Ash had to give the man credit. He’d been completely lovable until crossed. The man was a good protector of his family.

  “Late last night, she slipped out and went to her tower.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Ash dropped his arms, giving Eric a long stare. “I slept against a tree near its base. You think I’d leave her unprotected with that witch and her pirate husband throwing around threats?”

  Eric’s face turned granite hard and then he was spinning. “She went out there alone?”

  Ash thought it best to say no more but he did follow Eric as the other man spun around again and headed toward the back of the house. He tramped down the back stairs and passing through the kitchen, he grabbed a stick of bread from the counter where they cooled, ripping it in two and tossing half to Ash. “You look like shit. Eat.”

  Ash gave a quick jerk of his chin in answer. The very fact that Eric was feeding him, was an excellent sign. “Should we bring some for Fern?”

  Eric cursed and spun back around, grabbing a second loaf and some dried pork. “What was that woman thinking, going off alone?”

  Ash winced, he felt responsible for her decision. “I’ll convince her to come back. Do you think I might have a cot in the garden to keep an eye on her in case she does this again?”

  Eric snorted but didn’t answer as they both ate their bread in silence, walking back over the ground they’d only just covered.

  “Are you being truthful? Marriage is your goal?” Eric said when he’d finished his breakfast.

  “Marriage is my goal,” Ash answered. “After I’ve convinced Fern that I deserve another chance.”

  Eric grunted in answer. “First convince her not to go traipsing off in the dark. Both Ella and Fern have a well-earned independent streak, which I admire until it jeopardizes their safety. You should have seen the things Ella did before we were married.”

  “I heard something about stealing?”

  “Oh, she tortured Melisandre. Made it her mission to get under her stepsister’s skin. Outsmarted her stepmother too, who is now rotting in jail.”

  Ash shook his head. “Admirable.”

  Eric stopped. “Don’t get any ideas about pulling my wife into some plot that jeopardizes her safety. We both nearly died in the pursuit of Ella and Fern’s freedom.”

  Ash’s teeth clenched together. Eric was right. It wasn’t worth risking Fern’s life. “I hear you, I believe you, and I heed you.”

  Eric clapped him on the back. “Good.” They kept walking, turning the final bend as Fern’s tower came into view.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Fern hadn’t fallen back to sleep until the sun had been peeking through her window, so she was still asleep when a loud banging woke her, though her thoughts were so muddled, she couldn’t place the sound.

  She cracked her eyes open, blinking into the light as the pounding continued.

  “Fern,” Eric yelled from outside. “Open this door or I am breaking it down.”

  “It’s unlocked,” she called back.

  She heard her brother-in-law make a low rumbling noise deep in his throat, unlike anything she’d ever heard from him before. “A pirate and a thief are after your tiara, and you not only left the house where I can’t protect you, but you didn’t even bother to lock the door?”

  There might be a few sound points in there. She’d just assumed that Melisandre would never find her way to her tower in the woods.

  She yawned and then stretched, sitting up in the bed as the door opened and then multiple sets of boots clomped up the stairs.

  Eric appeared first, looking furious. Ash was next, his eyes roaming over her exposed skin in her sleeveless chemise.

  He shrugged off his coat, and moving over to her, he dropped the garment over her shoulders.

  Eric cast them a deep frown. “Well?” he said to Fern. “What have you got to say for yourself?”

  Fern could not bring herself to be afraid of her brother-in-law. Ought she pretend so as not to wound his pride? She went for apologetic instead. “I’m sorry, Eric. I won’t do it again.”

  Eric’s gaze cast between them. “Did you plan this as a tryst?”

  Fern’s nose wrinkled. “Of course not. I spent all day yesterday crying over Ash’s rejection.”

  “Then how did he know you were here? And why are you not surprised to see him?” Eric tossed a stick of bread at her.

  Ash caught it, gently handing it to her. “She had no idea that I was nearby last night.”

