Categories > Original > Romance > TAKEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
A strange hush fell over the island as word of what I had done spread. Walks Softly assigned himself as my guard, while Etienne began loading his two ships. Through my fog I realized that did not indicate coincidence. Plans had gone into action.
I went up to my room with my two trusted companions, numb now the rage had spent. The cat had proven his loyalty this day. In the animal I treated with kindness, I had made a faithful friend. Walks Softly had requested a tray brought up for us as I had not eaten. When it came, I forced myself to chew what he fed me. I needed to stay strong. Gato paced and hissed for some time before settling down to watch me with those intelligent eyes.
Walks Softly rose when a soft knock came at the door. He opened it a bit, then admitted my brother. Christopher rushed to my side.
“My God, Lili!” He put his arm around me as he sat down on the bed’s edge beside me. “Forgive me. I talked Eza into spending a night in her family’s vacant cottage yesternight. We only just returned.”
Hearing that explained why I had not seen her again after my bath the morrow previous. “There wasn’t anything you might have done, aside from complicating the circumstances with a duel.”
“By God I shall!” he declared, tone hot and cold in one.
“No more mention of that deity. This has become the Devil’s playground,” I responded.
“I’ll kill him for this, make no mistake. You saved his life, the ungrateful philandering wretch.”
I shook my head. “I forbid you to act in my stead.”
He swore under his breath. “He must be made to pay.”
“He is,” Walks Softly said. “He drowns in his own poison.”
“Not good enough. Although, I shall respect your wishes. For the moment.” Christopher stood. “I am going to see Eza to the Folly. Gamboa may intend to make sail as soon as tonight.” He squeezed my shoulder, then addressed the other man. “Do not leave her side.”
Walks Softly inclined his head.
I kept hearing James’ words in my head. You should run away from me. I gazed at Walks Softly. “James is trying to push me away.”
“Yes.”
“He doesn’t want anything else to lose.”
“You’re wise, Lili. And very brave. I wonder if you are strong enough to leave him.”
Tears threatened again, then as quickly came righteous fury. “Damn James Garrett!” I jumped up and stalked to the window. I stared at the darkening sky. This time I did not think a storm would pass us again without event. “He can board a ship filled with professional soldiers out to kill him. Yet he cannot take a chance with his heart.”
“He has slipped beyond my reach.”
The afternoon progressed under that strained, unnatural hush. Perhaps three hours after midday, the dark clouds crowded the sky, burst and rained down water in torrents. Lightening flashed over the ocean and thunder growled above us like a mythical beast hunting the heavens. Gato slumbered heavily, at times paws and whiskers twitching. Walks Softly sent a runner to discovers James’ whereabouts and current activities. The boy returned with news I found disconcerting and comforting at once. He remained at the tavern, drinking heavily and by the boy’s reckoning ’scowling something ferocious’. However, he had sent everyone save the owner flying from the place with a bellowed command and remained without female company.
I pulled a chair next to the window and sat for long hours considering everything that had happened to me, the things that had passed between James and I. My mind lingered over the earliest events: the first time I saw him towering in that cabin doorway, standing on the beach fresh from his swim, that day at the falls when I’d waded out with my garments transparent from the water, that vulnerable, intimate lovemaking at his office the day after Teach arrived.
A knock at the portal startled me back to the present. Walks Softly answered, admitted a very wet Etienne.
“How is she?” I heard the Frenchman whisper. Walks Softly whispered something in Algonquin. Behind the locked door, with only my eyes to see, they indulged in a very rare show of relationship outside their private haven. Etienne slid his hand under his lover’s thick inky hair and pulled him close to briefly taste his mouth. Walks Softly then divested Etienne of his drenched shirt and gave his own in exchange.
Etienne chuckled, husky and intimate. “The very shirt off your back, mon amour?”
A stab of jealousy pierced me, then faded to leave a dull ache. How easily and completely they loved. Sharing each other’s lives, fighting at each other’s backs. I thought I had developed that with James. Now, I sat riven with loss and sadness, contemplating the beauty of what he had tossed aside.
Etienne came over to kneel beside me. “I am very sorry to have missed your visit to the tavern, cher. That must have truly been a sight.”
