The sun had barely risen when I felt something warm around my waist. Still half-asleep, I shifted slightly, but it didn’t take long to realize it was Eustass Kid. His hand, heavy and firm, slid slowly upward, and when I opened my eyes, I was met with his mischievous grin.

"Kid, seriously? This early?" I muttered, my voice still groggy. His gaze locked onto mine, and he seemed to be enjoying my reaction far too much.

"And why not?" he replied in his deep, teasing tone. "You’re mine, and I’ll do what I want, when I want."

I rolled my eyes and tried to pull away, but his hand didn’t let me get far. Instead, he pulled me closer, pressing our bodies together. That damn grin of his only widened, making it clear he was determined to push my buttons.

"Don’t you ever get tired of being annoying?" I grumbled, trying to pry his hand off my waist. He caught my wrist effortlessly, holding it in place.

"Annoying? Or irresistible?" he teased, leaning in to brush his lips against my ear. "Come on, don’t make me wait."