Page 108 of Paid to the Pirate

“Of course,” I lied. My men and I exchanged a glance, wordlessly communicating our intentions.

We play this game at sea and we’re by far better players than you.

“She’s not far from his manor,” John said. “’Bout a five-minute walk.”

By the time we reached the shore, my men were soaked and wary, fingers twitching on the hilts of their swords. We trudged up the beach and into the woods, breaking into the quickest pace possible that still allowed us to listen for any enemies approaching.

My head and heart pounded in a war to be the first to explode.

Charlotte, Charlotte. I’m so sorry. I’m coming.

Only the barest glow of moonlight shone through the clouds and the foliage, hindering our progress in the thick woods and making me feel as if I’d go insane.

After a few minutes a sound carried through the trees and I was forced to halt to listen.

Was it --

Yes.God help me and God help the man who caused it.

Over the beat of rain onto the earth, I heard Charlotte scream. Beside me, the man called John twitched.

Quicker than he could react, I grabbed him and brought my blade to his throat. With his back pressed to my chest, rain dripped from my hair onto his shoulders. I didn’t know his plan and didn’t care. He wouldn’t live long enough to enact it.

“Your next words determine your fate. Don’t waste your breath lying. I know you’re a part of this.”

Charlotte’s screams were meant to distract me and by God, they were. I could see how torn my men were too, instinct calling them to run in her direction but wisdom telling them to stay put.

Struggling to breathe, I demanded, “Where are the others hiding and how many are there? Lie to me and you’re dead. Think carefully before responding. Your life depends on it.”

I heard a rush of liquid as the man, unwillingly and full of fear, relieved his bladder onto his breeches. I almost felt bad for the coward. I doubted he’d lived an honorable life and he wasn’t going to be given an honorable death.

“Two men in the woods,” John confessed, voice shaking.Thank God,I thought,it’s not the whole town.But a different panic rose within me because if Daniel didn’t want others involved, that meant what he was doing to Charlotte was unspeakable.

“Behind the boulder before you approach. It’s up the slope there on the left,” John continued in a rush, pointing into the darkness. “I was supposed to signal our approach and they’ll shoot you before you even get close. There’s four of us in total as he’s got one man with him. Now let me-”

I sliced his throat in one clean swipe. It could be considered a mercy to put him out of his misery before he knew it was coming, but in truth I didn’t have the time to waste either way.

“Take care of the men at the boulder,” I ordered Conks and Johnson. “Miguel, with me.”

We raced forward while Conks and Johnson veered left, heading to the boulder and hopefully taking out the two men with the element of surprise. Miguel had no problem keeping up with me as we raced on, leaving them to their fight.

There was no need to be silent as Charlotte’s screams increased, covering any noise. My blood raced and my hands tingled, desperate to beat Daniel’s face until it was unrecognizable and then to tear the flesh from his limbs.

When the screaming stopped, so did my heart.

What had happened?

My heart began working again when I heard a struggle. I faltered, tripping over my own feet as I picked up speed.

She’s fighting back. That’s my girl.

I heard a man shout, and from the volume I knew I was only seconds away.

Hold on, Charlotte. I’m coming.

I burst into a rain-soaked clearing and my eyes widened. Daniel had raised his pistol, pointing it at Charlotte who, on her knees, looked up with defiance.

It was a scene from the worst possible nightmare, etched forever in my brain.

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