Bloodtide

Part 53

I was on edge as the night wore on. Preparing for bed in my cabin, I was lost in my thoughts when the door swung open. I whipped around, heart pounding, only to see John standing there with a mischievous grin.

"Did you forget how to knock?" I snapped, holding my chest in surprise thinking it was Henry at the door.

John's grin only widened as he held up his hands defensively. " Hallow mentioned you were a bit...prickly tonight. Thought I'd come see if my dazzling charm could help."

I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Your dazzling charm? Really? I'm not in the mood for your jokes, John."

John's smile didn't waver. "Come on, now. You look like you're in a worse mood than usual. What's got you so riled up?"

I turned away, struggling to keep my composure. "It's just...Henry's been on my case, and I feel like I don't know him anymore."

John's playful grin softened as he took a step closer. "Henry? Never thought i'd see you two fight."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "We typically don't. Lately, it feels like everything is different about him."

John's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he moved to sit on the edge of a nearby table. "You know, Ella, if I had a coin for every time I've felt like I didn't understand someone I thought I knew, I'd probably have enough to buy this ship. Or at least a decent bottle of rum."

I glanced over at him, unable to suppress a small smile. "You and your rum. I'm starting to think you've got a personal stash hidden somewhere."

John's grin widened. "Guilty as charged. But seriously, it's not always easy figuring out people. Sometimes, they change, and we're left wondering what happened."

I nodded, feeling the frustration begin to ease a little. "Yeah, exactly. It's like suddenly you're standing on shifting sand, and you don't know where to put your feet."

John leaned forward, his expression sincere despite the playful edge in his tone. "I get it. But hey, if you ever need someone to hold the map while you navigate, I'm your guy. Even if my directions are a bit...unconventional."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Unconventional is one way to put it."

John's smile turned warm as he took a step closer, his hand gently brushing against mine. "You know, Ella, for all my faults, I do know a thing or two about listening. And even though I've been a right pain in the ass, I'd like to think I can be useful for something other than annoying you."

I looked at him, surprised by the earnestness in his eyes. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

John shrugged, the playful spark in his eyes dimming to a soft glow. "Yeah, I am. I might joke around a lot, but when it comes to people I care about...well, I try to be there for them."

I felt a flicker of something—something softer than annoyance and more vulnerable than I cared to admit. "Since when do you care about others?"

John's hand lingered on mine, his touch warm and reassuring. "Recently. People change. Even pirates."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a small, skeptical smile. "So, now you're a changed man with a heart of gold?"

John's grin was sly, his eyes twinkling with that familiar mix of mischief and charm. "Heart of gold? Maybe not. More like a heart that's finally figured out it's better not to be a complete rascal all the time."

The tension between us shifted, and I found myself drawn closer to him, his presence comforting in a way I hadn't expected. "I never thought you'd be the type to offer comfort. I thought you were too busy plotting your next grand scheme."