“You sure that’s what you want?” He rubs my hand along his length, alonglength.
I press my thighs together when a tingle erupts between them. “I swear if you don’t let me go, I’m going to scream my head off.”
“Aye, you will. Soon.” He eases his grip, and I snatch my hand away from him.
I glance around the table, and no one meets my eyes. They’re all suddenly quite occupied with what’s on their plates. Maybe that’s a blessing.
Hook grabs my plate and rises, walking to the center of the table and picking meats and vegetables, piling them neatly on my plate before returning to me. “There’s always more if you want it, lass.” He puts the mountain of food in front of me, then fills his own plate.
Smee stabs his potatoes angrily as Widow and Starkey whisper to each other. The pirate king of Neverland just served me like I’m a queen. I glance at him as he spears some greenery and takes a big bite. His gaze lingers on me far too long, but it’s not like I can do anything about it. Besides, the whole table saw him stick his tongue down my throat, so I suppose serving me food isn’t too far out of the realm of possibilities.
I grab my fork and take a bite of the boar. It’s delicious. Cookson has never let me down, so there’s no way he’d start now. The room is full of the sounds of silverware and glasses clinking. The food is good, so no one wants to make conversation when they could be stuffing their faces. I heartily concur on that point and eat my fill under the proud watch of Cookson who brings fresh portions every so often to heap onto the serving dishes.
The Guardians eat well, too, though I think they may have waited until everyone else was digging in before chancing it. There clearly is zero trust between these parties, so I’m even more surprised that they came when Hook offered the invitation. Is Tiger Lilythatconcerned about me and how I relate to the island? Or does this involve more?
Once everyone is full, the food dented but not defeated, Hook stands. “Now to business.”
The pirates settle down, their chatter having grown louder with each round of wine they drank.
Tiger Lily stands as well. “Agreed.” She gives Shiner a pointed look. “But we may as well let everyone have a good time while we talk.”
“Of course.” Hook offers me his hand and pulls me to my feet.
Smee stands quickly, his eyes on Hook.
“The usual rules?” Tiger Lily asks.
“If you don’t mind.” Hook takes his wine glass in his other hand. “I’ll meet you in the study when you’re ready.”
“Captain.” Smee sidesteps toward Hook. “I must?—”
“Enjoy the revels, Smee. I’ll return soon.” Hook’s tone is hard, denoting some overstep on Smee’s part.
Smee looks nothing short of stricken as Hook guides me from the room and across the hall. The crocodile skeleton over his door gives me an eyeless stare. I’m surprised there isn’t a clock ticking in its bony stomach.
“What are the usual rules?”
“We each can have a second with us during our talks. Keeps the fight fair if one breaks out.”
“This sounds like a shotgun wedding.”
He smiles at that. “I suppose so, but it’s more like a duel than anything else.”
“Pistols or swords?”
“The most vicious weapon of them all.” He leans closer to me. “The tongue,” he whispers in my ear.
“Didn’t you get enough at the table?” I elbow him.
“Not at all, lass. I’m still starving.” He moves even closer.
“Thank you for a delicious meal.” Tiger Lily strides in like she’s the master of the house, not Hook. Shiner is at her elbow, her head on a swivel as she takes in one wall full of books, another full of maps, and the windows with the stained glass along the top like the ones in my room. I’ve snuck in here a few times when I knew Hook was out and about. It’s just what you’d think a pirate hideaway should be. Bits of cigars in ashtrays, a robust liquor cabinet, all manner of weapons and trophies on the walls and even a few—like a golden skull—locked in displaycases. Nessie busted me once, but instead of ratting me out, she showed me where Hook hides the best liquor.
“I’ll give Cookson your compliments. Can I pour you something stiffer for our talk?” he asks.
“I think we’re all right, and we’ll need clear heads for this to stay … friendly.” Tiger Lily gives a tight smile.
“I’ve found things can be a lot friendlier if there’s liquor involved, but as you wish.” He shows them to the seating area in front of the fireplace.
