“Much better.” He rewarded her with a toe-curling grin. “Now what did you want to ask me?”
She broke the connection, unable to hold his stare, desperately wishing to know where he came from but not sure she should risk ruining their connection by prying. What if he did not wish to talk about it and decided to send her with Hawkins as a result? What if his answer added a new, insurmountable barrier to a relationship between them?
Prudence studied the visible parts of the island, gazing at the white sand beneath her feet before taking a look at the vegetation that grew beyond. Her mind spun as she attempted to decide her course. Once she put her questions into words she’d not be able to take them back. His status as a pirate should be enough to stop any attraction between them. Yet, here she stood, ready to look beyond that. Could he possibly have something worse hiding in his past?
“Prudence,” he prodded as they entered the islands interior.
She drew a breath and met his gaze. “I could not help but observe that you are not so much like a pirate.”
“How so?” His face remained emotionless, but she recognized a glint of civility in his eyes.
She stepped over a root then pressed on, ignoring her racing heart. “You are not a true pirate. They do not posses manners nor honor. I have witnessed both in you.”
He chuckled, his rich voice playing havoc on her body.
“And how many pirates have you known that you are confident in drawing such a conclusion?”
Her cheeks warmed. “Two, but you are nothing like the ones who stole me.”
He guided her down a trail worn through the thick greenery and trees. “Perhaps they were not real pirates.”
“They most certainly where, and a nasty lot, too.” Vexation warmed her blood, but she was determined to stay her course. She took a step toward him. “You put me in mind of a gentleman. You told me before that you were a privateer before a pirate. I wish to know what led you to that…career. Where did you grow up? What did you do before taking to the seas?”
Jasper halted and glanced back toward the beach, suddenly seeming far removed from her. A sadness she recognized from herself gripped his features. “It matters not. That life is behind me.”
She could not stop the desire washing through her as she tipped her chin, bringing her lips to his. He met her passion with his own, slanting his mouth over hers. Need spiraled through her, coiling in her abdomen. She pressed closer, bringing her breasts against his muscled chest. The softness of his lips in contrast to the roughness of his jaw delighted her senses as he deepened the kiss. A small moan escaped her throat when their tongues touched intimately.
He pulled away, leaving her breathless. “Prudence—”
Lifting shaking fingers, she pressed them to his lips. The question shone in his eyes. There was no need for him to speak it. “I want this…you.” And she did—she wanted all of him—wanted to give him all of her.
He pulled her trembling fingers from his lips and brought his mouth back to hers. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hanging on as though she’d die without his touch. His past, nor his present, mattered in this moment. She only wanted him, his touch, his kiss, the safety she experienced in his embrace.
Jasper lowered them to the damp forest floor, coming down beside her, his arm under her head. He brought his lips back to hers in a searing kiss as he trailed his hand down her throat, past her collar bone, and over her breast. She pressed into his palm, relishing the tingling wake left by his touch.
He lifted his head, breaking their kiss to stare down upon her.
“Jasper.” She pulled his mouth back to hers, hungry for more. Of what she was not quite certain, but she trusted him—trusted that he understood what she wanted—needed. Her nerve endings crackled, blood warmed, and the area between her thighs throbbed. She desperately pushed closer to him, silently begging for all he had to give. More kisses, touches, more of him.
He gave her a soft, slow kiss before pulling back to gaze down at her. “Come, walk with me.”
She reached out for him in an effort to pull him back to her.
“Not now.” He stood than reached out a hand.
Her pulse speed through her as she stared at him. Why had he stopped? She longed for the intimacy they had shared moments ago. For him to assuage the need he’d created within her. But she would not beg. Instead, she took his offered arm.
She glanced at him from time to time as they strolled deeper into the islands interior, studying him, longing for his touch. Wanting to know his secrets. He had once told her to trust him, and as she stole a look at him, she could no longer deny that she did.
“Jasper.” She stilled, causing him to stop as well.
He turned to her, concern in his gaze. “What is it?”
“I want to tell you what happened. Tell you about me,” she blurted the words before fear could stop her. She did not quite understand her need to be honest with him—only that the connection she felt to him compelled her. Perhaps the two of them could discover a solution that would allow them to remain together. One thing was certain—she could not marry Mr. Stratford.
“You do not have to.” He brushed a curl from her cheek as he gazed tenderly into her eyes.
Prudence looked around for a spot to sit. An old log lay horizontal on the ground, not far from where they stood. She reached for his hand then led him to the makeshift seat. He followed her, positioning himself beside her.
Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, filling the silence as she gathered her thoughts. It would not do to simply blurt out her situation. True, she wished to share her past with him, and against all reason she trusted him, but she did not want to misspeak. Say something foolish or out of order.
He gave a little squeeze to her hand.
She met his gaze and inhaled, straightening her posture. “My father was a shipping company owner. I grew up at the shipyard and often sailed along with him and his men. Drake Shipping is based in Massachusetts; it is why I need to return to America.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, silent for several heartbeats. “That explains your knowledge of ships and navigation.” He squeezed her hand with a comforting pressure. “You said your father was the owner. What happened to change that?”
