Chapter 77: Milady Captain

Charlisse lifted her gaze to the giggling girl perched on the bed in Merrick's cabin. Isabel's cheeks had regained a rosy color, and her laughter settled over Charlisse like a warm blanket. She had not heard her laugh before, and her sweet chuckle, accompanied by a flash of pearly teeth, lifted Charlisse's spirits.

She finished buckling her belt. "And what is so funny?"

Isabel giggled again. "You should see yourself."

Charlisse glanced down at the baggy canvas breeches and yanked the thick belt holding them up. With strips of sailcloth wrapped tight around her chest, her feminine curves had all but disappeared beneath the oversized white shirt that hung to her hips. She grabbed a leather vest from the chair, swung her arms through it, and buttoned it in front for additional covering. Then, smiling at Isabel, who was still laughing, Charlisse strapped a baldric over each shoulder and sat to pull on her boots. With her attire complete, she stood and twirled.