Chapter 22
Henri wiped his forearm across the sweat beading on his brow.
Though the days were getting longer, it was almost dark now, and the humid air still clung to the day’s heat.
The light changed from golden daylight to peachy sunset on his hands as he finished up securing the lines.
It was the Siren’s last night in Kadling Kay, and many crew members were off enjoying the luxuries of shore leave.
Henri had spent his own free time exploring the markets with Fox, since Robin had been occupied keeping his brother out of trouble as he bought a few things to restock the infirmary.
Henri huffed in exasperation. Not only had David monopolized the only shore leave Henri and Robin were likely to get for weeks, but according to Robin, David had also spent the entire time on dry land trying to convince Robin to “escape while they had the chance.”
Henri retied the last knot. Then retied it again. Even though he and Robin had made up, the mood was still awkward between them with the stress of keeping their relationship secret from David.
Henri didn’t like it, but Robin had asked for some time, and Henri was willing to give him that grace.
Deep down, he still harbored a little irrational bead of anxiety that Robin would leave him after all.
If not for his family, then for the prospect of a peaceful life.
But Henri told himself to trust Robin. He had to believe their love was strong enough to keep them together.
“Here…”
Henri turned at the sound of Robin’s gentle voice to find the captive sailors, including David, gathered near the opposite rail with knapsacks slung on their backs. Robin was with them, talking quietly with David. Captain Rowan must’ve decided it was time to release the captives.
The bead of anxiety jumped up to lodge in Henri’s throat.
No. Robin wasn’t going with them. Even if he’d decided to leave, he would never do so without saying goodbye.
And besides, he didn’t have any belongings with him, only a few folded and sealed papers clutched in his hands.
Henri couldn’t hear what else Robin was saying, but David looked displeased.
Robin tried to give him the papers, but he pushed them away.
Rowan and Logan chose that moment to appear on deck. Rowan’s coat fluttered behind him in the breeze that kicked up off the harbor. The brim of Logan’s hat drooped in the humidity. They strode over to the group, Logan half a step behind the captain.
“You’re free to go,” Rowan said without preamble, stopping before the assembled group.
“You will be paid for your service thus far and are welcome to stay on as full crew members if you wish. But I will no longer keep you here against your will.” Logan began passing out coins from a bag.
Only a few weeks’ wages, but enough to last till they found another ship, if they didn’t drink it away first.
“We already subtly put out word that you were our captives. So you shouldn’t have any trouble on our account.
However…” His tone shifted, and one or two of the sailors backed up a step.
“I urge you to keep anything you’ve seen here to yourselves.
I cannot guarantee how the Deep Water Demon might react if he hears our secrets being whispered through the taverns. ”
Logan finished handing out the coins, and the sailors hastily disembarked before Rowan could change his mind, leaving only David behind. Rowan raised an eyebrow.
“I would have thought you’d be the most eager to leave our humble vessel, Beckett.”
David blanched at the continued refusal of all of them to call him Master Beckett.
“I’m not leaving until you release my brother!
” He seemed to be trying for an air of confidence, maybe even intimidation, but he just sounded like a petulant child.
Henri sidled closer, ready to help if there was trouble.
Robin’s brother or not, he was perfectly willing to throw David off the ship if need be.
“You promised his freedom in exchange for information about Shaw,” David said.
“And I told you he’s free to go. If he is choosing to stay, perhaps you should accept his decision.” Rowan’s gaze flicked to Henri, then Robin. “You can deal with this, can’t you?”
“Yes, Captain,” Robin said. Rowan turned on his heel and disappeared back belowdecks with Logan trailing him.
David whirled on his older brother. “We’re going,” he demanded. Henri half expected him to stomp his foot.
“You’re going,” Robin said firmly. “I’m staying right here. I already told you. Take the letters and—”
“But why?” David shouted, startling some seagulls from the dock pilings. “Why do you insist on staying here?”
Robin’s gaze slid to Henri, then away. Henri’s breath caught. Was he finally going to tell him?
“I’ve built a life here,” Robin began, squeezing David’s arm. “I have friends, and I need to tell you—”
“How can these people be your friends?” David interrupted him, knocking his hand away.
