AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Killian
“The ship’s slowed to a stop, Captain,” Jasper called out.
The men were restless. As was I.
“Those flags are unmarked,” Rek said, leaning in as if I, in some way, did not understand how dangerous this could be.
“Whomever is aboard that ship left Bash in dead air. Given the storm raging, Ainsley had a hand in it. If it was from fear of being taken, I’ll slaughter the entire ship to get her back. I gave her my word of protection.”
Rek snorted. “That’s what we’re still calling this? Aye,” he said with a slow nod, a smirk curving his lips. “Prepare to board. Weapons drawn. We don’t know what we face.”
My men shouted out battle cries, raising their weapons in the air. They never backed down from a fight. Thankfully, even when they didn’t understand what it was we were fighting, it would seem.
We slowed our own ship, preparing to see weapons drawn on the vessel in front of us, but there weren’t any that I could see. Perhaps they were hiding them in some way. Perhaps there was more than just Ainsley’s magic at play here.
I laced my fingers into the hilt of my sword a few times, growing weary of the slow ascent to the ship ahead of us.
And then I saw her—thick strands of white-blonde hair flowing in the wind like a silken ribbon—Ainsley. She was all right. No one was armed, and she stood next to… No. It could not be. It wasn’t possible. Silverthorne? But how? I raked my hand down my unshaven face, hoping Ainsley was indeed okay with meeting her birth father.
Turning to Rek, an idea formed. A truce of sorts to ease any kind of tension that may arise from my boarding his ship to speak to, rather than save his daughter. It appeared my mission had changed to an extent, but regardless, I wanted Ainsley at my side. I needed her forgiveness, and I would do whatever it took to regain her trust.
“Rek, grab our ‘guest’ from the brig. He’s taking a little trip to meet Silverthorne.”
My old friend’s eyes widened. “Come again, Captain?”
I canted my head toward the ship. “Ainsley’s with her real father, Silverthorne. We’re presenting him with a token of gratitude, if you will.”
“Whatever you say, Captain.” He shook his head after pulling alongside the other ship. “Jasper, you and the crew prepare to board while I get the scum below deck.”
“Aye.” He nodded and did as he was ordered.
I looked on as my crew got to work, but my gaze strayed to Ainsley. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was stunningly beautiful. The way she held herself without fear—perhaps that was what had drawn me to her so quickly.
Shaking off my thoughts, I grabbed Giles by the shirt collar after Jasper had brought him to me, and dragged him up and over to Silverthorne’s ship, tossing him to the deck at Ainsley’s father’s feet.
He narrowed his eyes and then glared down at Giles. “Who’s this, and why did you bring him aboard my ship?”
Ainsley stepped forward before I could answer, draping her arms around my neck and crushing her lips against mine. I swiftly wrapped my arms around her waist, returning the kiss with fervor. I’d missed the softness of her mouth, the way her curves molded against me when we were close. I did indeed love this woman.
“Ahem.” A throat cleared loudly, and Ainsley backed away, clutching my hand. “Must you do that in front of me?”
“I am not sorry.” Ainsley held her head high, brushing her hair over one shoulder, and I turned to stare at her. “But I am sorry for running away from you, Killian, for not trusting you. I do hope you may forgive me.”
Resting my forehead against hers, I murmured, “There is nothing to forgive, love.” Then I kissed her nose.
Rek coughed at my side, and when I parted from Ainsley, I noted the murderous gleam in Silverthorne’s eyes. So, I assumed now would be a good time to present him what lay at his feet.
“I brought you a gift.” I gestured to a sniveling Giles who didn’t seem so tough anymore. “This is one of Gretta’s men. Or Sebastian James.” I sneered down at the scumbag. “He is the one who brought danger to your daughter aboard my ship. I thought you may want him for yourself. Perhaps you’ll get the answers you need.”
Silverthorne regarded me for a moment before he kicked Giles in the gut. “You dare wish harm upon my daughter? Put her in harm’s way?” He turned to one of his men. “Rees, take this piece of gutter filth to the brig. We’ll deal with him later.”
Giles grunted and shouted, cursing Ainsley’s name. “Bash’ll get you, wench. Watch yer pretty little head.”
“Stop!” Ainsley called after Reese. “Drop him. Now.” The man looked to Silverthorne, who only shrugged. She knelt beside a scrambling Giles and grabbed his ankle, halting his forward movement. “I warned you that your life would be forfeit. Do you wish to test me now?” She tilted her head, and as she did, her arms blazed with blue-and-white energy. Ainsley let go of his ankle and touched his thigh with her fingertip, sending a shockwave of power through Giles.
Standing to her feet, Ainsley shook her arms to the side. “I feel better. Do you not? Oh, you cannot answer me?” She sneered, staring him down with disdain clearly written on her face. “Never threaten me again. And if you ever find yourself a free man once more, ensure you remind your master of the same.”
Then Rees dragged his sorry ass below deck to what I could only assume was the brig.
