Judah licked his dry lips and jerked her forward. "I will again taste those lips that have mocked and taunted me for so long."
Her mouth parted invitingly, and his lips were only inches away. She could hardly breathe because their eyes joined as their lips would soon join, then there would be the uniting of their bodies.
"Miss Dominique!" Tom called loudly. "Where are you, Miss Dominique—answer me." Then his voice was louder, sharper, and filled with anxiety. "You could get lost out here. If you hear me, call out."
With regret, she pulled away from Judah and laughingly tucked the orchid behind his ear. He was speechless as she rose and reached for her clothing.
"My watchdog is calling. I had better go or he will come looking for me."
"What!? You are going to leave me when you—"
She bent to touch her lips lightly to his. "Here is your kiss. Perhaps another time we will finish what we started tonight, Captain."
She quickly dressed and then ran down the beach. He could hear her voice calling in the distance.
"Here I am, Tom. I was just out for a swim."
Tom looked her over carefully, noticing the blush to her cheeks and the shirt that was half out of her trousers. He had come looking for her as soon as he discovered the captain was away from the ship. Had he come in time? From the looks of her tumbled hair and shining eyes she was not immune to Captain Gallant's powers of seduction. He'd just have to keep a closer watch on her before she really got into trouble.
Judah raised himself up and muttered beneath his breath. "Damn that woman."
He slowly dressed, feeling unfulfilled and empty. The next time she would not get away so easily.
On his way back to the ship, he was in a temper, cursing not only Dominique, but all women. When he reached the quarterdeck, he found Cornelius waiting for him.
"Tis a fine evening, Captain," the first mate observed cheerfully. "A mighty fine evening."
"I had not noticed," Judah replied sourly, moving into his quarters and taking the logbook Cornelius offered him.
"The men enjoyed the diversion."
"Humph."
Judah signed his name with a flourish and then thrust the log at Cornelius. "Lock this in the chest and then call a meeting of the watch. I want to sail with the morning tide."
Cornelius looked downward, trying to keep a straight face, but Judah saw his smile.
"Do you find something funny, mister?" he barked.
"No, Captain, sir," Cornelius protested, "it's just that . . . before you meet with the men . . . well you might want to—"
"What, damn it?"
Cornelius pointed to Judah's ear, so Judah reached up and found the orchid Dominique had placed there earlier.
The two men did not look at each other, and the first mate hurried away while Judah crushed the orchid beneath his boot, wishing he could vent his fury on Dominique.
14
Alone in her cabin, Dominique attempted to examine her changing feelings for Judah. She peeled back the layers of her emotions, like lifting the fragile petals off a rose. She had wanted to be with him tonight, and if Tom had not intervened, she would have given herself to Judah all too willingly.
Had she acted so wantonly because he expected it of her, and she must convince him that she was the kind of woman she pretended to be?
She closed her eyes, remembering how his hard body had glistened in the moonlight. Oh, he had been magnificent. If she had met him at some formal party on Guadeloupe, and he had been from a respectable family, would they have noticed each other? Yes, she would have noticed him in a room filled with handsome men. He was such a strong presence, a commanding force, how could any woman resist him?
Dominique undressed and ran her hands over her body. What had he seen when he looked at her?
With a sigh, she pulled on her nightdress, which was nothing but an oversized shirt, and layback on the bed.
If only there was someone she could talk to about the questions that haunted her. She was not entirely ignorant, having grown up on a plantation where she had witnessed the coupling of animals. Perhaps if her mother had lived, she would have been taught how to behave with a man. What did her feelings matter, though. She had been forced to play the wanton, and that was what she must do.
She extinguished the lantern and lay there in the darkness, watching the moon make a pattern through the porthole. "Valcour, Grandpapa, you just have to be all right. I will help free you, I promise I will."
So troubled were her thoughts that she was still awake when the Tempest caught the morning tide and took to sea.
Dominique did not see Judah for the next week. In fact, she was about to decide that he would not want to see her again, when Cornelius approached her on his captain's behalf.
"Miss Charbonneau, Captain Gallant wishes me to extend to you an invitation to dine with him tonight at eight bells," he said in his most formal manner.
Dominique had been concerned that Judah had ignored her until now. Even so, she spoke out of pride, before she thought. "Tell your captain that I will be dining alone tonight," she said haughtily.
Cornelius nodded, wondering if any woman had ever refused Judah before. "I will relay your message to him, Miss Charbonneau, but you have disappointed me, and I am certain Dr. Graham would have enjoyed your charming company as well."
"You and Ethan will be dining with Captain Gallant?" Dominique asked, wondering what game the captain was playing.
"Indeed we shall, as is our custom." He moved away from her to attend his duties. "I'll give the captain your regrets."
"Wait!" she called, stopping him in his tracks. "I may have been a bit hasty. I have changed my mind, Cornelius. You may tell Captain Gallant that I will be pleased to accept his invitation."
He smiled and tipped his cap as he went on his way. Life on the Tempest had been tedious before Miss Charbonneau had come aboard. Her mere presence made each day more interesting, especially now that she had put the captain in a tailspin. Cornelius chuckled. Dinner tonight was sure to be an adventure.
