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I went to his side, sitting on the bed and looking into his deep green eyes, dull and faded in the dim light of the room.
“Do you feel any better?” I asked. “Are you in pain?”
He gave a weak smile. “You know, even though we’ve only known each other for such a short time, I feel like I’ve known you forever. Kindred spirits, you and I.”
He reached out for my hand and I gave it to him, alarmed at how cold his hands were.
“Luc?” I asked, concerned.
“Ah, what a time it’s been on the sea!” he sighed. “I should have liked to sail with you forever. That kitchen…it’s been so lonely. I never realized until now.”
His eyes searched mine, a faded look on his face.
“Promise me that you’ll take care of the men,” he said. “And yourself.”
He coughed, giving a jagged breath.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He winced. “Siren poison. I’m afraid I’ve been cut deeply.”
“What! What do you mean? I’ll get Henrik—”
I stood from the bed and started to leave, but Luc pulled me back.
“There’s nothing he can do,” he said. “We tried. It’s too late.”
He gave a sorrowful smile, grasping my fingertips.
“I wish I could keep my promise,” he said, coughing again. “But I don’t know how much time I have. Can I have one last request?”
I nodded. “Yes, but don’t call it your last.”
He held his arms out. “Give me a hug goodbye? I shall miss your arms, little dove.”
I turned my head away in thought, then turned back to him and nodded. I leaned down on the bed and wrapped my arms around him, letting his warm embrace engulf me. His hands rested on the small of my back as his lips brushed against my ear.
“I hope we meet in the next life, my dove.”
I nodded. “As do I…but first I’m going to send you to hell where you belong.”
I reached for a pillow and smothered his face with it, standing up with an exasperated grunt. He pulled the pillow off, laughing.
I gripped my hands into fists. “If you dare fake your death again, so help me, Luc, I’ll really make you spew your last words!”
He rested his arms behind his head with a wide grin. “I really can’t fool you, can I?”
“You’re no better than the captain, honestly.”
He faked a look of shock. “How dare you! I’m far more charming and pure.”
“You’re both liars who play with other people’s emotions.”
His smile faded a bit. “Yes…I suppose that’s true.”
He watched me as I folded my arms in annoyance.
“When will you return to work?” I asked.
