The Spanish Outlaw

by Higgins, Marie

  Inside, the room was very dim. Only small slivers of moonlight filtered through the window, but not enough to conduct a thorough search.

  She found a lamp on the table, and after lighting it, she started her search in a corner. Just as her cabin, there wasn’t much space to hide things, which meant everything was probably stored in his trunks. Which she found locked.

  Growling, she fished through her hair for one of her pins, hoping it didn’t pull apart her bun in the process. Careful and steady, she positioned the pin over the bolt on the first trunk and slid it in. It had been a while since she had to pick a lock.

  At a young age, her brother Matthew learned the talent and tried to teach it to her. She hadn’t quite polished the skill before her father discovered what his children had been doing, and took a willow branch to their backsides. Now when she needed the knowledge the most, she couldn’t quite remember how.

  Where was Matthew Wentworth when she needed him?

  Finally, the security devise clicked and opened. With shaky hands, she lifted the trunk lid. Shiny steel gleamed from within, and she blinked to adjust her vision. Several swords lay in a bed of red silk, along with knives and muskets.

  Her chest clenched. Why did Raúl have so many weapons? Did this have something to do with his trade business?

  The floorboards outside the bedroom creaked, and Vivian froze, straining to listen. Footsteps clicked nearby, making her heart jump to her throat.

  Getting caught wasn’t part of her plan.

  Quickly, she closed the lid and snapped on the lock. Then she turned off the lamp. Taking precaution to be as quiet as possible, she tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against the wood. A rattle of coins came from nearby as the footsteps neared.

  She backed against the wall, hoping it would swallow her. Even if Raúl walked inside, the door would hide her only until he closed it.

  A soft rap sounded and she jumped.

  “Vivian? Are you in there?”

  She placed her hand on her bosom as she regulated her out of control breathing. “Yes, Anton.” She opened the door and peeked out.

  “Come quickly. We have no time to waste. Raúl is on his way.”

  Anton grasped her wrist and pulled her out. She didn’t have time to analyze his stern expression, or how he knew where she was in the first place.

  “What should I do with the key?” She held out her hand, as the key lay flat on her palm.

  Anton glanced around the area, then snatched the key and laid it beside the door. “It will have to stay there.”

  From one corridor to the next, he led them until they hurried inside their room. She sank on the bed and breathed slower while he paced the floor in front of her. His angry eyes stayed on her.

  “Vivian, will you kindly explain what you were doing in his room?”

  Sheepishly, she grinned and shrugged. “Looking for my cloak?”

  The corner of his lip tugged upward. “Try again.”

  “How did you know I was there in the first place?”

  “You have proven time and time again that you are a woman of adventure. You are also a Pinkerton agent. Need I say more?”

  It looked as if he was getting to know her habits just as she knew most of his. Holding back a grin, she stood and faced him, planting her hands on her hips. “Exactly. But what excuse did you use to leave Raúl to come find me?”

  “I told him I worried about your welfare since you had been sick of late, and I needed to find you.” Raking his fingers through his hair, he sighed deeply. “Did you discover anything of importance? Should we trust him?”

  “I’m not certain. I needed more time to look. Before your interruption, I had barely opened the first trunk. He still had two more.”

  “What did you find in the first trunk? Anything noteworthy?”

  “Actually,” she said, stepping closer to him and laying her hand on his arm. “Many different weapons filled the trunk.”

  Anton’s eyes widened.

  “Right now, I don’t know if that’s good or bad. He is in the trading business, after all.”

  He clutched her shoulders and pulled her close. Soft eyes bore into hers, making her limbs melt and her heart pitter-patter.

  “Vivian, be very careful. If Raúl is one of my uncle’s men, he is trained to be dangerous. He would not think twice before breaking your neck with one snap of his hands.” Anton stroked her cheek, letting his fingers trail down the column of her throat. “I do not know what I would do if that happened.”

