Pirate's Promise

by Smith, Bobbi

  "But, Lianne . . ." Alex's eyes were huge in his face as he spoke what was in his heart. "I'm so afraid that what happened to Mark is going to happen to Adam."

  "It won't."

  "But how can you be so sure? Make him stop going to see her, please, Lianne? You love him, and he loves you. He'll listen to you if you tell him not to go." Alex made it sound so simple.

  "Honey, just because you love someone doesn't mean they're always going to do what you want them to. Look at you," she said, pointing out the analogy. "You went off today without telling me where you were going."

  Alex looked frustrated. "Won't you at least talk to him, Lianne?"

  "Yes, Alex. I'll talk to him, and I'm sure everything will be just fine," Lianne promised in her most earnest tone.

  The moment Lianne told him that everything would be all right, Alex felt better. Lianne always told him the truth, and he trusted her implicitly. If she said something would be all right, it always was.

  "Can I go play now, Lianne?" Alex asked, already on to other things.

  "Go on," she laughed. "Get out of here. But remember . . . from now on tell me where you're going. All right?"

  "All right." He dashed from the room, lighthearted again.

  As Lianne watched him go, she thought of how sweetly young and innocent he still was, and suddenly the stifling melancholy that had gripped her was wrenched away. She grew furiously angry with Adam. It was obvious that Alex had come to love him very deeply, and Lianne realized that the bond could only end in disaster.

  Lianne knew she could not stand idly by and watch her little brother be hurt again. She wouldn't allow Adam to do anything that would cause Alex any further pain. He had suffered enough losing Mark, and she didn't want him to suffer any more.

  If Adam really wanted Suzanne, she decided vehemently, then he should go to her now and stay with her. Why prolong the torment of leaving them?

  Lianne knew that Adam didn't love her. She knew that it was Suzanne he really wanted and that he'd only married her for the sake of their baby, but he wasn't doing them any favors by remaining with them while he continued to see Suzanne on the side. If the break was to be made, then he should do it now. Her mind made up, Lianne felt her long-absent pride return. She was going to confront Adam as soon as possible and demand that he choose.

  Even as Lianne convinced herself that she would be doing this for Alex and the baby, her pride taunted her with the knowledge that he'd been making a fool out of her. If Alex was aware of his visits to Suzanne, then so was everyone else. Theirs might be a marriage in name only, but no one else was supposed to know it. Lianne lifted her chin in defiance at the thought. It was time to put a stop to this farce, one way or the other. Tonight, she would demand that he make his decision.

  When Adam returned from his outing with Alex, he determinedly immersed himself in plantation business. He did not even leave the study for dinner. Becky encouraged him to join them, but he gave her strict orders that he was not to be interrupted for anything for the rest of the night. Adam continued to work on the ledgers until his eyes grew tired, and when he checked the time, he was pleased to find that it was near midnight.

  Only then, when he was too exhausted to continue, did he allow his thoughts to dwell on his real reason for staying locked in the study for so long. Lianne . . . Adam's gaze drifted to the loveseat where they'd lain together in a passionate embrace the night before, and he felt the heat rise in his body again in remembrance. In frustration, he wondered what it would take to make him immune to Lianne. Here he was, bone-weary and worn out, and yet just the thought of having her filled him with expectant desire.

  Adam shook his head in confusion. He would not force himself on Lianne. She'd made it clear the night before how she felt about him. There was no point in pushing it. He knew the best thing for him to do was to avoid Lianne as much as possible. That way the temptation to take her wouldn't be as strong. Out of sight, out of mind—he hoped.

  With the last of his willpower, Adam fought down the need to rush from the study to his marriage bed and claim the love that was his by right. Instead, he sought out the barren comfort of the loveseat for his night's rest, grumbling to himself all the while. The too-short, too-hard sofa left him miserable through most of the night, but he did not weaken in his resolve to stay away from Lianne. It seemed an eternity to him before dawn finally pinkened the eastern sky, and he rose from his broken sleep, eager to escape from the house before Lianne awoke.

