Jax didn’t mind that this second in command, bookreader and fixer of hands walked slightly in front of him. She couldn’t walk beside him really. She held her own gawd damn merit that was for sure and Jax had no problem seeing she thought it was way above his. But she did a fine job on his hand and he had a book so if she had anything stuck high up her ass was of no concern of his. Besides, from just a step behind he could appreciate the view of it. 

She couldn’t see his snicker, which was a good thing. But he could see the tension in her neck, the way her jaw tightened and her shoulders pulled back. He hit a nerve for sure. In Jax’s quick assessment he believed it might be raw not as a defence, maybe she hadn’t shared the Captain’s bed, but more as a constant battle to prove her innocence. Ha, not innocence but truth. She was not on the Dusk Skate for anyone’s bed covers. Maybe. Maybe. Jax was still not totally convinced. Why risk a woman if not for more than a hot tongue and a cold shoulder? And this fine piece of work knew how to use both. The thing Jax had to admit was her sizzling words dripped with warm sugar. She had a very enticing tone even when she was commanding, and scolding.

As she opened the door and gestured to him his little mirth exploded to glee as he curtsied to match her gentlemen manner. “Here’s hoping that your design fits mine, M’Lady.” He could not help but smile at her solemn face. He let the tease swim in his own head sure that it could mean so much more than cards. But as he slid through the door, almost a skip added because he could not help feeling silly, he realized that the card game would be exciting. She could take his purse or he his, it did almost not matter. Right now he just wanted to sit across from her and let his eyes and smile tease her.

So he was ready, for a table of cards set. As he looked around he let his light smile fall. He didn’t see the Captain, or a waiting game of gleek. This was the right Inn, where was the promised fun? The thought that he might have to wait, drink, and pull some conversation from the First Mate did not sit so well. 

But he managed to shrug, “Wasn’t there rum offered?” He spun back around and asked.