The Captain's Pearl Read Online Free PDF Page B

to get you out of here.”
    She pointed in the opposite direction. “Mother’s house is this way.”
    â€œFirst we’ll get you away. Then I’ll come back for her. I promise.”
    â€œBut—”
    He framed her face in his hands. “Lian, a Catherwood never breaks a promise.”
    Slowly she nodded. Even if he was a Yang Kuei-tzÅ­ , she could not doubt his fervency. A Catherwood never breaks a promise . Yes, that was what Mother had taught her.
    Bodies pressed on her from every direction as they walked through the crowded street. If they were stopped, she could be sent back to Sun Niang—or to death. Again and again she looked over her shoulder. Where was Bryce? They should not have left him to face Sun Niang alone. If Bryce was killed, she would never be able to savor his fiery touch again. She shook her head. Was she crazy? Whether he lived or died, she must never allow him to treat her like a whore again.
    Davis pulled her down an alley. Sudden pain speared her foot. When she yelped, Davis asked, “What’s wrong?”
    She gasped as she raised her foot. A spot of blood revealed she had stepped on broken glass which glistened in the faint light.
    â€œCan you walk?”
    â€œOf course.
    He patted her arm. “Good. Let’s wait for Bryce. He should be along any—”
    Bryce burst into the alley at a run. Pushing his hair back from his eyes, he called, “They’re on my tail. Angry as wet bees!”
    Davis swore. “Lian has hurt her foot.”
    â€œThey’re coming fast.” He pointed to the harbor. “Go, Captain. I’ll bring her.”
    â€œBryce, I—”
    â€œCaptain, the ship needs you more than me.”
    Davis did not argue. Urging Lian to do the best she could, he vanished into the shadows.
    Lian turned at a shout. Men were racing toward them.
    Bryce caught her arm. “Run! What in hell are you waiting for?”
    When he pulled a pistol from beneath his coat, she moaned. He and Davis could be sentenced to death for having a gun here. Then she realized they had nothing to lose. By stealing her, her brother had put more at risk than his cargo and his ship.
    She forgot her sore foot as she tried to keep up with Bryce. Maybe he was hoping to lose her. He had warned that he would leave her behind if something went wrong. Beneath her right rib, her breath tightened on each step.
    He seized her arm again and tugged her behind a stack of chests which might have contained tea or silk or opium. “Don’t move!”
    â€œBryce—”
    â€œShut up!” He raced away, half a dozen men chasing him into the darkness.
    She took a silent breath. Any sound could betray her. Sitting on her heels, she waited for Bryce to return. Would he? As five minutes passed, then ten, then fifteen, she began to fear he had left her. She drew the heavy cape around her to keep herself invisible. She should go to Mother. But what then? Mother could not protect her from Mother’s Younger Brother.
    Lian was yanked her to her feet. She started to shriek, but a hand clamped over her lips. Ripping one arm free, she tried to claw at the fingers gagging her.
    â€œCooperate, you little fool,” growled Bryce, as he whirled her to face him. In rapid Cantonese, he outlined the path they must take to the harbor. “Stay close. I would not want to shoot you by mistake.”
    At his low laugh, she stiffened. He would be glad to get rid of her. When he tugged on her again, she ran with him from shadow to shadow. The lights in the nearby buildings pooled on the ground, waiting to expose them. She matched her steps to Bryce’s cautious ones. Although she despised his arrogance, she had to admire his dedication to his captain’s orders.
    He pulled her into an open space near the docks. Her cloak loosened. Before she could capture it, it fluttered off.
    â€œForget it!” His next words were swallowed by an explosion.
    Lian