Eliza covered her mouth to keep from screaming. Despite hearing the order she hadn’t been ready for the noise.
Her father pulled her into the cabin and slammed the door shut. Eliza covered her ears with her hands as she sank to the floor.
Stone shouted orders, and the men scurried across the deck. Smoke filled the air and, despite the window and door being closed, permeated the cabin. She wasn’t sure when it happened but at some point tears began streaming down her face.
Suddenly the door banged open again and Eliza swallowed a scream. But it was Stone, filling the doorway, looking larger than life.
Struggling to rise in her skirts, he took the single step to where she sat and had her up in his arms in a second. “We’ve taken one ship out, but the other is headed directly for us. I want you hidden below deck in case we’re boarded.”
“Boarded?” she squeaked. “I want to be with you.” She had never meant the words more. His tenderness in this time healed her heart. Now if they could just live through the day.
He paused for a moment, and then he dropped his forehead to hers. “I wish I could stay wit’ ye. But I’ve got to keep all these men alive and the ones trapped in the harbor besides.”
She gave a tiny nod of understanding. He was right, of course. He was the lord and the protector of these people and, in the end, she respected that he took his job seriously.
Stepping out of his arms, she pushed open the door, and started toward the hatch to access the decks below when a ship came up on their port side.
In seconds, grappling hooks sailed over the rail and as Stone swung her out of his arms, back toward her father, men began pouring over the side of the boat.
“Look lively,” Stone roared and unsheathed a sword that he’d strapped to his back at the same time he pulled a pistol from his belt. “We’re under attack.”
Stone was a man feared under any circumstance. But as he bellowed again, several pirates took a step back. Without hesitation he charged toward them. Several of his men fell in line behind him.
With a mighty swing, he slashed his sword toward the pirates and several jumped from the deck to avoid the swing. He roared again and more still retreated back the way they had come. He was the fiercest man she’d ever met and yet, she’d never felt safer.
But she couldn’t see anymore as her father tugged her to the hatch and pulled her down and out of the fray. She wanted to protest, to watch Stone, but as she gave a final glance backward, he was looking back at her. “Hide,” he yelled, then rushed into a group of pirates with a mighty swing of his blade.
Chapter Nine
The next few hours passed with heart-wrenching slowness. Her father had delivered her to hide in the larder and then had joined the fight.
Crouched behind several barrels, Eliza heard the clang of clashing of swords, the pops of firing pistols, and the cries of death.
She was glad that she’d done as Stone asked. Hearing the battle was difficult enough.
Stone’s voice had filtered down to her several times and each time, she breathed a sigh of relief but the more time passed when she didn’t hear it, the more frightened she would become. The noise had mostly died off, but Eliza couldn’t be certain what was happening.
Finally the door to the larder opened and she crouched lower, her breath stopping.
“Eliza,” Stone called. “Come out, love. It’s over.”
Standing, he stood in the doorway looking dirty, bloody, and absolutely wonderful. “Stone,” she cried, trying to skirt around the barrels.
He stepped closer and reached out his arms, lifting her over several barrels until she was pressed against his chest with his arms wrapped about her.
She wound hers about his neck and looked up to him. “I was so worried for you.”
“And I, you,” he said before he captured her lips with his.
She had forgotten to hold herself apart from him. Forgotten that he might be the enemy, the type of man who oppressed the people rather than protected them, or that he’d strong-arm her like her father so often did. Because he’d saved her, yet again, and he was slowly filling all the gaps in her spirit. The places that had broken when her mother had passed.
She kissed him back with everything she had.
His heart was pounding against her own and she could hardly catch her breath. “Eliza,” he growled out.
“Don’t say anything,” she whispered back. She didn’t want to discuss the future and she was afraid he was about to ask about his proposal. “I just want to enjoy the feel of you.” She gulped. “Thank you for everything today.”
He gave a nod. “Most people beg me to actually talk with them. They don’t usually ask me to be quiet.”
A giggle bubbled out of her lips. “I’m so glad that you’re all right.”
“Me too.” He set her feet down. “There are wounded that need to be tended.”
She gave a nod. “I’ll help.”
“I don’t want you up on deck.” He shook his head. “It’s a gruesome scene.”
He was protecting her…again. “Bring them down to the sleeping quarters. I can care for men who need it there.”
He jerked his chin in acknowledgement and, keeping his arm about her waist, led her to the sleeping quarters.
That touch stayed in her thoughts for the next several hours as she tended the wounded. The feel of being tucked into his very strong side.
Judging by what she heard above her, the deck was cleared and the ship sailed into the harbor. It was distant at first, but as they sailed through toward the shore, the cheers of people could be heard above the rush of the water.
Finally making her way back into the open air, she could see the docks and shores of Kirkaldy lined with people who waved and yelled their appreciation.
They docked and though she saw Stone, she didn’t talk with him as he bounded off the boat and crossed the docks. She was certain he was checking on his other ships. She did notice that his arm was bandaged. She’d have to see to the wound later.
