by Lori Wick
All of Sunny's anger drained away. "I don't hate you," she responded. "But you're treating me as if I have no mind at all. I really don't think they'll come back. They obviously know that whatever they're searching for is not here-" she stopped when she could see he was not listening.
"Brandon!" Sunny spoke in frustration. "I'm not an idiot!"
He came to her then and put his hands on her arms. "I know you're not an idiot." His voice was deep and passionate. "What you are, is someone very dear to me, someone I plan on protecting from whomever is out there, and even from herself if necessary."
Brandon's hands moved to frame her face. He bent low and pressed his lips against her forehead.
"We are leaving here in one hour," he whispered, holding her eyes with his own. "Unless you want to leave this house in your robe, you had better get dressed, Sunny."
He was out her bedroom door before she could reply. Chelsea had come in on his departure, and Sunny could only stare at her. It felt as if the whole world had joined forces against her.
What Sunny didn't realize was how much Chelsea had missed this Brandon. This was the Brandon who had sailed without hesitation to Darhabar to bring Rand's sister home. This was the Brandon who captained his own ship with skill and success, and then stepped with confidence into the title of Duke of Briscoe upon their grandfather's death.
This was the Brandon who had been missing since Dinah walked away from him and he had realized his love for Sunny. Chelsea didn't know what was to happen next, but the real Brandon had returned, and in that she took great comfort. She also knew that Brandon's words had been wise: England was no longer safe; not until they found out who was trying to harm Sunny.
The ride to London, all three hours of it, was made in almost corn plete silence. Sunny asked once where they were going, only to be told by Brandon that he would explain everything as soon as he was able. She saw that she was going to have to be content with that. Even though she was not angry, she was not in the mood to converse either.
Brandon was just as glad for the silence. He praised God that Dallas Knight had been in port, and more than willing to help out, when Brandon had ridden to London two days earlier. He prayed that since that time, Dallas had found enough time to take care of every need.
The carriage lurched into a hole in the next moment, and Brandon heard his pistols move where they were concealed beneath the seat. His eyes flew to Sunny, but she was lost in thought, and Brandon knew she hadn't noticed. Even so, Brandon continued to watch her.
This was no arduous task. Considering she hadn't wanted to leave, she was as beautifully turned out as ever in a navy traveling suit and matching hat. Smiling, he saw Grandmama Sunny's ring on her finger. Sunny noticed, and Brandon watched her brows raise in question.
"I was just thinking about the night I gave you that ring," he confessed.
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Sunny brought her right hand up for inspection. She smiled at the memory too and thought once again how dear the ring had been to her all these years. Unfortunately, the smile was short-lived. When she again turned to look out the window, she told herself that Brandon only smiled because he still saw her as that little 14-year-old girl.
Dallas* gaze flicked back to the woman. Obviously Brandon's worry-and trouble-free days were over. It looked as though "trouble" had come in the form of a slim, chestnut-haired beauty with deep amethyst eyes.
Dallas watched the Hawkesbury coach stop on the dock. His ship rocked easily beneath his wide-legged stance, and his brows raised in surprise when the door opened and first Brandon, and then a woman, stepped down.
Why, Dallas was asking himself, had he been under the impression that Brandon was bringing a young girl on board for protection? As they drew near, Dallas could see that he couldn't have been more mistaken. She was very definitely a woman, and a beauty at that. Dallas' eyes lingered on her a moment, and he nodded briefly when her eyes met his. Watching her as she moved, Dallas realized she hadn't spoken a word.
Sunny walked away from the men and stood near the rigging. Brandon had watched the interplay, and Dallas found the older man's eyes on him when he looked back.
Brandon smiled at him suddenly and was rewarded with a white-toothed grin. The men were alike in height and build, but Dallas' skin was deeply tanned from his days at sea. With dark wavy brown hair and crystal blue eyes, Dallas looked as much like a pirate as anyone could imagine. His pants and knee-high boots were black, and his shirt was dazzling white with billowing sleeves and an open neckline. He even sported a small gold hoop in one ear.
"I'd forgotten what a handsome scoundrel you were, Dallas," Brandon admitted grudgingly.
Dallas' grin only widened.
"Whatever you do," Brandon spoke again, this time only half joking, "don't let her fell for you. I don't think I could handle that."
Dallas' cnuckle was low as he watched Brandon walk away. "The Grand Duke,** as Dallas teasingly called him, was as charming as they came and had never been troubled with females. The two men had always agreed that God would provide the perfect mates someday, and in the meantime, there was no use worrying or asking for trouble.
By the time Sunny sat down to supper that night, she was nearly out on her feet. She was hungry, but when Brandon sat down across from her and urged her to eat, she knew she couldn't take anymore. It took a moment for Brandon to see that she was staring at him and hadn't touched her plate.
"Eat up, Sunny," he told her.
"I want to know what's going on," she stated resolutely, her voice soft.
"As soon as we eat," Brandon replied, thinking he had never seen her look so drained.
Sunny didn't move a muscle; she hardly even blinked. Her hands were folded sedately in her lap, but she told herself that she wouldn't do another thing until she knew why she was on this ship.
