“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she snapped.
“Sure you do,” he said. “It came to me as I walked away. I’ve been out here wondering if I should go back and find you and here you come to me.”
“I was taking some air,” she said. “Naught to do with you.”
“How have you been?”
“Why do you care?” Esta said.
He shrugged his shoulders. “How should I know? I just do. Our adventures have brought us together. I have thought of you often over the last three weeks.”
Esta drew a deep breath. “Well, I have not spared you a single thought.”
He laughed, warm and low. “Ah, now I know that’s not true, my lady. You at least must have thought of me when you thought of your ship.”
Esta narrowed her eyes. That he had the audacity to remind her of the loss of Sea Sprite, the ship she had loved and depended upon. And to think he now had two ships after his seizing of Storm Chaser. It wasn’t fair! “You’re right. I’ve cursed your name every day! What are you doing in the palace?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“I am making it my business. Tell me or I will go straight to Admiral Cosara. He is here and I bet he would be very interested to hear of your seafaring activities.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me and see if I don’t!”
Now it was Samael’s turn to narrow his eyes. “I believe you would hand me in! Whatever happened to honor among thieves?”
“Thieves know no honor, Captain and I would love to see that smug smile wiped off your face. As far as I can see, your activities are a plague on the oceans.”
“And what of your smuggling?” Samael hissed. “I’m sure the admiral would be interested to hear of that. Might make life a little more difficult, don’t you think?”
“I have no ship so how can I be a smuggler? It would be your word against mine and who are you but a dirty pirate?”
Samael frowned.
Esta could almost hear his thoughts. She knew enough about his activities to get him thrown into prison for a very long time and he didn’t even know who she was. All he had was an alias to call her by and that would get him nowhere.
“Look,” he said, “I don’t want any trouble. I came here to get information.”
“Searching out your next target?” Esta asked, hands on hips.
Samael shook his head and lifted his eyes to the stars. “I’m after information, about my mother.”
Esta raised her brows. Did he seriously expect her to believe this? “What information?”
He took a deep breath. “I’m adopted. When I spoke of my parents the other day, it was my adoptive parents I referred to. I recently learned my real mother gave me away as a tiny babe.” His shoulders slumped and a muscle tightened in his jaw.
“And you think someone here can help? Was she a member of the nobility?”
He shook his head. “No, but I’ve looked everywhere else and no one knows Vitavia.” He speared her with the intense gaze she remembered so well. “Does the name ring a bell? I thought perhaps she went to work for nobility after she gave me away. It would have been over thirty years ago.”
Vitavia? It was an odd name. “It doesn’t seem familiar. Have you asked here tonight?”
“I have and no one remembers her.” He looked so dejected that Esta began to feel sorry for him. She moved closer and laid her hand on his forearm.
“This is important to you,” she said.
He looked from her hand to her face. “I need to know who she is, who I am, where I came from, why I’m like I am now.”
“Why does it matter?” Esta asked. “You are who you are. Is finding your mother going to make you different somehow?”
“Yes, it might,” he snapped. “I’ve always felt an outcast, set apart from other people. The Lenweri and my parents are the only ones who truly accept me. Why is that? If I can find my mother and ask her why she rejected me, perhaps I can take my place in this world instead of running away.”
“That’s what you think? That you’re hiding from society?”
Samael hung his head. “More or less…”
“I never thought to hear words like that come from your mouth, Captain. I thought you loved your life, that you were happy.”
He smiled derisively. “So you see you aren’t the only unhappy captain on the high seas, Moonlight.”
Anger blazed within Esta. “Don’t you dare compare me to you! Don’t you dare!”
He grabbed her arms and pulled her close, his breath intermingling with hers. Esta should have been frightened but instead she was fascinated to see what he would do next.
“You and I aren’t so different,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek. “We both share this attraction, against our better judgment.”
“You’re delusional!” Esta battled the desire that rose to engulf her. “I feel nothing but contempt for you.”
“Let me prove you wrong, lady.” Samael crushed her to his chest and his lips captured hers in a heady mix of domination and sensuality.
Esta froze then tried to pull back but he had her welded against his body and soon she didn’t want him to stop. Even as shock coursed through her, she melted against him, her arms curling around his waist and sliding up his back. He groaned against her mouth and the vibration traveled right down to her toes. Esta sighed and his tongue slipped past her lips to ravish her mouth, the intimate exploration more than Esta had ever experienced. His hands slipped from her arms to her shoulders and then cradled her jaw, angling her head so he could better explore her lips and mouth.
A warm breeze swept around them as they kissed by the balcony doors and Esta imagined she and Samael stood on the deck of a ship, entwined in the moonlight, alone in a world of their own making. She sighed. It was so magical, she never wanted it to end. Samael crushed her closer, his hands releasing her head to slide down over the sides of her breasts. Esta’s nipples swelled and pressed against the fabric of her gown. She leaned against him and his rod pushed at her belly. The thought of it thrusting up inside her made her heavy with need, her secret places wet.
