Page 12 of Found at Sea

“A captain of legend, eh?”

He scoffed. “There you go again with your ego.”

“You don’t fear me,” I said, observing the soft angles of his face. If he looked this alluring in the dark, I yearned to see him in the light of day. “Why?”

“Because you are only a man. Same as me.”

“Then you are a fool,” I growled.

I wasn’t sure why, but I didn’t want Fletcher to fear me. However, I was used to it. I garnered obedience because men were afraid of the consequences from angering me. I hadn’t known anything else for many years, not since boarding theCrimsonat the young age of ten and being shaped into the man I was.

My defenses were slipping around this auburn haired beauty, and I refused to succumb to such weakness.

“Let me make this clear to you, boy,” I snarled, stepping closer to him. His eyes widened and he tried to back away, but I gripped his shirt in a tight fist and yanked him to me. “You have two choices: willingly join my crew or be a captive on my ship.”

“What kind of choice is that?” he asked, trying to wiggle out of my hold but failing.

“The only one you have. Now choose.” I kept hold of him, just in case he attempted to flee. “Will you come with your dignity intact or must I throw you over my shoulder and carry you there?”

The look in his eyes made my chest ache. He might’ve not been afraid earlier, but he was now. I detested it, but didn’t back down.

“You’re despicable,” Fletcher said, but with his angry tone also came his defeat. “But I refuse to be anyone’s prisoner. So,Captain, I accept your offer.”

I released him. “We take our leave now.”

He fixed the wrinkle I’d created in his shirt before grabbing the bag from the grass and slinging it over his shoulder. When he walked over to the tree, I first thought he was going to try to make a run for it, but then he bent to grab something.

“You’re a bard?” I asked once seeing the lute. Fletcher brushed past me and started walking down the hill. I gripped his arm and pulled him back toward me. “I asked you a question, boy.”

“And I’m ignoring you,” he said.

“I’ve killed men for doing less,” I spat, feeling my blood begin to boil. He intrigued me, but he wouldn’t be immune to my rage if he continued to be so defiant. “It matters not. We haven’t the time for this tomfoolery. Walk.”

I shoved him forward, and when he stumbled, that ache in my chest grew wider.

“You do not have to push me,” he snapped.

“Then move your feet instead of your lips,” I retorted.

As we moved down the hill and back through the dense cluster of trees, I wondered if I’d made a grave mistake that night.

Fletcher had already shown he was strong-willed, feisty, and slightly impulsive. He’d do nothing but challenge me at every turn; challenge my authority and test my patience. But his presence did something to me, and I couldn’t explain it.

Nearing the water’s edge, I saw my crew standing around the launch we’d rowed to shore in. They turned to us as we approached, and Fletcher halted in step.

Kristoff, Tig, and Dax knew who he was, but the others stared in confusion.

“Who’s the lad?” Byron asked. He seemed less irritable than earlier, and I assumed it was because he’d bedded a woman or two at the brothel.

“New member of theCrimson Night,” I answered. “Give him a pirate’s welcome.”

And not that I’d ever admit such a thing aloud, but when Fletcher moved a little behind me, as if seeking protection, my heart thrummed just a tad faster.

Aye. A mistake was made indeed.