by Vale, Jennae
“Jamie!” He growled. “Bring Miss Wickham something to break her fast.”
“Aye, Cap’n!” He ran for the galley.
The wind was still whipping the deck and the rain hadn’t let up even a small bit. It was anyone’s guess how long this would go on. Looking toward the horizon, all he could see were dark clouds lined up as far as the eye could see.
“Hawes!”
“Aye, Cap’n?”
“Get the boat ready to go ashore. Miss Wickham and I will return to the mansion. I’m leaving you in charge here.”
Jamie ran past him on his way back to the captain’s quarters. He carried a tray covered by a large cloth to keep the rain off. Rourke stalked across the deck to the galley where he would take his meal. There he could be among the men where he might be able to break the hold Lizzie Wickham seemed to now have on him.
Reading the scowl on his face, the men in the galley jumped to their feet when he entered, clearing a place for him to sit. Cook placed a plate of food in front of him with a surprising amount of fresh ingredients. He sent a questioning look to the man.
In answer to the unasked question, the man said, “I was able to go ashore with some of the men before the storm hit.”
Rourke tucked in, filling his belly with eggs, meat, and some fresh fruit.
“Cap’n, the skiff is ready.”
“Get Miss Wickham. I’ll be waiting.” Rourke grabbed an apple and strode out to the main deck. He assessed the men and the general condition of the ship. He was satisfied they’d made it through so far with no damage and hoped it would stay that way.
“I think we’ve seen the worst of it,” Lynk said as he joined him on deck.
“I hope so. When it’s passed, we’ll need to finish replenishing our stores.”
“I’ll see to it.”
Rourke was feeling better now that he’d had time to himself, but then Lizzie Wickham walked out onto the deck sending him back to his bed with her warm and willing body pressed against him. She’d be the death of him yet, he thought, steeling himself for the day.
“Good morn to ye, Miss Wickham,” he said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.
She merely nodded, not even giving him a smile, and headed for the ship’s rail.
He climbed over onto the rope ladder and reached a hand up to help her. Hawes was doing the same from the deck. She refused to give Rourke her hand as she stepped onto the top rung of the ladder. The driving wind and rain added to their difficulty by making the ladder slick and treacherous. A gust of wind shifted it to the side, causing Lizzie to lose her balance. Her feet slipped from the rung, and she was left hanging by one hand. A small shriek left her lips, and Rourke’s heart jumped in his chest. Scrambling up the ladder, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in. She let go of the ladder completely, wrapping her arms around his neck, and throwing him off balance.
“Stay still or we’ll both end up in the water,” he cautioned her. “Now, wrap your legs around me and hold tight.” Once she’d done as he’d ordered, Rourke climbed the rest of the way down to the skiff, where one of his men peeled her off of him and seated her out of harm’s way. He cocked an eyebrow, lifting one side of his lips in a half smile. “When help is offered, it’s best to take it.” His reprimand was met with silence.
One of the men gave Lizzie a blanket, which she pulled up over her head to block the rain, and Rourke assumed to avoid his gaze.
The small boat was buffeted by wind, waves, and rain as they made the journey onto the cove’s sheltered beach.
“Take the boat back to The Dagger,” he ordered his men. “I’ll signal when we’re ready to go back.” He hopped from the boat to help pull it up onto the sand so Lizzie wouldn’t end up any soggier than she already was.
Her dress was heavy with water and was now picking up sand as they made their way up the beach and through the scrub grass that lead to woodland. Somewhat sheltered from the rain, Rourke took a moment to stop and allow Lizzie to catch her breath.
“Are ye angry with me?” he asked.
“No. Of course not. Why would you think that?” she asked, wiping wet locks of hair from her face.
“Because ye haven’t uttered a single word to me until this verra moment.” He should be satisfied with her silence, but he couldn’t help himself and wished to hear her voice.
She gave a slight shrug.
