He was baiting Cadan, just as he had done all those years ago.Baiting him to fight, which unfortunately Cadan had done, and with very limited skill, he’d been easily defeated.
Not this time.Nay.He’d honed his skills these past two years as a pirate, making a name for himself as a ruthless and expert swordsman.
“Release the lady and let us end this man to man,” Cadan commanded with authority.
“The lady you say?”He laughed.“Has she bewitched you as well?Though I do thank you for informing me of my child.”With the knife still at Lady Fox’s throat, he glanced down affectionately at her belly.
So, the mandidcare for his offspring.“If you kill her, your child dies with her.”
Allard blew out a huff.“I have no intention of harming the strumpet, not at least until my child is born.Hence, allow me to leave with the woman, and I’ll call my men off and not sink your ship to the depths.”
“A grand boast, that.But then you always bore no doubt of your own omnipotence.”
Allard grinned.“Have I not caused you enough pain that you wish me to put you in the grave as well?”
Cadan snorted.“The grave awaits one of us.Let us not delay in finding out which.”
A parrot flapped above them, squawking in protest.
Allard glanced up and Lady Fox, taking the opportunity, kicked him backward in the groin.The knife flew from his hand as he yelled in pain, blinking and cursing.Grabbing the blade, the woman dashed to the side as Allard let out a growl of fury and drew his rapier.
Chapter 9
In one swift move, Cadan tossed his knife and drew his cutlass, ready to meet Allard’s attack.Nay, he was more than ready, for this was the moment he’d waited for, trained for, for years.
A thunderous roar boomed, sending a quiver through the thick humid air.
Allard halted, his blue eyes seething with hatred, his jaw tight, his blade raised high.
Another blast sent a flock of birds flying from their perch above.
Cadan smiled, gesturing with his fingers for Allard to approach.“What are you waiting for, Damien?Your blood will spill on the ground whilst your ship sinks to the bottom of the sea.Both fitting judgments for your crimes.”
Lady Fox’s anxious gaze snapped between the two men, yet she remained, knife in her hand, as if she could somehow defeat them both.
Allard lifted his aquiline nose.“How do you know it is not your ship being attacked?”
Cadan smiled.“Because you were not expecting my ship, and because I know my men.”
A rare fear swirled in Allard’s eyes—a glorious site Cadan had longed to see.
Another cannon blast pounded the jungle, and a defiant frown creased his lips.There was no denying it now.His ship was under attack.
Taking a step back, he leveled his blade at Cadan, then snapped his gaze to the lady.“Come with me now, Gabrielle.”
The woman stared at him, perplexed.Her chest rose and fell.
“You carry my child.I will do you no harm.”His voice softened into the gentle hiss of a lover…ora venomous snake.
“Enough of this!”Cadan finally had Allard in his grasp, and he would not allow him to slither away.Raising his cutlass, he stormed forward and swept it down upon the demon.Allard met his thrust with his own blade and a hardened grunt.
Cadan was about to bring his cutlass around from the left in a move he’d perfected when a pistol fired and a shot sped by his ear so close, he felt the stirring of air.
A pirate stormed into the clearing, tossing down a smoking flintlock and plucking another from his belt.He pointed it straight at Cadan.One-tooth Leadwig, minus the wig, but Cadan would recognize him anywhere.The traitor.He seethed.That’s how Allard knew ’twas a trap.
“Cap’n,” he addressed Allard.“Nightblood’s under attack.”
Allard, blade still leveled at Cadan, turned to the lady.“Come with me.I can assure your safety more than this muckrake.”