  Eric lifted his chin, a flicker of challenge in his eyes. “Really? Then why isn’t she upset still? Why do you two seem rather cozy?”

  Fern took a bite of the bread, more to delay answering then anything else. She finally swallowed. “I had a nightmare about Melisandre last night.”

  Eric’s face softened, going from anger to concern in a span of seconds. Lord, she loved her brother-in-law. For a man of his strength, he had one of the kindest hearts she’d ever known.

  “She screamed in her sleep,” Ash added, his fingers brushing her arm. “I had fallen asleep against the tree and when I heard the scream…”

  Eric’s gaze flitted between them, his mouth hardening again. “I see.”

  Ash’s hands lifted. “I tried to tell you this morning. I’m prepared to do the right thing. Eager, in fact.”

  Eric gave a curt nod, but it was Fern’s turn to look between them. “The right thing?”

  Ash reached for her hand, squeezing her fingers. “We’ll talk later.”

  She gave a nod, even as she squeezed his hand and then pushed out of the bed. “I brought clothes, if you both will give me a moment, I’ll dress and then we can return home.”

  “Home?” Eric asked, cocking a brow. “Do you think of Castledon as your home again?”

  Castledon had always been her home. “Of course,” she answered. “The tower is my escape.”

  Ash winked at her then. She shrugged off his coat, handing it back to him. But he didn’t put it on. Instead, he fished in the pocket and pulled out the volume she’d allowed him to borrow on the Art of War. “I don’t need this anymore.”

  Hope swelled in her chest as she took the book and returned it to the pile next to her bed. Then, grabbing her mystery novel, she crossed back to him. “Take this one instead.” She handed him House of Whispers. “It’s my very favorite so I’ll look forward to a rousing discussion when you’re done.”

  He took the book, slipping it in his pocket and then placing the coat back on. “Thank you, and you can count on that.”

  She would. That and so much more…

  The two men left, leaving Fern to dress. Once done, she stepped outside, finding them both waiting just outside the door. Carefully, she locked her tower once again.

  They made the walk back in silence, Eric in front of her, Ash behind. It wasn’t until they reached the garden, that Ash came up next to her, taking her hand in his. “I’d like a bit of your time this morning.”

  As they crossed the terrace, Fern’s steps slowed. The library had a clear view of the garden and terraces. “Why don’t we stop here?” She looked to Eric who turned back to give a nod of approval before he kept walking, turning about the corner to enter through the kitchen door.

  He reached for her hand, silence settling between them as they waited to be alone. “I just want you to know that I’m prepared to wait for as long⁠—”

  But Fern didn’t actually want to talk. She stepped closer, her cheek coming to his shoulder. “Thank you for being patient.”

  “Does patience include not speaking now?”

  “It does.” She laughed softly against him. “I think what we need now is just a bit of time to let things settle between us.”

  He nodded, placing his chin on the top her head. “Fortunately for us, we’ve got plenty of that.”

  “What if Melisandre and Jack do come here?” she asked. “What if they try and take the jewels?”

  Ash’s arms wrapped about her as he pulled her tight to his chest. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

  Doubt niggled in her stomach. He said that now. But when faced with the opportunity of revenge, how would he react?

  Would he keep his promise? Did she allow herself to hope and risk him breaking her heart a second time?

  The day passed slowly, Ash feeling unsettled for reasons he couldn’t quite explain.

  He was happy to wait for Fern, and he knew it would take time to build the trust back that he lost.

  So he wasn’t quite certain what caused the tension filling his limbs. He’d hardly slept the night before, he ought to be exhausted.

  He took a long bath, hoping a soak would ease the tension in his limbs, but still restless, he finally gave up on sleep and headed down to the library.

  He loved this space, especially after his passionate kiss with Fern in that very space.

  Stepping in, he looked at the decorative piece of the cornice that acted as lever to the secret room.

  What he wouldn’t give to have Fern tucked between him and the wall once again.

