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“Monsieur, forgive me, but I believe you haven’t given me your name.”
“How rude of me. Let me introduce myself.” He straightened, giving a formal bow. “My name is Captain Adrian Moreau. I’m here to kidnap you.”
CHAPTER 3—KIDNAPPED
“What a terrible joke,” I said, straightening my headpiece and dress.
“Who’s joking?” the self-proclaimed captain replied, his eyes clear and curious.
I scoffed at his foolishness. “I suppose you always announce your crimes before doing them?”
“No, but I thought I’d make an exception. It’s your birthday after all.”
He gave a fearless smile, leaning in closer. I pulled back.
“What a terrible way to flirt,” I reprimanded. “You could have just asked me to dance like a regular gentleman.”
He sighed, sighing with exhaustion as he slouched against the balcony rail.
“I’m not interested in your affections,” he said. “I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me. Here. Perhaps this will help?”
He straightened and opened one side of his jacket, revealing a hidden dagger at his waist. My stomach sank when my eyes met back with his. Darkness clouded his face, the playfulness on the edge of his lips turning as sharp as his knife.
He wasn’t joking. It was written all over his face.
I held my jaw tight, heart pounding. “If it’s money you want —”
“I’m interested in far bigger things than that.”
His arrogant smile curled at the ends of his lips, making my palms sweat.
I laughed ironically, trying to break my nerves. “So you expect to walk out of this place with me as your captive and not raise any suspicions? I assure you, there are at least a dozen naval gentlemen inside who would rush to my aid.”
He leaned back against the balcony rail again, looking back into the ballroom full of people.
“Yes, I’ve thought about that,” he said. “That’s why I think we should make our exit here.”
He looked over the side of the railing and then back at me. I looked down at the drop below.
“You’re out of your mind!” I yelled. “You can stab me for all I care, I’m not going anywhere with you!”
I turned to scream for my father, only to have my mouth covered and an arm constrict around my waist.
“Easy, darling,” the captain whispered in my ear. “Let’s not wake the sharks.”
He pulled me back toward the edge of the balcony. I clawed and cried out in muffled screams, but he was relentless and much stronger than I cared to admit.
He pulled us up on the ledge of the balcony. The world spun when I glanced below.
Praying for any last hope, I looked back toward the entrance just in time to see Jacques walk out onto the balcony. His eyes met mine, a wave of confusion disrupting his apathetic expression.
I bit the captain’s hand. He snarled, pulling his hand back.
“Help me!” I yelled desperately to Jacques. “Get my fath—”
My captor covered my mouth once more, his soft laugh flooding my ears.
“Is she yours, mate?” the captain yelled to Jacques, who was now halfway to us. “I’m going to borrow her for a bit. Hope you don’t mind.”
