Page 113 of Ruthless, But for Her

“Aye,” he said, staring ahead.

“Good.” That came from Ryker, who'd joined them without either noticing.

“Explain what’s good about that?”

“They'll be looking where we want them to look.”

Sometimes Ryker surprised him.

Leif called out from the stern. Land ahead.

Ashton narrowed his eyes against the dark.

The Spit appeared first, little more than a darker shape against water and sky. Beyond it, he saw a fire. Then another. A third sat farther inland.

“So much for hiding,” Ryker said.

“They want you to know they’re there,” Cassia whispered. She was right.

All four of them continued watching. Men moved near the first fire. He counted six easily, likely more beyond the light. Farther inland, horses stood tethered near what appeared to be another cluster of men.

Then he saw movement near the northern side of the Spit. A lookout.

“They're waiting for the same approach,” Sorren said.

“Aye.”

Ryker rubbed his hands together.

“You are considering how quickly you can get ashore?” Ashton asked him.

“I am.”

Ashton sighed, turning to Leif as the captain joined them.

“Current?”

“Moving south. Strong enough that I won't hold her still for long near shore.”

“Can you bring us in on the southern edge?”

Leif considered the water. “Aye. But they'll hear us once we're close.”

“They'll be looking north.”

Ashton nodded toward the smaller boat. Leif followed his gaze.

“Four will be enough,” Ashton said.

They lowered the boat. The chosen men knew the Spit well and understood what Ashton wanted them to do—row north, allow themselves to be seen, then turn away before they came within bowshot.

“Don't be brave,” Ashton warned them.

One of the men smiled. “Ryker isn't coming, then?”

“Fuck off,” Ryker said.

The boat disappeared into darkness.