The Pirate Lord

by Vanda Vadas

  With a sudden jerk, he swung his legs forwards. Boots thudded against the hull. When he moved, she visualised his synchronised movements. Step by step. Hand over hand. She realised he used a single rope to support their weight and haul them both to safety.

  A chorus of men shouted from above. ‘Heave! Heave!’

  A burly voice yelled above all others. ‘That’s it, Captain! You’ve almost done it.’

  He breathed hard and fast, labouring under the strain of the task. Each movement required supreme strength.

  Cheers and rousing applause erupted when they were hoisted over the edge of the rail.

  ‘You can let go now,’ said the captain.

  She couldn’t. Fear had moulded her to his back. She kept her eyes shut tight.

  ‘Eloise, you’re choking me.’

  Laughter sounded all around her. She dropped her feet to the deck, suddenly conscious of her bared ankles and calves. She shoved her drenched skirts down to cover herself. The captain turned and wrapped his arms about her, pressing her cheek to his chest. His heart beat a tattoo beneath her ear, recovering from their ordeal.

  Relief weakened her. How could she have ever doubted the strength of this man, or his word to keep her safe? He’d won her admiration and gratitude.

  ‘Have you nothing better to do than stand and stare? The lady is shivering,’ he said. ‘A blanket, quick! And give the lieutenant a hand.’

  Dry warmth enveloped Eloise. The captain rubbed her back. Sudden silence settled over the deck, save for the wind in the rigging, and the natural creaking of the ship. What must the crew think? A woman among them would surely be an unusual sight. A temptation. Gareth’s warning about being at the hands of miscreants gave her chills. Never had she felt so vulnerable. How ironic that her abductor should now became her protector.

  ‘Captain, you know what superstition says about bringing a woman on board.’ The crewman’s concern spurred murmuring among the men.

  Eloise trembled, and not from the cold of her damp clothes. She held fast to the captain.

  ‘I say superstition is irrational belief. Now turn to your tasks, men!’ The captain’s sharp reprimand gave rise to a flurry of movement and a cacophony of noise and chatter.

  ‘Well done, Captain. And you, my lady, showed more courage than some of our men.’

  Eloise nodded in recognition of the lieutenant’s voice and compliment.

  ‘Captain, I’ll summon the doctor. Your shoulder –’

  ‘Can wait.’

  ‘Then … I’ll fetch the spout lantern and signal our onshore friends to collect their horses.’

  ‘Welsh,’ called the captain. ‘Instruct Cook to prepare a meal for the lady and have it brought to the vacant cabin.’

  ‘But that cabin is no bigger than –’

  ‘It’s big enough.’

  Eloise was indignant about the captain’s attitude. His hand at her back urged her forwards. ‘Being blind, Captain, does not mean I’m unworthy of anything proper.’

  ‘Then would you prefer a bunk below deck with the men?’

  ‘Certainly not!’

  ‘I didn’t think so.’

  ‘If you were a gentleman you’d vacate your quarters for me.’ His silence provoked her. ‘I didn’t think so.’ She turned up her nose at the musty smell inside the cabin. ‘Captain, is there a porthole in here?’

  Wood scraped against wood, followed by a rush of brisk sea air.

  ‘Thank you. That’s better.’

  ‘You’ll be safe here. The only furniture is the bunk and a small table nailed against the wall beside it. The necessary is under the bunk. There are fewer obstacles in your way. Less chance of you falling and harming yourself.’

  How could she argue with that? She didn’t doubt his quarters would be infinitely more comfortable. To voice her opinion might give him the wrong idea.

  Exhaustion had taken its toll. She sat on the edge of the bunk and wrapped the blanket tight about her shoulders.

  ‘How are you faring?’ the captain asked.

  ‘Nothing and no one is familiar to me.’ She rubbed her temples. ‘I don’t understand why –’

  ‘Another headache? I’ll fetch the doctor.’

  ‘No.’ She returned his kind concern. ‘Go. Your wound needs attention. Leave me. I wish to be alone now.’

