Captivated by the Captain (Fabled Love Book 2)

by Amanda Mariel

  The foolish woman, what was she thinking? Where was she? And why had Kipp left the door unlocked? She had to have tricked him with her cunning, the blasted woman. He made his way back to the main deck and grabbed the first sailor he found. “Go find Kipp at once. Send him to me.” The man scurried off as soon as Jasper released him.

  With a scowl, Jasper turned toward where Hawkins stood near the rail. “Hawkins.”

  “Captain,” Hawkins replied. “Do you require assistance in breaking down the door?”

  “The door is wide open. I want her found at once. Take a couple of our men and search until you locate her. But do not alert the ship. I have no wish for seventy-five pirates to know there is a woman running around without protection.”

  “A wee chit…” Hawkins narrowed his eyes. “…escaped?”

  “Do not stand there like a half-wit. Go. Find her. Get Styles, Weasel, and Branton to help. They will not be missed at this time of day.”

  As Hawkins left to gather men and start searching, Jasper recalled Prudence’s words from the other day, “I will steal your skiff and take myself.” She wouldn’t…or would she? She could not be so foolish as to think it a good plan. Their interactions played through his mind as he made his way to the skiff’s location. She was brazen and clearly foolish to have left his cabin. Also brave, smart, and determined. She may well have taken it.

  He increased his pace, desperate to discover if she had indeed left the ship all together. If she had, he would catch up to her and…and what? He shook his head in dismay. He would do nothing more than see her safely back aboard the Marion, though he’d like to tan her hide for pulling such a stunt. His heart thudded when the skiff came in to view. She was not so imprudent after all, thank God. But where the hell had she gone?

  “Captain,” Kipp called out.

  Jasper spun on him. “Prudence has left my cabin. What do you know about it?” Kipp’s eyes clouded with worry, but whether it was for himself or for Prudence, Jasper could not be sure. “Why was the door unlocked?”

  His eyes rounded but he held Jaspers stare. “I-I must have forgotten to lock it. I was shocked to find that she had barred it from the inside. My priority was getting word to you.”

  He took a step closer to Kipp. “Your priority should have been to follow my orders. Now she is alone, and God knows where on this ship.”

  Kipp’s hands shook, but he did not retreat. “I am sorry, Captain. It will not happen again.”

  “It had better not or you will suffer the consequences of neglecting to follow an order. Now go help look for her, and should you find her, do not let her out of your sight. Holler for me or send someone to get me. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “Good. You can start in the hold. Make haste.”

  Kipp gave an apologetic half grin before heading toward the ladderway. A ping of regret stabbed Jasper at his rough handling of the lad. He hoped he had not been too hard on him, but it was more than necessary for Kipp, for all of his men, to follow orders. People got hurt, ships sank, and lives were lost when orders were not obeyed. Pirating was anything but a game.

  Jasper scurried around the top decks from spot to spot, searching dark corners, empty barrels and crates, peeking behind rope coils, and everywhere else Prudence could hide. Frustrated, he moved to the rail to think for a minute. Perhaps he should find Hawkins and see how the others were fairing. By now, they had to have searched nearly every inch of the Marion. He tipped his head back to gaze at the crisp, blue sky and sighed. She had to be here somewhere.

  Jasper closed his eyes. They must be deceiving him. No way had he seen Prudence up in the rigging. He opened them slowly and his heart plummeted into the pit of his stomach. The blasted woman was up there with Payne. He wanted to yell at them. Order them down at once. If he did, he may startle them and cause one or both to fall. He fought the urge as he stalked toward the main mast. If she got hurt, or worse, killed, he would not be able to live with himself. She was his responsibility whether he wished it to be so or not. He had rescued her, brought her aboard his ship. The duty fell on him to see her safely to America. The gentleman in him demanded no less.

  His gaze remained on her as he drew to a stop at the base of the main mast. They were at least ten feet up. After drawing in a breath, he said in a loud but flat tone, “Payne.”

