Marri's Approach (Brackish Bay) by Cerise Noble Read Free Book Online Page B

nodded at the people in the cart as I passed it on the way to the main buildings on the island. If all went according to plan, Petunia would take Dawn back out of the outpost, while Carol and Zarilla would get lost in it.
    In the meantime, Fortuna, I need somewhere to hide. I walked away from the shore, admiring the fishermen and their fine, sculpted muscles gleaming in the brilliant sunlight. It wouldn't do to be recognized by the textile artist or the rest of her family, so I stayed on the opposite side, heading in the general direction of the main house. Nearly there, I saw a woman hanging clothes on a line. She wore white, and I was reminded of what Sarafina had said about Jessica's death.
    Fortuna, I never did find out—was Jessica the queen William had mentioned? It wouldn't do to be ignorant. Still, I couldn't help loitering a little longer. Her hair was long and straight, blowing out behind her a bit in the wind. I paused and watched her bend and stretch, her body lithe. It made me smile to imagine her naked. I could see a sort of banked fire in the way she moved, as if this mundane chore were far too tame for her.
    She turned around and stared at me. I froze, my brain unable to formulate a response.
    “What are you doing there? Get your ass over here and make yourself useful.”
    “Yes, madam.” I trotted up to her and began to copy her movements, hanging clothing on the line.
    “Rari usually trains hers better than to stand about when there's work to be done.” Her tone was acidic.
    “Yes, madam. I'm sorry, I was mesmerized.”
    She snorted. “Don't try to flatter me.”
    “It's true.”
    “Thank you.” The acid hadn't receded, and I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic. I decided to merely keep my mouth shut. After a while, the basket was empty, and she picked it up. “Who were you coming to see?”
    “Gerard.”
    She tipped her head at me and raised an eyebrow. “Gerard isn't here. He went to Rari's place.”
    Ah, Fortuna, you're a slimy toad changeling.
    “Did he? I—must have missed him.” She grinned now, feral and dangerous. I involuntarily backed up a step. “I'd best be getting back, then.”
    She laughed. “Oh? So soon? I thought you'd like to come in and meet with Roy. Don't you know? He's the governor of this House, of this island, and all of the land surrounding on either side of the river. I'm sure he'd like to listen to all your suggestions, Marri.”
    I swallowed hard. This one I can't blame on you, Fortuna. I bet William spilled the beans, the old bastard.
    “I'm sure he would like to hear my suggestions. It would be my—great honor. As soon as I have compiled all of them. I have to visit each part of his holdings, first, of course.”
    With each word I was backing away, but she followed me, her eyes dancing. I reached for my daggers, and then caught myself. It would definitely not do to harm one of Roy's slaves. Not at all. I backed farther, noting the chain collar and numbered padlock on her throat, and the chain belt.
    She held out her arms. “I've seen that look before. Do you want to cut me?”
    And suddenly, inexplicably, I did. The wanting surged through my belly and ignited my loins as I saw the predatory smile shift to sensual, and the scars crisscrossing her skin gave me the scope of her desire.
    “Gods. I—” I swallowed hard, releasing the handles of the daggers, spreading my hands apart. “No. I don't want to hurt you. I want—I want to—”
    I grabbed her shoulders and yanked her to me, kissing her hard on the mouth, biting her lips, and then I was where I needed to be. I spun her, releasing her so she lost her balance and fell into a stand of reeds near the water, and then I was off, running towards the far side of the island. Her outrage echoed around me. Great, Fortuna, just what I needed.  A woman scorned.
    I ducked into a cellar and hid behind a stand of shelves where a neat corner had been formed. It had likely held a barrel or something of similar