Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga by Andrea Jones Page A

to thank you. And as comparisons go, I happen to have met someone recently who resembles you rather strongly—”
    “Let us not bore our guest with petty social conventions, Jill.” The low, smooth voice emerged from the darkness of the far window seat. Startled, Hanover swiveled to locate the speaker.
    “The man is positively panting to know who you are. Shall you have mercy, ma belle dame , or must I apologize for your lack of manners, and send you away in disgrace?”
    The doctor threw down his napkin and surged from his chair. “No! Do not send the young woman away on my account. It is I who took an improper liberty. I shall be most grieved if the lady is punished for my sins.”
    “How gallant.”
    “Surely we must all dine together?”
    With a languid grace, Hook rose from the cushioned recess. “I am pleased you have dropped your idle protestations about dining with pirates, Hanover. Allow me to pour you another glass. A fine vintage…from your former ship.”
    Abruptly, the doctor clapped his cup on the table. The fruity taste of the wine on his tongue turned sour. “No. No more. I won’t partake of your ill-gotten bounty. Captain.”
    Jill removed his cup. “I see you are a man of principle.” Warmly, she smiled upon him. “But you’ve already…‘partaken.’” And she poured again. She lowered the decanter and lifted his glass. Automatically, his hand raised itself as she placed the goblet within his grasp, and he receded into his chair. She nodded once, and he drank.
    Having digested this exchange, Hook strode to the table. Smee hastened to hold his chair, but Jill held up her red hand. She herself drew out the captain’s chair.
    “Jill.” Hook touched her cheek and his eyes appraised her. “Do you not find the fairer sex captivating, Doctor? And so seductive, compelling even the strongest of us to do her bidding.” Hook dallied a few moments, admiring her, then sat down to lean on the table, leaving one long leg extended outward. His lethal hook loomed over the glossy finish. As he gazed again at Jill, his face displayed the satisfaction her presence brought him. “One feels one would do anything to win the favor of such a creature.” Smiling at her, he held out his hand. She placed hers within it and he kissed it, and then he turned to the surgeon, abandoning her hand as casually as if it had never honored his own.
    Doctor Hanover frowned and searched the woman’s face for enlightenment. “Jill?”
    Hook waved his claw. “A common enough name. Now I believe you have some scheme or other to propose to me regarding the lady?”
    The doctor forced his intelligent gaze from the fair face to Hook’s. Business must be attended. “Yes.” Sitting up, Hanover felt for his watch. “I offer you my services as ship’s surgeon, for a specified amount of time, upon the release of this young woman. I ask that you return her to her home, wherever that may be.”
    “An interesting notion, Hanover.” Still watching the doctor, Hook spoke over his shoulder. “Do you wish to go home, Jill? Here, it would seem, is your very last chance.”
    With an unreadable expression, Jill served Hook a goblet of wine. “You do enjoy tormenting me, Sir, don’t you?” She raised her eyes. “As it happens, Mister Hanover, I come from London. The memory of my life there is like a pleasant old storybook that one doesn’t pick up and dust off very often.”
    “But surely you have not been away from home for very long? You are so young.”
    “I really don’t know how long I’ve been away. Time has lost track of me.”
    “Poor girl! And are your parents living, do they have any idea where you are?”
    In a guarded movement, she ventured a glance at her master before replying. “I weary of the subject, Doctor. Tell me of your own history.”
    “Yes, Hanover. Do tell us how you acquired your mark of distinction, your dueling scar?” Hook gave a knowing smile. “Over a woman, no doubt?” His claw reflected