Page 53 of A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea #2)

JIN

It was nearing dusk when Jin and the others arrived in Ettenia, the skies hanging gloomily and the clouds rolling in moody hues of gray, shrouding the sun with petulance.

It was a stark contrast to the bright and sunny Ceylani shores.

Captain Vane’s shouts cut through the din of the crew as they berthed where the inspector had instructed.

Jin was vigilant, his heart lodged in his throat.

The docks were quiet, eerily so. What did it mean if the Ram was waiting to ambush them? If Flick had failed in her duties, did that mean she was in danger? That the Ram had found her?

The waves sloshed against the side of the ship, the chill creeping up his skin in warning. Stay away , the waves seemed to whisper. Jin ignored them.

He was halfway down the plank when he saw her.

Flick.

She was by the docks, delicate hands on the rail, the sea breeze tossing her tightly coiled curls.

Goodness, he’d been gone long enough for the girl to turn scandalous.

Those diabolical trousers were cinched tight to her waist, the top two buttons of her crisp white shirt exposing a slice of her gorgeous skin.

“Friend of yours?” his father asked, taking up the rear.

“She—I—erm.” Jin couldn’t seem to formulate a string of words no matter how he tried. Wicked knives, where was his tongue?

His father tried not to smile. “I see.”

“That’s Felicity Linden,” Matteo replied, poking his head around.

“Yes, Lady Linden’s daughter.” Jin was just about to pin him with a glare before he continued, “She’s also the most talented forger in White Roaring, and a crucial part of our crew.

Can you hurry? I’m not fond of this thin beam of wood. ”

“Is that so?” Jin’s father asked. Jin didn’t want to talk to him just then. He wanted to see her. Hear her voice. Feel her skin.

Kiss her.

But she wasn’t supposed to be here. Arthie had instructed her to meet them at the Athereum, not here at the docks, where she and the ledger would be in danger. How had she even known they were arriving? He was too far to read her expression, but the harsh line of her shoulders was telling enough.

“Not a single Horned Guard,” Arthie said beside him.

“Or otherwise,” Matteo said. “The docks of White Roaring would never be empty—not unless she cleared them.”

Arthie had said this was possible, but that didn’t make Jin feel any better. As he neared, Flick met his eyes. She didn’t look excited to see him; she didn’t look happy. She was shaking her head.

Warning him.

The Ram was here. Jin scanned the ghostly square behind her. But what could they do? Huddle back on board? No, Jin was ready for a fight, as were the vampires clambering on deck behind him.

“What’s our plan?” he asked.

“Fight our way to the Athereum,” Arthie said. “Sidharth’s runner should have spotted us, and his carriages will be on their way for the vampires, but I don’t want your parents here any longer than necessary.”

“No one else is here,” Jin said. “Not a single civilian.”

“No, but she is,” Matteo whispered as the Ram strode into the square and her black-clad men fanned out like bullets.