I heard the admiration in his voice. “I must confess, I did not pause to think it through.”
He smiled, lifted my hand and kissed the palm. “Mr. Levit, though much chagrined at his role in the drama, cannot stop singing your praises. He made so bold as to criticize the captain for maltreating so worthy a woman. The man whose sword you took called you an avenging angel.”
Rather than feel pride, a little shame bloomed in me. “It’s downstairs in the foyer. Would you return it to him, please?”
“Ah, Lili. You are a treasure. Taking a sword to threaten the life of any female foolish enough to infringe on your territory, yet ladylike enough to follow good form in returning it.” He pressed a harder longer kiss to my palm and rose. “I await your word if you wish to sail.”
I couldn’t help but watch as they kissed again in farewell. Walks Softly’s bare chest proved too much a temptation, and Etienne’s hands moved over it with obvious pleasure. Though brief, the quick heat that flared from the interlude spoke volumes about their sexual relationship. I had lost that as well.
Etienne departed. Walks Softly shut the door and turned the key.
“It is a shame,” I said, “the two of you must hide your love. It is beautiful.”
“It is the way of the world.”
“Help me understand,” I whispered, attacked by sudden tears, “how you lost the same as he. Yet your heart remains so open and clear.”
He came over, moving me from the chair, seating himself and drawing me into his lap. “I felt the same terrible hatred and fire for revenge. When Etienne came along, I reacted like James. Then, I realized I’d rather risk losing, than never have.” He held me tighter to him. “I am a different man, Lili. My ways are not his.”
Mayhaps I should leave, but tell James I would hold him in my heart until the day arrived when he could love me in return. Then again, if I departed, I might never see him again. I laid my head against my friend‘s strong shoulder, for the moment too drained to do anything else.
#
Very early the next morning, a powerful pounding knock brought Walks Softly leaping from the bed. I’d slept between them, cocooned by their warmth and comfort. Etienne rose as well as the indian opened the door and my brother stepped inside.
His words fell like ax blows. “Garrett has bet and lost Lili to Gamboa at dice.”
“What!” I scrambled out of the bed. Even in his agitated state, I saw Christopher’s British starch react to realizing I had passed the night in bed with two men. The fact we all remained clothed seemed to register a little more slowly.
My brother said, “Some time in the night, Gamboa went to see him and Garrett challenged him to dice. The tavern keeper overheard the conversation. Gamboa told him he only had one thing in his possession he’d play for. Garrett agreed to put Lili up as wager. They played best out of ten and were tied until the end. Then Garrett lost.”
I became aware of Walks Softly and Etienne methodically taking up their discarded weapons and arming themselves. “Surely Gamboa will not hold him to it.” He had seemed different to me. Not the type to consider me property.
Voice heavy, my brother replied, “This is a man’s world, Lili. And in this part of it, given their professions, Gamboa would be well within his rights.” He met the other mens’ gazes. “Gamboa makes ready to sail. Garrett remains at the tavern.”
“Stay with her, “ Walks Softly said to my brother.
I had bathed last night, so I’d only to change and attend brief ablutions. Without wasting another moment, I grabbed up what I needed and rushed into the little bathing chamber to ready myself. When I emerged, only Christopher remained.
“Gato.” I headed for the door, the cat falling in beside me.
He moved to stop me. I turned away his grasp using the tactics my indian friend taught me. “I have more right than anyone to go down there.”
Christopher did not repeat his attempt to physically stop me. He nonetheless kept up a litany of verbal dissuasion as we saddled horses and rode down to the town. A small crowd had begun to mill in the square. I felt certain Walks Softly was inside. Etienne stood at the door, pose clearly indicating he acted as guard. I dismounted, tethered the gelding and approached with Gato at my side.
“They are arguing,” Etienne stated.
“I can hear that, “ I replied. The shouting continued in Algonquin, first Walks Softly, then James.
Etienne translated softly, “Walks Softly is telling him to speak to Gamboa to undo the wager. James says it is a point of honor and he will not.”
“I know which voice is which, just give me the words.” I heard the indian.
