The shriek of gulls and rustle of waves against the hull of a ship woke Charlisse. A warm breeze caressed her face, carrying with it the smell of salt and fish. For a fleeting moment, she thought she was still aboard the Redemption, safe with Merrick, and the past week had been nothing but a nightmare.

She peeked from beneath heavy lashes, and the smile on her lips faded as unfamiliar surroundings came into view. She was in a ship's cabin, but it was not Merrick's. The bed was ...