Page 27 of The Duke's Treasure
“He never struck you?”
“Just once,” she said softly, and her heart jumped at his growl of protectiveness.
“That is once too often,” he muttered.
“I know,” she said with a nod. “When I heard the words that he had been found dead… I felt so guilty for how relieved I was, not having to worry about him threatening me ever again. Does that make me horrible?”
“Not at all,” he said. “It only makes you human.”
“Now that I know of his deception with the treasure, I assume that his drowning was a consequence of his actions,” she said. “He was likely trying to do as we are – preparing to sail the treasure away from here. Or he was killed.”
“Most likely,” he said, stretching his arms overhead as he yawned.
“You can sleep now,” she said softly. “I know tomorrow will be a tumultuous day.”
“I would rather stay awake and present here with you, in this bed.”
“As would I,” she said with a soft laugh. “I do wonder, however, if it is me that you will miss, or if you are concerned about returning to the life that awaits you in England.”
“Can I say both?”
“Of course.”
“I am committed to staying where I am needed. To not following my every whim. I will admit to you, Mariana, that I am scared of the responsibility that I must take on.” He paused before looking down, his eyes caressing her skin. “I’ve never told anyone that before.”
“I am glad you can trust me to share it,” she said softly. “And I do understand. But I’m sure you will do a wonderful job, and I know that your brother will help you.”
“I certainly hope he does or I will be lost,” he said fervently.
“You are a good man, Edward,” she said, running a finger over his lips, and just when she leaned up to kiss him again, there was a shout from outside the window, and Edward was jumping from the bed to see just what the commotion was.
“Your Grace! We must go!”
Mariana’s heart began to beat in fear at what the call could mean. Certainly, whoever was outside would have a good understanding of what Edward was doing in her bedchamber, but Mariana didn’t altogether care at the moment.
“Rodrigo, what has happened?” Edward yelled down, out of the window.
“One of my men discovered that the pirates have heard where the ship is docked and are gathering their strength to board it. The captain has agreed to depart, but we must go now, before they can prepare their own ship and chase us down. Are you coming?”
“Of course!” he shouted. “I’ll meet you there as quickly as I can.”
He moved gracefully around the room as he collected his clothing, shoving his arms through sleeves and pulling on his pants. Likewise, Mariana was donning her most simple of undergarments and dresses on over her body.
“Mariana,” he said, breathing heavily. “I am so sorry. I had hoped we would have more time.”
“We do.”
“But—”
She looked up at him, meeting his eyes as they both paused for a moment, so many unsaid words filling the air between them.
“I am going with you.”
CHAPTER 10
He lifted his own valise as well as the small one she had packed in but a few minutes as they ran out into the night. Edward asked Mariana for the fourth time if she was sure of her decision.
“Yes,” she said, setting her jaw as they climbed on the prepared horses, a servant following behind. Little did he know he would be returning with all three animals.
