"I don't know what you're talking about my dear. Apple? I don't remember an apple." He pinched her side as he teased her. He could be perfectly grown up when he needed to be. But when he didn't, in private settings like that, it was nice to let go every once in a while. He needed to have some kind of release of his pent up energy.
He stopped where they were. They were in one of the halls near the bunks under the ship. It was empty, though he could still hear his crew talking as they moved about the ship. He looked down at her, giving her a gentle smile. "You have nothing to be sorry about, my dear. I'm not offended. It doesn't help that I have an incredibly attractive crew either. You're welcome to do whatever you like. But everyone here knows to let you approach them first."
He kissed the back of her hand before tucking it back in his arm and guiding her to where the cannons were. They had more than most other pirate ships but less than most royal navy ships He had to rely on more than just his artillery to win those battles. "Let's see if any or my gunners are down here checking on anything."
“Oh, you know exactly what I’m talking about.” She grinned up at him. “Don’t act dumb with me, Aedion.”
Rosemary allowed Aedion to lead her into the empty hallway. Aedion’s reassurances didn’t ease much of her guilt. She had seen the look in his eyes after she had made the comment to Ramsey.
“Whatever you say.” She forced a small smile as he kissed the back of her hand. “You are… quite the respectable man. Even with your flaws.”
Rosemary knew that likely wasn’t true. Pirates weren’t known for being particularly respectful people. But still, she had seen how well he had treated her during her time on the ship, and she couldn’t help but admire him for it.
Rosemary stopped on the main deck, taking a glance at the sky. “A storm’s brewing.”
Aedion smiled at her softly. "I'm not a comolete brute. It might come as a surprise to you, but I didn't win all those women over with just my looks. I needed charm as well."
He was trying to lighten the mood. He didn't like that look of guilt on her face. She had nothing to be guilty for. She was free to do whatever she wished and be with whoever she wanted. He wasn't going to stand in her way, even if she had been playing with him.
He wouldn't deny his attraction for her, even if he wouldn't act on it. And he believed she was attracted to him. It would hurt if she was just toying with him and led him on only to claim another. But there was nothing he could do about it. He only wished for the best for her.
His eyes looked up, glancing at the sky. The only clouds in the sky were few and fair. He looked down at her, eyebrow raised. "What makes you say that?"
He wasn't dismissing her. He never took warnings of storms lightly. He was curious on how she could tell, if she could tell. Rose was a mysterious person to him.
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