“Well... It’s not over yet,” I muttered.
But my chest felt heavier than it should. Annie rolled over, already asleep. I exhaled sharply. Snuffing the candle flame, I went back to my room, knowing that for me, sleep would be as elusive as impressing the woman who wished we had never met.
Chapter 23
Marin
I lasted two wholedays before I caved. There was no getting around it. Gavin had moved his chess piece, and if I wanted the seeds, I needed to play along and take my turn.
Even Cass was fed up with me. She kept glancing at her sundial with exaggerated sighs as if I wasn’t painfully aware my time on land was slipping away by the minute. She’d shot down every plan I’d crafted to steal the seeds back, pointing out the flaws and the very real possibility that I'd have to take them by force.
And while I had no problem pointing a dagger at his throat—I’d enjoyed it immensely. Still dreamed about it. And, much to my horror, the tempting events that had led up to it. But when it came down to actually using the dagger, I hesitated. I was getting soft when I should be merciless.
So fine. If Gavin wanted to tag along on a treacherous hunt, let him. I could always push him off the vine or keep my fingers crossed for a pack of wild beasts that liked to prey on liars.
Shifting the weight of the pack on my shoulders, I trudged up the cobblestone path toward my former home. The late morning sun was already sweltering, and I tilted my head to catch the ocean’s salty breeze on my neck.
I found myself doing that every chance I got. Soaking in thesun, letting the warm air wash over my skin. Just breathing. It was the nights that were hardest. Lying in bed, I had to remind myself I wasn’t back inside my cell. That every creak and groan wasn't a threat.
I used to love the night. But now, it was hard to sleep without an open sky. I needed the stars overhead and the quiet hum of crickets to ease my mind. I wondered if it would always be this way, or if I’d ever truly feel safe again.
Climbing the front steps, I stopped and stared at the door, summoning the nerve to knock. With a scoff, I reached for the handle. This wasmyhouse. Gavin was the trespasser. My fingers closed over the knob, only to pause at the sound of hammering.
It was coming from around back.
Leaving the door, I waded through the overgrown weeds along the side of the house. I lifted a hand to shield my gaze from the sun and found Gavin perched on the slope of the single-story roof covering the solarium. He was crouched on one knee, holding a hammer—shirtless.
I’d obviously been an evil person in another life to deserve the punishment in this one.
Sunlight bathed his tan skin, glistening with sweat. The corded muscles in his back flexed as he drew back the hammer, concentration lining the sharp angles of his face. But my gaze didn't stay on his face. It slid slowly down the line of his chest, to the firm ridges of his abdomen.
Great. As if I needed another opportunity to make more bad decisions.
I dropped my pack at my feet and found a small rock. Rolling it in my hand for a moment, I aimed and hurled it onto the roof. Gavin's head snapped up, the hammer still poised inmid-air.
I plastered on a worn smile. “Gosh, I sure hope you don’t step on a rotted board and fall to your death.”
And just like that, I had to squint against the intensity of his gaze. His mouth curled slightly. Tousled hair fell into one eye as he dipped his head and leaned on the metal end of the hammer.
“Are you saying you wouldn’t catch me?” Gavin tsked, shaking his head. “What a shame. I’d catch you.”
“That’s funny. I seem to remember gravity being stronger than you on the ship.”
That knocked the cockiness right out of him.
His jaw clenched. The hammer's handle creaked beneath his grip. Then, with a muttered oath, he rammed the wooden end into the roof and pushed to his feet. His boots thudded against the ladder as he descended.
I lifted my chin as he prowled toward me, weeds choking beneath his boots.
“That was a low blow, Mare.”
“So was stealing the seeds. Give them back.” My gaze stalled on the leather strap around his neck. A small pouch hung from it, resting against his chest. I let out a bitter breath. “Are you wearing them?”
He looped his finger through the strap and winked. “Like you so viciously pointed out at the ball, I should wear something to replace my compass.”
“You’re despicable.”
“Ah, and here I was admiring the way the sunlight catches your hair.” He moved slowly, hooking his thumbs into his belt buckle, full of smug confidence.
