Page 27

Granted, the reveal was abrupt, but our history was significant enough to register, even if just a glimpse of the love we shared flashed in her eyes. Some tiny acknowledgment that she was as heartbroken to be apart as I was for so many years. Heaven forbid she show the tiniest hint of happiness to see that the man she pledged her soul to was still alive.

That shit meant something to me. I’d thought it meant something to her, too, but clearly, I was wrong.

The only things I got from Isa were fear, pity, and accusations. My Isa would have been crying tears of joy to see her long-lost love returned, no matter how many years had passed. But that's the problem with time and distance; it warps reality.

Part of the reason I wanted to look in on her when I heard about the wedding was to reassure myself that those childish memories from my teenage years had been romanticized beyond recognition. I spent so many years unable to return that I figured too much time had passed when I finally had the ability. I told myself she would have moved on, and even if she'd waited for me, I was no longer the same man. I wanted to prove to myself that I was right to stay away.

I never imagined moving on would mean pretending the past never happened.

I've endured a lot of pain over the years, but that harsh reality topped it all. A sucker punch to the balls with a set of brass knuckles.

It took all my self-control to rein in my temper. Drake needing a word with me was the perfect excuse to get out of there and cool off. I don't want to give her the satisfaction of seeing my anger. I don't want her knowing how much her disregard sliced straight into my soul and carved me wide open.

Fuck that.

If she wants me to be a stranger, I’m only too happy to oblige.

“So which would you prefer?” Drake stares at me, waiting for an answer.

I scrub my hands over my face. “Shit, man. My head is all over the place. I didn’t hear a word of what you said.”

“We got a message from Kairos asking if we’re headed back to the island soon. I wanted to verify that was the plan before I let him know.” He wants to know if we’re heading back to our central command in Bermuda. I’ve been away for too long, and now that I have Isa, it’s time to get back.

“Yeah, put the coordinates in, and let’s get the hell out of here.” It’s safer to get away from the city for a few days. I’ve now got the Russians and the Italians hunting for me.

“Sounds good, Captain. I’ll let the guys below know to push off.” Drake gets to it, flipping switches and radioing the crew.

Ship navigation systems these days look more like NASA command centers than boats. It makes everything that much easier so long as the computers cooperate. It also means having a tech guy and an electrical engineer on board are a must because if one of those rare problems does arise, you are fucked without proper help. Drake is our electrical guy and my second, so he often operates the bridge.

We had her fully refueled and restocked with supplies yesterday, which means we can head for the horizon in under an hour.

I roll my shoulders, feeling less volatile and ready to return to my captive. I hear the hum of the engine engage as I’m walking back. That’s the sound of freedom, and it fills me with a lightness I haven’t felt in months. I’ve been on land for too long.

I never imagined I’d develop such a fondness for life on the seas, but it wormed its way into my DNA. Salty air and a clear horizon speak to my soul in ways nothing else can.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” The muffled masculine voice is followed by a woman’s cry, both coming from the rear of my boat.

“You’re hurting me, please let me go.”

Isa.

I bypass the door to the interior cabin and pick up my pace to the back deck where Yannis has Isa clutched tightly by her arms, yanking her away from the guardrail harshly enough to bruise her.

I’m instantly livid.

I charge at him, knife already in my hand like a second skin.

Yannis’s eyes round at the sight of my fury. He releases her as my blade rises to his throat—not to kill. This is a warning. He and everyone on this boat will know in a matter of minutes that no one is to lay a finger on Isa.

“Sir, she was about to jump overboard,” he sputters, chin lifted and eyes pleading.

“I don’t care what she’s doing. You or anyone else harm a hair on her head, and it will be the last thing you ever do. Am I clear?” I speak with deadly calm to ensure he understands I mean every goddamn word.

“Yes, sir.” He tries to nod, then stops when he feels the prick of my blade. I hold it there a few heartbeats longer, then slowly release him and turn to Isa. She’s watching me with wide eyes as though seeing me for the first time.

That’s right, buttercup. I’m not the man you thought you knew.

“You’re coming with me.” I take her hand and tug her behind me toward the interior stairs. It’s time she and I talk. Alone.