Tainted Tides

Chapter 22

*Ant's POV*

Standing at the edge of the forecastle deck beside my three closest friends, I turned to Dec and smiled. I'd told him to trust me, and he had, even after everything we'd gone through over the past few days. He'd let me handle my crew, the people I knew inside out, whom I knew didn't resent Dec; he'd proven himself more than worthy since he'd joined us, but the crew were scared. Confused and scared, and needed to be reminded of the joyous, resourceful boy who they'd grown to cherish. Finally, it seemed like the ghosts from Dec's past had been put to rest.

Dec smiled back, his joy tearing at the seams of his composure. He looked like he was ready to jump in glee, but was containing himself for the sake of his audience. Silently shuffling myself closer to him, I turned back to face the crew.

"Now that, that is settled, we're setting course for Baron's Bay. It's time to seek out Anne Bonnie," I announced, watching as a ripple or murmurs and agreeable grunts washed over the crowd of people. I glanced over to Philip as I waited for the chatter to die down. His expression had darkened drastically from when he had stood up for Dec. This was not the same man that had the elegance and grace of a lion on the hunt, this was a hyena, hunting in fear and desperation. As I watched his face, his eyes finally met mine in a knowing stare. I cocked an eyebrow in concerned question for him and he responded with a slow nod, barely detectable even to those paying attention, like me. I nodded back with similar discretion, before clearing my throat to properly silence the crew.

"That's all lads, enjoy your lunch. Take it easy today, we've had a rough few days, so just the essentials." I turned around, brushing Dec's shoulder hard enough to have him follow suit and made my way to the hull of the ship, to overlook the vast blue sea. Within moments, I felt a familiar press against my shoulder, but this time more meaningful. I looked over to Dec and smiled, earning a mimicked response from him. Within another few moments, our two closest friends had sandwhiched us between them. I met Stephen's gaze beside Dec's and I turned to meet Robbie's as well. Both men showed nothing but love. Indiscriminate love, for me, and for Dec. Turning back to the vast, inviting blue sea I took a bite of my lunch in a comfortable silence. At that moment, It felt like things could only get better.

*****

Dec and I returned to our usual routine over the following days. He would spend his day repairing the ship with Phil, and the evenings with me. We'd watch the sunset, have dinner with the crew, then go to my room for a drink and that would always lead to some heavy kissing sessions. The kisses never got far, and always deescalated into us holding each other, enjoying the warmth and the comforting company.

I felt like I was getting closer and closer to Dec over the course of a week. Days before we arrived at Baron's Bay, I was starting to find Dec irresistible. I had an urge - a need - for his touch, in manners that we hadn't yet dared attempted. His pale neck under my soft lips, his teeth grazing my ear as he panted at the actions of my deft hands under his shirt, his almost-moans as we kissed with youthful passion, it just wasn't enough. I wanted more and everything told me that he did too.

As much as I loved kissing him and holding him while he sat in my lap, my body ached for more of him. I wanted to forget where he ended, and I began.

Two days before we arrived at Baron's Bay, I found myself plastered to Dec, side by side, overlooking the western horizon as the sun dipped below the horizon illuminating the sky in bands of orange and the clouds in hues of pink. Staring over the railing, I appreciated the second most beautiful sight I'd ever seen; the number one spot was home to the gorgeous brunette beside me.