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You can’t be uncomfortable if no one knows you’re there.

Yet he knows.

He’s here.

And he’s waiting as though he has all the time in the world.

Though the silence makes my skin itch, I refuse to be the one to break it. Then he would think I want to talk to him, and I can’t allow that.

“My first time on a ship,” he says, “I was just a boy. I was so nervous and unsure of what to say or do around all the men. I would hide. Listen to what everyone around me said and did. It was a comfort to learn that way. To observe without being seen.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.”

“I know. I’m just making conversation.”

Damn him. Now the record needs to be set straight. “People are patterns. They do the same things. Make the same choices. When you learn the patterns, you learn to anticipate what they’ll do. It’s how I can be prepared for potential threats. I observe so I can protect.”

“What are my patterns?” he asks.

“Drinking, snoring, drinking, eating, drinking, yelling at Enwen.”

“Those are my old patterns. I don’t drink anymore. What are my new ones?”

I open my mouth but close it immediately. Because I realize I don’t know the answer to that. I watched him for so long for Alosa. I had no interest once it was no longer my job. I knew his patterns. I knew exactly what to expect from him.

That’s why I can’t stand him.

But now he’s different, and I don’t know him at all. I really don’t want to, either. But I need to as captain of this ship.

Shit.

I’ve gone too long without answering, so he says, “You’re doing a great job as captain, you know. It’s no wonder Alosa holds you in such high regard.”

Ugh, he’s complimenting me. “Yet I can’t fathom why she’s allowed you to remain among us.”

“I’m a seasoned helmsman, and I don’t cause trouble.”

“Not for Alosa.”

Kearan sits up, places his elbows on the table behind him, and leans backward. “Has there been a complaint made about me on this ship?”

“Not formally.” After all, who would I make a complaint to? I’m the captain.

“Sorinda—” he starts.

“Captain,” I correct.

“Captain,” he amends, “I’m truly sorry if I’ve done anything to offend. I would like there to be peace between us so we can effectively carry out this mission.”

“There is to benothingbetween us.”

Shit again.

My voice came out too harsh. He’ll know I’m incensed, that he has an effect on me.

Kearan scoffs. “You think an awful lot of yourself. Sorinda, Iwantnothingbetween us.”

The force of my glare is probably lost somewhat in the near darkness, but I’m sure he can guess my expression and my thoughts.