Chapter 80: Choose a Path

Charlisse felt a quiver race down her spine as Jackson took a step toward her. His dark eyes bored into her like two cannon balls in a sea of white foam. Towering over her by at least two feet, his dark frame consumed the small cabin, shrinking her in his shadow.

Isabel whimpered in the seat behind Charlisse.

Sloane continued his breakfast, watching with interest but seemingly unconcerned with Jackson's silent challenge.

Gulping, Charlisse craned her neck to meet the first mate's gaze. She wished she had Sloane's confidence in this man, but Jackson had always intimidated her. Ever since Merrick had rescued him from a slave ship some years back and set him free, Jackson had pledged an oath of loyalty to his captain that only death could break. Now that Merrick was no longer in command, would Jackson's loyalties extend to the captain's wife or would the first mate seize the opportunity to take over the ship?