The Diamond

By Autumn Ives

“You’re looking as tempting as ever, love.”

Arianna’s pistol was out and trained on the familiar voice before her head swung around. “Where’s Dix?”

“Your first mate? Wishing he’d been paying more attention.” Elliot eased against the doorjamb, his towering frame backlit by the flickering torch.

She scowled. Dix would be nothing worse than knocked out, knowing Elliot—her former-lover-turned-rival was both friend and adversary.

“Why are you here?”

He placed his hand over his heart, mocking pain. “You question my motives when my love belongs only to the daughter of the Caribbean’s most notorious pirate.”

He sauntered up to her. His black dreadlocks had grown longer since their last encounter, but his loose shirt, breeches, and leather boots remained the same. Unfortunately, the arrogance which flowed from him in spades never tempered his seductive nature.

Tossing her long, dark braid over her shoulder, Arianna berated herself for her reaction to him while Elliot scanned the cellar. The chests of coins and jewels glinted in the mercurial light, chips in the latest round of their competitive game.

She needed to hunt for the true prize of her father’s diamond. Alone.

“I must thank you for finding this for me, Ari.” His devilish grin widened. “I knew your father’s treasure was hidden on this island, but I didn’t guess he had it holed up beneath his house.”

“Then you should take your half and go,” she prompted, trying to be rid of him. “That is our understanding, yes? My men will even help yours.”

“Such a gracious offer. We’ve come a long way since our time together on your father’s ship, but we both know the real prize at stake.”

Elliot lunged and knocked the gun from her hand. Her back slammed against the stone wall before his dagger pressed to her sternum.

“Where’s the diamond?” he demanded.

“Diamond?” She batted her eyes. “What diamond?”

“The Engagement Diamond. You’ll remember. The most flawless diamond in the world, and the one the Spanish king gave his bride—before your father stole it.”

“Why? Planning to ask for a maiden’s hand?” she drawled. “I’ve no idea. Do you mind sheathing your knife since we both know you won’t really use it?”

Growling, he stepped back. “We’ll search together then. Your father will be on his way.”

“So you plan to give it to me? How sweet.” Arianna dragged the closest chest away from the wall, searching behind it.

Elliot rolled a barrel away from a corner. “Don’t be a fool, Ari. Unless we work together, we’ll both be dead.”

Arianna bristled. While she fought the momentary temptation to put a dagger in his back, a gruff voice sounded from the hall.

“Cap’n?” Dix swayed on his feet, clutching his hand to his head.

“Dix,” she said, “have the men carry the treasure to the ship.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” he replied, beckoning to the others. Heavy footfalls of her and Elliot’s crews echoed as they hefted the cargo up the stairs for their respective boats.

“The rumors are true, then?” Elliot taunted. “You must beg for your supper.”

“At least my crew has never seen the inside of a jail cell.”

“Then you’ve never really lived. Damn, Ari, but the diamond isn’t here.”

“It has to be—”

Click.

Arianna froze.

Beside her, Elliot swore.

She should have brought more men. No doubt, the bastard had been hiding in the house, biding his time until she and Elliot were alone.

Straightening her spine, Arianna faced the man who had orphaned and kidnapped her all those years ago. He hadn’t changed a whit since last she’d seen him, aged not a day. He still had the same greasy ponytail, the same dirty white shirt, and the same green eyes that could terrify the Devil himself.

The stench of stale beer and tobacco accompanied his all-too-familiar voice. “You disappoint me, daughter.”

“Why?” She crossed her arms, her hand brushing the hilt of her dagger. “Because I’m pillaging the spoils of your raids, or because you believe I still haven’t found your most sacred possession?”

“Do you really think you’ll ever find my diamond?”

A gold streak flashed in the darkness as Dix clunked a heavy candlestick over her father’s head. The blackguard crumpled to the floor and lay still.

“Well done, Dix.” Elliot clapped him on the back. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather sail for me? You could have any treasure you want.”

“I already got that deal.” Dix hoisted a cask of rum onto his shoulder. “Cap’n, we’ve got yer father’s men rounded up. Yer beau’s crew helped, too.”

Elliot threw back his head and laughed. “Shall we visit your room upstairs, Ari?”

She snatched up a satchel of coins and swung it over her shoulder with such force that she stumbled over her unconscious father. “Now who’s the fool? You think his men will be restrained for long? Or that every one of them is accounted for? Grab what you need. The Diamond’s not here, for he would never have been so calm otherwise.”

“You ruin all the fun, darling.” Elliot winked.

Arianna spied a stack of off-kilter trunks, a ruby necklace spilling out of the topmost one. She stuffed the necklace down her shirt and nodded at two of her men to grab the chest.

Elliot aimed his pistol at her. “That chest’s going with me.”

“Then take the one beneath it.”

As she brushed past him, he latched onto her, drawing her body close. “One of these days, you’ll be my lady.”

The spark inside her flamed. She hated that he was right. Their destinies were too intertwined for their future to have any other outcome.

His lips claimed hers in a demanding kiss she couldn’t deny. When he pulled away, he whispered his customary vow. “Until we meet again, love.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Autumn Ives started writing at the age of 10. When she’s not busy arguing with the voices in her head, you can find her playing mom, hiking in the woods, or curling up with a good book.

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