Brandon easily read all of this on her face and put his fork next to his plate.
"I've known Dallas Knight since my sailing days. He's an American who trades in our waters. I'd trust him with my life; yours too. When you were attacked, I contacted him and told him I had to get someone out of England quickly. I really didn't feel I had a choice, Sunny. I know my actions seem highhanded, but on land anyone can be hiding in the next room and listening to every word.
"Dallas was more than willing to help, and handpicked this crew. Every man on the ship would protect you with his own life. You're completely safe out on the sea."
"But where are we going?" Sunny was still confused.
"We're not sailing anywhere in particular, if that's what you mean. Tomorrow at midday we're meeting another ship. One of my men will be on board, and we'll find out what the men I've hired hi London have learned. I'm going to find out who wants you, orwhatthey want, before I take you back home."
It all made such perfect sense now. Brandon's comment about others listening was the reason he wouldn't tell her before this time
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where they were headed. His taking her from Ravenscroft without servant or chaperon told her he was more concerned with her safety than with her reputation. With a tired nod and a soft thank-you, Sunny began to eat. Brandon left her to her thoughts.
She was drooping over her plate by the time she was finished, and Brandon quickly downed his coffee and left her alone for the night. Falling into bed fully dressed, Sunny slept until morning.
* * *
At noon the next day Sunny watched as a longboat rowed toward the ship, which had lifted anchor the night before and was now circling just beyond the mouth of the Thames. Two men were on the craft and one of them climbed the ladder and came onto the deck. Sunny watched at a distance as the man and Brandon talked. She saw Brandon scowl, and not sure she could watch anymore, turned away.
"He won't let anything harm you-do you realize that?"
Dallas had come up to Sunny and stood by her at the railing. She tried to smile at him, but it was more than she could manage.
"It's just struck
me how many people, including Brandon, could be harmed because of me. That scares me quite a bit."
"But it's not because of you," Dallas spoke reasonably. "I know Hawk would be upset if he knew you felt that way."
Sunny sighed, her gaze still out to sea. She was quiet a moment, thinking that this was the first time she had spoken to the captain. She turned to Dallas, her back still to Brandon.
"I thank you for your words, Captain Knight, and would also like to say I'm sorry for the way I acted when I came aboard yesterday. I was quite rude, and I would now like to ask your forgiveness."
Dallas looked down into Sunny's captivating face and knew in an instant why Brandon would give his life for this woman.
"I took no offense," he stated compassionately. "I only hope you will be comfortable while on board. TheZephyrwas not built with luxury in mind, but if you do need something, please ask."
"Thank you, Captain."
"Please call me Dallas."
Sunny smiled then, her first real smile since she had been attacked. Dallas returned the smile, nodded politely, and moved away.
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Sunny's mind ran in all directions as she once again stood alone. She had prayed herself into a semblance of calm when Brandon appeared at her side.
"I have news, but I think we had better go below."
"Brandon, what is it?" Sunny clutched at his arm the way fear clutched at her chest.
Brandon was tempted to press her below, but with the fear he saw in her eyes, he felt it almost cruel to wait even a moment.
"Christie, your maid, has been found dead." Brandon spoke softly and watched as grief entered her eyes.
"How? Where?" Sunny whispered.
"She was found in a London alley, murdered, shot in the heart."
Brandon reached for her as he watched the color drain completely from her face.
"I'm not going to faint," she whispered, even as the ship seemed to tilt.
Brandon ignored this and lifted her into his arms. Sunny did feel quite weak, but was conscious all the way to her cabin, where she finally gave way to the tears gathering in her throat.
She sobbed against Brandon's broad chest until she was totally spent. He then lifted her onto the bunk, and Sunny slept before he could even cover her with the blanket.
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"BE careful FOR nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Sunny read the verses and sat very still on her bunk. Her Bible, open to the book of Philippians, lay in her lap. She had slept for nearly two hours and awakened with a roaring headache. The cook had brought her some tea, and now she was trying to deal with the ache she felt inside. It was greater than the one centered behind her eyes.
"Was Christie innocent in all of this, Lord?** Sunny spoke to the empty cabin. "Or did she make choices that led to her death?**
No answers were forthcoming, but Sunny continued to pray and give her anxiety to God. She confessed all known sin in her life, so as to be certain that her fellowship with God would be unhindered. Then Sunny found herself asking that whoever was out there would confront her.
"I'm not afraid for myself, Lord, and I want to see this settled. I know Brandon would not want me to take the risk, but Lord, let them come to my face. If it's my life they want, I would wish to know why. If it's something I possess, I'll gladly give it."
Sunny felt a tremendous lift of her spirits after her prayer. Her head still throbbed, but she knew that Brandon would be coming to fetch her for dinner very soon now, and she strongly suspected that, for the moment at least, food would be just the thing.
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Sunny dozed off again for a time, but when Brandon knocked on her door, she was in a clean dress and her hair was brushed. By just looking at her, Brandon could see a significant change had taken place. He held his inquiry for the moment, since Dallas was expecting them in the small captain's dining room for dinner. He hoped, however, that before he took her back to her cabin, he would have a chance to question her.