“My lady, we must stop here if you don’t wish for me to race you into the palace garden and make sweet love to you,” Samael said. “It’s an option, I want you to know that.” He smiled his devilish smile down at her.
Esta’s insides melted more at the desire in his eyes. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. He wouldn’t when he discovered how inexperienced she was. The thought cooled her desire. What was she thinking to kiss this man in a public place and wonder what it would be like to lose herself to him? “You’re right.” She stepped back and tried to straighten her dress. “I…I should go back inside and you should…do whatever you were going to do.”
He frowned as if he was disappointed. What did he expect? That she would succumb to this moment of madness? She would only regret it later and Esta already had enough regrets to sink a ship.
“If you insist, lady. I enjoyed our dance and our talk and the kiss. I would like to spend more time with you if you’d allow it.”
Esta stared at him. She couldn’t spend time with him, no matter how much her traitorous body desired it. She must extricate herself before he ruined her. “Are you mad? You shouldn’t be here and you certainly don’t belong in polite society. That kiss was a moment of weakness, taken, not given freely. You must forget me as I will certainly try to forget you. Goodnight, Captain.”
Esta turned and fled back into the ballroom, desperate to put distance between herself and the man who had turned her night on its head. Was that what Aunt Paurella had been thinking of when she mentioned a wild fling this evening? Would it be everything that Paurella had suggested or was it folly for Esta to think that she could ever have that excitement, that experience, in her life? Others seemed to find it. Why not her?
But she had the answer to that. She was a lady, an estate owner with responsibilities, even more so n
ow that Katrine was absent and might be for months—even more so now that her ship lay at the bottom of the sea, a playground for sharks and dolphins. And that man, Samael Delacost, was inextricably linked with all that had gone wrong lately. She would do well to stay away from him and had taken the first steps that night. She had hurt him with her words, she saw that clearly written on his face. Samael Delacost would not think fondly of her after this night and she would move on with her life. The thought almost made her weep.
Samael stood frozen after Moonlight left him. Her words cut him deeper than he would ever have expected. That kiss had bound them until Samael had begun to imagine the two of them together, his aching member spearing her core and sending her over the edge into ecstasy. He knew instinctively that the lady would explode like a firework if she ever let go of her inhibitions. She kept tight hold of her feelings but her body said otherwise. Sam’s heart picked up pace at the memory of her pressed against him. Why had he stopped? He should have led her into the garden and pressed his advantage while he had it. She might even have succumbed. His rod was hard again just imagining her with her skirts raised, moaning as he thrust into her and she came screaming. Would she scream? Or would she shudder and stiffen around him, silent so as not to raise any notice?
Idiot! She rejected you, her words insulting, cold. You’ve no place in her world. Get your dick under control and move on!
Easy to say but difficult to do. The intriguing Lady Moonlight had wormed her way under his skin and now he knew she was a member of court, he was even more fascinated with her. Of course it meant she was further out of his reach but …
No, his head was right. She was too far above him and the sooner he realized that and moved on, the happier he’d be.
Chapter 10
Esta had several dances after her encounter with Samael but her heart wasn’t in it anymore. She didn’t see him again and wondered if she ever would. She thought fleetingly of his search for his mother. The woman was not to be found here, Esta was sure. Perhaps Samael would never find her. It was a sad thought for he seemed to need it. Though why she should care, she didn’t examine.
Esta decided to end her night early and was leaving the ballroom when she was stopped by Merielle Cosara. The red head was exquisite, with or without a mask.
“I had to stop you and ask about that dress,” Merielle said. “It is splendid.”
Esta groaned inwardly. “Thank you, Lady Cosara,” she said.
“You must call me Merielle,” she said. “And you are?”
“Someone who is not often at court,” Esta said.
Merielle’s eyes narrowed. “Ah, you wish to remain anonymous.”
Esta nodded. “I do.”
“Do you mind telling me who that man was you were with on the balcony?”
Esta’s belly tightened at the unexpected question. “Why do you ask?”
“I’ve been watching him all night and didn’t recognize him. He has the look of danger about him and I did not wish you to be at risk.”
“He’s looking for a woman called Vitavia. Do you know the name?”
Merielle’s entire body stiffened and she speared Esta with her green eyes. “My husband’s mother was Vitavia. But it could not be that Vitavia he looks for. She has been dead for many years.”
“I’m sure there is no need to be concerned, Merielle, and don’t worry, I shan’t see the gentleman again.”
“Ah,” she said. “That is good, very good.” She paused. “I will find out who you are eventually, you know.”
“As you wish, Merielle. Good evening.” Esta left before the admiral’s wife could question her further.
Sam stayed out of Lady Moonlight’s way for the remainder of his time at the ball. He spoke to several people. None seemed to know of Vitavia and none interested him as much as his lady of the high seas.
His mind kept returning to what he had wanted to occur between them out on the balcony. But he wrestled it back to the reason for his presence in Wildecoast—finding his mother. At the end of an hour, he was ready to admit defeat for the night. He left the castle and returned to his lodgings in one of the better taverns close to the palace. He was discouraged but not defeated and he would find his mother.
