Читать книгу In the Tudor Court Collection - Amanda McCabe - Страница 30

Justin was in his cabin, lying on his bed, when Higgins knocked at the door and then entered. He rubbed at his shoulder, which was still sore, looking at his friend with raised brows; it was less than an hour since he had left the bridge to take a muchneeded rest.

‘Is something wrong?’

‘Look-out has just spotted a ship not far ahead of us. It is the Mistress Susanna—Samuel Hynes’s ship. Shall we go after it or let it be?’

‘The Mistress Susanna was one of the ships that attacked the island. We cannot let this chance for retribution pass.’ Justin frowned. ‘My meeting with Sabatini will keep another day for if she is not there…’

His words died away unspoken, because he would not let himself think of what might happen to Maribel if she was not at her father’s house. Samuel Hynes was no better than his cousin had been and would treat her badly.

He would find her even if he had to follow her to England!

‘We shall take the ship. We need to replace the Siren Eater and the men must be itching for a fight. It might be better if Hynes resists.’

‘After what happened on the island you will need to crack the whip, Cap’n, for the men’s blood is up. And you cannot blame them.’

‘We will have no brutality, no wanton killing. Tell the men to chase and attack Hynes’s ship, but when we board her any man caught using unnecessary violence will answer to me.’

Maribel turned as her cabin door opened. They had left Gibraltar that morning and were once more under sail. She was expecting the cabin boy with food and water. He was a Spanish lad named Pedro. He had helped her after she was hurt by Captain Hynes and treated her with respect, but instead of the friendly boy, she saw the man she both feared and hated. Her heart sank; he had a purposeful gleam in his eyes and she knew why he had come.

‘Stay away from me!’ she warned, brandishing her dagger. ‘Come near me and I shall slash my wrists. I would rather die than be your whore.’

‘I thought I had taught you a lesson?’ Samuel moved nearer, watching her warily. ‘If you take your own life, you will burn in hell—is that not your belief?’

‘I do not care!’

‘Oh, but I think you do.’ He took another step closer. Maribel held out her left arm, placing the blade against her white skin. Samuel halted. ‘Do it, then,’ he challenged. ‘Kill yourself.’

‘Do not think I should hesitate…’ She touched the knife to her breast as he moved towards her, then a booming sound from above made him halt. He looked round as the cabin door was flung back and the cabin boy entered.

‘We are being attacked,’ he said, looking frightened. ‘I was sent to fetch you.’

‘Curses! Out of my way, imbecile,’ Samuel growled and pushed past the lad, who looked at Maribel with scared eyes.

‘Is it pirates?’ Maribel asked, her heart thumping. She had prayed that Justin would come after her, but had not believed it would happen ‘Did you see the name of the ship?’

‘I could not see, but the look-out said it was named the Defiance. I was told that we were forced to surrender to these pirates before. The men are nervous and talking of surrender; they fear what may happen if they resist after what was done at the island.’

Maribel’s heart raced as the lad went away. She felt the shudder as the two ships came together and heard the shouting and noise on deck as the pirates boarded. However, she could not hear sounds of fighting and she realised that the crew must have surrendered immediately, hoping that they would be allowed to go free, as they had been once before. She did not know if there was a cargo on board—she had remained in her cabin while they were in port and had no idea what had been loaded in the holds.

She sat on the edge of her bed and waited, and after a little while Pedro came to her. He grinned at her and she realised that he was no longer frightened.

‘Is all well?’ she asked.

‘I was asked if a lady was on board and told to fetch you. The pirates have given quarter to all who surrender and will sail with them; the captain and those who refuse are to be put into a boat with food and water for six days and set adrift. If they return to Gibraltar, they will make land soon enough.’

‘So the ship is not to be returned to its master?’

‘Not this time. It has been taken as a prize and all those who sail with Captain Sylvester will receive their share.’

Maribel nodded. The crew set adrift in a longboat should make shore within the day, for they were not many hours out of Gibraltar. She followed the cabin boy on deck and discovered that some trunks were being taken aboard the Defiance, though it seemed there was no cargo, which was perhaps why the ship was being kept as their prize. She could see no sign of Justin or Captain Hynes, but Higgins was directing the transfer of trunks and men. He smiled as he saw her and came towards her.

