The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,107

gratitude. If ever she decides to claim it, you will make good on it. You can take your sack of shite chieftain and return to Dunluce,” Kyle granted them. “But you would do well to curb Dónal’s power. Aidan will kill all of you in your sleep and take his son, raising Sean as a pirate. He cares not for Lizzie or any of MacDonnells. She’s a convenience, just as Moira was. When he decides he no longer needs you or wants your connection, he will sever your heads to sever your ties. Mark my words. Aidan O’Flaherty will be the death of your clan if you let Dónal make the decisions.”

Kyle raised the tip of his sword again as if it were an extension of a wagging finger. He noticed several nodding heads before the MacDonnells backed away from the pirates. Kyle and Keith watched them go with arms crossed and matching smirks. Just before the MacDonnells turned toward their ships, the twins offered them mocking waves goodbye. Kyle turned to Keith.

“I need to find Moira.”

Thirty-Three

Moira watched in confusion as the MacDonnells boarded their ships. She could hear her brother’s curses even from this distance. His oaths that he would get revenge on Kyle and Keith reassured her that the twins were alive. But she didn’t understand how Dónal was not dead. She didn’t expect Kyle to offer him any mercy. Her mind raced with explanations.

Perhaps he intends to follow and attack once we are at sea. Maybe he wishes to put Dónal adrift. How I would love to see that. When did I become so bloodthirsty? That’s not a particularly Christian thought, Moira. But it is an honest one. Why couldn’t he just die? Everyone would be far better off without him.

Moira observed the last of the MacDonnells as they climbed the ladders after releasing the lines that kept them secured to the docks. It wasn’t long before all five ships were under sail and sliding out of the harbor. She looked around the docks, but she saw none of the men from the Lady Charity or the Lady Grace. None stood watch by a dinghy. None approached. The longer she waited, the more her apprehension grew.

Maybe something did happen to Kyle, and that’s why they haven’t come back. Should I check? No. Kyle was clear I’m not to leave my place unless he or Keith or Tomas or Snake Eye come for me. I have enough punishments ahead of me. I don’t need to add one more, and I don’t need to get lost along the way. He’ll be livid if he has to search for me. Livid and frightened. I don’t want to do that to him. I just want to go home. If he wishes to punish me tonight, I’ll be ready and welcome it. But I would be just as happy to curl up against him in our bunk. “Our.” He called the bunk ours. The Lady Charity is home, and I want nothing more than to be there with Kyle.

Moira peeked around the crates once more and saw a man hurrying along the dock toward her. She knew the build and the features. Relief swept over her as she stood and moved around the crates, running toward the pirate approaching her. But once she was close enough to see him clearly, she stopped.

“What is it, Moira?”

Moira shook her head as she looked over his shoulder, straining to see who else approached. She took a step back, her brow furrowed.

“Sweet one, you’re safe now. We can go home. Will you not come with me?”

“You’re not Kyle, Keith,” Moira said as she narrowed her eyes. “Don’t call me that.”

“Moira, come now. I told you I would find you when it was safe. You must have seen your clansmen leave. We should, too.”

“To the Lady Charity?” Moira asked.

“Where else?”

Moira shook her head. “Not to the Lady Grace? I don’t know what game you’re playing, Keith. But I don’t find it amusing. Where’s Kyle? Oh, God! Did something happen to him?” Moira tried to run around Keith, but he snagged her and drew her into his embrace. He did nothing more than keep her from running, but Moira thrashed and writhed. “Let me go!”

“Keith,” a deep voice boomed from behind Moira, and she stumbled backwards when the arms suddenly released her. She spun around and dashed toward Kyle. He engulfed her in his muscular arms and held her trembling body against her, resting his cheek on her