Dizgaia ~ The Dreamfinder's Daughter

Chapter 39 ~ Closer

Mia awoke with a gasp.

Hook, shirtless, hovered over her, his good hand reaching out for her.

"Mia," he said, breathing a sigh of relief and lowering his arm. "I was just about to wake you."

Mia sat up and placed her hand over her chest, trying to slow the racing of her heart.

"Another nightmare," stated Hook with a frown.

She nodded.

Hook took a seat on the edge of the chaise lounge. "Do you recall it?"

"N-No," Mia lied.

She couldn't tell him about it. The subject matter was too incriminating. She had dreamed of sea monsters and sea witches, of Maleficent and the Dreamfinder. There'd been something else, too. Something so hazy and nebulous she could no longer recall it. But it left her with the strange, horrible sense that something had happened to Peter. Something bad. And now she began to wonder if perhaps it was true, and if that was the reason he hadn't come for her.

The cabin was in semi-darkness. What light remained was cast by the flickering flames of the hanging lanterns, painting the cabin devilish shades of red and casting strange shadows on the walls. Mia hugged herself and shivered.

"Why don't you sleep with me, love?"

"Wh-What?"

The captain rolled his eyes. "That's not exactly what I meant, dear. I was merely extending the offer to share my bed, to make you feel better, as you seem so frightened. However," he said with a mischievous grin. "If you should find yourself interested in a more salacious activity than just cuddling, I am, of course, quite open to the idea."

Mia glared at him. "You never stop, do you?"

"On the contrary, Mia, I feel I've been exceedingly well behaved in that regard, as of late."

"Well, keep behaving," she snapped.

Smirking, Hook rose to his feet. "Very well, dear. But the offer still stands... either one, should you wish it." Dousing the lamps, Hook returned to his bed.

Now the only light left to penetrate the cabin was that of the moon casting its silver streams through the back window. It was a cold light, and in the dark corners of the cabin where it didn't touch, it was easy to believe there may be something lurking there.

Mia peeked over the back of the chaise lounge. Hook was lying on his side, watching her. When her eyes met his, he smiled softly and lifted the covers, silently beckoning her. Mia vaulted over the lounge and ran to him. As she settled in beside him, he draped the blankets over her.

"It was only a matter of time," he said.

"I'm not here to-"

"I know precious. I won't touch you."

"Well," said Mia, blushing. "You... you could touch me a little. Just for cuddles, though."

"Very well," said Hook with an amused smile. "Just for cuddles."

Hook lay on his back. Mia slung her arm across his torso and rested her head on his chest. She could feel his warmth, hear his heartbeat. She gasped as he wrapped an arm around her, the one that ended in the hook.

"Sorry," he apologized. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

"I-It's okay," Mia stammered, her heart racing.