“I disagreed with this from the start. There’s no honor at all in the way you’ve treated her. Reasoning with Gamboa and substituting a wager is the only honorable thing to do.” Etienne paused as James responded. “It’s done. Speak no more of it.” Another pause. “If you refuse to speak to Gamboa, then I shall. I will not allow her traded off as a prize.” James ‘s voice lowered to an ugly, wrathful hush. A startled look flashed across Etienne’s face, then his brows lowered and a muscle danced along his lean jaw. “You wish to have her in bed with you and the Frenchman.”
For the first time, the immense personal insult slammed home in me. James had used me as collateral on a game of chance. Used me. “I’ve heard enough.”
Etienne did not attempt to halt me as I shoved open the door and entered. James sat at the same table as yesterday, unshaven, shirt unlaced. He leaned back in the chair, booted feet propped on the table beside his pistols, in a pose of pure arrogance. Plainly, my loss came at no consequence to him.
Walks Softly’s eyes blazed as he glanced at me. To James he spoke in a tone I had never heard him use. Low and brutal. “She saved your life. What is that worth?”
James’ spirit-sheened gaze moved over me in a crude assessing manner. “What any good courtesan would have earned in this time as a vessel for my lust. I’ll be glad to send her off with the gold I would have spent in a high quality brothel.”
Something seething and cold unfurled in my chest. Icy tendrils of it snaked through my body, sunk sharp claws into my brain. I stepped forward, snatched up one of the pistols and leveled it at his chest.
James grasped his shirt at the open vee and jerked it wide, baring himself to the shot. Our time together flashed behind my eyes. I could smell the frangipani he had laid at my feet that day as I slept.
I squeezed the trigger.
“Lili, no!”
The roar of the pistol reverberated unnaturally loud in the enclosed space. Walks Softly suddenly struck me, unbalancing me as the weapon bucked in my grasp and acrid smoke billowed.
As if by magic, Etienne and Christopher appeared between me and Walks Softly as he intercepted a slowly rising James. Under Etienne’s arm I saw the spreading swath of blood on James’ upper chest.
He staggered, yet fought Walks Softly, straining to get to me. “I’ll kill her! You’d better get that bitch off my island or I’ll slit her throat!” He gave a snarling growl, his pale eyes meeting mine, wild as a wolf’s. “Get that fucking bitch off my island!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Etienne and Christopher had to drag me toward the door. As soon as James threatened me and called me a bitch, icy anger became volcanic rage. “You cold-blooded, black-souled bastard!” I twisted and tried to shove my way back to James. “Don’t you dare fucking threaten me! I just shot you with your own pistol! I’ll finish the job with the other!”
I heard Walks Softly shouting. Gato growled and swatted at the men trying to haul me from the scene of battle. The indian had James stretched out on a table, frantically working on him.
As Etienne got me outside I yelled, “I’m glad I didn’t hit your heart! It wouldn’t have wounded you!” I twisted from his grasp, finally able to recall my training.
Christopher barked orders to someone, then Etienne did the same to several members of his crew. Gamboa came ashore in a wooden longboat and I felt the Frenchman tense. As Gamboa approached, Etienne said, “Walks Softly and I shall pay you for the wager. But we will not allow you to claim her.”
Gamboa held up a glove-encased hand. “I never intended to. She is free and welcome to sail with me. I did it only to prove he would risk her.” He spoke to me then. “I wanted you to know he would not love you.”
“I shot the doubley damned git!” With great satisfaction, I shoved the pistol into my belt. Turning to Christopher, I said, “Is the offer of financial backing still good?“
“Of course.“
“Go in with me and turn pirate. You can marry Eza and make yourself independent of Father. No heirs to make, no insipid heiress to breed them upon. I shall make us rich as kings.“
His dark eyes studied me. I could tell he’d done some thinking since our argument. If he loved her and he wanted her for his own, this avenue of escape might prove the best way out for him. “I believe you will. Aye, Lili. I am with you.”
