Page 114 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

Once aboard, Vane held up his sack of booty. “We found the Spanish treasure today.” He pulled the cup from his sack and wrapped a hand around Max’s back.

“No. No. No. He’s too close to Max.” I tried to get Rowan’s attention, but he couldn’t see me in the sun’s glare. Marco stood next to Caiyan. My two favorite guys, bare from the waist up, water dripping to the deck from taut biceps and six-pack abs. Crew members secured their hands behind their backs.

“We helped ye find yer treasure. Why are ye binding us?” Caiyan asked.

“Silence.” Vane glanced across to theRanger.Logan nodded at him.

“What in the devil is that bloke doin’ on theRanger?” Ace asked.

Wood clapped as the gun holes slapped open and cannons pointed at theSea Storm. In one swift move, Vane dropped the cup and drew his pistol, pointing it at Max’s temple. “I dinnae what yer attempting to do, stealing my treasure. I’ll discover yer lies for deceiving me.”

Everyone froze. Afraid if they moved, Vane would pull the trigger. Even Mortas looked stunned at Vane’s aggressive move on Max.

“It was the witch.” Mortas pointed a finger at me, then waved it at Caiyan and Marco. “She’s in alliance with these men. She has tricked Captain Smith with her spells. And has had relations with these men, including the quartermaster.”

Mutterings sounded throughout the crew.

Fucking Mortas. He had conveniently roped Rowan into my reversed harem. To get rid of the man who stood in his way to Max. More likely, the way to the King’s key.

Vane’s men immediately drew their swords, tips pressed to the skin of Caiyan, Marco, me, and Ace. They attempted to capture Rowan. He struggled. Vane cocked his pistol, and Max’s eyes grew wide. “I’ll blow his head off if’n ye try to fight.”

“Dinnae harm him.” Rowan placed his pistol on the ground. Vane’s men swarmed him. Some of theSea Stormcrew stood by watching, not lifting a hand to help their captain. Vane had won over Max’s crew. Rowan dismissed the few who tried to help.

Caiyan, Marco, and Rowan were on their knees, hands tied behind their backs, lined up on the deck. One of Vane’s crew held a blade to my ribs and escorted me to stand in front of them.

The pirates tied a struggling Max to the main mast.

My plan had failed. I’d muddled up the timeline, and Rogers hadn’t shown up.

The crew threw curses at the men.

Vane shot his pistol into the air and silenced them.

“What’s the meaning of this, Vane?” Max shouted. “Captain Crunch isnae correct with his accusations.”

“Crunch?” Vane scoffed, “He’s been clear about his intentions and has made me aware of your plan, Captain Smith.”

Mortas looked perplexed for the first time. “Plan?”

“What ’tis this plan ye speak of?” Max asked Vane.

Vane held up a rolled, cigarette-sized, recognizable paper. “A futile attempt to trick me and my crew. The plan is to take the map I’ve had all these years. The one your mother gave me to save your rotten life.”

“My mother?” Max’s confusion broke my heart.

“Years ago, I caught her stealin’ that cursed stone ye wear around yer neck. Yer da had traded me for it fair and square.” Vane tucked the map into the breast pocket of his coat.

Damn. Her own husband had betrayed her because he thought it was cursed. I thought.

Vane held his hands in the air like he was strangling a ghost. “When I had my hands around her throat, she gave me the map with the promise I was never to harm you, which I’ve kept. But now, finding out yer crew raided my ship, stole my treasure, and has been intent on freeing my prisoner, I’ll no be keeping my word.”

“You bloody bastard!” Max shouted.

“Aye, that’s what she called me as well. But I gave her what she had coming for stealin’ from me.” Vane paused in front of Max. “I hear, however, thatyouare the true bastard here.”

“You are a vile sleazebucket. I hope you rot on a deserted island and the buzzards eat your flesh from your bones.” I spat on the deck because it felt like the thing to do.

Vane strode toward me.

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