When he finally came up for air, she squirmed in his embrace, trying to unlock his arms from about her waist. “Gerard!” she cried out. “Release me this instant!”
“I never want to let you go!” he delcared adoringly. “Oh, my sweet love, I knew it would be like this! That chaste kiss I bought from you this afternoon merely served to whet my appetite for more.”
“Ainsley! Control yourself!” she screeched. “Let me go!”
“Not until I hear you say you feel for me as I do for you! I know you have just been playing the coy female. I know you have merely been trying to arouse my jealousy by pretending interest in Reed Taylor.”
“Have you lost your mind?” she demanded. “I’ve been pretending nothing of the sort!”
“Surely you share my feelings,” he protested. “How could you not?”
“It is quite easy, let me assure you!” She wriggled in his grasp, trying to free herself, but exciting him more.
“Perhaps I’ve been too delicate with you, my beloved. Perhaps actions speak louder than words.” He tightened his hold on her and tried to recapture her mouth.
“Quite right!” she agreed as she brought her knee sharply up into his groin.
He released her abruptly and doubled over with a loud groan. “Dearest girl, we shall never have children if you continue in this manner,” he groaned.
“Now you’re beginning to get the right idea!” she retorted huffily. She whirled about and started to storm away, only to find herself face to face with Reed.
“Oh!” she squeaked.
“A very understated speech, Kat,” he commented acidly.
“Reed, you don't understand!” she protested.
He ignored her, concentrating totally on Ainsley.
“Ainsley, I can’t say it would bother me greatly to have to kill you, but I hope it won’t come to that. It needn’t if you heed my warning and never come near Miss Haley again.”
Ainsley drew himself up as best he could in his pain and protested. “Taylor, you presume too much upon yourself. What passed between the lady and myself does not concern you!”
Kathleen looked anxiously from one man to the other.
“I heard the lady tell you she does not care for you. I also heard her ask you to release her. With my own eyes I saw you attempt to force yourself on her,” Reed continued tersely. Kathleen sensed the fury behind his evenly intoned words.
“It is no business of yours,” Ainsley repeated.
“I’m making it my business. The lady is mine, Ainsley. She belongs to me. Get that through your head and don’t ever forget it!” Reed stalked up to Ainsley and grabbed him by the lapels. He brought his face close to Ainsley’s and snarled, “This is your first and last warning. The next time, I’ll kill you!” He shoved Ainsley unceremoniously to the ground, grabbed Kathleen by the arm, and marched away with her in tow.
He said very little to her, except to stress one point. “Don’t ever put me in the position of having to defend my rights or your honor again. You started this little game, so you’d better learn how to hold your suitors at bay if you don’t want the streets littered with their bodies. Do you understand me, Kat?”
In the face of his anger she merely nodded and said meekly, “Yes, Reed.”
He left the next morning and she sailed after him on the following morning’s tide. They reached their hidden bower and lay in wait like a spider in a web. It took two days of patiently waiting before the Kat-Ann came into view. She was heading east from Barataria, so Kathleen knew she was in pursuit of quarry and her holds were still empty.
She gave Reed a good lead, and then the Emerald Enchantress sneaked from her cover and followed stealthily, careful to keep from view. Around mid-afternoon the Kat-Ann attacked another ship, a sleek little sloop flying no flag and most probably a pirate vessel. Through her glass, Kathleen watched the battle, ready to go to Reed’s rescue if his life became endangerd.
The two crews seemed fairly evenly matched, but soon it became evident that the tide of battle was shifting in favor of the strange pirates. Kathleen instructed her men, and with full sails they flew into the fray.
As she told Finley, “If anyone kills the bloody blackguard, it will be me!”
She swung herself aboard the sloop and fought her way to Reed’s side, her sword flashing in the late afternoon sun. From the corner of his eye, Reed caught sight of her. “Come you as friend or foe?” he challenged.
“Both!” she shouted back, beating back a charging pirate. “Just now I’ll aid you in putting down these vermin who call themselves men!”