I broke from Eteinne’s hold, rolled a barrel out onto the common and climbed atop. Standing straight, I addressed the swelling crowd of sailors and townspeople. “Your captain’s goal is met. He might never return to the sea and he lies wounded in that tavern for trying to treat me like property. Those of you with families cannot give up your homes. But if you are free and wish to acquire more wealth than you’ve ever dreamed, sign with me. I am female and of noble birth.” I pointed at the tavern. “I also brought down your captain. I went into battle with you, helped tend the wounded. You know me.” A thrill for what might come raced through me. I hoped they could feel the vibration. “Women are welcome to come and learn the trade.” I paused, knowing the shock value of what I would reveal next. “I intend to take the Vengeance.” A ripple of surprised outburst swelled then quieted as I spoke again. “I stand for captain. Take a chance. You won’t regret it.” I let my gaze move about, meeting that of others, willing them to believe. “We depart on the tide.”
I hopped down and was met at once by Mr. Levit and Mr. Street. Levit stepped into my path. “I cannot fault what you did. But we cannot allow you to waltz off with the captain’s ship.”
I sensed more than heard the three males at my back, hands on sword hilts. “I admire your loyalty in the face of so much evidence it is misplaced,” I replied.
To which he answered, “Mayhaps. All the same, we cannot. So hit us over the head and tie us up somewhere.”
Mr. Street, a quiet, scarred veteran I respected very much said, “I choose to follow her.”
From behind me, Gamboa spoke. “The island where I stopped to collect a debt, its owner will allow us to lay in whatever supplies we lack.”
Thinking fast, I added, “I want to put into a yard somewhere and have the ship renamed and painted.”
“Tortuga,” Christopher offered.
Ideas formed faster than I could separate them. I turned. A pair of litter bearers emerged carrying James from the tavern. I saw Walks Softly had stripped off James’ shirt to staunch the flow of blood. A curious detachment made me liken him to wreckage, debris left in the wake of our ruined affair. Part of me knew I would collapse later, behind closed doors. For the moment, I seemed to function under the influence of the demons Rage and Revenge.
Walks Softly emerged, blood splattered and fairly vibrating with emotion. “I go with him to the villa.”
Etienne informed him, “Lili intends to take the Vengeance.”
I observed the pain flash in his face. He saw the act for what I did. The coup de gras. Still, he nodded. “Let me see to him, then I shall return.”
“We sail on the evening tide.” I met his gaze. My friend and I exchanged a silent heart-to-heart.
“I shall be aboard,” Walks Softly vowed.
Christopher became seized with initiative. “We’ll need to make a temporary manifest and roster. And, perhaps Captain Gamboa might see to ordering the ships for departure. I shall see your things brought aboard the Vengeance. Will your cat board without you?”
I gazed down and Gato’s head lifted to regard me. Already I had become accustomed to his staying at my side. “I rather doubt it. Unlike some, loyalty seems a part of his being.” I leaned down and stroked the cat’s head. “See to those duties, Christopher. Etienne, what more do you require to sail?”
“If we can supply within a day or two, nothing.”
I recalled he had spent the day before loading. “Very well. See the officers who do not wish to join us are properly detained as to preserve their honor and standing. I shall see to the Vengeance. Captain Gamboa, are you ready to sail?”
“Aye. I but await your word.”
I paused, looking about at these experienced, independent men and forced myself to ask, “Are you certain you wish to desert him? That you wish to throw your lot in with a woman?”
Christopher said, “I trust you, Lili.”
Etienne made a very French sound. “I break no vows in leaving, and I believe you shall make a fine captain.”
Gamboa inclined his head. “I harbor neither regret nor reservation.”
I stood there, for a moment dazed, trying to absorb the fact I had gone from booty wagered on dice, to the captain of a ship and a confederate in a pirate alliance. The many weeks of learning, the experience of battle and aftermath hung from my belt like the pistol I took as a trophy. What might prove the happiest days of my life had passed here. I had gone from girl to woman, then risen above my gender to stand among men as an equal.
I glanced up the hill toward the villa, almost seeing the woman I had been give a melancholy wave from a window. Her ghost would remain behind. As to my heart, I had no illusions. I would leave it where it lay.
On the floor of that tavern, rent and dead.
“Capital,” I declared. “Let us all see to our duties.”
