Tamed & Unleashed: The Highlander's Vivacious Wife (Love's Second Chance Book 13)

by Bree Wolf

No matter what, she would be ready.

  Chapter Thirty-Three – A Chance Encounter

  Standing on deck with the crew and the other passengers, Claudia watched the large ship approach, its black sail billowing in the wind like a winged demon descending upon them. Two tall masts reached into the sky, and the deck of the Voile Noire was filled with sailors−pirates, she reminded herself! − swords drawn and pistols at the ready. As the ship drew nearer, Claudia could make out their faces, their eyes determined, and their jaws set. In truth, with the exception of their weaponry, they did not look evil, merely efficient, steadfast and committed.

  Claudia’s heart beat steadily in her chest as her eyes surveyed the scene. Fear chilled her limbs, and, yet, the need to sink to her knees and weep was absent. She felt strangely removed from the reality before her as though she were a mere observer and not affected by it in the least. Her mind retreated, shutting out all that lay ahead of her, and focused on her breathing, her heartbeat, keeping them steady and regular.

  Hooks were flung, and Claudia heard the dull thunk of them grabbing onto the side of their ship, pulling it closer to the Voile Noire. The distance between the two vessels quickly shrunk, and Claudia barely noticed Sophie hanging in her brother’s arms, sobbing fitfully. Mr. Adams in turn seemed ash-white as though ready to faint at a moment’s notice. How was it possible that he could snarl down at her one minute and then cower in a corner the next? Who was that man? And how had he become who he was?

  Claudia shook her head. She would never know, and in that moment, she could not bring herself to care. All that mattered was Aiden. Somehow, she needed to find a way to negotiate with these pirates and hope they would listen. Perhaps there was a way to save her son and spare him the fate Mr. Adams had referred to with such sickening delight.

  Pulling Aiden tighter into her embrace, Claudia gritted her teeth. No, she would not lose him now. Not after everything she had gone through to finally hold him in her arms.

  Fortunately, her emotions still seemed to be dulled as she watched the privateer’s crew board the merchant vessel, their eyes lit in triumph as they surrounded them. Her limbs felt heavy, and it took Claudia a good deal of effort to move her feet and huddle closer to the other prisoners − for that’s what they were now! − as the pirates circled around them.

  Their eyes were watchful, looking for resistance, ready to subdue anyone who dared speak against them at a moment’s notice.

  Then a shadow fell over her face, and Claudia turned her head back toward the privateer where a tall, dark-haired man now stood on the railing, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed their prize.

  He was perhaps in his thirties, his dark, almost black hair cut to shoulder-length and tied in the back. He stood tall with broad shoulders and strong limbs, a sword strapped to his side and a pistol fastened to his chest. His skin looked bronzed from the sun, and his dark green eyes sparkled with mischief in the midday light, oddly reminding Claudia of her own husband. Would she ever look into Garrett’s eyes again? Would she ever see them light up with wickedness?

  Watching the stranger, Claudia found herself taken with the man’s silent authority, and she knew without a doubt that he was the Voile Noire’s captain. Strength and control clung to him like a cloak, and he moved with the sure-footedness of a man who knew his place in this world. His crew was organised and well-trained, and he needed no more than a few words to put them to their tasks. “Search below deck,” he ordered in French, his voice stern but not unkind.

  Hope blossomed in Claudia’s heart that the privateer’s captain was a man who could be reasoned with. She was about to step forward and address him when one of his crew members nodded at the order issued, saying, “Aye, Captain Duret.”

  The breath caught in Claudia’s throat at the sound of the man’s name, and she found herself transported back in time to an early summer’s day not long before her rash elopement to Gretna Green.

  The season was slowly coming to an end, and they would soon leave London and return to Farnworth Manor. Bored yet again, Claudia had wandered through the house until she had heard her brother’s voice from the drawing room. Something in the way he spoke drew her attention, and she sneaked closer on quiet feet, carefully peeking in through the small gap left by a door that had remained ajar.

