The rain came in torrents, pounding mercilessly on the window of the cabin, trying to reach in and grab Charlisse and plunge her into the sea once again. With each crashing wave, the ship bucked feverishly. Charlisse clung to her bed, sick to her stomachnot sure whether her sudden illness was caused by the rolling of the ship or her nerves.
A flash of lightning streaked the darkened sky, followed by an enormous boom that rumbled through the ship, testing each timber and bolt with its fury.
The cabin door opened, and she looked up to see Merrick removing his hat. Water poured from its brim onto the floor.
He looked at her. "Merely a summer storm, milady. It should be over soon."
"We will not go down?" Her voice quavered.
A smile curved his lips. "One never knows with these squalls." He