  Prudence glanced down, her gaze meeting his.

  Jasper held her gaze but did not speak to her. “Payne, come down here and explain the meaning of this.”

  “Aye, Captain.”

  Prudence made no move to return to the deck as Jasper tapped his foot and watched impatiently. Should he order her down too? Would she come? As bad as he wanted to demand she come down, being high-handed would likely backfire on him in this instance. He would continue to watch her for now. Let Payne be the one to get her down as he clearly allowed her up in the first place.

  Jasper glanced at Payne as he made his way toward the deck, but quickly returned his attention to Prudence. He continued to do the same until Payne reached him.

  “Captain, I am not sure what you wish to have explained.”

  How could the man be so daft? Surely he knew a woman had no place up in the rigging. Jasper peered incredulously at Payne before again glancing at Prudence. “Why is she up there?”

  A sheepish look overtook Payne’s face. “Miss Prudence told me this morn that you had granted her permission to assist in the repairs. Sounded reasonable to me after seeing how much she knew about the mast yesterday.”

  Jasper wanted to choke the man. Keelhaul him or whip him thirty-nine times for his stupidity. “What sounds reasonable about a woman helping with ship repairs?” he bit out the words in a low tone, not wishing for Prudence to overhear him but wanting Payne to hear his ire.

  “When you say it like that, Captain—”

  “Get her down at once.” Jasper scowled at Payne for a second then looked back to Prudence. Every second she spent up there was another second she was in danger.

  “How do you suppose I do that, Captain?”

  Jasper tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. “You have as long as it takes to reach her to figure it out. Get your ass up their now.”

  Jasper stood impatiently as Prudence stared down at him. Could he go up and carry her down without harming her or himself? He had been climbing rigging for more years than not, but he had never done so with an angry woman in his arms. She would no doubt be vexed if he came after her. He focused all of his attention on trying to hear what Payne was saying to Prudence once he reached her, but was unable to make out more than a few words.

  Their conversation seemed to last for hours though it had only been a few minutes. Jasper could not take his eyes from them as Payne moved his hands about and nodded like a fool. All the while, Prudence made no move to climb down. At last, she bent her head and looked at Jasper.

  “I shall only agree to come down if you swear on your honor not to punish Mr. Payne.”

  It warmed his heart that she worried only for Payne’s safety with no regard for her own. “On my honor.” Jasper put a hand over his heart. He would have promised her all the riches in the world to get her down.

  “How do I know for certain I can believe you?” Prudence’s voice held a challenge.

  Bloody hell. He would have to remain true to the promise if he were ever to get any peace where she was concerned. “You do not, but there is one way to find out. Come down and allow me to prove myself honorable.”

  She looked to Payne, said something, then started her decent. Her foot slipped, followed by her hands, small shriek ripped from her throat. She flailed her arms, kicking her feet as she plummeted toward the deck.

  A scream rent from Jasper’s own throat as he scurried to get beneath her—all the while doubting his ability to save her.

  Chapter 6

  Prudence scrambled to gain purchase on a line. Her heart thumped behind her ribs as she reached for each bit of rope and sail she plum
meted passed. She had fought so hard to survive these past days. No way would she let her life end now. Her hand came in contact with a line and she closed her fingers around it, holding on with all of her strength.

  She fought to catch her breath as she took hold with her other hand. Following the thick rope with her gaze, she discovered it ran back to the main mast post. She could scoot across it and then climb to safety. Her hands burned like the devil but she’d not let go.

  Blast Jasper for making her so nervous. She had been aboard ship most of her life, was used to climbing rigging. Never in all of her time on Papa’s ships had she ever slipped. The dreadful man made her so nervous when he stared at her that she could not focus. The desire to kiss him again stole her wits while his penetrating stare unsettled her nerves.

  “I’m coming for you. Stay where you are.” Jasper called out.