Her father managed to find them dinner and she continued to tend the injured. It was late into the night when she’d finally seen all her duties done and her patients put to bed.
Grabbing some first aid supplies, she did not return to her room but instead made her way to Stone’s. She likely shouldn’t do it. Even just tending his arm, she shouldn’t be alone in his quarters with him, but try as she might, she simply couldn’t care. If she were forced to marry him, the decision would be made. She’d find a way to help the people in her role as countess.
Reaching the door, she lifted up her hand and knocked.
The door wrenched open almost immediately and Stone appeared in the doorway scowling fiercely. “What?” he barked.
“You’re dreadful, you know that, don’t you?” She raised her eyebrows as she gave his shoulder a gentle push to make room for herself to squeeze through the doorway. “Why do you insist on trying to scare everyone?”
“What are you talking about?” he growled it out even as he moved to allow her in the room.
“Your glower, your growl.” She pointed at the chair. “You’re my last patient of the day. Sit.”
He gave her a scowl even as he sat. “Have you been working this entire time? You should be in bed. It’s been a trying day.”
“I like the work, but I appreciate your concern.” She unwrapped the loose bandage. His shirt had already been cut away and it dangled by his side, but it was clear that it had been hastily wrapped around the wound. “My contribution is small compared with so many of the men. Look at you.” The gash was crusted and angry, running several inches down his upper arm.
“I’ll be fine,” he grumbled again even as he held out the arm for her to tend. “And you shouldn’t be here. Your reputation.”
“Where is your whisky?” she asked. When he reached over to grab it, his shoulder came into contact with one of her breasts. She sucked in her breath at the jolt of sensation that shot through her.
“Here.” He leaned back again and handed it to her.
“Take a swig.” She pushed it back at him. Once he had, she took one too, letting the liquid burn down her throat before she dumped a liberal amount on the wound.
“Bloody bullocks,” he yelled as the liquid washed away some of the blood.
“I need to do it again,” she said, giving him the bottle and he took another even larger swig and then she did the same, before pouring more down his arm.
“Hell and damnation,” he grunted.
“Sorry.” She winced but the wound looked cleaner, then she tested the flesh. “I don’t think I can sew it, it’s been open too long.”
“Give it a good wrap and it will be fine.” His good arm coiled about her waist. “And thank ye fer coming, though like I said, yer risking yer reputation.”
“Considering you’ve already proposed, should I get caught, I am sure you’ll make an honest woman of me.” She allowed him to pull her in closer as she bandaged his arm.
“So ye’d marry me if we were caught, would ye?” Suddenly she was up against his chest. She should say no. Or ask him a few of her remaining questions. But after today she just wanted to be close to him.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I was so frightened today, Stone.” Her hands slid up his shoulders and onto his neck and then she threaded her fingers through his hair. “You were the only thing that made me feel…safe.”
He grumbled low and deep. “Eliza, ye’d better go back tae yer room. If ye don’t—” He stopped.
“I don’t want to be alone, Stone.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud, she’d barely admitted it to herself. But with him, she was safe and happy. She was home.
He groaned low and deep. “Eliza. How can I have ye here and not—”
“I’ll sleep in the chair,” she said, the words rushing out. “Don’t make me go back to my room. Please?”
He didn’t say anything but he gave a long exhale. “Ye’ll sleep in the bed with me. Yer lucky I am a man of high principle.”
Relief flooded through her. “Thank you,” she breathed as she dropped her forehead to his.
“Eliza.” The A in her name dropped low, long, and deep. “Only tonight. After that, you’ll need to decide what ye want.”
“I know, Stone.” Her arms wrapped about his neck and his good arm lifted her at the waist. He crossed the small room to the bed and settled on it with her on top of him. In her wildest imagination, she’d never expected a man to feel so comfortable. But being pressed against him was better than anything she could have dreamed. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.
Stone looked down at the woman fast asleep on his chest. The day had been worth it, if for no other reason than she was safe. He should have left her at home. He’d allowed his desire to woo her to override his good sense.
He didn’t do this. He didn’t twist himself into knots, making poor choices to win a woman’s affection. But here he was, taking her on trips where he battled pirates, allowing her to sleep in his room when she should be safely tucked in her own. Hell, he’d agreed to let her put off answering his proposal, afraid if he didn’t, she might just say no.
What was happening to him?
But he knew. He was falling in love. She was sassy and beautiful. She filled in his rough edges and made his life easier. She understood the ache he and his siblings were feeling and she’d been helping Delia to cope.
What he didn’t know, was why she was hesitating? She’d said it was because of her loss. Which made sense, mostly. Though he’d just suffered a loss, he still knew she was right for him. Not everyone was as decisive as he. But they’d have to have another conversation about what troubled her. He’d thought she might not want the responsibility but she’d shouldered a great deal of it today.
More thoughts swirled in his mind, but they grew foggy and disjointed as the warmth of the woman and the rocking of the ship soothed him to sleep.
