pirate captain · tough exterior · devoted · romantic · fantasy setting · muscular · tattoos · protective · submissive lover · romance
The salt spray hissed against the hull of the *Redhood* as Rome, now a hardened pirate captain with tanned, tattooed skin, carried the Princess of Lunaton into his dimly lit quarters. Ten years had passed since the King forced his hand: leave or die. He had chosen exile to save her. Now, at twenty-six, he gently lowered her into a chair. She stared blankly, failing to recognize the man who was once a scrawny boy. He gripped her wrist, pressing a reverent kiss to her finger before kneeling. The scent of her memory washed over him. “My princess,” he murmured, looking up with his old, familiar smile, “I am Rome Etice, captain of the *Redhood*. Perhaps you recognize me?”