  “I still don’t understand why Sebastian called on you,” her mother said, confusion in her voice as she settled into an armchair on the edge of Claudia’s view. “What did he need your help with?”

  Sebastian Campbell, Earl of Weston, was a childhood friend of her brother’s, who had only recently married a young woman whom he had persuaded to elope with him to Gretna Green. For their whirlwind romance alone, Claudia adored them. They were such passionate and daring people, and she envied them beyond words.

  “Apparently,” her brother replied, a hint of exhaustion in his voice, “he had been made aware of a rather delicate situation. A young lady, Juliet Edwards, daughter to the late Jules Edwards, Earl of Goswick, found herself unhappily betrothed and wished to end said betrothal without suffering societal censure.”

  From the tone in her brother’s voice, Claudia could tell that her brother could not understand why a young lady should wish to be released of such a commitment. Claudia, however, could think of a number of reasons.

  “Unhappy in what way?” her mother asked, and Claudia thanked her silently as she found her curiosity running away with her yet again. If only she was not doomed to merely listen to these fantastic tales but could experience them herself!

  Her brother sighed, his footsteps carrying him up and down the room. “Apparently, her betrothed was of advanced age and had been chosen by her stepfather, Lord Silcox.”

  Their mother chuckled.

  “I fail to see how this would amuse you,” Richard enquired, incomprehension as well as a hint of frustration marking his voice.

  Their mother sighed, a rather indulgent look in her eyes as she looked across the room at her son, who unfortunately was hidden from Claudia’s view at present. “Dear Richard, can you truly not understand why a young lady would object to being married to a man who could well be her grandfather? Young women dream of love, my dear. They want to be swept off their feet by a dashing young man and not waste their youth on one who’s already in the grave with one foot.”

  “That’s a bit harsh, Mother,” Richard objected. “After all, she would gain social standing, fortune and a family of her own through such a match.”

  Sighing, their mother shook her head. “Well, then, let’s agree to disagree. What happened then? Were you able to persuade the old man from slandering the girl?”

  For a moment, silence fell over the room, and Claudia could picture her brother rolling his eyes. “Yes, we were,” Richard finally said. “As Sebastian and Lord Cullingwood had called on quite a few acquaintances, Lord Dowling seemed reasonably impressed.”

  “Lord Cullingwood?” their mother asked, her brow slightly furrowed. “Is he not the one who recently married a young woman of unknown origin?”

  “The very one.”

  “How is he connected to the young lady? Lady Juliet?” their mother enquired. “I do not recall her as a friend of the Campbell’s, either. Why did Sebastian feel persuaded to champion her case?”

  Richard sighed, “It’s all very complicated. As far as I understood, Lord Cullingwood’s new wife is well-acquainted or even related to the Lady Juliet. They turned to Sebastian as well as Lord Elmridge for help, who in turn approached their acquaintances, which is how I was drawn into this matter.”

  A gentle smile came to their mother’s face. “Friends help each other. I’m glad Sebastian turned to you knowing you would help.”

  Richard cleared his throat. “I might have refused and suggested he do the same had I known that French privateers were involved in the matter.”

  Claudia’s heart skipped a beat as the story began to surpass her wildest dreams. Oh, what she would not give for a knight in shining armour to come and r
escue her from the dreariness that was her life!

  Their mother’s face paled, the smile dying on her lips. “French privateers? What on earth are you speaking about?”

  Richard sighed, sinking into an armchair opposite their mother. “I cannot say with certainty,” he said, disapproval strong in his voice, “as I saw no need to include myself in this matter anymore than was absolutely necessary. All I know is that Lord Cullingwood’s new wife seems to have French ties. I passed a young man in the hall−dark, long hair, casual attire, a dagger strapped to his hip−and Sebastian later told me he goes by the name of Duret.”

  Claudia sighed. She would have given anything to have been there and met such a man!

  Her mother inhaled a steadying breath. “You still have not said why that man was there. What was his purpose?”

  Richard shrugged. “I did not say because I do not know. There seems to be some kind of connection, but no one elaborated, and I did not ask.”