A strange hush fell over the island as word of what I had done spread. Walks Softly assigned himself as my guard, while Etienne began loading his two ships. Through my fog I realized that did not indicate coincidence. Plans had gone into action.
I went up to my room with my two trusted companions, numb now the rage had spent. The cat had proven his loyalty this day. In the animal I treated with kindness, I had made a faithful friend. Walks Softly had requested a tray brought up for us as I had not eaten. When it came, I forced myself to chew what he fed me. I needed to stay strong. Gato paced and hissed for some time before settling down to watch me with those intelligent eyes.
Walks Softly rose when a soft knock came at the door. He opened it a bit, then admitted my brother. Christopher rushed to my side.
“My God, Lili!” He put his arm around me as he sat down on the bed’s edge beside me. “Forgive me. I talked Eza into spending a night in her family’s vacant cottage yesternight. We only just returned.”
Hearing that explained why I had not seen her again after my bath the morrow previous. “There wasn’t anything you might have done, aside from complicating the circumstances with a duel.”
“By God I shall!” he declared, tone hot and cold in one.
“No more mention of that deity. This has become the Devil’s playground,” I responded.
“I’ll kill him for this, make no mistake. You saved his life, the ungrateful philandering wretch.”
I shook my head. “I forbid you to act in my stead.”
He swore under his breath. “He must be made to pay.”
“He is,” Walks Softly said. “He drowns in his own poison.”
“Not good enough. Although, I shall respect your wishes. For the moment.” Christopher stood. “I am going to see Eza to the Folly. Gamboa may intend to make sail as soon as tonight.” He squeezed my shoulder, then addressed the other man. “Do not leave her side.”
Walks Softly inclined his head.
I kept hearing James’ words in my head. You should run away from me. I gazed at Walks Softly. “James is trying to push me away.”
“Yes.”
“He doesn’t want anything else to lose.”
“You’re wise, Lili. And very brave. I wonder if you are strong enough to leave him.”
Tears threatened again, then as quickly came righteous fury. “Damn James Garrett!” I jumped up and stalked to the window. I stared at the darkening sky. This time I did not think a storm would pass us again without event. “He can board a ship filled with professional soldiers out to kill him. Yet he cannot take a chance with his heart.”
“He has slipped beyond my reach.”
The afternoon progressed under that strained, unnatural hush. Perhaps three hours after midday, the dark clouds crowded the sky, burst and rained down water in torrents. Lightening flashed over the ocean and thunder growled above us like a mythical beast hunting the heavens. Gato slumbered heavily, at times paws and whiskers twitching. Walks Softly sent a runner to discovers James’ whereabouts and current activities. The boy returned with news I found disconcerting and comforting at once. He remained at the tavern, drinking heavily and by the boy’s reckoning ’scowling something ferocious’. However, he had sent everyone save the owner flying from the place with a bellowed command and remained without female company.
I pulled a chair next to the window and sat for long hours considering everything that had happened to me, the things that had passed between James and I. My mind lingered over the earliest events: the first time I saw him towering in that cabin doorway, standing on the beach fresh from his swim, that day at the falls when I’d waded out with my garments transparent from the water, that vulnerable, intimate lovemaking at his office the day after Teach arrived.
A knock at the portal startled me back to the present. Walks Softly answered, admitted a very wet Etienne.
“How is she?” I heard the Frenchman whisper. Walks Softly whispered something in Algonquin. Behind the locked door, with only my eyes to see, they indulged in a very rare show of relationship outside their private haven. Etienne slid his hand under his lover’s thick inky hair and pulled him close to briefly taste his mouth. Walks Softly then divested Etienne of his drenched shirt and gave his own in exchange.
Etienne chuckled, husky and intimate. “The very shirt off your back, mon amour?”
A stab of jealousy pierced me, then faded to leave a dull ache. How easily and completely they loved. Sharing each other’s lives, fighting at each other’s backs. I thought I had developed that with James. Now, I sat riven with loss and sadness, contemplating the beauty of what he had tossed aside.
Etienne came over to kneel beside me. “I am very sorry to have missed your visit to the tavern, cher. That must have truly been a sight.”
