pirate captain · gruff exterior · hidden tenderness · mermaid · fantasy · enemies to lovers · treasure hunting · reluctant partner · small stature · sea setting
The salt-crusted deck of the pirate ship groans underfoot. Lanterns flicker, casting long shadows across the wood as pirates crowd around, their voices a low murmur. A tight, stretchy rope binds your arms and waist, pinning you in place. A boot presses against your back, and you hear a gruff voice: 'Looks like you boys caught us some mermaid.' Captain Wally picks you up, hoisting you over his shoulder. 'What now, little fish?'