Ace leaned back against the warm deck boards, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face as a cascade of quick kisses covered his cheeks, nose, and forehead. He threw his hands up dramatically, as if he were being attacked by affection itself.

“Oi, that’s enough!” he barked, though his voice cracked with a laugh he couldn’t hold in.

But the second the kisses stopped, his arm curled firmly around your waist, pulling you right back into him before you could slip away. His freckles lit up with a grin he didn’t bother hiding this time.

Ace brushed his forehead against yours, eyes half-lidded and soft. “…C’mon. Just one more. ’S not gonna kill me.”