By The Assassin's Side (Daggers 0f Desire Book 3)

by Katherine Hastings

  Vivian seemed soothed by Viktor’s words. Their relationship was an odd one, but it seemed the two had truly cared for each other at one time. Simon felt a strange twinge of jealousy at the thought. Viktor and Simon had shared many a woman in the past, and jealousy had never reared its head. But the thought of her having feelings for Viktor unsettled him. He tried to push the thought from his mind.

  “Fine, you’re hired,” Vivian said.

  “Hired? We’re partners. We’ll split the treasure.”

  “Split?” Vivian laughed. “No. I’ll give you 10%.”

  “80%.”

  “80%? Are you mad?”

  “I’m doing all the work. But fine,” Simon said. “75%.”

  He watched the shades of colors moving through her face until it settled on deep red. Tormenting her was quite enjoyable.

  “Fine. Partners.” She groaned. “50/50.”

  “Deal.”

  “But you had better be as good as you say you are.”

  “I’m better.” Simon crossed his arms and sat back in the chair. Vivian’s green eyes studied his own for a moment. A nod of her head confirmed the deal.

  Viktor raised his glass. “Then it’s settled. Cheers to your safe adventure.”

  All four glasses raised in a toast.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Nora asked. Charles had crawled into her lap and dozed off, his head resting on her swollen belly.

  “Well, if there is any chance Cyrus is hunting the Dark Shark, I think we are better off traveling on foot. Liverpool is only a couple days ride from here.”

  Nora and Viktor exchanged a look. “We’ve made that journey before,” Nora said. “It’s not a bad ride at all.”

  “I’ll tell Sully to sail around and meet us outside Liverpool. Once we have the map, we can hop on the ship and sail to wherever it tells us to go.”

  “Will you tell the crew?” Viktor asked.

  “Absolutely not,” Vivian cut in. “Your secrecy is part of the deal.”

  Simon tipped his head. “It is?”

  “Absolutely,” Vivian said. “I’ll not have a hundred men knowing there is £100,000 of treasure waiting to be claimed. They’ll just as likely slit my throat and toss me overboard for shark bait. It’s you and it’s me. Period. Come up with whatever you want to tell them, but when it comes to the treasure, they are to know nothing. Are we in agreement?”

  Simon sighed. “Fine.” She wasn’t wrong, after all. He had a few dozen new crew members he didn’t trust entirely yet. The old crew he would trust with his life, and every last pound of that money, but the new crew hadn’t proven their loyalties yet. “I’ll tell Sully that we are on a Liberta mission. He is the only one who knows of my other profession. Secrecy comes with it and he’ll cover our tracks. He also needs to know Captain Cyrus may be hunting the Dark Shark. They need to be ready for battle if it comes down to it.”

  “Good plan,” Viktor added. “So you’ll ride to Liverpool, find the other half of the map, then meet Sully who’ll be waiting on the ship at the port in Liverpool?”

  “Sounds about right. Do you concur?” Simon asked, excited to have his old friend’s opinion.

  “I think it’s perfect. Nora and I have a whole stable filled with mounts. You two can take your pick.”

  “Do you need anything for the trip, Vivian?” Nora asked.

  Simon held his breath hoping she didn’t ask for another outfit. He had almost collapsed at the sight of her covered in slick leather. If he was stuck traveling with her and enduring lashings from her forked tongue, at least having her looking like that make the lashings more enjoyable.

  Vivian patted her daggers with a smile. “I think I have everything I need right here.”

  “Hold on, I have something I think would be perfect for your trip.” Nora stood up and slid Charles into Viktor’s lap. He folded up unawakened into his father’s arms. Nora hurried out of the room leaving the three of them sipping their drinks by the roaring fire.

  “You’ll be fine with him, Vivian. I’m sorry I can’t come with you.”

  “I understand, Viktor. I’m happy for you, really.”

  “Thank you, Vivian.”

  Simon watched the exchange. There it was again, that little nagging pang of jealousy at the way Vivian’s eyes softened only for Viktor. The hard shell surrounding her crumbled in his gaze, only to rebuild in an instant when anyone else looked her way. He wondered what it would be like to see the woman behind the insults and the anger. Since it wasn’t likely he would ever see for himself, he made a note he’d have to ask Viktor sometime.