  She shook her head defiantly. His aid was the last thing she needed. Was the man trying to kill her? She was being a goose. He couldn’t possibly know the effect he had on her. “Please don’t. I am capable of rescuing myself. I need only make my way across the line.”

  “Stop being stubborn. I will reach you in another moment. Just stay where you are.”

  She looked in the direction of Jasper’s voice. He was climbing the main post as they talked. She could not stop him from coming to her, but she’d be damned if she would just hang there waiting on him like some helpless swooning lady. Ignoring his demand, she continued to move one hand at a time making her way toward the post, ignoring the stinging of her palms. At the very least, she would get herself there before he could reach the rope she dangled from. She was no helpless damsel, and she’d not allow anyone to see her in such a light.

  Her attention remained on her task as she inched ever closer to her goal. Mayhap if she reached the mast post before he reached the line he would leave her to save herself. All she had wanted to do was prove herself capable of being out of the cabin. She had hoped if she managed to free herself and demonstrated her skills aboard the ship Jasper would grant her freedom. A freedom she sorely needed. There was no way she could remain locked in there under his control. She would never again be captive to a man—not even a handsome, mysterious one she desired.

  “Can you please hold still? Your arms must be sore and your hands rope burned. Allow me to help you.”

  Ignoring Jasper’s pleas, she continued to push herself. It was bad enough she had fallen. Now she desperately needed to redeem herself if she were to gain his permission to help on board while she was stuck there. She drew in a determined breath and pushed herself to move faster. There was no telling how close he was, as she could not take her gaze away from the post and risk becoming flustered again.

  She reached her target at last only to find Jasper’s waiting arms. He reached for her, tucking her against his side. “Hold on to me,” he ordered.

  Not having a choice, Prudence wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs about his waist. She was too tired to argue, and he had her path blocked at any rate. His heart beat furiously against her chest as she clung to him. Did hers beat as wildly? She closed her eyes. It did. The excitement of her fall. Nothing more.

  She moved her head to rest her chin on his shoulder and loosened her grip on him as he carried her down to the main deck. Everyone below probably watched their decent. The thought made her cheeks warm. She had never been thusly pressed to a man before. His muscles corded beneath her as he moved, their hearts beating together, and she could not deny how good he smelled—exotic and spicy. The odd sensation of the previous day rose up again to coil in her abdomen. She snapped her eyes open and focused on the ocean waves.

  Jasper stepped onto the main deck but did not release her. Before she could drop her legs to the plank boards he had her cradled against him like a wee babe. She dropped her arms from around him, sighing with relief to have the pressure off her raw palms, and demanded, “Set me down.”

  He continued to walk across the deck, holding her tight as he made his way. Perhaps he had a genuine care for her. After all he had rushed to her aide. The idea made her more determined to get away from him. They were ill suited—could never mean anything to each other—a pirate and a shipping heiress. They might as well be the jailor and thief.

  She pushed against his chest. “I wish to walk on my own. I am quite capable.”

  “It appears you are quite capable of many things, including almost getting yourself killed.” He tightened his hold on her.

  “I would have been fine if you hadn’t interfered.” She peered up at him—ignoring the comfort she found in his arms—wishing she could sear him with her gaze.

  “How can you be so sure?” He stared back at her.

  “Where are you taking me?” She ignored his question, not willing to explain herself. She would never admit to longing for him, secretly wanting him to touch her, hold her, and kiss her. Nor could she explain her desire to flee from him. None of it was rational, let alone understandable.

  He chuckled as he turned a corner. “You are avoiding my question, but make no mistake, you will be explaining.” His tone was stern despite his laughter.

  Prudence stopped struggling and settled into his hold. “Very well.” She would have to give him something if she wished to gain some freedom aboard the ship. He could never know about her Papa’s death, or his shipping company. Lord knew what he would do with such information. Ransom her? Steal her ships? She did not believe so, but nor could she take the chance. Still, she could tell him a little about herself.

