Priest launched into a narration of his activities over the past month, confirming everything I’d already assumed. He’d followed HMS Blitz to New Providence on a stolen sloop. During the night, he clambered up the side and jumped aboard. Quickly and silently, he made his way to the hold, assuming I was imprisoned there, only to find Madwulf and his unkempt band of ruffians. When Priest was unable to locate me anywhere on Ashley’s ship, he struck an agreement with Madwulf through the iron bars.

Priest promised to free them and help them overtake HMS Blitz. In exchange, they would assist Priest in hunting me—with a strong emphasis on Priest being the only one who would kill me.

During his dialogue, I listened for hints about the status of my ship and crew. Had Reynolds followed my orders and sailed to Harbour Island? Were they there now? Less than two-hundred kilometers away by land? That was only two days’ travel by horseback, and there were plenty of horses in the nearby pastures.

Unfortunately, Priest and I couldn’t discuss any of this in present company.

“I didn’t know Madwulf intended to sink the flagship.” Priest clenched his jaw, twisting to glower at the Highlander. “I wanted to search it first and look for proof of her death.”

“You had no chance in hell of sneaking aboard that vessel, and you ken it,” Madwulf said.

“I waited to free you until HMS Blitz returned to the flagship. Why do you think that was?”

Madwulf reclined in the chair, arms crossed. “I presumed you were just being a vexing cunt.”

“While your pack of rogues was storming the gundecks, seizing the arms, and killing every Englishman who withstood you, I was going to use that distraction to steal aboard the admiral’s flagship. That was my plan until you started blowing the tarnal thing to splinters!” Priest’s pretense slipped beneath his rising fury. “You told me she was hanged.”

“I dinna see why—”

“You knew she was there.” Priest shot to his feet, nostrils flaring and neck corded. “You knew she was alive when you destroyed that ship!”

I agreed that Madwulf was lying, but the past was in the past. We needed to secure our future, and that wouldn’t happen if Priest continued down this path.

“Madwulf.” I waited for his gaze. “I’m not your enemy. I’m a pirate captain, same as you.”

His hand went to the short red hairs on his chin, his fingers grasping at a phantom beard. “There’s nothing personal between you and me, lass. But after the disrespect your lover gave me, the lads and I will be wetting our cocks between your bonny thighs.”

Ashley made a pained sound, radiating tension beside me.

My insides shriveled, and my face went cold, bloodless.

“Lover?” Priest glared at me, his eyes swirling with dark, twisted threats.