“I’m sorry about last night,” he offered. “I shouldn’t have kissed ye. It was wrong of me.” He’d never had to apologize to a woman for kissing her, bur with Lizzie Wickham, it seemed his life was now full of firsts.
“You regret it then.” The bitterness she was feeling was evident in her voice.
“Yes.”
She cocked an eyebrow and glared angrily at him. That was the wrong answer.
“I…” He stumbled and stuttered over his words. This wee lass was proving to be tougher on him than any adversary he’d ever faced. “No. I doona regret it. I would do it again, but I doona wish to compromise yer chances of making a real match once I’ve returned ye to London as yer father requested.”
“London! Why would I want to go there?” She seemed quite taken aback by his statement.
“Yer father told me ye had family there. It was his wish ye be with them.”
“My father is no longer here to decide what I should or shouldn’t do. I do not wish to go to London. Why would I? I’ve never even been there. I don’t know those people who are supposed to be family. I’ve spent my whole life on Manta Cay. It is my home.”
Rourke was surprised by her insistence. He hadn’t expected she would object in the least. “Ye will no’ have much choice, lass. The crown will send a replacement governor to the island, and they will reside in the mansion.”
“No. I won’t go. I’ll find a way to stay here with Daniel.” She turned and began pushing her way through the greenery that surrounded them.
“Where are ye going?” he asked.
“Home,” she shouted back over her shoulder.
“Ye ken how to get there?”
“I’ve been to this beach many times, sir. I can find my way home without your help.”
“Lizzie, wait!” He quickly caught up with her, and grabbing her arm, turned her to face him. She swung at him, meaning to slap his face, but he was faster. He held her hand and leaned close. She was even more beautiful as she stood before him with flared nostrils, pursed lips, and fire in her eyes.
He couldn’t help himself. He wanted her. More than he’d wanted any woman. His lips were on hers before she had a chance to duck away. Despite her initial reluctance, he felt her arms wrap around his neck as she pressed herself against him. His lips left hers and traveled to her jaw, her ear, and rained kisses down her neck.
His mouth followed the rivulets of water as they trailed down between her breasts. As he kissed her, they stumbled back until Lizzie rested against a whitewood tree. The canopy overhead provided some shelter from the rain, but neither of them seemed to care. His hand lifted her dress, then sought the softness of her womanhood. He wouldn’t take her. It was his greatest wish, but Rourke knew it was best for her future that her maidenhead be left intact.
Lizzie jumped, but not in fear. Mesmerized by his kisses, she was giving herself to him without reservation. His work-roughened hands were gentle in their ministrations. The pleasure of that first contact had taken her by surprise, causing her to startle. A small shriek escaped her lips.
“Am I hurting ye, lass?” The huskiness in his voice sent shivers of passion over her.
She shook her head, unable to speak.
“Good. Yer pleasure is what I seek. Ye’ve a treasure, but only for yer husband. I’m jealous of the man, and he does not yet exist.”
She wanted to tell him to take the treasure he sought. The nameless, faceless man he concerned himself with was not the one she wanted. His fingers were still working beneath her dress while the other hand undid the ties of her bodice, releasing her
breasts, which he laved with his mouth and tongue. As her pleasure increased, he watched her face, never looking away. Lizzie’s breathing quickened, and as her excitement increased, ecstasy overtook her. Rourke smiled as if he’d accomplished something wonderful, then plundered her mouth until she was left speechless. She crumpled into his arms as he kissed the back of her neck.
Lizzie had been greatly inexperienced in the ways of love yesterday, but today among the rain-soaked trees, she’d gained something she would never forget.
Chapter Seven
They reached the steps to the governor’s mansion soaked to the bone.
“Guyton,” Lizzie called once they were through the door.
“Miss Lizette! You’re back,” he replied from the back of the house.
They waited a moment, and the servant appeared at the doorway. Taking one look at them, he shouted for Maria, who came running. She raised her eyebrows, tipping her head to the side. “Where have you two been?”