‘We were on our way to look for you at Don Sabatini’s house, lady. It was touch and go whether we attacked the ship. I think Providence must have been watching over us.’

‘Yes, I believe you are right.’ Maribel felt her eyes sting with tears. ‘Thank you for rescuing me once more. I am truly grateful—and I am sorry if I have caused you more trouble.’

‘The captain will be glad to get you back,’ Higgins told her with a gentle smile. ‘Just don’t expect him to admit it. He thought you might have run away.’

‘With Captain Hynes?’ Maribel shuddered. ‘I would rather die than live as that man’s whore!’

‘Go below to your own cabin, lady. Anna is waiting for you. She has been worried sick.’

‘Welcome back, lady,’ Anna said as Maribel went to her cabin. ‘I was worried about you. Captain Sylvester was so angry. He thought that you had run away, until Higgins told him you had been kidnapped. I told him you would not run away, but he would not listen to me.’

‘It was so hot in my room and I was restless. I could not sleep and I went outside to get some air. Someone—I think there was more than one—crept up behind me and threw a blanket over me. I struggled and tried to escape, but they were too strong for me.’

‘Have you been harmed?’ Anna looked at her oddly. ‘You were taken captive some days ago…’

‘If you are asking if I was raped, the answer is that Hynes had it in mind to force me, but I defended myself with the knife Peg gave me. I have a bruise on my back where he hit me and I fell.’

‘Let me see. Take off that gown. You will need to wash and change into fresh clothes. I shall—’ She broke off, giving a cry of distress as she saw the bruise on Maribel’s back. ‘Oh, my lady, that looks so sore. That brute deserves to hang for what he has done to you! If Captain Sylvester knew…’

‘You will please not tell him,’ Maribel said. ‘I do not want Hynes’s death on my conscience.’ She saw Anna’s face pale and reached out to her. ‘I did not mean to remind you, my good friend. I shall never forget what you did for me on the island.’

‘I shall fetch you some water,’ Anna said. ‘It may be best to use salt water for that will ease the sting from your bruises.’

Maribel sighed as Anna went away. She felt tired and anxious and her eyes were gritty with the tears she was trying not to shed.

After she had washed all over in the salty water, Maribel rubbed a little of the salve into her back. Her cheek felt tender where Hynes had struck her when she fell and Anna had told her she had a bruise there as well.

She was still in her shift when the cabin door opened abruptly. Giving a little cry, she grabbed her shawl and held it against her as the man came in.

‘Oh…it is you…’ She stared at Justin, feeling vulnerable and unsure of him. She had been told he was very angry with her. ‘I was just about to dress.’

‘Your pardon, Madonna.’ Justin’s eyes were on her bare arms. Her soft olive-toned flesh was firm and sweet, her hair loose on her shoulders. He felt a rush of desire and it took all his strength of will not to grab her and take her to the bed. ‘I did not think…forgive me. I shall turn my back while you put on your gown.’

‘Thank you.’ Maribel reached for a loose wrapping gown, tying the sash about her waist. Her heart was racing wildly, her head raised proudly. ‘I am decent now, sir.’

Justin turned and looked at her. ‘I came to see if you had all you needed. We have a long voyage ahead of us. I believe all your things were brought across from the island, but you must tell me if something is missing—it may be in the hold.’

‘I have not looked, but I believe I have all I need, thank you,’ Maribel said. She frowned. ‘You took the ship captive this time and set her captain adrift?’

‘The ship is the price for the crew’s freedom, lady. My men were angry because of what happened on the island. I persuaded them to let Hynes and his officers go, but it went against the grain with some of them. I have given Hynes a message for your father.’

‘Yes, of course. I understand. What happened on the island was wicked and unpardonable. I regret that I was the cause of so much pain and suffering.’

‘It was not your fault, Maribel. I told you of the treasure map?’ She nodded, looking at him enquiringly. ‘I have destroyed it. Hynes told me that your father threatened to hang Hendry unless he led your father’s ships to the island. But the Defiance was not there and he thought I was with the ship, so he destroyed what he could in revenge for what I had stolen from him.’

‘Then it was for the map. Do you think it was the only one in existence?’

‘I thought at first that there must be other copies. However, when we were at Mallorca, your father sent word that he would trade for the map…’ Justin frowned. ‘Hendry did not know where I intended to go next. He thought I might head for Cyprus. When I told him to rendezvous at the island I gave away my plans…and that was what your father wanted all the time…the map and revenge.’

