Page 78 of Rose
“Hush now,” Rose said, sitting up straight. A new sound had combined with the might of the waves and the blasting thunder. The clanging of metal on metal reached her ears.
“What is that?” Elizabeth asked.
“It cannot be,” Rose muttered as she strained to hear.
“What?” Elizabeth insisted.
Rose slid to the floor, feeling beneath Tristan’s bed for a weapon. “The ship is under attack.”
“You cannot be serious,” Elizabeth cried.
“Do not panic,” Rose snapped while she shuffled on her knees, feeling for Tristan’s trunk. “Blast,” she cursed as the ship dipped and threw her back against the door. Ignoring the pain searing her skull, she scrambled forward and reached for the trunk. Lifting the lid, she frantically dug around for a dirk, but then she remembered her own blade with the sapphire gems and gilded hilt.
She reached for her chest, which was wedged beneath Tristan’s desk. She threw open the lid and wrapped her hand around the hilt just as someone thundered down the stairs.
“Quickly, get behind me,” she hissed, grappling for the bed.
“Blessed Mother, save us,” Elizabeth cried. Then a shrill scream fled her lips as the door suddenly swung wide and a man barreled into the room.
Rose roared and slashed her blade, but the intruder leapt back into the hallway. A flash of lightning illuminated his face. Her eyes locked with his. “Rory,” she cried. Then her knees gave way.
Rory reached forward and caught her. He pulled her close. “’Tis all right, Rose. Ye’re safe. We’re here, all of us, and we’re getting ye off this ship.”
Rose sucked in a sharp breath and pushed against his chest. “What have ye done?” she cried.
“What’s the matter with ye, Rose?”
“Let me go!”
As soon as her brother’s arms fell away, she raced up the stairs. Rain blurred the shadowed figures. “Tristan,” she cried. And then she saw him. Jack had his blade pressed to her husband’s throat.
“Drop yer swords,” Jack roared.
The crew’s weapons clattered when they hit the deck.
“Nay,” Tristan shouted above the din. “Do not listen to him. Save the women.”
“Jack,” Rose screamed, but then she slipped as a wave broke over the side of the ship. Alec, her brother with the gift of sight, rushed to her side and seized her arm, helping her to stand. They locked eyes. At that moment, Rose knew by the look of surprise on his face that he had seen inside her mind. He knew who Tristan was to her.
Alec whirled around. “Jack, drop yer sword.”
“What the hell are ye talking about?” Jack shouted.
“He’s my husband,” Rose cried.
Jack froze. Then he looked at the man who stood captive beneath his blade.
“Listen to her,” the Englishman said through clenched teeth.
Rose seized Jack’s arm. “His name is Tristan. He’s my husband. Do ye hear me, Jack?”
A breath later, Jack lowered his blade, but the scowl still furrowed his dark brow. “Who the hell are ye?” he snarled at Tristan.
The writhing seas rocked the boat, causing everyone to lose their footing.
“Mayhap, we should discuss this after we secure the ship, or we are all going to die,” Tristan shouted.
Jack got right in Tristan’s face. “I might kill ye yet, Englishman.”
