I recognise that noise.
A chain.
The metal links clinked together in an awful remembered time when something similar was used to string me up. Only, this wasn’t a small chain but massive and lots of it.
The anchor maybe?
Climbing out of bed, I darted to the door only to notice I was naked (like normal) and not suitable for gallivanting around in investigation. Jogging back to the haven I’d just climbed from, I grabbed the sheet, not caring my unfinished note to No One scattered on the floor, and wrapped it around me.
Racing back to the exit, ensuring my temporary clothing covered the right places and didn’t flutter open, I charged down the corridor and up the flight of stairs rather than take the lift.
I’d been on Elder’s ship for over a week. In that time, I’d battled against recovery then given into it. Once I rested and ate correctly, my body had taken full advantage. The bruises were still there, only now more green moss rather than purple thunderstorm. My broken hand was still bound with a plastic cast and bandage that I’d replaced after my swim last night. However, I hadn’t tethered my ribs again, and a minor twinge let me know I probably should have.
My muscles had regained enough mobility to propel me upward—not just skin and bone anymore—but tentatively filling out as if afraid the slight curves would be punished for showing health.
I panted and puffed by the time I climbed onto the top deck and squinted in glorious early morning sunshine, but I didn’t collapse in a broken heap.
I was getting stronger every day.
Thanks to him.
As if thinking about him, Elder materialized, standing on the deck with a cup of coffee in his hands. He wore faded jeans with a white t-shirt and casual linen blazer slung over his shoulders.
My gaze drifted down to his feet where masculine toes were free thanks to thin black flip-flops.
He didn’t notice me. Or then again, maybe he did but enjoyed me staring at him as much as I enjoyed doing it.
What time had he woken to be showered and dressed and so damn immaculate?
Striding forward, my sheet billowed behind me, doing its best to snap and vanish in the warm breeze.
Stopping beside him, he glanced in my direction. “Morning.”
I merely widened my eyes and gawked at the view. He was no longer the centre of my attention. The open sea had miraculously changed from open horizon to busy, dusty port.
“Morocco,” Elder said, offering me his coffee.
I held up my hand, automatically refusing his gift. My tongue was feeling much better, but I didn’t want to undo that healing with scalding coffee.
He smirked. “You’re getting more comfortable with me, Pimlico.”
I gulped. He’s right. I hadn’t thought twice about reacting. Breathing through my cymbal smashing heartbeat, I ignored him as the sun glittered on trucks and cranes and the mania of a working harbour.
He chuckled quietly. “First, you’re disappointed I didn’t kiss you last night, and now, your body language speaks before you can censor it.” Raising the mug to his lips, he deliberately licked them before sealing them around the porcelain. His throat contracted as he swallowed a mouthful of caffeine. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re beginning to trust my promise.”
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
I kept my eyes glued on a crane hauling a container into the sky.
It didn’t stop him from muttering, “My promise that I won’t hurt you.”
I didn’t know if he’d ever hurt me, but with fresh energy came clear-headedness and confidence to face whatever came next. My anger had given me a backbone, but his peace had given me sanity.
I turned to face him. I didn’t know why. To finish what we started last night? To surprise him that maybe I was disappointed and ready to play his game.
Elder’s gaze locked onto my mouth and every electrical spark between us fizzled with fireworks. I stopped breathing as my stomach became master of my body, clenching in answer to the dark question on his face.
I didn’t know what I wanted anymore. I didn’t know what he was doing to me.
Either kiss me or stop—
A handsome older man interrupted our moment, his eyes crinkling against the sun’s brightness. “The anchor is in position. She’s all put to bed, sir.”
Our connection severed like taut twine cut with scissors. I sucked in my first inhale in so many heartbeats.
Elder cleared his throat, tossing the remaining coffee overboard, an arc of brown liquid splashing in the small gap between the dock and the ship. He showed no sign of being affected by whatever had happened.
A large gangway cracked open the shell of the Phantom a few decks below us, extending to the mainland, ready to disembark.
Elder said, “Excellent. Thank you, Jolfer.”
“We’ll wait here until we hear from you. We have mooring rights for seventy-two hours.”
“We won’t need that long.” Elder placed the coffee mug on a bolted-down table by the railing. “Tell Selix to drive out and meet us by the west warehouse.”
“Us, sir?” Jolfer’s forehead furrowed. “You’re not going alone?”
Elder turned to face me, his eyes black and guarded. “Not this time.” He held out his hand. “Pimlico this is your first choice of many.”
I froze.
“Be my guest. Explore an exotic city. Come meet a member of the royal family and begin to live a little. Or stay. Simple.”
I jolted back a step.