Vivian nodded. “I can see why your mother didn’t want to think about your father. But why are you showing me the ring?”
“Because this is what Juanito is after. If he shows the King of Spain this ring, he will inherit my father’s island and all the money that goes with it. If he has this ring, the King of Spain will know I am dead.”
“What about that thing you said you had buried in your father’s yard? Will that not convince the king?”
“That is my certificate of birth. It will help, but so will this ring.”
She took Anton’s long finger and slipped on the band. Softly, she rubbed his knuckle. “It’s a perfect fit.”
“Yes, I have the same build as mí padre.”
“It looks good on you.”
He cupped her face, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. “Querida, do you believe me now?”
Her smile wavered. Now was the time to ask him about the jewels. “I actually have another question.”
“What is it? I will tell you anything.”
She took a hard swallow. “Anton, if you didn’t steal your uncle’s jewels, then…why are they hidden in that trunk?” She looked at the trunk—still locked.
He swung his gaze in that direction. “The jewels?”
“Yes. There are several pieces in there.”
Anton met her gaze again and grinned. “I see you are back to picking locks again.”
She nodded.
He took a deep breath, still smiling. “Those are not my uncle’s jewels. What you saw in that trunk is what belonged to my father and mother. I think I told you once that I only had a few things of theirs. Well…those are the few things. That is all I have left that my parents possessed.”
She studied his now serious expression, and her heart clenched to think she hadn’t trusted him before to believe he had been telling her the truth all this time. And to think if she would have believed him earlier, she wouldn’t have gone through a lot of her doubt and heartache.
“Now do you believe?” he questioned.
She smiled. “Yes. I have no reason not to.”
Taking her hand in his, he lifted it to his lips and turned it over to kiss her palm. Warmth spread through her, and she cherished the feeling, if only for a moment.
“Actually, I do have another question.” Her voice shook slightly.
He placed her hand on her lap with great tenderness. “I will tell you anything.”
“What will your uncle inherit for being the second-born son?”
“Nothing as long as I am alive. If I am dead, he inherits everything. Although Juanito and my father had two different mothers, they had the same father, so the island would go to him.”
“I just don’t understand why he’s so determined to kill you when you’ve been away from home for so long.”
“Because for seven long years he acted the part of lord and ruler in my father’s house and on the island, telling everybody I had been killed in the war just so he could receive the money. Before his men attacked me last week, I received the impression during the conversation I had with them, that the only thing my uncle was lacking to legally make himself King was the ring. When I returned from the war, he asked me about the ring, and I told him I did not know what he was talking about. I think he assumed at that time that I was not the true heir. When I left Spain several days later, I took my personal belongings, and my father’s ring, not knowing what power it held. Then last week, Raúl demanded I hand it over. When I refused, he let his fists talk.”
She touched the small bruise barely visible on his cheek. “I know. I saw.”
He took her hand and brought it to his lips again, kissing her fingertips. “It was then when I realized what kind of danger I have put you in.” He turned her hand over and kissed her palm. “Which is why I am sending you back to New York once we dock in Spain. I have already talked to the captain and he will set sail as soon as he can. He will protect you. I have also written to your employer to inform him of everything that has happened, so you will still have a job when you return.”
Her heart dropped and anger filled her soul. He wanted to send her home? Without him? Helpless frustration built inside her, making her chest ache.
Strange, because this was what she’d wanted all along, wasn’t it? Finally, Anton could relieve himself of her.
She swallowed the lump of emotion lodged in her throat. “Are you certain I’ll be safe?”
“I have devised a plan in case somebody is waiting on shore and watching us. After we dock, I will take you with me to the nearest hotel. The captain will have his cabin boy come later and meet us in the room. The boy is about your height and coloring, so you can dress in his clothes to leave, and our watchers will think it is the servant.”
She shrugged. “It sounds plausible, but how are you going to remain safe?”
“I have not figured that out, but I will be extremely cautious. I will not let my uncle win.”
“So, you think if I am by your side then, it’ll make your mission more difficult to complete?”
“No, but I will be putting you in danger.” He cupped her chin. “If you met with another accident or illness, my heart would not be able to take it.”
How could she understand this man? Did he really want to be free of her? Was he saying these words just to alleviate her worry?
“Oh, Anton, you do care,” she teased with sarcasm.
He gathered her in his arms and kissed her forehead. “Yes, querida, I do. More than you will ever know.”
Her heart beat wildly, and she fought for control. But there was a different tone in his voice that made her pause, one she hadn’t heard before. She pulled away and gazed up at him. “I don’t understand.”
“When I thought I had lost you in the sea, heaviness grew in my chest so much I could have suffocated. Then, when your fever was so very high, and the physician’s methods were not working, I could not stand the massive pain of losing you.” He pressed the side of his face against hers. “I would have died for you. If Díos would have let me, I would have taken your place.”
His confession tugged at her heart, weakening her resistance against him. Dare she believe he held some feelings?
Ridiculous.
Cursing her premature enthusiasm, she found her anger once again and pulled back. “Thank you for your concern, but once I leave with the captain, I won’t be your problem any longer and you won’t need to worry about me.”
