Sea Of Treason, Pirate's Bluff #1

"Run"

 *** Well, I made this a super short chapter, so I figured I could post it the same day as another new chapter. Not sure if I'll end up adding to this one or jump to a Whitely POV next. With any luck, I'll post another new chapter tomorrow! Trying to move quickly now. Also, a little fun news below this chapter!***

Bluff

I flex my fingers, working to hide my discomfort as she meets my gaze with sea blue eyes full of wonder and an expression I can't quite describe. Her mention of pirates surprises me, not because she's noticed them, but because she'd tell her high-brow fiancé, who's skin I'm still wearing, about them so causally. I supposed I don't know how much she confides in him, however, so I let the surprise pass and just go with it.

"What do we do?" I ask, realizing part of me is testing her. We need to go, get out of here as quickly as possible, but I want to know what she'd do without me. Would be rely on Jeb and his big towering home to save her? Would she run away with him?

Her expression shows a moment of confusion, like my question doesn't belong on my lips. Perhaps Jeb is more controlling than that?

"Run." She says and holds out a gentle hand towards me, eyes seductive-- almost like we're not running from a dangerous pirate crew, but towards something much more exciting.

Heat rushes to my face at the thought of us doing anything like the last moments we spent together in the crow's nest, with me still in Jeb's skin. I won't ever do that again. So even though it's not the safest choice to make, I shift back into myself. My clothes stay, prim and proper for the occasion, but my body and face fall back into it's natural state.

Her expression stays steady. She doesn't seem surprised in the slightest that it's me, instead of Jeb. While that leaves me a tad confused, I'm even more disappointed that she doesn't react. There is not even the slightest hint of surprised pleasure that I am here. 

Me, Jeb, it doesn't matter to her. Indifference is worse than disappointment, I realize and a rush of rage sweeps through me. How are I love someone like this? 

But I remember that I wasn't expecting this to be pleasant. This is much more important than feelings.

Her hand is still extended to me, so I give her a moment to retract it, in case her reaction is delayed.

"You coming, or what?" she asks.

I swallow, then grab her hand and together we rush from the banquet hall and enter the chilly dark streets of New York City. 

*** News: Sea Of Treason is getting a professional cover! I'm working with a friend who's a cover designer, to get a new one for this book. Since I'm planning to self publish this whole series (probably next year) I figure I might as well get one now so my first readers here on Wattpad can get a first peak :) And maybe it'll draw in some new readers too. So new cover soon to come! YAY!!!***