Page 70 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

Max’s ears pinked slightly, but his jaw held stern and he frowned up at Rowan. “Row, I should ask her proper.”

“After the ceremony, you’ll be given residence at the captain’s plantation in New Providence.” Rowan continued, ignoring Max’s romantic request. He placed his finger on the map. “Here.”

A loud huff escaped my lips, and I didn’t bother hiding it. I glanced over at Max, who suddenly ignored me. He didn’t look overly excited about becoming my husband. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or offended.

Rowan’s enormous frame shadowed me from the sunlight, and I caught the irritation in his eyes. I brushed away a hair that had pulled free from my braid. “I’d like a word with the captain.”

“I handle the captain’s affairs.” Rowan placed his hands on his hips, fingering the flintlock pistol at his side.

“Then, I’d like a word with you.”

He grunted but agreed with a slight nod. I led him to the other end of the ship. Away from Shrug and his randy rifle, and Max.

He crossed his brawny forearms over his lumberjack chest, those golden-blue eyes burning a hole in my head with his condescending stare. It was like the guy could see my thoughts. “Ye have something to tell me?”

“I do.”

“Keep practicing those words. They’ll come in handy later. I have a wedding planned for ye.”

“A wedding?”

“Aye, the captain has requested the ceremony. ’Twill happen at sunset.”

The captain was a romantic. “I can’t marry Max.”

“Thecaptainhas taken a fancy to ye.” His emphasis on the word captain held a threatening tone. I made a mental note to always refer to Max as Captain Smith, and fumbled for reasons to postpone the wedding until the bride could make her getaway.

“I mean, what’s the rush? We need time to get to know each other.”

“Ye may know each other after the ceremony. The captain wishes to be married rapidly.”

Good grief. If I didn’t come up with something to stall these guys, I’d be married to a sixteen-year-old captain from 1718 by nightfall. I needed to find Ace and jump ship. I looked over the side for a vacant rowboat. It was a long, long way down.

“Mayhaps ’tis another reason ye dinnae want to marry the captain?”

“He’s too young.”

“He’s of age.”

“I meant he’s many years younger than me.”

Rowan scratched at his scruff of beard. “’Tis true he hasnae proven his seed, and ’tis a problem ye might be barren at yer age, but the captain has chosen ye and God will determine the rest.”

Barren?The nerve. He made me sound like a dried-up old hag. I had to get out of here. No way was I marrying a child. “If I’m going to marry the captain, I’ve a few conditions.” Stalling could give me the time I needed to escape.

“What might they be?” He cocked his head in an agreeable manner but his eyes held skepticism.

“I’d like to have a priest. And a wedding gown. And have my friend, the cook, walk me down the aisle. You’ll need his blessing.”

“Ye need the blessing of yer manservant?” He did a partial eyeroll. It was kinda cute. My inner voice kicked me back into focus. She wanted to marry Caiyan and his magic tongue.

“Yes. He’s more than a servant to me. I must speak to him immediately.”

“If the cook has finished with the morning meal, I’ll have him sent straightaway, and you may take nourishment in your room.”

* * *

Max approached us,shadowed by Shrug. “It’ll be my pleasure, Miss Jennifer, to have you as my wife.” He held my gaze for a moment, then looked at Rowan. “Captain Vane has left theRangerfor the Fort.”

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