The man who had dragged up the lobsters brought the bucket over to Viktor.
“Thank you, Roger. You can set it down.”
Roger set the bucket at his feet and scurried away. Viktor reached into the bucket, emerging with a lobster in each hand. “They don’t get any fresher than this! Simon, can you have them boil these along with a few potatoes and bring lunch to the table on the quarterdeck? Perhaps some wine as well?”
“Of course, Captain.”
It was strange to hear Viktor called ‘Captain’. It snapped her out of her daze. Simon grabbed the lobsters, careful to avoid their snaps, and walked off to the stairs that led below deck.
“I hope you like lobster,” Viktor said.
“I do,” she answered, her voice only now cooperating.
“Please excuse my appearance. I know you ladies even bathe in dresses, but us pirates like to be au natural. Just consider yourself lucky I left my pants on this time.”
Nora’s hypnotized gaze followed his gesture to his black linen pants. The water forced the fabric to cling to every muscle and curve. Her eyes bulged when they landed on the swell between his legs.
“Don’t let it scare you, love. It won’t bite.” He grinned.
“Good heavens!” She covered her eyes and turned around. “Would you please do something about that!” She waved her free hand in his general direction.
She could hear his laughter behind her. “Since you were cleaning up, I decided I should clean up too... a proper pirate’s bath. I’m sorry you stumbled on me this way. I’ll put my shirt on, love.”
A black linen shirt had been hanging from a hook beside him. Nora tried to quiet her breathing while she listened to him slip it on.
“There. Your innocent eyes will no longer be offended.”
Nora turned back to see him covered again, the untucked shirt hiding his substantial assets. Part of her wished he would remove it once more so she could get another look at his impressive physique, the other part of her rejoiced he’d removed the temptation.
“Now that we’re civilized again, join me for lunch?” He extended an elbow.
She took it with hesitation, the dampness of his skin soaked through the linen and felt cool on her arm. He led her across the deck of the ship between crew that greeted her one by one with a smile and a courteous dip of the head.
“Even your crew has better manners than you,” she jibed.
He let out a hearty chuckle. “I told you they were good men. Every last one of them. I am lucky to sail at their sides.”
Leading her to a modest table perched on the raised deck, he pulled out a chair. She watched him with a wary eye while she sat, his sudden development of manners causing her some unease. He pushed her chair in and hurried to the other side, sitting down across from her. Mirth danced across his face, like he had a secret he was bubbling to spill.
“It’s a beautiful day, is it not?” he asked.
“The fresh air feels good. I’ve been terribly seasick inside that cabin. I’ve never been on a ship before.”
He pushed a piece of wet hair behind his ear and leaned forward on his elbows. “I have spent most of the past decade on the sea. There is no greater freedom than you, a group of sailors, and the wide-open ocean.” His eyes danced as he recalled his adventures.
“You don’t ever get bored?”
His face fell at the question, a contemplative gaze filling his eyes. “Honestly, lately I have grown rather bored of it. We’ve been to so many ports, so many new lands. At first it exhilarated me, but now it is beginning to seem just more of the same. Things have changed for us in the past year and with it, some of the joy and excitement have evaporated.”
“What changed?” she asked, quite interested now.
A rough hand stroked his stubbled chin. “How do I explain this without divulging too much? I worked for a group that protected people such as yourself and others from danger and cruel leaders. There was a group who warred against us to protect the people who would cause the harm. My job, aside from fighting and protecting people, was to sail the seas and attack the ships of those allied against us. We funded our group with the prizes from our takes.”
“So you didn’t attack innocent people and ships?”
“No, never. Only those that supported the wrong things. We lightened their load to weaken their power, and in exchange increased our own.”
Knowing he was an honorable pirate, to an extent, softened the irritation she felt since learning of his profession. Thinking of him terrorizing innocents went against what she had come to expect of him.
“It was what I was trained for when I was eighteen years old, and I have been doing it ever since.”
