Romancing the Pirate 01 - Blood and Treasure (3 page)

She smiled. “Thank you.”

His dirty face lit up and he smiled back.

“Come, Jason!” Henri called.

Jason frowned, averted his brown eyes downward and scurried out the door.

As Henri bolted the lock, Lianna’s smile also faded. Her condition had become quite dire and ever peculiar. By all accounts, she should be dead. Not standing in the middle of a pirate’s ship in a room fit for a queen and holding a gown far better than the shabby, sopping wet dress she wore. She laid the dress on the bed and sat.

She reached down her bodice and pulled out the cause of her current bane. The medallion, made of pure gold, hung from a glittering chain. She let it hang. It twirled around; the light from the nearby lantern glinted off the golden surface. Taking the ornament in her hand, she further inspected it. A roughly drawn snake had been cast into the precious metal. She rubbed her thumb across the face before flipping it over to the strange symbols and inscription written in what she thought to be Latin. How unfortunate that she couldn’t read a word.

What in the world did everyone want with this pendant? She was certain she couldn’t possibly know. More important, how did she manage to let this happen? She huffed, angry at herself for not fighting off Basile in the beginning. Or maybe she wouldn’t be sitting here had she tried harder to escape her captor.

Lianna’s mind drifted to the captain. He had been dressed as a gentleman, wearing black breeches, a white linen shirt and, before he shed it in their escape, a fine black damask waistcoat. Indeed, he looked as if he’d just been to a social ball. His long black locks had been tied with a white ribbon and his angular face cleanly shaven. He wore a gold hoop earring in each ear. Aye, she found him very fine looking, very fine looking indeed. She should like very much to be swept away from her miserable existence by such a handsome man, except for the annoying fact that he was a pirate. But those eyes, those eyes seemed to sear through to her very core. She shivered.

He’s a man, Lianna, and all men are rancorous wretches.

Her focus returned to the necklace. She didn’t know what was to become of her. But as long as she had The Serpent in her possession, it would keep her alive. At least, she hoped, for a little while longer.

CHAPTER 2

Commodore Bennington stood on the dock, his jaw gnashing his teeth. He watched the silhouette of Zane Fox’s brig slip away from the Nassau coastline into the black sea.

“Sir?” Lieutenant Trent stood just behind him waiting for orders.

The crease between Bennington’s eyes deepened as he tried to rub away the headache that pounded like a relentless drum roll. “Prepare to set sail.”

“We’re going after Zane Fox? But he doesn’t have the medallion.”

Bennington gave a long sigh. Whom had he displeased to be so fortunate as to be surrounded by imbeciles? “He has the wench. Therefore, he has the medallion.”

“How can you be sure?”

“The Frenchman knew his time was up, so he gave the medallion to the maid. Why else would Zane Fox capture the girl? It isn’t as if he could garner a ransom for someone so worthless, could he, Trent?”

“Well, no, I suppose not.” Trent shuffled insecurely. “But Commodore, the
Rissa
, she’s fast. Too fast for us to catch.”

Craning his neck to crack the tension, Bennington closed his eyes. Just once, he would like to not be reminded that he had yet to catch Zane Fox and the
Rissa
. He had been chasing that cross-grained pirate for two years. And for two years, he had been outfoxed, as it were.

“We don’t need to catch her. We just need to follow her until we can attack. Now, Lieutenant Trent, if you are done questioning me with your insipid conjectures, prepare to set sail.”

Trent stiffened his back. “Yes, sir.” He saluted and turned on his heel.

The pirate ship faded from view. This would be Bennington’s last chance. If he did not return to Governor Wilcox with the medallion and if the Governor found out that it had fallen into Zane Fox’s hands, Bennington would certainly be hanged for failure of duty. And he wasn’t about to let that happen. He’d rather swallow hot grapeshot than be made a spectacle for the verminous masses.

*****

“Stay the course for Tortuga.” Zane moved away from the helm when Henri returned from depositing the woman in her room.

“Capt’n, about the lass…” Henri stepped onto a box so he could maneuver the wheel at a comfortable height.

“Enough, Henri. We’ve had a woman on board this ship before.”

