Ann

“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

“He’d never given it much thought before, but every second he spent with her, the yearning to connect, to know every chapter of her story, ate at him. He shouldn’t pry. It was none of his business. After tonight, she’d have her replica to sell for the Digi Robins.

For all he knew, she’d go back to being a broker at his firm, nothing more.

His hand slipped off the ratline and he cursed under his breath. “Damn it.”

“If you fall on me, I’m gonna be pissed.” Harmony called from below.

He grinned in spite of himself as he found his rhythm again. “I’m not fallin’ anytime soon, love.”

But truth be told…he was starting to suspect he’d already had.

For her.”
― Lisa Kessler, Pirate's Pleasure

“The last time the firemen came to the house, they said the only thing I was allowed to cook from here on out was cereal with milk.” Nothing could have stopped his chuckle. “Well then, I guess you’d better leave if you’re expecting sustenance.” “I’m sure I could find something else to eat.” She practically purred the words in his ear. Surely that unmanly “eep” didn’t come from him?”
― Eve Langlais, When an Omega Snaps

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