“So, what happened? Why aren’t you doing it anymore?”
“Last year, the opposing group realized the error of their ways. We have since joined forces and work together to protect what is right and good in the world. With their resources, and without their opposition, there is little we need to do on the seas anymore. We’ve essentially become leisure sailors.”
“What will you do then if this isn’t the life for you anymore?”
He forced out a breath of air. “I haven’t a clue, love. I guess I will look for my next adventure, whatever it may be.”
She could see the pain and uncertainty in his eyes as he mourned the loss of his livelihood. Nora knew all too well the pain of longing for a life you could never have again.
“Lunch is served,” Simon said, stepping up onto the deck. Two plates with red lobsters and small potatoes steamed as he set them down on the table.
“Simon, at least, has another career option as a waiter if this piracy thing doesn’t pan out,” Viktor said with a smile.
“Nonsense. I have found my purpose on the sea,” he retorted. “You may be growing weary of it all, but I only joined you two years ago. Every port, every adventure... it’s all filled with excitement for me.”
“Two years?” Nora asked, “I thought you two had been best friends since you were eighteen.”
“Aye, that we have, love. He was assigned elsewhere until just two years ago when we convinced them to let us join forces. We’ve been sailing together ever since.”
“Two years trapped on a ship with this man. You can send me your condolences later,” Simon said with a chuckle.
Nora followed suit, Viktor just behind her. The three shared a laugh before Simon bowed and departed.
“He seems a wonderful friend,” Nora noted.
“Aye, that he is.”
Nora stared down at the steaming lobster and the saucer of warm, drawn butter. It was a meal she could have enjoyed at any of her usual lavish parties. Now she would enjoy it on a pirate’s ship.
“I can’t believe you just caught these,” she said.
Viktor’s eyes squinted, a knowing smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “It’s not the only thing I fished off the sea floor.”
The chair creaked as he leaned backward, rocking it onto its rear legs. His hand slid down the front of his pants, his eyes locked firmly on hers.
“Viktor! What are you doing?” she shouted, her eyes unresponsive as she tried to force them away. She stared wide-eyed as his hand emerged from his pants, an object clutched tight in his fist. Nora gasped as the sunlight glimmered off the diamonds and emeralds that sparkled before her. A gorgeous necklace of precious stones dangled from his fingertips.
“Not a bad catch, eh?” He smiled, his eyes glittering much like the gems in his hand.
“It’s beautiful! How did you—where did you? I—,” Nora stuttered.
“Smugglers and pirates stash their caches in the waters around the island. Many a “fisherman” has been seen out here yet you rarely see a fish. It’s an odd thing, really,” he said, laughing. “This little prize must have escaped from its barrel, just waiting for me to find it.”
“That is amazing,” she breathed. “It’s incredible.”
“It’s yours.”
Nora ga
sped. “What?”
“I brought it up for you. May I?”
She couldn’t speak, she only nodded. He stepped away from the table and walked behind her. His fingers brushed along the skin of her shoulders as he pushed her hair to the side. Her skin tingled beneath his touch, a knot clenching tight in her chest. He lowered the necklace around her neck, it sparkled against her cleavage and she lifted a hand to touch it. He clasped the chain and slid her hair back into place. She shuddered at his touch as electricity crackled between them.
He regained his seat across from her, the knowing smile now replaced with a pleased one. “There was only one person I could think of beautiful enough to do it justice.”
She waited for the snide comment or the teasing jab. It didn’t come. He looked at her with genuine admiration. It made her stomach flip-flop while heat flushed her cheeks.
“Something to remember me by when this is all over.”
The butterflies in her stomach turned to a stab of pain. The thought of this ending, of never seeing him again, became a sudden reality. One she didn’t want to think about right now. Just days ago she couldn’t get away from him fast enough, but now... something had shifted and she hadn’t even noticed. Now the thought of parting ways pained her in a way she never expected.
