Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Forty Nine

Sebastian and Jake later escorted Alana to her home that night. He saw the fear in her eyes when he had explained the circumstances regarding her sister, Jake had used that fear as a sort of persuasion to earn the lady's trust. Smity had also sing his praises to the lady as well, strengthening that trust, when she learned of his connection to the father of her child. Jake never knew that his first mate had thoughts about leaving his ship to start a family. It seems all so selfish but he had imaged both of them at sea for at least a couple more years, losing Smity, the only sane and innocent person aboard his ship never crossed his mind. They had shared the same believes—the love of sailing but Alana seems to have changed Smity's mind, made him long for something that the ship could never offer.

He sighed audibly as they climb the stairs of the abandoned inn, the zigzagging between dark alleys and eerie quietness of the location strengthen his decision regarding the lady's safety. Edward and his wife would welcome her with open arms and since his wife and the lady had something in common—they were both with child. He knew they would become much acquainted, who lady wouldn't want someone of the same sex and circumstances to converse and gossip with? Not to mention the protection the soldiers during the war.

"She's very quick on her feet for a lady that's so heavily with child." Sebastian murmur beside him as they try to keep up with Alana. She disappeared down a narrow hallway, leaving the lights of the moonlight and stars behind. They heard a door creaked opened and soon lanterns were lit before they step inside the clustered room.

"Please," Alana said, softly. "You may have a seat, while I grab a few things." She disappeared behind a curtain that serves as a makeshift door. They took in their surroundings. The invitation for a seat was more in a way of if they could find space on the chaise longue and a French settee which was filled with clothes and costumes. They were the only pieces of furniture that sat upon the tapestry rug which was equally filled with discarded clothes. Jake was pleased that she wasn't going to stay here any longer. This was no place to raise a child and by the looks of this place, the theatre wasn't paying much money to help maintain the actress and her sister's lifestyle. A thought suddenly came to his mind, if Amera got compensated for the act she displayed before the king, why had she not moved to a better place?

Sebastian's footsteps echoed off the floor as he took a pensive look around, he was just about to pick a blue necklace off the ground when Alana emerged. He straightens immediately, giving her a soft smile which she returned, reaching for the necklace. "It doesn't cost much but it means something to me."

Jake smirked at Sebastian's lifted brow. "Are you ready Miss Alana?" He asked.

With hesitant steps, she came to stand before him. "You promise you will not hurt Amera and send her to find me?" Behind her shimmering eyes, held sternness.

Jake nodded.

"I feel so terrible doing this-- leaving without her." She continued meekly.

"Miss Alana, I assure you your sister will be safe and would be following behind as soon as we finish speaking to her." He took the trunk from her and proceeded to guide her back down the stairs leaving Sebastian behind. They walked briskly towards the awaiting carriage, one of the Spanish soldiers, open the door and Jake took her hand helping her inside.

She took a seat, squeezing his hand firmly. "Lord Clairwood, You would bring Ben back to me. I have every faith that you would." Blue eyes shone up at him, with so much trust that Jake inhale a shaky breath.

"Thank you, Miss Alana and my cousin would take very good care of you." His fingers brushed lightly at her bruised knuckled with a frowned. "You wouldn't have to work again."