“Walking from the cove,” Lizzie answered with a beaming smile.
“The rain has made you happy?” The skepticism in her voice was unmistakable.
“Yes. Today it has.” She glanced from Guyton to Maria and back again. “Will you see to a warm bath for both of us, please?”
“Yes, Miss.”
“Guyton, see if you can find something suitable for Captain Mackall to wear while his clothes dry.”
He nodded and exchanged a quizzical look with Maria as they left to attend to their tasks.
Once they were out of sight, she flew into Rourke’s arms. “You say I must save myself for the man I will marry, but I tell you, there is no one here on this island I wish to be wed with.”
“You will find a suitable husband in London,” he answered. She tried to read him, but was unable.
“I’ve told you, I’m not going to London. I will stay here.” She’d always had a stubborn streak, and had been quite good at getting her way with her father when she truly wanted.
“How? Ye cannot stay here in this house.” He threw his hands in the air, his exasperation with her obvious. “There will be a new governor and he will live here.”
She looked at the ceiling, placing a finger to her lips as she thought. “Perhaps I will send word to the crown of my father’s death and request I be made governor.”
Rourke laughed. “They will never permit it.”
“How do you know? I am very capable of running this island.” How hard could it be?
“I’m sure ye could, but it would be unlikely for them to allow a woman to wield such power,” Rourke patiently explained.
“England has been ruled by women in the past.” She was certain he must know this.
“Ye are not a queen.”
“Damn your logic.” She crossed her arms and glared at him.
“So, ye see it is important that ye go to London and find a husband.”
“No. It is not what I want.” Why wouldn’t he stop saying that?
“What do ye want?” he asked.
“I want to be with you.” It was the truth. She hadn’t known him for more than a few days, but she knew he was the man for her.
“That can never be. Ye forget I am a pirate, and as such, I live most of my life on the sea.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Lizzie, please, understand me. I am not the man for ye. I’m…”
“I know. Do not say it again. You are a pirate. A dangerous man. But you are also a man with a kind heart and gentle hands.”
“I made a mistake out there in the woodland. I was filled with lust for ye. I should never have allowed myself to be so bold.” He scrubbed his hands through his hair as he spoke.
“It was not a mistake. Don’t you dare say it was.” Anger was building in her. Anger that he wouldn’t admit he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Anger that he insisted on taking her to London against her will. And anger that there was little she could do about it.
“We’ll not speak of it again. I made a promise to yer father and I intend to keep it.” He bounded up the stairs to her father’s rooms, leaving her alone and feeling very unsettled.
“Thank you, Guyton,” Lizzie said as he placed a plate of food in front of her.
Rourke waited for her to be served before taking the first bite of his meal. There was something about sitting here alone in the dining room with Lizzie that made him wish for just a moment that he was someone else. That he was a man worthy of Lizette Wickham. He lifted his glass of wine and drank.
Memories of his life at Dunnet Head came unbidden. He’d been but a young lad, expected to be present for the family’s evening meals. He’d rebelled against it and eventually gotten what he wanted: freedom to do as he pleased and with whom he pleased. He missed them, especially his mother. He hadn’t seen her in years, and he wasn’t sure if he went home, he’d be welcome after so much time had passed. Perhaps when next he visited Scarba Island he would make the time to sail The Dagger to his old home. If they sent him away, so be it. At least he would have tried.
“You are deep in thought,” Lizzie noted.
“Aye.” He dragged himself back to the present and to the pretty woman who made thoughts of a life filled with moments like this possible.
“Are you going to tell me what you’re thinking about?” She tilted her head, waiting for a reply.
“Home,” he said, pausing to drink the fine wine they’d been served. “Dunnet Head.”
“Is that where you’re from?” she asked, her obvious curiosity showing.
“It is, but I haven’t been back in many, many years.” It was something he tried not to think about, and that he certainly hadn’t spoken of for many years.