“Aye, but she was different. This puss shouldn’t be here. She’ll bring bad luck down upon our heads. We take what we need, that’s what we do, and throw her overboard.” The little man became rigid as he realized all but too late what he had said. “I didn’t mean…”

Zane raised his palm. He would hear no more.

Henri was a brilliant, loyal pilot and friend. Gruff he was, especially when one mentioned his height, but the kind of man you wanted at your back. He had once saved Zane’s hide in a battle some years ago, dragging his young, wounded body to safety during a raid in a long forgotten seaside town. Zane returned the favor on many occasions since. However, Henri had a peevish habit of assuming Zane’s role and undermining his decisions. Intolerable.

Zane crossed his arms with impatience. “Are you telling me how to carry out my charge? Have you forgotten the laws of my ship?”

“No, Capt’n.”

“If you have any more insolent ideas, I’ll throw
you
overboard. Do we have an understanding?”

Henri nodded once. “Aye, Capt’n.”

He would never do such a thing to the old fool. But no one told Zane how to handle his affairs. Least of all friends.

“Willie will be topside when the bells are made at first watch. You’ll be relieved of the helm then.”

Zane left Henri at the wheel and walked to the stern where Blade joined him. Resting their arms on the railing, they listened to the waves break as the
Rissa
sailed through the black water. The faint wind guided the brig through the abysmal sea. The sea, Zane knew, was fickle. She could see a man’s way safely across the world or open up to swallow him whole. He had always found her alluring, no matter her tempestuous behavior.

Blade broke the silence. “Bennington will not be far behind.”

“No.”

“We’ll have to engage him.”

“Aye.” Zane smiled, though in the dark, he doubted his friend could see his mirth.

“The medallion?”

“I shouldn’t have any trouble getting it from the wench.”

“Ah, but I hope that you do, brother.” Now it was Blade who smiled.

“Oh?”

“Then I should have a shot at the task. She is a lovely chit.”

“Ha!” Zane faced his friend. “Do you ever think of anything other than chasing a petticoat?”

“Sure. Well, uh, no.”

Zane laughed, clapping Blade’s shoulder. “Well, I’m quite sure I can handle this bonny myself.”

In fact, it was time to pay his guest a visit. He wagered she had been given enough time to clean and dress.

Blade called after him. “Should you need my help—

“I won’t.”

The little lady had impressed Zane with her mettle. Most women would be begging for his mercy in fear of losing their virtue and life. This woman risked certain death by defying a ship full of soulless rogues. High born she wasn’t, but she carried herself as such. Peculiar lass. She intrigued him by her beauty as well as her strength. Her long cascading hair reminded him of the color of a newborn fawn. Full pouty lips enhanced her button nose. Standing up on deck earlier, looking more like a wet cat than a woman, he had found her irresistible. That waterlogged dress had accentuated every ample curve and dip of her body. Even by the dim light of the moon, he desired to stroke her glistening skin and prove she was indeed softer than Asian silk. His own body stirred whilst he fancied touching that skin.

His mood lightened. He should think to follow Blade’s lead and take more than just The Serpent.

*****

With the knock at the door, Lianna stuffed the medallion back down her bodice.

The bolt slid back. “Are you decent?” the captain called as he strode inside. “Och, now. Why are you still in those wet clothes?”

Lianna popped up to her feet. The nerve of him barging in as if to catch her in the middle of her undress. “I shan’t put on a frock that undoubtedly was plucked from another.”

“Careful, my lady. It sounds as if you are calling me a thief.”

“So this is yours?” She held up the simple rose gown trimmed in a white cord. Looking at the soft, delicate texture then casting a wry glance to the captain, she quipped, “I wouldn’t think it to fit your measurement.” There she went again, taunting a devil. Her sauce had gotten her in much trouble on countless occasions. Most of the time her flippancy went clean over any wastrel’s head. But ever so often, she had been put in her place, usually in a disagreeable manner. Would she ever learn?

“’Tis not my color.” He stepped in close, peering down at her breasts. The edge of his mouth quivered into something of a smirk.

