14
" Why are you on my ship?” Reading my father’s note seems to have brought on a bout of distrust.
He watches me carefully, his eyes turning inquisitive. “Is it not obvious?”
“If it were, would I be asking?” I say, irritation coloring my tone.
He smiles as though I’ve just said the most amusing thing in the world.
It makes me want to hit him.
Since that’s not the best idea, I turn around to leave him, but he puts his hand on my arm. Before I can do anything else, he’s right there. His chest pressed against my back, his breath warm on my ear.
“I’m here because when I tried to get in that rowboat with my brother, I realized the last thing I wanted was to be away from you.” His hand runs up the length of my left arm, which is facing toward the sea. Away from the eyes of the crew. “I’m here for you, Alosa.” His fingers flutter against my neck, sending a shiver down my back. “If you can’t tell that, I’m not doing a good job of showing you. "
― Tricia Levenseller , Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2)
16
" You could live your life among the sirens and leave this all behind you.”
I smile and turn to him. “You and my mother are both missing one important thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I love being a pirate, and there’s nothing I want to be more.”
He relaxes considerably. “Thank the stars. I was trying so hard to be supportive and forget what I want most.”
“And what’s that?”
Those beautiful brown eyes glint. “You.”
“Have you decided you want to be a permanent member of the crew, then?” I tease.
“Aye, Captain.” He lifts the tricorne off my head and runs his fingers through my hair. “I’ll sail with you anywhere. I don’t care where we go or what we do as long as I’m with you.”
“Could be dangerous.”
“You’ll protect me.”
He leans in and kisses me. So slowly it’s maddening.
When he pulls back, I say, “I run a tight ship, sailor. I expect the rules to be followed.”
“What rules would those be?”
“All men are required to keep a couple days’ worth of stubble on their chins. Makes them look more fearsome. Better pirates, you see.”
He grins so widely, I can feel my heart melt. “I had no idea you liked it so much.” He brings his lips to my ear. “You needn’t make a rule and trouble the other men. I’ll do it if you ask nicely.”
His lips trail down my neck and I shiver. “Anything else?” he asks.
“I need to see you in my quarters for the rest.”
“Aye-aye. "
― Tricia Levenseller , Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2)
20
" A pirate at sea has a peg leg, a hook for a hand, and an eye patch. One of his companions asks him how he lost his leg.” “Please stop,” Kearan begs. “He answers, ‘A cannonball.’ Then his companion asks how he lost his hand. He answers, ‘A sword.’” “Enwen, I will knock you unconscious,” Kearan threatens, but I can tell he doesn’t have the energy to carry it out. “When the companion asks how he lost his eye, the man says, ‘A spray of the sea.’” Kearan stares at Enwen. “That doesn’t even make any sense.” “It was his first day with the hook. "
― Tricia Levenseller , Daughter of the Siren Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King, #2)