Against Dark Tides (Beneath Black Sails, #2)

by Clare Sager

“At first, I assumed you were trying to smuggle someone out of the country who was merely posing as your wife. But seeing the two of you together—you’re clearly mad about each other.”

Some dark instinct whispered in Vice’s ear. She could just step back, let him and the others do what they wanted to Knigh. No one else would ever know. She wouldn’t have to look at him anymore. It would be easy. And would it really be her fault? It’s what the Royal Navy’s version of Lady Vice would do. But the Royal Navy had always been wrong about her.

Vee exhaled so hard it was almost a laugh. “Knigh Blackwood”—she shook her head, eyes glinting at him in something like admiration—“closet pyromaniac. Well, I never!” She chuckled. “Fire and oil, that’s almost as good a match as rhubarb and custard.”

Just because you’re the only one she lets through the door, doesn’t mean you’re responsible for what’s behind it.”

Earlier, everything inside her had crumbled and, gods, it had hurt. But now even the dust left behind blew away in the sea breeze. Her power was a curse. Her triumph was ashes. She was nothing.

“Of course I did,” he murmured, voice rumbling through her, grey eyes more intense, more vulnerable than their steely colour. “I’ll always come for you.”