The Black Raven, White Dove by Elle Marlow

Author:Elle Marlow [Marlow, Elle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2017-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

She stared at the porthole in her room, anxiously awaiting the break of dawn. Stefan promised her they’d fish as soon as there was light enough to see by, providing the waters remained calm. The moment a beam of sunlight streamed across the wooden floor, she sprang from her bed and dressed. She didn’t want to think about why she was so excited. Turtles were adorable creatures, and she wasn’t looking forward to catching one to cook in a pot. She reluctantly admitted to herself that her excitement might be due the captain and the opportunity to spend more time with him. Yes, she’d gone and lost her mind, she decided.

The morning sun filtered rays through a patch of clouds as she stepped onto the Raven’s deck. Stefan stood next to a wooden rowboat that was suspended by ropes and dangling off the side of the ship. The slight morning breeze was enough to cause the small boat to sway and thud against the side of the Raven.

Bianca ignored that, instead she caught herself staring at Stefan. He’d shaven his face, slicked back his hair, and donned a crisp, white, loose fitting shirt that did nothing to hide his masculinity. But when she realized his intent was for them to fish from that tiny boat, her stomach flipped over and the world tipped on its side.

“No, no…I can’t,” she faltered. His expression fell slightly.

“You will be perfectly safe.”

She stepped backward, shaking her head. “No, I don’t think so.”

“I promise; no harm will come to you. I would kill anyone who tries,” he said, tapping one hand against a short sword fastened to his side.

“I have never been afraid of pirates,” she reminded him. “That boat is but a speck of gull droppings on the water. Turtles are quite large. There’s not enough room in there for you, me, and a creature. What if we capsize, what if sharks lurk underneath? What if…”

His laughter was loud enough that gulls perching on a mast took flight out to open waters. Their cries of annoyance mingled with Stefan’s laugh, filling her ears as he doubled over to contain himself. When the captain stood upright again, he shifted back into his usual poised stature of authority.

“Siren, either you crawl into this boat, or we eat beans—nothing but beans until we reach Brazil.”

“There’s no other way?”

“I’m afraid not.”

He offered up his hand and she stared at it. It was large, sun-kissed, and slightly calloused. Bianca bit down on her lip then placed her hand in his, carefully stepping inside. At the moment she expected him to let go, he tightened his grip and held on for a touch longer than necessary. When she gazed up to inquire as to why, she was met with a deep, smoldering gaze that made the chilled morning air warm considerably.

She sat down on the wooden bench of the boat and he let go of her hand. She tried to collect her thoughts and slow down the sudden race of her heart as he unwound the rope that lowered them to the sea.

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