𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽| 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 20

"Well, this is kinda embarrassing." Shanks chuckled as he watched many onlookers gawk.

Rue felt heat on her cheeks as she attempted to submerge herself deeper into the jacket. Her gaze on the dirt below, a sudden interest at her feet.

"I'm sorry," She managed to squeeze out, covering her face from his view.

As they strolled in the village, many stopped to watch the commotion. Jaws dropped, eyes widened like saucers at the scene. Shanks walked around proudly without a shirt, his abs glistening under the sun his blade on his belt; his shirt strapped on Rue in the front while she held his jacket tightly from exposing her other parts.

Although she had her canary dress on, its length couldn't hide her slightly exposed thighs. Of course, this didn't stop a few from attempting to get a better peek at the silver-haired woman's appearance.

And Shanks tight lipped smile was enough to send a message to those who wanted to challenge him.

Seeing this, Rue gave him a nervous smile. "Don't mind them, this happens often."

Shanks raised a curious brow at her words, prompting her to continue. Her eyes ahead, facing forward. "Some men would approach me with ill intentions, but others would leave me alone if told to."

Rue looked back to Shanks, both halting in their stroll. She gave him a kind smile, "Since you're here they are a bit hesitant."

A grin made its way on the captain's face at her genuine smile. He was glad that he could be of some assistance. Hopefully, it was a sign he had earned a little bit of her trust. He preferred it this way, a real smile on her face.

She looked beautiful when she smiled like that.

However, unfortunately, good things always came to an end.

As the began to walk again, Rue's mind went back to what she came here for in the first place. However, she had realized an important factor. She sighed deeply at the thought, at the deal they had made playing the game last night.

She had lost the game.

Oh , how she wanted to slap herself! Her goal was to secure an alliance with him by the using the game as a cover. Yet, she messed up because of her stupid transformation.

She wished she could turn back the clock.

Gazing at him through the corner of her eye, Shanks whistled a tune while happily walking alongside her.

Though their path wasn't a long journey, both far from their ships, this was a perfect opportunity to discuss it.

"Shanks," Rue uttered, both stopping in their tracks. The captain gave her a curious glance, "The game we played last night..."

The red head watched her pursed her lips for a moment before speaking again. "I lost."

He made no reaction to it at first. He remembered the game they played, what was at stake for the both of them. Their secrets to be unveiled or take a shot, of course, the whole thing was at the back of his mind once Rue had left.

However, it did make him wonder what her goal was in playing the game. If she was willing to go through these lengths. His gaze landed back on her in curiosity, "Yeah, sadly I never got the chance to taste that strong booze though." He replied to her jokingly with a grin.