Pirate Chains ~ Strong tides

14~First steps on deck

∞ Agenor's POV ∞

I allowed him to break the kiss as he gasped for air. He panted between my arms and I offered him a genuine smile.

"Why the smile? My neck is killing me," he complained.

"I'm just happy to be with you. Does that confuse you?" I teased, enjoying his beautiful angry gaze. But, wanting to change the mood, I released my arms and reached for a nearby box. Grabbing a shirt, I draped it over Nyx's shoulders to check the size.

"What's next?" he asked.

"Well, you did complain about being half-naked," I reminded him.

He sniffed and wiped away his tears, "Fine, I can find one myself. Don't bother."

Ignoring his combative tone, I replied, "Let me help. This one won't do." I proceeded to pull out several more options from various boxes and draped them over him, checking the size and style. For once, he stood still, facing away from me, but his pouty attitude amused me.

"Not this one... too big... too old... way too big..." I continued the search.

He turned to me, holding up a shirt. "This one's maybe good," he said.

I suppressed a smirk, knowing it was too soon to provoke him again. "It's good," I said, "But it's... so like you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he snapped.

"Nothing bad," I replied, diffusing the tension. "I just think there are more convenient options in there for a pirate."

"Okay, now I want it even more," he insisted.

I chuckled. "Not happening." I tossed the shirt behind me.

"Hey, that was probably the first one that was my size!" he protested.

"You don't want to wear that." I warned him. "I don't even remember whose it was, but it probably belonged to the son of some wealthy merchant I attacked or something."

"I have a feeling I don't want to know about its history," he muttered, but still he insisted, "I'll take it anyway."

Shaking my head, I stood firm. "No. You can't walk among those wolves in that."

His eyes widened with surprise. "You're letting me out! You're releasing me, aren't you?" His blue eyes sparkled with hope, urging me to agree to anything he said.

I clarified, "Out of this cabin, yes. But I'm not releasing you."

His smile faltered a bit, but he remained optimistic. "Oh... At least I'll be able to move about a little. I won't try to escape, I promise!"

I immediately latched on the subject and couldn't help but add a warning, "Even if you wanted to, you wouldn't be able to. We're in the middle of the sea, and there's no Regina left to swim to. If you try anything without my permission, I'll personally ensure that you regret it. The same goes for suicide. Even if you succeed, I'll make sure you regret it while watching from the other side. Is that clear, Nyx?"

He listened attentively, looking confused at the last part. After a few seconds, he realized what I meant. "Don't go near my family, Agenor!" he exclaimed.

"Why would I? As long as you don't try anything stupid," I replied, trying to calm him down.

As he glared menacingly at me, I met his gaze with a cold stare. He was angry again. I had intended to give him a black spot, but now I realized I needed to take stronger action. Loose behavior could not be tolerated on my ship, and he had to learn to abide by my rules.