by Jewel Adams
Before he said anything, he went to get what he came for.
“What are you getting?”
“Your charts.”
“You brought them?”
“Yes, I was afraid to leave them behind.”
“I’m glad you did.” Corin’s thoughts started to race with the idea the discovery gave her. “Rogan, none of your men would come in here, would they?”
“No.” He headed to the door then stopped. “You can lock the door behind me if you’d feel safer.”
“Yes, I will, if you don’t mind.”
She caught his hesitation and held her breath. Thankfully, he shrugged the question off and left… the reefs called to him.
Turning the key, Corin suppressed her glee. In his desk, she found what she needed. The nearly clear parchment would do fine. Taking it over to her charts, Corin settled in for the tedious process of copying her maps. In the copy, she would fill in what was missing from his charts; that way Rogan would have charts that looked like they belonged but held information like no others.
“At least I won’t be bored.”
Smiling to herself, she also knew Rogan was in for another surprise before the day was out.
~ * ~
The slow movement of the Tempest and sound of running feet to tend the sails told Corin they were entering the hidden cove. Holding her breath, she waited for the cannon fire. When none came, she decided they expected Rogan’s Tempest, but certainly not like Billings planned it. Rogan must have counted on a peaceful welcome. Corin crossed her fingers that it would stay that way.
All evidence of her project was put away by the time Rogan tried the door. Corin took her time in answering his sharp knock.
“Who is it?”
The delayed answer made her smile.
“Corin, it is Rogan; open up, please.”
She could hear the control he used not to shout his exasperation through the door.
When she unlocked it and he came in, she flung herself into his arms. “I’m glad you are here.”
Setting her from him, “Did something happen?” He shook her slightly. “Tell me!”
“No, I was just… scared.” She gave him her best pout. “There, I admit it, are you happy now?”
He was having a difficult time believing her. Not that she blamed him, but everything hung on the fact that he did. Corin moved away from him, deliberately pacing about, trying not to overdo her supposed nervous state.
When he went to the wardrobe and began changing, Corin’s cheeks flamed, but she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his magnificent body. Hercules would pale in comparison to Rogan. She wanted to reach out and caress the solid wall of muscles that spanned his chest.
Corin forced herself to look away and concentrate on her goal. “Where are you going?”
“To meet with the Black Council.”
His anger already hardened his handsome face. Damn, just as she feared, he would have a hard time concealing his feelings. “Who is going with you?”
“Just Terry.”
“Shouldn’t you take more men in case there is a problem?”
“If I walk in with an army, I’m sure they will be willing to oblige me.”
“Oh, you’re right, of course.” Corin made sure there were a few noticeable chokes in her reply. He finished pulling on his knee boots and stood looking every bit the pirate. A very dashing picture in his flowing white shirt, dark pants and cuffed boots. The red sash about his waist gave him a daring air, but the scabbard hanging there looked ominous.
She forgot herself and sighed heavily.
“What’s wrong, Corin?”
Her mistake proved to be in her favor. Nervously, she began to wring her hands as she turned away from him. “Nothing… you’d best go.”
His muffled curse preceded his booted steps to her. When his hands touched her to bring her about, she closed her eyes; the slight weakness over his touch made her sway all too real. What he could do to her with a mere touch was unforgivable and, oh, so wonderful.
The concern in his tightening hold snapped her out of her pleasurable wishing.
“Tell me right now what has you in such a state.”
“It’s nothing, honest, please go, you will be late…I’ll lock the door, it will be fine.” She sheepishly looked up at him. “Do you have a gun, a pistol or a knife?”
Rogan wanted to scoff at her words, but his eyes darkened on her. Was Corin really afraid? Damn, he couldn’t blame her, though he’d not expected this after the way she handled herself before. But one lady against a ship full of pirates… the odds inflamed his face.
“Get that fool scarf on, now! Come on!”
Reaching up, she flung her arms about his neck and rained kisses across his cheeks. “Thank you. I promise I won’t do or say anything. I swear. I’ll be mute… just don’t leave me here alone.”
“You are as sneaky as a cat, aren’t you?”
Sighing, she let her hands rest on his chest. “I’m sorry, but I honestly don’t want to be here without you on board. I probably wouldn’t have thought about it all day if you hadn’t pointed out the danger to me.”
Rogan just shook his head. “Go on, get ready, but Corin, it could get ugly.”
“I know, Rogan.”
Corin rushed to get ready. “Will I pass?”
“Just barely… it’s the eyes—try not to look directly at anyone. Cabin boys are meek creatures.”
“Rogan, I am serious about a weapon. All pirates have them. I’d look more out of place without something.”
He remembered his warning to himself against giving her one. Why did she have to be right?
“A knife, that’s it, nothing more.”
“Okay, wait a minute.” Taking another of his scarves, she rolled it and tied it about her waist.
Rogan just rubbed his forehead. “You are so outlandish you will probably fit right in.”
The knife he stuck in her makeshift belt looked more threatening than his sword did on him.
“You aren’t to pull that out. understand?”
“I won’t unless someone makes me.”
“They’d be a fool to try… come on, let’s go.”
The charts were under lock, but she felt better when he locked the door as well.
