"How dare you bring me aboard this ship without so much as telling me what you are?" She yelled. Kincade let out a smug grin, one that infuriated Astryd even more. She took a few more steps toward him so that they were mere feet apart. He looked down at a doubloon he was holding and slowly turned it over in his hands as he spoke. "I saw a troubled woman in a sailor's pub, obviously hiding from the royal guards. Surely you must have gotten yourself into a sticky situation. And you don't expect me to assume what you are?" Astryd fumbled for words. What was he getting at? He lifted his head to look her in the eyes. "You're a thief and now a sailor. You know what that makes you, sweetheart?" "I am not a..." she shouted, but she stumbled at the last word. She pointed her finger in Kincade's face and whispered, "pirate." -------------------------------------------- I would like to acknowledge Thompson Editing Services, who is responsible for being my editor and proofreader for this book as well as an amazing writing mentor. I own the story as well as all of the characters inside it. This book is copyrighted to me. I own the book cover art (illustrated by myself) but I do not own any of the images featured throughout the story. Highest rankings: #1 in Sailor, #1 in Sailing, and #10 in Pirate This is the first draft. This story is currently in the process of being edited.

*CURRENTLY UNDERGOING MAJOR EDITING* When Eden is awakened by a late-night knock to her door, she finds herself treating a wounded stranger-Phoenix, one of the mysterious brothers who live across the street. What begins as a single act of care spirals into obsession as Eden is drawn into their dangerous world. As her connection to Phoenix deepens, her once-stable life unravels, and nothing will ever be the same.