He flashed her a broad grin as he turned away his opponent’s blade. She stationed herself at his back, and together they cut a swath across the bridge. He leaped to the lower quarterdesk and caught her in his arms as she followed suit.
Her crewmen were pairing up with Reed’s men, fighting the enemy together as comrades. Together they made short work of the enemy. As the last pirate took to the water, she turned to him. On a prearranged signal, each of her men now turned his weapon on one of Reed’s men. Kathleen knew that the men of the Kat-Ann had fought longer and were more tired than her own men. They could take them easily.
She looked up into eyes as blue as the sea they rode upon. “Captain Taylor, I now challenge you for possession of this sloop and all her booty.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised. You are a heartless wench, a beautiful barracuda, all teeth and no tenderness.”
“Then we make a fine pair, for you are about as helpless as a shark and twice as shifty.”
“Perhaps we should team up rather than wasting our energies fighting one another.”
She shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, but I must refuse, Captain.”
“Oh, well, I tried,” he sighed as he took up his stance. She matched his move. Just for a second something passed between them as their eyes held. Then the spell was broken as she whispered, “En garde.”
They were both tired, but she met him blow for blow.
They were like dancers in a ballet. First he led and she followed, and then she led and he came after her. Theirs was a symmetry of motion, beautiful but deadly.
On deck, Reed’s men had been defeated. Now all watched in silence as the two captains dueled alone, oblivious to anyone but each other.
Dan Shanahan blanched as he saw Reed strike a blow that severed the drawstring of Kathleen’s vest. Her vest parted to reveal most of her snowy round breasts. Reed hadn’t even pricked her skin.
Reed smiled wickedly into her blazing green eyes.
Kathleen never faltered, though she felt the blood rush to her face in anger and embarrassment. To do so would mean defeat, and she could not afford to let that happen. Carefully she watched his eyes, and when she saw her chance, she struck with the speed of a cobra. With one blow she sliced upward and out, striking him a slicing blow to his right side and at the same time knocking the rapier from his hand.
Blood seeped from his torn side, but he did not cry out or turn from her as he awaited her next move. He stood tall and straight, boldly meeting her gaze as he wondered if she would kill him now.
Kathleen glanced at his wounded side and back to his face. “Captain, I have drawn first blood and will be satisfied with that. The sloop is mine.”
Reed let out his breath slowly and winced as his side pained him.
“Have you a doctor on board your ship, Captain Taylor?”
“I’ll tend to my wound myself, thank you,” Reed ground out.
“I repeat. Have you a doctor?” she said firmly.
“No!”
“Then I will have mine tend to you.” As he opened his mouth to refuse, she said, “You are in no position to argue, my handsome fellow.”
She pulled her vest together and called over the rail, “Dr. Bishop! Bring your bag to Captain Taylor’s quarters at once. Finley, lend a hand here!”
Together they got him to his cabin, though he refused to lie down on the bunk. When the doctor
arrived, Kathleen sent Finley to oversee the transfer of cargo. “Wait until we are ready to sail before you fire the sloop,” she instructed.
As she watched the doctor cut away Reed’s shirt and unveil the wound, Kathleen almost felt faint. She felt his pain as if it were her own.
Reed eyed her quizzically. “What kind of corsair are you who can’t stand the sight of blood? You were standing in it on deck just moments ago. It didn’t seem to bother you then, or when you were carving up those pirates one by one. You don’t have to stand there and watch, you know. I won’t harm your precious doctor.”
“I didn’t think you would,” she commented lamely as she watched the doctor examine and clean the wound. It wasn’t as bad as she had feared. She had sliced a flap of skin loose along his ribs, but it was a surface wound, and properly dressed and cared for would leave only a thin scar as a reminder of this day.
Reed gritted his teeth as the doctor stitched up the flesh and poured a powder on it. Then he wound strips of cloth about Reed’s chest. “Change the dressing twice daily, and apply some of this powder. Keep the wound and dressing clean, and in about a week get someone to remove the stitches.”
“Thank you, sir.” Shooting Kathleen a spiteful glance, he asked, “Doctor, you wouldn’t care to join my crew, would you? We could use a man like you.”
