Cadan’s heart crumbled at her story.And to think he’d accused her of being a trollop when he’d first met her.After all she’d suffered.“Nay, my love.We are here because of my foolish actions, not yours.I was so intent on getting my revenge, I didn’t care who I hurt in the process.”He cursed.“Now Allard will win.He will finally put an end to me and most likely get my ship as well.”
She squeezed him tighter.“Allard told me your story.How he seduced your wife for his uncle, how together they conspired to have you branded a traitor and sent away.”
“Did he tell you my wife killed herself later when he rejected her?”
Gasping, she pushed from him.“Nay.’Tis no wonder you hate him so.”
Cadan huffed, drawing in a deep breath of the moist, salty air.“But where has it gotten me?”
Another swell of water rushed through the opening, sending sudsy froth swirling around Lady Fox’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry I’ve gotten you in this mess, Gabrielle.”
“’Tis not your fault, Cadan.My own actions have led me here.”
Reaching for her waist, he drew her up into his arms if only to give her a few more minutes of air.
Cadan balanced against the incoming tide, clinging tightly to her, their faces but inches from each other.
Still, they said naught, for what else was there to say?He should be pondering the pain he was about to suffer, the terror as his lungs filled with water.But all he could think about was the lady in his arms, desperate to save her from that fate.
The water was up to their chins now.
“I love you, Cadan Hayes.”
He stared at her, thrilled, amazed, yet filled with such deep anguish.
“I love you too, Gabrielle.”
Then drawing a deep breath, Cadan waited as the sea rose above his nose and onto his forehead.
Chapter 33
Gabrielle drew one last breath as the sea covered her head.Though the salt water stung her eyes, she could make out Cadan’s blurry face beside her.His arms were still wrapped around her like iron bands of strength.
Lord, I’m ready to come home if that is your will.All I ask is that you care for Matthew all the days of his life.
Her lungs began to ache.Her thoughts swirled in terror.
Cadan yanked her downward.What?Grabbing her waist, he drew her to his side and swam toward the opening.
Was he mad?He couldn’t budge the boulder before, why was he even trying now?
Wait.
Someone was ahead of him—a figure, a person.He disappeared through an opening that was no longer blocked.
Cadan shoved her ahead of him through the hole.Rough hands grabbed her arms and heaved her upward into the light.
She couldn’t think, couldn’t move.All she could do was gasp for air, her lungs clawing and clutching for every precious breath.
“You all right, my lady?”Pell’s dripping face appeared in her vision.
She gripped his arm and snapped her gaze to the cave entrance.Cadan.But there he was, rising from the water like a hero of old, sodden shirt and breeches, water dripping from his hair and face, tilting his head to the sun and drawing in breath after breath of air.
“Aye, thank you, Mr.Pell,” she finally managed to respond, still having a hard time believing they were alive.“Am I dreaming?”
“Nay, Miss.”Moses, standing waist deep in the water, smiled her way, then clapped Cadan on the back.“Looks like we got here jist in time.”