Terry was awful, nearly splitting his side not to laugh. But once they pressed off in the longboat, he threw her a wink. “Looks better than the cap.”
“Thanks.”
Rogan snorted. He didn’t try to join their good-natured mood. Just before they reached the dock, he threw her a serious look of worry that immediately issued its sobering effect. Corin said a silent prayer that she’d not do anything to put him in danger. She clutched her fist into her stomach over the sudden tightness of ill feelings. This place was not Charlotte Amalie.
Even from the boat, she could see that all pretense of civilization no longer existed.
A man stood on the dock, hands on his hips near the weapons stuffed in his belt. His beard hung in filthy braided strands from the dark, hollow drawn cheeks. The ill-fitting embroidered coat dragged on the dock, making her wonder who he snatched the thing from.
She closed her eyes. Corin needed to get a hold of herself before she panicked. She told herself again that all this was real; these men were flesh and blood and capable of committing heinous crimes against the man she loved.
When the long boat hit the pilings, Corin took a deep breath and forced the ugly thoughts back. Rogan and Terry clambered up the wooden dock. When Rogan turned to offer her his hand, she shot him a warning glance and then proceeded on her own. His quick glance told her he understood and silently thanked her for the reminder not to treat her as a woman.
Standing back, Corin watched Rogan introduce himself and Terry; he only motioned to her as the cabin boy. The man dismissed her presence, and Corin felt a little better knowing she’d passed the first test.
She immediately sensed her advantage not to be taken as anyone of importance. Her n
ew status gave her the freedom to watch. Corin stayed back behind the three men. Rogan’s shoulders were coiled tight; his hand rested on the hilt of his saber. Her own closed over the knife at her side.
The eyes that followed their progress down the hot street held little welcome. Only a few of the rough, filthy clothed men paid her any mind. Keeping her eyes averted, her neck and shoulder ached in alert warning that she may have to act at any moment, and she stayed deliberately close to Rogan’s back as a precaution.
They entered what she immediately took for a bar, which must have doubled for a meeting place. It was midafternoon and already the large tables held all that could fit around them. Every description of man congregated here. Many were dressed in elaborate finery, others close to rags, but all held a cold threat of hard living in their features.
Corin felt right away where they were headed. Toward the far end of the room a large addition opened off the main room. In it sat what she took to be the illustrious Black Council.
In their own manner, an air of brutal dignity came with these men. Corin’s hidden gaze swept the area. There were no windows, just walkways to the outside that let the cooling air flow freely throughout the room. The thick adobe-like walls held a cool, flesh tone on the painted surface. There were many exits, but all were blocked with men that deliberately took strategic positions about the room.
The hair on her neck suddenly electrified in warning.
Rogan and Terry were offered seats at the table. She felt Rogan’s reluctance at the arrangement that left his back to the room. Corin moved to where the man that escorted them wanted to stand. She practically dared him to oust her. She kept the wall at her back and a clear vision of both rooms and the stairwell winding above the meeting area. Her position also allowed her to protect Rogan and Terry’s back from attack.
Rogan took a casual glance in her direction. Corin bit her lip not to shudder over the repressed anger in his glacial pools. The men stealing his attention away from her demanded he keep his concern for her in the background.
She only half listened to the exchange that said little. Although a few of the names they spoke made it hard not to laugh—One-eyed John wore no patch to denote his call; Dirty Pete exemplified the name. Slick Grant Tyler proved to be the most flamboyant member. He looked so out of place it would be comical if he didn’t look so forbidding. His clothes probably matched the elegance of what one would find in England’s courts, the gentleman dandy down to his long-sided wig under the hat.
Corin also noticed the women about. Most were dark-skinned, making her wonder if they came from the island. They would have been quite attractive if not for the lightening powder and painted lips they donned to change their natural coloring. There were no smiles on those full ruby lips, and Corin’s female heart went out to them for the life they must lead. She forced her anger and attention away from the free grabbing hands that pulled at the women as they passed with mugs to serve the tables. She told herself she wasn’t there to right the wrongs in this foreign world.
Rogan’s harsh words brought her attention back to the table.
“I’ll not waste my time with his cronies! Tis’ Black Diamond I came to meet!”
One man leaned forward. “You’ll get your meeting soon enough, Dragon. For now, tell us how you came to be here without Captain Billings.”
A movement on the stairs demanded Corin’s focus. On the stairs stood a man that made Corin’s heart race in warnings—Black Diamond!
It could be no other. Over six feet, the man’s lean, powerful frame rocked with malice. Jet black hair pulled back at the nape of his neck emphasized the gray coldness of his silvery eyes. Yes, they sparkled like diamonds; she’d never seen eyes like that, and they made her shiver. She felt they could see right through a person, cutting clean as a steel blade and as deadly. If not for the cruelty she spied, his features could be considered handsome, almost aristocratic in bearing. But Corin felt any gentlemanly manners would only be a cover for the evil behind them.
Following the man’s gaze, every muscle inside her tensed when she followed it directly to Rogan. The man’s expression never eased. Corin didn’t like what it might mean for Rogan.