  Her heart jumped to her throat and turned her mouth dry. “Anton, you forget, I can take care of myself.”

  He shook his head. “No, querida. You are not as strong as you want to believe. I also know this is your first time being a detective and you will make mistakes along the way—just as you have done so far since our first meeting.”

  She grumbled and pulled away from him. How dare he! She’d show him. Thankfully, he didn’t know the truth. She’d give anything to become a real Pinkerton agent.

  Chuckling, he pulled her back into his arms. “Do you know what your problem is?”

  “My problem? I didn’t realize I had a problem.”

  “You are so stubborn, you cannot see past the end of your cute little nose.” He touched his finger to the tip. “We are going to have many conflicts, and until you realize I am your trusted protector, I will always keep my eyes on you to make certain you do not get yourself in trouble.”

  “But...”

  His lips swooped down and landed on hers. Gently, he kissed her, pulling her closer. Heat spread through her, just as it always did while in his arms.

  Lifting her hands to link around his neck, she melted against him, but just as she relaxed, he pulled away. His eyes twinkled as a grin touched his mouth.

  “Querida, you are nearly ready to accept me. If only you can learn to trust what your heart is telling you.” He turned and walked out the door.

  Her shoulders sagged, and she chided herself for her weakness. The man could play her like a harp, because every time he caressed her, she sang for him.

  Breathing deeply, she sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the pins from her hair. Oh no! Her hands froze. She’d left one in Raúl’s room! Now she prayed he didn’t discover it…or she would be in a lot of trouble!

  * * * *

  Vivian stood at the helm of the ship, the smooth wood of the wheel rubbed against her palms as her gaze fixed straight ahead. Warm wind blew in her hair and a stray lock brushed her cheek. Once in a while a drop of water from the ocean splashed against the side of the ship and touched her skin, making her blink.

  Her thoughts were not on the tour Captain Bushwell gave, but of last evening with Anton and Raúl. She wanted desperately to find something. To prove to Anton—and herself—she would make a good detective. She didn’t dare tell him about her hairpin, though.

  The idea of creeping into Raúl’s room had surprised her. She really didn’t know if she was brave enough. Thankfully, she had started to think like an agent and take chances.

  Anton was a great performer and had played the role of an older, over-protective relative perfectly. Yet sometimes, his eyes smoldered when he looked upon her, and his touch was like a whispered caress. Since she’d instructed him to stop seducing her, she should be very upset over this, but instead, she found her heart softening the longer she watched him.

  She hadn’t had the opportunity to ask Raúl if he knew Juanito so far today. In fact, she couldn’t even begin her questions because Anton controlled the subject matter every time. Thankfully, Raúl hadn’t said anything about her hairpin, either.

  As she rubbed her palm against the wheel, she barely registered that Raúl and Captain Bushwell stood not far off to her side. Not when Anton’s aura overpowered every other sensation on today’s tour given by the good captain.

  Directly behind her, Anton explained certain navigation laws. His knowledge on the subject impressed her, and it seemed as though he had become the
tour guide. Vivian waited for Captain Bushwell to intercede, but his silence indicated he, too, was amazed at the vast information Anton shared.

  “Leeway is measured by the angle of the course steered and the direction through the water,” Anton said. His breath teased her ear, his deep voice stirred tingles on her skin. “If the wind hits from the left, the ship will move to the right of the course and vice versa. Understand?”

  Trying to focus on the ocean, she shivered from his closeness. His baritone voice mesmerized her, and she couldn’t resist turning to look over her shoulder, lifting her face to his. “Yes.”

  “You are an apt student.” He smiled.

  “How do you know so much?” she asked.

  He chuckled. “While at war, I made friends with some sailors. They shared many adventures with me.”

  His body was so close she wanted to learn into him. But propriety stopped her. If she maintained the appearance of his niece, she couldn’t act like a love-struck girl.