  “Couldn’t sleep either?” Her feminine lilt drifted from the shadows. Turning toward the sound, he found her curled in a chair with a book to her chest.

  He smiled, touching his breast pocket where the novel she’d given him earlier still rested. Honestly, it was quite thick and he ought to have removed it, but he liked having an item from her right next to his heart.

  “Not a wink,” he answered, moving toward her. “What are you reading?”

  She sighed, setting the book aside. “I’m not even certain. I can hardly concentrate.”

  “Why is that?” he asked when he reached her side. She’d curled her legs up so that her feet also rested on the seat of her chair, but her tiny toes peeked out, looking completely adorable.

  “Well.” She set the book aside, tapping her chin. “Let me see. I received my first marriage proposal today.”

  “First?” He crouched down, resting his elbows on his knees as he reached out and ran a fingertip over the top of her toes. “Is that why you didn’t accept my offer? You’re holding out for another?”

  She let out a nervous giggle, leaning closer. “I suppose I am.”

  His heart stuttered in his chest, regret lancing through him. It was too soon, he ought to have left her alone. “I see.”

  “Are you going to ask me again?”

  His heart kicked back in full force as his pulse rushed in his ears. “What would you say if I did?”

  She drew in a breath, his own stalling in his lungs as he waited to hear what she might say.

  “Well, isn’t this just so cozy.”

  His head snapped up. Melisandre stood in the doorway, a pistol in her hand, and Jack just behind her.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Fern jumped from the chair, pressing to Ash’s back. His arm wrapped behind him, pulling her even tighter to his body.

  “We’ve not been formally introduced,” he said to Melisandre as he stood straighter, covering even more of her body with his own.

  “We’re past all that,” Melisandre purred, moving deeper into the room. Fern peeked around Ash and nearly snorted, some of her fear melting away.

  Melisandre wore an elaborate gown and pelisse with a hat pinned jauntily to the side and pure white gloves. “Is that how you think thieves should dress?” she called over Ash’s shoulder. “Do you fancy yourself in some sort of novel?”

  “You tell me,” Melisandre snapped back. “You’re the one with your nose in a book all the time.”

  Was that supposed to be an insult? Should she bother to tell Melisandre that if she fired the gun, her gloves would be covered with incriminating powder? Best not…

  Still, Fern stood straighter, calling over Ash’s shoulder. “I don’t know why you’re here. I told you that the jewels are gone.”

  “Really?” Melisandre asked. “Because according to Eric’s solicitor, no jewels have been sold recently.”

  That’s when Jack appeared behind his wife. “And we know he’s telling the truth. Sang like a bird after a few broken bones.”

  Those words made Fern shrink back down. While she wasn’t afraid of Melisandre in her elaborate costume, her husband was another matter.

  This was the man who’d imprisoned Ash. Anger and frustration pounded through her veins along with a healthy dose of fear. What else was he capable of?

  “Which means,” Jack continued, moving closer. “You are lying.”

  “Neither of them ever tells the truth,” Melisandre said. “You can’t trust anything that comes out of their mouths. Ella’s the worst, but Fern has clearly learned a few tricks since I left.”

  Fern’s fingers fisted in the back of Ash’s jacket. Nearby stood the rack of fireplace tools. Perhaps if she could reach the poker…

  “Now.” Jack lifted his pistol. “If you both want to live, you’ll tell me where the jewels are.”

  Ash drew in a deep breath. “The problem is that you and I have other matters to discuss.”

  Fern started against his back. What was Ash doing?

  “Such as?” Jack sounded amused rather than confused, his voice laced with a chuckle.

  “How we’re going to even the score between us.”

  She squeaked, wondering what Ash would do next. Was he more concerned about their safety or about his plans for revenge? Had he spotted his moment and Fern had lost him…

  “The only score we need to settle is the one where you die. I told you that we the next time we met⁠—”

  “Kill me and you’ll never get the jewels.”

  “He’s lying,” Melisandre hissed. “After yesterday, they’d never trust him with valuables.”

