“You will be claiming a reward for my return then?”
“Yes,” he replied, his unwavering gaze meeting hers. “It’s the only way to keep my crew from throwing you overboard. I promised them the reward money.”
“And you will keep none of it?”
He didn’t reply. Instead, his lips lifted a bit at the corners as he cut a piece of meat and ate it. With refined manners, she wondered how he’d ended up at sea. From what she could tell, he lived as a noble, had the mannerisms of one, but no nobleman commanded a ship.
“What is your business?”
At this question, his eyebrows rose and he put his fork down and pushed his plate away. He placed both elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers, placing his chin atop them as if in deep thought.
Captain Kevin MacAlpin was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His beauty was almost feminine if one took in his almond-shaped eyes and full lips. However, there was nothing feminine about the way he carried himself and his physique. Unwittingly, of course, she’d noticed the muscled body underneath the fabric of his white shirt and snug-fitting breeches.
“You will learn the truth soon enough, so I may as well tell you,” he said, sliding a look to her. “I am a pirate, Miss Brighton. I am known as The Sea Lord, a murderous, ruthless, brutal man with a reputation to match.”
She waited for him to admit to jesting but, instead, he waited as if expecting an extreme reaction. She cocked her head to the side and studied him. “So that is why your mannerisms are so refined. You have a title.”
The deep laughter erupted from his throat and the self-described pirate shook his head. “You are a most disconcerting woman, Miss Brighton.”
“You wouldn’t have that moniker otherwise, would you?” she asked. “Who is your family? Are they at all worried you’ll be hung for your crimes?”
He instantly sobered and blew out a breath. “Not only do they not care in the least, but would not shed one tear at my hanging.” He looked to her with a softness that made her wonder at how the man could move from one mood to another so easily. “Would you cry at my hanging, Miss Brighton?”
Assuring a flat expression, she met his gaze. “No, sir, I would not. I barely know you. And as far as I’m concerned, you are my captor. Why would I cry for a man who collects a ransom for returning me?”
“I explained why I must.”
“Then you must not be a good pirate, since you can’t pay your crew for the work they are doing.”
“I’m an excellent pirate. I am quite wealthy, I assure you.”
Gailyn huffed. “If you say so.” She looked around the room. “If you were truly raised a gentleman, you’d offer me these accommodations instead of locking me away in a room the size of a cupboard.”
“Ouch!” Kevin rubbed his head where he’d banged it against the low ceiling of the cramped space. The room was, indeed, quite small. He’d lived for years in small areas or common sleeping quarters. The privacy of one’s own quarters was a luxury aboard a ship and now he had to admit that he’d grown used to it.
Another knock sounded. “Captain?”
When he emerged, Edgar stood just outside the doorway. “A word, Captain.”
“Follow me. I have an urgent need to piss.”
Edgar shook his head. “I can never get used to how you can say crass things and make it sound so polished.”
His first mate waited a polite distance away and then began speaking. “The fact you’ve been relieved of your quarters is interesting. What did she do to make you do it?”
“The strongest of weapons, Edgar. She brought up my upbringing and sense of duty.”
Edgar laughed. “A clever lass, indeed.”
“Very much so.”
They continued down to the galley. Kevin was ravenous and although he wanted to check on Gailyn, he decided to leave it to Dot. He didn’t need to become emotionally involved. The beautiful, intelligent woman was an irresistible temptation.
Once they sat and waited to be served, he was shocked to see Gailyn with Dot. She stirred something in a pot, deep in conversation with his cook, who seemed to be instructing her. The ten or so other crewmembers there were not eating. Instead, they seemed enthralled watching Gailyn.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” he mumbled to Edgar. “Look at the men.”
It was then she lifted two plates and moved through the room with ease and placed one before both he and Edgar. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
Kevin and Edgar exchanged confused glances before Kevin was able to find his voice. “Why are you working in here?”
She leaned close to his ear. “Dot suggested that if the men saw me as a helper rather than a hindrance, they’d be less inclined to throw me overboard.”
Although he was sure his men would be reluctant to toss her into the sea, it wasn’t because she was of great use. Gailyn’s beauty hindered any man from thinking clearly, much less harming her.
“I suggest you return to my quarters.” When she went to turn, he grasped her forearm. “No, never mind. I’ll walk you there myself once I finish eating.”
The men focused on where he touched her. By doing so, he’d marked her as his. Hopefully, it was enough. There were several new men just recently added to the crew and Kevin didn’t know them well enough to ensure Gailyn was safe.
Hurrying through the meal, Kevin discussed the duties of the day, punishment for Beatie and Delbert, who’d be cleaning and scrubbing the ship from top to bottom for at least a month.
Once he was finished breaking his fast, Kevin guided Gailyn by the elbow toward his quarters. She stopped and lifted a pleading gaze. “Can I please get some fresh air? I’ve not seen the sun in days.”
He understood how cloistering below deck was and agreed it would be good for her. Darting into his chamber, he retrieved a thick cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. The garment puddled at her feet, but there wasn’t much to be done.
