He yanked the knife away as Priest strode toward him. Their eyes connected, their postures hard and combative. But as Priest raised his hand, it wasn’t to hurl a punch. His fingers curled around the back of Ashley’s neck and dragged their foreheads together.

“Perhaps I should have said this years ago.” Priest closed his eyes and released a breath. “I didn’t know how to put it into words.”

“Don’t.” Ashley gripped Priest’s shoulders, neither pushing nor pulling, as he gritted his teeth. “Don’t do this.”

“I don’t know what to call it…this invisible thing that wraps so tightly around us. All I know is that I want to protect it, guard it with my life, and never let it go. This isn’t something that needs mending or burying. It’s raw and honest and perfect, and you damn well know it.” Priest leaned back enough to hold Ashley’s gaze. “I love you.”

Ashley’s chest hitched, his expression so unguarded I felt his longing in my bones.

“You like hearing me say that to you?” Priest tangled his hands in Ashley’s hair, holding their faces together. “I love you, and I will keep fighting for us. But this time, we’re doing it Bennett’s way. And a word of warning. The last time I crossed her, I woke shackled in the bilge of her ship with a vicious bump on my head.”

My chest squeezed as Priest released him and joined my side.

“Jade will leave at dawn on the day of your wedding.” I squared my shoulders and raised my chin. “All three of us will be on that ship.”

Ashley glared so hard a vein bulged in his brow.

Without another word, Priest gripped my hand and led me into the corridor.

We took to the stairs and tunnels beneath the manor. Then, in the pitch of night, we rowed the jolly boat to Jade. Our weapons, the compass and map, everything that mattered to us was on the ship.

Except Ashley.

But he would come. I’d never been more confident of anything in my life.

54

One week later, I stood at the balcony of my private cabin on Jade, squinting at the dock that led to Ashley’s manor. The crisp twilight breeze kissed my skin, chilling my nude body. But it didn’t persuade my mood. I felt hot, restless, anxious to weigh.

Today was Ashley’s wedding.

The sun crowned the distant horizon, burning the underbelly of the dark sky in shades of rose and gray amber. As dawn approached, the shadows shifted around the dock. I narrowed my eyes, telling myself a nobleman was standing there as if that could actually make one materialize.

“Come back to bed.” Priest’s husky baritone floated from the mattress behind me.

I chewed my thumbnail, my eyes glued to the dock.