Page 82 of Seaborn and the Seven Seas

Fraya raised an eyebrow, biting back a laugh. Ranis found his cup very interesting. Theron said nothing, but amusement flickered across his face.

He had to have known. Known what, though? I didn’t even know what I was feeling about him.

“Anyway, should we drink?” I tore off another piece of squid like it had personally wronged me.

“I’ll get them.” Fraya rushed over to the bartender before I could protest.

Fraya hadn’t even made it back to us yet when Theron leaned in close, his voice low enough that only our table could hear.

“You shouldn’t be carrying the stones.” His eyes flicked briefly to Minha, Jina, and Ranis. “Give them to me. I can keep them safe.”

“No,” I said soft but stern.

His brow lifted. “No?”

“What part of no did you not understand?” I didn’t wait for an answer. “I trust you to row a boat. I trust you to swing a sword.” I roamed his body just the way he’d done mine. “I haven’t decided about the rest yet.”

Oh gods, why was I flushing? I wasn’t good at banter.

I let out a yelp when he yanked my chair closer to his suddenly, my knees between his legs, his face way too close to mine. “Careful, Little Star. Keep talking like that and I might start to think you actually like me.”

Heat blazed up my neck, his low, flirty voice sending all kinds of feelings I didn’t want to have. Just keep your mouth shut before you make a fool of yourself.

Jina leaned toward Minha, whispering but loud enough for me to hear, “Are they arguing or flirting?”

“Both.” Minha winked. “Don’t interrupt. I’m enjoying myself.”

“They should get a room.” Ranis chuckled, chewing on a tentacle.

Fraya came back with six tankards, setting them down with a thud that sloshed ale over the rims. She arched an eyebrow at how my chair and my body was too close to Theron and asked, “What did I miss?”

“Nothing.” My voice went up an octave higher as I wrapped both hands around mine and drank. I hated the taste, but I was hoping the cold liquid would cool me down.

“Word’s already gone back to the queen.” Theron leaned back, one lazy arm draped over the back of my chair, his focus still on me. “Every soldier at Mount Kael is dead, and you have what she wants.” His jaw tightened. “Her soldiers and bounty hunters are after you. You don’t understand what you’re carrying.” He tilted his head to the side like he’d heard a noise to be concerned about, eyes flicking briefly toward the adjacent table. “Not to mention the King of Jeju is after you too. You’re wanted on two fronts now, Little Star.”

“Thanks for the update, Pirate Theron.” I tossed a few nuts on the table I had picked up to eat. “Why don’t you tell me something I don’t know instead.”

He lowered his face, his nose inches from mine. “I’ve never once given you a reason to doubt me.”

“You’ve given me plenty. You’re just hoping I’m too distracted to count them.”

I took a slow sip of ale, mostly to buy some time, partly to distract myself from those beautiful eyes narrowed on me, and those kissable lips, and the way he smelled of pine and honey I’d started to crave.

That earned a short and surprised laugh out of him.

He set his tankard down. “Keep the stones, then. But if they start humming a song you don’t like, don’t ask me about it.”

Minha, Jina, and Ranis, who had looked at us like we were entertainment, glanced at each other with wide eyes.

“What humming?” Jina asked.

“I didn’t hear anything,” Minha said.

“Are you jesting?” Ranis leaned forward, brow furrowed.

I went still. The stone sat heavy against my hip. That answered the question I was going to ask my friends. Now, I wouldn’t share that information with anyone. Except… how did Theron know? He heard the humming. What did it mean?

Theron’s gaze flicked around the table, and whatever crossed his face smoothed over so fast I almost missed it. “A figure of speech.” He waved a hand like it meant nothing at all. “If it starts feeling wrong. Heavier. Whatever you want to call it.” He reached for his ale like the whole exchange hadn’t happened. “Pirates say things hum when they mean trouble’s coming. Old superstition.”