  “Here, this matches your outfit perfectly.” Nora said, coming back into the room clutching an armful of a rich ebony material. Vivian stood up. Simon swallowed at the sight of her curves on full display, the leather corset and pants clinging to her body. Vivian took the fabric from her. With a swoop, she slipped it on, covering the ivory ruffles that traced along her breasts and fell off her bare shoulders. It was a beautiful black hooded cloak with an emerald gem clasp at the throat.

  “Nora, it’s beautiful,” Vivian said, touching the jewel. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “It’s perfect for you. Please, take it.”

  Simon watched a silent truce between the two women in Viktor’s life. He didn’t know what had transpired between them two years ago, but there seemed to be an armistice happening between them now. Viktor’s face lit up with joy at the sight of them making peace.

  “Simon, what else do you need?” Viktor asked.

  “I need to send word to our contact in Liverpool. He can start the hunt for the second half of the map. Could you send a man?”

  “Absolutely, I still have pigeons to Liverpool that can get word out right away. Is it still Tristen?” Viktor asked.

  “It’s still Tristen.”

  Viktor grinned. “He’s a riot. Please tell him I say hello.”

  “I’ll do that. I’ll write a coded note this evening and have you send it out tomorrow. Everyone misses you, Viktor. I just saw John and Charlie a few months ago back in London.”

  “They came to visit us last month,” Nora said, smiling. “When this is all over you must come stay for a bit as well. We miss you, Simon.”

  “I would be honored.” Simon nodded.

  “So, we have a plan?” Vivian turned to face him.

  “We ride tomorrow. I think we should both get some rest, Vivian.”

  “I’ll show you to your rooms,” Nora said.

  “You two go along. I need to chat with Viktor for a moment,” Simon said.

  Vivian shot them both a look but stepped in behind Nora without a fuss. Simon waited until they had cleared the area before leaning closer to Viktor.

  “So, any tips for Vivian?” he asked.

  Viktor grinned wide. “Try not to piss her off.”

  “Come on, Viktor. Is she as awful as she seems?”

  Viktor shook his head. “No. She’s quite wonderful, actually. Once you get past all the armor, she’s funny and kind. She’s as loyal as they come. Fearless. I think you’ll come to like her. A lot.” Viktor wiggled his brows.

  Simon laughed. “I think she’d rather skewer me with her sword than allow me to skewer her with mine.”

  “She’ll come around,” Viktor said, pouring more brandy into Simon’s glass. “Just give her a chance. You might be surprised.”

  “If she can lead me to £50,000 for my pocket, I guess I don’t care if she’s a bitter shrew every step of the way.”

  “Just keep her safe, Simon. She’s important to me.”

  Simon gave him a contemplative glance.

  “Not like that, Simon. Like a friend. Like Charlie. Vivian has lived a hard life. She deserves this. She deserves her freedom. Help her find it.”

  “I’ll try, Viktor. I really will.”

  Simon leaned back and took another sip of his brandy. £50,000. All his. The thought of it warmed his belly, or perhaps it was the brandy. Or perhaps it was the realization he wou
ld be traveling with that wildcat, Vivian Bellarose.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “A BLINDFOLD?” VIVIAN held up the piece of cloth Simon handed her. “I’m not wearing a blindfold.”

  He shrugged. “Viktor insisted. He doesn’t want you to know how to get back here. Just tie it on and I’ll help you on your horse and we can be on our way.”

  “I’m not riding blindfolded.” She tossed it on the ground, folding her arms across her chest.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll lead your horse. I won’t leave you wandering in the dark around the countryside. Go on, put it on.”

  A flash of amusement twinkled in his eyes before he turned back to the dappled bay gelding tacked up for the ride to Liverpool. How could Viktor not trust her to keep his secret? The thought he didn’t trust her caused her more pain than anger. They had been through so much together and yet she wasn’t valuable enough to him to know where he lived? Was it that he didn’t want her to tell anyone or that he didn’t want her to know how to return? The second thought tied her insides into a knot.

