Knigh’s chest ached. Billy didn’t need to say that to make him feel better. But to say so would be pitying and cruel. Billy was the one who’d lost a hand, and it was his fault—Knigh wasn’t the victim here. So he smiled like it was true and nodded.

But … with that tan, and those bright eyes, Billy did look healthy. Maybe even happy.

Knigh arched his eyebrows. “Never better?”

“A ship of my own—well, a share of it, anyway. The wind in my hair. And a damn sight fewer rules.” He stroked his beard. “I’ve even been able to grow this without anyone court marshalling me.”

Despite himself, Knigh snorted.

“Although,” Billy said, eyeing him with raised brows, “from the state of you, I wonder if the rules have eased over the past couple of years.”

Knigh rubbed his cheek, stubble rasping his fingertips. Unshaven, not in uniform. A state probably was the term for it.

Billy cocked his head. “That is, if you’re still in the Navy?”

Not for much longer. He swallowed and nodded, the thought heavy, making his head pound harder. “I’m—I’m just on leave at the moment.”

“You, on leave?” Billy chuckled. “Wonders will never cease.”

His heart skipped. One of Vee’s favourite phrases. He needed to make arrangements. With a little luck, Billy would be leaving soon. “I—ah—actually, I’m on honeymoon.” Saying Vee was his wife seemed the most plausible way to explain them travelling together and would provide her an identity.

“Honeymoon?” Billy’s eyes went wide again, and he grabbed Knigh into a fierce hug, slapping his back. “You sly dog you! I’d heard you’d made Captain, but not this! It seems we have a lot to celebrate. Come, have lunch with me.”

“I—I can’t possibly, I—” Knigh raised his hand, backing away. Billy’s kindness was too much to bear. Not when all Knigh deserved was resentment, retribution, some sort of repayment for the disability he’d caused.

But, of course, Billy was too good a person to show the hatred he had to feel somewhere deep inside or to make Knigh uncomfortable.

Knigh winced. All the things he wasn’t. Too good, too kind, too thoughtful.

“I insist,” Billy said with a final nod. “But if it helps, I’ll let you buy.” He winked then called to an older sailor inspecting lines and let him know he’d be back soon. He promised to bring back some lunch then turned towards the buildings lining the seafront. “Come on, Knigh. You can catch me up on everything you’ve been up to, and I’ll see if I can’t persuade you to invest in my business.” He flashed a bright grin and led the way.

Sighing, Knigh followed. He couldn’t deny Billy anything. Not when he owed him so much.