She pulled her hand from his and closed her eyes for a slow breath. “We were sailing to England to deliver a new ship when we were attacked.” Her voice cracked on the final word, emotion flooding her along with the horrific memories. “Father was killed; everyone on board was killed, except for me.”
Jasper sat quietly beside her as she told him of all that had happened. Every once in a while he reached over and patted her hand or rubbed her back, but he did not speak. Coming to the end of her revelations, she turned to face him. “You see, I am quite alone in the world and, now, the sole owner of Drake Shipping. My father’s legacy is my responsibility.”
Prudence stared into his eyes, praying she had done the right thing in opening up to him. Giving a pirate, even this one, such information could prove dangerous to her and her legacy. Her throat tightened as she studied him, looking for…for what? She did not know. Understanding? Protection? Good heavens, she was a fool.
“I am sorry. I should not have burdened you with my troubles.” Pray, let him not use my words against me.
Chapter 9
Jasper took in all Prudence had said, lending her his comfort as she shared her tale. It pleased him immensely to have sent that bastard and his bloody ship to the ocean’s floor. The death was better than he deserved after what he’d done to her. The level of evil in some men astounded him. True, Jasper and his crew killed as well, but they never went after innocent people—only vile men they knew preyed on innocents. Jasper pulled Prudence into his arms, holding her close. “You are safe now.”
She snuggled into his side. “I believe you.”
His heart swelled at her faith in him. The emotion shining in her eyes and her willingness to share her past spoke volumes. She
had developed affectionate emotions for him—ones that could only lead to heartache for them both. He recognized it in her touch, the passionate way she kissed him, saw it in her gaze when she looked at him.
He could not deny caring for the hoyden and her wellbeing. Warning bells sounded within him as memories of the last woman he cared for flooded him once more. How had he allowed himself to develop feelings for Prudence after the lesson he’d been dealt at Anna’s hand? He would have to put distance between them before Prudence gained any more of his affection. Before either one of them crossed the line from affection to love. Surely he could keep her safe and see her to America while keeping both of their hearts safe.
“Captain?”
Jasper released Prudence and stood, relieved by the interruption. “Over here, Kipp.”
Prudence rose to her feet and came to stand near him, but he fought the urge to look at her.
A moment later, Kipp entered the clearing. “Captain, Hawkins sent me to find you. The damage to the hull was not so bad as we suspected. Being that we were just careened a fortnight ago, the men made quick work of scraping the barnacles too. They are finishing up as we speak, and Hawkins says we can sail with the tide, if that is your wish.”
Jasper gave a nod. “Please see Miss Prudence back to the ship. I will be along shortly. Until I say otherwise, she is under your protection.”
“Yes, Captain.” Kipp looked toward Prudence. “We will follow the trail back.”
The warmth of her fingers seeped through Jasper’s sleeve but he still refused to meet her gaze. “Go.”
After a moment she removed her hand. He kept his focus on Kipp as he led Prudence away. An ache formed in his chest at letting her go, but it was for the best. Now he needed to figure out what to do with her until he could see her safely removed from his protection.
He pulled his cutlass and swung at some nearby vines. Not because they needed to be cut down, but because he needed to release his frustration. He had managed to keep his heart safe for all of these years. Had managed to keep Anna from his mind and focus on his charitable activities. He had been happy pirating and supporting the orphanage with the capital he gained by attacking other pirate ships.
The children needed him, counted on him. They did not give and take their love as Anna had. Did not cause him pain nor grief. He’d started all of this—pirating and supporting the orphanage—after his time in service to crown and country. It was his way of giving back, of helping those too weak to help themselves. His way of healing, and it had healed him more than he ever believed possible.
Dropping his cutlass to his side, he scrubbed a hand over his jaw. Happy; no that was not quite right. He’d not lie to himself. However, he was content with his life. Not looking for anything more than he already had. Certainly not in the market for love. He shook his head at the foolish notion. Lust, perhaps kinship, certainly a desire to protect—those were the things he felt for Prudence—not love. But if he was not careful…
With his mind made up, he slipped his cutlass into its scabbard and made his way back to the Marion. He would continue to protect himself by remaining distant. It was his best course of action. His only option.
The beach was a buzz of pirates when he returned. Men sat around sipping rum while others carried supplies, and several others were in the water finishing up repairs. Jasper sought out Hawkins in the confusion, spotting him near the shore. He moved to stand beside his quartermaster. “I am told we will be ready to sail with the tide.”
“You have been told right.” Hawkins looked out at the careened ship, laying on its side in the low tide. “Shall I give the order?”
“Yes, but we will be changing course. When we sail, it will be for America.”
Hawkins jerked his head around to stare at Jasper. “Are you mad? If we go anywhere near America we will all find our necks stretched. Their coast is crawling with navy.”
Hawkins was not entirely wrong. The coast could be a dangerous place, however, Marion was not known to their navy. His crew did not have a target on them. They could easily sneak in and back out if they did things properly.
