Page 77 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“Should I be worried that Marco’syourtop priority?” Caiyan shifted, possibly fighting the urge to clench his fists.

“I will always choose my team over a key.” I crossed my arms over my chest and stared stubbornly at him.

“And ye think I willnae do the same?”

Honestly, he would, but he’d find a way to take care of his teamandget what he was after.

“How did ye manage to get on the crew of theSea Storm?” He eyed Rowan, and a flicker of worry showed in his eyes.

“Didn’t you hear? I’m to marry the captain.”

“’Tis strange. I thought ye were to marry me.”

“That ship sailed after you had us locked up at Gitmo. It wasn’t the real deal anyway.”

“Jen, I did?—”

The door burst open, and Black Bard rushed inside.

Vane sprang to his feet. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”

“Dare’s man-o’-war. Four of d’em blocking da exit to da harbor.” Black Bard scanned the room until he found me. “Da witch was right.”

“Indeed,” Vane said.

“But no her timeline,” Caiyan muttered.

Gee, Thanks.

Twenty-Six

Vane punched the table with his fist. The resoundingthwackmade me jump. “Leave this room all ye who have no vote. I weel verify Rogers has taken the harbor and return to finish our business.”

Rowan gave Max’s shoulder a gentle warning squeeze like he worried about leaving Max alone with Vane.

“Rowan will stay.” Max stood. “He’s been a part of the crew since my da, and he’s as much right to a say.”

“He can stay, but he willnae vote.” Vane lifted a chin toward me. Time for the witch to leave the room.

Vane left the room with Black Bard and two of his men on his heels.

Max moved quickly to my side. “Ye must take yer leave. Wait in the courtyard. Shrug will be outside to escort ye.”

“I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

“Dinnae worry, Captain Smith,” Caiyan butted in. “I’ll escort yer betrothed until ye return.”

“I’d be in yer debt, Captain Kirk.”

Caiyan placed his hand on my elbow, steering me toward the door.

“Captain Kirk?” I lifted a brow.

“Kirk led his crew into the unknown and kicked its ass, aye?”

I couldn’t argue with that. Caiyan marched me outside. I stopped short when the bright sunlight pierced my eyeballs and had me blinking like a genie stuck on replay. Once I gained my sight, Caiyan urged me forward.

Shrug huff-shuffled a few paces behind us. “Where are ye goin’ wit’ the healer?”

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