“Why did you leave? Did you not love them?” she asked.
“I did, but at the time, I loved my freedom more.” He’d found independence for a brief time, but it soon turned into responsibilities that greatly curtailed that freedom.
“They must miss you.”
“I don’t know. It’s been so long. I’m certain I no longer exist to them.” The thought they’d forget him was a sobering one.
“The Dagger is your home, then.”
“When I’m at sea, aye.” A small smile appeared. He much preferred talk of the sea to talk of Dunnet Head.
“And when you’re not?” Lizzie asked.
“Scarba Island. Home of my Scottish brethren.” He wasn’t used to spending so much time talking about himself. It made him a bit uncomfortable.
“They are your family now.” It seemed she understood him perfectly.
“Aye.” He put his fork down and wiped his mouth with the linen napkin Guyton had placed in his lap at the start of their meal.
“How is it that you came to be there?” Her curiosity seemingly had no end.
“I sought work aboard a ship when I was a lad.” He leaned back in his chair as he spoke. “It turned out to be a pirate ship.”
“Weren’t you afraid?” She leaned forward. Her eyes showed her eagerness to hear his answer.
“Nay. To the contrary. I was excited. I was hoping for adventure and I’d found it.” He was more in his element speaking of the sea and the joy it brought him.
“My brother is on a pirate ship. Do you think he is having an adventure?” Lizzie’s curiosity was quickly replaced by a fear for Daniel that was apparent on her face.
Rourke sought to allay those fears. “It is surely an adventure for him.”
Her shoulders relaxed as she spoke. “He’s been as sheltered by our father as I.”
“Ye wish it had been different.”
“I don’t know. He was protecting us, and now that I have a clearer picture of Manta Cay, I understand why.”
Guyton entered the room and began clearing the plates from their first course. Once his arms were full, he left them again.
“It was best he kept ye far from the docks and taverns. It is no place for a lady,” Rourke said.
“And yet, there are ladies who live
and work there,” Lizzie observed.
“Women, aye. Ladies, nay.”
She bristled at this, and he took note.
“Their social position does not allow for them to be called ladies,” he explained.
“By virtue of the fact that I was born the governor’s daughter, I am deemed a lady, and yet, I do not feel they deserve any less respect than I.”
“I stand corrected. Forgive my ignorance. Ye are a special woman, Lizzie. Ye would make a suitable governor for this island.”
“Do you truly believe so?” she asked, obviously pleased at his response.
“It is not within my power to grant ye such a position, but if it were, there is no question I would select ye.”
A warm smile appeared on her rosebud lips, and it did his heart good. He would do anything to see that smile. To make her happy would be his greatest joy.
Guyton appeared with a pitcher to pour them more wine.
“Tell Maria everything is delicious,” Lizzie said.
“Yes, verra good,” Rourke added.
“You can leave the wine,” Lizzie said.
“Yes, Miss.” He placed it on the table and left them, returning moments later with platters of food which he set on the table. He served each of them and then was gone.
They ate the rest of their meal with little conversation, and when they had finished, they adjourned to the sitting room where Lizzie settled herself on the settee. The furnishings were of the highest quality. Governor Wickham had spared nothing to make his home a palace. There were chairs covered in brocaded fabric patterned with birds, trees, and flowers, much like Manta Cay. Tables around the room held books and small porcelain treasures, likely booty from the many pirate ships that visited the port.
Thunder rumbled and lightning lit up the night.
“It doesn’t frighten you?” Rourke asked.
“No.” She actually appeared to be enjoying it. “It’s exciting. There is precious little of that to go around here in my world.”
It never occurred to him that a woman like Lizzie might be bored with her life. He thought about his own life and how he’d craved adventure as a young lad. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be trapped in this house and on these grounds with no outlet for even a bit of excitement. He was sure he’d go mad and wondered how she had maintained her sanity?
