“What kind of stories, milady?” His eyes didn’t crinkle with his smile, telling me straight away that it was fake; not the usual that I had seen from him. His eyes themselves were dark and icy from masked thoughts and knowledge. My imagination began to wander, my temperature decreasing from the fear settling into my bones. It couldn’t have been good, what he was thinking, especially since he tried to hide it with a smile. Looking up, I realized he was waiting for me to answer, as normal as possible.

                “I read adventure novels with pirates; and yes, particularly the ones on this ship.” I admitted quietly, watching for his reaction. He just closed his eyes with a sigh, placed his hands on his knees, and stood up from his seat on the crate. His eyes opened just barely as he walked over to me and kneeled before me.

                “Whatever you’ve read, Princess, I can guarantee we are worse.” I felt his fingers under my chin, lifting me to meet his gaze. As our eyes connected, my heartbeat faltered. It was frightening, yet holding defined undertones of seduction. He leaned in, lips brushing against my earlobe, causing my entire body to stiffen. “Much, much worse, I’m afraid.”