Devon then charged at the two men heading toward Cody, using his thighs to guide his mount while he turned his empty weapon into a club. One blow felled the second man, and Devon kicked out his left leg and struck the other swiftly. Both men reeled away, driven off by the savagery of his resistance.
A shot pierced the air, cutting down one of the men, while the other scattered away, probably not liking the shifting odds.
Wheeling around the tree, Devon looked up. The branches were empty, so he slid from his saddle. “You all right?”
“Yes, yes,” Cody said shakily.
“Nice shot,” Devon said, as he led his mount to stand by the cart.
Cody gave him a shaky smile, blowing imaginary smoke from the barrel of his pistol. “Thank you. Certainly saved your hide.”
Devon scowled. “Don’t push it.”
Cody released a delighted peal of laughter. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Captain Devon Hall, the Phantom himself, rescued by a seventeen-year-old boy. You will never live it down.”
Devon rolled his eyes, even as his lips twitched involuntarily. Brett and Elijah weren’t the only ones who had grown on him.
“Are you done?” When Cody merely grinned at him, Devon shook his head. “Let’s keep going, shall we? We still have at least half an hour before we get to the plantation.”
Cody’s smile disappeared, replaced by the worry and nervousness that Devon knew he had been trying to hide. “Yes,” he whispered. “Let’s go.”
BRETT WATCHED his uncle pacing around like a caged animal before him. It was nearly midnight, and they were waiting by the steps of the collapsed main building. The rope binding his ankles had been severed, but his hands were still firmly tied behind his back, and one of the guards had a tight grip on his arm.
“What do you intend to do with me?” Brett finally asked.
His uncle glared at him. “Trade you for the treasure, of course.”
“And will you allow us to leave safely?” Brett asked dubiously.
“Do you doubt my word?” his uncle asked, raising an eyebrow in mock puzzlement.
“In a word… yes,” Brett said sarcastically.
His uncle laughed. “And you should. You are correct. I do have other plans. Like killing you, Nephew. You are the reason why I have been surviving on bread and water for the last few days, why I have been sleeping on the ground like a common vagabond. Before you came along, the slaves knew who the master was and how to behave. But because of you, I have lost everything I held dear. You have cost me my plantation, my fortune, my position as governor, my strongest ally’s life, and even that treasure. It is time I take matters into my own hands. You must pay for what you have done.”
“Devon will not allow you to kill me,” Brett said, knowing his beloved pirate would do anything in his power to get Brett out of his uncle’s clutches safe and sound.
“He will not have much choice. Not with a pistol aimed at his men. And by the time he realizes what is happening, it will be too late.”
“You’re nothing but a vicious criminal,” Brett said angrily.
“Perhaps,” his uncle conceded. “But I will be an extremely rich criminal in a few more minutes. And you will be dead.”
AS SOON as they drew close enough to the plantation, Devon was able to see the three men standing before the main house, the light from a lantern shining eerily around them.
He recognized Rupert Campbell immediately, in spite of it having been some time since Devon had last seen him. He still stood tall and rigid, still full of himself. Not even being on the run had slumped Campbell’s proud bearing.
Behind him stood Brett, his hands obviously tied behind his back, the third man holding a dagger pressed against his neck. Devon shuddered as he realized that just one slip would be enough to kill Brett.
“Hall,” Rupert Campbell said when they were finally close enough to talk.
“Campbell,” Devon said back, making no move to dismount from the horse.
“Let us get down to business, shall we? I believe I have something you want, and you have something I need.”
“You want this?” Devon asked in a deadly voice, gesturing toward the cart.
“Bring it closer,” Campbell ordered harshly.
Devon shook his head. “Release Brett first. And where the hell is Elijah?”
Campbell laughed humorlessly. “I believe you have yet to understand who is in charge here, Hall.” He turned slightly. “Mr. Pitt, if you please,” he said nonchalantly.
Answering to his voice, the man holding Brett pressed the dagger closer to his captive’s neck, breaking the skin and making Brett cry out in pain.