  While he rambled on about navigation and the sea, she listened, but the words didn’t register in her mind. His hypnotic Spanish accent had her under his spell. Training her eyes on his lips, she fought the feelings her body had experienced during those times they had kissed.

  “The drift of any current is uncertain, at best,” he continued. “A navigator must take special precautions to prevent any accidents. First and foremost, he must protect his passengers.” Anton looked at Captain Bushwell. “Is that not correct, Captain?”

  The portly older fellow chuckled. “You are doing just fine, Señor Contreras. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  She wanted to ignore everyone else and drift into Anton’s arms and let the current of love wash her away. Anton looked into Vivian’s eyes, and her knees wilted from his intoxicating chocolate gaze. His assured grin even made her heart skip.

  After Anton’s speech, Raúl walked up beside her. “Senorita?” He held out his elbow for her to take. “May I escort you back to the main deck?” He glanced at Anton. “As long as your uncle approves.”

  Anton didn’t speak, just nodded.

  She smiled for Raúl’s benefit, hoping he didn’t notice her distraction with Anton. “That would be wonderful, thank you.” Slipping her gloved hand along the gray material of his suit, she hooked it around his elbow.

  Vivian didn’t need to look over her shoulder to see if Anton followed. She knew he did. Her traitorous body still tingled for his caress whenever he came near. Trying to keep her mind focused on other things, she glanced across the beautiful ocean and caught sight of something in the distance.

  “Captain?” She pointed at the object. “What is that?”

  The captain fumbled with his pocket telescope as he peered through the object. “It looks like another ship.”

  “A passenger ship?”

  “I assume so, since it doesn’t look like a privateer vessel.”

  “Pirates?” she gasped, releasing her escort’s arm and walking to the railing.

  Moving beside her, Anton rested his hand on the small of her back. “No, Vivian. Pirates are not the same as a privateer. A privateer ship is a privately owned vessel commissioned in war to capture enemy ships. A pirate captures ships for a greedier and more ruthless purpose.”

  She smiled as a warm protective blanket wrapped around her from his nearness. “So, the vessel is neither a privateer nor a pirate ship?”

  “No, I do not believe so.”

  The captain shifted nervously as he continued to peer through the scope. “I shall keep an eye on it though, Miss Wentworth.”

  “Well, if you assure me it’s not a threat, then I’ll certainly sleep more peacefully tonight.”

  Captain Bushwell lowered the telescope. “No, it’s not a threat, I’m certain of it. It’s probably just a private vessel going the same place we’re going.” He cleared his throat and turned. “Shall we proceed on our tour?”

  Raúl quickly stepped beside her, offering his arm again. She nodded, moving away from Anton and toward the other man.

  During the remainder of the tour, Anton stayed a short distance behind. Once the tour had concluded, Captain Bushwell stopped and turned toward the small group. “Miss Wentworth, gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I have duties that need to be finished before this evening.”

  She nodded. “Of course. Thank you for taking the time to give us a tour.”

  “Señor Contreras?” Raúl asked after the captain had left. “Will you allow Miss Wentworth to have the evening meal with me tonight?”

  A nervous twinge caught in her stomach as she studied Anton’s expression. She detected a spark of anger in his eyes. Could it be jealousy? Her heart hammered against her ribs. Would he stay in character in front of Raúl and continue to act the outlandish lie of being her uncle?

  Anton tilted his head, his arms crossed over his muscular chest. “I assume you are not planning on dining with her alone.”

  “Of course not. I expect you will join us.”

  Anton nodded.

  Raúl turned his attention to Vivian. “Will it be permissible to pick you and your uncle up at your cabin at seven o’clock?”

  She smiled. “That’s fine.”

  “Until then.” He bowed and placed a small kiss on her knuckles before leaving.