His forehead crinkled. “Vivian, I have never thought of you as my problem.”
With a shrug, she snuggled into the bed. “I’m tired now, Anton. I’d like to sleep.”
Gathering the blankets around her, she turned to her side and fought the tears swelling in her eyes. She didn’t know what bothered her most, his evident change of guilty emotion toward her, or his readiness to dispose of her the first chance he got.
* * * *
The sun had set into a tranquil sea, and a soft dusk slowly captured the day as Anton stood at the rail of the ship and gazed out on the water. Darkness intruded upon the blue-green depths of the ocean, splaying a million stars overhead on the dark velvet backdrop of a clear night sky. His thoughts carried him back to a time when he was a different man.
Until recently, he’d been satisfied with his life, not bothering to question fate. His parents had died at the hands of his merciless uncle when they were gunned down in broad daylight, but after a grieving period, Anton realized it was their turn to join Díos in heaven.
He had enlisted to join his fellow countrymen in fighting for what he’d believe in, and he hadn’t regretted any decision made during those seven years. Even when he left his home and inheritance, he hadn’t looked back, rather anticipated the adventures in his new life.
Things were changing again, and he was helpless to stop fate. His twenty-seventh year approached fast, and for the first time, he thought about settling down and starting a family.
The idea scared him to death.
&nbs
p; Yet when he imagined spending his days with Vivian, holding her in his arms, his fear eased. From the very first time he had spotted her sitting in her balcony box watching him with great interest, he hadn’t been able to think straight. Like a moth to flame, her beauty lured him, and he couldn’t find the strength to pull away. But he had no other choice but to let her go. She’d be much safer in New York where the detective agency could protect her.
Agonizing pain twisted in his heart. It would be extremely hard to see her sail away without him. He released a deep sigh and scrubbed his face. He must not falter in his determination. Thankfully, the end of the voyage was near, and although he had mixed emotions, he looked forward to seeing his homeland once more.
Heavy footsteps creaked on the deck behind him, tearing him from his dismal thoughts. He swung around to see who ventured his way. Captain Bushwell sported a full uniform, looking very commanding in his sailor’s attire.
The older man smiled. “It’s a pleasant evening, is it not?”
“Sí. The warmer climate tells me I am home.”
“The voyage has passed quicker than I expected. We’ll reach land first thing in the morning.”
“Splendid.”
“Are you still planning on sending Miss Wentworth back with me?”
“Sí. I have not changed my mind. I want to follow through with the plans we made earlier. I would feel much safer with her away from my uncle. I also need you to deliver that letter to Mr. Pinkerton.”
He nodded. “I’ll prepare for a quick departure tomorrow.”
“May I ask what will be done with Señor Raúl Zamora? What kind of trial will he get?”
“Unfortunately, I will have to turn him over to Spain since he is one of their citizens, unless of course, they allow me to take him back to the states for the trial he deserves.”
“I want justice to prevail, but I suspect Spain will protect the traitor.”
“I agree.”
Anton bunched his hands into fists and slammed them hard on the railing, holding back the vile words ready to spring from his mouth. “Then the sooner we get Miss Wentworth home, the better.”
“Very true.”
Taking a calming breath, Anton feigned a smile. “Gracias. I will be forever grateful.”
Captain Bushwell leaned against the railing, took a cheroot from the inside of his jacket, and lit it. The scent from the expensively rolled leaves drifted in the air around Anton.
“Anton? How does Miss Wentworth feel about your arrangement?”
Anton drew his brows together. “Why do you ask?”
The captain kept his gaze focused on the sea. “Since her miraculous recovery, I’ve not seen a smile grace her lovely face, especially around you.” He glanced over his shoulder and met Anton’s stare. “Every time I have seen her, I get the impression she is upset.”
A sigh of defeat came from Anton. “Sí, the little vixen is not pleased with my plans. She refuses to believe how ruthless my uncle can be and believes she can be of help to me while in Spain.”
Captain Bushwell chuckled. “I’ve seen her temper a time or two on the voyage. She is certainly a stubborn woman.”
“Sí, but I would not change that for anything.” Anton smiled. “Her stubbornness defines who she is, and I admire her for that.”
“You’re going to miss her, I can tell.”
Anton’s smile quickly faded. “Again, you are correct.”
“She’ll miss you, as well.”
“No. I think she will be happy to be away from me. The few times we have talked since her accident, we have done nothing but argue.”
“Perhaps she doesn’t want to go back?”
Anton laughed. “Oh, no. She wants to return to New York, I assure you.”
“How do you know?”
“She never wanted to come with me in the first place.”
Captain Bushwell straightened and clapped his hand on Anton’s shoulder. “Anton, I must say you don’t read women very well. The way I see it, her stubborn streak intensified when she found out she was being sent back. The girl wants to stay. It’s obvious.”
The captain’s opinion bothered Anton, only because he hesitated to believe. Just thinking about the possibility that Vivian might want to stay with him sent his heart into a frenzied beat. But he quickly stopped his whirlwind of emotions. It didn’t matter what he wanted, Vivian would be safer going home.
