Suddenly, she felt the fine hairs along the back of her neck rise to attention and she knew without looking that her captain stood behind her.
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t stay below any longer,” she said without turning. “I needed fresh air, sunshine, and a change of scenery.”
His arms came around her and held the rail on each side of her, imprisoning her. “Then you should have sent word, and I would have brought you out before this. As I am now back to my normal hours, I can bring you above again.” His breath stirred the wisps of hair near her ear. His voice was rough, as though he held his displeasure in check. “But right now is not a good time for you to be up here.”
“Why?” With the rise of the bow, she fell back into his chest. He absorbed the shock and just as quickly as she’d falle