Chapter 11
The day after the ball, Esta received a hand-delivered invitation to spend time at the Cosara estate which was around a half day’s travel west of Wildecoast. So she wasn’t surprised when there was a knock on her chamber door an hour later. Esta struggled to keep a smile on her face as she opened the door to find Merielle Cosara on her threshold.
“I have tracked you down in record time, have I not, Lady Aranati?”
Esta chewed her lip. “Please, call me Esta.” She couldn’t help wondering where this would lead. Was there harm in making friends when she harbored such dark secrets? Did Merielle have ulterior motives for seeking her out? Esta had found in the past that ladies at court weren’t renowned for their friendliness.
“I thought it was time I made some friends,” Merielle said. “And I sense in you I may have one.”
“That is kind of you to say, Merielle,” Esta said, “and I would love to visit your estate.”
Merielle clapped her hands. “That is excellent. I’ll summon my coach. How long until you can be ready?”
“Oh!” Esta was only halfway through her breakfast. Lady Cosara certainly was impulsive! “I shall have my maid pack while I finish my meal.”
Merielle beamed a smile and bustled out as excited as a child on a trip to the beach. Esta’s gut tightened. Had she made a mistake agreeing to this? Merielle seemed desperate for friendship while Esta was content in her own company. That way, she could please herself, have leisurely breakfasts if she chose. She sighed and rang for her maid.
An hour later, the Cosara coach bounced along the western road headed for Merielle’s home. On board were Esta, Merielle and their two maids. The redhead kept up a constant stream of conversation and all Esta had to do was offer a word here and there. Merielle seemed genuine and almost childlike in her naivety but Esta sensed a latent fierceness that intrigued her.
By the time they arrived at the estate, Esta was desperate for a cup of tea. However, Merielle hustled out of the carriage, sent the maids to unpack and launched into a tour of the manor house. They finished in the formal dining room which was set for lunch. Esta immediately sat at the table.
Merielle stared, eyes wide and hand to her bosom. “I am so sorry, Esta. I didn’t think. You must be famished. I’ll ring for a pot of tea while we await our meal.”
Esta sighed and relaxed back against the padded rest. “That sounds delightful.”
Merielle rang a bell, spoke to her maid and then sat at the table beside her guest. “I am so excited to have you here I got carried away.”
Esta smiled. “Don’t concern yourself. I’m simply tired from the excitement of the ball.”
Merielle leaped to her feet. She was the liveliest person Esta had ever encountered.
“I just remembered your enquiry about Vitavia.” She crossed to a side table as Esta’s ears pricked up. Merielle retrieved a small painting and brought it back. It was of a man and woman.
“It is so sad,” Merielle said. “These are my Nikolas’s parents, Vitavia and Saniste.”
Esta studied the small portrait, especially the woman. She was in plain clothes but was beautiful and must have been around Esta’s age in the painting. Vitavia strongly resembled Nikolas but there was something about the woman’s eyes. Something…
Could it be that Samael and this Vitavia shared that feature? She reached for the portrait and placed her fingers so only Vitavia’s eyes shone back at her. Esta swore they were also Samael Delacost’s eyes. Was she imagining it? She could not have discovered Samael’s long lost mother. “Tell me of the admiral’s parents,” she said.
Merielle remained silent as their tea arrived. When the maid left, she spoke. “They were simple people, healers. Nikolas does not speak of them often.
He feels he let them down by going to sea.”
“They are both dead?”
Merielle nodded. “They passed years ago. Saniste took a fever and died, followed by Vitavia. Nikolas was away on a mission and when he returned both his parents were gone.”
Esta sighed. If this Vitavia was Samael’s mother, he was destined for heartache. She could be, the timing seemed to fit. “How old is your husband?”
“He will be thirty-one years old very soon,” Merielle said. “Why do you ask?”
“Just an idle question. Does Nikolas have any siblings?”
At this, Merielle’s eyes dimmed. “He had a younger brother. Jon was lost at sea nearly two years ago.”
“That is truly tragic,” Esta murmured. “But Nikolas is lucky to have you in his life.”
Merielle nodded but the sadness didn’t lift. “We have each other and for that we are thankful.”
Esta sipped her tea, appreciating the way the liquid warmed insides chilled by the tragic story. What should her next move be? Should she tell Samael of her suspicions regarding Vitavia? Or should she stay out of the matter and allow him to do his own investigations? If she did that, would he ever learn of this possible connection? And if not, could she live with herself knowing Samael might suffer for the rest of this life?
Why do I even care? Esta struggled to answer. They had a disreputable association, nothing to base a friendship on and yet she felt more than a little responsible for his happiness. It was silly but it was a fact. Esta didn’t think she could live with herself if she went back to her estate with this knowledge.
The next morning, after a restless night of little sleep and many dreams, Esta dragged on her travel gown and made her way to breakfast. Merielle was there, eating what smelled like a seafood broth. Esta hid her surprise at the strange breakfast fare and poured herself a cup of tea.
“You look tired,” Merielle said. “Was the bed not to your liking?”
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