Heart of Ash by Cassie Leigh

Author:Cassie Leigh [Leigh, Cassie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

8

Lying entwined on the seat in the cramped carriage, Alessandra's head lay just above Ash's breasts, and she was listening to the soft rhythm of her heart. Ash ran her fingers through Alessandra's silky hair as she tried to formulate a plan. Her head was aching and her thoughts were beginning to go round in circles, but she knew that she had to think of something. Alessandra looked so blissful in her sleep; it was a shame to disturb her, but Ash needed another head to help her to think.

“Hey, Alessandra,” she said, gently nudging her. “I've been thinking about what happens when we reach our destination, and I'd like your input. I'm finding it hard to think of a way of keeping both you and my family safe.”

Alessandra groaned quietly and dragged herself up off Ash's warm chest and sat upright. “I've been trying not to think about it.”

“The driver is taking us to an abandoned stately home just across the border, in Serenia. I don't know how many people will be meeting us there, but I imagine there will be at least two guards of some description. I've got a few weapons under the seat, and I'm actually quite a good fighter – not to blow my own trumpet too much – but there's no way I could fend off several men at once. When I hand you over, that's when I get paid. I need that money, Alessandra,” Ash said. She gnawed at an already bleeding nail. “I can't bear having gone through all this and still return empty handed.”

“So what do you suggest we do? How can you hand me over and allow me to escape?”

“Do you know how to use a sword or a knife at all?” Ash asked, expecting a resounding no in response.

“Yes, actually.” Alessandra tried vainly to hide how pleased she was that her skills with a sword had finally come in handy. “When I was younger, I used to practice with a soldier who took a fancy to me. My father was rather unimpressed when he found out, and did his best to put a stop to it. I'm afraid I've never done more than friendly practice though, so I'm not sure I'd be of much use when it actually comes to it.”

“Well, that's better than I expected,” said Ash. “You see, I was thinking the handover will probably need to be discrete so as not to arouse suspicion, and since they're only expecting to receive a young, unarmed woman they have no reason to hire more than a few guards. I'd wager that your father doesn't want many people to know about this particular stunt so the fewer involved the better.”

“What do you think we should do, then?” asked Alessandra.

“If you were to conceal a weapon, I could hand you over as planned, collect the money and then help you to escape. You'll have surprise on your side, even if you're not very confident with your weapon. I will, of course, be there to help,” she said.

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