  He didn’t move. Didn’t say anything. Then, in a flat voice, said, ‘You needn’t worry. In time you’ll be free of me, and I of you.’

  The door closed, followed by the unmistakable click of a key falling home in the lock. Shutting her in. Concealed from the world.

  She lay down. What purpose could she possibly serve him by being on this ship? He claimed to have her best interests at heart. She wasn’t so sure. If he did not align himself with the navy, and denied any involvement with smuggling, then what kind of ship did he captain?

  She shuddered.

  Pirates!

  Menfolk back home whispered about the dealings of pirates and their cruel, indecent behaviour. Her imagination began to run wild. Did he deal in slavery? Kidnap women of quality and wealth and sell them to the highest bidder? What was his plan for her?

  She couldn’t prevent her tears of exasperation. Nor could she deny her growing attraction for him.

  His tangible strength had delivered them safely aboard his ship. Pleasure ignited with the memory of her breasts pressed against his back. Nerves along her inner thighs tingled at having scandalously wrapped her legs around his waist. She craved his company and opened her mouth to call him back.

  Damn her for a fool. She wiped the tears away.

  Imagine his face horribly scarred or disfigured. Perhaps then she’d revile him. A futile exercise. Her senses had sharpened to everything about him not visible to the eye. A touch here. A caress there. His scent. His taste. The power of his voice could soothe or command. He’d shown concern for her needs and wellbeing. How could she not form an agreeable opinion of him?

  A knock on the door interrupted her winsome thoughts. ‘Who is it?’

  ‘’Tis Welsh, m’lady. I’ve a meal for you. Captain’s orders.’

  She swung her legs over the bunk and sat up. Her hands smoothed over her bodice and skirt and tucked wisps of hair behind her ears. ‘You may enter now.’

  The key turned in the lock. How she hated that noise. The door opened. Heavy shuffling passed in front of her. Something slid across the tabletop.

  Welsh cleared his throat. ‘Cook has prepared vegetable broth. It’s in a tankard so you don’t need to bother with a spoon.’

  Eloise smiled, hearing the nerves in his voice. ‘You must thank Cook for me.’

  ‘I will. The tray is at your right hand. A mug of sweet cider at three o’clock. The broth at six o’clock, and a chunk of bread at nine.’

  She reached for the broth with both hands and brought it to her lips. The divine smell sent her stomach grumbling. One sip and a swallow had her sighing in appreciation.

  ‘Delicious.’

  ‘Cook will be pleased.’ His steps retreated.

  ‘Welsh. Don’t go.’ If the captain trusted Welsh to deliver her meal, then she would trust him in her company. ‘Pull up a chair, won’t you?’

  ‘There is no chair. Besides, I prefer to stand. Being as rotund as the barrels I fashion, getting out of a chair can prove a challenge.’

  Eloise enjoyed his jovial attitude. She sipped the broth. ‘Tell me about your name.’

  He laughed. ‘Well, being from Wales and all, my real name is a little difficult to pronounce, so the crew figured it easier to call me Welsh.’

  ‘I see. And what’s a Welshman doing on a pirate ship?’

  ‘Not just any pirate ship, mind. The captain, he –’ Something had interrupted him. ‘Captain! I was just –’

  ‘Welsh! I asked you to bring the lady her meal. Not to solicit a private audience with her.’

  ‘Aye, Captain, but, but –’ Welsh replied, unnerved by his captain’s stern authority.

 
; ‘I asked him to stay,’ protested Eloise.

  ‘Since when do you give my crew orders?’

  ‘It was not an order, but a request for his company and conversation.’

  ‘Company? Or did you seek to wheedle information under the guise of polite conversation?’

  ‘I simply asked about –’

  ‘The nature of this ship.’

  Eloise fell silent, like a child caught out in a lie.

  Welsh excused himself in a nervous fluster.

  She lifted her chin. ‘Welsh and I –’

  ‘Already on a first name basis with the cooper?’

  His censure infuriated Eloise. ‘Yes! While you are remiss in revealing yours.’

  The air had grown tense. Eloise replaced the tankard on the tray and folded her arms. She waited for the captain to break their silent stalemate.