‘Yes, he wanted revenge.’ Maribel shuddered, her throat tight. ‘I know now that he never cared what became of me. He told Captain Hynes he could have me and do as he would with me. I think he hoped for my death, but…Hynes wanted to marry me for my fortune. He…would have raped me, but I managed to stop him…’ She caught back a sob.

‘The brute. Had I known, I would have hanged him from the yard-arm!’ He moved towards her, stopping as she flinched. ‘What did he do to you? You did not leave with him willingly?’

‘No! How could you even think it?’ Maribel hesitated, then untied her wrap and drew it back, lifting her bodice to show him the purple bruise on her back. ‘This is what he did to me when I refused him; there are other smaller bruises on my arms.’

‘And on your cheek, I think…’ Justin took her chin in his hand, turning her face to look at the swelling that had begun to turn dark red. ‘Had I known of this, I should not have been so lenient with him. Next time we meet he will not fare so well!’ His eyes dwelled on her, hungry and yet oddly tender. ‘Cover yourself, Madonna. I am sorry you have been treated so ill.’

‘It was not your fault. You warned me not to venture outside at night alone and I ignored your advice.’ She caught back the sob that almost broke her. ‘Forgive me. When we first met, I called you such terrible names and you never treated me ill.’

‘You must not cry.’ Justin smiled at her. ‘You are safe now. I shall not let harm come to you again. Very soon now you will be in England with your mother’s family. You will be a lady again, living as you ought—I believe your uncle is a good man.’

‘No, I shall not cry,’ Maribel said, blinking back her tears. ‘I am being foolish. I am safe now and, as you say, I shall soon be with my mother’s family.’

In a few short weeks she would be in England. Perhaps then all the nightmares of the past months would be forgotten. She could return to being the lady she had been before she left Spain for the first time. It was what she had wanted from the start—to be with her mother’s family. So why did she feel that her heart was breaking?

‘Captain Sylvester says we are sailing under a fair wind and you may come on deck whenever you wish,’ Anna said as she entered the cabin the next morning. ‘If the weather continues to be good, you will be in England within a week or two.’

‘Yes, I expect so.’ Maribel got to her feet. She draped a lace shawl about her shoulders and went on deck. Her gown was one of the lightweight ones that Justin had given her. The heavy, elaborate gowns her father had sent as her trousseau lay unused in the chests in which they had been packed. Maribel preferred the simpler style of gown she had become used to on the island. Her Spanish clothes seemed outdated and ugly and she did not enjoy wearing them, though she might have to when she reached England—she had been told it was much colder than Spain.

What would her mother’s family be like? Would they welcome her to their home? Justin had given her letters from her uncle to her mother. He spoke in fond terms and asked if she were well many times. It seemed that he had received no answer to his letters, though he had continued to write until her mother’s death.

She pushed the fears and doubts concerning her relatives to the back of her mind. In a few days she would part from Justin, never to see him again—and it was breaking her heart. She did not want to leave him, nor did she wish to become a fine lady again; all that had changed on the island and she knew she could never be as she had been before her capture. If her mother’s family took her in, she would be forced to live as they directed, behaving as a high-born lady and never knowing the freedom she had tasted on the island. She would never see Justin again. How could she bear it?

Was there any way she could change her destiny? Maribel’s thoughts had been going round and round in her mind ever since she had been rescued for the second time. She was no longer the proud and sometimes cold lady she had been when she first sailed for England. Her life had changed the day she was taken captive the first time, and her experiences on the island had moulded her into a different woman. The fear and revulsion she had experienced at Captain Hynes’s hands had made her realise how fortunate she had been to be taken captive by a man like Justin. She had called him a pirate, but he was a truly generous and gentle man despite his harsh looks when he was angry. When she had thought she might never see him again she had realised just how much he had come to mean to her. She loved him with all her heart, her mind and body. How could she bear it when the time came to part for ever?

It was fresh and cooler on deck than it had been in her cabin. Maribel took a turn round the deck, then went to the prow, looking out to sea. The sky was blue and appeared endless. Far away in the distance it seemed to end where the sky met the sea on the horizon; it was this strange phenomenon that had made people believe that the earth was flat until brave explorers began to prove that it was not so. She knew that it was a Spanish King who had funded the expedition that found a way to the West Indies and the New World, proving that the world was round and that it was not possible to fall off the edge.