  Adam's tread was silent as he made his way upstairs. He did not want to go into their bedroom, but he had no other way to get the clothing he needed. He entered the bedroom quietly and was glad to find that Lianne was asleep. He wasn't quite sure what he would have said to her had he found her awake, waiting for him.

  Adam made a definite effort not to look at Lianne as he sorted through his clothes to find the pants and shirt he needed for the day. It was only when he turned, about to leave the room, that his gaze fell upon her. He froze, unable to look away from the sight of her slumbering so blissfully. He found himself moving to stand beside the bed and stare down at her.

  In repose, she was lying on her right side. The covers had fallen away from her shoulder, baring one graceful arm to his gaze. Her hand was splayed out on the sheet, and the sight of his ring, proud, heavy, and dominant, on her finger sent an unexpected feeling of possessiveness surging through him.

  Adam's breathing grew ragged as he studied her gentle beauty, taking in the soft swell of her breasts beneath the caressing fabric and the curve of her hips beneath the blanket. Soon she would be rounding with his child. Filled with a deep sense of warm rightness, Adam almost reached out to touch her cheek and smooth back an errant curl. Only the last-minute realization of what he was about to do stopped him. Silently cursing himself, Adam snatched his hand away and backed from the room.

  A short while later when he left the house, Adam was hoping that he would soon get word from Beau about a rendezvous time, for he didn't know how much longer he could remain in such close quarters with Lianne and keep from making love to her. Resolved to working out his restlessness through hard, physical labor, Adam rode out to the fields intending to spend the entire day there.

  Lianne was dismayed to awaken the following morning and discover that her husband had never come to bed. She had tried to stay awake as long as she could, but had finally fallen asleep some time during the early morning hours. Angry and frustrated, she dressed hurriedly and rushed downstairs wanting to confront Adam right away, only to discover that he'd already left the house and wasn't expected back until sundown.

  Becky was up already and asked her if there was a problem, but Lianne denied that anything was wrong. She decided to wait until that evening to try to corner him and speak with him, but again that night her plans went awry. Adam stayed away until well after dusk and then secluded himself in the study once again, refusing any attempts at conversation.

  At dinner, Lianne was forced to artfully dodge all of Alex's probing questions about why Adam was so busy that he didn't have time for them. She retired alone, again, staying awake as along as she could and finally drifting off after midnight.

  Becky had remained surprisingly reticent through all of Lianne's turmoil with Adam. She honestly believed the change in her brother was directly related to the unexpected turn of events concerning Elise, and she knew there was nothing more she could do to help him through this troubling time.

  Her heart ached for Lianne. She understood her confusion over Adam's behavior, but she knew that there was nothing she could tell her. Becky knew she couldn't risk betraying Adam, so she said as little as possible whenever they were together, pretending to be only vaguely aware of his withdrawal.

  It was in the afternoon two days later when one of the servants came running into the house to announce that there was a carriage coming up the drive. Becky had gone upstairs to rest and Alex had gone out to play, leaving Lianne alone to greet the unexpected visitor. Curiosity gr
ipped her as she wondered who might be coming to call, and she went outside to meet the new arrival.

  The sight of the Labadie carriage making its way down Belle Arbor's drive filled Lianne with fury. She seethed as she thought of the other woman's brazenness in coming here, but she was not about to let Suzanne know that it infuriated her. Instead, she adopted a calm, serene demeanor and stepped from the porch to welcome her as warmly as was fitting for Adam's new bride.

  "Why, Suzanne . . . this is a surprise." Lianne was all smiles as she watched her arch rival descend from her carriage.

  "Really, darling?" Suzanne drawled, her blue eyes a frigid reflection of her feelings for Lianne. "Is Adam here?"

  "No, my husband's working with the overseer today." she answered as coolly as she could. "Would you like me to take a message for you? I expect him back around sundown."

  "Pity. I had so wanted to see Adam today, but I suppose it can wait until tonight —when he comes to see me."

  "Well, if that's all you wanted, I suppose it will keep. Good-bye, Suzanne." Inwardly, Lianne bristled at Suzanne's open flaunting of her relationship with Adam. Unable to stand the sight of her any longer, she turned on her heel, meaning to walk away.

