“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
The metal point of a blade pressed beneath the lieutenant’s chin and he slowly released his grip on the sword he’d drawn, dropping it to the ground with a clatter.
Josephine’s heart went cold as the man stepped into the light and she recognized him from the drawing in Christian’s papers.
“What do you want, Thorne?” Isaac ground the words out.
The pirate laughed, the hollow sound sending a shiver up her spine. “So sorry to interrupt your romantic moment, but I needed a word.”
Isaac glared at him, shifting his weight to position Josephine behind him.
“I’d like to give you the same offer I gave my son. Join me, Lieutenant.”
Lieutenant Caldwell sucked in a breath.
“Choose your response carefully. Remember, I’ve no reason not to slit your throat.”
His hands clenched into fists. “Are you insane?”
Thorne chuckled. “Perhaps.”
“This isn’t a game, Thorne.”
All amusement faded from the pirate’s face. “You’re right. It’s not. I could use your help. In return, I’ll give you anything your heart desires.”
“Never.” Isaac spat the word out and Thorne drew his lips into a snarl.
“Very well. But hear me and hear me well. This is the only warning I’ll give you. I intend to finish this. Keep prying and I will kill you.”
“Not if I kill you first.”
“Bold words for someone standing in your current position.” Thorne slipped the sword to the side of Isaac’s neck and stepped to the side, his dark gaze settling on Josephine. His lips curved into a predatory smile when she lifted her eyes to meet his. “I heard you’ve a bone to pick with me?”
She sucked in a gasp as he repeated her words from earlier.
“Don’t touch her,” the lieutenant bit out, his voice a low growl.
The pirate arched his brow. “Or what?” His blade swung toward her. “You know what I do to those my enemies hold dear?”
“She’s not…I don’t…”
A numbness crept over her and the cold laugh rang out once more as her jaw tightened. “Now, now, look at what you’ve done.”
Sharp steel pressed against her cheek. “You’ve gone and hurt her feelings. Not very gentlemanly, I must say.”
Her chest heaved with each ragged breath as the weapon brushed down her jaw, grazed the skin of her throat, and came to a stop at theribbon disappearing below her neckline.
“What do we have here?” He twisted the sword and lifted the key from its hiding spot.
His eyes narrowed before flicking up to meet hers. The darkness in his gaze made her breath hitch as a coldness began to twine within her. After a long moment, his lips drew into a thin line and he returned his attention to her chest. “What an interesting piece. Where did you get it?”
She swallowed and reached up, her hand closing around the key. “I’ve had it a long time.”
His gaze sharpened as she spoke. “What’s a girl from the Caribbean doing here in North Carolina?”
“Thorne, leave her alone. She’s got no part in this.” Isaac had edged toward the pirate’s side.
Thorne whipped his weapon back toward Isaac with a snarl. “Don’t do anything stupid, boy. She’s not worth dying over.”