“Please, enjoy your lunch.” He gestured to her plate. “Have at it with the hammer, love. Remember, we aren’t ones for nibbling at our food. I’ll consider it an insult if I don’t see the same enthusiasm you had for that chicken.”
Nora snickered. She felt so free with him, like she could shed her inhibitions and let loose. She nodded and ripped the claw from her lobster with gusto. Viktor’s eyes lit up and he followed suit. She grabbed the mallet Simon had laid on the table and grinned at Viktor as he held his. They smashed them down in unison, cracking the shell and laughing as the chunks flew. For another moment, she felt free.
CHAPTER NINE
NORA SAT BESIDE THE warm candlelight in Viktor’s chamber, reading the book he had lent her. Just an hour ago, darkness fell and snuffed out the warm summer sun. She and Viktor had spent an hour laughing underneath its golden caress. She warmed at the thought of his smile, his laughter, and his touch. It pained her to admit the truth of Vivian’s words... that much more lingered beneath Viktor’s handsome exterior and witty charm. There was a depth to him he kept hidden away, revealing it one thin layer at a time. Nora felt honored he’d pulled back several layers just for her, the man beneath the pirate coming into view. She couldn’t help but shed some of her own layers in return.
Another wave of nausea rocked her from her earnest thoughts. Saliva filled her mouth and she fought the urge to vomit. Since eating a full meal, the effects of the boat rocking had heightened. Viktor assured her it would get better with time, but she wished more than anything to have her feet on solid ground. The sea may be home to Viktor, but it hadn’t rolled out the welcome mat for her.
She climbed out of bed and walked to the door. Her fears of what waited for her on the other side now quelled after meeting many of the men this afternoon. They were no more rogues and criminals than the legitimate sailors she had met in the past. She stepped out onto the deck, the crisp summer breeze softening the unease in her stomach.
“Hello, love.” Viktor’s voice startled her. Glancing around, she found him sitting on the ship’s railing, his feet dangling over the edge. “Are you still feeling green in the gills?”
She walked to his side and rested her elbows beside him. “Terribly. I don’t know how you spend months on this thing.”
“You’ll adjust. I promise.”
She followed his gaze to the beach that lay just a few hundred yards off the bow of the ship. Several campfires glowed, illuminating the men that gathered around them. Their laughter glided across the water, making them sound as if they were just feet away. Just a bit further up the shore, lights dotted the windows of a small village.
“Are those your men?” Nora asked, now noticing the majority of the crew missing.
“Aye. They wanted a night on shore. Don’t worry, we still have plenty of bodies to keep you safe. Mine, most importantly.”
Memories of his exposed body flashed through her mind. Cringing, she tried without success to push them aside. She shook her head, the image of his sculpted frame glistening in the sun remained anchored deep inside.
“Are you all right?” he asked, noticing her fallen expression.
“Yes, I’m just feeling nauseous.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. “Don’t you want to be on shore with them?”
“There are more important things than a party on the shore,” he said, his eyes meeting hers.
She shivered again, his gazes now causing this sensation more often than not. A wave of heat fluttered in her stomach, this time she wasn’t sure if it was the nausea or what his eyes were doing to her.
“You just turned green,” he noted, answering the question in her mind. “Are you all right?”
“Can we go to shore? I just need to be on firm ground for a little while. I think it will help.”
His eyes shot open. “Absolutely not.”
“Why not? No one will recognize me, and the beach is flooded with men you swore would protect me. What is the harm in spending a little time on shore?” She raised an eyebrow.
He shook his head, his eyes falling back to the men laughing and dancing on the shore. “I think we should stay here.”
“Viktor, I feel terrible. Honestly. Just a little time on shore would do me well. Please?” She begged him with pleading eyes.
“Well, if you’re going to look at me that way, how am I supposed to say no?”
Nora clapped her hands and smiled.
“If we’re going over there, I’ll feel better if you have this.” He pulled his pistol from his sash and extended it to her.
