Defiant by Sabrina York

Author:Sabrina York
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2014-07-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The heavy door closed on them like a death knell. Ned winced and raked his hair.

Hell and damnation. Not only had their plot not worked—likely the pirates had been expecting it—now Sophia was confined in this rathole as well.

It was little comfort that now he knew—knew—she was safe. Judging from the pirate captain’s expression and his menacing threat, she was in grave danger of reprisal on the morrow. Who knew how the pirate would respond to their botched attempt at escape?

Fear for Sophia lanced him. As sharp as his fear had been over the past few days, it was nothing compared to this terror.

All he knew was he would do anything, whatever it took, to protect her from Marquee’s wrath. Even if it meant his life.

For without her, he was nothing.

He reached for her and pulled her into his arms. She melted against him, wrapping herself around him and clinging like a limpet.

“I’m so sorry, Ned,” she said with a snuffle, and he realized she was crying. He bent his head and kissed her tears away.

“None of that. It’s probably for the best.”

“What?” A squeak.

“We likely wouldn’t have made it,” Ned said by way of cheering her up. It had been a long way to the shore. “Doubtless Lady Billingsly would have sunk like a stone.”

It heartened him to hear her laugh. “No servants to swim for her,” she murmured.

He forced a chuckle as well, but only to soothe her. She was trembling so he led her to the pallet and eased her down. It mortified him, the thought of delicate Sophia on such a foul bed, but it was all there was. He leaned against the wall and settled her against his chest. It felt so magnificent, holding her again. He rubbed her arm.

“Blast,” she said. “I really thought we had it.”

He nodded. “It was a wonderful escape plan.”

She laughed. “Which is it, Ned? A good plan or a terrible one?”

He didn’t answer but pulled her closer. They sat for some time in silence, cloaked in darkness. When a shiver walked through her, he kissed her forehead. “Are you cold?” He wasn’t. The room was stuffy and closed. It always was.

“No.” Such a tiny voice. He knew something was weighing on her.

“What is it then?”

“I’m thinking…”

“Mmm?”

“About tomorrow…”

Ah yes. He was thinking about it too.

“What do you think they’ll do to me?” A shudder.

“I don’t know. But I’ll be there. I’ll protect you.”

“Oh Ned, you mustn’t. You mustn’t interfere. No matter what they do. Promise.”

He stiffened. “I will not.”

She peered up at him. It was dark; he couldn’t see it, but he could feel her glare. “Which is it? You will not interfere or you will not promise?”

He sighed. “I will not promise.”

“Ned Wyeth! I cannot allow you to be hurt. Not for me. I’m not worth your life.”

“Sophia, darling.” He cupped her cheeks, found her mouth for a quick kiss. “You are. You are…everything.”

She stiffened in his arms. “What did you say?”

Oh hell, what was the point of

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