Trying to hide his smile, he leant back on his elbows. Perry had said to talk, but what to say? About their feelings … Vee did not invite that kind of deep discussion.

And it looked like she wasn’t about to start it. Fine. He would.

He cocked his head at her. “So, the great Pirate Queen Vice isn’t as tough and unfeeling as she tries to appear.”

Vee’s shoulders tensed. “I am exactly as tough as I appear.” She twisted to look back at him, bristling. “And I don’t pretend to be unfeeling, I’m just immune to the silly, soft emotions. I feel joy, anger, excitement, humour, and desire very well.” She huffed a long breath. “I’m not sure any of the others are worth it.”

So she could pick and choose what emotions to feel? That would be a useful trick if it were possible. “What are these soft emotions, then?”

Snorting, she tossed her hair and flopped back beside him, jostling the bunk. “Love, sorrow, caring, grief …” She shrugged.

He rolled on his side to face her, propping his head up with hand and elbow. “I wouldn’t say love seems very soft... nor grief. And I’d say caring for someone might be one of the fiercest feelings going.” Wasn’t that what had driven him to disobey orders and risk losing control by boarding the Covadonga?

A sardonic smile twisted her mouth as she stared at the sea-blue drapes over the bunk. “And how many times have you been in love, exactly?”

He cleared his throat. “Much as I’m ashamed to admit it, the Navy has left me little time to pursue that particular emotion.”

Her chest rose and fell quickly. “Then, as someone who was once stupid enough to believe herself in love, allow me to educate you.” Her tone was light like she was discussing how to cheat at cards or what was cooking in the galley. But her gaze was dark, heavy, like the sea before a storm. “Love is weakness. Love makes you soft. Love is a fool’s game—it’ll only destroy you. Stick to the Navy and other ways to spend your time. Lust, desire, sex—they have all the enjoyment and none of the risk. It’s all just bodies.”

He opened his mouth but couldn’t give a reply. He couldn’t refute it because he’d never experienced it. It wasn’t as though he could hold up Mother and Father as an exemplar of romantic bliss.

Father. He gritted his teeth against a hot wave blasting over him. He hadn’t thought of the man in days.

Vee swallowed then smiled brightly. “I avoid attachment for similar reasons.”

Oh, Vee. What an absurd lie. One he could refute. He raised an eyebrow. “You seem very attached to Perry.”

“Perry’s an exception. I... I’d miss her if she went away.”