  Suzanne eyed Lianne critically, hating her for the confidence she was displaying and for the way she seemed to be blossoming with good health. She had hoped that Lianne would be growing bloated and ugly, but her figure was still perfect, and she looked as ecstatically happy as any newlywed should. Suddenly, the doubts Cyrus had instilled in her rushed to the forefront, and she found that she wanted to hurt Lianne and hurt her badly.

  "You know he's mine, don't you, Lianne?" Suzanne taunted knowingly.

  Lianne stiffened at her words and turned back to regard the beautiful blond. "I know no such thing, Suzanne. Adam married me. I'm the one who bears his name."

  Suzanne smirked at her statement. "Lianne, honey, you didn't stand a chance with Adam until you conveniently got pregnant. You were just another woman to Adam, someone to use and then cast off. You don't mean a thing to him."

  Lianne managed her best smile. "You may think that way, but I don't"

  "If he cared about you, Lianne, he certainly wouldn't be coming to me and professing his love, now, would he?"

  She shrugged, trying to maintain her cool facade, trying not to let any of her heartbreak show before this vindictive witch.

  "I'm Adam's wife, Suzanne. If he'd wanted you so much, why didn't he marry you while he had the chance?" Lianne challenged.

  "Honor, little girl, honor. You're carrying his child . . ." She paused for effect, "at least, he thinks it's his child. Tell me, Lianne. Is it really Adam's baby or are you having someone else's brat and placing the blame on Adam just to keep Belle Arbor?"

  Lianne's fists clinched at her sides, but she kept them hidden in the folds of her skirt so the other woman wouldn't know how truly upset she was at her accusations.

  "Don't judge everyone else's morals by your own standards, Suzanne. We're not all eager to bed any man who'll have us."

  At Lianne's comeback, Suzanne knew she had to strike back and strike back painfully. "You're wrong there, darling. I haven't bedded every man who wanted me. I'm very discriminating. If your brother had lived, he could have vouched for that. You see, I never thought Mark was quite man enough for me. Adam, however . . . Adam is a different story entirely, don't you think?" Suzanne smiled widely in triumph as she saw Lianne go sickly pale at her vicious remarks.

  "Perhaps, Mark was the one who was discriminating in his tastes, Suzanne. Maybe he was the one who chose not to bed you!" Lianne shot back as her enemy climbed back into her carriage.

  "Please tell Adam I came by, will you, Lianne?" Suzanne ignored her comment as she directed her driver to head back home.

  Overcome with fury and heartwrenching pain, Lianne stood in the middle of the walk staring after the departing carriage with unseeing eyes. It had been terrible enough that she'd had to suffer Adam's visits to Suzanne, but there was no way she could tolerate the other woman coming here to gloat over Adam's love for her. This had to end, and it had to end now, before Alex found out! As soon as Adam returned tonight she was going to have it out with him once and for all.

  "Mr. Adam!"

  Adam looked up from where he stood discussing the crops with Ray Middleton, Belle Arbor's tall, rangy, dark-haired overseer, to see Fred, one of the men who worked in the stable, riding quickly toward him. Excusing himself from Ray, he went to meet him.

  "What is it, Fred? Is something wrong?" Adam asked worriedly as Fred reined in beside him. The speed at which he had ridden in left Adam fearful that something might have happened. The horse was jittery at having come to such an abrupt stop, so Adam grabbed his mount's bridle to calm him as he regarded Fred.

  "This came for you," he said as he held out a sealed envelope. "Miss Becky said I should bring it to you right away."

  "Thanks. You can tell Becky that I got the message."

  "Yes, sir."

  As Fred rode off, Adam glanced down at the missive and recognized Beau's handwriting immediately. A great feeling of relief swept through him. He had not known how long it would take his friend to get his message and arrange a rendezvous for them, but he was glad that it had happened this quickly. The long, sleepless nights he spent thinking of Lianne sleeping nearby were taking their toll. At least once he got away from Belle Arbor, he'd be able to get some rest. Adam opened the letter and read the message.

