The Irresistible Rogue (Playful Brides #4)(79)

She plunked her hands on her hips. “You should know by now that I’ll do exactly as I please.”

He tugged at the strap to the pack. “Why are you hell-bent to get into danger? I cannot protect you. I already told you.”

“And I already told you that I don’t need your protection.” Daphne’s voice rose. “I’ve had to watch my two older brothers fight for their country while I’ve been forced to stay home and wring my hands and worry. I’m tired of wringing my hands. Donald taught me Russian for a reason. He thought it would be useful someday. And it has been. I’m going with you to avenge my brother’s death and you’re going to have to kill me to stop me.”

Rafe clenched his jaw. He glanced toward the wall. “Damn it, Daphne.”

“You’re not going to kill me, are you?” She tapped her booted foot along the wooden planks.

He blew out a breath. “Of course I’m not going to kill you.”

She inclined her head. “Then I’m coming with you.”

*

They set out the next morning. Rafe had secured three mounts and was able to secure a fourth for Daphne’s use. They intended to find the Frenchmen’s camp, surround it, observe it, and then move in for the arrest. There were four of them or at least there had been. If Rafe, Salty, and Grim took them by surprise with pistols, they should be able to overcome and arrest all four.

The sun was beginning to set by the time their small group arrived at the little town north of Amiens. The journey had been uneventful and silent. Their orders were to arrest the Frenchmen but the villains might not agree to be taken alive. Rafe wished for the hundredth time that Daphne was safely back on the ship.

They halted about a half mile outside of the town, got off the horses, and took a drink from their canteens. Rafe shared his water with Daphne while images of their night together flew through his mind. He shook them away. There could be no distractions during this arrest. He must concentrate.

After they’d refreshed themselves, they remounted. “Their camp is on the outskirts of town on the east,” Rafe said. “We’ll find a place in the forest to stay until nightfall.”

Another twenty minutes’ journey found them deep in the forest on the eastern part of the town. Rafe chose a spot where they made their own camp.

Salty and Daphne tied three of the horses to nearby trees while Grim started a fire.

Rafe remained mounted. “I’m going out to their cabin to see what I can learn.”

Grim and Salty nodded.

“Be careful,” Daphne whispered.

Rafe nodded, too. He tossed his pack on the ground near the fire and left without a sound.

*

Daphne spent the next hour pacing around the campsite worrying about Rafe. He was alone out there with at least four men nearby who wanted him dead.

“Come sit,” Salty finally said to her. “You’ll exhaust yourself if you keep pacing.”

Daphne made her way over to the campfire and took a seat on a pile of pine needles next to Salty and Grim. Both men remained quiet with determined looks on their faces. Daphne tried to mimic their determination. It would be ever so helpful to replace the fear and uncertainty that gnawed at her belly with steely resolve. And courage. Because ever since she’d delivered her I-can-do-this speech to Rafe, she’d been overcome with fear. Was this how brave men felt? It had to be. They had to have indecision and doubt and do what had to be done regardless. She’d resolved to see this through and she would. No matter how much she believed she might retch.

Grim had assumed Cook’s duties. He hovered over the fire cooking a rabbit he’d shot with a bow and arrow earlier. Daphne clutched Rafe’s canteen. The water was warm and tasted tinny, but she was grateful for it. No dainty cups of tea in situations like this. Grim handed her a bit of meat.

“Thank you,” Daphne said, taking the food from him. She hadn’t realized how starved she’d been until they’d stopped. None of them had eaten since gulping down some hard biscuits this morning. Taking a bit of the greasy meat, she scooted over and pressed her back against a nearby tree. She looked at the man who had transformed into Rafe’s trusted second mate. Even though they were alone, she kept her voice low as Rafe had taught her to. “I suppose you’re not to be Grim much longer after this mission is complete.”

Grim rubbed the back of his neck. He, too, kept his voice low. “I’ll still be Grim. It’s what they call me. But I’ll go back to being a general.”

Daphne’s eyes nearly bulged from her skull. She choked on the second bit of rabbit she’d put into her mouth. “You’re a general?”

Grim laughed and tipped his hat. “General Mark Grimaldi, at your service.”

Daphne turned to Salty. “Salty, don’t tell me. You’re an admiral.”

Salty glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “No. Not quite. But I am a lieutenant. Lieutenant Richard Hartwell, at your service.”

Grim handed Daphne more meat and she also ate it with her fingers. No extravagant place settings in the forest. “I thought you were going to say your last name had the word ‘salt’ in it.”

“No, I just liked the name,” Salty tossed over his shoulder.

Daphne watched the two men. “You’re both dear to Captain Cavendish. I know he relies on you.”