Page 30 of Pirates in Calusa Cove

“Trinity has spoken of you many times.” Monty stood. “She’s used some interesting superlatives to describe you.”

“I can only imagine.” Keaton chuckled.

“A father knows when his child cares about another human, and she likes you or she wouldn’t bother calling you the biggest royal pain in her pretty little ass. Her words, not mine.”

“Sounds like Trinity.” Dawson jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “I’d better get going. I need to find out what the Coast Guard wants, and then head home for a quick meal with Audra, or she’ll serve me to the gators because she can.”

“You two make for a great couple. I’m looking forward to attending that wedding.” Monty laughed. “I just have to wonder if Audra will have a python or an alligator as her maid of honor.”

“With my luck, she’ll have an owl witch.” Dawsonwaved his hand over his head and strolled out of the room.

“Interesting.” Keaton scratched the back of his neck.

“What is?”

“He didn’t get all weird and tell you that it was too soon to be talking about a wedding.”

Monty slapped Keaton on the back. “You didn’t hear this from me, but I saw him at Casey’s.”

“As in the Casey’s Fine Gems? The one that sells engagement rings?”

Monty shrugged. “Give me a few moments alone with my daughter, and then the little princess is all yours.” The doors opened, and Monty paused, glancing over his shoulder. “Thank you for not giving up. Most men would have.”

“I was just doing what the Navy trained me to.”

“No.” Monty tapped his chest. “Whether you believe it or not, you did what your heart commanded. My daughter’s just lucky that you’re a retired SEAL.” With that statement, he disappeared through the doors, leaving Keaton alone with his thoughts. He didn’t have many. They mostly consisted of confused emotions that made him vulnerable.

He’d always thought that if he ever opened his heart again, he’d feel massive guilt. That he’d somehow be betraying his love for Petra, but that’s not what happened.

Sure, there was a tinge of something. A hint of…of…maybe fear of the fact he didn’t feel guilt.

And that scared him more than anything.

CHAPTER 6

Gasp.Gurgle.

Trinity opened her mouth to scream, but instead, she got a throat full of salty water.

Mallary? Where’s Mallary?

Oh God. She remembered. She’d never made it under the boat. She was gone. Just like Jared. Lost to the sea. Or murdered by pirates. Pirates who wanted the jewels of theFlying Victoria.

Trinity wrapped her arms around…around…something. It was big. Hard. Cold. And it bobbed gently up and down.

Water rushed by as if it were in a hurry to get somewhere. All she wanted to do was go home, curl up in bed, and sleep. Her body ached, and part of her soul had died today.

She sucked in a shallow breath. Her chest burned. Her shoulder throbbed. Her head was in a daze of confusion as she tried to piece together the events that jumbled her mind. She blinked, straining to see something. Anything.

But all she saw was utter darkness.

She did her best to adjust the tie around her shoulder, butit slipped off, and she was so weak. So tired. And cold. She shivered. Glancing over her shoulder, she checked for fins. However, it was too dark to notice anything, even with the moon dancing in the black sky.

Her eyelids grew heavy. She rested her head on the hard object. “I’m sorry, Daddy,” she whispered. “Oh, Keaton. You were right about me.” She let herself drift off…and the nightmare started all over again.

“No!” Trinity jerked. She winced, grabbing her shoulder as a gut-wrenching pain tore through her limbs. It started out as if someone had thrust a knife into her body, and then it danced across her skin. “Oh God.”

“Hey. It’s okay. You’re okay,” Keaton’s voice cut through the fog. He took her hand, ran his fingers over her knuckles, and leaned in, pressing his lips on her forehead. “You’re safe now.” He dotted her cheek and temple with more tender kisses.

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