Through Dark Storms (Beneath Black Sails, #4)

by Clare Sager

Vice fought a smile as fierce, hot pride bloomed in her chest. Good gods, she loved him.

This. This was right. This was home on sea or land. Whatever Sanctuary ended up being, she would always have a place here.

“Queen of Pirates, Queen of My Heart, the best bounty I ever chased, the most infuriating woman I’ve ever known”—the corner of his mouth quirked—“the most wonderful, too…” His chest rose and fell under her hands. “I love you.”

“Do you think if we knock them out, Billy will—?” “I am not conspiring with you to knock your sister or mother out.” “Fine. We’ll just tie them up and—” “Not that either.”

“I vowed never to sleep on an apology owed. Life has a habit of taking away those opportunities and dumping you on uninhabited islands.” She gave a lopsided smile.

“I meant everything I said out there. I want you at my side, not above or below me.” “Shame.”

“You cry. You feel. This isn’t weak. This is living. This is loving.”

and two armchairs. Realistically, the cats will commandeer those, but let’s humour ourselves and pretend it’s one each for you and me.”

“I was wrong about Father and about Mercia. But I’m not wrong about you.” The intensity in his eyes held her still, but her heart thudded, solid and loud. “I have faith in you, Vee.”

She cleared her throat, everyone’s eyes upon her. “Friends come and go, like waves on the shore, but the true ones stick around in your life, like an octopus to the face.” She raised her glass.

“First off, when have I ever been bothered about you wearing breeches?” His eyes glinted as they turned to her and a smirk played across his lips. “Or is that why you think I keep removing them from you?”