Madwulf would offer Ashley’s crew democratic freedom and a share of the spoils in exchange for their loyalty. No one in their right mind would turn down an opportunity to be rich and free. Most pirates were, after all, deserters from one navy or another. Those who refused to convert to piracy with Madwulf would be put in the hold or killed.

While Madwulf turned Ashley’s soldiers into outlaws, Priest would still be pursuing that ship. Only death or capture would prevent my husband from hunting me.

“I’m sorry.” My heart constricted in terror for Priest and sadness for Ashley.

“Yes, well, I’ve proved to be a rather incompetent commodore. I allowed the heaviest ship in the Royal Navy to fall into the hands of a pirate. For that, I shall be the target of mockery and ridicule for an entire nation and will never again be able to show my face in society.” He paced along the shore and set me down. “But I’m not sorry.”

Reeling with dizziness from his words and the haze in my head, I realized I was sitting on the bow of a beached longboat. I wore the tattered remains of his shirt and nothing else. On that thought, my hand flew to my throat.

“You didn’t lose it.” He crouched before me, his gaze fixed on the jade stone beneath my fingers. “See? Still there.”

I released a breath. “My father gave it to me.”

“When you said you stole it, I knew better. I don’t think you realize how often you touch it.”

“It’s scary how perceptive you are.”

“Not perceptive enough. My men were extorted by Madwulf right under my nose. It’s the only explanation for his escape. He must have bribed my wardens into setting him free.”

“Recruited them more like. He would’ve offered them a share of the spoils if they joined his band of thieves. You’re not sorry for that?”

“If Madwulf hadn’t escaped when he did, you would still be in the custody of the Royal Navy.” His eyes locked with mine, the depths rotating with hot, resolute emotion. “You’re free, Bennett.”

“We’re both free. No one will ever know you killed John Dycker and his lieutenants.”

“I don’t care about that.” He looked away, the muscles tensing in his gorgeous face. “I’m losing my mind thinking about what Madwulf will do with a weapon like HMS Blitz.” His stare returned, harder and brighter than ever. “But I can’t regret Madwulf’s attack on the flagship. The admiral’s soldiers knew about the depravity happening to you and those women, and they did nothing.” His accent thickened, growing deeper. “They deserved to die.”