Raven Quest by Jo Ann Ferguson Read Free Book Online

kerchief beneath it, she said nothing as he picked up the oars and began rowing.
    Minutes later, the boat bumped into the pier. Nathan grasped one of the pilings. When she started to stand, he seized her arm and held her in place.
    â€œI meant what I said, Rory,” Nathan said. “You will help me.”
    â€œI don’t believe that the gold is out there.”
    â€œYou cannot believe in anything, can you?”
    â€œI believe in what is real.”
    Coolly, he said, “I shall meet you at midnight tonight at Yellow Hal’s place. We are going back to the Blindman’s to get the answer to your father’s riddle.”
    â€œI don’t know if I can.”
    â€œYou mean you don’t know if you want to help me.”
    â€œI know I do not want to help you!”
    â€œYou shall help me, Aurora.” He stroked her leg as he smiled. “If you change your mind about this, do so quickly. Once we have the information, we will be sailing.”
    â€œGood riddance!” She shoved his hand away, hoping he did not realize how difficult it was to pretend indifference.
    â€œYou’re lying.” Dark fires burned in his eyes. “If I did not want it rumored that I like boys, I would prove it to you right now, Rory.”
    â€œIf you could,” she sneered.
    â€œIf I could?” He laughed and patted her knee. “I assure you I can. Your aim was not that good.”
    Rory stood and grabbed an iron bar sticking out of the wharf. As she was about to put her foot on it, Nathan grasped her ankle. With a cry, she toppled into his lap. He started to put his arms around her, but laughter sounded from the wharf.
    â€œNeed a hand, Rory?”
    Looking up, she saw Fisher Tom. His gap-toothed smile was a wonderful sight. She stood and shot Nathan a challenging smile. He would not speak the truth. If he did, he would have no hold over her.
    â€œTonight at midnight,” he said in a taut voice. “And be there, Rory, or—”
    â€œI shall see you at midnight.”
    â€œHere, you may need this.”
    Her eyes widened when he held out her knife, haft first. “Thank you.”
    â€œI want to be certain you do not get killed now.”
    Taking the knife, Rory hid it under her shirt. She scurried up the rusty bars. He had made himself clear. He did not care what happened to her unless she bedded him or could lead him to some sunken treasure. When she reached the top, she glanced at the boat. His stare overwhelmed her.
    â€œFriend of yours, Rory?” Fisher Tom asked as he peered at Nathan, who was pushing the boat away.
    â€œI hope not.” She backed away a step, but Nathan’s gaze still held her.
    â€œTell Olive I will see her when I bring the catch over.”
    â€œI will.” Taking another step, she tried to look away. His lips eased into a slow, sensual smile.
    â€œI will be there before midday,” the fishmonger added.
    Rory did not answer. She ran toward shore. When Fisher Tom called, she did not dare to look back. If she were ensnared again by Nathan’s bewitching smile, she might let him persuade her with his luscious kisses to listen to madness.
    She rushed along Thames Street. She considered going to the Blindman, but the ringing church bells warned the day was passing. She had to get to Yellow Hal’s place and clean up the mess that was sure to have been left last night.
    When Rory opened the tavern door, it was grabbed from her hand. She was thrust across the floor. She grasped the table and fought to stay on her feet. Her head spun anew.
    The front of her shirt was seized, and she was lifted off her feet. The shirt cut into her nape. Her face was pulled close to a rough one. The broad nose had been broken in more than a half-dozen places. Pock marks were criss-crossed by scars that stretched across the strange man’s lips. She saw that in the moment before her eyes locked with the steely ones.
    â€œWho be you,