Beyond the Sunrise by Mary Balogh

Author:Mary Balogh [Balogh, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9780451403421
Google: SaTaAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 0451403428
Barnesnoble: 0451403428
Goodreads: 690062
Publisher: Onyx
Published: 1992-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The first thing he saw, though he was instantly aware of the whole tableau, was Joana, her back hard against the chest of one of the masked partisans, the blade of a knife resting against her throat. His first foolish instinct was to rush forward to her assistance, though his arms were still bound behind his back. But at the same moment he recognized Duarte Ribeiro, and beyond him, the mountainous form of Antonio Becquer.

What the hell? he thought. Joana had closed her eyes, but he did not believe she had fainted. He felt a reluctant admiration for her, uncowed by even such terrifying circumstances.

"Ah, señor," Antonio Becquer said, glancing his way quickly. "I see the French pigs have been using your face as a punching ball. They have done nothing to improve your looks." He chuckled. "Free his hands." He nodded to someone behind the captain, and a few moments later Robert's arms were free and he was rubbing his wrists and looking warily about him.

"We will be leaving, señores and señoras," Becquer said, also looking about the room, "now that we have what we want. No one has been hurt, you see? And no one will be hurt if you do not try to pursue us or raise the alarm against us."

A French colonel laughed shortly.

Duarte Ribeiro spoke, and Captain Blake's eyes returned to Joana. "If there is pursuit," Duarte said, and he grinned unpleasantly down at Joana, "some harm may come to the lady."

Captain Blake watched her close her eyes again and swallow. And he felt a surging of exultation. Yes, of course, these men would need a hostage. And who better than Joana? Oh, yes. Perhaps he would get his fifteen minutes with her yet. Perhaps longer.

Colonel Leroux took one step forward, and instantly half a dozen muskets were leveled at his chest.

"Let her go," he said, his voice tight. "If you must have a hostage, take me instead."

Antonio Becquer laughed heartily. "But who would think twice about a colonel having a bullet shot between his eyes when the alternative would be to capture a band of Spanish partisans and an escaped British officer?" he said. "Remember, señor—señores—that the lady dies if anyone tries to prevent our leaving Salamanca."

"Marcel," Joana said, and Captain Blake felt that twinge of admiration again when he heard not a tremor of fear in her voice, "I am not afraid of them. You will come after me?"

"Never fear otherwise, Jeanne," the colonel said, his hands opening and closing into fists at his sides. "This is now my personal war. The man who holds you will die slowly. Every other man will die, including Captain Blake."

"Come after me," she said, and she gazed across the room, seeing no one but the colonel. Her voice dropped almost to a whisper. "I love you."

"Very affecting," Duarte said as the other partisans withdrew from the room.

Captain Blake stood where he was until Antonio Becquer caught at his sleeve. "Come, señor," he said. "We have come for you.

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