And if he were being truthful to himself, a healthy dose of self-pity along with the warmth. But he would turn a blind eye to that fact. ’Twas Gracie’s fault. She lied. She must have cast a spell upon him, the witch. Nay, he didn’t believe that. Though it would be easier than blaming himself for being such a fool. More so for falling for her. She still lied and betrayed his trust, the deceitful jade. He swallowed another mouthful of liquor, closing his eyes and savoring the burn in his gut. Pushing off the cold stone wall, he headed back to the docks. He didn’t look forward to telling his crew and Zane Fox he’d been duped. Shit, he wouldn’t blame them if they lost respect for him. Such a gross mistake. A squelched cry jerked him from his loathing. The sound he recognized. Did thinking of Gracie conjure up her voice? He was all kinds of a clod, but his feet moved of their own volition. He spun on his heel and jogged to the sound not far away, back toward the tavern.
