“Nicholas Drake?”
Drake nodded and eyed the man. He wasn’t large enough to be a customs man so there was no danger there. He looked like a man who had never ridden a horse in his life, likely chauffeured around in private carriages.
Despite the apparent lack of threat, he kept himself alert. Life had taught him caution. In his younger years, he had feared nothing, hurling into battle without a single thought for his safety. That was until a cannon tore apart the side of his ship and hurled shrapnel into his thigh.
The man thrust forward a hand which Drake ignored. He withdrew the hand and eyed him through pale eyes rimmed with a little red. “I have need of your help.”
“I do not think I can offer you any.”
Sweat beaded on the man’s lip. “You don’t understand. It is imperative I get a message to France.”
“I cannot help you.”
The man frowned. “I was told you could.”
Drake shrugged. “You were told wrong. I have no crew at present.”
The man pushed a hand through his ashy hair. “I really must insist.”
Drake gave a dry laugh. “There are few men who can tell me what to do, and you certainly are not one of them.”
After all, Red had said nothing of a new mission. And Drake was not lying. He had no crew at present. They were all taking shore leave and he was still short two men after the last trip.
“I know of...your activities.” The man lowered his voice. “It would not be wise to deny me.”
Drake narrowed his gaze at the man. “Who are you?”
“Someone who needs to get to France.”
Recognition sparked in Drake’s mind. He’d seen this man once before after a brawl at the inn. Ewan Wallace, if he remembered correctly. He’d been part of a small group of conmen who had been hiding out from the law at Louisa’s. Apparently, he had not left.
“You need to run from the law you mean.” Drake snorted. “And you think you can threaten me.”
“I will ensure your activities are known if you do not help me.” Ewan straightened.
Fatigue made Drake’s lids heavy and his mouth dry. He was in no mood for helping a petty criminal escape the long arm of the law. “Get out of here before I do something I regret.”
“You will not deny me.”
The arrogant lilt of his voice set Drake’s teeth on edge. He stepped forward and thrust a finger at him. “I will, and I am. Get. Out. Of. Here.”
“But—”
He grabbed Ewan by the collar and thrust him up against a large box. “I said, get out of here.”
The empty box rocked against the man’s weight and there was a squeal. Drake scowled and peered around the box. “What in the devil?” Releasing the man, he gripped Julianna by the arm and dragged her out from her hiding spot. “What the devil are you doing here?”
She gave him a sheepish look and shrugged.
“What about my passage?” demanded Ewan.
“I’ll give you passage to the bottom of the ocean if you do not make yourself scarce,” Drake bit out.
“Damn you, Drake. Everyone said you were good for a quick bit of coin.”
“They said wrong.” He glared at Ewan until he moved away then turned his attention back to Julianna.
“You are pinching my arm,” she protested.
He eased his grip.
“Who was that man?”
He looked into dark eyes and his instant need struck him like a blow to the gut. He thrust it aside. She could not distract him with her beauty.
“I think I should be the one asking the questions. Why are you here? Were you following me?”
“Not exactly. Why was he so angry?”
He bit back a grunt. “Why are you here, Julianna?”
“I saw you come here last night.”
“So you followed me?” He peered at her hiding spot. “Have you been here all night?” The woman had to be truly mad.
“Of course not. I returned to the inn, but Louisa asked me to fetch some fresh fish this morning and then I saw you and well, I...”
“Decided to spy on me.”
“I would not call it that exactly...”
He huffed out a breath and tightened his grip on her arm again. “Have you got your fish?”
She lifted a string bag.
“Then you are going back to the inn where you cannot cause trouble.”
“I certainly am not.” She stomped her feet down but her slight weight was no match for his strength. He dragged her along so that she had no choice but to stumble forward.
“You cannot treat me this way.”
“This might surprise you, Princess, but I can do anything I want. You are here without protection. Just think yourself lucky that I am feeling charitable.”
“You really are a brute!”
He nodded. “A complete brute. But far better than half of the men around here. Do you have any idea how much trouble you could find yourself in?”
“By going to fetch fish?”
“No, by spying.”
“I do not see how watching your ship would get me in trouble.”
He swung a pointed look at where his hand gripped her arm. “What would you call this?”
“You being an utter beast, that’s what.” Her cheeks were flushed with anger and she tried to free herself from his fingers but failed.
“It is your ship, is it not?” she demanded.
“It is. Not that it is anything to do with you.”
“Why did that man threaten you? Why did he want to go to France of all places?”
Drake paused and eyed the determined tilt of her chin. “It is none of your business, Princess, and if I were you, I would keep your pretty little nose out of it.”
The threat had little effect. She eyed him as boldly as ever. The last thing he needed was to get Julianna Knight involved in the smuggling. It was dangerous enough for the rest of them, and they knew well enough what they were involved in. Had she not already declared how much she hated smugglers? Not to mention, he dreaded to think what Knight would do if he found out Julianna was getting herself in deep.
