Page 75 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“Captain Kirk, is there a problem?” Vane asked, turning toward Caiyan.

“Aye, ’tis a shock seeing a woman in our meeting place wit’ such important business at hand.”

Rat bastard.

“I assure you, Captain Kirk,” I paused with an emphasis on the filched name, “I’m here for a reason.”

Caiyan shot green daggers at me. I returned the heated stare with narrow eyes. A dark-skinned man scooped up the dropped mug and replaced it with another.

Vane stood, his attention focused on me. He walked over, lifted my hand, and kissed it. “My congratulations.” He shifted toward Max, slapped a hand on his shoulder. “’Tis aboot time ye made a man.” Was there a glint of anger in Vane’s eye? Was he after theSea Storm?

Was I screwing up his plans?

Max seemed oblivious to any ill feelings and soaked up Vane’s praise. By the irritated look on Rowan’s face, I assumed he wasn’t so easily swayed.

“There’ll be no woman in the meeting.” A man seated to the right of Vane’s vacated chair pounded a fist on the table.

Vane turned toward him. “I’ll decide who stays, Hornigold.”

I wasn’t familiar with the man, but I recognized the name. Another traitor. Vane needed better friends. Wicked enemies surrounded him.

The door opened, and Vane nodded approval at the new guest. “Ahhh, good of ye to meet with us.”

Tiny baby hairs on the back of my neck erected like spikes in an iron maiden. I turned to see Mortas walk into the room.

Mortas spotted me and stalled briefly, but his face didn’t acknowledge recognition. Only the slight stiffening of his spine told me he wasn’t happy.

I was here first. Get in line, buddy.

He took in the room, and his gaze landed on Caiyan. A smirk wrinkled the corners of his mouth. He returned his attention to Vane. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I dinnae believe you’ve met Captain Smith.” Vane jutted his chin Max’s direction. “He’s jest returned from a trading expedition. Captain Crunch has joined our fleet. He’s to Captain theLark.”

Captain Crunch? You’ve got to be kidding. The poaching of fictional captains’ names was bordering on ridiculous.

“Good to make yer acquaintance.” Max nodded at Mortas. He stepped aside and introduced Rowan.

Rowan’s stoney expression mirrored my expression at seeing Mortas. The guy must have excellent evil spotting instincts.

After nods were exchanged, Max introduced me with a proud flush in his cheeks. “My betrothed, Miss Jennifer.”

“Your betrothed? How very interesting.” Mortas lifted my hand to his lips. Fire shot through my arm. I had to check my elbow to make sure there weren’t any flames.

Vane returned to his seat and motioned for Max to sit at the opposite end of the table and for Mortas to take the last empty seat. I wasn’t sure how Caiyan played into this meet-cute, but apparently, Mortas had one-upped him a rung on the pirate ladder pecking order.

Max didn’t take his seat. He stepped forward, addressing the men at the table. I moved to Max’s right, as far away from Caiyan as possible. I didn’t look in his direction but felt his eyes follow my every move.

“Before we begin,” Max addressed Vane directly. “I have become aware of a possible point at issue.”

Rowan’s giant frame seemed too big for the room. His head almost touched the ceiling. If he hadn’t removed his hat, he’d have had to bend. He stood behind Max, the threat unmistakable. Vane would listen.

“What issue?” Vane leaned in, forearms resting on the table.

“My betrothed has the sight.” Max looked over at me and sent a sly smile. “She has seen a vision with an unpleasant outcome.”

“She’s a witch!” A portly guy to Hornigold’s right jumped to his feet. He backed away from the table and sent me a deathly glare. I was surprised by his agile response. All eyes turned toward me.

“Shut yer hole, Yeates,” Rackham said, pulling his knife.

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