Page 146 of Tiger's Voyage

I gasped for air and narrowed my eyes. “If you eventhinkof saying that was enlightening, I’m going to blast you overboard.”

He ran his fingertips gently over my swollen bottom lip, smiled, and nudged me toward the door. “Go. Take care of Kishan.”

Confused, I stepped through the door.

“And, Kelsey—”

I turned. “What?” I asked impatiently.

“I’m serious about the hair.”

I screeched in disgust and stomped off, ignoring his soft laugh. I muttered all the way down the stairs.Imperious, smug, too-enticing-for-his-own-good alley cat! Thinks he can put his paws all over me. Strong-arm meto get what he wants.I rubbed my hands up and down my arms where I could still feel the pressure of his grip and ran a finger across a stilltingling lip.Bully. Might as well throw me over his shoulder and make offwith me like some pirate stealing a wench.

I suddenly imagined a long-haired Ren dressed as a swashbuckler— tall black boots, a white shirt with laces open at the throat, and a red cape. He’d be brandishing a sword and stalking slowly toward me, pinning me against the railing. While I’d be helpless, in a torn gown, with a heaving bosom and …sheesh! Obviously I’ve read too many ofMom’s romance novels.I shook my head to clear my thoughts and was scowling when I entered Kishan’s room.

“Kells? Is that you?”

I sighed and slapped a smile on my face though he couldn’t see it. “Yes. It’s me. How are you feeling?”

“Better.”

Nilima sat next to him. “He wouldn’t eat until you came,” she said.

“He’s a pretty stubborn cat. Okay. I’m here now. What’s on the menu?”

“Soup.”

“Soup? You never eat soup. What’s the special occasion?”

Kishan grinned. “You hand-feeding me is the special occasion. I’m just helpless without you.”

“Uh huh,” I laughed. “I’ll bet. You’re going to milk this for all it’s worth, aren’t you?”

He sat back and put his hands behind his head. “You know it. How often does a guy get to be served by a beautiful girl who feels great empathy for him and would do almost anything to help him feel better?”

“Almostbeing the key word there. And as for beauty, your judgment is impaired.”

He reached for my hand. When I put it in his outstretched one, he tentatively ran his up my arm until he touched my cheek. “You’re always beautiful.”

“Flattery won’t keep me from spilling your dinner into your lap. Fine. I’ll spoon-feed you, but not soup. You need something heartier. How about stew and grilled cheese?”

“Sounds good.”

Nilima winked at me and left as I used the Fruit to make his meal. Between bites of potato, carrot, and roasted lamb, he asked, “Are we under way yet?”

“We’re away from the island, but we haven’t figured out where to go.”

He grunted and sipped from the cup I held for him.

“Did Mr. Kadam come down to talk with you?” I asked.

“Yes. He told me all about the theory that I will be an oracle of some kind. I don’t feel any different though.”

“Hmm. Well, until we know where to go, I guess we’ll just stay where we are.” I set down the empty bowl and dabbed his lip with a napkin.

He took my hand, pulled me onto his lap, and wrapped his arms around me. “I just wanted to tell you, it’sokay, Kells.”

“What’s okay?” I mumbled in his shirt.