“I have been kidnapped by pirates. If that is not outrageous fortune, I don’t know what is.”
He had a point, and Hawk controlled a huff that threatened to become laughter. “Your lot could be far worse than the desire for a bath and apparent boredom even though I’ve offered you dozens of books to pass your time. Of course you could always amuse yourself in other, more physical ways.”
He didn’t have to look over to know Plum was blushing furiously. The taunt had the intended effect, and there was silence as minutes went by. The unintended consequence was that images of Plum pleasuring himself intruded into Hawk’s mind—bow lips parted with soft cries, cock straining, losing himself to a few minutes of abandon, of freedom.
The boy had a restless spirit Hawk hadn’t expected in the least from Walter Bainbridge’s son. Although he was whining for a bath, Hawk had a feeling it was more about getting back up on deck with freedom to move. He was a coiled spring, despairing at his containment, fidgeting endlessly. Hawk had expected a much more indolent creature.
Sure enough, Plum said, “If I could only go on deck the next time it rains. How I miss the rain. I used to go out exploring in it for hours. But even just for a few minutes—”
“Whatever ploy you have concocted, abandon it.”
“It’s no ploy! It’s been cloudy for days, and it has to rain soon. I only want to breathe some fresh air and be cleansed.”
The stern windows in Hawk’s cabin were closed to the chilled wind, and if the brat couldn’t be bothered to open them from time to time, to hell with him. Clearly he was lazy after all. “No.”
“If I’m so useless, why don’t you let me up there? What could I possibly do to a ship full of pirates?”
“Aside from get in the fucking way?”
“I said I’d help. I’m sure I could learn.”
Hawk laughed sharply. “You probably don’t even know how to tie a simple hitch in the line.”
“I could learn,” he repeated. “I bet I can.”
Hawk’s simmering annoyance flared. “A bet? All right, have it your way. Let’s put you to the test. You’ll have one demonstration, and one chance to tie it yourself.”
Plum nodded, leaping to his feet eagerly. “If I win, I get to spend the days up on deck. I won’t try to escape or harm anyone.”
“As if you could. And no. If you win… If you win, you’ll be permitted a bucket of water and sliver of soap.”
Lips pressed together, the boy nodded. “Deal.” He bounced on his toes. “Let’s go.”
Hawk went back to the chart, picking up his divider, the cool brass warming in his hand as he measured the shoreline of an island west of Nassau. “We’ll go when I say we do.”
As he continued working, Plum shifted back and forth, then paced across the cabin. Minutes ticked by, and Hawk could have stopped, but he walked to the bookcase and pulled out another chart before settling back behind his desk, enjoying the increasingly agitated nature of Plum’s steps.
Finally, Hawk noted, “I’m sure you’re used to having everything you want with the snap of your fingers. Sadly, you’ll find only disappointment aboard this ship.”
Plum laughed bitterly. “I’ve never had anything I’ve truly wanted. I never shall.”
“Oh, and what poor, thwarted desires have you suffered? Pray tell.” Plum snapped his mouth shut, and Hawk added, “If you’d like to learn of true hardship, we liberated a slaver ship last spring. Some of the men chose to stay with us. I’m sure they’d have much to say on the subject.”
Face flushing, his shoulders slumped. “Yes. I’m sure they would. You’re right.”
Taken aback by the capitulation, Hawk blinked at Plum for a few moments. Then he tossed down the divider and rounded his desk. “All right, let’s put you to the test.” He grabbed Plum’s arm and shoved him out of the cabin and up the ladder to the main deck.
The crew looked askance, and Snell approached, asking, “What’s this about?”
Hawk pushed Bainbridge to his knees. “I’ve made a little bet with our prisoner. He thinks he can bend the line as well as any man aboard.” The crew laughed uproariously, and Plum’s shoulder was tight with tension where Hawk held him fast.
Hawk could imagine how red his cheeks were. “What do you say? Shall we let these delicate hands prove their mettle in return for a bucket of water?”
Amid the cheers and laughter, a voice called, “Thought wagering weren’t allowed on ship.” It was Tully. He’d been of service when they’d boarded the merchant ship, and he wasn’t wrong now, but as some of the men grumbled, Hawk wished Tully would shut his big mouth before Hawk was forced to shut it for him.
Snell answered, “This is true. But seeing as we’re killing time waiting for our prize, perhaps we can make an exception this once.” He glanced at Hawk. “Provided the men can make their own side wagers.”