He was yelling again. “I’m not leaving you here to throw your life away with a bunch of deviants and murderers!
If you won’t go, neither will I. I’ll wait till you come to your senses!
” He stomped away belowdecks, slamming the hatch behind him.
Robin pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a few deep breaths until Henri made it to his side. When Robin felt Henri’s hand on his shoulder, he looked up and smiled ruefully.
“You okay?” Henri asked, his voice low.
Robin sighed, leaning in to Henri’s touch like he was an anchor. “I tried to tell him.”
“I know.” Despite the fact it would drive a wedge between them forever, he’d tried. The ball of anxiety, worn smooth by weeks of Henri worrying at it, retreated. Warmth spread through his chest.
“I better go after him before he causes more trouble.”
Henri leaned in and pecked Robin on the cheek. “Meet you in our room later?”
“Yeah.”
Robin trotted away after his wayward brother.
By the time Henri had finished up his duties for the night and gave himself a quick scrub to get rid of the day’s sweat, Robin was already back in their room. As Henri entered, he looked up from where he was lounging on their bed, long legs stretched out.
“Welcome back.” He rested the penny romance they’d both been reading open on his chest and smiled.
Gods, that smile. For the first time since their fight, Henri felt heat kindling low in his gut.
He crossed the room in two quick strides and knelt one knee on the end of the bed.
Robin’s breath caught, hazel eyes watching him as he crawled up the bed and brushed the penny novel aside.
“What are you doing?” Robin asked quietly. They hadn’t been intimate since before the fight. Nothing more than light touches and kisses to sustain them.
Henri didn’t answer, just leaned down, thumb smoothing over Robin’s cheek, and kissed him. Robin melted immediately, his mouth going soft and pliant. He let out a breathy moan and wrapped his arms around Henri’s shoulders, pulling him closer.
“Henri,” Robin breathed between kisses. “I need to…” He surrendered to Henri’s lips again, but after a few moments pushed him away slightly. “I didn’t tell him yet.”
Henri rolled onto this side next to Robin. “I figured as much.”
Robin faced him. “I really tried. He just yelled and wouldn’t let me get a word in.” His gaze lowered. “Are you disappointed?”
Oddly, he wasn’t. He loved Robin, and as much as Robin keeping him a secret from his family pained Henri, he wanted to save Robin the heartache of rejection too.
“It’s okay.” His voice was soft, and he pulled Robin to his chest.
“I really tried.” Robin’s voice wavered on the verge of tears.
“Hey, Robin, listen to me.” Henri tilted Robin’s chin up so their eyes met. “I’m sorry I got mad. You tried, and there’s still time if you want to tell him, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore. Just love me. Quietly or loudly. But don’t stop, okay?”
Robin’s pretty hazel eyes searched Henri’s face for a moment. His hand came up to rest against Henri’s chest.
“I’ve made up my mind to tell him, and I wrote letters to my family explaining everything, so I went into town and mailed them after David yelled at me again.
So they’ll know whether I’m able to tell him or not.
I don’t want to hide you, and I’m not ashamed of the life we’ve built together.
I even included a sketch of you, in case they decide to be happy for me.
” He smiled bashfully, ears turning pink against his sandy blond hair.
“You know, back then, I never actually expected to find love. I’d prepared myself for more of a ‘bachelor for life’ scenario. ”
Henri planted a kiss against Robin’s hairline. “Even if you hadn’t left, someone would have fallen for you.” Who wouldn’t love this tall, sweet man?
“Even if they had, I wouldn’t have been free to pursue it.
” Robin’s hand trailed up Henri’s chest to his shoulder.
“I’m glad I found you.” He kissed Henri on the mouth.
Sweet at first, then growing more insistent.
Henri’s heartbeat quickened. He caressed down Robin’s neck to push one strap of his suspenders from his shoulder.
Despite the unease that had settled between them over the last few weeks, Henri had missed this.
Feeling Robin’s soft body under his hands.
Undressing him slowly and making him gasp.
The thought that Robin’s family would know about him, even know what he looked like, thrilled him.
Or maybe it was just the gesture of Robin sending the letters, ensuring he wouldn’t hide Henri anymore.