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Scarlet
Iwakeslowly,blinkingagainst the harsh light streaming through the porthole. An unfamiliar heaviness rests against my chest and ribs, which I quickly come to realize is Sebastian’s arm.
His scent envelops me, sandalwood and sea salt. I turn my head to find him already awake, watching me with a lazy half-smile, eyes gleaming in the light.
“Morning, little lamb.” The rumble of his voice sends a delicious shiver through me.
“You know, you’re quite comfortable for a man made of granite.” I trace a finger down the hard line of his jaw and his stubble pricks my skin.
Sebastian catches my hand, turning his head to press a kiss to my palm. “And you’re a furnace. I may never let you out of this bed.”
Heat floods my cheeks as my heart flutters. I swallow against the swell of emotion in my chest—affection, desire, joy, all tangled together.
Our bond. We’re connected now, in a way I’ve never known.
Sebastian’s gaze sharpens, a crease forming between his brows. He can sense my shift in mood as clearly as I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my side. “You think too loud. What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, offering a wry smile. I know he can’t hear my thoughts, but I suppose sensing my unease is just as powerful. “Just... processing.”
Sebastian sighs, dragging a hand through his hair. “I know it’s a lot to take in.” His eyes meet mine, soft with understanding. “But we’ll figure it out. The more we get to know each other, the easier it’ll become.”
A lump forms in my throat at the promise in his words. I cup his cheek, leaning in for a slow, deep kiss. By the time we part, my body seems to relax, and my lungs expand without feeling like they’re in a vice grip.
Sebastian smirks, playing with my hair. “I should go help Smee. We need to get the ship underway before we drift into the reefs.” He rolls onto his back with a groan, throwing an arm over his eyes. “But I don’t want to get up.”
I laugh, settling against his side. “Then don’t.”
“Tempting.” He peeks at me from under his arm, eyes glinting with humor. “But we both know I will, and seeing as you always manage to get into trouble, I should try to get as much done while I can.”
I gasp, feigning offense. “I do not cause trouble. It just seems to find me.”
“Is that so?” Sebastian rolls on top of me with a fluid motion, pinning my wrists on either side of my head as he lands between my legs. “My memory says otherwise.”
Heat pools low inside me at the possessive gleam in his eyes and I arch into him, biting my lip.
A knock sounds at the door and we both jump.
“What is it?” Sebastian growls, glaring over his shoulder.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Nelvin’s muffled voice comes through the wood. “Smee sent me to fetch the witchling for breakfast. She said she needed you and I was to watch over Scarlet while you’re gone.”
I roll my eyes at Nelvin’s nickname. Sebastian releases my wrists. “We’ll be right out.”
Getting up, we both hurry to get dressed. I braid my hair, tying it off at the bottom, but Sebastian frowns, glaring at my hair like it's insulted him.
“How am I supposed to twirl it now?” he asks, buttoning his shirt.
I chuckle soundlessly. “You’re not even going to be around.”
“Fine,” he says, kissing my neck. “As long as I get to take it down tonight.”
A few minutes later, we emerge onto the deck, blending in with the crew members taking care of their morning tasks. A few curious glances are cast my way, though most seem indifferent to my presence today. It’s better than the glares. I’ll take it.
I know gaining their trust will be a challenge, but for now, having Sebastian’s support is enough.
Nelvin waves us over from where he leans against the railing, blond hair windswept and a lazy grin on his lips. “There you are. I was about to send a search party.”
“No need for dramatics.” Sebastian runs his fingers through his hair, searching the deck. “Where’s my sister?”
