"Don't worry, I've got beauty to spare. Especially for you." Saiden winked at Eloise, though his easy smile faltered at her next comment. "I'd noticed." Big as it was, the Ark was still a rather insulated environment, and sailors were terrible gossips.
When he spoke next, it was slow and cautious, as if he was choosing each word carefully. "Was that something you wanted?" His eyes had tightened, and there was a sudden lump in his chest.
However, he had no objection to letting her cling to him, treading water easily. "Perhaps they just need some polish from the right hands." He held up his, broad and callused and scarred, and wiggled them a little.
When he spoke next, it was slow and cautious, as if he was choosing each word carefully. "Was that something you wanted?" His eyes had tightened, and there was a sudden lump in his chest.
However, he had no objection to letting her cling to him, treading water easily. "Perhaps they just need some polish from the right hands." He held up his, broad and callused and scarred, and wiggled them a little.
