Luck is a Lady

by CJ England

"And there is that, too,” Lottie jumped in. “You own the ship. And you are a woman. That's not supposed to happen. Plus, you're communicating with us. That's never happened."

  Diana gave a snort. “All the other owners ran screaming into the night. Left the ship for someone else to take care of."

  Lottie looked at Lara admiringly. “You are very brave."

  Another snort from Diana. “Wait till she meets the captain."

  "Stop ... please,” Lara begged. “Can you tell me what happened? Why you are all here?"

  "We can tell you some, but not everything."

  "That's crazy,” Lara said. “Am I allowed to know how I'm cursed?"

  The women looked at each other, then Diana sighed. “You'll find out soon enough.” She gave a little shrug. “We are supposed to make sure this ship never is successful again."

  "But it's not like it's a gypsy curse, dear ... with all the woo-woo and scary stuff. This is a more personal curse that we decided to do,” Lottie added.

  "What? Why?” Lara asked in bafflement.

  "Because your ancestor, Bridget Kincade, cursed us into this existence. So we have paid her back by destroying her fortune. The Lucky Lady isn't lucky any more."

  Lara stared at them. “You ghosts ... Ethereals are the reason the ship is falling apart?"

  "Not entirely,” admitted Diana. “Some of it was just hard times and bad management."

  "Men can be so ridiculously arrogant about things, you know,” Lottie imparted in a whisper.

  Lara suppressed a giggle. This was not a laughing matter. “So because my several times removed great grandmother pissed you off ... this is payback?"

  "Yes, it's payback,” said Diana angrily. “She didn't just piss us off. She did much, much more!"

  "I don't understand."

  "My dear,” said Lottie sadly. “She was the one who killed us."

  * * * *

  It was much later in the day before Lara had some time to herself. The bombshell dropped by the two resident ghosts had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. It was hard to be angry with someone who you knew had been murdered. And even though she knew it wasn't her fault, she still felt guilty over it.

  The frustrating thing was the two women would tell her nothing more. Only they were all cursed and time was running out. As if that made things clear.

  She had left Lottie and Diana arguing and walked through the now somewhat tidy salon, but no one said a word to her. Like talking to her might make her go crazy again. If only they knew! Had Uncle Simon done the same thing? Talked to people no one else could see?

  Needing some normalcy, she had gone straight to Stan, the manager and immersed herself in the day-to-day business of the ship. This at least she understood. Receipts and bills and daily schedules ... it all made sense to her.

  At a cursory glance, it looked to her like Stan, for all his foibles, was a decent manager. He was organized and competent, but had been hamstrung by lack of money and the fact her uncle hadn't cared about The Lucky Lady.

  As she walked to the deck for some air, Lara realized now she understood why. He'd known about the ghosts and wasn't about to go near them. She remembered her uncle wouldn't even watch ghost stories, he'd been so frightened of them. Then, when he inherited the boat, the poor man had walked right into one. She was sure it was only the codicil in the will about not being allowed to sell the ship that had kept it in Kincade hands.

  But that was all over. Ghost or no ghost, she was going to make this ship a success. She didn't know what Bridget had done to the mysterious captain—who she had yet to meet—or his crew of four, but it didn't have anything to do with her. And when she saw the captain, she would make him see sense. She wasn't about to let some ghost ... or curse take away all her dreams.

  As she opened the outside door to the bow of the ship, she saw a figure leaning on the railing. It was too big to be Charlie or Sir Malcolm and the crewmembers had all gone home hours ago. Her heart beat wildly and she almost snuck back inside, but suddenly she was overcome by such a strong feeling of ownership, she stopped dead. This was her home now. It was he who was trespassing!

  Looking around, she spied a hammer Tim had left out after putting up the sign. Lifting it, she made her way toward the man. When she was a few feet away from him, she cleared her throat.

  "This is private property. What are you doing here?"

  He turned around swiftly and she was struck dumb. Her heart stopped for a full three seconds before it went back to the racing pulse she had felt earlier.

