After the plans for MacNeil’s voyage were settled, and they were alone on the deck, Divana took Kennan’s hand. “We mustn’t tarry. I ken where the Highland Reel is, and if my guess is right, Jackson Vane is heading there now.”

Her words were like heavenly music. He drew the lassie’s fingers to his lips, closed his eyes, and kissed her knuckles. “You found my ship, mo leannan?”

“I did.”

“I’ve always thought you were astounding, but now there is no doubt. You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”

“Truly?”

“Aye, you amaze me at every turn. You’re smart and saucy, and you make me feel as if the sun is always shining in my heart. I love you, Divana. I’ve been in love with you from the moment I saw you digging for clams on the shores of Hyskeir.”

With a catch in her breath, her eyes twinkled. “Ye love me?”

“More than anything.”

She grinned, making his heart swell. “I love ye as well, Kennan. More than ye ken.”

He kissed her, savoring the moment, running his fingers along silky fabric.

Silky?

“What the blazes is this?” he asked, pinching her sleeve.

She scowled. “Vane’s attempt at preparing me for the auction block.”

Kennan’s gut clenched. He wanted to wrap his fingers around that varlet’s neck so badly, bile burned his throat. “I must go after him. He cannot demean my woman and slip away like a snake.”

“Are ye certain about that?” A bit of mischief sparkled in her eyes. “I reckon ye may change your mind.”

“Oh?”

She stepped very near and raised her lips to his ear. “When he told me to don this dress, he left me in the captain’s cabin. ’Tis a good thing ye taught me to read some, ’cause I pored over his charts. Not only is there a fortune on the Silver Mermaid, Vane has treasures hidden up the ‘strand of pearls’ that make up this chain of isles.”

Kennan threw back his head and laughed from his belly. “God, woman, I love you!”

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One

In Vane’s cabin on the Silver Mermaid, Divana spread the charts across the writing table. “This is the map of Jackson’s Hell and the Strand of Pearls. See?” She pointed. “He named the two isles at the bottom Hell and Pur-ga-tor-y.”

“Have a look at that.” Kennan leaned over her, the comfort of his body soothing against her back. “I cannot believe how well you’ve taken to your lessons.” He caressed her neck with a feathery kiss, then gaped at the chart. “Good heavens, the others are named Hades, Satan, Lucifer, and Beelzebub. The varlet must have a preoccupation with the devil.”