I jerked my head back, hoping to break free from the captain's vice-like grip, but the attempt only made him tighten it further, locking my head firmly in place.
"So fierce." He chuckled darkly. "Doesn't suit such a pretty face at all."
"What do you want from me?"
My voice came out slurred and misshapen, cheeks crushed under his fingers, unintentionally making me sound pathetic.
"I don't want anything from you." He leaned in, his breath brushing the bridge of my nose like a blunt blade.
"But Rorden does."
With that, he shoved me backward and finally let go, flicking his chin toward one of the less brutish-looking pirates nearby.
"Take her to the starboard chamber."
The man moved toward me, clearly intending to grab me by the arm, but I stepped back sharply and hissed.
"I can walk on my own."
Back straight, chin high, I walked forward without a flinch, refusing to lower my head — even in captivity.
Because I knew they wouldn't dare harm me.
