Tom tried to relax the muscles in his face. Rolling his shoulders, he realized the other man was correct. It would take another day regardless of how late they stayed. “Fine. Collect up the men.”
With a nod, the sailor pulled himself up the hatch and called work to a halt. Tom climbed up through the hatch and stalked over to Flora. “Let’s head back.”
He reached for her hand pulling her up before she’d even responded. They crossed the deck and without a word, he picked her up to drop down into the dinghy.
Her arms clenched around his neck, her body pressed against his. Damn it all to hell, she felt so good.
Truth be told, she brought out his more savage side when he held her close like this. He had to be careful or he’d ruin her and then there would be no turning back.
“Is everything all right?” Her breathy voice was right next to his ear. The sound riled him as much as the feel of her and for a moment he reconsidered his plan all together. Instead of leaving her be, he’d take her like the Scots of old. Runaway with her and make her his in every way.
“Fine,” he replied through gritted teeth. Reluctantly, he set her on the bench in the bow and moved to sit on the middle bench with the oars. Carl climbed in the back, the dutiful chaperone. The physical labor of rowing might ease the tension building within but he doubted it. A day of hauling buckets and hammering nails had done little to dull the need. Thank the saints, he couldn’t see her while he rowed.
Which, of course, prompted him to turn and look at her. He was just in time to see her bite her lip, concern in her gaze. That little gesture turned the ache into a full-blown pain and he actually began rowing towards a more secluded stretch of dunes. He’d lose Carl, send him on an errand, or perhaps just knock him senseless.
She hesitated. “This has been the strangest journey. But I am so glad it was with you. I don’t know what my mother and I would have done if you hadn’t been with us.” She paused again. “If there is anything you need, I would be happy to give it to you.”
She didn’t mean that. Because if she did… His nether regions swelled further making it near impossible to row. He gritted his teeth. If the damn thing grew any larger it’d get in the way of the blasted oars. “I need to see you and your mother safely to Scotland.”
“I know my mother appreciates it too. I hope she hasn’t had too rough a day.” Tom glanced back again and he could see the lines of worry marking her brow.
With a muttered curse, he corrected their course away from the beach and towards the castle. He’d tame the savage and be a gentleman. Because she needed to see her mother. Because he didn’t go around ruining baronesses. No matter how invitingly beautiful they were or how many times she nibbled that luscious lip of hers.
Reaching the shore, he dropped into the water and hauled the boat the rest of the way onto land. Then he lifted her out and set her on the beach.
“Can I ask you a question?” She worried her lip with her teeth again. Bloody hell he’d love to do the same. He held his body away from hers so she couldn’t feel the evidence of his desire. But she bloody hell had to stop doing that to her lip. It was driving him mad.
“Of course,” he answered, still holding her tiny waist between his hands. He should let her go, put some distance between them. But he just couldn’t.
“Why did you take me with you today?” She looked at him then. Those sea blue eyes stared into his, her full lips begging to be kissed.
“I wanted to keep you safe.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “I wouldn’t have been safe at the castle?”
“It was just a precaution. Better to be safe…” He shrugged, stepping away but taking her hand to lead her up to the castle steps. “Where are you to go once we arrive in Ayr?”
“I was supposed to travel on to Loudoun’s family in Glasgow.” Her voice was hesitant.
“If you go, I can escort you there but I can also take you back to London if you change your mind.” He hoped she’d change her mind. Loudoun was a piece of dung and she deserved the very best life had to offer. Or she could choose him. Much as he wanted to take the choice out of her hands, he wouldn’t.
“Thank you,” she replied softly.
Her mother came out of the large double doors, rushing to embrace her daughter.
Tom knew he had made the right choice delivering her back to her mother untouched. But dammit it all to hell, at times he despised doing the right thing.
8
Flora looked back at Tom as she entered the castle with her mother. By the saints, he was handsome. His strength and grit called to her in ways that barely made sense. She wanted her independence, didn’t she? But gads, it would be delightful to explore every bit of him.
Her mother seemed to favor Tom’s suit. Flora understood it. She was attracted to him too and not just physically. There were times she thought he might be perfect, like when he spoke of his sister. but then there were other times when he was a man who insisted on obedience. While she respected it, she wouldn’t be ruled.
It was why she had picked Loudoun to begin with, though it was obvious he didn’t actually suit her.
With a sigh, she wondered how she would unravel that tangle. Did she go through the pretense of visiting his family? Just the thought of watching him drink himself into oblivion all those nights made her cringe. And she wouldn’t have Tom there to protect her. Closing her eyes, she lightly rubbed her temples. She was growing to depend on her swarthy sailor. Rather than worrisome, the thought was comforting.
No, Glasgow with Loudoun was out of the question. It seemed best to end their courtship before that and return to England.
No closer to a decision on Tom, at least she knew where she stood with Loudoun. Nowhere.
“How was your day, darling?” her mother gave her hand a squeeze.
“Good, and you? How are you feeling?”
“Much improved. How does the ship fare?” Her mother linked her arm in Flora’s.
“It seems as though it will be seaworthy by tomorrow.” She gave her mother a weak smile.
