Kent bowed graciously. "Milady."

"Master Kent." Charlisse wiped tears from her face and rushed toward him, casting an anxious glance at the door. "How did you get out of the hold?"

Kent fingered his mustache, his eyes alight with mischief. "The captain released me." He lifted his brows. "I suppose he saw the error of his ways."

His hungry gaze scoured her. Charlisse felt a twinge of apprehension, but wouldn't let it squelch the hope that had sprung upon his ...