I heard the admiration in his voice. “I must confess, I did not pause to think it through.”
He smiled, lifted my hand and kissed the palm. “Mr. Levit, though much chagrined at his role in the drama, cannot stop singing your praises. He made so bold as to criticize the captain for maltreating so worthy a woman. The man whose sword you took called you an avenging angel.”
Rather than feel pride, a little shame bloomed in me. “It’s downstairs in the foyer. Would you return it to him, please?”
“Ah, Lili. You are a treasure. Taking a sword to threaten the life of any female foolish enough to infringe on your territory, yet ladylike enough to follow good form in returning it.” He pressed a harder longer kiss to my palm and rose. “I await your word if you wish to sail.”
I couldn’t help but watch as they kissed again in farewell. Walks Softly’s bare chest proved too much a temptation, and Etienne’s hands moved over it with obvious pleasure. Though brief, the quick heat that flared from the interlude spoke volumes about their sexual relationship. I had lost that as well.
Etienne departed. Walks Softly shut the door and turned the key.
“It is a shame,” I said, “the two of you must hide your love. It is beautiful.”
“It is the way of the world.”
“Help me understand,” I whispered, attacked by sudden tears, “how you lost the same as he. Yet your heart remains so open and clear.”
He came over, moving me from the chair, seating himself and drawing me into his lap. “I felt the same terrible hatred and fire for revenge. When Etienne came along, I reacted like James. Then, I realized I’d rather risk losing, than never have.” He held me tighter to him. “I am a different man, Lili. My ways are not his.”
Mayhaps I should leave, but tell James I would hold him in my heart until the day arrived when he could love me in return. Then again, if I departed, I might never see him again. I laid my head against my friend‘s strong shoulder, for the moment too drained to do anything else.
#
Very early the next morning, a powerful pounding knock brought Walks Softly leaping from the bed. I’d slept between them, cocooned by their warmth and comfort. Etienne rose as well as the indian opened the door and my brother stepped inside.
His words fell like ax blows. “Garrett has bet and lost Lili to Gamboa at dice.”
“What!” I scrambled out of the bed. Even in his agitated state, I saw Christopher’s British starch react to realizing I had passed the night in bed with two men. The fact we all remained clothed seemed to register a little more slowly.
My brother said, “Some time in the night, Gamboa went to see him and Garrett challenged him to dice. The tavern keeper overheard the conversation. Gamboa told him he only had one thing in his possession he’d play for. Garrett agreed to put Lili up as wager. They played best out of ten and were tied until the end. Then Garrett lost.”
I became aware of Walks Softly and Etienne methodically taking up their discarded weapons and arming themselves. “Surely Gamboa will not hold him to it.” He had seemed different to me. Not the type to consider me property.
Voice heavy, my brother replied, “This is a man’s world, Lili. And in this part of it, given their professions, Gamboa would be well within his rights.” He met the other mens’ gazes. “Gamboa makes ready to sail. Garrett remains at the tavern.”
“Stay with her, “ Walks Softly said to my brother.
I had bathed last night, so I’d only to change and attend brief ablutions. Without wasting another moment, I grabbed up what I needed and rushed into the little bathing chamber to ready myself. When I emerged, only Christopher remained.
“Gato.” I headed for the door, the cat falling in beside me.
He moved to stop me. I turned away his grasp using the tactics my indian friend taught me. “I have more right than anyone to go down there.”
Christopher did not repeat his attempt to physically stop me. He nonetheless kept up a litany of verbal dissuasion as we saddled horses and rode down to the town. A small crowd had begun to mill in the square. I felt certain Walks Softly was inside. Etienne stood at the door, pose clearly indicating he acted as guard. I dismounted, tethered the gelding and approached with Gato at my side.
“They are arguing,” Etienne stated.
“I can hear that, “ I replied. The shouting continued in Algonquin, first Walks Softly, then James.
Etienne translated softly, “Walks Softly is telling him to speak to Gamboa to undo the wager. James says it is a point of honor and he will not.”
“I know which voice is which, just give me the words.” I heard the indian.
