Thomas took a robust pull off the bottle of rum, and after a hard swallow, he handed the bottle over to Jax. Using his sleeve to wipe his mouth, Thomas snorted a laugh.

“What does it mean?” Thomas said arching an eyebrow to the helmsman. “It means I’m smitten, I suppose. As desirable now as an old hag, and as effectual as a leper.”

He looked to Jax, knowing he was not answering the man’s question in the vein it was intended. Thomas shrugged, taking on a more somber air. 

“I honestly do not see that much will change. Both Antonia and I are willful souls, and the two of us being together will certainly not change that. Antonia would never ask for special treatment among the crew, and I imagine she would be loath to receive it even if I felt inclined to give it.”

“As for the men,” Thomas said, peering down over the railing of the crow’s nest as a joyful roar rose up from the deck. Barlow must’ve delivered his message. “I trust that the vast majority will not mind having a captain with his heart tied to another onboard. At least as long as their pockets are jingling with gold.” 

Thomas smirked at that. It was indeed amazing just how much a crew would stomach when their coin purses were heavy. [i]And it’s astonishing how little they will tolerate when the fortunes are reversed,[/i] Thomas thought wryly. It was a dangerous game, being the leader of a scallywag crew. A gamble that could turn deadly in the course of any expedition. [i]May the Saints preserve all us black-hearted buffoons.[/i]

Through his own thoughts, Thomas heard Jax comment about his propensity for attracting perplexing women. At that, Thomas laughed heartily.

“No truer a statement has ever been said about me. And I am glad you apparently approve of my penchant for such.” Thomas took the bottle of rum from Jax, and regarded him with a thoughtful smile. 

“Tell me if I’m mistaken, but I perceive that I’m not the only one being pulled by the heart of another onboard? Or at the very least, drifting in their wake?” It was perhaps a more pointed question than he had intended to ask, but the opportunity was there, and it was posited in a place far from the prying ears of others. 

Thomas decided to lighten his own question before Jax chose to answer. “And no, I didn’t think you desired a ménage à trois with the [i]Skate[/i] and myself.” Thomas smirked before taking another pull off the rum. “You’re much too beautiful for my taste.”