  ‘I’ve brought someone to see you,’ he said.

  ‘Unless that someone is here to escort me home, I’m not interested.’

  ‘That someone is here to examine your eyes.’ He breathed a hefty sigh. ‘Eloise, I’m an optimist at heart, but I don’t wish to foster any false expectations. You might never see again, but with your permission I’d like the ship’s doctor to offer his opinion.’

  She held no confidence in his doctor’s credibility. The man had probably been selected at random and accepted the position because the crew had voted in his favour. She had serious doubts about his qualifications. ‘Is he a –’

  ‘Legitimate doctor? Yes, my lady, indeed I am.’

  Eloise jerked her head towards the baritone voice. He sounded much older than the captain, and spoke kindly, indicating he was suited to his calling.

  ‘It might make you feel better to know that doctoring has been my profession for over twenty years. In fact, my services were once exclusively employed in circles of nobility.’

  By what cruel twist of fate did that no longer apply? Why should he prefer to serve aboard a ship instead? Best not have that question answered. His voice indicated experience and assurance; she saw no danger in trusting him. She nodded her approval for him to proceed with the examination.

  Flint scraped on tinder. She could smell a tallow candle. Its heat passed before her eyes.

  ‘I understand you fell and sustained a blow to the back of your head.’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Do you suffer any problems with balance?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Any tingling in your hands or fingers?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘What about headaches?’

  ‘Yes. They’re intense and occur often. Especially here.’ Eloise touched her temples.

  ‘I’m going to use a magnifying glass to look into your eyes. Keep them opened.’

  After a minute or so he concluded, ‘From my experience with similar cases there is no reason why your sight should not return. Eventually.’

  ‘Why do I get headaches?’

  ‘Part of the healing process. It’s common for them to increase in frequency and intensity prior to regaining sight. You must, and I stress must, keep your eyes bandaged. During waking hours, that is. Decreasing eye movement will give them rest.’

  ‘So I believe.’

  ‘I’ll check on you tomorrow.’

  ‘Thank you, Doctor.’

  ‘I’ll leave fresh bandages here on the table for you. Captain, perhaps you could assist the lady as required.’

  ‘Of course. And thank you. Seek out the first mate and instruct him to wait outside for me.’

  The cabin door creaked open, then closed. Eloise listened to the captain inhale and release a long, slow breath. Seconds stretched into uneasy silence. The room grew suddenly warm. Her skin tightened. She didn’t know which was more dangerous: to be left alone with the captain, or to be thrown at the mercy of his men. She stood, and reached for him. His hands were there on her arms steadying her. She hadn’t realised she’d swayed.

  He pulled her close.

  Her fingers inched up his sleeve. ‘Your wound?’

  ‘A few stitches. Nothing more.’

  His tone had struck a sad note. It carried something reminiscent of a damaged soul. She couldn’t touch it. Couldn’t see it. Yet she’d definitely heard it. Sensed it. Something troubled him. It had everything to do with her being here on his ship. She was beginning to suspect him somehow connected to her brother. But how?

  She and the captain were complete strangers and yet her heart yearned to share and heal whatever invisible burden he carried. To trust and be trusted in return.

  Instinctively, she leaned into the warm palm he settled on her cheek. His other hand slid behind her neck, fingers caressing the sensitive skin at her nape. She tipped her head back, exposing the length of her neck. Her eyes closed upon a sigh, enjoying the ever-so-light touch of his lips along her jawline. The sensation shifted to her throat, up and down. Her breathing quickened.

  One finger traced the outline of her parted lips. ‘Ah, Eloise. You make it difficult to resist …’

  His mouth moved against her throat, completing the sentence without sound. His heated breath sent shivers shooting down her spine and to her toes. Hot, gentle kisses pressed against the corners of her mouth.

  His arms wrapped around her waist, catching her when her knees buckled. Her world spun on a dizzying axis. She clung to him.

  ‘Don’t let go.’

  Her words, or his? All that mattered was the intimacy of his mouth lingering over hers. His tongue swept the seam of her lips. Never mind that she was blind, she saw blasts of bright lights. Her senses flared in colour.

