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

Chapter Sixty Four

"Enjoy your limited hours, dear cousin, I'll be back at dawn." Jake eyebrows creased at the close door before turning to view the dark room, wondering what on earth, he was supposed to enjoy in such a place. Stephen was indeed insane, leaving him guessing and in bewilderment at every encounter. What the devil was happening at dawn? Was it his execution? An early breakfast? He sighed, the man's emotions were a turmoil, unbelievable! After his near death experience hours ago, Jake had expected, cruelty and anger from his cousin not...this? Moving further into the room, he thought about finding a nice corner to think, for sleep would not come tonight. Gabrielle and the Prince should be on the island by now...if the rain didn't slow them. His knee collided with something very hard, Jake conjured all the curse words, he had ever known in his life.

His hands reached out to trace the object of his hate. A blasted chair!

"Wwho's there?" The whispered echoed throughout the stilled darkness.

Jake's heart leaped in his chest at first he thought, it was his imagination until the person spoke again. "Just make yourself known, I am done playing these games...I am not afraid of you anymore."

"Samantha!" A smile lit his face and he cautiously moved towards the voice. "Samantha are you still there?" She had gone silence once again.

"Jake? Is that really you?" he heard the tremble in her voice; disbelieve and relief.

"Yes, keep talking."

"I'm under the window, it's covered with boards." She started pounding on what Jake suspect was board from the window. He soon make out her tiny frame and rush to sweep her up in his arms.

"Oh, Jake it really is you!" She began to sob in his arms. Harsh body shaking sobs as if everything that had happen over the weeks had hit her at once. Jake took a seat on the floor, nestling her in his lap, closing his eyes to stop the tears from flowing, he held her familiarizing himself once again with her body and vanilla scent. How is it that she still smell like that? It must be his imagination, for he had craved such a scent for months.

"I am so glad, that no harm had come to you." At that he felt her stiffen in his arms and pulled her away slightly. "Samantha, they didn't---" he cupped her cheeks, looking in her eyes in the darkness, they sparkled, like stars. Moonlight suddenly filtered through the window, brightening her feature, her skin was as radiant as he remembered, lips slightly wobbling from the aftermath of her sobs, but they didn't lost their rosy pink shine and was just as kissable. Her nose, thank the heavens weren't crocked and still held that stubborn, cute streak.

Dreading the answer that followed, he sigh pressing his forehead to hers. "Did they hurt you Samantha?"

She knew what he was asking and shook her head. "No." slowly he lifted his gaze to stare at her in astonishment. "Stephen thought I was your wife," He ignore the blush that crept on her face and the warmth in his chest. "..And it saved me from the crew. Jake," her eyes suddenly narrowed. "This isn't the sort of rescuing I expected. How are we going to get out of here when you are captured as well?"

"The prince is here, anchored on the other side of the island, they should reach this place soon." Her skin was cold on his fingers as he reached out to cup her cheeks.

"Oh thank, god." She breathed a sigh of relieve. Hands climbing to tighten on his wrist.

"Tell me are the others safe as well?"

She nodded. "They are being held in a small cottage not far from here."

He smiled, grateful for that news. Samantha was pulled into another embrace and they stayed like that for a long moment. "I'm sorry, for failing my duties to protect you." He rub at her back, slowing running his palms along it in a soothing manner, ignoring how her arms suddenly tighten around his neck at the gesture. "I hope you'll forgive me."