Devon glared at Campbell, but relented. “All right. It’s your move.”
“That’s better. Mr. Pitt, you can rest for a moment. Answering your question, Hall, the slave is no longer here. He did not interest me. He was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Is he dead?” Devon asked in a low, dangerous tone.
“Dead? My goodness, no. That is the last thing my men would want to see happen. But I still have my dear nephew. And unless you give me what I want, I will kill him.”
Devon saw Brett trying to speak, but the dagger brushed dangerously close to his throat, and he quieted down. Devon had to make the exchange rapidly, before things got out of hand.
“Fine,” Devon said furiously. “Cody, take the cart over to our former governor.” Devon smirked as Campbell glared at his words.
Cody nodded, slapping the reins and forcing the horses to move a little closer to the three men. He stopped when he was inches away from Campbell and jumped from the cart, then walked backward carefully, his eyes never leaving Brett’s captors.
Devon saw Campbell gaze curiously at the boxes and nod. “Good, good,” Campbell said softly. “You know, Hall, I have to say I am disappointed. After all this time and you still have not learned your lesson.” He grinned. “You, sir, are a fool,” he told Devon as he gestured for his man to act.
“No!” Devon shouted as he pulled out his pistol and tried to shoot Pitt, who was swinging his blade down over Brett’s exposed neck.
Devon heard Cody yell something from behind him, and then a shot rang out, but his eyes never left the man holding Brett. Devon held his breath as Brett suddenly kicked Pitt in the shin, then dropped to his knees, taking advantage of the fact Pitt had moved his arm slightly away. Not wasting any time, Devon aimed his pistol and shot him in the stomach.
Seeing Pitt fall in a heap on the ground, Devon finally risked looking behind him. Cody was standing beside a dead Campbell.
“You killed him?” he asked.
“I did,” Cody said, breath stuttering. “He was going to shoot you, I had no choice.”
Devon gave Cody a quick a hug. “It’s all right. You did well tonight, Cody. I’m damn proud of you.”
Cody nodded at him, eyes bright. “I know,” he said, chuckling when Devon rolled his eyes.
“By no means do I wish to interrupt such warm conversation, but would it be possible for one of you to cut my ropes?” Brett asked sarcastically from behind them.
“Sorry, Brett,” Devon said, cutting through the binds imprisoning him. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Brett said, touching his neck with a grimace. “It’s merely a scratch. I have to say, though, that is one experience I have no wish to relive again.”
“Pitt?” Devon asked.
“Dying,” Brett said. “With a bullet in his stomach, it will take him a long time to do so. Is that the treasure?” He glanced at the cart.
“No,” Cody said. “We filled the boxes with rocks, figured your uncle wouldn’t have much help and would be too busy with you and Elijah to check it. He was such an arrogant man, it did not even cross his mind we would try to double-cross him. He should have known better.”
“Taking a great risk with our lives, weren’t you?” Brett chided, glaring at Devon.
“I’m sorry. But we didn’t exact
ly have much time for planning. Where is Elijah, Brett?”
Brett’s eyes darkened. “My uncle had another man working for him. That worthless scoundrel took Elijah back to Port Royal. He intends to sell Elijah tomorrow at the slave auction. We have to hurry back to town.”
“They can’t sell him. Didn’t you give Elijah his freedom papers?” Cody asked with a frown.
“Yes. But I heard my uncle speaking with one of the men. They destroyed the document. There is no way of proving Elijah is free now. We will have to buy him back,” Brett said grimly.
Cody exhaled softly. “Lord, I’ll never complain about not having anything to do all day. If we keep going this way, we will all perish from exhaustion.”
“Cody, release the horses from the cart. We can leave it here. You and Brett can ride the horses back to Port Royal. We have a long ride ahead of us, and we have to be up early for the auction.” Once both Brett and Cody had their mounts, Devon nodded. “Let’s ride. We have a friend to rescue.”
