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Chapter 21

Author: Ember Casey
last update Last Updated: 2023-11-28 14:10:09
Once Leo made sure Ruby was safely in the cabin below - he prayed that she listened to him and stayed down there - he returned to Xavier's side and looked out at the sea behind them.

The boat tailing them was undeniably closer. They still had quite a lead, but that might not last forever. Xavier was a decent helmsman, and Leo had also spent a fair share of time on sailing vessels, but there were a lot of variables at play. They'd been able to catch up with Nash and his team yesterday, but a lot of that was luck - and the fact that Nash hadn't expected any hot pursuit. If their rivals had managed to get a faster boat...

"What do you think - should we break toward the open sea?" Xavier asked. "Or take our chances by putting in at the next harbor and trying to escape them on land?"

"Honestly, I have no idea." Leo glanced toward the ladder that led down into the cabin. "Do you think they're after Ruby? Or us?"

"Both, most likely," Xavier replied. He was looking forward, guiding their b
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    In sight of Willemstad, CuraçaoThey'd made good time to Willemstad, Curaçao, and Leo was pissed.He was pissed at the wind, which had been strong and steady the whole way across the open water. He was pissed at the boat, for being so inconveniently fast. He was pissed at a lot of things, really, and none of his complaints were logical. These last few days of sailing across the Caribbean with Xavier and Ruby had gone by too fast.It didn't help that he'd often caught Xavier grinning at him. Right now, his teammate looked like he was on the verge of laughter."Try not to break something, buddy," Xavier said. "Or hurt yourself. I'll need your help when we reach the marina."Leo muttered something noncommittal and turned back toward the water. Behind them, their teammates' boat was easily staying in their wake. Ahead of them, Willemstad, Curaçao had come into view. Just above the eastern horizon, the morning sun shone on them as cheerful as could be.He hated that fucking cheerful s

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    Leo took the long way back to the marina.It gave him time to think. Time to feel like himself again.Jackson had called him while Ruby was dozing. He'd replied with a text, trying not to wake her, explaining where he was and that he'd be back soon.He'd considered just sneaking out of the guest house. Leaving Ruby while she was peacefully asleep. But that felt like a scumbag thing to do, and he was never a scumbag with women. Always a lover.It happens to the best of us, he thought. Losing our minds over a set of pretty eyes. Xavier had been right when he'd brought up Jackson and Charlie - Leo had always been supportive of their relationship. But things were different in his own situation. There were certain things a man could control and certain things he couldn't. He trusted Jackson to take care of Charlie. But given his own past, he didn't trust himself with Ruby.He'd had his share of flirtations and lovers while on missions for Roth, but there had never been any expectations

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