Maribel wrinkled her brow. Anna and Higgins had such exciting plans for the future and they were willing to take risks. Was there really a chance of a better life in the New World? She knew that men like her father had used it only for the silver and precious things to be found there, stealing its resources and ill treating its inhabitants—but were there truly other men who chose to live in this New World? What kind of men were they?

‘Why so pensive, Maribel?’

Justin’s voice made her swing round to gaze at him.

‘You are safe now. Once we are in England you must forget all that happened on the island—and what that beast did to you.’

‘Would you have me forget everything that happened on the island?’ Her eyes sought his. ‘I thought for a moment…that day, on the other side of the island near the falls, before Higgins fired the warning shot…’ She stopped, cheeks burning.

‘What did you think, Maribel?’ Justin’s gaze was deep blue like the ocean and it held her fast. ‘Tell me.’

‘I thought perhaps there might be some other way…’ She shook her head and turned from him. His eyes promised so much, but he did not love her. He would have spoken before this if he truly cared what became of her. ‘It does not matter.’

‘Does it not?’ His voice was deep, husky with passion. ‘I believe you fought Pike because you were afraid for my life. Anna fetched the pistol because she knew he was too strong for you—but you stood your ground with just a knife. Why did you do that?’

‘I could not let him kill you.’

‘Why?’

She whirled round to face him. ‘Will you have it all? Will you shame me? I could not bear that you should die because—’

Justin reached for her, pulling her close. His mouth stopped her from confessing it all, his kiss so demanding that she melted into his body, almost swooning with pleasure. Heat pooled inside her, making her moan with wanting. When he let her go at last, she looked at him, touching her fingers to her lips, eyes wide and searching.

‘Why did you do that?’

‘Because I want you more than you will ever know. I am not worthy of you, Maribel. I have no right to ask you to be mine. You are a lady and you will make a good marriage to a man whose hands are not stained with blood, a man who does not live under the shadow of crimes that are punishable by death.’

‘Supposing I do not wish to marry this man whose hands are white and soft because he has never lifted one finger for himself?’

Justin laughed softly. ‘Is this the proud Spanish lady I first captured? I think you have changed, Maribel.’

‘Of course I have changed.’ She held out her hands, showing him the ridges that had been caused by hard work. ‘I have learned what it is to work if I want to eat—and I should not want to become the lady I was.’

‘But you must.’ His expression was serious. ‘What else can you do?’

Maribel stared at him. Tears were brimming and she felt like screaming. Why could he not see? Why would he not love her as she loved him?

‘You are impossible! An arrogant, stupid…pirate!’

She ran from him, not heeding his cry. He called her name, but she would not look back. Her heart was breaking, because she knew there was nothing she could do but return to England and hope that her family would take her in.

Rushing down the iron ladder that led below decks, she entered her cabin and flung herself down on the bed, covering her face with her hands as the tears broke. Her life was ruined and all because he had stolen her heart with his kisses and his bold looks. Why had he kissed her so if he did not love her?

‘Maribel. You must not weep for me. I am not worthy of you.’

‘Go away. I hate you!’ she cried without looking round.

‘It would be much better if you did hate me.’

‘Do you imagine I love you?’ She raised her tear stained face, blazing with anger. ‘You are an arrogant, stupid—’

‘Pirate,’ he finished for her and laughed. ‘You have told me so many times that you do not like pirates. How can you love a pirate, Maribel?’

The softness in his voice broke her. She rolled over and got to her feet, flying at him in a temper. Her fists beat against his chest until he caught them, his eyes gleaming with humour as he looked down at her. She wanted to weep and scream, but most of all she wanted to be kissed.

‘I don’t love you. I hate you.’

‘Liar…’ Justin bent his head, his lips caressing hers softly. ‘You know you want me, my sweet, beautiful temptress. You know that you have driven me to the edge with your smiles and your beauty, but I swore that I would not take you unwillingly.’ His fingers brushed against her breasts and her flesh tingled beneath the silken material. Her body swayed towards him, heat building deep inside her as she felt the need sweep through her.

‘Justin…’ Her lips parted on a sigh. ‘I am not unwilling. You must know it. You took me captive, but for a long, long time I have been your willing captive. Surely you knew?’

