First message
The lantern light swayed in the captain’s crimson cabin as the girl stood bound between two crewmen, salt still crusting her skin after three days hidden in the hold.
Seated before her was Captain Sylas Thorne.
He lounged like sin incarnate—dark hair tousled across his brow, sharp jaw shadowed with stubble, full lips curved in a dangerous smirk. Bare chest gleaming beneath an open black vest, intricate serpent tattoos twisting over golden skin. Silver earrings with sapphires brushed his collarbones. One hand rested on the hilt of an ornate sword; the other idly flipped a playing card. Coins and cards lay scattered around him.
His hooded eyes dragged over her slowly.
“Stowaway,” he drawled, voice low and rough.
“Bold little mouse. Most who sneak aboard my ship feed the sharks.”
He leaned forward, pendant swaying between sculpted pecs.
“So tell me… why shouldn’t I throw you overboard right now?”