Jane

What do you mean, he’s already gone?” Linda demands, her mouth hanging open in shock and disbelief. Mere moments ago she’d been telling me how happy she was with Eric, and now she looked as if her entire world had been turned on its head.

There was an earlier boat departing, Ethan explains wearily, gesturing towards a ship steaming out of the harbor. And he thought you would try to go with him if you knew.

So he just left me?” Linda gasps, sounding as if the words are catching in her throat. “He might be going to his death and he left me without even saying goodbye?”

I’m sorry, Linda.” Ethan professes, his deep voice full of sympathy. “He wanted to protect you, that’s all.”

I wince, knowing how well this announcement will be received. Somehow men never seem to learn that making decisions for their mates under the guise of protection never goes over well. Sure enough, Linda’s hands curl into fists as her cheeks flush scarlet, but she stomps away down the dock, having enough sense not to explode at Ethan.

I immediately try to go after her, but Ethan catches me around the waist. Not so fast, you.

How are you feeling?

Well enough to go talk her down. I state simply, not turning to face Ethan for fear of letting him see how pale I am. “Let me handle this, can you get the disguises without us?”

I’m not worried about the disguises, I’m worried about you.” Ethan corrects, trying to get me to look him in the eye. I don’t like leaving you alone when you’ve been so sick.”

Il be okay.” I promise, starting to lose my patience. “It’s just a bit of seasickness and Linda needs me.”

Says the woman who insisted she was dying a few days ago.” Ethan sighs, releasing me. “All right. We’ll plan to meet back here then? In half an hour?”

“Deal.” I agree, but I’m already following Linda.

When I find her, curled up in the windowsill of a seaside shop and glaring at everyone who passes by, I can tell she’s on the verge of tears.

honey.” I tell my friend. “What can

there’s anywhere on this island to find a stiff drink?” Linda

it.” I say, though the idea of alcohol makes my insides roil in protest. “Comeon,” I encourage, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and pulling her up, “let’s go

sorrows roll off her tongue freely. “I’ve waited for him for so long.” Linda admits, taking a swig of her drink. “Years! Years of watching him moon over

tried to leave me behind.

and we just bide our time like good little house

know.” I sigh. It’s infuriating, and it isn’t fair. We have

them leave us behind. We won’t let them exclude

pact I’ll gladly make.” I

put it past him if things changed somehow. If the odds shifted out of our favor and he

and make a toast to seal

see him. I can feel him approaching behind me as if his body is an extension

Linda murmurs, eyeing something

answer, trying to

that tells every man in the room I belong to him – as if his mark didn’t already. The modern, independent woman inside

Ethan’s, offering my l!ps for the taking and hoping he won’t notice the tension he’s interrupted. He obliges, extracting

distracting kisses. “Us?” We say in unison, our voices full of abject innocence, we’d

tucking me into his side. “I knew it was a bad idea to leave

you want to

brought this

himself?” Ethan questions,

Nothing.” We chime again.

save me from scheming

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