“If you’re afraid, you are welcome to remain here on the island. My mind is firm on the matter. I will be taking our guest to America.”
“What about a vote, Captain? You cannot put us all in danger without our consent,” Hawkins challenged. “It is the way of things.”
“The Marion is my ship. This crew is the best on the seas and loyal to me. If you wish for a vote, I will hold one, but we both know my men will do as I bid them.” Jasper glanced around at his crew. A brave and loyal lot, handpicked by him. “Cousin, you too should follow my lead as you always have. We can study the maps and plot a safe course. Our ship and crew are unknown to their navy. This can be done without much risk.”
Hawkins huffed. “Who would have thought when we left England all those years ago, we would end up here. Very well, I will remain at your side.”
Jasper clapped his hand on Hawkins’ shoulder. “I am grateful to have you along.”
Hawkins grinned then looked back out at the ship. “There is nowhere I would rather be. England lost all of her shine long before we left her shores.”
“Indeed.” Jasper had approached Hawkins after the war. After the war Jasper was heartbroken and physically scarred while Hawkins was financially ruined. Their time as privateers for crown and country had trained them well for a life of piracy. Hawkins had laughed when Jasper first suggested they take to the seas as pirates, but he soon consented. Within a fortnight, Jasper purchased the Marion and assembled a skeleton crew of men he knew and trusted from his days as a privateer. Both men had been running from something and hungry for adventure. “Give the order and once we are underway meet me in my cabin.”
Jasper left to find Payne before Hawkins could say anything more. Now that he had decided on his course he had to handle the situation with Prudence. Taking her to America himself would prolong their time together. He had to ensure that time was not spent in close quarters. Payne would be the perfect distraction.
* * * *
Prudence waded in the water, her trouser legs pulled up, and hunted shells as Kipp watched from the shore. In truth, she couldn’t care less about the shells, but the excuse gave her much needed time alone. If one could consider being ankle deep in the ocean with a band of pirates watching them alone. Alas, no one was near enough to interrupt her thoughts.
Her earlier interactions with Jasper kept running through her mind. She had not imagined their connection. He cared for her. She would not accept otherwise. The way he had listened to her, held her, touched her. The emotions in his eyes and the way his voice softened all proved she was correct in her assessment. Why had he pushed her away?
She looked toward the beach, searching for him amongst the crowd. Surely, he had returned by now. Styles, Kipp, Hawkins stood near the shore…there he was, Jasper, his hair in a queue and hand on his cutlass as he spoke to Payne. Her heart jumped at the sight of him, a smile spreading across her face. She started toward the white sand beach, intent on going to him, but stopped herself. It would not do to chase after him like some heartsick debutant. As much as it pained her to do so, she returned to hunting shells—pretending to at any rate.
Every so often, she looked back up the beach, soaking up the sight of him. The fact that he was a pirate no longer bothered her for he had shown her there was more to him. He may not be willing to share his past with her yet, but someday he would. She would see to it. Her stomach rolled at the thought of leaving him to return to her life. Could she walk away from her responsibilities to stay with him? Would he leave his life of pirating to be with her? If so, would he require a pardon? Would he be adept at helping to run her ship yard? There was no use in pondering it when he had not even admitted to having feelings for her. She reached into the water and splashed some on her face. When had she become so bird-witted?
“Miss Prudence.”
She straightened and looked to
ward the shore where Kipp stood waving her in. With a slight nod, she made her way back to the beach. A glance around revealed that the ship had been set back to rights, the tide was coming in, and Jasper had disappeared. Perhaps he was back on the Marion and they would soon be departing. She offered a weak smile to Kipp as she stepped back onto the beach. “Are we to depart soon?”
“Aye, miss. Captain has asked that I bring you back on board now. He wishes to see you in the galley.”
Her smile became sincere at his words and she followed happily behind him. Jasper requested her presence. She could not imagine why he wished to see her in the galley, but nor did she care. Kipp led her through clusters of crew men to the far side of the beach on their way to the ship. She smiled and nodded at the men they passed. Before long, they were wading in the water, then rowing in the skiff, approaching the rope ladder that would take her back on board.
Kipp brought the skiff to a stop at the base of the ladder. “After you, Miss.” He reached out taking hold of the thick rope making up one side of the ladder. “I will do my best to hold it steady and catch you if need be.”
Prudence took hold of the first rung before looking back at him. “I am no delicate miss, but if you insist, who am I to stop you.” She wasted no more time on words, climbing as fast as her arms and legs would allow.
Hawkins awaited her at the rail and helped her onto the deck before escorting her to the galley. He stopped just outside the galley door, turning to her. “The Captain is waiting within.”
“Thank you.” She nodded then moved into the room. Her heart fluttered as she came to a stop before Jasper.
He rose to his feet and came around the table he’d been sitting at. “Thank you for joining me.” He pulled out a chair. “Please, sit.”
Her stomach soured as she took in his stone-like expression, then the empty table. This was no intimate dinner. Something was wrong.
Captivated by the Captain (Fabled Love Book 2) Page 6