Authors: Rebecca Hart
Daniel refused to let her bait him. With a frustrated grunt, he spun on his heel and stalked to his locker. The hinges sent a long squeak of protest into the cabin as he lifted the lid. He rummaged through the piles of wrinkled clothing and withdrew a shirt and pants. Raising the garments to his nose, Daniel gave them a quick sniff. Not pretty, but at least they were dry.
A flick of his wrist brought the lid crashing back down. He set the dry clothes on the chest, tugged the wet shirt from his belt and pulled it off over his head.
“You aren’t planning to do that right in front of me, are you?” Her voice rang with incredulity.
Daniel didn’t bother to turn around. “Aye, I am.” He unfastened his trousers and pushed them down over his hips. “If you’re suddenly shy, turn your head.”
He heard Ellie growl as she made a ruckus of flipping over in the bunk. “Let me know when it’s safe,” she mumbled into the wall.
“Safe for what?”
“To look at you again.”
For a woman who’d spent half her life at sea living alongside crewmen who thought her a male, Ellie sure was a prude. Daniel worked the wet breeches down his thighs. He stepped out of the clinging material, flipping the pants into the corner with a kick.
He’d taken her virginity their first night together, so he knew her to be innocent, but Daniel was beginning to realize Ellie’s naivety about the relationship between a husband and wife was far more encompassing. He doubted her mother had given her any guidance in that regard. Didn’t they teach these things to girls at boarding school? He pulled on the dry breeches and faced the bunk.
Ellie lay with her back to him, elbow on the pillow, and head cradled in her hand.
“You can relax and stop staring a hole in the bulkhead now.” Daniel grabbed the dry shirt and pulled it over his head. He ran fingers through his ruffled hair. “Oh wait, I forgot, you’ve been relaxing all morning, haven’t you?”
Ellie turned over. “Very funny. You know damn well I’d much rather be out there with the rest of the crew.” Uncertainty flashed in her eyes. Or had it been fear?
Daniel shrugged, refusing to soften his resolve. He set his hands on his hips. “If you aren’t better in the next day or so, I’m taking you back to Newquay.” It was time Ellie learned he could be just as stubborn as she.
“You can’t do that!”
Daniel’s lips curled into a dark smile. “Just try me.” He spun on his heel and marched from the cabin.
***
Having recognized the fire of determination glowing in Daniel’s eyes, Ellie prepared herself to return to duty. Her brow knitted as she pulled on her boots. She pushed to her feet and waited for the wave of nausea to return. Daniel would carry out his threat to take her home if she didn’t show rapid improvement, so despite a dull cramp in her belly, Ellie headed for the cabin door. A chill shuddered down her spine, stuttering her steps. If he had any idea she was carrying his child, he would take her back for sure. Ellie’s fingers itched for the retribution denied her so long.
I’ve come too far to turn back now.
There would be plenty of time to tell Daniel about the baby after they’d dealt with Jashir.
Chapter Thirty-One
Ellie stood at the port side rail near the jib as
The Siren’s Call
rode the inflowing current of the famous Strait of Gibraltar toward the Gates, once known only as the Pillars of Hercules. The brisk wind, amplified by tall mountains on either side of the narrow channel, nipped at her cheeks and tousled her hair. She marveled at the massive limestone face jutting up from a sea of lush greenery.
The Rock of Gibraltar.
She’d begun to wonder if they’d ever reach it. Her morning sickness had thankfully abated, and Ellie had been able to convince Daniel to maintain their course. But instead of sending her back to the rigging with Nelson when she returned to duty, Daniel kept her with him under the pretense of teaching her the finer points of navigation. She had no illusions, however; Ellie knew Daniel watched her closely for any sign of illness. Despite the extra scrutiny, they’d collected the hidden store of guns without incident, and favorable winds helped them reach the strait a day ahead of schedule.
Excitement shivered through her limbs. She’d not have to wait much longer. Somewhere among the white sails and clusters of buildings marking Gibraltar’s port, Jashir waited for her.
Nelson joined her at the rail, eyes on the giant gray mountain. “No matter how many times I come here, I never tire of the sight of it.”
