Cutlass by Ashley Nixon Read Free Book Online Page A

crown—”
    “Watch yer tongue,” Slay snapped. “The twins won’t like what yer saying. Like it or not, they’re still yer princes.”
    Larkin glared at the dwarf.
    “They are keeping watch, Lady,” said Barren, his back was to her as he and Sam unrolled a blanket composed of twigs and leafy branches over the mouth of the cave. Now the opening that once overlooked the moonlit ocean was gone, hidden from unwanted eyes. “We must have someone watching out for your saviors.” Barren brushed his hands together, removing dust and bits of grime.
    “If you are thinking William will save me, you are wrong.” She sat before the enchanted fire.
    “After the evening I had with you, I wouldn’t save you either.” Barren pushed a stick into the fire and sparks exploded above it. Then he took a seat opposite Larkin.
    “But your hope in capturing me was to lure your brother out to sea. He will not follow.”
    “And why are you so sure? He does love you, doesn’t he?” Barren questioned with sarcasm.
    Larkin’s features were frigid. “My father will be the one to find you, and he does not fear you.”
    Barren laughed deeply. “You think my brother fears me?”
    “If he does not face you, then he must fear you.”
    “So you think he is a coward?” Barren raised a brow.
    Larkin’s expression was cold, and she refused to speak further. She didn’t owe Barren any explanation for how she felt about her fiancé.
    “I often call him a coward,” Barren continued instead. “But I know his fear—he does not want to meet me on my own turf. I am master here. And I would not want to meet him on his. So you are my only option, unfortunately for me.”
    Larkin raised a brow. “By the end of this, Barren Reed, you will wish you never met me.”
    “I already do, trust me.”
    Silence fell and Leaf sat next to Barren near the fire. The Elf handed him bread, and he pulled at it with his teeth. Larkin watched him quietly, pressing her lips together. Earlier, she had compared Barren to William, but really, they didn’t look all that much alike. Barren’s skin was bronzed, his hair was lighter, almost blond in places, from exposure to the sun’s rays. He had a strong jaw, and he had higher cheekbones. Now and then, he moved his long hair behind his ears when it fell in his face. He had the boyish charm William lacked, and though the passion that lit his eyes was motivated by the death of another, it was strangely inviting. In the few minutes she had spoken with him, she’d seen both the depth of his pain, and the spirit of his will. It was fascinating, and she wondered what those desperate feelings would produce if used for good.
     She was drawn from her thoughts when Leaf uttered a very impish laugh. “You know, she hasn’t actually asked you to take her back. I wonder why?”
    “What good is it? You won’t,” said Larkin.
    “You’re right—I haven’t got what I want yet,” said Barren. “But I’d think a lady would miss the warmth of her soft bed and her feather pillow.”
    She pressed her lips together and attempted to suppress the anger his assumption ignited within her.
    “I don’t intend to be in your care long, Barren Reed.”
    “So you really do think your father will be the one to rescue you?”
    “My father hates everything you stand for,” Larkin said evenly. “He hated your father, and he will detest that you have me.”
    “I can’t imagine what my father could have done to yours other than exist.” Barren spoke with as much vigor as she. “Tell me, did you get all your ideas about the kind of person I am from your father?”
    “I don’t need to gather ideas from anyone. You’re a pirate—by default that makes you a terrible man,” she replied.
    “Terrible? What have I done? I did not capture you to hurt you, or ask for ransom.”
    “You did not do those things because you do not desire gold, and my pain would not ease your pain. Only one thing will, and that would be William’s