‘Perhaps…’ His hand caressed her cheek, his voice husky, throbbing with desire. ‘I want you so much, but I am not worthy of you, my love.’

‘You are a wicked pirate,’ she said, her breath catching on a sob or a laugh. ‘But I want you…I love you. Make love to me, Justin, for I cannot bear it if you do not. Your kisses lit a fire in me, but you did nothing more.’

‘Only because I gave my word. You must know that I burn for you? You have kept me restless in my bed many a night.’

‘Justin…’ she breathed, moving closer, offering herself. ‘Make me yours. I am asking you. Please, make me your own…love me.’

Justin gave a little moan; reaching for her hand, he led her back to the bed and sat down, pulling her down beside him. For a moment he sat looking into her lovely face, then he reached out and drew a finger over her lips, tracing their fullness.

‘You have such a sensuous mouth. It begs for kisses.’

He leaned towards her, bending his head so that their mouths touched. His kiss was soft at first, setting little butterflies of sensation winging down her spine; then, he pulled her to him, holding her so that her sensitised breasts pressed against his chest, his kiss intensifying, becoming hungry and demanding.

‘My love,’ he murmured in a voice made deep by passion. ‘Let me look at you without these clothes, pretty as they are.’ His fingers pulled at the lacings at the back of her gown, loosening them. As the bodice came free he pushed it down over her shoulders. Maribel unfastened the hooks that held her skirts in place and let them slide down over her hips. Now she was clad only in a shift made of such fine material that the pale tones of her flesh showed through. He touched the bruises, which had begun to fade. ‘Do these still hurt you?’

‘A little, but I do not mind them. Do not fear to touch me. I have longed for this moment so many nights.’

Justin smiled down at her. ‘So beautiful, but I want to see you.’

With a swift upward movement, he tugged the shift over her head, his eyes feasting on the glorious body revealed to his eyes. Maribel was slender but full breasted, her nipples pink and pert as he leaned towards her, stroking first one and then the other with his tongue. She sighed with pleasure as his hands cupped her breasts and he buried his face against them, breathing in her scent and using his tongue to give her pleasure. Her body was melting in the heat of his desire, no longer her own to control. She gave a cry of intense pleasure as he licked his way between her breasts, down her navel to the damp moist hair that covered her femininity.

‘You smell gorgeous…’ he murmured huskily, his hands on her buttocks, pulling her in closer so that he could inhale her. His tongue seemed to set off little explosions of sensation within her, making her weak with desire so that she moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair and working at the back of his neck.

‘Let me see you,’ she said urgently, and reached for his shirt, ripping at the ties so urgently that it tore and he laughed at her impatience. He took it in his hands and ripped it apart, shrugging it off. Maribel drew a shuddering breath. ‘I thought you were beautiful when I saw you chopping the wood. I should have liked to do this…’ Her hands smoothed over his back, making him shudder and cry out. She pressed her mouth to his shoulder, sucking at him and then nipping him with her sharp white teeth. ‘I want to taste you…’ she murmured.

‘Little witch…’ he muttered hoarse with desire.

He bent to tug off his long boots, then stood and released his breeches. Maribel reached out, pushing them down over his hips so that they fell to the floor and he kicked them away. Now they were both naked. Her eyes feasted on his slim hips and strong thighs, then moved to the male glory that was fully erect and ready for her. She reached out to touch him, her hand stroking that part of him with tentative fingers. His manhood seemed to move and pulsate beneath her touch and she laughed as she heard his indrawn breath of rapture.

‘Does that please you?’ she asked, her eyes holding an appeal she was not aware of. ‘I want to please you, Justin, but I am not sure…’

‘But you were married?’ His eyebrows arched. ‘What are you telling me…have you not been with a man this way?’ She shook her head and he frowned.

‘My husband was a boy. He did not love me in this way, but as his childhood friend.’

‘You should have told me. I thought…but you are virgin…’

Maribel reached out, catching his wrist, as he would have moved away. ‘No, do not leave me now, I beg you. I want to be yours, Justin. I want to know how to please you, but you must teach me.’

‘You are certain?’ His eyes glowed with blue fire, searing her, his gaze searching deep into her soul. ‘You want this truly?’

‘I love you,’ she said and lay down on the bed, gazing up at him trustingly. ‘Show me how to be the woman you need.’