THE TOWN square was filled to capacity as they arrived for the auction. Devon watched the proceedings with an unemotional eye, trying not to let his distaste at the whole thing get the best of him. In spite of having been a pirate until recently, it never ceased to amaze him the evil man could dispense on another human being. It was truly a frightening thing to behold.
With Brett and Cody by his side, they waited patiently as slave after slave was sold, men, women, and children alike. Finally the merchant gestured to his helpers, who brought a tightly bound Elijah forward for inspection.
“Fine slave, new this morning,” the merchant told the crowd. “As you can see, he is a strong one, well-built, fit for hard work. He is cultured too, well-spoken. Not too many of ’em like that. Name is Elijah Jackson.”
“How much?” someone shouted from the audience.
“For you, Master Johnson? Three gold coins.”
“I will give you five,” another voice yelled from the back.
Devon looked around. The square was full of soldiers. They would not be able to fight their way to rescue Elijah. They had tried to find Governor Perry that morning to let him know what was happening but were told the governor was away on business. The only thing left to do was buy Elijah back. At least now they had the money to do it.
“Six coins,” he said, grinning as Elijah glared at him.
“Very good,” the merchant crooned. “Who else?”
“Seven,” Master Johnson shouted back.
“Eight,” Devon said. “Brett, have a quiet word with Master Johnson, will you? Persuade him it is not in his best interest to buy that slave.”
Brett winked. “It will be my pleasure.”
Devon watched Brett move through the throng of people in the square until he was by Johnson’s side. Brett said a few words, and suddenly the startled man looked straight at Devon, who saluted him and grinned. Seconds later Brett was back with them.
“Will he stop bidding?” Cody asked anxiously.
“Yes,” Brett said, looking very pleased.
“What did you tell him?” Devon asked, curious.
Brett laughed softly. “Well, I told him that you were the famous Captain Hall and that if he so much as looked at Elijah again, we would snatch him from his home one day and cut him up into little pieces, which would then be sent to his family.”
“Brett,” Cody practically squealed. “That was amazing. I would have told him we would gut him and feed his insides to the farm animals. But… I guess that will do,” he said with a mock sigh, making Devon and Brett laugh.
“Who will give me more than eight coins?” the merchant called out. “No one? Then sold to the man in black.”
“I guess that’s me. Come on, let’s go get Elijah,” Devon said to the others.
A few minutes later, they had paid for their “slave,” who was glaring at them while he rubbed sore wrists. “Did you really have to buy me?” Elijah grumbled.
“It was the only way. We couldn’t find the governor, and there was no time to waste trying to explain the situation. Come on. We need out of this place.”
“Not yet, Devon,” Elijah said. “Joseph is here.”
“What? Why?” Brett asked. “I thought you said he was hiding in the jungle with the other slaves.”
“He was, but every once in a while, some of them come to town for food. He was caught two days ago, and when he could not prove he was free and no one claimed him, he was sent to the auction.”
Devon sighed. “All right. This may actually be a good thing. I still have all the documents Perry gave you, so we can prove that Joseph is free. And it will save us the trouble of having to go after the others in the jungle. Let’s go talk to the merchant.”
Twenty minutes later, Joseph was hugging Brett enthusiastically. “Young master. You is well.”
Brett smiled gently. “I’m fine, Joseph, and please, don’t call me that anymore. Seems like life has given us both a hand, because we were ready to go in search of your hideout tomorrow.”
“Why?” Joseph asked curiously.
“The new governor has given me the deed to the plantation and also the slaves’ ownership documents.”
“So the plantation is yours?”
“Yes. And I have also made arrangements for all of you to be free. The documents are all signed and valid. You can take them with you.”
Joseph’s eyes grew wide. “W-we are… free?”
“Yes. Is it possible for you and the others to meet me tomorrow at midday at the plantation? I want to make you all a proposition.”
“Proposition?” Joseph asked.