* * *
"You actually jumped from the ship?** Dallas' face was a mask of shock as he stared at Sunny's quiet, serene features. She and Brandon exchanged a glance, and both laughed.
"You're giving away all my secrets, Brandon," Sunny told him softly, and again he simply chuckled.
Dinner, the men, and their light banter had been a balm to Sunny's heart as the evening progressed. They had piled her plate high, and then proceeded to make her laugh so much with stories of their days together on the same ship that she couldn't eat.
At one point Brandon had teased Sunny about jumping ship, and Dallas had wanted to know all. It hadn't been funny at the time, but the look on Dallas' face had been worth any embarrassment Sunny might have felt over the retelling.
"So how did you get back?** he now wantedtoknow.
"Well," Sunny answered, her eyes wide with innocence. "Brandon called to me to come back, and of course, being the compliant person that I am, I came immediately.**
Brandon shouted with laughter on this, but Dallas hadn't been fooled in the first place.
"Let me guess," he said dryly. "He dragged you back, kicking and screaming.**
"Actually," Brandon interjected, a smile lighting his handsome face, "she never did scream. She bit me, but never made a sound."
"Oh, Brandon." Sunny's lovely eyes now held alarm. "I'd forgotten all about that bite!"
Instead of teasing her for worrying about an incident that was years old, Brandon's gaze became very tender. He reached with one hand and stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. Sunny's smile was one of profound gratitude and caring as she looked into his eyes.
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Dallas had not made a sound during this exchange, but Sunny suddenly remembered his presence. She stood so quickly that her chair scraped loudly against the wood floor.
"Don't go, Sunny," Brandon said softly, even reaching for her hand. Sunny evaded his touch.
"Actually, I'd planned on getting some fresh air." Sunny spoke these words to the tablecloth, her voice breathless with shame. "Thank you for supper, Dallas. I'm going up on deck now. I'll see you both later." She never once met either man's eyes, and they both watched as she fled. The room was quiet only a moment before Dallas spoke.
"Why hi the world are you two hiding your love from each other?"
"It's not that easy, Dallas," Brandon told him with regret. "In her eyes, Pm only a brother."
Brandon ignored Dallas' snort of unbelief and stood. "I realize she has nothing to fear from your men, but I don't think she should be alone up there."
MI quite agree," Dallas said, having to refrain from offering to go topside himself and look after Sunny. Brandon looked miserable right then, and the last thing his old shipmate needed was to be teased.
Thinking how he'd been praying for a wife just days ago, Dallas sat still for some time after the room emptied. Suddenly the idea ofnotbeing in love didn't seem so bad to the young sea captain at all.
* * *
The light of the full moon bounced off the water, and Sunny felt mesmerized by the sight. The image of herself being manhandled and searched momentarily blocked her view of the water, and suddenly she trembled. Other than tenderness on her back where she lay on the ground, and a slight overall body ache, she had no physical side effects. Mentally, however, she was attacked all over again and at the strangest times, like now.
Why the remembrance should come in so strongly just then, Sunny could not guess. Deep in contemplation, Sunny didn't hear Brandon approach. She started violently, only to hear his soft, deep voice apologizing with great regret.
"Oh, Sunny, forgive me. I never dreamed you hadn't heard me. Are you all right?"
"Yes," she spoke softly, "I was just thinking; my mind was miles away." Sunny hoped he wouldn't ask for more than that.
Now that he was near, her every sense was centered on him.
"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" Brandon commented, his heart going to the first time they had met on theFlying Surprise^a ship very much like this one.
"Yes," Sunny agreed with him.
Brandon turned to lean against the railing, giving him a perfect view of Sunny's profile and just the right angle to observe the way the moonlight played off her hair. She was so lovely to look at, but Brandon was very aware of the beautiful person she was inside as well. He watched as she folded her arms over her chest and continued to stare out to sea.
"It's chilly out here," Brandon offered. "Maybe you should go below."
She didn't answer right away, and Brandon heard her sigh. "Some things never change, do they, Brandon?"
He was so surprised by this question he didn't answer.
"I'm still a child to you," Sunny went on. "So much of a child that I don't even know when I'm cold and should go inside out of the wind."
Brandon's hand grasped her upper arm, and he pulled her gently to stand before him.
"That's not true," he told her earnestly.
"Yes, Brandon, it is. All your actions toward me are those toward a little girl. You kissed me once, and it repulsed you. When will I be a woman in your eyes?" Sunny's voice was filled with regret and resignation.
Before Sunny could draw another breath, Brandon's head dipped and his lips captured her own. There was nothing rough or savage in his kiss or hold, but Sunny knew he was serious. She also felt as if she could melt into her shoes. After what seemed an eternity, Brandon raised his head. Disappointment knifed through Sunny when he did not speak of love
"I haven't thought of you as a child for years, Sunny. Nothing about you repulses me, but if there is any doubt lingering in your mind, I'll gladly kis& you again.'
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"No," Sunny spoke breathlessly, tempted to say yes. Brandon released her, and she stepped back. "That won't be necessary."
Brandon's breath was as ragged as her own. "Whether or not you're cold, Sunny, I'd like you to go below."