Justin hesitated, then sat down on the bed. He bent his head to kiss her, his mouth trailing kisses down her smooth navel. His tongue flicked at the inside of her thighs as he parted her legs, then moved to the moist heat of her femininity. He flicked at her delicately so that she whimpered and arched her back towards him, her body begging for more of the exquisite pleasure he gave her.

His hand caressed her throat and then her breasts. He lay beside her, pressing his flesh to hers so that their mutual heat flared as they kissed, tongues touching, flicking, tasting each other’s sweetness. Maribel was quivering, her back arching at each touch as she whimpered and moaned, crying his name as he moved to cover her with his body.

She felt the heat of his manhood pressing against her and instinctively opened wide to accommodate the thick, thrusting shaft that pushed up inside her with sudden urgency. The pain was sharp as he broke through her hymen, but her cry of pain was smothered by kisses so sweet that she almost swooned with love for him. When he withdrew she reached for him, wanting him back inside her, wanting to feel him thrust deeper and deeper into her moist centre. Her body moved with his, her nails unconsciously scoring the smooth flesh on his shoulders as she lost all control and screamed his name aloud over and over again.

She felt his fluids come inside her and then his face was buried against her neck. His body was slick with sweat, as was hers. She stroked the back of his neck, tears trickling down her cheeks as she held him. For a few moments he lay still, his face pressed against her, then he raised his head and looked at her.

‘Why are you crying?’

‘Because you made me feel so wonderful.’

‘I didn’t hurt you?’ He looked contrite. ‘Your bruises still pain you. I was too impatient.’

‘No, no, I wanted you as much as you wanted me.’

‘Yet I hurt you?’

‘A little just at first. I suspect it is always that way.’

‘I have never taken a virgin before,’ Justin said and touched her face. He looked regretful. ‘I did not think you virgin when I teased you so unmercifully, Maribel. Forgive me?’

‘There is nothing to forgive. You were as gentle with me as you could be. Besides, it was what I wanted.’

Justin rolled on to his back. ‘Your husband must have been very young.’

‘My own age, sixteen when we wed, barely seventeen when he died. Why do you ask that?’ She turned her head on the pillow to look at him.

‘I cannot imagine why a man of any age would not want to lie with you, Maribel. Even Tom was in love with you—the poor lad.’

‘Poor Tom.’ Maribel raised herself on one arm to gaze down at him. ‘I think Pablo was perhaps not as other men—not as you are, Justin. I loved him dearly but I see now that we were friends, or close like sister and brother perhaps.’

‘Yes, perhaps.’ Justin sat up and reached for his breeches, pulling them on and then his boots. His shirt was too torn to wear and he grinned as he tossed it to her. ‘Perhaps you would mend this for me?’

‘Of course…’ She sat up, her long hair falling forward over her breasts. ‘I am yours to command, Justin. Your woman, your—’

‘No! Not whore, never that,’ he said and frowned. ‘When we reach England I shall take you to your mother’s family, Maribel…Nay, do not look so. I mean not to abandon you, my love. I must discover how the land lies. I shall wed you, Maribel, but things have altered now.’

‘You will wed me? But you said…you wished only for a mistress.’

‘I said many foolish things in my pride. I can never let you go. You must be my wife, but I cannot expect you to live as we have lived these past months. You must have a home worthy of you.’

‘Surely you know that I would live anywhere with you?’

‘We can never return to the island, nor would I wish that kind of a life for you. You are a lady, gently born. You deserve the life you were born for. I shall strive to give you all that you should have by rights. It may take some time—I must clear my name if I can, though I fear it may not be possible.’ His expression was serious. ‘If I am not welcome at my home it may be that we shall have to live elsewhere. I have money despite the loss of two ships. There is money held by the goldsmiths in London that was left for me by my great-grandfather, who died just after I was born. We may have to live in France or Italy, but I promise I will make a home worthy of you, my darling.’

‘I shall be content to be with you wherever we live.’

‘Yet I know that I can never be worthy of you. I wish…’ He shook his head and smiled oddly. ‘The past is gone. We may both regret things that were, but we shall have no regrets. We shall look to the future and it will be good for us.’

‘Yes…it will be good for us.’

Something in his eyes caused a shiver to run down her spine. He was so urgent, so grim. What wasn’t he telling her?