He marched her back to the inn, ignoring her questions. Yanking open the door, he thrust her into the building. Several men were already eating breakfast and a serving girl hustled between the tables, refilling coffee mugs.
Julianna whirled on him after he’d slammed shut the door, not caring for the eyes that were upon them.
She shoved a curl from her face. “I do not see what warranted such...such brutish behavior.”
“I do not see why I should be spied on.”
“You make it sound as though I was trying to be devious. I merely happened by your ship and was...curious.”
He stepped close to her. “Why do you care, Princess? Did you not declare you never wanted to see me again yesterday?”
“I did nothing wrong.” She thrust her hands in the air. “Goodness, anyone would think I had committed some grave sin! I merely took a walk along the docks.”
“You followed me the night before, though.” He thrust a finger at her. “Do not think you can fool me with those innocent eyes.”
Julianna thrust her nose in the air. “I wanted some air. The fact that I happened upon your ship was mere circumstance.”
Louisa approached at this point, her arms folded. “I think you two had better take this argument elsewhere.”
“I am not arguing,” Julianna declared. “He is being a brute.”
“Do I have to throw you out for manhandling my staff?” Louisa raised a brow at Drake, but a smile lingered on her lips.
He shook his head. “Your serving girl here has a propensity for trouble. I suggest you keep her under lock and key.”
“Ridiculous! All I was doing was taking a walk and fetching fish. Now he thinks he can drag me wherever he wants...” Julianna thrust the bag of fish at Louisa.
Louisa took the fish and held up a hand. “Clearly I should not get involved. I would warn
you that you are making a fine display of yourselves, however. Not that the customers mind. They’re enjoying the entertainment, I think.”
Julianna glanced around at the watching patrons while Louisa took the fish into the kitchen. She blew out a breath. Her cheeks were red and blotchy with anger.
“This is all your fault,” she hissed.
“My fault?” He pressed a hand to his chest. “I was not the one spying.”
“For the last time, it was not spying. I was merely—”
“Hiding. Snooping. Eavesdropping. Prying,” he suggested.
“No!”
“Princess, you might think—” Drake paused when the front door of the inn opened.
A great shadow filled the doorway. Silhouetted against the sunlight, Drake could not make out the features of the newcomer but, then, he did not need to.
“Oh great.”
Julianna turned and the rage filling her face vanished. A beaming smile cracked her lips and she pushed past Drake to fling herself at Knight.
“What the devil...?” Knight blinked as Julianna wrapped herself about the behemoth.
The dark-haired giant of a man stepped fully into the inn, Julianna still wrapped about his neck. His expression remained as stoic as ever. Knight eased her from him and held her back by both arms. The only family resemblance Drake could see was their coloring. Other than that, they were worlds apart. Even after two days working in the inn, Julianna looked as refined and as beautiful as ever. Knight’s forehead was marred with such a scowl, that he looked a little like some beast come in from the moors.
“What are you doing here?” He looked to Drake. “And what are you doing with her?”
“I had to leave,” she said. “Father.”
That one word of explanation was apparently enough. Knight nodded and looked to Drake.
Drake held up both hands. He wished he could dismiss Knight’s concerns as easily. “She told me she was looking for you. I have been looking after her.”
Knight narrowed his gaze at him, his chest expanding. “That better be all.”
As tempted as he was to tease Knight, Drake kept his mouth shut. The man was not hard to aggravate, and he did not much fancy getting into a fist fight with him. Even if it was over the delectable Julianna. She would be worth a sore head or a broken nose, he reckoned, even if she was the most aggravating, curious, nosy woman he had ever met.
Chapter Eight
Tension simmered between the two men. Any anger Julianna had left in her fizzled away now that her brother was here. It had been almost seven years since she had last seen him, and they had only communicated by way of the occasional letter. He told her little of his life but the scars on his face made her heart ache. Whatever happened during those seven years?
Knowing him, he would tell her little. His dark hair was longer too, and a touch of gray sat at his temples. But she’d recognize that big, protective frame anywhere. Before he had left home, Knight had been like a guardian. Unfortunately, when he left, he could protect her no longer. Life had been bleak without him, but she had learned to defend herself. There was little a woman could do to protect herself from an arranged marriage, however.
“Drake, um, helped me.” She would not mention the run-in with those men. Knight would only want to tear the village apart to find them. “I have been working here with Louisa.”
Her brother’s face softened at the mention of the innkeeper. His gaze swung toward Louisa who was behind the bar. Could there be something between them? Louisa had not said anything but why would she? She hardly knew Julianna. However, she knew the woman had been widowed several years ago after her elderly husband died, and she’d been left with the inn as her inheritance. As far as Julianna knew, Louisa did little else but work. She was attractive and kind, though. Perfect for Knight.
“Well you need not work here anymore,” Knight said gruffly. “I can look after you.”
Julianna shook her head. “No, I would make my own way.”
