True Justice

Shay dug her fingernails into her palms and held her fists down by her side so she wouldn't be tempted to punch him. Well... she was definitely tempted, but she'd never hear the end of it from Terence if she did. Not to mention there were too many people watching, and they still had to keep up this ridiculous marriage charade. She didn't know how it was even plausible for someone to believe that they were married, what with how often they fought. She would never marry a man like Terence. Ever.

She felt her face burn even brighter as she stood there, trying to come up with a witty reply. She had nothing come to her mind though - at least, nothing that she could say in public. Instead she folded her arms and walked across the deck of the ship before she said something she regretted.

True Justice

Terence watched her stomp away and he rolled his eyes slightly. "Shay..."

He stood from the crate and walked across the deck, catching up to her. He pulled gently on her arm, turning her to face him. He looked at her, but didn't say anything.

True Justice

Shay briefly closed her eyes as she walked and tried to calm herself down, but she immediately opened them when she realized she wouldn't be able to see where she was going. She turned when she heard footsteps behind her, then sighed. Terence. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?

He pulled her arm, which made her even more angry, but she managed to keep a lid on her anger. She waited for him to speak. "Well?" She raised her eyebrows. "If you're going to interrupt my fuming, you'd better have a good reason."

True Justice

She really is mad... Terence thought, running a hand through his hair. He didn't want to apologize, but he knew he should. Motioning to a barrel, he said, "Please sit down...?"

True Justice

Shay shook her head. "I'll stand." Preferably at a distance, she thought. "You're more than welcome to sit though, if what you have to say will take a while." She shrugged. "It's up to you. I honestly have nothing to say."

True Justice

"No thanks...I'll stand." Terence folded his arms across his chest, his hand on his chin as he stared at her for a couple seconds. Finally, he shrugged. "I didn't...What I mean is..." Terence exhaled. "I'm sorry, Shay..."

True Justice

The uncertainty on Terence's face made Shay almost want to laugh. Almost. If she hadn't been so mad, she might have, but as it was, she wanted to hear what he had to say.

Her eyebrows shot up when she heard his apology. "You're sorry?" After all he'd put her through, she couldn't help but make this more difficult than it had to be. She folded her arms, nodded, and gave him a once-over. "For what?"

True Justice

"You're going to make this difficult, aren't you?" Terence mumbled as he took one step closer. "For embarrassing you, not bending to your wishes, attempting to throw you overboard...holding you and not letting go..." He looked at her, his brown eyes serious.

True Justice

"Oh please, Terence. You're going to have to do better than that. Get on your knees and beg." Shay pointed to the deck. Then to be polite, she added a smile. "Please."

Of course, she was joking, but she wanted to see if Terence would actually do it. He seemed so distraught that it seemed at least plausible.

True Justice

Terence narrowed his eyes a fraction, studying her face and expression. She couldn't be serious. What she demanded was preposterous. It was absurd.

His eyes landed on her lips and then he glanced up at her eyes. Without a word, he tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear, slowly leaned in close, and...said, "Only dogs and prisoners beg, Miss O'Teale. Seeing as I am neither, I will not do as you ask."

True Justice

Shay frowned and slapped his hand away. "Don't you dare do that again." She took a step backwards to create distance between the two of them. "I was merely joking." She shrugged, and stuck out her hand. "Apology accepted. Though I can't say I forgive you."

True Justice

Terence flashed her a charming smile as he gently took her hand and said, "All in good time, I suppose."

Had it been any other woman, he would have kissed the top of her hand, but he thought before he did anything and then let go of Shay's hand.

True Justice

Adrian hadn't known what to say during the whole scene with Terence and Shay. He and Terence had always been good friends and he fancied that he knew him well, but he'd never seen his friend treat other girls the way he treated Shay.

He recovered himself from his stupor after Shay went away, fuming, and ran after the two of them. It wouldn't be good or kind to Terence to call him out (again) in front of Shay, but he had to say something. He was treating Shay like "one of the crew" as sailors knew it, rather than the woman she was.

He caught up to Terence as the apology finished and tapped him on the shoulder. "Could I talk to you alone?"

True Justice

Shay frowned at Terence when he grabbed her hand. Wasn't that a little over the top? When she had told him to repent of his wrong-doing and bow, she didn't mean it. That had always been her problem, though - speaking before she thought. She shrugged. She wouldn't regret what she had said - Terence was the one who was being ridiculous.

She nodded in recognition towards Adrian, though her face turned red when he approached. He had been one of the bystanders when the overboard incident occurred, and for once in her life she actually wondered what this man must think of her. And all of that had happened because she poked Terence? Well, yes. She did regret that.

Her face continued to burn, but she tried to push those thoughts aside. "I'll leave you two alone," she said decisively.

True Justice

Terence tensed when Adrian tapped him and spoke. He turned to face his good friend, and by the look on Adrian's face, Terence knew what was in store.

He waited until Shay left and then Terence said, "I know. You don't have to say anything..."