justpaidfor the room.” The coins I used were technically stolen, but I doubt the man I took it from will care. Can’t spend it at the bottom of the sea.
“Ned, she paid double,” the barmaid mutters.
“So did the captain.” Ned’s gaze flicks to a man at the end of the bar watching our interaction.
I could let this go. Except I’ve been to three other taverns and no one has room. Could I sneak onto a ship sitting in port? Yes. Then an asshole would stumble on board and the curse would compel me to take care of them. If I wait too long, the curse makes me feral. And there goes my night off. Ireallyneed a night off.
“Let me see what I can do.” I rap my knuckles on the counter and smirk.
The captain’s dark eyes follow me as I weave through the patrons who unconsciously step out of my way. His blue-black hair sucks the light from around him, creating a halo around him. I doubt he’s as divine as he appears. Clearly, a pirate. He’ll eithergive me the room or I’ll lead him back to the ocean. One way or another, I’ll end up sleeping in that room.
“Hello,” I murmur as the man next to him moves for me. I slide onto the stool and angle my body toward him. He scans me from head to toe, then turns back to his ale.
“Can I help you?”
“Seems you and I have something in common.” I infuse my voice with sultry tones, though he doesn’t seem interested. Bastard.
“And what could that be?”
I cross my ankles and prop my elbow on the counter, resting my chin in my hand. “There’s only one room left and we both seem to have paid for it.”
He hums, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. “Pretty sure I was here first, nymph.”
“Wrong creature,” I mumble, then clear my throat. “Be that as it may, Iama woman. And you wouldn’t leave a helpless woman out in the cold in search of another place to stay, would you?”
He sets his mug down and turns. His legs bracket mine, and a thrill rolls through me. From the look on his face, I doubt he’d be willing to share. Besides, I don’t sleep with pirates…anymore. His gaze rakes over me, and flames lick through my veins.
He leans in, and I bite my tongue to keep from launching myself at him. From this close, I can make out the flecks of gold in his black eyes. When he blinks slowly, his long lashes brush his sharp cheekbones.Do not fuck a piraterepeats like a mantra in my head. If he makes even the slightest of suggestions, my clothes will burn from my body, leaving me naked for the entirety of the tavern to peruse. Damn men.
“From what I see, you’re the furthest thing from helpless. Aren’t you?”
I gasp, which only makes him chuckle. “How dare you.”
“Your fake outrage is noted, nymph. However, I’m not giving up the room. You’re more than welcome to share it with me,though.” He turns back and picks up his mug once more. Ned shuffles toward us, two bowls of stew in his hands.
