With Hook off in port, Starkey relaxed a bit into his position of first mate, making his rounds on the ship to make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to. He told off Hobbs and Agate for standing around when they should’ve been battening down the hatches, making sure everything was secure, as it looked as though they were in for another terrible storm. He sniffed distastefully at McCraig, who was tucking into a second helping of breakfast in the galley, before taking a cup of coffee out to the deck. The wind was howling, and the sky spitting down on the already soaked deck. He walked steadily, sipping his brew, as though the whole ship wasn’t moving on the choppy water. His hair hung wet over his forehead now from the rain; his coat offered little protection from the elements, his shirtfront soaked through now as he made his way over to the blonde. “Careful Vas,” he commented behind her, lifting his mug to his lips. “Doubt the captain would be happy if reports reached him that I let you fall to Davy Jones,” he added, before taking a sip.
Lara turned when she heard Starkey speaking behind her, holding onto the railing with one hand just in case. She laughed at the comment though she didn’t believe it for a second. Jack hadn’t seen that hollow look in James’ eyes when he fucked her so rough her moans were close to cries. She might get a little bit of preferential treatment for being his current plaything but if she disappeared? He’d probably just grab one of the other girls from Lark and carry on as normal. “Then you should focus more on keeping me safe, First Mate.” She smiled, there was something fun about toying with Starkey. That’s why she’d left that painting in his room on Christmas Day, just to see the look on his face next time he saw her when he knew she wasn’t wholly available.