Chapter Twelve

Pug listened and smiled at Sabeen’s question. While thrilled she had relaxed a bit to talk with his crew, he wanted her to talk to him like that. He was very pleased by her interest in the ship.

“Still determined to make me a pirate?” he asked, approaching the trio.

Sabeen jumped slightly while the others didn’t, letting him know the other two had been aware of his presence. He moved beside her, leaving a tiny space between their arms. Tilting his head, he stared at her.

“Cautious,” she replied.

“Would a pirate be so kind?”

She met his gaze. “I have never met a pirate before, so I cannot say. If, however, you are, in fact, a pirate then, yes, a pirate would be so kind.”

“Walk with me,” he ordered.

“Thank you, gentlemen, for the knowledge.” She rested her hand on the sword’s hilt. “Where to?”

He began walking the deck. She’d bathed, and he could smell his soap on her. He liked her smelling like him. He had to bite his tongue until he grabbed control of his urge to kiss her again. The setting sun sent a warm glow to her freshly scrubbed skin. It also bounced off her thick hair. His palms itched to free it and sink his fingers into its depths.

“We are merchants. Privateers.”

“Is not a privateer a pirate in league with the government?”

He shrugged unrepentantly. “No need to quibble.”

Her laughter burst free and brought a smile to his face. “So, you are that which best benefits your situation at the time.”

“Exactly.”

They stood there along the rail until darkness overtook the skies.

“Good night, Cap’n. Thank you for giving my children something to laugh about.”

He reached out, hesitated before actually making contact with her cheek, and twirled a loose piece of hair around his finger. It would be nothing more than a lie to say he didn’t want to feel it sliding across his skin.

“Good night, Sabeen.” He lowered his hand and watched her walk away. “Yes, Drav?” He turned and found the man who’d been with him for almost as long as he’d been on the seas.

“This woman, she means something to you.”

Pug crossed his arms and gave a dismissive snort then his mouth grew dry. “I am just taking her to England.”

“We all see how you watch her.”

“And?”

“She is not like the others who have been here on this ship.”

He knew that. He knew that. “Do you have a problem with her?”

“I like her. I am concerned about you.”

“Why? The ship veered. He instinctively shifted his weight and glanced up to Mr. Krill at the wheel. The wind picked up, and he inhaled deeply. A storm was brewing.

“You are the son of an earl.”

Pug smiled wryly. “I am well aware of who my father is, Drav. Trust me. I will not force her into anything.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” He strode away.

Pug wasn’t offended. Drav meant well. Also, the man was correct in his assessment. It was more than mere lust that coursed through his veins for her. More than his childhood infatuation he’d had for Jo Adrys, the woman who’d married his father’s best friend, Viscount Wilkes. For a while, he’d believed his life over. Now, this woman who cared little for herself, who aggressively and passionately defended five children who weren’t hers, was creating a maelstrom of emotion within him. Mostly possessive emotions.

***

As the weeks passed, seeing Sabeen each day only amplified the feelings he felt for her. All of them had fit in well, the children actually argued about who was better at swabbing decks. Only a few storms had crossed their path, so the journey, in that regard, had been uneventful.

Along with sewing, Sabeen also pitched in around the ship. Earlier today, he’d watched her assist in emptying the bilge hold whilst singing a pumping shanty with the others. Now, as he stood at the helm, he observed her on the bow sparring with Tao, the five youngsters looking on as was most of his crew.

“She is good.”

Mikahil stood beside him, his pale blond hair, peeking out from beneath the blue cloth on his head, agleam in the sun. The Russian had been part of his crew for the past two years. Big. Stalwart. And a man Pug genuinely liked.

“Aye, she is that.”

She had skills that had been good at the start but were vastly approved.

“A fast learner.”

Somewhere within him—a place he didn’t wish to acknowledge—stirred a spark of jealousy at the admiration in Mikahil’s tone. Pug shoved it into a dark corner and stared at her, his analytical mind breaking it down. Posture—excellent. Footwork—good. Strength—good. Instinct—excellent. Problem—some demon rode her back and messed up her concentration. He could see it during longer sessions.

“Is she married?”

It took a lot for Pug to retain his snappy retort. This jealousy didn’t only make zero sense, but it also grew with the strength and speed of the storms they oft times faced at sea.

“I have not inquired. She has not mentioned a husband to me.” He forced himself to breathe easily and remain relaxed.

Mikahil grunted and proceeded closer to where Sabeen worked with Tao. Pug wanted to be there. Wanted the others gone. Wanted to wind his hands in her hair and kiss her again. That brief peck he gave her shouldn’t have even registered as a kiss, however, it not only had, but it also haunted him. Awake or asleep, it made no difference. The memory of the feel of her soft lips beneath his had him hardening within his breeches and craving to explore her so much more.

He ate alone that night, disgusted with how swiftly his control eroded when it came to Sabeen. Finishing his apple, he left his cabin and strolled on deck. With a nod to Mr. Krill, he moved toward the bow. The moon, nearly full, shone brilliantly from the cloudless sky.

He felt her presence prior to physically seeing her. She had this way of making his skin tingle, as if it had come alive. He tossed the core overboard and spied her leaning against the starboard rail. As he stood there, she pushed away, drew her sword, and began practicing again. Even from here, he could sense her frustration.

“You need to let go of your demons,” he said.