“Why search me out then?” Knight glared at Drake who had remained on the edge of their conversation. “Let us go elsewhere.”
“We can go up to my room.” She gestured upstairs.
“Do you not have a bottle of whiskey to attend to?” Knight snapped at Drake.
Drake lifted both hands. “As a matter of fact, I likely do. Far be it for me to interfere in a reunion. I shall see you soon, Princess.” He grinned and hastened away before Knight could say anything.
Knight turned to Julianna. “Princess? How much time have you spent with him?” His eyes were dark with annoyance.
“He helped me, Lewis. Nothing more. You should be grateful to him.”
Knight gave a grunt. “I would rather not owe Nicholas Drake anything. The man cannot be trusted.”
Her brother began upstairs, forcing her to follow without allowing any time to question the statement. She already knew there was something strange going on with Drake. How did he know her brother? And why had that man been trying to persuade Drake to take him to France? Not to mention how furious Drake was over her asking questions.
She pushed open the door to her room and strode over to the window to stare out. Knight followed. Even as a child she had known him as Knight. No one called him by his first name and apparently that had not changed. As a little girl, she’d felt he owned the name far more than she ever did—after all, he was her big brave protector.
She heard the door shut and turned to eye her brother. “What have you been doing all these years?”
“I wrote to you,” he said gruffly.
“Yes, but you told me little.” She motioned to his face. “What happened?”
He smirked. “Many, many things. But that does not matter. Why are you here? What has father done? Do I need to—”
“You do not need to do anything. I came here for help from you, but I have a job and lodgings now. I can manage.”
“I have money.”
“How?”
“I have worked hard. I can keep you comfortably if you wish.”
It was tempting. Life at home had been unpleasant thanks to their cold, cruel father who gave her the bare minimum to keep up appearances, but she had always been warm and well-fed. Her fingers had never felt raw from washing up or mopping floors and muscles she did not know she had twinged. However, after escaping the grasp of one man, she could not quite bring herself to throw herself upon the charity of her brother.
“I think I shall keep my job here.”
“So, will you tell me why you left? Why you had to run?” He paced toward her and pushed a curl from her eyes. “You know how much it killed me to leave you.”
Julianna nodded and bit her lip. “I used to wish you had taken me with you, but I know you could not take me.”
“It was hard enough looking after myself. You have found yourself in better circumstances than I did, it seems.”
“Thanks to Drake,” she admitted.
“Stay away from him. Stay away from his ship.” Knight’s tone brokered no discussion.
“So, he is a captain,” she mused.
“And the docks,” he warned. “In fact, anywhere that Drake might possibly be.”
“I know he is a rogue but surely—”
“I mean it,” he barked. “Steer clear of that man. This is not up for discussion.”
Though tempted to argue, she’d done enough of that for the day, and she was too pleased to see her brother to ruin the moment.
“Anyway, you still have not told me. What has father done?”
“I was to be married to John Slade. You remember him?”
Knight pinched the bridge of his nose. “Christ, I should have known Father would pass you off to one of his friends.”
She nodded. “He’s ancient and vile, and after this one night...” She suspected if she told her brother what her so-called fiancé had tried to get her to do, he would tear the room apart, so she opted to keep that memory quiet. “Well, I just knew I would rather have
any other life than be married to him.”
“Father is determined. He shall try to find you.”
“Do you really think he will find me here, though? He had never found you after all.”
“I doubt he ever looked.”
“Well, it does not matter. I shall never return.”
Knight stepped back and eyed her. She lifted her chin determinedly. Their eight-year age gap meant he had always viewed her as a girl rather than a woman, she knew that much. After their mother died, Knight had taken it upon himself to do everything a father should, but that meant they were not close. While he protected and cared for her, he did not understand her, and she could not say she knew him well either. But he was a good man, no matter what their father thought of him.
“This is not the life I would wish for you,” he finally said quietly.
“It is not the life I wished for myself,” she admitted.
She had never envisaged working for a living or being so desperate that she had to flee to the end of the country. At the time, however, anything seemed better than being married to John. He would make her life miserable—she had understood that since the engagement had been announced.
“You wanted a prince, I recall?” Knight’s lips quirked.
Julianna grimaced. “I long ago gave up any idea of princes and castles and white steeds. Besides, you were the chivalrous protector I needed.”
Knight’s expression darkened. “Things have changed a lot, Julianna. I am not the same man I once was.”
“You mean the...” She lifted a finger to her face. It was obvious much had happened to Knight throughout their years apart. Horrible, horrible things perhaps.
He waved a hand dismissively. “You need not worry, I have survived quite well on my own. It will not be as easy for you, though.”
“Because I am a woman.”
He hesitated. “Cornwall is an unforgiving place. It is a far cry from the society you know.”
“The borderlands are not the kindest place either, if you recall. I might not have my luxuries, but I am no wilting flower. I can survive Cornwall as well as I can survive anywhere else.”
Waiting for a Rogue Like You Page 5