“I disagreed with this from the start. There’s no honor at all in the way you’ve treated her. Reasoning with Gamboa and substituting a wager is the only honorable thing to do.” Etienne paused as James responded. “It’s done. Speak no more of it.” Another pause. “If you refuse to speak to Gamboa, then I shall. I will not allow her traded off as a prize.” James ‘s voice lowered to an ugly, wrathful hush. A startled look flashed across Etienne’s face, then his brows lowered and a muscle danced along his lean jaw. “You wish to have her in bed with you and the Frenchman.”
For the first time, the immense personal insult slammed home in me. James had used me as collateral on a game of chance. Used me. “I’ve heard enough.”
Etienne did not attempt to halt me as I shoved open the door and entered. James sat at the same table as yesterday, unshaven, shirt unlaced. He leaned back in the chair, booted feet propped on the table beside his pistols, in a pose of pure arrogance. Plainly, my loss came at no consequence to him.
Walks Softly’s eyes blazed as he glanced at me. To James he spoke in a tone I had never heard him use. Low and brutal. “She saved your life. What is that worth?”
James’ spirit-sheened gaze moved over me in a crude assessing manner. “What any good courtesan would have earned in this time as a vessel for my lust. I’ll be glad to send her off with the gold I would have spent in a high quality brothel.”
Something seething and cold unfurled in my chest. Icy tendrils of it snaked through my body, sunk sharp claws into my brain. I stepped forward, snatched up one of the pistols and leveled it at his chest.
James grasped his shirt at the open vee and jerked it wide, baring himself to the shot. Our time together flashed behind my eyes. I could smell the frangipani he had laid at my feet that day as I slept.
I squeezed the trigger.
“Lili, no!”
The roar of the pistol reverberated unnaturally loud in the enclosed space. Walks Softly suddenly struck me, unbalancing me as the weapon bucked in my grasp and acrid smoke billowed.
As if by magic, Etienne and Christopher appeared between me and Walks Softly as he intercepted a slowly rising James. Under Etienne’s arm I saw the spreading swath of blood on James’ upper chest.
He staggered, yet fought Walks Softly, straining to get to me. “I’ll kill her! You’d better get that bitch off my island or I’ll slit her throat!” He gave a snarling growl, his pale eyes meeting mine, wild as a wolf’s. “Get that fucking bitch off my island!”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Etienne and Christopher had to drag me toward the door. As soon as James threatened me and called me a bitch, icy anger became volcanic rage. “You cold-blooded, black-souled bastard!” I twisted and tried to shove my way back to James. “Don’t you dare fucking threaten me! I just shot you with your own pistol! I’ll finish the job with the other!”
I heard Walks Softly shouting. Gato growled and swatted at the men trying to haul me from the scene of battle. The indian had James stretched out on a table, frantically working on him.
As Etienne got me outside I yelled, “I’m glad I didn’t hit your heart! It wouldn’t have wounded you!” I twisted from his grasp, finally able to recall my training.
Christopher barked orders to someone, then Etienne did the same to several members of his crew. Gamboa came ashore in a wooden longboat and I felt the Frenchman tense. As Gamboa approached, Etienne said, “Walks Softly and I shall pay you for the wager. But we will not allow you to claim her.”
Gamboa held up a glove-encased hand. “I never intended to. She is free and welcome to sail with me. I did it only to prove he would risk her.” He spoke to me then. “I wanted you to know he would not love you.”
“I shot the doubley damned git!” With great satisfaction, I shoved the pistol into my belt. Turning to Christopher, I said, “Is the offer of financial backing still good?“
“Of course.“
“Go in with me and turn pirate. You can marry Eza and make yourself independent of Father. No heirs to make, no insipid heiress to breed them upon. I shall make us rich as kings.“
His dark eyes studied me. I could tell he’d done some thinking since our argument. If he loved her and he wanted her for his own, this avenue of escape might prove the best way out for him. “I believe you will. Aye, Lili. I am with you.”
