Eden's Pass (10 page)

He spat the word
Spaniards
at her, pressing the tip of his sword deeper. She gasped at the sharp sting spreading through her. “I am a member of this crew, yes.”

It was all for naught. His eyes flicked down and his cold smile widened, filled with long, yellow teeth. He withdrew his blade. “Have I struck a nerve, dear boy? You seem suddenly pale. Or is your wound causing such paleness?”

Damn!
Finn narrowed her eyes. “Hardly. It’s but a scratch. Nay, I am merely biding my time until I run you through.”

“If you are as determined to have at me as you claim, why have you not made a move?”

“Very well.” She swung with every ounce of strength she could muster, determined to sever his head from his neck.

With lazy effort, Kittles lifted his blade and the vibration of her steel striking such immovable an object almost jarred her weapon from her grip. Her hands went numb, while a stinging burn sliced up into her shoulders.

She swung again, only to suffer the same results. A smile lifted Kittles’s lips. “Had enough, dear boy?”

Her arms heavy and aching, her breath coming in short, harsh pants, she shook her head. Though her cutlass grew heavier by the moment, she refused to cry quarter. She could hardly raise her arms, but through sheer will, was able to swing at him once more.

Anger flashed in Kittles’s eyes. “You stubborn cur,” he growled, almost spitting the words as he struck out with a succinct blow.

“Ah!” Kittles’s blade sliced clean into her left forearm. Her hand opened involuntarily, her blade clattering to the deck.

Pain burned through her arm even as her fingers grew colder. Blood seeped through her sleeve, staining it a dingy rust red. Bile rose in the back of her throat and, despite the chilly rain, a fresh sweat prickled over her from head to toe. She fought to remain standing as Kittles stepped up to press the very tip of his cutlass into the hollow of her throat.

Kittles swam before her as she struggled to keep her eyes in focus. The racing thunder of her pounding pulse drowned out all other sound, booming like gunfire in her ears.

He sneered as she took another step back. Moving with her, he pressed harder and snarled, “I will take great delight in dispatching you, you worthless scum.”

Swallowing hard against the swelling sting, she tried to block out the sickening image of him impaling her through the throat. Her gaze went to her weapon, beyond Kittles’s feet. She managed to lick her dry lips and hiss, “Bastard.”

Her yelp echoed both across the deck and in her ears as Kittles shoved deeper still. “What did you say?”

“You are—a coward. I am but—a—boy. Unarmed, even. And yet—” Her voice cracked, her words faltering as she realized with acute horror she was going to retch.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she swallowed hard against the burning, rising wave. Her knees buckled and it took every bit of stubborn will to lock them back in place. Bells clanged furiously inside her skull, blotting out even the stinging in her neck. It was no use. She could only wait for the blackness to rise up, the blackness that would swallow her whole.

Chapter Thirteen

The stinging vanished completely. Forcing her eyes open, Finn relaxed, seeing Kittles’s sword now on the deck and Iñigo's face beyond the Englishman’s right shoulder.

“Finn, go with Diego and see who is below.” Iñigo's voice was oddly flat.

“But—” she whispered, wondering what had happened and how she could have possibly missed it.

“
Go!
”

The fiery glow in Iñigo's eyes silenced her protests. Rubbing her still-stinging neck, she nodded slowly, pushing past Kittles to make her way across the deck. The worst of the battle was over, with the Spaniards the clear victors.

Diego met up with her at the top of the stairs, holding out her steel. “You might need this.”

Chiding herself for her foolishness, she accepted. “Shall we?”

Diego nodded, gesturing for her to take the lead. She didn’t argue, but winced at the blood trickling down her throat. Resisting the urge to wipe it away, she descended down into a thick darkness heavy with pungent odors. Grease, mildew and sickly-sweet perfume mingled in a cloud of choking smell to make her eyes water and her throat close.

They moved from cabin to cabin, finding no one. At the last one, Finn said, “I think every able body is topside.”

“Still, we check. One never knows what surprises might await.” Diego tapped on the warped door with his blade. “Is there anyone in here?”

When no one responded, she shrugged. “As I said—”

“Shh…” Diego's eyes flicked to her shoulder. “You are bleeding.”

“That?” She looked at her arm. Blood soaked through both her upper and lower sleeve, dripping onto the floor. “It is nothing. I will tend to it later.”

“Still, you—” A muffled crash from inside the cabin cut him short. Without giving warning, he kicked out a booted foot and the rickety door splintered under the force of the blow.

Finn entered first, cutlass clenched in a tight fist. “Where are you? I know you are in here.” She glanced back at Diego, who gestured for her to repeat her words. “Come out and you’ll not be harmed.”

Diego tapped her shoulder. She turned to find him pointing at a battered, scarred armoire. She nodded, smiling at the faint rustling of fabric coming from beyond the door.

Sheathing her cutlass, she reached out and flung open the doors. Her unsettled belly lurched at the fetid odor rising from the filthy shirts and soiled breeches stuffed inside. She would have missed the young woman entirely if the girl hadn’t screeched.