  Adam—

  As we'd discussed, Pointe Bayou at midnight. I'll arrange to have men there to meet you and bring you out to the ship.

  Beau

  He nodded to himself in approval of the plan as he pocketed the letter and moved off to rejoin Ray. There was work to finish before he could leave the plantation.

  Lianne was furious as she paced the house. She had seen the messenger arrive with the letter and reluctantly hand it over to Becky. Although Lianne did not recognize the man as being one of Suzanne's servants, she felt sure that the message was from the other woman.

  The thought that Adam would go running to Suzanne as soon as he read the message filled her with a tangled mixture of anger and despair. She only hoped that he returned to the house before he went, so she could corner him and face him down.

  To Lianne's continued frustration, though, Adam did not return to the house until well after dark. She and Becky had already dined and were relaxing in the parlor when he rode up. Alex had been eagerly anticipating seeing him all day and was waiting at the door for him as he came inside.

  "Adam! I'm so glad you're back," Alex greeted him excitedly.

  "It's been a long day, Alex. Sorry I was away so long, but I think Ray and I have finally straightened out the problems in the south fields," Adam responded.

  "Good. Does that mean you don't have to work so hard tomorrow, and we can go swimming again?" he asked hopefully, wanting to spend some time with him.

  "I'm afraid not," Adam told him. He looked up just then and saw Lianne and Becky both watching them from the parlor. "As a matter of fact, I'm going to be gone for a few days."

  Alex looked miserably disappointed, and Lianne stiffened. It was starting already. Alex's suspicion and the resulting heartbreak tore at her, and, coupled with her own humiliation, filled her with even greater determination.

  "Do you have to go? Can't you stay home, Adam?" Alex pleaded pitifully.

  "No, I'm afraid not. This is important." Adam read the emotion in his eyes, but could do nothing right then to dispel his upset. Once he caught Shark and the truth came out, he would clear the air with Alex.

  Adam's words were like a knife in Lianne's heart. This is important . . . She almost scoffed out loud, but she held her tongue. When she confronted him about Suzanne, they would have to be alone.

  "Becky . . . could I see you for a moment?" Adam requested, and then turned back to Alex. "Why don't you go on to bed, and I'll see you when I get back."

  Lianne knew her brother well
, and she could see that Alex was having a difficult time accepting what Adam had told him. Standing up, she followed Becky to the door.

  "Why don't I see Alex on to bed, while you two have your talk?" Lianne offered. Her eyes met Adam's accusingly.

  At her look of contempt, Adam cringed inwardly. He wanted to see love shining in her emerald gaze, not hatred. He wanted to see her lovely features flushed with passion, not cold with resentment. He wanted desperately to tell her everything, but he held back. He looked away first, breaking that tenuous contact.

  "Fine," Adam answered as he moved off. "Good night, Alex."

  "G'night, Adam," Alex said solemnly as he let Lianne lead him upstairs.

  Adam directed Becky to close the door behind her as she followed him into the study.

  "Where are you going?" she demanded, not waiting for him to offer the information.

  "I'm rejoining Beau on the Sea Shadow," he replied. "Shark is due back at any time now, so we'll be close-by, watching and waiting."

  "And what about Lianne?" Becky demanded.

  "What about her?" he returned, feigning innocence at her meaning. "She'll be fine here with you."

  "Aren't you going to tell her the truth of where you're going to be? She is your wife, you know."

  "I know. Believe me, little sister, I know she's my wife," he answered bitterly, "but I have no intention of telling her or anyone else my business. I expect the same from you."

  Becky looked hurt. "Adam, you know you can trust me, and I think you could trust Lianne, too."

  He shot her an outraged look. "She's to know nothing of this —not until it's over."

  "All right," Becky agreed reluctantly. "I won't say a word. You're on business, if anyone asks. How soon do you have to leave?"

  "The rendezvous is set for midnight." He glanced at the clock on the mantel. "I have to leave now."

  "Aren't you even going to wait and tell Lianne good-bye?" Becky was incredulous. She could not understand his cold indifference to Lianne. Even if he still loved Elise, even if he had to continue his charade with Suzanne, the least he could do was to treat Lianne civilly.