Page 107 of A Flash of Golden Fire

The fib was worth seeing the look on the captain’s shocked face and hearing Domingo’s laughter.

Dinesh soon realized I was having him on.

“Shit disturber,” he said.

“Philanderer.”

“I’m not a—” Captain Martin started, then saw the grin on my face. “Dear God, nothing can keep you down for long, Rooster. I’m glad to see.”

“I am honoured to be under your protection, Captain Martin,” Domingo said with grace and inclined his head as the captain left for the kitchens.

Domingo glanced at my wrapped hands with some concern. “How are they?” he asked.

I shrugged. “The last time they were burned well and truly,” I muttered. “Blistered and broken.”

“Are they sore?”

“A bit. Raw, you know? Like when you stay in the sun for far too long.”

Domingo nodded and opened his mouth but then closed it.

“You want to know what I am.”

His gaze met mine. “I’m…curious. And a little…frightened, to be frank. And there’s not a lot that frightens me anymore.”

“There’s nothing to be frightened of though. Everyone I care for turns out all right after. At least, they have so far.”

Domingo’s face betrayed astonishment. “Do you… Do youcarefor me, Simon White?”

“Of course, I do.”

Domingo gave an astonished little laugh. “You’d be surprised how few ever have.”

“That’s horrible.”

He shrugged. “Goes with the life I lead, I’m afraid.” He frowned. “Led, I suppose. Perhaps that’s all over now.” His tone held a somber note.

“Will you miss that life?”

He pondered my question, tracing a finger along the seam of his trousers. “It’s only that I’ve been living that way for so long. I feel…unmoored. I’ll miss the silks and the finery, for certain. That part of the lifestyle I quite enjoyed.”

I gazed on him with concern. “I’m certain we can find some fancy clothes for you, Domingo. Somehow.”

“I’m not sure how practical that would be here on the ship.”

I snorted. “Fuck practicality. Do what you want.”

Domingo grinned, his eyes sparking. “Oh, I do like you, Rooster.”

I smiled, too, my head beginning to feel much better and the ringing in my ears lessened.

*

The first time I ventured on deck after our escape, the men were predictably avoidant.

TheArrowhad departed from parts near Tortuga and now sailed freely to the east, towards the Turks Islands. The morning had turned from overcast to bright, and the winds were steady. The creaking of her hull and the splashes of spray against her solid sides as theArrowsurged forward through the waves were a reassuring accompaniment.

Most of the men paid me as little attention as possible, pretending to be busy with important tasks. I’m sure they were busy, but the avoidance was intentional. They made sure they knew where I was.