“No, Captain. Vivian has to go. I do not know what I would do if my uncle got hold of her. He would not think twice about torturing her.”
Captain Bushwell nodded and stepped away. “I understand. But will you do me a favor before you say your last good-byes?”
“What is that?”
“I’ve known since the accident that she is not your niece. Tell the poor girl you love her. Don’t send her back with a broken heart.”
Silence filled the air as the captain walked away. Anton scratched his chin. Strange, but two people had made the same comment about this very thing. Katherine Summers had also mentioned the word love.
Did he love Vivian? Perhaps that was the gripping ache inside his chest that wouldn’t leave. How could it be so obvious to others but not to him?
Yes, he finally realized love described his feelings perfectly. It wasn’t easy to confess. His life was too complicated for love and marriage right now. He struggled with this thought as he walked back to his cabin.
If he told Vivian he loved her, would it make her happy? She’d told him once that she was falling in love with him, so could her feelings be as strong? Especially now? If she did return his love, she’d not want to go back home to New York. He couldn’t have that.
Quietly, he turned the doorknob and entered the room. Vivian wasn’t asleep as he had expected, but sitting in bed reading. Her gaze lifted for a moment when he entered, but then lowered back to the book.
He closed the door and walked to the spot on the floor where he’d slept. Without a word, he pulled off his shirt in front of her. She raised the book to block her view, and he couldn’t stop his smile from widening.
He decided not to retire to bed just yet, and left his trousers on. He dug through one of his trunks to find a book to read that would settle his turbulent thoughts, but nothing looked interesting, nothing except the beautiful woman sitting on the bed.
He gazed over her. Knees pulled to her chest, her cute toes peeked out from underneath the nightgown she wore. Her hair was just how he liked it; unbound, cascading over her shoulders in beautiful waves. Sighing deeply, he walked back to his corner of the room and plopped on the floor.
Her gaze lifted from her book again and met his stare. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“That irritable grunt you just made sounded like something troubles your mind.”
He grinned. “All right then, there is something, but I do not think you would like to know.”
She laid the book on her lap, but kept her knees hiding her chest. “Tell me anyway.”
“The captain talked to me a few minutes ago and said that we will be docking in Spain tomorrow.”
A frown tugged at her delicate lips, turning her expression sour. “I bet that bit of information had you dancing with delight.”
“Actually, no.” He shrugged. “I will admit I am looking forward to seeing my homeland again, and yes, I cannot wait to put an end to my uncle’s tyranny, but...” He hesitated in telling her the truth.
“But what?”
“But I shall miss you when you leave.”
She lowered her head to her knees in contemplative silence, her arms wrapped around her legs. Patiently, he waited for her response, wondering if she’d verbally lash out at him again.
“Stop saying things you don’t mean,” she whispered.
He moved to the bed and sat beside her. “I do mean it, Vivian.” He stroked her shoulder. “I will miss you terribly.”
She sucked in a ragged breath before raising her head. Tears swimming in her eyes
stabbed at his heart like a knife.
“I will miss you, too. We’ve been through a lot together these past weeks.”
“I will never forget those times.”
Her slender throat contracted into a swallow before she nodded. “I shall not forget them, either.”
He slid a lock of her hair between his fingers, but his gaze stayed on hers. “Do you want me to write your employer another letter to tell him that he needs to promote you to Class A Agent? Will that make things easier for you?”
“No. I’ll think of some way to climb to the top by myself. I only hope Margaret isn’t too vexed with me for leaving her alone. After all, you did practically kidnap me without a word to her.”
He chuckled. “Now you will admit to the attempted kidnap, eh?”
She shrugged.
“I wish you the best fortune in this endeavor. I am positive you will become even a greater detective after this.”
She gave a weak chuckle. “Thank you. But I must be honest and tell you...I was never really a detective at all. I wanted to prove to Mr. Pinkerton I could find you in hopes that he would make me an agent.”
He grinned. “I think you have proven your point.”
“Actually, I know most of the things I have done were wrong. Perhaps Mr. Pinkerton was correct to keep me working inside the office instead of being a field agent.”
“I do not think you should sell yourself short, my dear.”
Satisfied with gazing into her eyes, he remained beside her, but the ache in his chest kept urging him to say more...to confess his love. He wouldn’t. Maybe he’d send her a letter in a few weeks and tell her his feelings, but now was not the time.
Regrettably, he dropped her silky hair and pulled away. “I better get some rest tonight. Mañana will be a busy day for both of us.”
Her mouth trembled when she nodded.
“Buenas noches, querida,” he said as he lay on his makeshift bed.
When she didn’t respond, he turned on his side, away from her. The bed creaked as she moved, and he heard her blow out the candle. In the stillness, her muffled sobs floated in through the air. His heart ached for causing her pain, but he remained on the floor. Going to her now would only cause more damage, because he’d take her in his arms and comfort her with tender kisses, which he was certain would turn into more.
The Spanish Outlaw Page 16
