Chapter Eight

“You all right, Cap?” Drav questioned.

Pug exhaled heavily before shaking his head. He stared out over the water. This time of night called to him. The sight of the incredible heavens with all the stars. The reflection of the moon of the rippling surface of the ocean. Most of the men were asleep by now, and Mr. Krill had the wheel. Pug could just lose himself in thought.

“You have been here every night since our visitors came aboard.”

Drav had the right of it. “I know. There is something about her, Dravya I do not know how to explain it.”

“We dock tomorrow; perhaps, she would care for some other clothes.”

Pug didn’t want her to leave the ship, fearful she would vanish. She’d managed to avoid him for the most part, yet he always heard her laughter with the children.

“I will take her ashore. Keep the kids aboard and out of sight. We do not need to be attacked because they want a cannon boy.”

“Aye, Cap.”

“Get some sleep, Drav.”

His friend hesitated before disappearing as silently as he’d arrived. Pug gripped the side of his ship and groaned under his breath. Nearly a full week, she’d been onboard, throwing his life into upheaval. He walked his decks for a while before striding to his cabin and falling into bed, frustrated.

The next morning, he woke early and headed for her door to discuss the day. He knocked lightly and smiled at the sight of Jon standing there.

“Morning, Captain.” The boy stood up a bit straighter.

“Jon.” He glanced around. “I need to speak wi—“ His mouth snapped shut when he spied her. She lay on the floor covered by a small towel. “Why is she there?” he demanded.

“She has been sleeping there,” the boy replied, darting in front of him.

Pug wanted to get to her and pick her up. The floor of the ship wasn’t warm.

“Why? Why did she not…” He stopped, knowing it best to ask Sabeen personally. With a deep breath, he tried to calm the fury coursing through his veins. “Take the others to break their fast,” he ordered.

A short time later, the room held only two. Himself and Sabeen. The moment he realized he was lingering over her, he stepped back and cleared his throat. Sabeen went from out to being crouched, a dagger ready for use.

“You are safe, Sabeen. No one will hurt you.” Never again so long as he had a say in it.

The fear and panic that filled those pretty brown eyes of hers made him feel lower than a snake. He’d spent nights—many nights—with that same fear. He backed away and held his hands out, waiting for recognition to sink in.

“Cap’n.”

She recovered quickly, he’d give her that. “Why are you sleeping on the floor? Why only the drying cloth to keep you warm?”

Her eyes widened before she cast another glance about. “The children?”

Pug sighed. He couldn’t be mad, not truly. “Eating. Answer me.”

“Why deny them the bed?” Her statement was accentuated by a shrug. “I am used to it.”

So matter of fact. “Long trip to England. I will have a hammock brought in for you and more blankets. They will fix it while you and I go ashore.”

He wanted to see her unrestrained expressions. The spark in her eyes had him thinking of watching as pleasure raced through her. Would she scream aloud her passion or was she quiet? He bet screamer. And, he longed to find out.

“When do we go?” she asked, bringing his attention back from his sexual romp with her.

“As soon as we dock. The children will be safe; the crew will keep them out of sight. Trust me.”

She reached for her crisscrossed belts and began undoing them. It didn’t take a scholar to see her reluctance to part with them. Still, she put them on a bed and left them. In silence, she made her way to the washbasin and cleaned her face before swiftly rebraiding her hair.

Pug observed the change which fell over her. Another look he recalled from his childhood. Before he met Colin. And Najja. He went to the closet, frowning at the sickly, sweet perfumes on the fabrics, and grabbed a pair of shoes.

“Put these on,” he ordered setting them on a bed.

Sabeen sat on the mattress edge and reached for the half boots. He fixated on her face for any hint of discomfort for he knew she wouldn’t speak any aloud. He would buy her new shoes, as well.

The door opened, and the kids trailed back in with Mac behind them. Pug smiled and quickly explained to Mac about the hammock and blankets. Then, he reached for Sabeen and led her from the cabin. Mr. Krill had already docked them, so he guided her off and into the bustling port city.

“First time here?” he asked as they maneuvered around the milling bodies.

“Yes. It is very aromatic.”

He laughed. “It stinks, luv.”

“Yes,” she amended. “It does.”

“We will not be long.” He liked the feel of her touching him. The press of her palm in his.

They moved farther into the depths and headed for the store he sought. Pushing through the door, he automatically scanned the place. Empty. Good.

“I will be right with you!” A voice called from the back.

A few moments passed before a buxom blonde stepped into view. Her heavily made up face broke into a huge grin as she ran and jumped into his arms.

“Pug!”

“Miranda,” he said, setting her away from him but not before she had kissed him square on the mouth.

“It has been so long. What brings you here? Did you come to whisk me away and make an honest woman of me?”

“I am not the one to do that,” he teased. “I need some more clothes for her.” He gestured to Sabeen.

Miranda looked at her, walking around before reaching out to lift Sabeen’s chin. “She is pretty enough, I suppose. Dresses only or is she on your ship?”

“Ship.”

“She will need more breeches, then, as well. I have some things which will fit her. Give me a minute.” Miranda left.

Pug stared at Sabeen, who stood as still as a statue. About as cool as one, too. He touched her arm. When she deigned to meet his gaze, he winked. Sabeen just stared back without blushing or anything of the sort.

Miranda returned with numerous packages wrapped in brown paper. Sabeen stepped forward to take them from her, and Miranda turned them over, all the while watching him.

“A word in private, Pug.”

They stepped to the side, and he waited. “What is it, Miranda?”

“It is none of my business who you are with, but if she happens to be from the plantation which just had a revolt, they are looking for her. They claim a slave stole the children and is trying to use them to get away.”

“Who is looking?”

“His Royal Navy.”

He mulled that over. “Thanks, Miranda.”

“Humph. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“What day?”

“When the great rogue Pug fell.”