When the corners of her lips lifted into a happy smile, he wanted to offer her all he owned. The woman had an effect on him like no other.
He turned away abruptly and, once again, proceeded to guide her. Once on deck, he took her to the bow of the ship so she could look out without impediment.
“Oh, my.” Her breathless comment was one of awe. “How beautiful it is out here.” She leaned forward, turning from side to side, her eyes scanning across the wide expanse of ocean.
“So very lovely.” She took a deep breath and allowed her head to fall back and closed her eyes.
The smile still in place, she turned in a full circle with her arms outstretched.
Kevin kept a close eye on her, ensuring she didn’t trip over the long cloak and take a tumble.
When she opened her eyes, an expression that he couldn’t read washed over her features. “I can see why you would want a life out here. No social expectations. Things that you cannot help held over your head, a constant reminder that you’re found lacking.”
That anyone could find fault with Gailyn Brighton struck him as incredulous. The woman was obviously caring. She was intelligent and quick of wit. As far as he could tell, it didn’t seem to matter to her what Dot’s position was. Instead of waiting to be served, she’d sought to help and had actually served him, the man she considered her captor.
Now there was sheer delight as, once again, she looked across the blue waters. “I will never forget this.”
She turned to him. “What will you do if my father seeks to have any charges against you erased? Would you be able to leave this and return to London society?”
The very same thing had been on his mind since Lord Brighton had made the offer. As much as he wanted to show his family he could hold his own, a part of him would always be The Sea Lord. Like Gailyn, he turned to look out across the sea. “I don’t know.”
“I can understand that. However, I must press the matter. You should not continue to pirate. Whether you receive the pardon or not.”
If only th
ings were that easy. Although he worked for the king on occasion, he seriously doubted his majesty would be moved to grant a pardon to a lowly pirate. The king was well aware of the circumstances leading to why he lived the life he did. And although a fair man, the king rarely granted any kind of recompense unless it shined brightly on the crown.
England was his home. He would always love the country. However, he didn’t feel at home there. Although he owned an estate near Cornwall, he couldn’t relax while there, always having guards on the lookout in case someone turned him in after spotting his arrival.
The local authorities there turned a blind eye, mostly because the town considered him to be somewhat of a hero, a champion for the poor.
Even so, there were greedy people that didn’t hesitate to report sightings, which had brought several close calls of almost being caught by bounty hunters.
A crazy picture of him walking in the gardens at his estate with Gailyn formed and he grunted in annoyance.
Gailyn had been leaning on the railing looking down turned to him. “What’s the matter?”
“Why are you not married?” He knew his question was blunt and, hopefully, it would be enough that she’d forget her question of him.
She lifted her chin. “It was not for lack of suitors, I assure you.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
The graying skies took her attention for a moment. “I was waiting for one person, the one man. He didn’t deem to make an appearance, so the years passed and, before I knew it, I became too old to have any more seasons.”
Kevin didn’t like the idea that a man would not come to her. Surely any man would give his right arm for a wealthy heiress. Not only that, but her father being so well placed in parliament meant additional perks.
“I can’t imagine the man you wished to marry not being willing. Did you ever tell him? You should if you haven’t, Miss Brighton.”
A wide grin formed and she fought to hide her mirth by biting her bottom lip. “I suppose I should. Please call me Gailyn.”
He nodded. “Only if you call me Kevin.”
When her gaze moved to his lips, all thought vacated and he kissed her. At first, the kiss was tentative, testing the waters, one might say. Upon her lifting her arms and wrapping them around Kevin’s shoulders, he deepened the kiss, pulling the beauty against his chest as he took the liberty of slipping his tongue between her lips.
Gailyn made a soft, contented sound when Kevin broke the kiss. And for just a moment, he held her with his head atop hers.
“That was certainly unexpected. Quite nice,” she whispered and let out a sigh.
They remained side by side a while longer as he entertained her with funny adventures of life at sea. If there was anything more enjoyable than the sound of Gailyn’s laughter, he’d be hard pressed to say. Finally, duty called and he was forced to return her back to his quarters.
“Will you join me for dinner, Kevin?” she asked while removing the cloak once they returned to the room. “I will be horribly bored being here for hours alone.”
He scanned the space. “Did you finish snooping in all the drawers? I’m sure there is still plenty to look through.”
To his surprise, she didn’t deny it. “You can’t leave a woman alone in a room without curiosity getting the best of her.”
“I will keep that in mind. Until this evening, Miss Brighton.”
“Gailyn.”
There was a light reddening of her cheeks when he met her gaze and held it. “I look forward to spending time with you, Gailyn.”
The day dragged on and once it began to rain, the added annoyance gave Kevin more reason for his broody temperament.
He stalked across the deck to where two crewmen traded punches and yanked one away just as Edgar pulled the other. Normally, he would let them pummel each other until one or both grew too exhausted to fight. But today, he was too tempted to jump between them and join in. A pair of crewmen came and took the struggling man from him.
“Unless you wish to spend the next two days in the brig, I suggest you cease at once.”
