Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(43)

search of her mother’s family, and the less people knew of her

past, the better. “Who taught you?”

“My mother. She loved animals. When she was alive, the

stables were full. We had chickens, dogs, and cats, all living

harmoniously under one roof. After she died, my father had

them either killed or sent away.” Whenever Teach mentioned

his father, a hard mask slid over his features, making him look

much older and fiercer.

“So you didn’t ride for an entire year?” she asked, trying to

change the subject.

Teach paused, his head tilted to the side as he tried to

remember. “It must have been at least six months,” he said. “It

was on Jamaica, and I rode along the beach.”

Anne couldn’t help a slight tinge of jealousy. “That sounds

wonderful. Have you missed it?”

“Yes. But being away at sea was its own reward. I can’t imag-





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ine doing anything else.” As Teach spoke, there was a look of sadness in his eyes. She knew, if his father had his way, Teach would not be returning to sea anytime soon.

Sympathy pierced Anne’s heart, for as long as Teach lived

under his father’s roof, Teach would have to do as he commanded.

They rode in silence for a time, each one lost in thought.

The guarded feeling Anne had whenever she entered the Drummond household was gone now, replaced with a calm she hadn’t

known for quite a while.

“Let’s stop here,” Teach said, dismounting.

Surprised, Anne looked around, seeing no reason for them

to stop. They were at least ten miles from the city. On their

right, scattered across the ground were several large stones covered with lichen and moss, the tree line not far behind. It was not the kind of place she would have chosen to take a break.

“Can we not keep going?” she asked. She could have ridden

for hours and not tired of it.

Teach shook his head, taking the reins from her hands.

“Trust me. You’ll want to see this.”

Anne most definitely did not trust him, but she had little choice. Teach caught her as she slid down. Pulling away from him, she pretended to fix her skirts. In truth, she was flustered at his proximity.

Teach approached the woods and then entered through a

slight opening in the trees. The scent of pines and wet leaves

filled the air, and Anne breathed in deeply. He tied the horses





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to a large branch that looked as if it had been placed there. It’s positioning was too careful for it to have simply fallen. A small stream flowed near their feet.

The trail upon which they walked was overgrown, yet still

visible.

“What is this place?” Anne asked, her voice loud in the

silent surroundings.

Teach did not respond. He continued to walk forward into

the dense forest, sunlight filtering down through the branches

and leaves.

“Sir?” she said.

“Please stop calling me ‘sir.’ That title is reserved for my father.”

“Well, what shall I call you? ‘Mr. Edward?’”

“Teach,” he said.

“Your father would not approve,” she said, noting with satisfaction the stiffening of his shoulders.

“Since my father isn’t here to object, there’s no reason you

can’t simply call me Teach. Now come. It’s not far.”

“What’s not far?” she asked, deciding not to call him anything at all.

“This way.”

Anne froze, the hair on her neck standing up as she realized how stupid she had been. She’d been so eager to escape

the confines of the household that she’d ignored the hazards of

going off alone with the young master. He was becoming far

too familiar with her.





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Teach, no doubt sensing something amiss, turned back to her. In three long strides he closed the distance between them.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, scanning her from head to toe.

“I wish to return to the house,” she said.

“Why?” he asked, clearly puzzled. “I want to show you

something.”

A hysterical laugh rose in her throat. “I’m sure you do, but

I have no desire to see it.” She spun around. Several leaves clung to her skirts as she returned the way they had just come.

Teach leapt in front of her, blocking the path. “You promised you would come with me.”

“And you promised to behave yourself!” she snapped. What

a fool she was! Anyone who could be friends with someone like

the Earl of Lorimar was not to be trusted.

Teach’s eyes grew wide. “What have I done?”

“You’ve led me here,” she said, gesturing to their surroundings.

He waited expectantly. When she remained silent, he nodded. “Yes, I know.”

“Well, what is this place?”

“Blast it, that’s what I’m trying to show you.” He raked a