Page 19 of Wicked Sea and Sky

“Your good looks go without saying.” I pressed my hand flat against the compass, trapping it between my palm and his chest. His heart drummed beneath the wood. “I trust you the most,” I whispered. “I think about you the most. Way more than I should. And I wonder… if maybe you and I could be something more.”

He made a low sound in his throat and covered my hand with his own.

“Marin?” A strange note burned in his voice; the storm breaking.

“Yes?”

“Stop—” He swallowed. “Don’t look anymore.”

“Oh.” My brow creased.

I drew back and tucked my fist against my side. His declaration stung as if I’d woken up to rain pelting my skin like needles. The glow from the lantern suddenly felt harsh and too bright.

I turned my head away and stepped around him, but Gavin's hand dropped to my waist, holding me still.

“Dammit. That came out wrong. That’s not—” He cursed under his breath, the sound bitter. His fingers tightened around my hip when I pushed against him. “I can't believe I messed this up.”

“No, you didn't!” I twisted out of his hold and backed out of the alcove.

His jaw clenched, and he reached for me again, tried to pull me back. “Listen to me, I—”

“It’s okay. I understand. Snakes, flowers, it makes perfect sense.”

“What?” He scrubbed a hand over his face, confusion softening his pained expression.

“I overstepped.” I raised both hands as if they released him from any obligation. “Still not sorry, but keep the paper. Iwon’t need it anymore.”

“Marin, wait!” Gavin demanded as I retreated into the crowd.

I spotted Cass and waved to get her attention.

“Ready to call it a night? I’m exhausted.”

She eyed me critically and handed me a jar of luminous salt. “Did something happen? Your ears are red.”

“Nope, just blessed with sensitive ears.” I glanced over my shoulder. No Gavin.

And I should have been relieved. Iwasrelieved. There wasn’t much left to say. And if he apologized?

Just serve me to the snakes.

I winced. Minutes ago, a beautiful witch was flirting with him, most likely organizing another tryst. Then, I come along, talking nonsense about what he deserves, and listing his best qualities like a lovesick fool.

I knew better.

Love, in our line of work, was always a risk. And like fate promised, it stabbed me in the back.

If I wasn’t convinced before, tonight sealed the deal. Gavin wasn’t looking for anything serious, and staying longer wasn't going to change anything.

It was time to go home.

Chapter 7

The ship dipped ona wave, nearly sending the deck of cards sliding off the table. Bowen caught them before they hit the floor, then glanced down at the ones in his hand.

He played a pair of clubs. “What did you do to Gavin?”

“Me? What do you mean?” I scowled at the poor hand I’d been dealt. Though it seemed a fitting metaphor for my life. Especially after last night.What a disaster!I slapped a pair of twos on top of his clubs, frowning as Bowen collected the points.