His gaze turned back to the captain, not even bothering to counter her accusation. “Everyone has a price.”
The captain nodded. “Aye, everyone does. My price is that you adhere to my schedule. My ship waits for no man.”
Harriet watched as Leeds’s face darkened into thunderous clouds. She quickly retreated several steps, so that she could no longer see him.
Yes, everyone had a price. And so did every action. She suspected the price she would pay for today would be very steep. No.
Harriet firmed her shoulders.
No. No.No.
She took a step forward again, lifting her chin as she gazed down at Leeds.I am the one in charge here.
Your move, sir.
*
In all hislife, Will could not recall ever being so furious and so terrified at the same time. He had spotted that little minx on the ship the second he leaped from his carriage, right before she had vanished from his view. The sight had hit him like a solid punch in the gut.
She truly had boarded a ship to the Americas. She wanted to escape him that much. If he didn’t get her off this ship, she would disappear from his life.
He couldn’t lose her.
Wouldn’t lose her.
Not bloody happening.
But the captain refused to let him board the ship. Not as surprising as it was frustrating. Will hadn’t held out much hope in the first place. Once the gangway was pulled—as the captain said, he was the law. Even Calstone dropping their titles like they were hot as blazing iron hadn’t worked. Neither could money change his mind. The captain had all but told them to bugger off.
Will shut his eyes and inhaled deeply.Relax.To him that possessed the will, ways were not wanting.
Beside him, Calstone chuckled.
“I’ve got to meet this woman of yours. She appears quite spirited.”
Will ignored him.
He’d be damned if he let Harriet set sail across the ocean all by herself. But he needed to get onThe Royal Oakfirst. He could always chase the ship down with another, but by the time he gotanother captain to pursue this bloody captain, who knew how long it would take to catch up with them.
“I suppose this is fate,” Calstone went on.
Will grit his teeth. “Fate will not dictate the outcome of my future. I will.”
“I believe it already has, old chap.” Calstone’s claim did hold substance, as the anchor lifted right before his eyes, and too soon, the ship was pulling away from the docks.
“This can’t be happening.”
“Oh, but it is.”
Will sent a menacing look at his friend. “You are not helping.”
“No,” Calstone agreed. “All I can do now is lighten the mood.”
“You are not lightening anything.” Will swept his gaze over the dock. “There must be something I can do. Today doesnotend like this. I can’t... c—” Will stopped.
“No need for words.” Calstone threw an arm over his shoulder and grinned at him. “I shall buy us a ship so that we can give chase.”
“No,” Will said slowly. “If I don’t act now, I’ll only meet her in Charleston. That can’t happen.” The moment she stepped foot onto American soil, she might be lost to him.
