Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Mary Mecham
Read between
August 8 - August 11, 2025
in our eagerness to take to the seas again, we had forgotten that humans often pose just as great a threat as any monster from the deep.
“I think we both have been dealt a bad hand, Elena,” he finally said. “Maybe we can put our cards together.”
I can outlast any pirate.” He spoke with such conviction and confidence that my heart beat a little faster. Harlan was a man.
My mouth hung open, and I couldn’t resist the laugh that bubbled up. “You, sir, are a raging flirt! No woman is safe from you!”
Are you seeing someone?” “Not anymore.” I flashed a wicked smile. “But if he had given me letters as passionate as what you just wrote, I might have changed my mind.” “Is that so? What would you want in a letter, then?” Harlan looked steadily at me. “I can think of a host of things I could say.” I froze. Did he think I was flirting? Was I? Was he?
“You know, everything I write in the letters to them is a lie.” I propped myself up onto my elbow. “If it were the truth, I’d be concerned.” “I don’t want you to think I’m a liar, even if I have to lie to them. I’ll always tell you the truth.” My heart warmed. “I’ll always tell you the truth too,
“Depression is temporary but these cheeks”—she slapped her hindquarters—“are legendary!
“Even the slimiest fish can look silver in certain lighting.”
“I forgot to tell you something that they said today,” I said, and told him all about Sugar and Blossom’s motivational motto. He laughed aloud. “They are a pirate captain’s daughters. I would expect a whole host of booty-related jokes.” I joined in his laughter. “That’s the best pirate joke I’ve ever heard.” “I think right now is the best time for crackin’ jokes.” Harlan waited, then added, “Get it? Kraken jokes right after I had to battle one of its tentacles?” I laughed again. “You deserve to be in the brig with that sense of humor.”
I’m just glad he dropped it and left.” “Me too,” Harlan said. “I was ready to reach through the bars and strangle him if he tried anything else.” “I’ve never been so moved by threats
“Did you see the way he bowed to me?” “Forget that! Don’t you think he was awestruck by my intelligence?” Sugar stuck out her lower lip, still glossy from her excessive consumption of butterscotch candies. “Not as impressed as when he looked at me in this dress!” “Brains over bosoms!”
As she reached for the brooch on a nearby table, she kicked the pail of ash and cinders, causing it to spill all over me, the rugs, the floor, and the sofa. “Watch where you’re putting things! Clean this up immediately! I ought to call you Cinderella!”
Elena, I hope you’ll forgive me for writing this on the same parchment I’m supposed to be using for a love letter to Sugar or Blossom. The irony doesn’t escape me. I’m expected to pour out my affections to them when the only person I can think about is you. Every time I’m made to dance with one of them, I keep wishing you would take their place. You’d probably trip on purpose just to make me laugh. You have the incredible ability to find humor when there shouldn’t be any, and I admire that quality more than you know. It keeps me sane. Blossom would want sonnets and metaphors that make no
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“Harlan,” I breathed. The raw ache in my chest intensified. My fingers lifted to caress his face. “That was beautiful.” “Of course it was. You inspired it.”
I lay down and stared up at the ceiling. “Goodnight, neighbor. It was nice to get the full tour of your manor house and receive my letter. The mail carrier never visits my estate.” A small smile ghosted across his lips. “Goodnight, Elena. You’re always welcome to visit.”
“You don’t want him even looking at me?” I teased. Harlan held my gaze for a long time. “No, I don’t,” he answered very seriously. “I don’t want any man to look at you the way they did tonight.”
Harlan had a way of making me feel like a princess, his princess, no matter how threadbare my rags were or how filthy my living conditions. He had been my knight in shining armor, swooping in to defend my honor when I felt trapped.
“They seemed to think the red one I wore for Tyrone last night might tempt you,” I told him. “They don’t want any competition.” “You don’t have any competition,” he answered. “And I most certainly was tempted.” “Well, don’t tell Sugar and Blossom.”
“Nah, this is good exercise, this is! My mam says a sailor’s life builds big muscles, so that’s the life for me!”
“She’s my guest, and she doesn’t like parties.” Dahlia arched a brow. “Strange place for someone who doesn’t like parties. What is your name, guest?” “Her name is—” Tyrone began. “Let her speak for herself,” Prince Korth cut in.
“Are you headed to Berkway?” “I don’t give information to stowaways. What’s your business in Berkway?” The young man smirked. “I don’t give information to pirates who participate in human trafficking, smuggle illegal cargo, and blackmail innocent women.”
“Three crates? That’s all?” Roderick’s smile was a razor-thin line. “Three’s a magic number, Captain. One to draw attention, one to mislead, and one that’s just right.”
And what shall I say the shipment contains?” I asked, jotting down notes to the contract. Roderick’s mouth flickered into a slight smile, and his clouded eye drifted to stare to the side. “Porridge.”
“You have to fight crime with crime.” “Well, we shouldn’t,” Korth grumbled. “It’s wrong.” Dahlia beamed at him. “You’re cute when you’re all indignant about anyone breaking rules.”
This wasn’t rescue. This was freedom. This was love. And it was just the beginning.
