Tainted Tides

Chapter 27

*Dec's POV*

I stepped out of Ant's room after Stephen, reciprocating a short nod towards Stevie as I closed the door and he walked away. Slowly, I made my way above deck, stretching and craning my back and neck as I walked. My night had been amazing, but sleeping on a rock still had its effects. I passed the kitchen on the way and grabbed a small peace of bread and a little bit of water. I wasnt particularly hungry but figured it was best to eat something just in case I didn't get the chance during work.

Climbing the stairs to the forecastle deck, I attempted to stretch my legs out, before finally leaning against the rail overlooking Baron's bay, watching as my crewmates slowly made their way back to the ship, most with an extra 'pip in their step'. I smiled to myself, knowing exactly why they were having such a great morning. My eye caught Dan's as he stepped onto the dock from the sand. He didn't look particularly cheery, and I couldn't help but smirk slightly. I wasn't surprised that he couldn't pull even when he was paying for it.

He scowled at me briefly, continuing onto the ship. I gazed at Baron's Bay for thirty minutes or so, lazily nibbling at my breakfast, lost in thoughts about my previous night. It had really been perfect, and the fact that ant knew I wasn't ready and didn't try to pressure me, overwhelmed me with love. Before I knew it, I'd finished my breakfast and I was licking my lips as if it had been gourmet.

The ship swayed lightly as we pushed off the dock, and with it I pushed myself off the railing, intent on getting started on my day. As I turned around, I bumped into a tall frame with a deceptively kind smile, sadistic eyes, and a mop of dirty blond hair.

"I didn't see you in the brothel last night, Dec. Have yourself a good night?" Charles asked, his tone gentle yet sinister.

"Yeah, fine thanks. To think, in a brothel full of women you could be paying, you were still looking for little ol' me? That's sad innit, Charles?" I replied, pushing past him but pausing to finish my sentence with my back to him. I heard an annoyed huff behind me as I continued down to the workshop. I knew he was trying to start something, and I didn't have the time or energy for that.

The day passed uneventfully compared to my morning. Immediately after lunch, Ant made an announcement to the crew, saying we were headed to the Sirenic Isles and we should be there in a week.  I returned to work and let my mind wander while I did. Just thinking about Ant, was enough to get me through the day, and I'm sure Phil didn't mind the silence either. At the end of the day, I made my way to the forecastle deck and leaned on the wooden railing waiting for a familiar warmth to press itself against my shoulder.

Behind me, I heard heavy footsteps approach and stop a few feet away. The hairs on the back of my neck rose as if they knew who it was before I did. In reality, all I knew was that it wasn't Ant.

A second  set of footsteps approached behind me and a faint murmur spread across the lower deck as people started noticing the scene.  I took a long, deep breath, reminding myself that I knew everyone on this ship and I could defend myself against any of them.

I turned around slowly, leaning backwards against the railing with my elbows pushed backwards onto it. In front of me, Charles and Dan. Their hands dangling dangerously close to their weapons, as if they thought they'd be able to catch me off guard by drawing them quicker.

I shot them an annoyed look and sighed, hanging my head, covering my quick glances to our surroundings to see if any of their usual gang were lurking around. Satisfied that the others seemed to be keeping their distance, I looked back up.

"What's up, lads?" I said faking confidence and hiding the quiver in my voice.

Charles sneered, taking a step forward hoping to intimidate me. "Who the fuck do you think you are? The only reason you survived this long was because of your lineage and now you have the nerve to act better than us? "