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“Nothing.”
“Fine. Then stop telling me what to do.”
“Nicola, goddamn it.”
“No, goddamnyou.”
His anger had made her angry, and now she was a spitfire vibrating from head to toe and ready to unleash it to the world. It was a sight to behold, capturing him completely as he realized that this washer—the real Nicola, powerful in her display of emotion and no longer holding back. He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it, hissing through her fangs.
“You don’t get to play me like a toy with your demands and accusations. I did as you asked, and refuse to let you throw it in my face. I like your crew, believe it or not. I’m not weaving some bullshit spell on them. We can be nice.”
“You are right.”
“And we can be—what?”
“I’m sorry for being short. I wasn’t trying to insult you.”
The tirade stopped as her fangs retracted and she frowned at him. “You sure did succeed.”
“I apologize. I’m sorry. You are a charming individual. You can’t help it. It’s your nature. I’m talking out of my ass.”
Her chin lifted. “That you are. As I said, you are taking it out on me.” When he didn’t answer, her expression softened. “What’s the real problem?”
You, distracting me. You, with that sweet smile for others and prickly nature with me.
Which was his fault. But there was another reason.
“I’m on edge.”
“Why?”
“Pirate life. Sleepless nights and work-filled days. Trying to get things in order so our next transactions won’t be failures like the ones before. Not trusting anything beyond this ship and wanting nothing more than to protect my crew, who deserve a better life than this one.”
“They are happy here. They trust each other and trust you.”
“I know that. Sometimes I don’t think I deserve that trust. They should have had a longer time in Centro, spending their earnings instead of running away from a botched job.”
“It wasn’t your fault. I’m sure there will be land elsewhere.”
“Not close enough.”
“Then they will deal. My home was turned upside down by a recent betrayal, and it changed a lot of truths for us. It’s been months, and we are still dealing.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing.” She sighed. “And can we please just stop fighting? I’m getting tired of it.”
“I’m not. You look fantastic when you are mad, darling.”
She glowered, either because of the nickname or the comment. He bit back his laughter, then stilled when she held her hand out for yet another handshake. Isaiah took it, greedy for every little touch, but was taken aback when her thumb rubbed his palm soothingly.
“Sleep.”
“What?”
“A good sleep clears all worries and refreshes the mind. Even pirate captains need that to tackle the next problem at hand.”
“The sea is the next problem at hand. It’s too calm.”