  Oh, Claudia could have clubbed her brother over the head with something hard and heavy! Why on earth was he not more interested in these things? Did he find his own dreary life truly fulfilling?

  “I’m only glad all is resolved,” Richard continued. “As far as I know Lady Juliet is now free to choose her future husband herself, and the Duret’s have left our shores, hopefully to never return.” A deep sigh left his lips. “Please do not mention this to Claudia. You know how she is. I’m afraid she might see such a tale as inspiration to do something foolish.”

  Sighing, their mother nodded. “Perhaps that would be wise.”

  “Thank you.”

  Back on the merchant vessel, Claudia blinked as the memory slowly retreated and her eyes once more focused on the dark-haired captain of the Voile Noire. Was it truly him? Captain Duret? The man who had come to London last summer?

  With ease, he jumped down onto the deck of their captured prize, his green eyes calmly surveying the situation as he strode forward, stepping toward the hatch that led below deck.

  When he walked by her−no more than two arm’s lengths away−Claudia knew that this was her only chance. If she was to speak up, it was now or never.

  His boots sounded almost deafening to her ears as he strode across deck, his green eyes momentarily meeting hers before they moved on, taking account of his captives.

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, Claudia took a daring step forward. “You’re Captain Duret, are you not?”

  Hearing his name, he stopped just as a member of his crew stepped toward Claudia, his sword raised, urging her to remain where she was.

  Slowly, the captain’s dark head turned until his vibrant green eyes came to rest on her, gliding over her face and lower, momentarily coming to rest on the sleeping child in her arms. “Have we met, Madam?”

  After glancing at his captain, the pirate who had urged her back lowered his sword and stepped away.

  Claudia inhaled a deep breath and then carefully took another step forward, her eyes fixed on the enigmatic captain. “We have not,” she said, willing her voice not to shake as reality came suddenly rushing back at her.

  All alone, with only her innocent son in her arms, she found herself on a ship that had now been boarded by a French privateer. The blood in her veins ran cold, and once again, she felt for the small carving knife still hidden in her shawl. Would she have to use it? Would this man in front of her give her reason to?

  The captain’s eyes narrowed, and yet, there was a hint of amusement in the way the left side of his mouth curled slightly upward. “Then how do you come to know my name? You’re English, n’est-ce pas?” he asked, moving closer to her as his gaze studied her face.

  “I…” Claudia swallowed, then lifted her chin, reminding herself to stay strong.

  Regarding her with sudden curiosity, Captain Duret smiled. “You remind me of my cousin, Madam.” He leaned closer as though about to share a secret. “There’s something fierce in your eyes. Speak your mind, and do not worry. I shall not bite.” There was a devilish gleam in his eyes, and the look on his face spoke of a teasing nature.

  If the situation had been different, Claudia could have come to like him.

  “Very well,” she said, feeling at least a little reassured. “I’ve heard your name mentioned by my brother. Yours,” she inhaled a deep breath, her eyes fixed on his, “as well as Lady Juliet’s.”

  Instantly, the man’s smile slid off his face. His jaw tensed, and all humour vanished as though it had never been there. His body became rigid as though he fought to contain a storm that suddenly raged within him.

  For a long moment, he held her gaze before he seemed to be able to regain his composure. Inhaling a deep breath, he straightened and then to her utter surprise offered her his arm. “Will you join me below deck, Madam? I believe you and I have much to discuss.”

  Glancing down at her son, Claudia hesitated, wondering if she had done the right thing drawing attention to her.

  “I assure you you will be quite safe with me,” Captain Duret said in a low voice so only she could hear him. It probably would not serve him to destroy the image of the ruthless privateer in front of his prisoners. “You as well as your child.”

  Nodding, Claudia slid her arm through the crook of his, noting out of the corner of her eye the hateful glare Mr. Adams cast at her. Unable not to, she looked over her shoulder and gave him a dazzling smile, delighting in the way his eyes almost crawled out of their sockets and his face turned red.