The girl wasn’t much older than a score. Her reddish blonde hair was tangled and snarled and she was painfully thin. A mottled bruise darkened her left cheekbone, but it was the only mark on her. Clad in a nearly transparent negligee of sorts, she stared at them with hard, dark eyes, her skinny arms folded over her chest.

An unexpected pang of sympathy twinged Finn's innards at the pathetic creature before her. It mingled with a hint of anger at the girl’s obvious mistreatment and disgust as Diego gaped at her. She cleared her throat. “Diego, hand me a quilt.”

Diego's gaze lingered on the girl, and Finn poked him in the ribs to grab his attention. He jumped, but did as she ordered, grabbing a faded blue and green quilt from the bed. Passing it to her, he said, “Wrap her up and we’ll bring her topside.”

“No!” The girl’s eyes, once hard, now widened with fear. “He’ll kill me, should I go to another. It matters not if I am willing or not.”

Diego shook his head. “You’ve nothing to fear, my lady.”

Finn glanced up at Diego as she wrapped the quilt about the girl. “You mean, Captain Sebastiano will take her
prisoner
? Locked away with those…with the others?”

“Oh, not as a prisoner, such as the men,” Diego chuckled, shaking his head. “No. She will be brought onboard and put to work. She will be kept separate from the others and will be fine.” He glanced from Finn to the girl. “He’ll not harm her. Nor will he allow harm to befall her.”

Not harm her?
Finn's mouth went dry. There was only one reason any captain would allow a woman onboard and her belly lurched at the reason. It wasn’t something she wished to think about where Iñigo was concerned. It wasn’t possible that he would sport with the girl, was it? She didn’t wish to think so, especially when the girl had obviously been used by Kittles. No. Iñigo was not that evil. He wasn’t a monster.

She looked from the girl to Diego and had to ask, “Will he drag her into his bed and then pass her around when he finishes with her?”

The girl shook her head, eyes round and glassy. “I belong to Kittles. He’ll allow no one else near me.”

Diego ignored her, giving Finn a queer look. “Drag her into his bed and then pass her around? If I were you, Finn, I’d not tell Iñigo you suggested such a thing. You will stay healthier that way.”

Now it was her turn to give him a queer look. “Me? I’m not suggesting he ought do such a thing. Are you mad?” The pit of her stomach dropped. Would Iñigo keep the woman to himself? An uncomfortable tightness kinked her belly, but she couldn’t say why. Shoving it aside, she shook her head and said, “No matter. I’ll take her to the captain. Grab her something else to wear.”

For a moment, it looked as though Diego was going to argue, as he still stared at her, but instead, he nodded. “Very well.”

Taking the girl by the arm, Finn tugged with no little gentleness, her sympathy for the girl’s plight fading fast. “Come along now.”

In the corridor, the girl sniffed. “I speak true. I am Captain Kittles’s woman. He will allow no other man touch me.”

“That’s all well and good, but I don’t think it is something you need trouble yourself with.” Finn wished she could simply lock the girl in another cabin and leave her there. Without thinking, she muttered, “What is your name?”

“Honoria.”

Finn sighed. It rankled, escorting the girl to Iñigo and, if she were truthful to herself, escorting her most likely to his bed. Her belly tightened further as they stepped out into the gloom. Still, no matter the outcome, Iñigo would leave no bruises on the girl. She eased her grip on Honoria’s arm. It certainly wasn’t Honoria’s fault that Kittles had crossed paths with Iñigo Sebastiano, and Finn could hardly object, when she was supposed to be a boy as it was. She rolled her eyes, imagining Iñigo's reaction, should he see her behaving as a jealous—

I am
not
a jealous anything
.
I can only barely tolerate the man myself.
Finn swallowed rising irritation as she led Honoria topside and into the brightening afternoon.

The rain had stopped, but still hung heavy in the air. Finn breathed deep, savoring the cleansing fresh air filling her lungs. Her refreshed feeling faded and her heartbeat jumped its pace as they came upon Iñigo and Kittles.

The Englishman sat on the deck, his back against the mainmast, the tip of Iñigo's sword piercing the hollow of
his
throat.

Finn cleared her throat, ignoring her feeling of triumph at the terror in Kittles’ soulless dark eyes. “Captain?”

Iñigo looked up and his dark expression grew darker still. “Who is she?”

“Honoria. We found her in the captain’s cabin.”

“I see.” Iñigo turned back to Kittles. “She is yours?”

Honoria sighed and Finn turned to see her staring at the Englishman with angry, hate-filled eyes, looking suddenly years older. He regarded her as though she were an insect as he spat, “She’s only some whore I found at Nassau.”

Iñigo nodded. “And did you find her bruised as well?”

His icy, emotionless tone took Finn by surprise. Her surprise only grew as Honoria shook her head, her voice stony as she answered for Kittles. “No.
He
did this to me.”

“Is this true?” Iñigo directed this at Kittles.

“She is but a whore,” Kittles retorted smugly. He squealed, his face drained of color as Iñigo pressed the bloodied tip of his steel further into the hollow. Kittles’s once arrogant, sneering voice became a pathetic squeak. “Show mercy. I beg you.”

