The Red Siren by M. L. Tyndall Page B

wound worth the pain for your sake.” Amusement heightened his voice.
      Faith eyed him curiously, finding surprising enjoyment in their repartee.
      “I must return to the ship for a few hours,” he said. “Afterward, I shall be in the guesthouse should you have need of me.”
      “And pray tell, why would I have need of you?”
      Cocking a brow, he gave her a condescending look. “Simply promiseme, Miss Westcott, that you will stay put and not go strolling through the streets at night again.”
      “You can hardly blame me for what happened,” she snapped. “Good heavens, ’twas you who forced me onward with your insulting comments. I simply wished to return home in peace.”
      “What insulting…” He sighed and scratched his jaw. “In any case, you should not be so surprised if you draw the wrong sort of attention. Only unscrupulous women wander the streets at night.”
      “Why, Mr. Waite.” She pressed a hand to her bosom. “I am quite overcome with your concern.” She fluttered her lashes again but this time with every intent to appear as silly as she felt.
      He broke into a grin as he lengthened his stance. “I daresay, Miss Westcott, you have me quite befuddled. I do not know whether you are trying to allure me with your charms or stab me with your words.”
      Faith cocked her head and considered which strategy she indeed preferred. “Perhaps both.”
      A wicked playfulness danced across his eyes. “Until tomorrow.” He bowed, slapped his bicorn atop his head, and walked away.
      Faith entered the house and slammed the oak door then leaned against it with a sigh. What was she doing? Her plan had been to get home as soon as possible, not engage in witty banter with a man who obviously found her company disagreeable. Not that she wasn’t accustomed to that. Her tall stature, intelligent wit, and independent mannerisms never failed to keep suitors at bay. But what did she care?
      Confusion trampled over the new feelings rising within her. At least her day had not been a total loss, for she had learned the whereabouts of a treasure ship, and that alone was well worth enduring the captain’s company.
      “And where have you been?” Edwin crashed into the room, wringing his hands.
      “Why, you know very well, Edwin, I was with Mr. Waite.” Faith sashayed into the room.
      “He should inform me when he will have you home past dark,” Edwin huffed.
      “I shall be sure to tell him the next time I see him.”
      “Very well.” The lines etched in his ruddy face deepened. “I should inform you that Miss Hope went missing most of the day as well.”
      Alarm knotted Faith’s stomach, but she couldn’t show Edwin herconcern. No doubt the jittery steward would go running to Mr. Waite with the news. “I am sure she was here. Perhaps she was just avoiding you, Edwin. You worry too much.” But Faith well knew her sister’s propensity for wayward adventures—one that had become a perpetual thorn in Faith’s side. While Faith risked her life to ensure a future for Hope, her sister was intent on destroying it. “Is she here now?” Faith’s breath halted as she awaited his reply.
      “Yes, miss.”
      “Then all is well.”
      Edwin released a big sigh that shook his sagging jowls. “I knew there would be problems.” He turned on his heels and headed toward the back of the house. His whiny voice faded down the hallway. “I told the admiral. I warned him.”
      At the sound of footsteps, Faith looked up to see Lucas creeping into the entrance hall. “I wanted to make sure ye survived the day with the cap’n.”
      “That I did, Lucas.” Winking, she grabbed the banister and whispered, “We set sail at dawn.”
      “Do ye know of a ship to