Page 68 of Scourge of the Shores
The centuries-old tree had weathered storms beyond counting—its roots deep, its branches outstretched, yet hollowed in places. Danna wondered if her heart could withstand as much.
She didn’t hear Robert approach or climb the tree until she felt his gaze on her cheek.
“May I join ye?” he asked.
She nodded, and he climbed in beside her. He reclined on the tree trunk and pulled her into his chest with a refreshing sigh. It made her smile as she nestled into his embrace.
The moonflowers popped open, blossoming in the clearing under the starlit sky. Robert ran a finger on her bandage. “I’m sorry you got hurt today. I don’t have any more healing enchantments.”
Danna scoffed. “I’d tell ye to save it.” She gestured to her arm. “Ain’t nothing serious.” The burns seared a continual torment into her flesh, but it was nothing life-threatening.
Robert lifted her face to his. His eyes beamed adoration. He traced her high cheekbone and slipped his hand behind her neck. “Why the sad face this morning?” he asked, straight to the point.
Because Robert was leaving.
It was as simple and cruel as that.
She had given him her heart, knowing he’d take it when he left. Foolish.
“Danna?” he asked, breaking through the barrage of thoughts.
“Stay here.” The words tumbled out before she could stop them. She grabbed his hand, voice barely a whisper. “When we’re done with Cain, stay.”
Robert placed his forehead on hers but shook his head. A grimace etched into his features. “I can’t do that, Danna.” He rubbed her arms. “I told you, I made a vow to my father. And I’m a man of vows, pirate or not.”
She closed her eyes. His vow. It should have made her proud—but all she felt was the ache blooming deep in her chest. Lucas had been right. Robert would leave, and he wouldn’t look back. Why had she been so stupid? Her fist landed hard on his chest. “Then why didn’t ye stay away? Why’d ye do that to me, to us? I told ye before Laurence Isle, I can’t leave Ma. Ye shoulda left me alone. Never shoulda gone to trade; put yer hands on me.” Her voice was thick, clogged with unshed tears of regret.
“I couldn’t do that.” His jaw grew taut. “I can’t do that,” he said. His hands balled into fists before grabbing her wrists and pulling them to his chest. His gaze locked with hers. “I’m sorry I ain’t strong enough to walk away. I want ye in my life, Danna. I thought about breakin’ my vow to my father, but I can’t do it—it’s a vow. I know ye wanna be on the sea. Please. Come with me.”
Stay or go. If only it were that easy.
“Ye know what I told ye,” she whispered, dropping her head.
Robert slid his hands to her shoulders and squeezed to remove the tension before pulling her back into his lap. “If Ma was healed,” he whispered, “would ye come with me?”
Danna hesitated. Her gaze drifted to the moonflowers blooming below.
“I’d want to.” The truth came quietly. “But as I told ye, I’m nothin’ but a memory of a pirate. I know how to sail . . . but with a bunch of men for months on end . . . ” She shook her head at the fear that had kept her tethered to the world she knew. “I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what?” He guided her face back to his.
“To get the life I dream of.” She placed her hand over his and forced a small smile. “Don’t ye dare tell I’m afraid of somethin’.”
Robert kissed her temple. “I thought only dead men could keep secrets.”
Danna chuckled at the ode to their first meeting. “I’ll make an exception.”
He cupped her cheek and drew her face to his. He wasn’t making their predicament any easier by wrapping her in his arms.
“Is yer heart mine?” she asked.
“I leave it with you,” he said, with eyes shining as bright as the sun. “Wherever ye are, with me or with Ervin and Ma.”
Heavy footsteps sent the birds flying out of the trees.
“Lucas,” Danna whispered and touched Robert’s chest. “Stay here; he’ll kill ye,” she whispered to Robert before hopping out of the tree’s hiding spot.
“Where’s he at, Danna?” Lucas asked, sparing no respect for the night.
