Guardian Angel Read Online Free Page B

about the deception. He was in wholehearted agreement with Caine’s plan, too, as he’d heard all about Pagan’s atrocity to Caine’s family. Just as significant, business had picked up considerably since the deception had begun. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to get a good look at the pirate, and Monk, a man who put profit above all other matters, charged exorbitant prices for his watered-down ale.
    The tavernkeeper had lost his hair years before, but his bright orange-colored eyebrows more than made up for any lack. They were thick, curly, and crept like determined vines of ivy halfway up his freckled forehead. Monk rubbed his brow now in true frustration for the Marquess. It was almost three o’clock in the morning, an hour past time to shut down the tavern for the evening. Only two paying customers were lingering over their drinks now. When they’d belched out their sleepy farewells and taken their leave, Monk turned to Caine.
    â€œYou’ve got more patience than a flea waiting on a mangy dog, coming here night after night. I’m praying you don’t get too discouraged,” he added. He paused to pour a full goblet of brandy for the Marquess, then swallowed a hefty portion directly from the bottle. “You’ll flush him out, Caine. I’m sure of it. The way I see it, he’ll send a couple of his men first to try to waylay you. That’s why I’m always warning you to protect your back when you leave each night.”
    Monk took another drink, and snickered. “Pagan’s a mite protective of his reputation. Your pretense must be turning his hair gray. He’ll show himself soon enough. Why, I’ll wager that tomorrow will be the night.”
    Caine nodded agreement. Monk, his gaze piercing with promise, always ended his nightly speech with the prediction that tomorrow the prey would show himself.
    â€œYou’ll pounce on him then, Caine, like a duck on a bug.”
    Caine swallowed a long drink, his first of the evening, then tilted his chair back so he could rest his shoulders against the wall. “I’ll get him.”
    The harshness in Caine’s tone sent a shiver down Monk’s spine. He was about to give hasty agreement when the door suddenly flew open, drawing his attention. Monk half turned in his chair to call out that the tavern was closed for the night, but the sight standing in the center of the doorway so stunned him, he could only gape in astonishment. When he was finally able to regain his voice, he whispered, “Holy Mother of God, has an angel come calling on us?”
    From his position against the wall, Caine faced the entrance and had a clear view. Though he didn’t move or show any outward reaction, in truth, his surprise was just as great as Monk’s. His heart started slamming a wild beat and he couldn’t seem to catch his breath.
    She did look like an angel. Caine didn’t want to blink, certain his vision would vanish into the night if he closed his eyes for just a second or two.
    She was an incredibly beautiful woman. Her eyes captivated him. They were the most magnificent shade of green. The green of his valley, he thought to himself, on a clear, moonlit night.
    She was staring at him. Caine stared back.
    Several long minutes passed while they studied each other. Then she started walking toward him. As soon as she moved, the hood of her black cape fell to her shoulders. Caine quit breathing. The muscles in his chest constricted painfully. His vision was blessed with lush, auburn-colored hair. In the candlelight, the color was as brilliant as fire.
    Caine noticed the pitiful condition of her clothing when she neared the table. The quality of her cloak indicated wealth, yet the expensive material had been shredded halfway up one side. It looked as though someone had taken a knife to it. Part of the green satin lining hung in tatters around her hem. Caine’s curiosity intensified. He looked back up at her