  “Go on, Vivian. Tie it on and I’ll help you up.”

  She looked down at the torn black cloth crumbled in the straw at her feet. Simon gave his girth one last tug and turned to her with expectant eyes. Blowing out a sigh, she leaned down to retrieve the tattered cloth from the ground. Straightening her shoulders and raising her chin, she tied the cloth around her eyes. The last thing she saw was a glimmer of white teeth from Simon’s snide grin.

  Vivian blinked her eyes. There was nothing but blackness around her now. The mare beside her snorted, the abrupt sound startled her, causing her to jump.

  “Don’t be scared, Vivian. I’ve got you.”

  Giant hands enveloped her waist and before she could protest, he lifted her onto the back of the mare.

  “Just hold the pommel tight. I’ll let you know when you can take the blindfold off.”

  “Wait. Are we leaving? I haven’t had a proper goodbye with Viktor yet.” Her heart fluttered at the thought of leaving without a goodbye.

  “Viktor is busy. He told me to just take you on our way.”

  “Oh,” she said, feeling her mare start forward. She clung to the saddle and rocked with the horse’s movement, grateful now for the blindfold because there was no hiding the hurt she knew radiated from her eyes.

  There it was again. The sharp stab in her stomach. Why was Viktor intent on hurting her as she left? Treating her like someone who didn’t matter? Viktor was happy, and she was happy for him. He deserved this. He deserved Nora. As much as she hated to admit it, over the past two days she had enjoyed Nora. She had tried to find anything to dislike, anything to discount the love that crackled so palpable between them, yet she found nothing. Nora was wonderful, and she made Viktor burst with love and happiness. She had given him a family and a life free from pain. Knowing Nora’s true nature now, she knew it couldn’t be Nora forcing such an abrupt exit. So why was she cast out like a stranger without even the courtesy of a goodbye?

  She rode quietly behind Simon for several minutes listening to the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse hooves on the stones. If tears were something she allowed herself to indulge in, now would be one of those moments. Clenching her jaw tighter, she dug into the resolve that had kept her eyes dry for almost a decade now. Tears were useless. They fixed nothing and only showed those around you your weakness, and weakness had no place in her world. Strength and smarts were how she scrapped her way to where she was in this life. Nothing was handed to her. Nonetheless, tears still threatened to fill her eyes as she rode in the darkness behind Simon.

  “What are you doing?”

  Vivian gasped. That voice, it was... Viktor? She ripped off her blindfold to see Viktor standing in the center of the courtyard, his head tipped in the most puzzled way. Vivian’s eyes darted around taking in her surroundings. They hadn’t left the courtyard. It made no sense. They had been walking for at least five minutes, they should be well away from the castle by now. Vivian scrunched her brow and finally let her eyes settle on the roguish face beaming back at her. Her eyes narrowed. Simon.

  “Why are you dragging Vivian around blindfolded in circles?” Viktor asked.

  “I was just having a bit of fun with her. She thinks we’re long gone.” Simon’s voice cracked with laughter.

  “Simon, you are an arse!” Vivian shouted and jumped to the ground. Half of her wanted to run to throw her arms around Viktor, the other half of her wanted to pull a dagger out from its sheath and stab Simon in the gut. Perhaps then he could understand the pain his little prank had caused her. Well he likely thought it was only a playful rouse, he’d had no idea how deeply it cut to have felt abandoned by Viktor.

  “Simon told me you didn’t want to say goodbye, and you said I needed to wear a blindfold so I couldn’t find you again,” she said as she ran to hug Viktor. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

  “Simon,” Viktor scolded as he returned Vivian’s embrace. “Why are you tormenting Vivian?”

  “I was bored waiting for you and thought I’d have some fun.” Simon shrugged and shot Vivian a wink. She returned it with a glare when she pulled from Viktor’s grip. “I’ve been dragging her around the courtyard just waiting for you to come out and bid us goodbye.”

  “Simon.” Viktor choked back his chuckle. “You’re terrible. Don’t torment Vivian.”

  Her eyes softened when she turned her gaze back to Viktor. “So you did want to say goodbye to me?”

  Viktor took her hands in his own. “Of course, Vivian. I would never let you leave without saying goodbye.”

