Adrian turned to Samantha, his solemn eyes searching her face before raising a finger to wipe tears from her cheeks. “It’s not your fault.”
“But…” Her heart hurt at the thought of what might be occurring at this very second.
“The only person to blame here is Wycliff, and once we’ve saved Isak, we’ll make sure he pays. Agreed?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl.” He kissed her swiftly, then ushered her back into the carriage.
A quick comment to the driver followed, and then they were off, moving with urgent speed. They raced through the streets and around street corners. Samantha gripped the leather strap attached to the side of the cabin, her other hand braced on the seat beside her. Heart bouncing against her breast, she prayed they’d arrive before Isak suffered further abuse.
By all that was holy, she’d murder anyone beastly enough to lay their hands on him. The carriage wheels rumbled as the horses pulled the vehicle onward, transforming the nighttime view through the windows into a smear of purples and greys. Until, with a jolt more sudden than she’d expected, they jerked to a halt.
Preparing herself for whatever resistance they happened to meet, she reached beneath her skirt and unsheathed one of her blades. Adrian paused to acknowledge it for a brief second, then opened the door and helped her out.
The half-timbered structure they faced looked like a medieval relic. Two stories high, the façade leaned outward at a harsh angle, threatening those who came too near with the chance of it falling upon them.
Lights flickered in some of the windows while others were cast in shadow. The sign above the door read: The Buxom Lady Tavern
Samantha sent the title a scathing look and started forward.
Adrian’s arm swung out to block her. She glared at him. “What?”
“I’m as ready as you are to start tearing people limb from limb, but let’s assess the situation first. Shall we?”
Blood roared in her veins, every muscle pulled tight with the need to do battle. Adrian saw that and tried to make her see reason. Infuriating, but correct.
She blew out a breath. “Fine. I’ll follow your lead.”
It was the only way to stop her from stabbing the first person who crossed her path.
12
Adrian knew how Samantha felt. Hell, his own fury compelled him to storm inside the tavern and start slashing throats, but doing so would be rash and foolish. They had to stay smart, level headed, and keep a low profile.
There would be too many witnesses here if he lost his cool. And with Kendrick eager to prosecute him, it was vital he not provide the man with good reason to do so.
“Wait for us here,” he told the driver. “Keep your pistols at the ready.”
Shifting his weight, he started forward, ever conscious of Samantha’s presence exactly one step behind him.
He reached the door, met her gaze, and pulled it open when she responded with a firm nod.
A dimly lit entrance hall greeted them. From there,the building opened up to either side with stairs straight ahead leading up to the next level.
A crowd of men, no different in appearance from what one might find at any other English tavern, occupied every available space. The only indication that this place had something more to offer was the presence of several scantily clad women.
Raucous laughter accompanied cheers to good health. Lewd language followed and a woman’s voice answered, her tone playfully scolding. Everyone hooted, in response to which Adrian scowled.
“I doubt he’s down here,” he told Samantha. “Let’s have a look upstairs.”
He shoved past a couple of men who stood in his way, ignoring their complaints as he strode for the stairs. The wood plank flooring dipped beneath his weight, each step testing whether or not the worn-down building would hold.
“What you want?” A burly fellow with a wiry beard appeared at the top of the landing. Twice Adrian’s width and nearly of equal height, he’d make an impressive adversary. The man glanced past him and chuckled. “Well ain’t she a pretty one. ’Aven’t seen ’er up ’ere before. Ye new, are ye?”
“That’s right,” Samantha purred with sultry charm.
The man chuckled, rocking back on his heels. “Well then. Maybe ye and I can get better acquainted after this ’ere fellow is done with yer wares.”
