Reaper muttered a curse, harsh and begrudging.
Dagger strode over and signaled Knight. “A round of cognac.”
Knight retrieved four glasses, uncorked the liquor and poured a generous amount before pushing each glass down the bar toward them in neat, efficient slides.
“You’re not joining?” Dagger asked, lifting his glass in salute.
Knight didn’t even glance up. “Someone in this room needs to keep a level head.”
Reaper wiped blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. “Since when is that you?”
Knight poured himself water. “Since you’re all acting like unruly pups. Where is Serpent? Why didn’t he return with you?”
“The Red Noses at Black Rock,” Deveraux answered, swallowing the drink down in one go. “Hell if I knew why he took off.”
Drake knocked back a mouthful of his glass, embracing the burn. At this rate, Serpent might as well move his belongings into his beloved caves. And Knight could become a wet nurse.
Deveraux scowled. “Don’t know why you all call them caves. They’re rocks and hollows at best.”
Reaper snorted loudly. “Serpent loves peace. And he often guards our loot. Why don’t you take your arse back to London or something? You clearly don’t belong here.”
“Boys,” Drake warned, causing Dagger to chuckle.
“I’ll collect the twenty pounds whenever you’re ready,” his brother taunted.
Drake shot him an annoyed look.
“What twenty pounds?” Reaper groused. “Were you wagering without me?”
What a joke. “We were wagering on you.” Drake eyed Deveraux. “And him.”
Saint entered from the tap room, eyes heavy with sleep. He plopped down into a chair at one of the tables. “A man can’t get any bloody rest with all the ruckuses. Do I even want to know?”
“No,” Drake muttered, finishing his cognac. “You don’t.”
The tavern door slammed open a second time.
Drake groaned. He set the empty glass on the counter.What the bloody hell now?He turned to the door, along with his brothers.
And there she stood.
The spitfire.
Violet.
Hands on her hips.Trouserclad hips. Chin high. Eyes blazing with purpose.
“I’m ready,” she announced, staring straight at him. “Are you?”
Ah, hell.
Chapter Eight
Violet had neverfelt so pleased with herself in her life. His expression confirmed it—she had made the right choice. Granted, the clothing she’d purchased from Pip, but it had the desired effect.
Astonishment.
Not just from him, but all the others present. But blazes, they were an intimidating bunch. She instantly recognized the one behind the bar, sleeves rolled up just like when he’d walked in on them in the dungeon.