“What am I supposed to do with that?”
“Strap it to your thigh beneath your dress. If you need protection, you know how to shoot it now. It’s loaded and ready to go. Cock the gun, point, pull trigger.”
He ripped a piece of cloth that dangled on the ledge beside him. “Here, tie it to your thigh with this. I’ll turn around.”
“What if it goes off?”
“It won’t. Not unless you cock it first.”
Viktor turned his back and Nora looked around to make sure no one was watching. After hoisting her skirt, she secured the pistol to her thigh. It felt heavy and awkward, but cool against her skin.
“I’m done.”
“Good. I’ll feel better knowing you’re armed. Come on, I’ll help you into the skiff.”
She followed him over to the small boat that dangled from the edge of the ship. He grabbed her hand and helped her step over the edge, lowering her onto the wooden seat. With a graceful leap he crossed the divide and landed beside her. The small vessel swayed under his movement and weight. She grabbed the seat and swallowed, more nausea surfacing with the movement.
Working the ropes, he lowered them inch by inch until the boat settled into the water. He grabbed the oars, his strong arms rowing as he glided them toward shore. With a gulp, she watched his exposed arms flex beneath his shirt, his partially exposed chest bulging with each pull. She raised her eyes to the sky and fixed them on the full moon to keep from staring.
“You’d better hide that necklace, love,” he said, gesturing to the emeralds that decorated her neck. “My men can be trusted, but in case there is a straggler on the beach, best not to tempt them.”
She touched her necklace, the stones felt cold against her skin. After unclasping the catch, she lowered it into the apron sewn to the front of her dress. It had only been on her neck for a few hours, but already she felt naked without it. He continued to row in silence until the skiff skidded across the sand in the shallow water. She fell forward with the sudden halt of movement, and strong arms caught her fall, clinging to her while she struggled to right herself.
Nora looked up to see his devilish eyes dancing just inches
from hers. She didn’t struggle from his embrace, she melted further into it, just for a moment. The safety she felt wrapped in his arms warmed her to the core. Her mind told her to move, but her body ignored it.
“We’re here,” he whispered, his breath ghosting her lips. She cursed the space between them, a need to touch them with her own overwhelmed her senses. Viktor shared the look and his breathing quickened.
“Captain! You’ve joined us!” a voice called from the beach. Nora snapped to her senses, falling back from his arms. His eyes narrowed as they found their way to a crewman waving on the beach. He eased her back into her seat, her hands slipping from the shirt they had been clasping. She cleared her throat, tugging on the skirt of her dress.
Viktor leapt over the side of the boat and landed with a splash. Droplets of water sprinkled her skin. “Sorry, love!” Grabbing the bow of the skiff, he dragged the bulk of it onto shore. He appeared at Nora’s side, extending a hand which she took with a gentle touch. She leaned on his weight as she climbed over the side and settled her feet into the sand.
“Come with me,” he said. She looked to her hand he still held firm in his own. His fingers laced with hers, a gentle squeeze encouraging her to hold it tight. She knew she should pull away, but her fingers disobeyed and enfolded with his, merging their hands into one. It brought a soft smile to his face as his gaze fell to their entangled fingers. Nora returned the smile, her heart fluttering. She followed his lead across the sand to the fires that crackled just down the beach.
“Captain! Welcome!” Voices of the crew greeted them one by one when they stepped into the warm glow of the fire. Embers flickered against the night sky, rising high before burning out and floating back down as ash. The men sat around three fires, each one clutching a drink in his hand and a few with a woman on their lap. Nora blushed at the sight of them draped over their men, no shame in the public display.
“Hello, Captain,” Simon said. Nora and Viktor both turned to meet him. He sat on a piece of driftwood, a red-haired woman, wearing little to cover her curvaceous figure, perched on his lap. Long fingers stroked his hair while she eyed Nora.
Beneath The Assassin's Touch (Daggers 0f Desire Book 2) Page 10