  He was tall. At least, six two. His hair, a shade or two darker than her own, whipped wildly in the breeze. He had piercing blue eyes, the color of the ocean. They were surrounded by a myriad of fine lines, as if squinting against the sun was a common practice for this man.

  His face was rough and masculine, with a stubborn chin covered in several days of beard. A neatly trimmed mustache graced firm sensuous lips that were pressed together in obvious irritation.

  He was dressed in some sort of clothing she didn't recognize. Dark slacks and a tightly fitted shirt were almost hidden by the seamen's coat he wore. But even the coat couldn't hide the size of his chest or the strong muscles in his thighs.

  Lara's mouth went dry as she stared at him. He was gorgeous. She swallowed and gripped the hammer tighter. Damn ... why did he have to be a trespasser?

  * * * *

  It had been a long time since a woman had looked at him that way. Justin Savage gazed at the pint-sized woman who stood bravely before him. She was so beautiful it took him several breaths before he realized she could see him. Really ... see him.

  His blue eyes narrowed. It had to be her. Lara Kincade. Charlie had told him about the new owner, but the boy was known for his tall tales. It wasn't until Malcolm backed him up that Justin realized it was true. The Lucky Lady had a new owner and this time ... finally ... it was a woman.

  And what a woman she was. The face of a Madonna and the body of a dance hall girl. Even in the unattractive men's clothing this generation was intent on wearing, he could see her beautiful shape. The jeans showed off long legs and slim hips, while the off the shoulder sweater showed him her long neck and a hint of a creamy breast.

  His cock twitched in arousal and he jumped. He hadn't felt that since he'd been cursed almost one hundred years before. His jaw clenched. Feeling it and knowing he couldn't do anything about it was worse than not feeling it at all. His temper flared.

  "I could ask you the same thing, Lara Kincade,” he bit out. “What are you doing on my ship?"

  Her eyes widened and he could see they were the color of melted chocolate, dark and sinful.

  "Your ship?” she squeaked in outrage. “Just who the hell do you think you are?"

  Justin grinned. So ... she had a temper to match the fire he saw in her eyes. “I am the captain of this vessel,” he said proudly. He bowed low at the waist. “Captain Justin Savage, at your service."

  Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, so you're the ghostly captain I keep hearing about. You're the one who allowed this beautiful boat to get into such horrible shape."

  He stiffened. So, she didn't fear him? That would soon change. Woman or not ... she was a hated Kincade. “You don't know of what you speak."

  She put her hands on her hips. “I may not be a man or a sailor, but I can see neglect and incompetence when I see it."

  Justin's anger roared to life. “How dare you, woman? I am not incompetent!"

  She snorted. “Couldn't prove it by what I see. I thought a captain was supposed to care about his boat."

  He wanted to strike her for her words. But he would never hit a woman, and she was ignorant of the truth. Spinning around he stared out over the water. “I do care,” he said roughly. “If I didn't, The Lady would have been destroyed long ago."

  "You want me to thank you?” She shook her head. “You should be shot for doing what you've done. I don't care what Bridget did to you, but why take it out on her boat?"

  "The
Lady was never her ship,” he roared as he twisted back around. His blue eyes flashed with fury. “She was mine, always mine."

  She took a step back at his vehemence. “She was the owner. Not you."

  Justin gritted his teeth to hold back his wayward temper. “She stole the ship from me. No Kincade can be trusted."

  Lara tossed her head. “I don't know about Bridget, but I can see you can't be trusted. I want you off my boat."

  Justin stared at the little spitfire in amazement. “You think you can order me off my own ship?"

  "I'm not afraid of you, Captain.” She drawled the word out mockingly. “Ghost or not ... this is my ship now."

  He didn't know how to respond. No one had ever stood up to him before. All the other owners had either ignored him and dealt with his ethereal pranks, or run ... never to be seen again. “You should be afraid."

  "Why?” She wrinkled her nose at him. “You gonna jump out at me and say boo!"

