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Why in the bloody hell did all of these blasted keys have to be hidden away in the most unsavory of places. Unsavory was putting it lightly to say the least.
Finally, Jo nodded. “It’s your ship, Captain.” She was being cheeky.
“You may bunk with Ainsley.” I shifted my gaze to her. “If that’s all right with you, love. I’d assume Jo would rather not bunk with a bunch of men.”
Ainsley gasped, “Of course she will share your quarters with me. The latter would be…unseemly, Killian.” She narrowed her eyes at my obvious teasing. Apparently, she wasn’t in the mood.
“Very well, then. It’s settled,” I said, just as Rek approached the main deck.
“What’s settled?” He swiveled his gaze between the three of us.
“Jo will be bunking with you, as she requires a good nurse.” I arched a playful brow, but as soon as the tease left my lips, I knew I shouldn’t have uttered the words. Poor timing?
Ainsley nearly leapt toward me and swatted my arm. “She’ll do no such thing.”
“Killian,” Rek growled as Jo chuckled, nearly falling into belly laughter. “You…you…” He was so pissed and red-faced, he couldn’t finish what he wanted to say. Although, it was comical.
I lifted my hands in surrender, attempting to hold in laughter of my own. “Kidding, old friend. Kidding.” Rubbing my arm, I stared at Ainsley. “You threw a bit of power into that slap.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Next time, you may get a lightning bolt up your ass.”
Rek chuckled deep and hearty. “That, I’d love to see.”
Now the joke was on me. “All right, we’ve each had our fun.” I smirked and kissed Ainsley’s nose. “I was merely teasing, love. And this is why I suggested we all rest.”
“I may vomit if I have to hear any more of this.” Joe tilted her head to the side. “The two of you are sickeningly sweet.”
Rek grunted. “Agreed.”
“Off to bed with the both of you—separately,” I said. “Rek, please show her to my quarters.”
All I received from my first mate was a curt nod. He was likely still at a loss for words and perhaps a bit embarrassed. It had been a while since a woman had struck his fancy.
Joe snorted and rendered a mock-salute. “Aye, Captain.
Shifting to Ainsley, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close. “Are you still cross with me?”
“No,” she said with a grin. “I have gotten used to your infuriating ‘pirate’ ways.”
“My ‘pirate’ ways, eh?” I whispered against the shell of her ear, and she shuddered when I nipped the lobe. Trailing a kiss along her slender neck and to the corner of her mouth, she inhaled a sharp breath. “Would this suffice, then?”
I didn’t give her an opportunity to answer as I captured her lips with my own. Ainsley moaned and pressed into me—I could feel the curves of her body. My pulse quickened as I deepened the kiss, allowing my hands to move farther up her back and into her silken locks.
“Captain, we need more supplies.” I heard Jasper call out.
Ainsley and I leapt apart, righting ourselves as though we hadn’t just been caught.
“For what, Jasper?” I growled, seeing Ainsley tense at my side.
“Jo’s arm started bleeding again.” He scratched his head. “I guess I could get Rek.”
“Aye, you could.” My eyes were likely murderous, given that Jasper scurried below deck as quickly as he’d arrived.
“Well, Captain,” Ainsley breathed. “I best be heading to bed and tending to Jo.”
“Aye, love.” I drew her to me once more and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
With a smile, she pivoted from my embrace and made her way below deck to my quarters.
Dammit, Jasper.
