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

needn’t come to me early tomorrow. We’ll be up late, and you may use the morning to speak with your father.” Her cool voice warmed. “Are you comfortable in your quarters?”
    Astonished at the new, solicitous tone, the girl only blinked.
    “All of this is new to you, I know, and perhaps frightening.” Jill gestured her closer, then drew her toward the couch. “Sit down with me.” She sat facing Liza, and laid a gentle hand on Liza’s jaw to turn her face. She pulled the pins from the girl’s hair and watched it fall untidily around her shoulders. Jill tucked the pins into Liza’s pocket and gave the brown locks several strokes of the hairbrush, pushing them away from the girl’s forehead before setting the brush aside. “That’s better, isn’t it?”
    Liza shrugged, but moved her head to feel the swish of her hair. She liked the loose feel of it.
    Jill smiled, pleased with the change, and bestowed an understanding look on the girl. “Liza, not long ago, I was new to this ship as well.”
    In spite of herself, Liza’s face betrayed interest.
    “But you’re reacting to more than that, I think. It isn’t only the ship and your new situation, is it?”
    Curiosity crossed the young features.
    “It is the excitement. The adventure.” Jill watched, gauging her audience. “And there is much adventure to be found in our way of life. It is most exhilarating, if you are open to it.” The storyteller had begun to spin her magic web. “You’re beginning a new chapter of your life, Liza. Your tale can be far different than you imagined it might be. You may discover it to be a fascinating experience, after all.”
    The discontent was dissolving.
    “What happens next is up to you. You can become a new person. A young woman.”
    Liza’s face had cleared, like a blank page eager for writing. Plainly, she wanted to hear more. As promised to her captain, Jill had studied the girl. Her weapon had found the weakness.
    “Growing up is a wonderful adventure. If you are brave enough to face it, change can be welcome. So many opportunities lie ahead of you, now that you’re free of the old ways. New places, new people. New sights and sounds.”
    She had her now. “But it is somewhat overwhelming, is it not…” Jill tilted her head, “to be among so many men?” She waited for Liza’s eyes to confirm it. Continuing more casually, she aimed her dart. “Presumably you will benefit from the guidance of your father. I’m sure he will counsel you wisely.” Jill pitched her voice and thrust it, ever so softly, and right on target.
    “But listen to your dreams, as well.”
    Liza was listening.
    “You don’t speak, but I know you listen, perhaps with more perception than others acknowledge. Hear your heart, also.”
    New words, words such as Liza had never heard spoken before. Spoken by that mouth Liza wanted to please. The girl moistened her own lips as she watched Jill’s. What would they tell her next?
    Next, for Jill— first, last, and always— came the welfare of the ship. Picking up the thread of Hook’s warning, she wove it in.
    “You are young, but not too young to think of male companionship. Keep an open mind. You may find my men colorful, interesting.” She smiled. Liza hadn’t yet realized what her eyes had seen among the sights on this ship. She realized it now. A consummate storyteller, Jill paused, allowing time to advance her purpose once again.
    “If, after some time has passed, one or more of the men suit your fancy, you may consult me and I will be pleased to advise you. I only caution you to go slowly. Keep your distance from all of them, even my sons, in the meantime.”
    Liza gathered the implication. Jill would be watching.
    Jill’s enchanting smile softened the message. “I wouldn’t be much of a mistress if I didn’t look after you.”
    Liza wanted to keep that smile. She tried one of her own.
    The mistress acknowledged it with a nod. “I want you to learn and to grow, as a young