Page 54 of The Taste of Light
Anne lifted her hand, wanting to retrieve her careless words.
"I've got the naughty child I came for." He concealed the gun under his coat and bade them descend to the pier.
Anne tugged at Beatriz's hand, and they stepped over the damp sand, moisture seeping into her shoes and the hem of her dress. The count helped them into the unstable watercraft, and Anne sat with Beatriz on the bow.
"Are we stealing this boat? Won't the owner miss it?"
"What do you suggest we do? Swim back to the marina? Keep your faces down."
Pedro stood at the stern and rowed them out into the glaring light of the open square. Boats passed them, and people mingled around the stores and cafés. Who could believe Pedro was a rower? He had the posture of a Greek hero, sun rays gifting him with a gilded aura. Any moment, a soldier would sound an alarm.
The channel was narrow, the street just a few feet away. If spotted, they would have no place to run. Cold sweat trickled down Anne’s spine, and she tucked her feet under her seat to conceal her shaking knees. Beatriz stared at her lap, her lips moving as if in prayer. Her outing, such a fine idea mere hours ago, now weighed on her conscience. If it weren't for her, they wouldn't be in jeopardy.
Pedro bent to touch Anne's hand, pressing it briefly. "After we cross the bridge, we will be secure."
Anne nodded, forcing herself to stay seated when she wanted to bury her face in his neck. His tender gesture reduced the pressure in her chest. True to Pedro's words, not a hundred feet in their front, the arched bridge became visible. Beyond, the Atlantic bar beckoned, masts and sails poking the edges of the orange sky. After the bridge, the canal would be too broad, the yacht and safety too close for the soldiers to threaten them.
A rider clattered to the bridge, his white trousers spotless, his posture regal.
Gabriel Fontes halted his chestnut horse and called to the soldier guarding the square. Did he lead Pedro’s pursuers? What a cruel coincidence. Ages had passed since she’d last seen him, the memories wavering on and off like paper lanterns. How was her family? Did they miss her?
The officer's voice, grave with authority, made her stomach twist. She lifted her eyes to the bridge. If she stood, if she made herself known, this would all end. She could go back to her family.
Anne fisted her hands, her nails digging into her palms. She shouldn't entertain such ideas. Risking Pedro's safety when he had saved her life? How hideously selfish.
The boat's glide turned slower. Pedro had stopped rowing and placed his hand menacingly inside the flap of his coat, as if preparing to use his pistol on Mr. Fontes. Why such hatred?
Slowly, he turned his face to her. His eyes had a suspicious glint. Could he divine her thoughts?
Light flickered out as the current sped them under the bridge.
Chapter 25
Pedroshovedthecabindoor, closing it with enough force to rattle the doorknob. Ignoring Anne's gasp, he rested his forehead against the wood, his pulse bursting in his throat. The boat lurched, hastening away from the pier. He should be up with the captain, overseeing their escape from Aveiro. But he needed to know, damn it. Had she been deceiving him? Communicating with Gabriel, luring him into the city to arrest him? He couldn't lodge a viper so close.
The key clicked in the lock. Pedro turned. The dim light haunted the shadows of the cozy space. Stockings, skirts, and scarves populated the back of the chairs, and a book lay forgotten on the rose counterpane. Her delicious scent infused the air.
She stood opposite him, her back to the window, arms crossed at her middle, white skirts splattered by muddy water. Her face was pallid, and her trembling chin pointed up.
Thunder rumbled outside, low and distant. The boat braved the sea, its bow rising and falling. How long had it been going on? Their association? He rubbed at his chest, at this damn thing she had put inside. If only he could remove it. The way he had acted the fool, risking his brother's safety, and Erebus’s limbs, to get to her while she worked behind his back?
He should've known better.
He paced around the compartment, hardening his resolve. Fear brought a man to his knees. Never again. In anger, he could be both judge and enforcer.
"Thank God it's over, Pedro. I—"
"Did you enjoy your outing?"
She tilted her head. "I think it’s best if we talk later."
Did she think to dismiss him? Pedro gritted his teeth. "Do you understand the risk you put yourself at today? With your childish decision to ignore my orders?"
She lifted her chin, a glint in her eyes. "Perhaps you are not the only one with people to visit in the city."
Pedro sucked in a breath, her words piercing his chest. It was true, then. She had been acting to deliver him to her lover. He averted his gaze, hiding his reaction. "Do you know what happens to disobedient girls? They are disciplined."
The silence strained in the wake of his words. There. He had frightened her. Excellent. Now she would—