Ellie hadn’t spoken with him since he’d ordered her from the rigging, but not by her own choosing. He had avoided her completely, and as much as she hated to admit it, the imposed separation wore on her confidence, and her nerves. Each day she worried that he’d reveal her secret to Daniel, yet so far Nelson had kept silent about the baby. “It’s breathtaking,” she murmured.
The tense set of his shoulders put her on edge. She’d known him long enough to understand he hadn’t come to make idle chitchat, or to mend fences. Nelson had something on his mind, and the time had come for her to hear it.
After a long silence, and with his gaze still centered on the horizon, he spoke. The timbre of resignation in his voice needled her. “When are you planning to tell him, El?”
“As soon as this is over.” If she’d thought for a moment Daniel would allow her to continue with their plan in her condition, she’d have already told him about his impending fatherhood. “You know he’d take me back if he knew. I can’t let him do that. We’re so close.” Her fingers tightened around the rail. Ellie leaned over and twisted her head toward Nelson, drawing his gaze. She needed him to see the sincerity in her eyes, to understand how much this mattered to her. “As soon as he’s dead. I swear, Nelson.”
He faced Ellie, folding his arms over his chest. “And what of me? What do you expect me to do?” At her confused look, he continued. “It was one thing to ask me to stand by while you sacrificed yourself for the sake of retribution, for a vengeance that won’t return your father to you, and despite what you think won’t fill the emptiness created by his absence. But now you risk an innocent as well.”
Ellie bristled. “Sacrifice myself? Doesn’t that assume failure?” Her eyes hardened. “I have no intention of failing.”
Nelson threw his hands up. “And what if something does happen to you? Have you even once considered the child’s safety or your own husband’s right to the truth in your fail-proof plan? Lately, I’ve only seen you concern yourself with your own wants, and this troubles me, El. Do you really think your father would be proud of what you do in his name?”
His words doused Ellie with an icy bucket of reality, sending shivers along her arms. She gathered herself and lashed out with the only weapon she had at her disposal, an endless supply of frustrated rage. “We’ll never know what my father thought because that bastard shot him in the back.” Her chest heaved and tears threatened to undo her. “How do you expect me to ignore that?”
“I expect no such thing. I only care what happens to you, even if you don’t. Vengeance, like all things born of darkness, has a price, El. Before you go through with this, make sure it is one you’re willing to pay.”
The warning in his tone vibrated along her spine and let loose a swarm of stinging bees in her stomach. Doubt wove its way into her consciousness like an intricate spider web, capturing her determination with its sticky threads. She stiffened under the assault. “While I appreciate your concerns, I’m quite capable of handling my personal affairs, including when to tell
my
husband about
our
child. You knew my intentions before we sailed. Are you saying now that I no longer have your support?”
Nelson sighed. “You will always have my support, El.”
Even if you feel I’m making a monumental mistake.
She brushed away her uncertainty and put an arm around Nelson’s shoulder, giving him a squeeze that bolstered her as much as she’d meant to reinforce him. “We’ll be all right, I promise.”
Ellie prayed it wasn’t a lie.
***
With the ship docked safely in Gibraltar’s bustling port, Daniel, Ellie—once more in male disguise—and Nelson headed ashore.
Daniel led them through the crowded streets as he went over the final details of their plan. “I don’t expect it to take long for news of our arrival to reach Jashir, especially once we show ourselves at the tavern. His men are known to cavort there, and will be tripping over themselves to tell their boss we’re looking to unload a large shipment of guns.”
He rounded a corner and entered a narrow alleyway. The clapboard sign hanging over a doorway about halfway up the block announced the entrance to
The Slaughtered Lamb
. Hand on the latch, Daniel hesitated and glanced over his shoulder. “Stay close and keep an eye out for trouble.” He pushed the door open.
The sounds of drunken revelry tumbled out of the entrance as the trio stepped in.
Sallow light illuminated the interior of the boisterous tavern, cast by a dozen or so dingy lanterns affixed to the walls. Candles flickered in the centers of the square wooden tables packed with foul-smelling patrons of all shapes and sizes. Serving girls in various states of undress milled about bearing trays of ale and roasted meats.
Daniel found an empty table in the far corner. He caught himself before he pulled out Ellie’s chair. Retracting his hand as if scalded, he selected a chair that left his back to the wall and sat down.
