Chapter Seven

“Captain, it is.” She couldn’t possibly call him by such a personal name.

“I have an empty cabin for you. It may be crowded but—”

“We will be fine, thank you.”

“Let me show you where it is.” He rose and gestured for her to head to the door.

It took a lot of control for her not to reach for a weapon. Having him at her back, extremely unsettling. Relief filled her when she saw the children. They were with a tall, powerful looking black man with tattoos on the left side of his face and weapons all over his body.

“Mr. Krill,” Pug said, moving by her. “We are taking them to England. Been a while since I have been home. They will be in the spare cabin.”

The man nodded before giving her a smile—an unsettling one—then focused back on the children.

“Come, Sabeen. Your children are safe.”

“Are you not pirates?” The question slid free as they made their way to another door, right beside his they’d just vacated.

“No.” He paused. “We may liberate things off others occasionally, but we resent the name pirates. We do not mind women on board and, as with you, do help out damsels in distress.”

Damsel in distress, wasn’t that funny? “May liberate? Occasionally?”

He flashed a grin, which held no repentance, before swinging open the heavy door. She stepped in and gazed about. Two beds, one on each side of the room. There wasn’t much else other than basic necessities.

“Thank you.”

He strode to another door and opened it. The sunlight streamed over vibrant hues of silks and satins. “You may find something your size here.”

Her fingers itched to touch them. “A lot of dresses. Will the woman who stays here be upset by us in here as well?”

A slight flush tinged his cheeks. “Women come and go here.”

She understood. Her desire to touch the dresses having faded along with his explanation. She had no wish to dress as any man’s whore. “I will keep the children out of—“

“Nonsense. Good for them to learn how things are done on a ship.”

“I have no wish to be a problem or distraction.”

Pug made his way to the door and stood in the sunlight. “Distractions like you, Sabeen, are more than welcome on my ship.” A wink, and he vanished, leaving her alone.

Blowing out a long breath, she sat on one of the beds. Exhaustion ruled her as she’d been barely resting for the past three days since the revolt began. The idea of having some actual rest sounded like heaven.

The door banged open, admitting the kids who all chattered away at once.

“We are on a real pirate ship,” Jon said as he closed the door.

They all gathered around her.

“Mr. Krill said he would teach us how to sail.” Jon bounced along with his announcement.

It nearly broke her heart to see the excitement in all their gazes. Especially Jon, Olivia, and Ester. They’d had so few opportunities to be so joyful. She wouldn’t begrudge them their bit of happiness, for who knew what would happen in England.

“Do not cause them problems. We should stay out of their way,” Sabeen said.

“Evens me?” Stephen piped up.

Bussing his cheek, she drew him onto her lap. “Especially you, little one.”

Hollering had her tensing and standing ready in front of the children before the door burst open. Pug’s dark hair gleamed in the light as he flashed a grin. “Stay out of sight.” Then, he was gone.

“Is something going on?” Crissy asked.

“I do not know. But, we will stay here until they say otherwise.” Lord, she was exhausted. “Boys on one bed, girls the other. Pick your bed, and we will get them made.” By the time they’d argued over where to sleep and had their blankets in place, the door swung wide once more. Her fingers had curled instinctively around her sword’s handle, but she didn’t draw.

Mr. Krill stood there. “We will be leaving with the tide. Cap’n has requested you stay here until we have done so.” He backed away, and the door closed out the setting sun.

Unease slithered up her spine yet she controlled it. If she couldn’t trust these men, why was she risking the children? It would be all right. Somehow.

The children crowded around the window. Content they were entertained, she sat on a bed and closed her eyes, smiling as they oohed and ahhed when the ship began moving. She hovered on the cusp of slumber when someone knocked.

Crissy beat her and opened the door with a wide smile and Stephen at her side. “Hello!”

Sabeen needed to talk to her about that.

“Miss Crissy, Mr. Stephen,” the man said. “Cap’n says it be all right for you to be on deck now.”

That’s all he had to say for all five kids thundered by him. And, they were left alone. Sabeen recognized him; normally, he was with Pug…the captain.

“Can I get you anything, miss?”

“My name is Sabeen.”

Dark eyes scanned her from head to toe. “Dravya. Most call me Drav.”

He stood a slight bit shorter than her, but his body was full of wiry muscles. She smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Drav. Is there a place I could—“ She shook her head. “Never mind. Perhaps I could help with cooking.”

“No need. You and your kids are guests aboard.”

So many questions raced through her mind, but she kept them in and to herself. “Is he busy or may I speak to him?”

“He is at the helm, and I am sure he would love your company.”

Drav gestured, and she followed him up on to the deck. Men bustled around, most barefoot as was she. Warm air blew around her, and she peered over her shoulder to witness the island growing smaller.

“This way.”

Drav led her across a spotless deck and up some stairs. She saw Pug the moment she crested the top step. He stood at the wheel, large hands handling it with ease. The wind seemed to caress him, ruffling his dark hair and fluttering the open white linen of his shirt. Her heart did its own bit of fluttering when he turned his head and grinned at her. Drav chuckled before leaving her alone.

“Scared, Sabeen?” Pug hollered to her.

With a shake of her head, she approached him. Hands clasped before her, she asked, “Am I disturbing you?”

“Not at all, luv. Something on your mind?” He reached out with one arm and drew her to stand between him and the wheel. “Hands on,” he muttered.

Sabeen could hardly focus on his command. Having his warm heat behind her muddled her thoughts. Pug put her hands where he wanted them.

“Hold the course. A word of advice, she is extremely responsive, so no need for big movements. She works best with a gentle touch.” His breath skimmed along her ear and neck.

Her muscles bunched and strained when he released the wheel totally to her. No wonder he seemed so strong, holding her steady took more than she’d thought.

“What did you need? Not that I mind a beautiful woman seeking my company.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” The smooth wood beneath her hands was an empowering sensation. She flexed her grip and resettled her stance, feet a bit wider apart.

“Have you ever been a guest, Sabeen? Where nothing is required of you?”

“You know I have not.” Her hands tightened. “I have not lived a privileged life as the son of an earl.”

Pug stepped closer, sliding his arms along her sides as he, too, gripped the wheel. “I am well aware you are no son of anything. My life was not all fun, Sabeen. You would be surprised.”

“Aye.” Somehow, she truly doubted that. “If I can help, let me know. I am pretty fair in a kitchen.” It took a lot for her to release the wheel for she had no wish to do so. Once she’d managed that feat, she ducked his arm and hastened to the steps where she paused and glanced back at him.

“Anytime you wish, luv, come steer my ship.” Pug winked as he spoke.

She returned to the cabin, waving at the kids. “He is a rogue,” she said to the empty room. “Flirting is as breathing.”

Taking advantage of being alone, she cleaned up a bit and felt immensely better. Right up until Crissy burst in, grinning from ear to ear, and saying, “Cap’n wants to eat with us!”