Hearing the coldness in his voice, the men stopped struggling against whoever held them.
Shoved forward, one of the crewmembers fell. Obviously, he’d been hurt worse than his opponent.
“Go see what the quartermaster needs help with and work until nightfall.” Only the one standing grumbled as he went to walk away.
“Stop,” Kevin shouted. “Help him up and take him down with you. And… don’t you dare hit one another or it’s the brig for certain.”
He went to one of the barrels set up to catch rainwater and dipped a copper pot into it and then proceeded to wash his hands and face. It was best not to show up with blood on one’s person when eating with a woman.
Unlike the day before, Gailyn was at his table writing. She glanced up when he walked in and smiled.
His treacherous heart skipped at the sight. He liked having her there. Then again, it could be the fact that he desired women and often considered that, by now, he’d hoped to be married with children.
However, being his profession, it was a luxury he could ill afford.
“Come sit.” Gailyn motioned to a chair opposite hers. “I have something very important to discuss.”
Whatever she wished to talk about, he doubted it would be as important to him. The woman was wistful and innocent. She probably thought to fix his life with but whatever story she’d written. Kevin settled in the chair and studied her.
She was beautiful.
“What do you wish to speak about?” He made sure to keep his expression neutral so that she’d not guess his lack of interest in whatever scheme she’d come up with. If he were to be honest, being in her company was more than enough, no matter what she discussed.
Her gaze traveled down his face and her lips curved. “You have no idea, do you?”
Instead of a reply, he cocked his head to the side.
“You are the man I was waiting for. The man I wish to marry.”
Something caught in his throat and Kevin coughed and coughed.
“For goodness’ sake, don’t die before saying ‘I do’,” Gailyn grumbled.
Chapter Seven
Gailyn wasn’t sure if Kevin coughed because he was surprised or as a way to keep from accepting the fact that she wished to marry him. Either way, it was quite distressful when his handsome face reddened.
It was best to continue on. “As you can imagine, being absconded with and on your ship means everyone will immediately jump to conclusions. You, sir, are now also compromised.”
He frowned. “What? I’m compromised?”
“Your reputation, of course. Mine is ruined. But I had no plans to marry anyway, so it matters little to me. However, if you plan to seek the king’s absolution, you cannot have the fact I was on your ship, alone, the only woman for all these days, hanging over your head.”
When his eyebrows rose, it was as if he were disconcerted. Then he slid a glance sideways and finally lowered his gaze to the table, deep in thought.
Gailyn seized the opportunity to study him. He was so dashing, handsome, and well-studied. Even if he’d spent years upon years on a dirty ship with ruffians, it had not affected his gentlemanly ways. She cleared her throat.
“I must add that you are exactly the man I’ve always wanted to marry.”
“A ruthless pirate?”
“Yes… no, not that part. I mean your demeanor, your… stance.”
When he let out a huff, as if mocking her words, she narrowed her eyes. Then he turned to her. “Stance? Do you mean my physique, my looks, attractiveness?”
So that was it. He was well aware of his astonishing good looks. No matter, she’d endure a bit of arrogance if it meant marrying a man like him and spending the rest of her life with who she was sure was the one meant for her. It was more than his attractiveness, but also his intelligence and gentle manners that infatuated her.
“It’s more than your obvi
ous attributes, Kevin. I find you…” she hesitated, attempting to find the right word. “I find you compelling. Yes, that’s it. It is admirable that despite whatever the horrible reason is for finding yourself in this life, you have remained a good man.”
Kevin pushed away from the table. “I am not a good man, Gailyn. I’ve done many things that would make you shudder.” He leaned forward, so close his breath fanned over her face. “You wouldn’t wish to marry me if you knew the details.”
“On the contrary.” She straightened. “I am positive you wish to redeem yourself. Why else are you so invested in the king’s decision?”
After releasing a long breath, he relaxed back into the chair. His dark eyes met hers for a long moment. She had a point.
“I came to this life because my family sold me. My older brother, along with accomplices, dragged me from my bed, bound me and took me away in the middle of the night.” He looked straight ahead, obviously no longer seeing the current surroundings.
“I was put on a ship, much like this one. At first, I was mostly left alone, treated like a pampered dog of sorts. Given just enough to eat and drink, but kept tied up and tethered in case I would try escape and throw myself overboard, I suppose.”
Finally he slid her a glance. “I will spare you the details of what was done once I was purchased by a wealthy merchant in the Caribbean. I lived there in that place for four long years.”
“You escaped?”
His handsome face twisted with a rueful chuckle. “No. I didn’t have the resolve. His enemies overtook the compound and I was told to go, that I was free. But free to do what? Go where? I didn’t have the faintest idea what to do. It was then I met Dorian MacAlpin, captain of The Mawdelyn. He took me under his wing and taught me the way of pirating.”
They sat in silence as she absorbed his story. “Who is your family? They should be brought to justice.”
“Justice? I suppose my brother’s death just a year after I was sold is what he deserved.”
The Sea Lord: Devils of the Deep Page 5