  She gave in to him. Unashamed and untutored, yet willing to be schooled. Innocent, though open to corruption. Brittle tension had long ago melted beneath her desire for him.

  He crushed her body to his, holding her as close as physically possible, and still she feared he didn’t believe it close enough. His lips firmed against hers. He kissed her with the fervour of an obsessive lover. With alluring pleasure. A kiss so deep, she tasted heady desire.

  His need and desire for her.

  A powerful revelation. She moaned in her startling discovery.

  He suddenly broke the kiss and pressed her down to sit on the bed. Giddy joy gave way to breathless confusion. She heard him exhale on a heavy sigh.

  His wordless exit from her cabin puzzled Eloise. She listened in dismay to his terse exchange with the crewman outside her door.

  ‘You wished to speak with me, Captain?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You asked me to meet –’

  ‘Yes! Yes! Guard this door tonight. It stays locked and you stay alert.’

  ‘Aye, Captain.’

  ‘Do not open this door for anyone! Is that understood?’

  ‘Without a doubt.’

  Eloise heard the heavy stamp of the captain’s boots fade down the passageway. What on earth had put him in a mood?

  She couldn’t fathom the reason for being abruptly dismissed. She resented his baffling treatment of her, even though she’d come to terms with her desire for him.

  To what should she attribute this latter anomaly? There was no rational explanation for being enamoured with a man who represented everything the men of her acquaintance lacked. In her circles, his kind was considered taboo.

  Therein lay the fascination. That, and being spirited away aboard a ship with a cast of characters she could only hope to meet in the pages of a leather-bound tome.

  Thoughts of home and family fell by the wayside, leaving her caught in the grip of a certain fascination. Losing her sight had been harrowing enough. The drama of boarding this ship had demanded she place absolute faith and trust in a complete stranger. What more might she discover about herself and her capabilities? More to the point, how might she best prepare herself for when next she clashed with the enigmatic captain?

  If it were a battle of intimacy they fought, she had already surrendered.

  He, on the other hand, had retreated. What did he so cl
osely guard, that he should keep her at arm’s length? What prevented him from reconciling his desire for her?

  She sat resolute, determined to learn his secrets.

  Chapter Ten

  Pre-dawn the next day, and the Justice rocked gently on calm waters. She anchored safely in one of the many hidden coastal coves, sheltered by picturesque, dramatic sea cliffs. A brisk breeze carried away the groan and creak of timbers.

  Zach stood at the helm. His palm ran over smooth, worn wood. Here he’d spent countless hours in control of a carefully calculated destiny, with the added responsibility of keeping his crew safe.

  And now he’d taken Eloise under his wing.

  Last night he’d kissed her as if in pursuit of a gold-laden galleon. He’d tasted the spoils of victory in the capture and plundering of her sweet mouth. Intoxicating treasure. Instead of fighting back, she’d joined forces with him, leaning in, fingers kneading his flesh. Her soft, supple lips had robbed him of logic, reason and reality.

  For the first time in ten years he’d forgotten about vengeance and retribution. Desire and lust had blinded him, until something inside shook him so violently, he’d pulled away.

  She was the fiancée of his nemesis, for God’s sake! In her own words, that made them enemies.

  He’d let his resolve weaken. If he hadn’t removed himself from her presence, she’d have been the victor in capturing him. That must never happen. He had more at stake than slaking his lust for her.

  Viscount Derby would return home from London to find the ducal ring and Zach’s written note explaining his hasty departure; that he’d abducted the duke’s fiancée. Had Derby now discovered Eloise was Shafford’s sister?

  Zach cast his gaze over the craggy shoreline, impatient for news of the outcome between Derby and the lawyer.

  He spun on his heel at the sound of approaching footsteps. ‘Morning, Seth.’

  ‘No sign of the viscount’s messenger?’

  ‘Soon, I hope.’

  ‘This London lawyer, do you believe he’ll do the right thing by you?’

  ‘He was my father’s closest friend. I expect nothing less from him. My father and he had the greatest respect for each other. They valued truth and trust.’