I broke from Eteinne’s hold, rolled a barrel out onto the common and climbed atop. Standing straight, I addressed the swelling crowd of sailors and townspeople. “Your captain’s goal is met. He might never return to the sea and he lies wounded in that tavern for trying to treat me like property. Those of you with families cannot give up your homes. But if you are free and wish to acquire more wealth than you’ve ever dreamed, sign with me. I am female and of noble birth.” I pointed at the tavern. “I also brought down your captain. I went into battle with you, helped tend the wounded. You know me.” A thrill for what might come raced through me. I hoped they could feel the vibration. “Women are welcome to come and learn the trade.” I paused, knowing the shock value of what I would reveal next. “I intend to take the Vengeance.” A ripple of surprised outburst swelled then quieted as I spoke again. “I stand for captain. Take a chance. You won’t regret it.” I let my gaze move about, meeting that of others, willing them to believe. “We depart on the tide.”
I hopped down and was met at once by Mr. Levit and Mr. Street. Levit stepped into my path. “I cannot fault what you did. But we cannot allow you to waltz off with the captain’s ship.”
I sensed more than heard the three males at my back, hands on sword hilts. “I admire your loyalty in the face of so much evidence it is misplaced,” I replied.
To which he answered, “Mayhaps. All the same, we cannot. So hit us over the head and tie us up somewhere.”
Mr. Street, a quiet, scarred veteran I respected very much said, “I choose to follow her.”
From behind me, Gamboa spoke. “The island where I stopped to collect a debt, its owner will allow us to lay in whatever supplies we lack.”
Thinking fast, I added, “I want to put into a yard somewhere and have the ship renamed and painted.”
“Tortuga,” Christopher offered.
Ideas formed faster than I could separate them. I turned. A pair of litter bearers emerged carrying James from the tavern. I saw Walks Softly had stripped off James’ shirt to staunch the flow of blood. A curious detachment made me liken him to wreckage, debris left in the wake of our ruined affair. Part of me knew I would collapse later, behind closed doors. For the moment, I seemed to function under the influence of the demons Rage and Revenge.
Walks Softly emerged, blood splattered and fairly vibrating with emotion. “I go with him to the villa.”
Etienne informed him, “Lili intends to take the Vengeance.”
I observed the pain flash in his face. He saw the act for what I did. The coup de gras. Still, he nodded. “Let me see to him, then I shall return.”
“We sail on the evening tide.” I met his gaze. My friend and I exchanged a silent heart-to-heart.
“I shall be aboard,” Walks Softly vowed.
Christopher became seized with initiative. “We’ll need to make a temporary manifest and roster. And, perhaps Captain Gamboa might see to ordering the ships for departure. I shall see your things brought aboard the Vengeance. Will your cat board without you?”
I gazed down and Gato’s head lifted to regard me. Already I had become accustomed to his staying at my side. “I rather doubt it. Unlike some, loyalty seems a part of his being.” I leaned down and stroked the cat’s head. “See to those duties, Christopher. Etienne, what more do you require to sail?”
“If we can supply within a day or two, nothing.”
I recalled he had spent the day before loading. “Very well. See the officers who do not wish to join us are properly detained as to preserve their honor and standing. I shall see to the Vengeance. Captain Gamboa, are you ready to sail?”
“Aye. I but await your word.”
I paused, looking about at these experienced, independent men and forced myself to ask, “Are you certain you wish to desert him? That you wish to throw your lot in with a woman?”
Christopher said, “I trust you, Lili.”
Etienne made a very French sound. “I break no vows in leaving, and I believe you shall make a fine captain.”
Gamboa inclined his head. “I harbor neither regret nor reservation.”
I stood there, for a moment dazed, trying to absorb the fact I had gone from booty wagered on dice, to the captain of a ship and a confederate in a pirate alliance. The many weeks of learning, the experience of battle and aftermath hung from my belt like the pistol I took as a trophy. What might prove the happiest days of my life had passed here. I had gone from girl to woman, then risen above my gender to stand among men as an equal.
I glanced up the hill toward the villa, almost seeing the woman I had been give a melancholy wave from a window. Her ghost would remain behind. As to my heart, I had no illusions. I would leave it where it lay.
On the floor of that tavern, rent and dead.
“Capital,” I declared. “Let us all see to our duties.”
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