  He entered the captain’s cabin, kicked the door shut behind him, and deposited her on the bed.

  She shivered at the loss of his warmth. Her body mourned his closeness as she watched him pull the cork from a bottle of rum. She should be furious with him. She was extremely vexed. Still, a large part of her wished to be in his arms. What was wrong with her?

  “Start talking.” He tipped the bottle and took a swallow of the liquor.

  She went to him. “First, I would like a drink.” She yanked the bottle from his hand and put it to her lips.

  He stared at her with amusement in his icy eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched as though he fought a grin.

  Without thought, she filled her mouth and swallowed. She slammed her eyes shut against the burn as the liquid blazed a trail into her stomach.

  “Have some more.” He fetched a damp cloth from his wash basin and returned to her side. “It may help dull the pain in your hands.

  Jasper grinned at her, a challenge in his eyes. The stuff was awful, but she would not back down. She took another large swallow then handed the bottle back to him. “Thank you.”

  Her head grew a bit fuzzy and her body seemed to relax a measure as she watched him tend her raw flesh. Her body seemed to tingle everywhere he touched as he cleaned and examined her palms. She reached out a hand then traced one finger across the scar on his cheek. He was quite the most handsome man she’d ever seen despite the white puckered line running from just under his eye to his jaw bone.

  He grabbed her hand, pulling it away. “Your hands will be fine.”

  She attempted to clear the fuzz from her mind. Good heavens. She was drunk, or at the least well on her way. He’d bested her again—tricked her into drinking to much. What was worse, she’d walked right into it. Initiated it even. Bloody stupid.

  “Are you ready to explain now, or would you like another drink.” He held the rum out to her.

  She raised a hand in protest. “I have had my share. As for explaining, I told you I would not remain locked within your cabin.”

  He sat the rum back on his desk. “I wish to hear why you chose to trick Payne and climb the rigging.”

  She glanced down for an instant before meeting his gaze again. “I wanted to be useful. To distract myself, if only for a little while.”

  He moved closer to her, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. “It is clear to me that you have spent a great deal of time on ships. Why?”


  “I grew up around them.” She swallowed hard, trying to determine how much more she could tell him. The drink had her feeling entirely too relaxed, and her head was swimming. She had to mind her tongue. Had to remember he was not her friend.

  He pulled out his desk chair and motioned her toward it. “Have a seat.”

  She lowered herself onto it as he moved to sit on the trunk at the foot of his bed. “Were you always a pirate?” She turned her attention to the diamond-paned windows along the outer wall.“No. Now tell me how you came to spend so much time around ships.”

  He hid something—she could tell by his deflection and quick response, but what? Perhaps if she gave more, he would as well. She nibbled her lower lip, attempting to formulate an answer that would not give too much away. “My Papa was a sailor.”

  “Navy?” Jasper took another drink of his rum.

  “No.” She looked at him and, unable to stop her curiosity, asked, “What were you before you became a pirate?”

  He smiled. “A privateer.”

  Another short answer, intriguing. Dare she push for more? “Are they not the same thing?” She understood privateers also attacked ships and plundered their cargo. Doing so under a letter of marquee may make it legal, but it was still pirating. Was it not?

  He held the rum out to her. She eyed the bottle, wanting to accept more, but knowing she should not indulge. “Another drink will not kill you, however, if you would rather I can get you some brandy or water.”

  He was treating her like a weakling again. She took the rum and tipped it to her lips. This time, she took a small swallow then passed it back to him. “Who’s avoiding answers now?” She laughed.

  He grinned at her, revealing his perfect teeth, a sparkle in his eyes. “They are mostly the same, though you would be hard-pressed to find either a privateer or a pirate willing to admit it.”

  “Then it is a lucky thing I have you.” She placed her hand over her mouth to stop the flow of her words. He is not your friend. You are not lucky to be here.