“Mercy?” Iñigo growled, pressing his sword further into the man’s neck, almost smiling at Kittles’ deepening whimper. “Why should I? You showed none toward a mere girl. Tell me, do you
enjoy
pummeling your women?”

Finn stared. Iñigo's voice was rock-hard with anger, almost biting off the words as they left his mouth.

Her gaze moved to Honoria, who now stared, wide-eyed with adoration, at Iñigo. With a sudden jolt, Finn realized Iñigo was irate on
Honoria’s
behalf. But why? Why would he be infuriated at the treatment of a woman he was most likely going to use himself?

Her eyes narrowed at the tiny woman beside her. It made her uneasy, but it was simply because she pitied Honoria, wasn’t it?

She shoved the irritating thoughts from her mind. “Where should I take her?”

Without looking at her, Iñigo continued staring Kittles down. “Take her to Farruco’s cabin.”

Gritting her teeth, Finn nodded. “Aye, Captain.” She took Honoria by the arm, saying, “You’re to come with me, then.”

Honoria reluctantly tore her attention from Iñigo. “Of course.”

As they turned away, Diego emerged, saying, “They’ve capitulated, Captain. Five have taken the oath. The rest are dead. Except, of course, for the good captain, here.” The zing of steel reached Finn's ears. He’d unsheathed his steel. “Shall I dispatch him for you, Captain?”

Finn stopped short, squeezing Honoria’s arm to halt her. “Wait.”

“But—”

“I said,
wait
,” Finn growled, turning back to see Diego holding the tip of his sword alongside Iñigo's. “I wish to see this.”

Honoria sniffed. “They both ought but run that bastard through.”

Judging by the way Honoria had almost devoured Iñigo with her gaze, it was clear the girl was already planning on a new bedmate. Whatever sympathy Finn had for Honoria faded, and Finn reached up to draw her hand across the trickle of blood at the hollow of her throat. Her arm throbbed now, her sleeve soaked in blood, adding to her foul mood, which became fouler by the moment. “Quiet. I wish to hear Captain Sebastiano's response.”

Iñigo shook his head at Diego. “No. Put your sword away.” He smiled down at Kittles. “I will rectify this matter.”

The Englishman sunk back against the mast, even as sweat poured from his temples in narrow rivulets. “I-I thank you for your mercy,” he panted, wincing as he swallowed hard and drew in a shuddering breath. “You are, truly, an honorable man.”

Iñigo shook his head. “Offer no thanks as yet, English, for I deserve not your gratitude. Tell me, do you still sail for Ramírez?”

A chill ran down Finn's spine at the now-familiar name and the fury woven into it. She looked over to see Kittles nodding as he struggled to sit up. His bravado gone, he was pathetic, with his white-blond hair slick against his scalp and his dark eyes glittering with fear. Still, it didn’t halt him from rambling, “I do. And, to show my gratitude, I will take you to him. The
Reynaldo
is in the Orient. Ch-China, I believe. I will take you to him, Captain Sebastiano. I will make you a wealthy man, I will. Wealthy beyond your wildest imaginings. I—”

“Enough.” Iñigo pulled back to ease his steel from Kittles’s throat. “Diego, take him to the hold. I’ve heard enough begging for one day.”

“Of course.” Diego stepped up to grip one of Kittles’s arms and heft him to his feet. His bravado gone, the Englishman offered no resistance as Diego marched him across the deck and they disappeared below.

Honoria pulled free from Finn's grasp and stared at Iñigo, her mouth agape. “Why did you not run him through?”

Finn glanced from Honoria to Iñigo, and back again as Iñigo replied, “He surrendered. Unlike Kittles, I do not slaughter in cold blood. I far prefer a fair fight.”

“But—”

Iñigo cut off Honoria’s protest with a raised hand. As she fell silent, he turned his gaze to Finn. “Take her below to Farruco. And have him tend to your wounds as well.”

“Mine are but scratches,” she replied boldly, even though her sleeve was nearly soaked, and she had to hold back a wince at the fresh burn searing up her arm. There was some slight stinging in the two places where Kittles poked her with his swordtip, but they were minor in comparison.

“Do as I say, Finn. Absolute fealty, do you recall?”

Gritting her teeth, she snatched up Honoria’s arm again. “You will come with me now.”

Honoria offered up no argument as Finn pulled her across deck, toward the stairs. About halfway to the steps, Honoria broke the silence. “Your captain is a good man.”

“Hmm…” Finn muttered, only half-listening.
Ramírez
. Why was Iñigo fixated on this Ramírez? It made little sense. Somehow, she didn’t think he’d be willing to answer so much as a question about the man.

“I do not think I’ll mind being his woman.”

Finn halted in her footsteps. “What did you say?”

Honoria managed a smile and her eyes almost gleamed. “Your captain. The Spaniard. He is a good man.”

The tightness returned to Finn's chest and she swallowed hard against it, resisting the urge to toss the woman overboard. She did give in to a harder-than-necessary tug on her arm though and growled, “Move along. I’ve no time for idle chitchat.”