  Incredibly, he felt his face grow hot. First, arousal and now embarrassment? This was intolerable. He moved so quickly, she never saw him move. He stood very close to her, crowding her and making her look up at him. Not for the first time he wished he could be physical with a mortal. Maybe that would finally scare her.

  "I don't need to say boo, little girl,” he growled down at her. He took a step forward and instinctively she stepped back away from him. “I can make your life a living hell, just as your family has made mine. I can scare away your customers and your crew. I can sabotage all your precious machines. I can destroy your drink and spoil your food."

  He kept walking forward as she retreated, her dark eyes growing wider and wider as he recited all the things he could do to her. He felt a fierce satisfaction at the look on her face.

  "In the end, you will have nothing. Just like me."

  Lara stared up at him. The pain and anger he gave off was palatable. She felt a myriad of emotions, including fear, anger and sorrow. Inexplicably, she found herself wanting to comfort him, while at the same time she wanted to run away from his presence. He drew closer to her and she took another step backwards.

  She cried out when her foot stepped back onto nothing. Her hands flailed wildly as she realized she had stepped backward onto an open ladder.

  Justin cursed as he saw her fall. He'd wanted to frighten her but a fall like that could kill her. Instinctively he reached for her, even though he knew in his ethereal state, he couldn't touch her.

  When his hand wrapped around her arm, he was so surprised, he almost dropped her again. Her startled cry had him reacting quickly, pulling her into his strong arms and away from the dangerous hole.

  "Are you all right?” he questioned hoarsely. His hand unconsciously smoothed her dark hair. She was so soft ... so warm. He couldn't believe it. He was in shock that he could touch a woman after all these years.

  Lara snuggled against him, all animosity forgotten for the moment. She shuddered, knowing how close she had come to serious injury. If he hadn't pulled her to safety...

  "I'm fine, thanks to you."

  Justin swallowed at her husky words. He could feel her beautiful body against his, smell the aroma of her perfume. He could even sense the frightened beating of her heart. How? Why after nearly a century could he finally touch a woman? And why her? Why a ... Kincade?

  He stiffened a little, but even the knowledge he was holding his enemy in his arms didn't lessen the enjoyment. Or the need. His body slowly tightened the longer he held her, his cock hardening almost painfully. It had been a long time. He wanted to savor the feeling, no matter who caused it.

  "Are you all right?” she asked softly. She pulled back and stared up at him. “Your heart is beating as hard as mine is."

  With a start, he realized she was right. His heart was beating. What the hell was going on? Nothing like this had ever happened before.

  When he didn't answer, but just kept staring down at her with an unfathomable look, Lara felt her cheeks flame. What was he looking at? Uncomfortable now, she tried to move away, but his arms tightened around her. The fact she liked being in his arms spurred her to struggle.

  "You can let me go now."

  When he finally dropped his arms, they both stared at each other. Lara's heart pounded in her chest, like she'd run a long way. All of a sudden she recognized this feeling. But it was impossible ... wasn't it? She couldn't be attracted to him? To a ... ghost?

  To cover up her confusion she cleared her throat. “Again, thank you."

  "You are welcome.” His voice was deep and rough sounding.

  Fighting the need to burrow back into his arms, she turned and walked back to the railing at the bow. “I appreciate what you did. But it doesn't change anything. I still want you off my boat."

  He followed her silently, standing too close behind her. “And I told you, I will not leave."

  She whirled around and stared up at him. “Then we are going to have to come to an agreement if we are both going to live here together."

  Justin groaned inwardly. His body was already on fire. Knowing she was going to be staying aboard just fanned it further. Angry at his mind's unruly thoughts, he struck out at her. “You are in no position to bargain with me. I can and will make your life hell."

  Tears filled Lara's eyes. “But why? I'm not Bridget. Whatever happened between the two of you shouldn't affect me."

  The fact she was right didn't make it easier for him. “It doesn't matter. You are a Kincade and I have vowed to wipe out your family."

  Anger replaced the tears. “Then tell me why. I have the right to know why you want to destroy me."