“I told you, whatever I have to say will only be said once, to Black Diamond.”
Corin caught the flash of the blade moving past her towards Rogan. Their escort was going after Rogan.
A surge of fierce protective rage seized Corin as she flew at the man. Her hits were clean and sharp, meant to do extreme damage before the man could do his own. The blade was knocked from his hand sending it upon the table, but Corin didn’t stop until the vile man groaned in a heap on the floor.
Every man in the room rose, but only the silver daggers that drew her own gold fire to them captured her attention. A slow smile of admiration spread over those dark lips. Corin wouldn’t have broken their gazes if Rogan hadn’t yelled at her.
“Stand fast, Corban!”
Yes, he meant her. Backing away, Corin fought to regain her control.
Rogan picked up the fallen knife, giving her a look she couldn’t decipher, but one she felt grip her heart. His fist came down, driving the blade into the table.
When he took hold of her arm, she felt not all his anger was directed at the fallen man. Didn’t he realize she’d no other choice? But as they turned to go, the man from the stairs blocked their way.
“Dragon, if all your companions are so well-trained, I’d be a fool not to hear what you have come to say.”
His voice came across cool and assured, but his sharp eyes never left her, and Corin sensed the danger holding her. They held a deeper question as they began to move over her.
Rogan sensed it as well and moved in front of her, breaking the contact. “If you are Black Diamond, then it is with you I’ll state my business and only you.”
“I see my council does not suit you, Dragon. A pity, but understandable.” With a dismissing wave of Diamond’s hand, the men rose and brushed pass them. “Alone, as you wish, Dragon.” Diamond looked at Terry.
Nodding, Rogan sent Terry away.
Corin moved back to her previous place, ready for the denial she feared she faced, for she wasn’t leaving Rogan.
Diamond seemed to understand and made no mention of her continued presence.
Corin felt how dangerous it might be to remain and take his continued glances. In defense, her arms folded over her breasts, hoping to disguise their presence. She wished she had bound them again, but Rogan’s shirt seemed fine. Unfortunately, she hadn’t expected the man now in their midst.
Rogan pulled out Billings’ map and threw it before Diamond. The black brow rose and anger darkened the silver to a thunderous gray before rising back to Rogan.
“Your man shouldn’t have tried to waylay me, Diamond.”
“It seems you took care of the situation.”
“I got my ship back, but I’ve not had the opportunity to settle with Billings.”
“Any settling will be done by me.” The map was crushed in his hand. The man’s long fingers turned pale under the force. “My laws are not to be taken lightly.”
“I doubt you’ll see his return anytime soon.”
“It seems I no longer have a second in command. There is a shipment of great importance in the future. It would be worth your time and risk to join me on the venture.”
“Maybe, but for now I have other business to take care of. The Tempest will be leaving as soon as she is restocked…from Billings’ stores!”
Corin kept her eyes from drifting to Rogan. What was he doing? The Black Diamond practically offered him second in command, and he was walking away. Why?
“Then we shall be sailing together, for I too am leaving the cove. Unless, of course, you would not prefer my company?”
“The seas are open.”
“Will you be returning?”
“When my business is completed. If that venture is still open, I’d be willing to discuss the possibilities.”
“Good, but do join me tonight for dinner as my honored guest and bring your lady; she is quite charming, Captain.”
Diamond left Rogan and walked over to Corin, who wanted to crawl into a hole. Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips. Looking into her eyes, his brazen smile of approval made her tremble. “Until tonight, Cherie, maybe you can talk some sense into the Dragon. I would hate it if the eagerness of my men stopped him from joining me. He is a valuable man, one I care not to lose.”
With that, he left them.
Rogan practically dragged her out of the place. Once outside, she pulled her arm from his clasp, but her freedom lasted only a brief moment before he retook his possessive hold. Corin tried to see his face, and she practically ran alongside him to keep up, but he wouldn’t look at her. Only the hard-throbbing line of his jaw told of the rage beneath the surface. Corin felt weak over the meaning. She faced his anger before, but this time it was uncontrolled, and she felt sick over the reason.
They took the long boat back to the Tempest in silence. Once on deck, Corin didn’t wait to be dragged to the cabin. She felt it unfair for him to be mad at her. That man would have killed him, and he knew it.
Those damn silver eyes! Damn the whole bloody lot. Pirates! Yuck. Could she help it if that man possessed x-ray vision?
The door behind her opened and slammed shut, nearly rocking the cabin. Corin wrapped her arms around herself, but couldn’t make her legs function. Rogan went beyond being furious with her.
“I’m sorry, Rogan.”
“Sorry?” His voice roared from behind her before he moved to stand in front of her. “Now why do I feel a lie here? Hmm?”
“Well, what did you expect me to do? Stand there and watch him drive a knife in your back?”
“Did it ever occur to you that I could have handled him? No? You know, I’ve survived quite well now for most my twenty-nine years!”
His face turned beet red, and his voice rose to a furious pitch. Corin didn’t know what to think or say to help alleviate his anger. But she couldn’t tolerate the unfairness of it and before she screamed at him, she thought she better leave.
Rogan caught her to him before she could take two steps. Beams of gold fire glared up at him.