Chapter 10: [10] Three for One
The world slowed to a crawl as Pierre’s bag of coins connected with the leader’s jaw. Blood and teeth sprayed in a crimson arc, the man’s eyes rolling back as he crumpled to the deck. The other two pirates froze, disbelief locking their faces into stupid masks.
Pierre didn’t wait for them to recover.
He lunged at the ferret-faced pirate, driving his palm upward into the man’s throat. Cartilage gave way with a sickening crunch. The pirate’s eyes bulged, hands flying to his crushed windpipe as he dropped to his knees, making wet choking sounds.
Sorry, but I don’t have time to play fair.
A shadow fell across the deck. The tree-trunk pirate had recovered, bellowing as he charged forward with a wooden club raised high. Pierre pivoted, barely avoiding the downward swing that splintered the planks where he’d stood a moment before.
From the corner of his eye, Pierre caught Raven’s calculating stare. Her gaze darted between him and the scattered gold coins gleaming in the moonlight. He saw the moment she made her decision—her lips pressed into a thin line as she bent to scoop up the nearest handful of coins and put them in the bag.
Really? After I just saved your ass?
Pierre would have been angrier if he didn’t know why she needed the money. Still, watching her stuff coins into her pockets while he fought for his life stung more than he’d expected.
I am definitely going to get her back for this later.
The massive pirate swung his club in a wild horizontal arc. Pierre ducked under it, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle his hair.
"Damn, you’re about as quick as a three-legged turtle," Pierre taunted, dancing backward.
The pirate’s face contorted with rage. "I’ll crush your skull, pretty boy!"