Page 22 of Wicked Sea and Sky

Me? I got fairytales and a bruised fingertip.

But the fairytale I really needed to rewrite was the one from last night. And if Gavin wanted to talk, I'd listen.

Glancing into the mirror once more, I gave the comb a wary squint.

“Wish me luck,” I whispered.

Then I set out to find him.

Chapter 8

The wind whipped thesails into a frenzy, canvas snapping like whips through the rising storm. I shoved the hair out of my face and glanced up at the thick gray clouds stealing over the ship. Moments ago, sunlight had blazed overhead, now thunder cracked in the distance as the crew scrambled to prepare for rough weather.

Gavin leaned against the rail, facing the sea. He stood as still as a statue, almost pensive, wearing sturdy boots, fitted trousers, and a thin leather vest over his black tunic. His dark hair curled around his nape, blowing in the brisk air.

Last night, he’d teased me into admitting I found him handsome. A man like Gavin didn’t need more praise. But there simply was no denying it. He was the most captivating man in any room… and devastating among ruins.

The first time Gavin and I met, I put myself to shame by staring openly, and losing focus nearly cost me a treasure.

I’d spent the day crawling through barely lit tunnels and digging through shale. I was dusty, overheated, but victorious after finding a jewel lodged in a block of sandstone.

Treasure in hand, I climbed onto a boulder overlooking the shared hunting camp outside a massive ruin. I was working my dagger beneath the jewel, trying to pry it loose, when anewcomer strolled into camp with enough swagger to make it seem like he owned the place.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and unfairly handsome. The kind that could use a jagged scar or broken nose to even the playing field. Not that it would’ve helped. It would’ve probably made himmoreappealing. I’d always been a sucker for rough-around-the-edges charm.

He stopped below my perch to chat with the camp cook, and our eyes locked. He held my stare like a challenge, assessing me as if he could read me with a single look. Startled by the directness of his gaze, my hand slipped. The jewel popped free from the sandstone, tumbled to the ground, and rolled to a stop near the newcomer’s boots.

My lips parted in shock as his foot slid forward, casually covering the gem. When the cook wandered off, the man bent to retrieve it. His mouth hitched into a grin as he tucked the treasure into his jacket pocket and turned on his heel.

“Hey! That’s mine,” I shouted, grabbing my pack and launching off the boulder.

He didn’t slow, boots crunching the gravel. “It’s fair game. I found it lying in the dirt.”

“You’re a thief.”

“And I’mreallygood at it.” He faced me, hands planted on his hips. “But seeing as I’m a fair man, how about I give you a chance to steal it back?” He gave his pocket a quick pat.

“Right now? While you’re watching?”

“Yes. Pick my pocket, and it’s yours.”

The man was baiting me, and judging by the devilish glint in his eyes, he was enjoying it.

I gave him a dry look. “I can’t use the element of surprise, now can I?”

He shook his head, then snapped his fingers with an idea. “You could pretend to faint at my feet, and when I go to my knees to check on you, strike then. The damsel in distress ploy is cliche, but it seems to work on gullible men.”

I bit my lip. “If only you were gullible.”

“If only.”

I heaved a sigh. Ineededthat jewel. It had taken me three days to find, and I wasn’t leaving this ruin without it. I certainly wasn’t turning it over to a smug thief. His pockets were probably full of jewels stolen from unwary hunters, but he couldn't have mine.

“Fine. I’ll play your game.” I moved closer, and when I rested my hand on his elbow for balance, he cocked a suspicious eyebrow. Slowly, I reached for my boot. “Pretend to be a gentleman for just a second. I know that must be difficult for you, but I've got a rock in my boot.”

His head dipped, and the smooth timbre of his voice sent a shiver down my back. “Oh no, not the classic ‘rock in the boot’ trick. I’ll never see it coming.”

I rolled my eyes, then my ankle, falling into him with a practiced yelp. The man caught me around the waist with a soft laugh, proving he’d expected the move, and I was fooling no one. But his grip was steady, and my pulse jumped when I should have been annoyed by his ridiculous game. I clung to his jacket, teetering at an odd angle while I kept up the ruse in plain sight, and slipped my hand into his pocket while he watched.