Lianna stood very still as he crossed behind her, gooseflesh crept down her spine. She said nothing lest she should anger him further, not forgetting him to be dangerous. “You will present yourself to me washed and dressed by a quarter past the hour.” His voice was low, menacing. “If you do not oblige me, I will see fit to have you stripped and lashed above deck for my men’s enjoyment.”

No bargaining with that. The submission burned in her gut but she bowed her head ever so slightly. “As you wish, sir.” If he heard the anger laced in her words, he made no sign of it before leaving her cabin.

Another curse tumbled from her lips. Infuriated, she would do as he bade. The dress was a little long but otherwise fit her snugly. She struggled with the tangles in her hair using the silver brush. The bristles were so soft she found it difficult to free the knots. It felt strange and intrusive using the brush that belonged to another woman, a woman whose room she now occupied. What had become of her? Where was she now?

Pulling her hair off her neck the best she could, she determined to replace the medallion upon her person down in her tight bodice. She needed to know more about the pendant if she were to escape with her life. But how? This would take a bit more consideration.

She sighed as the keys rattled and her door opened.

Jason stuck his head in, his eyes to the floor. “Capt’n is expecting you, ma’am.”

“Yes, I suppose he is,” she said disparagingly. She opened the door wide to receive him.

“Are you to be my escort?”

“Escort?” The boy lifted his head.

Lianna smiled. An overwhelming maternal urge to protect him centered within her. A child at such a tender age shouldn’t be among killers and thieves. “A lady needs an escort in the company of men. You are a tough looking young man and I should be honored to be accompanied by such.” She curtsied.

Jason’s cheeks colored crimson as he shyly took her by the elbow. “Yes, ma’am. This way, ma’am.” Shoulders back and chin high, he led her into the hall to the adjacent captain’s chambers.

To her surprise, the captain stood at a table that had been laid with porcelain plates, a fat pheasant and bowls of fruit. She swallowed hard for she had never seen such a delicious piece of meat, and she did not mean the bird. The captain appeared relaxed in fresh clothes. His hair hung in curly waves down past his shoulders. Trousers fit low around his hips and his thighs strained against the canvas. With his tunic unlaced, she caught sight of a tattoo on his exposed chest, a striking phoenix, she noted. Even through his loosened clothing, she could see muscles sculpted to perfection. And those eyes, those blue eyes seemed to assault her.

“Let us properly introduce ourselves. My name is Captain Zane Fox.” He bowed.

His name suited him, a devious, insistent man.

“Lianna Whitney.” She made no move to extend her hand.

“Sit.” He pulled out a chair. “I must apologize. I didn’t have time to obtain wine for this voyage. I can only offer you a bit of brew.” He motioned for Jason to pour the cups with ale as the captain took his seat.

Captain Fox leaned back, eyebrows up, watching her swallow her ale in one quick gulp. She held up her glass for Jason to refill. The cabin boy looked to him for approval.

“You amuse me. A common girl…” He twirled his hand and nodded to the boy to pour her cup, “With royal haughtiness.”

He paused, taking more time than respectable to admire her wares. “You look quite fetching now that you are out of those stained damp rags and in this pretty gown. It affords me a better look at your chest.” His gaze turned glassy, unfocused. “Hmm. Breasts, they’re what makes this world worthwhile.”

She mustered up a droll look.
Oh, sweet merciful heaven
.

Clearing his throat with a grin, he said, “Well, Miss Whitney. I hope you approve of your accommodations.”

“Quite nice.” She glared at him as she took another sip. “Tell me, Captain Fox. How is it that your ship has comforts such as in a palace?”

He shrugged. “Lucrative bartering. After all, a man’s home
is
his palace.”

“Ah, yes.” She toyed with her cup. “Pirates and kings, one in the same. They take what they want delivering tyranny and death over those whom they conquer.”

His humor faded from his face. “Watch your tongue, Madame. I will not suffer your indignation.” Softening, he said, “Let us eat.” He sawed his meat, shoveling the food into his mouth.

Lianna sat with her hands in her lap. The food smelled delicious, the meat braised perfectly, the fruit shined bright and colorful with freshness. Such a feast for a pirate.