by Leah Ross
Guinn flashed a smug smile at William. “Mr. Declan Maclairish. My new quartermaster.”
“You hire a quartermaster or a bodyguard?” William muttered, not quite under his breath.
“Both,” Guinn answered. He turned to Declan. “I know the two of you met informally earlier, but allow me to introduce Mr. William Hannigan, our shipwright.”
“Welcome aboard our slow descent into madness, Declan.” William extended his hand.
Declan offered a firm shake and a wide grin in return. “Pleased to meet ye, William.”
“Let’s get the business out of the way so we can enjoy the rest our evening, shall we?” Guinn said, gesturing to a server for another round.
William spread his papers out on the scarred table, displaying neat rows of carefully-calculated numbers and long lists of materials. “As you can see, I’ve worked out our supply manifest, per Naval Authority requirement, and the associated estimated budget. We’ve been assigned our slipway at the shipyard. All approvals are in order.”
Guinn waved his hand impatiently over William’s meticulous spreadsheets. “I’m sure all of your calculations are spot on, Will. How soon can we begin construction?”
“We’re ready. We can start in the morning.”
Guinn grinned widely with satisfaction and pounded the table with his fist, rattling their glasses. “Fan-bloody-tastic! Let’s lay this bitch down, boys!” He grabbed his glass and raised it. The others clanked their drinks with his, and they all tossed their rum back together.
“If I may, Captain?” Declan said. Guinn nodded. “In the interest o’ makin’ this venture as successful as possible, I’d like to secure some private office space for us at the shipyard, wi’ a dedicated assistant. Considerin’ that we’ll be here for a number o’ months, I daresay we’ll be wantin’ a more professional base o’ operations.”
“Yes, indeed. Make it happen, Declan.”
“Aye, sir. I’ll take care o’ it in the mornin’.”
“One might actually believe we know what we’re doing,” William said with a grin and they all laughed. Then he noticed the leisurely, solicitous saunter of females on the prowl headed in their direction. “Look alive, gents. Wenches ahoy.”
Four women in various stages of inebriation, a couple missing some insignificant undergarments, approached the table. A blond, two brunettes, and one with olive skin and raven-black hair, all attractive, and all looking over the men hungrily.
“Good evening, ladies,” William said, inclining his head politely.
While her companions giggled, the exotic dark-haired girl boldly stepped forward to William’s side, her long, thick mane brushing his shoulder seductively. Without invitation, she wrapped her long fingers around his shoulders and massaged gently.
William couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from lifting in an amused half smile. “What can we do for you?”
The girl leaned over the back of his chair, her low, sultry voice warming his ear. “We’ll see. My friends and I have a wager on which of us can persuade the most delicious men in the place to leave with us.”
“Ah,” he teased, reaching his hand up to the nape of her neck and pulling her lips to within a centimeter of his. “And you’d like our assistance in pointing those men out?”
A soft chuckle escaped her throat. “I like your quick wit.”
“Then you’ll love the rest of me,” he growled, yanking her into his lap.
Guinn rolled his eyes as the two of them groped each other shamelessly. “Bloody hell, we’ve lost him.”
Declan shook his head and clucked his tongue in mock reproof. “Such a shame he canna be strong like us, yeah?”
The two brunettes latched onto Declan, cooing over his accent and running their fingers through his hair and over his muscles. He lost track of which girl was which as they rained kisses over his face, hands exploring everywhere. He was drowning in a sea of soft flesh, bold caresses, and lust.
Breaking through the assault to catch his breath, Declan laughed and called to Guinn. “Get out while ye can, Guinn! Save yerself!”
“Ugh,” Guinn replied, even though no one heard him.
The blond girl strode to him, straddled his hips, and sat on his lap, her fingers playing with the hair at his temples. “You’re the one I wanted anyway. I like my men dark and brooding.”
“I’m afraid you can’t have me.”
She stuck her lip out and pouted. “Why not? Don’t you like me?” She smiled wickedly. “I promise it’ll be fun.”
“Under other circumstances, I might be tempted, but I am officially off the market, miss.”
Gazing up from under her thick lashes, she traced the contour of his ear lazily. “She’ll never know.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she feathered a kiss across his lips.
Guinn gently pushed her off his body. “Perhaps not, but I have enough respect for her not to cheat on the woman I love. I’m flattered, but you’ll have to find someone else.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her foot childishly. “Damn! I had to pick the one with morals.”
William pulled himself away from his partner long enough to beckon the blond to him. “Forget the inconsiderate blighter, love. There’s enough of me to share.”
Guinn stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly across the floor. “I suppose I’ll pay the tab. You bastards enjoy your debauchery. See you at the yard in the morning, whenever you can manage to extricate yourselves.” He rolled his eyes at the halfhearted wave from Declan and William’s completely noncommittal grunt, plunked a handful of coins on the table, and left the tavern.
~*~
William led the two women from the tavern and unwound himself from them when he’d escorted them safely to the door of their building nearby. Bowing his head politely, he handed each of them a small pouch of coins. “Thank you, ladies, for your assistance this evening.”