  “And you didn’t say I needed to wear a blindfold so I could never find you again?”

  Viktor shook his head. “Of course not. Nora and I would love to have you anytime you want to visit. I trust you and I trust that you will never tell anyone where I’ve landed.”

  A lump filled her throat, but she swallowed it back down. Their friendship did mean something to him.

  “Simon,” Viktor said, turning his attention. “Take good care of Vivian. I’m entrusting her to you. I hope to hear back from the two of you when you return rich and safe from this little adventure.”

  “You have my word.”

  Viktor shot him an accusatory look. “May I also have your word you won’t torment Vivian anymore?”

  “Not a chance.” Simon beamed.

  Vivian felt the heat flush in her cheeks beneath Simon’s playful gaze.

  “I tried,” Viktor shrugged and turned his attention back to her. “Listen to what he says, Vivian.”

  She nodded.

  “I know you get ideas and off you go, but Simon will keep you safe and get you that money... if you listen to him. Okay?”

  Vivian rolled her eyes. “Yes, Viktor.”

  “I’m serious, Vivian. Captain Cyrus is not to be trifled with. Just do as Simon says and stay safe. We’ll be expecting a visit when this is all over. The new one needs to meet Aunty Viv soon, all right?”

  Vivian smiled, feeling welcome into his family. Family. Aunty Viv. A whisper of belonging snaked up her spine, landing in the middle of her hardened heart. “Of course, Viktor. I can’t wait to meet him or her. Please say goodbye to Nora.”

  “I will. She’s sleeping in today. This little one is draining her dry.” Viktor grinned.

  Viktor took her hand and helped her mount the black mare. “Behave,” he said, releasing her hand.

  “You heard it from Viktor. You need to behave,” Simon teased.

  “That goes for you as well, old friend.” Viktor walked over and shook Simon’s hand from where he sat still perched on his gelding.

  “I’ll take care of her, Viktor. I promise. We’ll see you soon.” Simon spun his gelding around and broke into a trot. Vivian’s mare pawed the ground wanting to join. Viktor bowed his head and Vivian shot him a smile before loosening the reins and letting her mare trot after Simon.

  “YOU’RE STILL NOT TALKING to me?” Simon asked, riding up alongsid
e her.

  Vivian pursed her lips together tighter and stared off at the horizon. Besides answering the occasional necessary question, she had avoided saying a single word since they left yesterday morning. Fortunately, Viktor gave them more than enough money to get individual rooms at the inn last night so she had some reprieve from his constant barrage of questions.

  “You’ve got to talk to me, eventually.”

  She lifted her chin higher.

  “Fine, if you’re not going to talk, I’ll just tell you a bit more about me.”

  She shot him a glare. He pulled his horse closer, his thigh brushing up against hers. The touch sent that infuriating wave of awareness through her. As much as she’d tried to ignore it, every look and accidental touch had her squirming in her own skin... and not in the bad way. It took all her strength to keep up her anger toward him while he chiseled away at it with jokes and his constant banter.

  “My name is Simon, as you know. I grew up in London. I’m a Liberta. I love the ocean, adventures, dogs, and women. My favorite book is–”

  “Shut up,” she growled. “I don’t care. Stop talking.”

  “Hey! You spoke! That’s a start.” He smiled. “Tell me more about yourself.”

  She iced him with a stare.

  “Oh, come on, Vivian. It was a joke. I don’t understand why you’re so upset.”

  Of course he wouldn’t understand why his little joke had stung so deep, and she would never admit to him that his actions had triggered only pain and loneliness. To him, he had just dragged her around on a horse for a few minutes. To her, for those few torturous minutes, the one person in this world she trusted and believed genuinely cared for her had forsaken her. For those few minutes she had been abandoned yet again; she was truly alone in the world. She had been alone before she met Viktor, but since they’d forged their friendship, she knew she had someone looking out for her. For those few minutes, she’d slipped back into a bleak abyss of emotion, remembering what life was like before he came along.

  “Come on, Viv. Talk to me. I won’t stop pestering you until you do. Perhaps I’ll sing. That’s it... I’m singing until you talk to me.”