The doctor grinned and replied, “As long as I’m well paid, I’ll remain loyal to the lady.”
“Lady! She may be a wildcat, but she’s no lady!” Reed retorted.
On her way out of his cabin, Kathleen chastised, “Captain Taylor, there is no reason for you to malign my character. The fight was fairly fought.” She turned to him. “And another thing. You needn’t try to solicit my crew. These men are all quite loyal to me.”
“I see.” He smirked knowingly as he raked her lithe form with his eyes.
“No, I don’t think you do, Captain. I shall leave you now. I’ll have the good doctor see to any of your men who are wounded before I set sail. Bon voyage, mon cher!”
Chapter 20
RATHER than head north to Savannah, the Emerald Enchantress took a southern tack, heading for Matanzas, Cuba. Kathleen told herself it was because her crew needed some time to enjoy themselves. The truth was that she could not resist a visit to the pirate stronghold to see how notorious she actually was among the brethren. Besides, she had plenty of time before she had to be back in Savannah.
It was three o’clock on a Sunday morning when they slipped into Matanzas Bay. Savannah would have been to bed long before, but not Matanzas. When they had reefed the sails and anchored securely, Kathleen released half her men for shore leave. The rest she kept with her to protect the ship. She warned them to stay close to their mates and not wander off alone. Matanzas was a den of pirates, and safety was a thing unknown here.
After one glimpse of the rowdy little harbor town, Kathleen delayed her own entrance until late Sunday morning. She, Dan, Finley, and a big burly Irishman by the name of Kenigan set out together along the narrow rutted road that served as the town’s main street. Kathleen noted thankfully that few persons were about. Most were still sleeping off their Saturday night rum. The few that did see them stared as though they couldn’t believe their eyes.
The four of them turned into a tavern called the Red Bull, or so the weather-beaten sign declared. They seated themselves at a table near the door, careful to keep a wall to their backs.
A skinny little man with gray wispy hair and a filthy apron strutted over, looked at Kathleen, and announced, “We don’t serve ladies.”
“Fine,” she countered with a glare. “I’ll have a powder and rum, and the same for my lads.” She gave him a level, steady gaze, her smoky green eyes daring him to offend her.
He looked from her to her companions and gulped. “Be you the captain of that green frigate we heard so much about?”
“I am.”
He fidgeted nervously with his apron. “I’ll get yer drinks directly.” He scurried off like a scared rabbit.
“Saints and salvation!” Kathleen swore under her breath. “What must that man have heard about us?”
“I don’t care what he heard, lass,” Dan spoke up. “Do ye realize what ye ordered? Thet drink is rum and real gunpowder! How are ye goin’ to drink thet?”
“I’ll manage,” Kathleen grinned at him. “The question is can you handle it? I really should have let you order your own, but I doubt they serve goat’s milk here,” she teased.
“You rascally female!” Dan exploded. “Why, I’ve knowed ye since ye was knee high to a leprechaun! Don’t ye get lippy with me!”
The other three collapsed in laughter at Dan’s ire.
“Ye’re laughin’ now, but wait till ye have to drink that rot! ’Twon’t be so funny then.”
The bartender returned with their drinks. He stood there watching and the challenge was plain to see on his face. Several dirty-looking pirates entered the tavern just then and also stopped to watch.
Kathleen picked up her glass. In one movement she tossed the shot to the back of her throat, clamped her teeth shut, and swallowed. It took her breath away, and it was all she could do not to let it show on her face. Her stomach felt on fire.
Evidently she was successful, for Finley gave her a wink and raised his glass. “Here’s mud in yer eye,” he intoned.
They sat talking quietly for a while, watching the tavern gradually fill up as more and more of the hungover raiders of the night before felt the need for a bit of the hair of the dog. They wandered in by twos and threes. A few stared openly at Kathleen, but most slid her a glance from the corner of their eye and went on to question a shipmate or the bartender, who would nod his head excitedly and whisper fervently into their ears. All in all, she was creating quite a stir.