The dark-haired one pressed herself against him and tugged lightly on his blond hair, trying to drag his lips down to hers. “Must you go so soon, handsome? It’s early, and you did pay for the whole night.”
He smiled and gently pushed her away, ignoring her petulant pout. “Our agreement was only for the show, and on that, you all delivered perfectly.” He pressed two more pouches into her hand. “Please see that your other friends get these and my thanks. I have other plans this evening, and I can’t be late.”
She sighed. “Fine. But you know where you can find me if you change your mind.”
“Perhaps another time.” He kissed each of the girls’ hands and lingered as they strode inside, waving as they blew kisses back at him. Then he glanced over his shoulder to make certain he wasn’t being followed and walked briskly off into the shadows.
~*~
Declan shielded his eyes from the over-bright rays of the sun and groaned at the dull ache in his temples as he strode along the docks to the slipway. He was reminded why he didn’t drink to excess very often; it made him feel wretched the next day, and drove him to do incredibly stupid things. Like those two brunettes from the tavern. The flashes of memory that broke through his hungover haze made him wince with shame, and he groaned again at his foolishness. Ah, but it was such wonderful fun, and you know it, a silken voice whispered through his mind. His step faltered for a moment, and he took a deep breath before continuing on.
The slipway was a chaotic whirlwind of activity. William gestured to various suppliers as materials were delivered. Dozens of skilled carpenters and craftsmen, personally hired by William, scurried about, carrying out his orders and preparing their tools. Guinn stood out of the way, supervising the action with rapt attention. Declan joined him.
“I see you survived the night, Mr. Maclairish,” Guinn said, keeping his eyes on the activity.
“Aye, sir,” Declan replied.
“Ready to get to work?”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Excellent. What of our office situation?”
“I’m jus’ bac
k from signin’ the lease, sir. I’ve secured the third floor o’ buildin’ five, there.” He pointed at a building to their right. “It o’erlooks our slipway so ye can monitor the construction from yer office. William’s office also o’erlooks the area.”
“I hope you managed to get office space for yourself as well.”
“Aye, though mine doesna have much o’ a view.”
Guinn smiled. “I daresay you won’t be in it much. Do we have an assistant?”
“We will on the morrow, Captain.”
“Good work, Declan. I want to get started on hiring our crew.”
“O’ course. I’ll get our requisitions posted immediately.”
“I don’t suppose you could work your magic on getting us some better accommodations in town? William and I are still staying at the first place we found when we arrived a few weeks ago.”
Declan smiled. “I thought ye might ask after that, sir, so I took the liberty o’ claimin’ a couple o’ vacant flats in my buildin’. The two o’ ye can sign the papers an’ relocate today, if ye wish.”
Guinn laughed and clapped Declan hard on the shoulder. “You’ve been in my employ for less than a day, and already I’m lost without you!”
Declan silently watched their men work for a few minutes. Then he decided to broach the subject his conscience wouldn’t let go. “I apologize for last night, Captain.”
“Why?”
“I should have exercised more restraint, sir.”
Guinn smiled. “I don’t hold it against you, Declan.”
“If I’d had any idea that ye couldna participate, I ne’er would have encouraged—“
Guinn turned to face his quartermaster. “Well, William does know of my personal situation, and it didn’t matter to him one whit.” He rolled his eyes. “Thank you for your concern. Just because I can’t partake doesn’t mean that I begrudge other single men their fun. You couldn’t have known, and I bear you no ill will for last night.”
Declan relaxed visibly, and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m glad o’ that. I dinna wish to offend ye.”
“No offense taken, I assure you.” Guinn resumed his watch.
“What’s her name?”
“Laria.”
“Pretty. Is she here in Terracova?”
Guinn shook his head. “She’s still at Holystorm.”
“It must be difficult bein’ apart from her.”
Guinn smiled. “Why do you think I’m always working?”
Declan laughed. “Do ye write to her?”
“Not as often as I should.”
Declan squeezed Guinn’s shoulder in comfort. “Write to her, Captain. An’ be sure to tell her how much ye love her. Women need constant reassurance on that point.”
“That they do, Declan,” Guinn agreed with a laugh. He heaved a large sigh. “Let’s go give William a hand, shall we?”
~*~
Declan closed the door to his flat and leaned against it briefly before trudging over to the sofa and collapsing upon it. His first day at his new job had been grueling. Guinn was exacting and demanding, but thoroughly willing to do more than his fair share of the hard labor. He expected everyone else to do the same, though, and with so much work to get done, they’d all driven themselves to exhaustion. Guinn and William had decided to just crash for one more night in their less-than-ideal accommodations rather than make the effort to move. Declan had promised to help them out the next day.
I detest the silent treatment, you know. The voice that was omnipresent in Declan’s mind hissed and crept through him like a predator on the hunt.
He ignored it, as he had done the majority of the time lately. He’d worked very hard to get his life in order from the wreck of his childhood, and he’d managed to do a decent job of it. Sure, he’d broken his father’s heart, crushed his mother’s dreams, and alienated himself from his brother by choosing to follow his dream of becoming a sailor instead of taking over his family’s nymeran ranch, but he didn’t regret it. He’d finally gotten himself where he wanted to be in his life, and he would not allow some invisible, parasitic entity to screw it up. He may not have been able to rid himself of the thing, but he definitely wasn’t about to let it control him.