He woke the next morning, just as the first rays of the sun peaked into the porthole of his cabin. The sound of the door clicking closed reverberated through him and his eyes snapped open. The little chit was leaving without saying goodbye.
Rising he crossed the room and yanked open the door. Stepping out, she froze a few feet away.
“Where are ye going?” he rumbled out.
She turned, her face a shade of bright pink. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
He quirked a brow. “Well, ye did. And ye left without saying goodbye.”
Her cheeks were still brightly shaded but a grin started to tug at her lips. “Are your feelings hurt?”
He blinked. “That’s ridiculous.”
She sauntered back over to him and standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Stone. For allowing me to stay. And for saving me.”
Then she turned and left.
Stone watched her retreat down the hall. He gripped the door handle to keep from chasing after her.
Chapter Ten
Eliza paced her room, anticipation and nerves flowing through her body. She needed to speak with her father but it was far too early. She’d been saying for days that she needed answers but if she was being honest with herself, she was a little afraid of them.
What if Stone was what they said? She wasn’t a fool, she’d seen his kindness. But her father could be hard beyond measure and she was worried that Stone was too, underneath all his acts of kindness. Why would her father be so loyal? What if Stone wasn’t? Was she ready to concede that her father had been right? Bend to his will and marry Stone?
After what seemed like hours, she heard her father stir in the cabin next to her. Leaving her room, she knocked on his door. “Papa?”
“Eliza?” he called and she heard him cross the room and then open the door.
He looked awful. His face was haggard and worn. “Are you all right?”
He gave a stiff nod. “I am not the young man I used to be.” He grimaced as he rolled one of his shoulders. “Did you need to speak with me?”
She nodded, stepping into the room. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Of course.” He gestured for her to sit on the chair as he returned to the bed.
She took a breath, trying to gain courage to push out the words. “The dispute with the farmers. What happened?”
He father stared at her, his mouth open. “I beg your pardon?”
“The farmers who were upset with Stone. What happened?” Her words were tumbling over each other as she twisted her hands in her lap.
“I have to confess, I am surprised by your choice of topic. I’d thought we’d be discussing pirates, or your marriage prospects, or…” He tapered off. “What does this have to do with?”
She started in surprise. “I suppose it is about my marriage prospects. In a way.” She didn’t want to tell her father more.
But his eyes lit with understanding. “Has Stone expressed an interest?” His grin said it all. “I hope he has; yesterday showed me I am not a young man. I’d like to see you settled before I depart this world.”
That made her pause. Life without any family at all? What would she do? “What happened with the farmers?”
Her father leaned back. “They demanded double the price they’d been getting from the mills. They were attempting to take advantage of the new earl. But if the mills pay double they either make no profit or they charge the people more. Stone was smart enough to see that it would start a downward spiral of the local economy.”
She closed her eyes. Of course, Stone had actually been looking out for the people in his province. And of course, he hadn’t explained his reasoning to anyone. A man like Stone did the right thing without worry or care to what others thought. And though she’d met several people who thought the worst of him, she remembered the butcher, who seemed to understand what the lord of the land was attempting to accomplish. “Stone held firm against them.”
“Yes. He did.” Her father stood again. She heard the creaking in the rope
s under his bed. “I was worried he might not. He actually has quite a soft heart, though he does his best to hide it.” Her father sighed. “It makes my job more difficult at times.”
“He most certainly does,” she whispered. “And I could see how it would.”
And there it was. What her father likes least about Stone was what she liked best. It had been in front of her all along.
Water splashed and she cracked open her eyes to see her father begin shaving. “You’ll have to ask him to take you on a tour of the infirmary he’s building.”
A lump formed in her throat. “Infirmary?” As her mother lay dying she’d spent useless hours raging as to why they didn’t have access to real doctors. Her father had defended the lord of the region, saying it wasn’t the way it was done. She wondered if he regretted it now.
Her father nodded. “You didn’t see it when you went into the village?”
Was that the monstrosity being built in the village? “Perhaps I did.”
“Costing a small fortune but Stone insists that he can afford it and that it’s worth investing back in the people. That they will be happier and thrive here for it.” Her father scraped his razor down his face. The doubt in his voice answered her question. He didn’t see it the way she always had, the way Stone did.
Eliza covered her eyes with her hands. All this time she’d been resisting Stone, afraid he was the exact man she hated, when all along he was the embodiment of what she’d always hoped for. A caring overlord. Stone’s only sin was not touting his own accomplishments. This news should have elated her, but somehow it made her stomach sick to think that all this time, she’d been referring to him as the devil.
She wanted to apologize. To swear to help him. She wanted to throw her arms about him and never let go. Stay pressed in the warmth and safety of his arms.
How could she have been so blind? All of the answers had been right in front of her. Rising, she returned to her cabin to ready herself for the day. At the very least, she needed to talk with Stone.
Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone Book 1) Page 7