  His jaw clenched as he stared at her angry face. He had seen beautiful women come and go on The Lucky Lady, but never before had he been so affected by one. The fact she was the descendant of the woman who he hated, was almost more than he could stand. Was this another punishment Bridget had dreamed up for him? That the one woman he could touch and who touched him, was her great-great-great-great granddaughter?

  "Captain?"

  Her soft voice brought him back with a rush. He shook his head to clear it. “You want to know why I hate the Kincades?

  "I do. If I can understand the curse, maybe we can break it."

  He laughed bitterly. “It is impossible to break it. Believe me. I have tried."

  "Tell me, damn it! I want to know!"

  His temper flared again. “You want to know? Fine. I will tell you the whole sordid story. And then you will understand why I feel the way I do.” He took a deep angry breath.

  "I owned The Lucky Lady. She was mine. Every board, bolt and rope on her.” Justin stared over Lara's shoulder as if looking into the past. “I loved her. Put every penny I had into her. And it was paying off. The Lady was getting noticed. Wealthy people, important people up and down the Mississippi were beginning to know her name."

  He ran a hand through his already tousled hair. “That's when Bridget came into the picture.” Justin's eyes darkened. “She was small, like you and smart as a tack. She took one look at my lady and coveted her. So she stole her."

  "I don't understand,” said Lara softly. “How? How did she steal her from you?"

  Red crawled up his neck. “She was a beautiful woman and she used that. She made me trust her, and then betrayed me."

  "Are you telling me you had an affair with her?” Lara felt slightly sick the man she was attracted to would have slept with her ancestor.

  Justin's mouth tightened. “It was ... an arrangement. Between two adults. She traded her favors to me and I allowed her free passage on my ship. We were together for almost a year, but I was tiring of her. She must have known I was going to pay her off. The next thing I remember was waking up with a horrible hangover, sick as a dog."

  He stared down at Lara and there was hate in his eyes.

  "Bridget was standing above me holding a document that said she was now the owner of The Lucky Lady."

  Chapter Three

  Lara's mouth dropped open. “You
gave it to her when you were drunk? Your ship? Your pride and joy?"

  Justin's hard eyes went even harder. “It is what she wanted me to think. What she persuaded me to believe. Suddenly I was the pauper and she the rich widow. She said I could stay on as the captain of the vessel. Nothing had to change."

  "And did it?"

  "Not at first,” he admitted. “I was reeling with what I had done. How I could have been so foolish as to give away my life's work, for a woman."

  Lara felt a quick snippet of anger at his words. “Indeed."

  He didn't even notice her irritation. “I watched as she turned my beautiful casino into a pleasure palace.” He laughed bitterly at Lara's wide eyes. “Didn't you know your precious granny ran a brothel?"

  "She turned The Lucky Lady into a whore house?"

  He shook his head. “Not in so many words, but everyone knew you could do more than gamble on board. And that was the final straw."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I gave her an ultimatum. If she didn't change my lady back to what she was before, I told her I would leave."

  "But you didn't."

  Justin paced over to the railing and grabbed hold of it as if he wished it was Bridget's neck. “She went crazy. Accused me of cheating on her. Ranted and raved, saying I would be sorry for everything. Next thing I knew, she'd tossed me out of the cabin. I could still hear her shouting as I walked away."

  He turned back around and stared down at Lara, his eyes bleak with memories. “I went to pack up my things. I was numb inside, knowing I was leaving everything I cared about behind me. I had just finished when I got a message from Bridget saying she wanted to return something to me."

  Lara touched his sleeve. “You thought she meant the lady?"

  He stared down at her small hand. It was a pleasant feeling, having a woman's hand on him again after so long. “Uhhh ... yes. I thought maybe she had come to her senses. She asked to meet me in the lounge, but when I arrived, she wasn't there. Only Diana was."

  "This Diana?"

  He nodded. “She was one of the new acts I had brought on board just before I lost the ship to Bridget. I barely knew her."