  Ash shrugged. “Fern and I are getting married. Of course, she trusts me.”

  Fern looked up at his profile in confusion. What was he doing? Was this the moment that he betrayed her…

  “Let Fern go first,” Ash said. “And I’ll show you where they are.”

  Her stomach dropped clear to her toes. He was attempting to save her, and in the process, putting himself back under Jack’s thumb. Gads. She wouldn’t forgive herself if he got hurt because of her. She needed to act fast. Think, Fern.

  Her pressed her cheek to his back, tears stinging at her eyes. “Don’t,” she whispered. “We’ll do this together.”

  The pistol in Jack’s hand wavered. “What to do, what to do. On the one hand I’m tempted to believe you. I heard the way you begged to be let out of that cupboard, so I’m sure you don’t wish to go back.” Jack tapped his chin. “On the other, you seem fond of her, and men can be such fools when they fall in love.”

  Jack stepped closer, his eyes on Ash as Fern’s skin crawled with indecision. Could she help? What should she do?

  Drawing in a deep breath, she let go of Ash’s jacket. With a final press of her cheek to his back, she stepped out from behind him.

  Ash felt the moment that Fern changed course. It was in the straightening of her body, the slowing of her breath.

  Silently he begged her not to do it and as she came out from behind him, his arm automatically tightened to hold her back.

  But he couldn’t stop her words… “Promise not to hurt us and I’ll show you where the jewels are.”

  Melisandre snorted, “I told you Fern was the one to press. She’s never been the strong one of the pair. That’s Ella.”

  “She’s the brains too,” Fern said, no anger in her voice. Ash looked back at her, his features surely displaying his incredulity. Did she not know how wonderful she was? “If she were here, she’d likely think of a way out of this…” Fern’s voice tapered off as Melisandre gave a loud, grating laugh.

  “Right. Show us then.”

  Fern shook her head. “Your husband has to agree to the terms first.”

  Jack’s gaze found Fern’s, his hard eyes making Ash tighten his grip even more. He’d pulled Fern into this mess of a situation. He’d get her out.

  Jack’s gaze slid up and down Fern. “You know…of all the times that Melisandre spoke of her stepsisters, she never mentioned your beauty.”

  Ash grit his teeth together. He’d kill Jack with his bare hands before he let her lay one finger on Fern. “She offered you a deal.”

  “I liked yours better.” Jack looked back at him. “The question is, which of you actually knows where the tiara and the necklace are located.” He pointed the pistol at first Ash and then Fern.

  Ash moved a few more inches in front of her.

  “I’m going to go with her.” Jack swung his arm toward Ash again and then the deafening blast of the gun echoed through the house.

  Pain exploded through Ash’s chest a moment before the blast pushed him back with such force, he hit the floor with another thud. And then the world went black.

  Fern’s screams filled her own ears as she stumbled to the side, Ash’s weight knocking her down too. But she’d hardly hit the floor when she was being yanked up by her hair.

  “The jewels,” Jack spit. “Now. And maybe I’ll let you live.”

  Both of Fern’s hands clawed at Jack’s hand as he yanked her toward the library door. “No. Wait.”

  “No more waiting,” he snarled back. “My patience is thin, and we’ve only got a few more minutes before the whole house arrives.”

  “No. I mean…” Fern tried to catch her breath, tried to calm the rising sobs filling her chest. “The pieces are here. In the library.”

  Jack stopped, pushing his face inches from hers. “They are not.”

  “They are.” She tried to slow her racing heart, attempted to think rationally. Her gaze darted to Ash still lying on the floor. “Here. I’ll show you.”

  Jack’s fingers eased on her scalp. Letting her go, she waved him forward. Swallowing down a lump she said a small prayer for calm and strength.

  “You had better not be lying.”

  By way of answer, she pulled on the arched support of the candelabra, the door to the secret room sliding open.

  “Well, I’ll be,” Jack crowed as he rushed forward.