Her mother stopped and gave her a long look. “Are you not pleased by the news?”
“I am.” Flora hesitated. If she were honest, she was enjoying her time here with Tom. Away from society and its restricting rules, she was able to spend real time with him. She wanted more of it. “If it’s all right with you I was thinking of returning directly to London.”
Her mother’s eyebrows rose but she gave a nod of approval then whispered, “How will you tell him?”
Flora sighed, “I don’t know yet.” Glancing back, she saw Tom talking with several of the sailors. He commanded the conversation as he stood straight and tall, all eyes on him.
Biting her lip, she watched him for a moment. If there was one thing she knew for certain, she wanted to be even closer to him.
Unfortunately, once back at the castle, she hardly saw him, except for across the room. Loudoun had once again stationed himself at her side. Having finally recovered from his bout of drink, he was being his most charming self.
More so, because he seemed to feel some guilt in his part of her near drowning. Or perhaps he was worried about his position in their courtship. Either way his sickening sweetness was beginning to make her nauseous.
“My darling, this fresh air agrees with your skin. It is radiant.” He lifted her hand to kiss it.
She tried not to pull her fingers away. “Thank you.”
“Why did you leave all day?” His grip on her tightened.
Had he always been this possessive? “Mr. Maddox said it was for my safety.”
“Ah, yes. I’ve heard some rumors that the crew thinks you’re to blame for our stop here on the island.” He frowned. “Why did you seek out Maddox when your mother was hurt? Why didn’t you come get me?”
Pausing, she considered her next words carefully. It wouldn’t do to completely insult him considering that shortly she would have to end their courtship. She wanted him receptive for t
he news rather than angry. “You seemed incapacitated yourself. I thought you were recovering.”
His lip curled and she knew she had failed. “I was fine. Don’t be ridiculous.” He dropped her hand, which was a relief, but then he snaked his fingers around her upper arm. His lips dropping close to her ear. “You are to stay here with me tomorrow. I will keep you safe.”
She opened her mouth to respond that it was not his duty or place to make such commands but she closed it again. Either she said all of it, or she waited. Considering they were in a crowded room, it seemed better to wait for a more private opportunity. She didn’t want to embarrass him. Despite his recent behavior, she didn’t detest the man. She would wager his recent possessiveness was most certainly due to the uncertainty of his position with her. Best to allow him to save as much face as possible.
She caught Tom’s eye across the room, his staring intently at them. Even from here, she could see his fingers flexing. Her own body relaxed. If Loudoun became too insistent, Tom would see to it. Was it wrong that she was depending upon him to help her end her relationship with Loudoun? She had to straighten her shoulders and do this herself.
Clearing her throat, she tore her gaze from Tom to look back at Loudoun. “We’ll be leaving tomorrow. The ship is almost finished with repairs. They’re just bailing it out.”
He gave a nod but didn’t look at her. He too had noticed Tom watching them and he stared back at the other man. “Blasted man,” Loudoun muttered.
Flora tried not to smile. She couldn’t blame Loudoun for being jealous. Tom kept besting him and she clearly favored the first mate. Loudoun finally broke his gaze and reached into his pocket, pulling out a flask.
He took a big swallow and Flora grimaced. Why couldn’t he seem to control himself? Other men could. She looked across the room again.
Tom stood tall and straight, his broad shoulders filling the space around him. His presence like a beacon. The longer she knew him, the more attractive the man became. How odd.
And exciting. Would it hurt to explore her feelings toward him some? While she shouldn’t rely on him to help her with Loudoun, what would it hurt to spend time with him? She didn’t know if she wanted a future with the rough and tumble sailor but the surest way to find out was to explore further.
The night dragged by and Tom stayed well away from her for the rest of the evening. As everyone began to go to sleep, Loudoun disappeared. She was sure he was stealing away to drink, though she cared little. Flora tried to pass the time till her mother finally fell asleep.
Tom had stationed himself some feet away but she didn’t dare move till everything was quiet. Silently she rose and picked her way over to speak with him.
She needed to be close to him. It was as though an invisible force pulled her towards him. Even more, she wanted to feel his lips again on hers. All the questions and uncertainties disappeared when he touched her.
Though she thought herself stealthy, he met her gaze before she’d barely taken a step. He stood and took two large strides till he was at her side. “Go to sleep,” he whispered.
“I...I…” She took a breath. “I need to speak with you.”
He stared at her for a moment, then whispered, “Fine.”
They made their way across the great hall and out the front door to the courtyard. The moon shone brightly in the sky and Flora took a deep breath.
“Flora.” His husky voice sent a tingle travelling down her spine. She liked the way her name sounded from his lips. “This is not a good idea.” That sounded… less appealing.
“I just wanted you to know that I’ve decided to return with you to London.” She exhaled, hoping he accepted her explanation. Would he be excited by the news? Possibly court her? Did she want him to?
“I’m glad. But you could have shared that in the morning.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
Drat. He wasn’t buying her excuse to talk with him. Nor did he seem impressed. She didn’t know how to proceed. Should she kiss him? Tell him of her attraction? But that left her open to rejection.
