Page 28 of Hooked

His eyes narrowed. “Was it my error? Or was I deceived and swindled? Has your mother known this whole time that you were living? Is she the one who sent you to Tethurn? That would be a clever ruse indeed.”

“We did no such thing. My mother knew nothing of my plans.”

“So you say, but how am I supposed to trust the word of a woman who would abandon her family and her future husband without a word?” He raised an eyebrow at me, his gaze maddeningly calm.

“Why would you want a wife whom you cannot trust?”

The smile that slid over his mouth was horrifying. It was triumphant and eager. “Trust will not be an issue once we are married.”

I could not fathom what he meant and I didn’t want to, because the danger in his words rang loud and clear. I was speechless, left utterly powerless by this wretched human being.

“So.” He clapped his hands together, enjoying this twisted game of his. “I can return to Norsing, let the truth of your whereabouts be known, and seek justice for the compensation they took under false circumstances. Or…” He paused. “We can return together and fulfill the marriage contract. Your mother can join us in celebrating our happy marriage as well as the return of her daughter.”

My heart was twisting, contorting in agony as his words settled over me like a burial shroud. I couldn’t breathe. I was frozen like some marble statue, standing before a man with a bludgeon.

“You must come with me, Wendolyn, darling. It’s what must be done.” He stepped closer again, making my vision blur and the air grow thin.

“You forget, sir.”

Falstone’s words startled me as they rang out clear and strong behind me. I turned my eyes to him, having forgotten he was there, and suddenly I could breathe a little easier. He stood tall and proud, but not quite calm. Though he appeared at ease, there was a dangerous glint in his eye.

He spared me only a glance before fixing the steel of his gaze on Captain Huckley. “Cecily is under the employ of Princess Marilee. You cannot demand she leave with you. You’ll need to discuss any such scenario with Her Highness.”

“Or I could take her right now.” Captain Huckley spat in contempt, and though he had not even made a move toward me, Falstone pulled his sword so quickly and unexpectedly that I flinched.

“Try,” he said, his voice ice. “Try and I will enjoy stopping you.”

Captain Huckley grinned, but it was filled with malice. “I was only jesting, soldier. Stand down.”

“I don’t take orders from you.”

Captain Huckley took several moments to look Falstone over, and probably to plan his next move. “We are not enemies, you know,” his voice was suddenly pleasant, which was more disconcerting than his threats. “I appreciate your commitment to protecting my Wendolyn.”

I cringed as his words claimed me.

“She is not yours,” Falstone pointed out.

“Not yet. But she is most precious to me,” he said as he put a hand over his heart. I wanted to gag.

Falstone scoffed as he slid his sword back into its scabbard. “You must have forgotten that I’ve been standing here as you threatened her.”

Captain Huckley held up a hand. “You misunderstood. I was only laying out the facts as they are.”

Falstone’s only response was a further look of disdain.

“You don’t have to believe me,” the captain said with a wave. “But I will take you up on your suggestion. I’m certain when I explain the situation to Her Highness and Sir James, they will understand.” He turned his attention back to me. “Not to worry, my dear.” He took a step toward me, reaching out a hand.

“Do not touch her if you value the use of your hand,” Falstone spoke with dangerous calm.

Captain Huckley dropped his hand and glared at Falstone before smoothing his face into his pleasant mask. “No matter. I’ve waited this long. I can be patient awhile longer.” His eyes turned back to me, leering as they raked me from head to toe. “After all, what’s a few hours, or even a few days when I will have you the rest of your life?”

I stood stock still, my body tensed and ready to flee but unable. My shoulders were hunched, my right hand gripping the elbow of my left arm, which hung straight at my side. It did not escape my notice that the captain had said the rest of my life, not his.

Captain Huckley turned to address Falstone with a sneer. “I have need of your master. Be a good lad and fetch him for me.” He again pulled his pocket watch from his vest, resting it in his hand as he studied it.

Falstone didn’t even flinch at Huckley’s slight; he just stared unblinking as the captain went through his habitual time checking, then gestured toward the door. “Cecily?”

I didn’t need any further prompting. I scurried from the room, Falstone close on my heels.