The pirates froze for a heartbeat, then panic seized them. “Move!” the tall captain roared, shoving his men toward their boat. Engines revved, ropes were slashed, and the stolen crates tumbled awkwardly onto the deck of the pirate vessel. They meant to flee with everything they could carry—including Ethan and Liam.
Rough hands dragged both men across the planks. Liam fought uselessly, his voice breaking. “They’ll kill us—they’ll take everything!” Ethan stumbled with him, ribs aching where he’d been struck, but his eyes stayed sharp. As the pirate captain bent over the outboard motor, cursing at its choke, Ethan made his choice.