Licking her lips, she stepped closer. Her hand came to his arm, touching the lean muscles through his shirt.
His arms dropped and she was sure he would step away but then his hand snaked around her waist and pulled her close.
Tilting her face up to him, his lips captured hers in a possessive kiss that filled her with longing. Forgetting everything else, she sank into him and the desire that swirled between them. Tom slanted her lips open and slid his tongue along the seam of her mouth before exploring deeper.
The tingling that spread through her body left her breathless. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she tugged him closer still. She wanted to feel it all.
He deepened the kiss further still and his hands began running up and down her back, sliding over her buttocks and pressing her tighter to his hips. Even through her skirts, she could feel the hard outline of his masculinity. She gasped at the touch and the delicious sensation it brought.
Lifting his head, he looked down at her. “Flora, listen to me.” One of his hands came up to cup her cheek. “This is not something we should do.”
“Why not? I don’t see the harm in--”
“No,” the word was sharp, in stark contrast to his touch. “I won’t be your toy. Something to be played with and forgotten.” His arms dropped from around her and he took a step back.
Her lip trembled at his rejection. What did he mean he wouldn’t be her toy? She had assumed this was exactly the relationship he’d find interesting. “You’re… you’re looking for something more serious?”
“No,” he bit out again.
“I’m confused.” And she was. Deeply confused and hurt too.
“It’s time to take you back inside.” He held out his elbow to her.
She refused it and instead marched ahead of him through the doors and to her mother’s side. How dare he dismiss her like that?
Flora lay down in a huff but a brief glance showed that he had followed. He settled back in not far away. It was a good thing people slept all around them because she wanted to sit up tell him exactly what she thought of his casual dismissal. Dratted man. She was sure she hated him.
* * *
THE NEXT DAY, it only took a few hours to finish bailing the boat with the entire crew working. Then all the supplies were loaded back on.
Flora helped to move goods. She didn’t mind working, but twice a sailor bumped her without even apologizing. Admittedly, as a baroness she was used to a certain level of respect, but she certainly wasn’t getting it here.
Stew, if she remembered correctly, bumped her for a second time.
“Excuse me.” She attempted politeness to see if he would return it.
He didn’t even look up but then a hand shot out next to her, giving Stew a push. “You bumped into the lady.” Loudoun stood next to her.
“Sorry, me lady,” Stew quickly answered, giving her a bow and an apologetic smile.
“Of course,” she replied but the entire interaction was very strange. Stew barely behaved for Tom. Why was he so quick to cow to Loudoun?
Looking for answers, she turned to Loudoun in time to see him give Stew the smallest wink. Had they planned this?
Loudoun’s hand came to her waist. “May we speak?”
“Yes, of course,” she responded, her apprehension growing.
“Privately?” he asked, giving her his most practiced smile.
“I…I…” She searched for an excuse because a private audience with Loudoun was the last thing she wanted. And because this entire interaction had her on edge.
“I just mean, let’s step out onto the terrace.” He smiled again, looking dashing and chivalrous as he gave her his arm.
Flora wasn’t fooled, never had been. She’d watched other women fawn over him with a certain curiosity. She could see how he was attractive but it was all so rehearsed. The only reason she’d ever considered him was because she thought he might suit her purposes. But
the more she knew him, the more she understood it would never work.
But she gave a nod of agreement. This was likely the exact audience she had been looking for to tell him she wouldn’t continue on to Glasgow.
They stepped out onto a crumbling terrace that overlooked the south side of the island and the sea beyond. “What a lovely view. One can almost see the appeal of this place.”
“It isn’t half as lovely as what I look at now.” He smiled deeper, showing his dimples.
It was an act she knew well and so her answer was a reserved, “Thank you.”
His smile slipped and his dimples lessened. “You’re angry with me.” His lips turned into a pout. “For the things I said yesterday.”
She made to protest; she truly wasn’t. She simply didn’t care what he thought. But he held up his hand.
“You’re a beautiful woman. I can’t help but be jealous. And he’s so obviously interested in you.” His hand reached out to her waist and he tried to pull her closer. Without meaning to, she resisted, straining away.
“Tell me you forgive me.”
She looked over the ocean. “There is nothing to forgive.” Taking a breath, she dove into the next part. “But I have to tell you. I am anxious to return home after this near shipwreck. I don’t intend to stay in Scotland.”
He was quiet for so long she turned back to look at him. The smile on his face had frozen and thinned. “You don’t mean that.”
“My lord, I’m afraid I do. Please send my apologies to your family but this has been--” She stopped because his hand had grabbed her arm, pulling her close and squeezing.
“Do you know how many women--” His teeth were gritted.
“Then court any one of them,” she fired back. She was losing the battle to keep her tongue in check but he shouldn’t be touching her like that and she was tired of how high-handed he’d become.
“I’m afraid, my dear, that you are my choice. Therefore, you will accompany me to Scotland.”
“I will not.” She pulled harder but he held fast. Panic was setting in, drowning out her annoyance. She tried to see back into the castle but she had no direct view through the window.
Taming a Savage Gentleman: Taming the Heart Series Page 6
