Chapter 36: Hook!
Hook moved with practiced ease, his knife flashing as he deflected the incoming sword. The blade, concealed in a sheath on his inner thigh, had saved him more times than he could count. "Impressive, Hook." Ruffus leaned casually against a wooden post, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Even after a grueling time, your reflexes remain sharp. So, tell me—how was she? That girl? A beauty, wasn’t she? Quite the fiery one too."
Hook barely spared him a glance as he shrugged into his upper garment, covering the fresh scratches on his skin.
"Of course," he murmured, voice low and edged with satisfaction. "Nothing tastes better than a virgin."
Ruffus smirked, eyeing the fresh marks across Hook’s torso. "Looks like she put up a fight."
Hook’s gaze darkened, but the memory stirred something inside him. The girl had been different. A wildcat, clawing and spitting, her muffled screams only stoking the fire within him. Her defiance and fierce glare in her eyes even as he overpowered her had been exhilarating.
"You let her escape, though. A rare lapse." Ruffus’ voice held the barest trace of amusement.
Hook’s jaw tightened. "I slept for a moment. When I woke, she was gone. But she won’t get far." He adjusted his belt, his tone turning cold. "Make sure to give her to our best clients, who are not violent. I’m not finished with her."
"Hook, the soldiers have been sniffing around. You think they suspect us?" Ruffus asked, his voice tinged with worry. He moved toward the window, his heavy boots creaking on the wooden floor. With a swift motion, he threw open the shutters, flooding the dim room with brilliant afternoon sunlight that spilled in, illuminating the dust particles that danced in the air.