He’d learned how to deal with it, to shackle the beast and keep the worst of its behavior locked away. It took a massive amount of discipline and adherence to a strict regimen of healthy habits, but he was committed to leading as normal a life as possible. He owed it to himself, his family, and everyone around him to keep his internal freeloader docile. The alternative was horrifying in its brutality; he’d experienced that more times than he wanted to remember.
That’s why his current state of bone-deep weariness made him more than a little anxious. He’d strayed. Deviated from his usual straight and narrow path. The presence within him fed off his vices, and it was hungry now, poised and ready to pounce. He needed sleep. He needed a healthy meal. But he couldn’t bring his body to want to move at all.
Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeclaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan…
“Go away.”
Love to oblige, but we both know that’s not an option. Why have you been ignoring me?
“Ye ken why,” Declan snarled.
You want to be ‘normal’. You want to forget about me.
“That’s no’ an option either. I can ne’er forget ‘bout ye.”
Laughter filled his mind. I know.
Declan sighed. “I’m too tired to deal wi’ ye right now.”
I know that too. You’ve been very neglectful of your iron-clad rules today, and now you need to be punished.
“Ye dinna scare me.”
An incredible pressure filled his head that felt like fingers digging into his brain. He cried out and clutched at his scalp, wanting desperately to claw the intrusion out with his bare hands. He dropped to his knees on the floor, gritting his teeth and only barely keeping an agonized scream from escaping his throat. The pain was excruciating.
You should be scared! You think you can keep this up? This job will test every last limit you have, and when you slip, I’ll be right here to break you! You and I will be seeing much more of each other, and I look forward to taking control when the time is right! I have more patience than you can possibly imagine! You can’t escape me, boy!
With a final vicious stab of pain, Declan whimpered and slipped into unconsciousness.
Chapter Eleven
Ten months later
Finals were finally through, Laria’s third year at Holystorm was done, and she rejoiced in the freedom. She dumped her books on her bed, already forgotten and to be dealt with later, and grabbed the bag she’d packed earlier that week. As she hurried through the halls and across the grounds of Holystorm Academy, she waved to her friends and wished them a relaxing break. She rushed through the streets in town, making her way to the dock. The ferry was waiting.
She handed over her ticket and found a comfortable seat near a window. Pulling out her journal, she jotted down a few happy thoughts, snapped it shut, slid it back into her bag, and then sank down into her seat with a contented sigh. She couldn’t wait to see Guinn. She’d written to him diligently during their separation, and he’d responded a handful of times—though, by far, she’d heard more often from William—but it had been a long school year and she’d felt every moment of it.
The ferry whistle echoed across the small town and the vessel lurched as it pushed away from the dock. Laria pulled a novel out of her bag, the first book she’d had the chance to read for pleasure since last her last term break, and enjoyed the luxury of free time. The weather was beautiful, the sea calm, and the ferry peaceful and uncrowded. They would make Terracova just after sunrise. Creating a little cozy nest for herself, she settled in for an uneventful night.
Laria disembarked the ferry with great anticipation, knowing she wouldn’t see Guinn’s face among the crowd, but looking for him nevertheless. She stood for a few moments and just admired the great expanse of city laid out before her; t
he light, airy stucco buildings stretched out as far as she could see. Amidst the rows upon rows of white walls, bright jewel-toned pops of garden color made the city look like an intricate mosaic. At the center of the sprawling metropolis, a vast park densely packed with lush vegetation served as an oasis for the city’s inhabitants. She was intimidated by the size of the place—she’d spent her whole life in small towns—and she hoped she didn’t have to go far to find her fiancé. She wanted to surprise him by arriving in town a few days before he expected her, so she was on her own.
She walked up to one of the ferry attendants. “Pardon me, sir, but how do I get to the shipyard?”
“Across the city, miss, at the harbor,” he said, “A cab will get ye there soon enough. Shall I hail one for ye?”
“Thank you.” She waited as a carriage pulled up, marveling briefly at the nymeran harnessed to it. Its smooth skin shimmered in deep purple to match the styling of the coach it drew; she’d only ever seen the creatures in natural, unremarkable colors. She pressed a coin into the ferry attendant’s palm and climbed aboard.
“Where to, miss?” the driver inquired, popping his head in through the window beside his seat.
“The shipyard, if you please.”
He looked at her quizzically. “That it?”
“Is something the matter?”
“The shipyard is huge, miss. Ye’ll get lost in there if you don’t know where ye’re going.”
“Oh.” Her face reddened in embarrassment. She’d felt so confident that she could get herself to Guinn alone, but she’d had no idea what she was doing.
“Ye don’t know which dock, do ye?” the driver asked kindly. She shook her head. He patted her hand reassuringly. “I’ll take ye to the rental office. They can tell ye where ye need to go.”
She nodded again and sat back against the plush seat as the carriage set off. She chided herself for her simple, unsophisticated upbringing. Seeing the world with Guinn will do me good, she thought, Then I can handle myself gracefully in situations like this. She sighed and looked out the window.