Ellie took the corner chair, with Nelson flanking her left.
A curvy brunette with round, pale breasts that threatened to spill from the top of her tightly cinched corset sauntered toward them. She leaned over, resting her palms on the table, and flashed an impossibly wide smile. “What can I get you gents? Food? Drink?” She nudged Daniel’s arm with her hip. “Or something else, maybe?”
Daniel didn’t miss the invitation, nor did Ellie judging by the way her face reddened. “Three ales will do for now, thanks.”
The tart pouted and traced a nail down his sleeve. “Pity. We don’t get many that look like you around here.” She twirled about and headed toward the bar.
“I think she drooled on the table.” Ellie wrinkled her nose and rubbed at an imaginary wet spot with her sleeve.
“You sure it is hers?” Nelson asked, cracking a wide grin. “Daniel didn’t look repulsed to me.”
What could I possibly want with a woman like that when I have Ellie?
Daniel shook his head. “I’m a married man, Nelson. And stop trying to get me in hot water. I’ve proven able to do that quite well on my own.”
Ellie grunted and folded her arms.
“See?” Daniel said. He watched her stiff form through a fringe of lashes.
Is she jealous?
Heat fluttered through his belly.
Nelson waved a dismissive hand. “You get used to her after a time.”
Ellie pasted on a wounded look. “You, too?”
The smile evaporated from Nelson’s face. “Jashir is coming this way.”
The mention of the man’s name sent a shudder through Daniel.
Ellie sucked in her breath and turned to stone at his left.
Daniel reached beneath the table and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Steady now,” he whispered.
Clad in flowing robes that brushed the ground when he walked, Jashir resembled a giant olive-skinned monk. His dark, almost black eyes bored into Daniel. When he reached them, Jashir pressed long fingers together and inclined his head. “Welcome back to Gibraltar, Mister O’Roarke.”
“Captain O’Roarke now,” Daniel said. “Hello again, Jashir.”
Jashir appeared unimpressed by the change in Daniel’s status. “I was surprised to see you walk in here, but I am elated at my good fortune.”
Daniel quirked a brow. “Why would you consider my presence fortunate?”
Jashir stroked his black goatee. “You did not strike me as dim-witted when we last met, Captain. So you must have something to bargain for your life with.” He flicked his cool gaze to Nelson before settling it on Ellie. “I see you have acquired some new friends.” His eyes narrowed to slits, giving him the appearance of a cobra about to strike. “Familiar friends.” He pointed at Ellie. “I have seen you before. You are the young one who is not as she appears.”
Daniel gaped at Ellie. Why hadn’t she told him she knew Jashir?
“I’m the young one whose father you shot in the back,” Ellie hissed as she launched to her feet, toppling her chair. Before Daniel could react, she bent and reached for her boot, where she always kept her father’s dagger.
The deafening cock of a flintlock pistol froze Ellie’s hand at her calf, mere inches from the blade.
“I do not think that is a wise choice, young lady.” Jashir’s voice dripped with danger.
Ellie moved her hands out to her sides.
Daniel released a rush of held breath. His heart still rammed against his ribcage.
What the hell is she thinking?
“Now pick up your chair and seat yourself before I splatter your lifeblood onto the wall behind you.”
To Daniel’s relief, Ellie did as instructed. She gathered the upended chair from the floor and planted her behind in it, all the while keeping her eyes glued to the pistol in Jashir’s fist.
“You have your father’s eyes,” Jashir said as he tucked the pistol back into the folds of his robe. “And his poor judgment.”
“Can we stay on point?” Daniel asked, drawing Jashir’s attention away from a simmering Ellie. The less interaction the two had, the better things would go.
Jashir gave a slight nod. “Indeed. You and I have some important business to complete, Captain. I trust you have brought my items with you.”
“Aye,” Daniel replied through gritted teeth. “I expect the same price you offered Winters, not a farthing less.” The idea of even pretending to make a deal with Jashir grated on his nerves. But if they were to get close enough to kill him, Daniel needed him to believe they planned to do business with him.
“Agreed.” Jashir waved a ringed hand. “The cost is irrelevant at this point. My employer has already had to wait far too long for this order. I would have this matter concluded. Sooner rather than later.”