Ann

“Hope could ruin a man who faced forever.”
― Lisa Kessler, Pirate's Pleasure

“He settled back into his chair, one leg crossed over the other, and rested his chiseled forearms on the armrests. For a second, he looked every bit like the rogue pirate king on his throne.”
― Lisa Kessler, Pirate's Pleasure

“She was beautiful chaos in his well-ordered world.”
― Lisa Kessler, Pirate's Pleasure

“Were you ever going to tell me?”

“About the Grail?” He returned to the couch and handed her a glass. “I wasn’t planning on it.”

She knocked back the rum and swallowed, setting the empty glass on the table. Impressive.

She met his eyes. “So even if we had slept together last night, you were going to keep telling me you were descended from a pirate, not an actual pirate.”

He took a swig, his gaze locked on hers. “Would you have believed me?”

“No.” She shrugged. “Just wondering how long you would have lied to me.”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

She rolled her eyes. “I played you. There’s a difference.” She shrugged. “Besides that, was before our no lies between us deal.”

“I see this as more of an omission.” He finished off his drink and placed the glass beside hers. “In my defense, I’ve never told anyone who I really am. You’re the first.”

She raised a brow. “Are you saying I should feel…special?”

“Aye.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve never taken a bullet for anyone either, not even my crew.”

“Thanks for that.” A reluctant smile curved her lips as she met his eyes. “Pretty heroic for a pirate.”

He chuckled. “It’s less heroic when you’re certain you won’t die.”

“But you knew it would hurt.”

He nodded slowly. “True.”

She pinched her fingertips close together in the air. “It might’ve been a tiny bit heroic.”

Her dark eyes sparkled with the mischief he was growing much too fond of.

“Not bad for a pirate.” He admitted.”
― Lisa Kessler, Pirate's Pleasure