In a little while, the whores started trickling down from the upstairs rooms. Some of the younger ones were rather pretty, while others looked like a hundred miles of bad road.
A smile tugged at the corners of Kathleen’s mouth as she watched Kenigan. He was shifting around in his seat, and the more he tried not to notice the girls, the more uncomfortable he became. He was as fidgety as an old maid at a bachelor’s convention.
“See something you like, Kenigan?” she taunted with a grin.
He looked at her sheepishly.
“Go on,” she said, “but be careful. I’d hate to lose a good man over a few moments of pleasure. Try to pick one free of disease, if they have one in this fleatrap.”
Kenigan scooted out of his chair like a hound after a hare.
“Oh, and Kenigan!” she called after him. “If I were you, I’d watch my money and keep my back to the mattress. Let her do the work, and keep your blind side covered.”
Her voice had carried, and several loud guffaws and hoots of laughter erupted at neighboring tables. Finley’s dark eyes twinkled in merriment, and Dan looked flabbergasted.
“How about you, Finley?” she asked. “Do you feel any of the baser urges building up?”
He gave her a lopsided smile and shook his head. “I’ve got me a little piece o’ fluff waiting in Savannah. At least there I’m sure of what I’m getting. With her I can relax and enjoy myself without keeping one eye open.”
They both turned to stare expectantly at Dan. “Hmph!” he grunted disgustedly. “I suppose ye think I’m too long in the tooth.”
“I never said that,” Kathleen placated with a smile.
“Ye didn’t need to. ’Tis all over yer face. I’m surprised at the way ye’re actin’, lass. What happened to thet wisp of a gal thet I used to know, all rosy cheeked and innocent?”
“She grew up,” Kathleen stated flatly.
“I’ll stay with the captain if you want to seek out some amusement,” Finley offered.
“I jest might do that,” Dan retorted.
“We’ll be here when you get back, old-timer, if you don’t take too long about it.” Finley chuckled. At Dan’s nasty look, he said, “If you’re not back in two days
, we’ll come and claim the body.”
“ ’Tis real cute ye are, you two. Well, just behave yerselves while I’m gone, and try to stay out o’ trouble.” As he rose from his chair, he glanced toward the door. “Uh-oh. Look at who jest walked in,” he commented in a low voice, nudging Kathleen.
She looked toward the door. There stood Vincent Gambie and the ugly Cut Nose. The door hadn’t swung shut when in came Pierre Lafitte followed by Dominique You.
Kathleen let out a low whistle and eyed Dan apprehensively. “Sweet dancing dolphins! It looks like old home week at Barataria Bay! It’s a good thing we’re in disguise, Dan, or I wouldn’t give us a snowball’s chance in Hades of getting out of here with our skins.”
“Maybe I’ll jest stay with ye after all.”
“Nay, Dan. The two of us together may get noticed faster. You go on. If I need help, I’ll whistle. Some of our boys are starting to filter in now. I’ll have plenty of support. Besides, Finley is here.”
“Anything ye say, Cap’n.” Dan shrugged and shuffled off.
He had no sooner disappeared than Pierre swaggered up with Dominque. He pulled out a chair, turned it around, and sat down with his arms crossed over the back of it. He stared at Kathleen, letting his eyes travel over her body.
“Well, well, so this is the famous pirata who has been giving us so much trouble.” He smirked.
Dominique quietly took the chair next to Kathleen.
“Can’t see that you are much different from any other woman I’ve seen,” Pierre went on. “Maybe a little better put together, but otherwise . . .” his voice trailed off. “Take off the mask and let us see the rest of your face. You are among friends here.”
“Honor among thieves?” Kathleen asked sarcastically.
Pierre shrugged and gave her a lewd grin.
“Sorry. The mask remains,” Kathleen stated firmly.
“You wound me.” Pierre groaned in fake dismay. “You do not take Pierre at his word.”
“Mother didn’t raise a fool,” Kathleen said offhandedly.
Dominique guffawed and slapped his knee. “Neatly put, small one. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dominique You, and this loud friend of mine is Pierre Lafitte.”
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