It was later in the day when Dominique returned to her cabin after helping Ethan set a broken leg for one of the crew.
She was surprised to find a gown lying across the foot of her bed. She gently touched the pink linen creation as if it were the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. She smiled when she saw the large uneven stitches and realized that the sailmaster, Hennings, must have made it for her. It had full gathers at the waist and a high neck— decidedly not stylish, but a treasure all the same. She hugged it to her, thinking of the man's kindness, and knowing she would wear it proudly.
Hennings's had not been the only kindness. Dominique reveled in the tub bath that Tom had provided, and she wondered where he had obtained the sweet-smelling salts to scent the water.
She brushed and styled her hair and tied it away from her face with a piece of ribbon she had found folded with the pink gown. Sorrowfully, she knew she would have to make do with the scuffed leather boots to complete her ensemble.
Pressing her hand against her heart to quell its beating, she moved to the door of her cabin. She had not expected to be so excited at the prospect of seeing Judah again.
When Dominique stepped onto the deck, she found Ethan waiting. He extended his arm to her. "I have been given the honor of escorting you to the captain's table."
She dipped into a curtsy. "How handsome you look, Doctor."
His voice took on a serious tone. "Are you certain it is wise to attend tonight?"
It was apparent that he was aware of the tension between her and Judah. "I want to, Ethan."
She could have added that when he found out about her intentions, he would despise her. But she could not turn back now. Time was precious; every day Valcour and her grandfather were in the hands of that French monster was like a sword in her heart.
Ethan led her forward, pacing his stride to match hers. "If you walk on the edge of a volcano long enough, you are bound to feel the earth
tremble beneath your feet."
She made no reply; they both knew he was warning her about Judah.
Dominique saw the sailmaster watching her with pride and she stopped in front of him. "I have you to thank for this lovely gown, have I not?"
He grinned and nodded. "I made it from some tablecloths belonging to the cap'n. He won't miss 'em."
"Thank you," she said, brushing her lips against his rough cheek and drawing a toothless smile from him.
Dominique and Ethan entered the captain's dining room, which was separated from his private sleeping quarters only by the bulkhead.
Cornelius was the only one present, and he greeted her warmly. "You look pretty as a flower, Miss Charbonneau," he said courteously.
"Thank you kind sir," she replied, noticing with surprise the elegance of the captain's table, where bone china, polished silver, and crystal glasses gleamed in the candlelight. Then it occurred to her that he was probably displaying stolen booty.
Dominique could feel the moment Judah entered the room, even though her back was to him. Slowly, she turned to face him, wondering how he would react to her after what had passed between them. He wore white trousers and a green silk coat that fit snugly across his broad shoulders.
"Miss Charbonneau, it is so good of you to grace us with your presence," he said stiffly. His bold glance took in her appearance, the soft rose blush to her cheeks, the softness of the dark curls that lay wispy against her forehead, the slender outline of her body that was revealed by the old-fashioned linen gown. "Extremely lovely," he murmured. "But then you already know that."
Dominique looked into his eyes, and for the moment, she forgot that there were others in the cabin. "A compliment, Captain Gallant."
"Not at all. That gown would be but a rag on anyone but you."
Their lips were moving, they were making polite conversation, but there were deep undertones between them and their eyes spoke of other matters—of moonlight, gentle touches, and unrequited passions.
Judah moved to a chair and pulled it back for her. "Will you be seated?"
She slid into the chair, conscious that his hand brushed against the back of her neck. It was difficult to make polite conversation when her knees felt weak and her heart was thundering against her breasts.
When everyone was seated, a member of the crew appeared with wine to fill the glasses. When he stood before the captain, Judah placed his hand over the glass. "None for me. Serve the others."
He smiled at Dominique's questioning gaze. "I could at one time drink with the best of them, but lately 1 have had little liking for spirits, especially when I have a beautiful woman to intoxicate me."
She raised her glass to her lips and took a sip before answering. "A pretty speech, Captain," she said, playing her part. "I'll have to take care that you don't turn my head."
"Dominique, why don't you tell the captain how you came by the gown," Ethan encouraged her.
"I have your sailmaster to thank, Captain. Was it not kind of him?"
"I never knew Hennings was so creative," Judah said bitingly. "Perhaps I should set him up in a shop to style women's garments." Then he turned on Ethan, his features stormy. "At what point did the two of you decide to exchange first names?"
Ethan dared not smile, but he wanted to. "Dominique kindly gave me permission to use her name. We have become well acquainted since she began helping me in the infirmary."
"Touching," Judah said in a tone of voice that indicated his disapproval.
At that point, they were interrupted by the crewman who was placing serving dishes on the table.
"Miss Charbonneau," Judah said whimsically, "it might interest you to know that your friend, Tom Beeton, has duties tonight in the hold, rearranging stores and supplies. He should be occupied most of the night. I thought I would tell you in the event that you wondered why he was not skulking around."