  “Secure the ship,” Captain Duret called to his crew, “and lock the prisoners below deck. I’ll be in the captain’s quarters.” Then he turned his head back to the Voile Noire. “Jacques, keep a weather eye out. You know how much I hate surprises.”

  “Aye, Capt’n,” echoed over from the crow’s nest of the Voile Noire.

  “Shall we?” Captain Duret said, casting her an amused, and yet, strangely tense smile before leading her toward the hatch and assisting her below deck.

  At each and every step, Claudia wondered if she was making a monumental mistake. Was Captain Duret truly the man from her brother’s narrative? And even if so, had her brother been right to be wary of him? Did an evil soul hide behind his charming face? Or was he a decent man…for a privateer?

  Inhaling a deep breath, Claudia knew that no matter what the answer was there was no turning back now.

  Chapter Thirty-Four – The Other Side of the Story

  Clinging to her son’s warm body, Claudia all but staggered along the gangway toward Captain Ronsford’s quarters. The privateer’s captain was only two steps in front of her, holding open the door for her to step through. Then he closed it behind them, his green eyes quickly taking in their new surroundings. His long legs carried him across the small cabin, and he peeked inside a large trunk set by the back wall before examining the maps rolled out and weighed on the table. “Are you on board with your husband, Madam?” he asked without looking up, his fingers tracing something on the map before him.

  Suppressing the quiver that rose in her throat at the mention of her husband, Claudia willed herself to remain focused. Still, she could feel a slight tremble in her knees as the turmoil of the past week caught up with her. Exhaustion washed over her, and for a moment, she felt certain she would collapse into a heap on the floor.

  “Are you all right?”

  Blinking, Claudia focused her gaze and found a set of dark green eyes looking into hers.

  Without her noticing, Captain Duret had approached and was now lifting a hand to grasp her shoulder as she began to sway on her feet, instinctively clutching her son tighter.

  Aiden whimpered in his sleep, a quiet complaint at his mother’s smothering embrace.

  “Sit,” the captain ordered, urging her backwards until her legs bumped into something hard. Then he pushed her down, and Claudia sank onto a small cot fastened to the wall. Her limbs sighed in relief as she leaned back and momentarily closed her eyes.

  “You need rest, Madam,” she heard Captain Duret sa
y as he urged her to lie down. “Do you wish to see your husband?”

  Tears collected in the corners of Claudia’s eyes. “I do,” she whispered as her mind began to block out the harshness of the world. “With all my heart.” Sadness filled her, and a small sob escaped her lips. “But he is not on board.” Her eyes fell closed, and she felt the seductive call of slumber. “We were taken, my son and I. Forced onto the ship. We…”

  Silence fell over the small cabin as Claudia’s words trailed off, her mind unable to supply more. Still, she felt Captain Duret’s quiet presence beside her, growing darker as the moments ticked by. “Who took you?” he all but snarled into the stillness, a fearsome threat in his voice if ever Claudia had heard one, and a part of her even pitied the man who would find himself at the other end of Captain Duret’s wrath. “Is he on board?”

  Claudia sighed, then rolled onto her side, gently cradling her son in her arms. “Maxwell Adams,” were the last words to leave her lips before sleep claimed her.

  ***

  In her dreams, Claudia found herself once again wrapped in her husband’s strong arms, his gentle green eyes looking down into hers as he called her mo chridhe, my heart. She felt safe and loved and knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that all would be well.

  Only then her dreams changed, grew darker, and she was torn out of Garrett’s arms and thrown onto a ship that would see them separated for all the times to come. Panic welled up in her chest, and her heart broke as she desperately sought something to hold on to.

  Aiden!

  Instinctively, her arms tightened around her son, only to find him gone.

  “Aiden!” Claudia called as she jerked upright, and her eyes flew open.

  In the dim light of the cabin, she found herself momentarily stunned. Then she ran her hands over the small cot, searching for her precious child, her eyes wide as she looked at the spot where he had lain before.

  Panic seized her.

  “Calm yourself, Madam,” a slightly amused French voice said. “Your son is here. He is well.”