Page 78 of The Swan Syndicate
No. He couldn’t afford to think like that. His feelings for Stella had to be pushed aside so he could focus on the mission. She was strong. She survived Gemini. She was of value as long as her cover hadn’t been blown.
If Cheval considered her competition and not a spy for the Crown, then he’d be wise to keep her for barter. Or he could sell her to another captain. That idea didn’t sit well, but Cheval wouldn’t have time to put those plans in motion with theDaphnechasing him.
The wind had shifted shortly after leaving the bay, and the ship lost ground before Jamie and the crew had time to readjust the sails. Yet, Jamie, Lando, and Fitz had all agreed they could make up the lost time. But, the yellow dot of light seemed to grow dimmer not closer.
If he only understood why she’d ended up on that ship. He should have forced his hand and made her stay at Waverly. He snorted. She would have probably stolen a horse and chased after him. Barrington would’ve had to lock her in a room with no windows until it was too late to follow.
He laughed into the night.
What would he have come home to then?
A spitfire.
Would she have forgiven him?
Finn had warned him about this. He hadn’t given the man as much credit as he should have in dealing with headstrong women. And he cursed himself for the hundredth time for the pain he’d caused them both when he’d stolen AJ away through the fog. At the time, he hadn’t been able to trust them any more than they could have trusted him. Then Finn had given himself up to Dugan, allowing Beckworth to escape and mount a rescue. But it had taken months, and Finn almost died.
It hadn’t been his fault, yet he’d held the guilt. And it had been heartbreaking to watch AJ’s stubbornness in finding Finn. It had all miraculously worked out.
Would everything work out this time?
He was well aware that he was a nineteenth-century man at heart. Possessive. Overly protective.
But he’d been attracted by Stella’s independent nature, her strength, and her intelligence. She’d been the woman he’d fallen hard and fast for. The only woman who’d broken through his shell—that truly understood him. The one woman who could make his life better. Complete.
However Cheval had become aware of her and then considered her a threat no longer mattered.
He’d get her back. She was his life.
He let the rage dissipate, and as a deeper purpose rose, his focus sharpened. It was time to stop wallowing like the insipid lords at the London parties. Lando was right. This was a mission, and the enemy had taken one of their own.
It was time to push the offensive.
The rain increased as he strode along the deck. He studied the sailors as they worked until he found one that was slower than the rest. The man needed sleep.
“Get some rest. I’ll take the rest of your shift.”
The sailor stared at him and must have noted the conviction on Beckworth’s face. Maybe he saw the devil. Either way, he muttered a thank you and, without a word, headed for his hammock. The other man who’d watched the short discussion, nodded at Beckworth before going back to work.
He leaned back to see what he could of the sails then worked the lines to keep the sails trimmed. He didn’t pay attention to Jamie or Fitz when they’d strode by. Nor did he question the orders given as the rain and storm increased.
Had Stella taken her herbs before her meeting with MacDuff?
The men around him didn’t say a word, and perhaps they couldn’t hear past the storm as Beckworth laughed into the night.
He almost felt sorry for Cheval.
One thing was for certain. Stella wouldn’t remain idle. She would bring nothing but chaos to that ship.
The next time Stella woke, her chin rested on her chest. She lifted her head, and a soft moan escaped. Pain radiated through her body, and she wasn’t sure what hurt more—her stiff neck or the jackhammer in her head.
She moved her limbs, but nothing happened. Her eyes snapped open, and when she grimaced at the light from the lanterns, she shut them again. She attempted to move her arms again but found them tied to a wooden chair. Memories flashed of the first time she’d been kidnapped. It had been in Baywood when AJ and Finn had taken a sail down the coast. She’d made her daily stop at the inn to water plants and fill the bird feeders. That was when she’d found Gaines waiting in the kitchen. He’d mistaken her for AJ, and that had been her first step down the rabbit hole of the fog. A trip that had changed her entire life. On a good note, Beckworth had rescued her, and that had made the whole experience worth it.
Who would rescue her this time?
She couldn’t move her legs. They were also tied, but she could move her feet, and she did so to ensure the blood continued to flow. She sensed someone enter the room, whichwas proven correct by the soft scuff of boots on wood. More than one?
She could pretend she wasn’t awake, but what would be the point? There wasn’t going to be an easy way out of this so she might as well get this over.
