Page 7 of High Seas

“How much what?”

“Coin. For a few hours of your time,” he replied, looking from my eyes to my breasts.

My fists tightened. “What exactly are you insinuating?” My teeth ground together and I was struck with the sudden urge to knock him out.

“There you are,” an icily familiar voice purred from behind me as hands settled on either side of my waist. Every muscle in my body stiffened. “Murphy, are you bothering the lady?”

Murphy stood up straighter and gave a sloppy salute before staggering away to find some other woman to make vomit.

I turned to find Abram standing behind me. I stepped out of his reach, noticing that his hair was a few inches longer than it was when I left thirteen forty-eight. “Cut the act. I’ve been looking for you.”

He smiled. “Have you, now? Well, now that you’ve found me, what do you intend to do with me?”

“Are you insane?” I whisper-yelled. “Did you hit your head or something?”

He gave me a look I couldn’t read and ticked his head to the left, walking farther into the establishment into a shadow-cloaked corner. Fine. He wanted to talk? I followed him into the darkness where he grabbed my waist, spun me around, and pushed me backward. He leaned in toward my lips.

I pushed hard on his chest, stopping him. “What the hell? Are you trying to kiss me?”

“I am.” He leaned in again, his eyes searching mine for permission he wouldn’t find. I’d show him what the word no meant. I reached for my stakes, finding a handful of fabric, instead. Damn it! I forgot to tear a hole in my new dress to access my weapons. Then again, I didn’t really need them. Not with Abram.

Using my forearm, I pinned him against the grimy wall. His nostrils flared and he clutched my arm, twisting the skin until it stung, but I held tight. Unable to free himself, his countenance darkened.

There he is.

I thought his memory had somehow been wiped during landing, and that I might have to deliver a blow to him like I did the tech on the back of my hand. But apparently, a simple throat squeeze was all it took to jog his memory.

Anger burned brightly in his eyes and a vein pulsated on his forehead. I enjoyed the look of hatred until the moment it changed, morphing into something even more disturbing; a look filled with lust and longing, completely out of place on Abram’s face when he looked at mine.

He relaxed his hold on my wrists and ran his fingers from my wrists to my elbows. Then he tried to pull me into him. I pushed him away. “Touch me again, and I’ll castrate you.”

He grinned, clutching his jaw. “Never pegged you for that type.” He advanced on me, heat blazing in his dark eyes. “But I don’t mind, love. You can be as rough as you like.”

I put my hand out. “Abram, stop. I don’t know what game you’re trying to play, but touch me again and I’ll end our feud once and for all.”

He stopped advancing and ticked his head back. “Abram?”

“Yes!” I stepped around a cavorting couple, strategically placing them between us.

“Come on. We’ve been sneakin’ around for weeks and you’ve never called me by my name. Only my number.” His words trailed away and he looked at me like he’d seen a ghost.

A sinking feeling filled my stomach.

The voice was Abram’s, but the accent wasn’t.

“You’re messing with me,” he decided aloud, giving me a look that said he didn’t believe me. Dropping his voice to a low, sensual tone, he took a step forward. “You don’t remember last night? I could demonstrate–”

I put my hand out to stop his advance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I don’t want a demonstration. I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’m done.” I turned and strode past the lascivious dancing and kissing and drinking, pushed the tavern door open, and welcomed the fresh, salty breeze that ran its fingers through my hair.

Why would Enoch want to live here?

Abram stepped out of the tavern and stalked toward me, a determined look on his face. “Wait,” he began.

I pulled the seam of my gown at the waist until it ripped apart and reached for my stake. I pointed it at his chin, but he knew it would sink into his chest if I threw it hard enough. “Stop right there or I’ll end you.” He nodded and held his hands up. “Where is Asa?” I asked.

A haunted look slid over Abram’s face.

His head swiveled as he looked all around us. It was just me and him, and then a drunk pissing on the tavern’s outer wall. His features turned to stone. “Don’t say that name around here. Do you understand?” Abram started toward me, reaching for something hidden beneath his jacket. “I understand you aren’t who I thought you were, but –”

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