  As she watched Raúl depart, a woman caught Vivian’s eye. She recalled seeing the cloaked figure staring at her on a previous occasion, but today the older female wore a shawl gathered around her shoulders. The gown she wore was nicer than the ones some of the other passengers wore. Once again, the woman stood alone, which made Vivian curious to her identity. Did the stranger have something to do with Anton’s uncle? Yet the woman was fair skinned, like Vivian. So then why did the other lady stare at Vivian so often? And why did the lady find Vivian so interesting?

  Vivian wanted to go to the woman and say something, but once again, the mysterious person turned sharply and hurried away.

  Very strange.

  “Vivian,” Anton said, disturbing her thoughts. “Have you discovered any more hidden secrets with our new amigo?”

  She tried forgetting the confusing woman. “No, Anton. I haven’t had the time.”

  “I know how intelligent you are, so you must expect he is only after you for one thing.”

  She scowled. “Pray, what in heaven’s name are you talking about?”

  Anton’s lips tightened, his jaw hardened. “You know what I am referring to, querida. Raúl’s only purpose is to bed you.”

  Vivian laughed heartily. “Oh, you’re being humorous again, Anton.”

  “It is true.”

  “Yes, I’m certain it is, but isn’t that the same reason you haven’t given up on me? Don’t you want to bed me, as well?”

  His dark brows pulled together. “Our situation is different.”

  “No, it’s not. The only difference is that you’ve known me longer than he has, but your goal is the same as Raúl’s. In fact, I think if I would have given myself to you that first night, you wouldn’t have me coming with you halfway across the world right now.”

  “Vivian.” His voice lowered as he grasped her elbow. “That is not true, and you know it. I have told you the reasons for bringing you with me, and having my way with you has nothing to do with it.”

  She laughed out loud. “Then why wouldn’t you make that promise to me the other night? Why did you refuse?”

  “Because I am attracted to you.”

  “Yes, because you want to have your wicked way with me. Admit it.”

  His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. She held her breath for his reply.

  * * * *

  Anton growled under his breath as his gaze darted around the crowded deck. A few people stopped meandering, throwing glares his way. He inwardly groaned, knowing they had overheard the conversation.

  “Vivian, please lower your voice. Either that, or let us return to our cabin to finish our debate.”

  “No, Anton. I’d rather stay out
here. Then I’m assured you won’t force your lusty attention on me.”

  “Force?” His voice rose when he looked at her. “I did not force you. In fact, I have never forced you. If you recall, your body responds willingly to my touch.”

  “Don’t remind me.” She scowled and folded her arms. “I hate that you have that kind of control over me.”

  “The fact still remains our relationship is not based entirely on satisfying our desires.”

  She threw him a glare. “That’s because we haven’t satisfied them at all.”

  His heartbeat thudded in his chest. What made her speak of this? She knew how he felt. It sounded as if she wanted him to satisfy her. Well, there was only one way to find out.

  “Then let us end the argument right now.” He took hold of her arm again, turning them toward the stairs as he led her below deck.

  Her body stiffened, but she didn’t struggle. He assumed it was to keep the other passengers from watching them too closely.

  “What are you doing?” she snapped.

  “I am proving to you that having my wicked way with you is not the only reason I like you.”

  “And how are you going to do that?”

  “I am going to make love to you.”

  “What? You contradict yourself, Señor Contreras.”

  “No, because after I make love to you, you will see that I will remain by your side, protecting you until we prove my true identity. I will show you I do not just want you for your sweet, luscious body, whereas if Raúl would bed you, he would ignore you for the rest of the voyage.”

  “Anton, please.” She squirmed, trying to release herself from his grip. But he wouldn’t let her go. He hurried below deck and to their room, closing the door behind them.

  “Stop this insanity at once,” she hissed. “I will not let you do this.”

  Anton stalked toward her, and she retreated. He must be insane, because all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and drug her with passion. But he also knew that if she told him no, he’d stop. He had never forced a woman to love him.

  “Querida,” he whispered. “Do not think of it merely as a physical encounter, but as making love instead. We will be sharing not only our bodies, but our souls.”