“I wish to rebuild the plantation, Joseph, and I would be infinitely grateful if you kept working there. Not as slaves but as independent workers. You would receive a small salary at the end of each week in exchange for your services. I don’t know how much I can afford to pay, since it will probably be a few years before the fields will give us enough to make a profit, but—”
“We stay and work for ya,” Joseph said hurriedly. “You’s a good man, and we needs money to be free men. What we been doin’ in that jungle ain’t livin’. You’s givin’ us a second chance, and I thinks everyone will take it. We be there tomorrow.”
Brett nodded. “Thank you. Don’t forget, tomorrow at midday.”
“That reminds me,” Cody said when Joseph had left. “We left the bodies behind.”
“Good. Maybe the animals fed on them,” Devon said cruelly. “We’ll report the situation to the governor, let him decide what to do. Either way, I’m sure Campbell’s former slaves will rejoice in seeing their nemesis’ dead body.”
Elijah yawned suddenly. “Lord, I’m exhausted,” he muttered.
Devon nodded. “We should go back to the ship. We can use a few hours’ sleep after the night we had. I think it’s time for us to start enjoying the free days we have been given before meeting with Robert Travis.”
Cody sighed contentedly. “Yes. All is well that ends well,” he said, yelling as Brett cuffed him on the head. “What?”
Devon exhaled softly as he followed the others back to the ship. They were finally rid of all their enemies, and Lord willing, they would finally be able to have some much-deserved peace.
DEVON WALKED into his cabin to find Brett already in bed and fast asleep. Brett was lying on his stomach and obviously naked under the sheet covering him. Not that the linen was doing much; it was pooled around Brett’s waist, showing the smooth expanse of his back, a leg also uncovered from the thigh down. All in all, Devon thought, a beautiful sight.
He shuddered as he noticed the small wound on Brett’s neck, the result of Pitt’s dagger. Devon had come close to losing Brett yet again. He suddenly felt the need to be with Brett, to touch him, to love him.
Knowing most of the crew was on shore and that they were virtually alone, Devon decided to take the chance. Even if the others heard them, it was not as if they didn’t know what was going on between them.
Devon undress
ed quickly, then knelt on the bed, allowing his eyes to feast on Brett’s body. Finally satisfied he had memorized every sensuous curve, Devon crawled up on his hands and knees until his lips were directly above Brett’s shoulders. Grinning wickedly, Devon leaned down, nibbling first on one shoulder, then the other, licking on the creamy skin to ease the sting. Brett moaned and squirmed beneath him but still didn’t rouse.
Moving the sheet aside, Devon ran his tongue up and down Brett’s spine, slowly, little catlike strokes that had Brett moaning and whimpering almost continuously.
“Devon…,” Brett groaned, coming fully awake. “Please….”
“Please what?” Devon asked teasingly, hands gripping Brett’s firm mounds and kneading gently. “Please… do this?” Running his tongue slowly up and down Brett’s cleft, Devon gripped tighter as Brett whimpered and jerked. “Or please… do this?” He breathed hotly over the tiny pucker before licking slowly across the opening.
Enjoying Brett’s little mewling sounds, Devon began to lave it with his tongue, nipping the wrinkled bud with his teeth and stroking Brett’s balls and hardening cock.
“Please, Devon,” Brett begged in a restrained voice, his breath coming in tiny gasps of pleasure with each sweep of Devon’s tongue.
“Are you certain you are prepared now?” Devon teased, nibbling at the sensitive skin.
“Lord, yes,” Brett said impatiently.
“Very well,” Devon said as his tongue dipped inside the tight channel, making Brett groan low in his throat, his legs spreading wider in wanton invitation. “Turn over, I want to see your face.”
Brett turned around, lying on his back, and Devon straddled his hips, one finger brushing lightly across a taut nipple. He moved his hand low to brush across Brett’s smooth skin at the juncture of hip and thigh, while his lips targeted the twin peaks. Devon’s wet tongue slid slowly across the hard nubs, wrenching a low moan from deep within Brett’s body.
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