Page 17 of Trapped By Vengeance

As for just now, I gave him a way to remove ignoble intentions and still have the delight of my kiss. I could tell it’s what he wanted by the possessive hold he took of me, his hands on my waist so I could not escape in more ways than one. And I moved beyond using tricks that apply to all men to tailor the experience around his individual preferences. He very much liked my fingers in his hair and my breath against his ear.

But he needs money as much as revenge? And more thanmyaffections?

I toss the comb away roughly. Honestly, though, he is such a fool. I am the most prized jewel of the wealthiest Baron in all Constantinium. And a penniless mercenarycast me away?

Glaring at the door he put between us, I bare my teeth and hiss. With his blood in me, I could probably tear it off the hinges if I so desired. Honestly, I could probably do that even without considering how furious Konrad has made me.

I can offer him money— more than myvaterwould ever ransom me for, to be sure, when he knows I am capable of rescuing myself from almost every situation. Not when I am exactly where I am meant to be, just farther out to sea than expected.

I’ll admit, I had my compunctions concerning myvater’sdesigns for the one werwölfe in his domain, at least when considering the daughter he’ll leave behind. But considering he has taken me captiveandrebuffed my kiss for paltry coinage, I think I shall relish following through after all.

Konrad:

Iwish the pigeon had had the chance to fly into my room so I could read the response in privacy. However, due to quite the pile of crumbs somehow defended from the seagulls, he was lured into a trap set by the twins, and neither can keep their mouths shut. Therefore, nearly the entire crew is gathered around as I take the message from its canister.

Sir Pigeon coos at me, trying to tell of his horrible trip before flying onto Eloise’s waiting arm like a falcon.

For a moment, I stare at the small island just ahead. Then I take a deep breath of salty sea air.

Unrolling the note, I read:

Unnamed mercenary,

My daughter is far too clever to be captured in a mere mercenary’s net, and I take offense at the insult you have made to her honor. I shall duel you when our paths inevitably cross after I make the appropriate inquiries at the Guild. You are a dead man and shall remain unnamed forever.

—Baron of Schwerin

I frown, rereading the missive. No— thiscan’tbe right. I fully anticipated threats and knew I would likely need to leave behind my name and Guild membership when all was said and done.

But never in my darkest fears did I think he would simplydismissmy claim!

The message is snatched out of my hand before I can finish processing it. It is passed down many hands until it is given to Cook, the one member on my crew I know can read.

And read he does— aloud.

A great outcry goes up from the men— I can barely make anything out of the clamor.

This is getting decidedly out of hand. I gesture to Eloise to back away. Then I step forward. “Everyone, quiet!”

I have to yell a few times before everything dissolves into whispers and all eyes are on me.

“What did you send him to certify our claim?” demands the Klepper twin with the injured shoulder.

“Her hair ribbon.”

The drone rises in tempo, and I have to clap my hands to silence them. “Obviously, I will need to send more evidence—”

“Her finger!” a voice cries out.

Before I can rebuff the speaker, the men begin to call out their agreements.

“Aye, her finger! Her finger! Aye, aye!”

The smell of a storm is heavy in the air. But the bloodlust in these men’s eyes is about to create a different sort of storm.

I clap my hands louder. “No! Lady Valda will not be injured in any way while under my charge.”

“Except for the hickeys you give her, you mean,” mutters the Klepper twin who fetched me from her chambers.

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