Jax watched Thomas wipe the extra rum from his chin and listened closely. It wouldn’t change anything. Jax was sure that was an understatement. The guy was in love and that, in Jax’s mind changed everything. Yet Jax trusted the man for reasons he couldn't express. It was the rouge he would watch. Ha, as if that was a chore. But he was not sure what he thought of a woman who could slide in and out of other’s masks, other people with such skill and grace. How would you know which was you, which was real? Still Jax would never say so or give his Captain any advice in that. Just might be some choppy waters ahead. Still a strong ship could take any of it.

But the inference the Captain tossed back to him with his words and the flask, shook those thoughts away. What was the difference in the maks either of the woman wore? And how was it Jax’s let his growing affections be so easily read? He smiled and lowered his head pausing before taking a drink.

Then the threesome came up again and Jax tossed back his head and laughed. “Too much for you, ah?” He chuckled. It was his turn to wipe his mouth not wanting to waste the rum through caught laughter. He shook his head as he smeared the drips before they spilled down his chest. “You smack me aside the head if you see me looking too hard.” He was sure Thomas would know he was talking about Nicki. “I am sure it is a losing bad idea screwed up mistake sitting there waiting for me to make.” 

He took another drink. “The attempt I mean. Yet..” He smiled and shrugged. What was it both of them liked so much about being a pirate? The hunt, the chase the trip as much as any reward at the end. 

Jax glanced over the rail to catch a bit of action on the deck. Was that the first mate beating on some crew? He laughed and pointed down for Thomas to watch his first mate settle something quickly and efficiently. “What’s not to like in that?” He laughed back to his Captain and leaned over the edge of the rail to call out, not that she would hear but maybe she would, “Well played, winner!”