A slight smile curved her lips and she stared down at her plate, better understanding the captain's moodiness. Was he warning her that Tom would not be around to intrude tonight?
As the dinner progressed, Judah had the opportunity to observe Dominique carefully. He noticed that she knew exactly the correct eating utensils to use with each course. Her manners were impeccable, her conversation intelligent, her demeanor refined. This was no mere tavern wench, so why was she pretending to be? He was even more baffled than before—who was she, and what she was doing on his ship?
Dominique did not seem to be aware of Judah's silence as she laughed and talked easily with Ethan and Cornelius. If the men thought it strange that the captain did not join in their conversation, they did not show it.
At last Cornelius stood, making his apologies to Dominique. "I have the night watch and must leave now. It has been pleasurable dining with you, Miss Charbonneau. I hope that we can look forward to your company again."
"Good night, Cornelius," she said, nodding her head. "And please, call me Dominique."
After Cornelius left, an uncomfortable silence followed, until at last Ethan stood. "I must also leave your charming company, Dominique. Two men have developed a fever and I must see to their needs before I retire." Bowing, he took his leave.
Dominique turned to face Judah, who was looking at her enigmatically. "It would seem that we are alone at last," he said.
She pushed her plate aside. "I should be leaving also."
He stood, coming around behind her, his hand falling heavily on her shoulder. "Abide with me a while. I believe we have unfinished business, you and I."
She felt his lean fingers caress the back of her neck and move down to her shoulder, to linger there.
"You are wrong, Captain. There is nothing unfinished between us."
"Why do you speak to me so formally, and yet invite Ethan and Cornelius to call you by name?"
"They are ... different from you."
He pulled his chair up beside her and sat down. "In what way?"
"They have been kind to me."
"They have that. What else?"
"I have no answer for you. If you want me to call you by your name, I shall do so, and I shall give you leave to speak my name as well."
He lifted her chin. "Still so formal. I would think you unfeeling and distant if I had not held you naked in my arms."
She ducked her head, but he once again raised her chin and looked into her eyes. "You want me as badly as I want you. Do not deny it."
Dominique attempted to avoid his gaze, but it was impossible. She felt compelled to warn him about her mission, although she could not have said why. "You think you know me, but you do not. If you are wise, you will turn from me and never seek me out again."
He rubbed his finger across her lips, gently and sensuously. "You are probably right, but you see, it is too late for that. I have stood beneath the moon with you and heard your siren's song."
She was immediately indignant. "You mock me."
"No, never that."
There was passion in his blue eyes as they picked up the glow from the candles, and she was caught in those eyes as they pulled at her, making her ache inside.
"You know as well as I do, Dominique, that something happened between us that night on the beach."
Oh yes, she knew it only too well. Even now, she wanted to go into his arms and feel the passion of his hot kisses on her lips.
In that moment, a shadow fell across Dominique's face and she looked up into Tom's amused eyes.
"Sugared confection, Miss Dominique?" he asked with exaggerated politeness, injecting a silver server between her and the captain. "I believe you will find them delicious. And how about you, Cap'n—would you like one?"
Dominique was flooded with relief because the spell Judah was weaving about her had been broken by Tom's levity. She had been so close to succumbing to Judah's undeniable charms, and if she had surrendered to him, she would have felt compelled to confess her deception and the reason for it.
She raised her head, her eyes meeting Tom's inquisitively. "I t
hought you were on duty belowdecks tonight."
He answered her, unperturbed by the captain's silent fury. "That I was, Miss, but I traded off with Jack Dobson. You see, he likes it in the hold, practically begged me to let him finish my duties. Begging your pardon, Cap'n, but Dobson has strange habits."
Laughingly, Dominique came to her feet. "It has been a lovely evening, Captain. I hope you will invite me again."
Judah said nothing, but his lips were pressed in a tight line and his eyes blazed with anger.
"I am sure you will not mind if I ask Tom to walk me to my cabin. You did not need him anymore tonight, did you, Captain?"
Judah waved them away. At the moment, he wanted nothing more than to put his hands about Dominique's lovely throat and shake her until she begged for mercy.
15
The Tempest was running before the wind with all sails flying, cutting through a rough sea, her destination known only to her captain and his first mate.
Below in her cabin, Dominique could no longer ignore her flagging spirits. It had been over a fortnight ago that she had dined with Judah, and since that time he had neither sent for her, nor had she laid eyes on him.
Perhaps she should have stayed that night, she chided herself. She had mocked him when she should have been more agreeable. Now, he had lost interest in her, and there was no one to blame but herself.
Judah lowered his spyglass and then turned to Cornelius. "There's the Josephine, the pride of the French navy. She boasts seventy-two guns and is reputed to be the fastest ship under sail. Let us see if we can take her."
"Do we close the gap now, Captain?"
Judah shook his head. "That would be foolhardy since we are ill equipped to meet her full on. Lower the sails so we can drop back. The Josephine is running high in the water, which means she's low on supplies. I know where she will make port. We shall not be far behind."
The first mate grinned. "Aye, sir. No ship is a match for us when we've got the advantage of surprise."
Siren's Song Page 11
