Romancing the Pirate 01.5 - Beneath The Water's Edge (13 page)

Blackthorn handed the sword back to Christensen and took Flynn by the hand to help him to his feet. Flynn, his lips curled in disgust, snatched up his wig.

“You have my thanks,” Blackthorn said, reaching for some modicum of civility. ’Twould be what their father expected from his sons.

The governor straightened his clothing. “Yes, well, there is the matter of the attack on Nassau.”

Kipp grinned. “Ain’t nothin’ destroyed but a jolly boat, fishin’ crates, and spent gunpowder. ’Twas the lass’s idea. Ya know, just in case you finally saw things our way and give the pardon. If not, ha, that’s when the real fun would’ve begun.”

“Elyssa’s idea, huh?” Blackthorn pulled her into a hug. Her smile reached her bright eyes. That little armful kept surprising him. By the crinkle of Sterling’s brow, she’d confounded him as well.

“Never you mind,” Flynn said. “The intent and will was still there and I could have you all imprisoned.”

“But you shall not,” Sterling said. “You will sign these pardons as your final act as Governor in Chief. I advise you to resign immediately. Otherwise I will request your removal to Lord Montgomery.”

A crazed glaze cemented in Flynn’s dark pupils, red splotches stippled up his neck, across his cheeks. “You may recommend and request the sea part from here to Montgomery’s privy, but I’ll not step from my commission.”

“Know when you are beat, Flynn,” Blackthorn said. “Walk away while your name upon the islander tongue is still relatively untarnished.”

“Shut up, you bastard.”

“This behavior, Governor, is unacceptable. You have resorted to,” Sterling circled his cane in the air, “unprincipled practices. Captain Blackthorn has shown more impunity and righteousness than you. One might say there is a role reversal between you. It’s quite shameful—you the derelict and he the dignitary.”

“While you’re recommendin’,” Kipp elbowed Sterling, “the Capt’n, he’s a mighty fine leader. He could take ol’ Flynn’s place as gov’ner.”

Not for all the English gold.

Sterling nodded, as if considering such a ludicrous idea. That was the moment something snapped behind Flynn’s visage. Blackthorn recognized the look. Flynn’s bastioned animosity had crumbled, and he had bloodshed on his mind.

“You have jockeyed what is mine from me—decoration, gold, position, Father’s respect—for the last time. Now it is my turn to take from you.” Flynn snatched up the sword at his feet and charged toward Elyssa.

No time to think, less time to react, Blackthorn shoved Elyssa behind him, shielding her with his body. The blade, deadly and thin, aimed at his chest. Elyssa’s scream echoed in the courtyard. Blackthorn steeled himself, ready, again, to face the unknown that was death.

The blur of metal passed before him. Flynn went down, falling to his knees. An expression of shock froze upon his face. Blood shed from the gaping cleft across his torso on his pristine cream-colored vest. Mouth agape, Flynn toppled forward, landing in the scattered debris of his rose bush.

Christensen, hands gripping the hilt of his grisly, crimson sword, cursed. “Damned fool.”

Elyssa peeked up from Bran’s shoulder. “Is…is it over?”

“Yes, sweetling. It’s over.”

Elyssa threw herself into his arms. He held her tight, letting her warmth seep into him. Breathing in the floral fragrance of her hair. Delighting in her rounded breasts pressed against him.

“Oh, Bran. Tell me it’s truly over—this whole nightmare. Please. Tell me it’s over. I cannot bear not being with you. Not again. I love you, Bran.”

Two months ago, he would have shunned such a silly sentiment. Argued love was nothing more than a wistful chit with silly dreams of taming a pirate captain. Never would he share the same emotion, same passion. That was before a rogueling boarded the
Sanctum
and somehow made spoils of his heart. “My precious angel. I love you, too.”

Blackthorn held her tighter than he should. But this time he would not let her go. Ever.

The sea could swallow Elyssa whole and she would die happy, with no regrets. Captain Blackthorn made good on his promise. He had reclaimed his bed—with her in it. He had made glorious love to her. Magnificent, glorious love. The flickering candlelight glistening upon wet skin, every caught breath, the sensual aroma of intimacy, lay seared upon her soul. Bran had harmonized carnal groping with tender caresses, his commanding mouth with feathered kisses, and raspy growls with brandied murmurs of her name. She shattered into oblivion with him time and again. And yet, his whispers of love were what she cherished most.

She could have stayed entangled in naked flesh with him forever. Two days had not been long enough. Not nearly.

But he’d asked her to redress his wound as he had business to attend to and must go on shore. He’d been gone for hours now, and she had finally risen from his bed to dress. Elyssa had just resolved to go on deck for a bit of sunshine when Bran returned.

“My angel.” He swooped her into his arms, spun her around, bent her low, and kissed her full on.

Dizzy, she giggled. “Mayhap you should close the door, lest one of your men catch you acting buffle-headed.”

“Nay.” He kicked the door shut. “They’d be envious I have such a bonny lass to hang with from the boughs.” Bran kissed her again and set her on her feet. “I have something for you.”

Bran loosened a pouch from his sash and placed it into her hand. It weighed heavy and jingled—the sound of coin. Elyssa opened the pouch. The gold inside could light a room.

“What’s this?” She didn’t understand. Why did he give her gold coins? Verily, she should be paying
him
for passage on the
Sanctum
, though she doubted he planned to collect. Not by way of money, anyhow.

“Your help with my log garnered me a tidy profit.” He leaned against his desk, a devilish smirk tilting his mouth.

“Yes, well, this is yours.”

He chuckled. “I suppose, in a way, it is. But only because I lay claim to you.”

Bran swiped a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. She momentarily closed her eyes and tilted her head into the warmth of his hand. Heavens, but he distracted her so.

“I couldn’t.”

“You will,” he said. “Besides, you’ll need it.”

That was the truth of it. She was penniless, and she hadn’t given regard of what might lay ahead. Bran had stolen any thoughts beyond the next moment with him.

“Sterling has put in a good word with Montgomery for you,” he continued.

“Along with the news of his son’s death,” she said. Her short marriage to Dobie was but a distant memory, yet she could only imagine how the message of his youngest son might affect the Lord Proprietor Montgomery. He may have denied Dobie his whims, but Elyssa knew Samuel loved him. Something occurred to her that hadn’t before. “Lord Montgomery might blame me for Dobie’s death. I will never gain his favor. Oh, Bran, what if he seeks vengeance on my father and reverses his debt?”

“How could Montgomery blame you for Dobie’s insensibilities? Worry none. You’ll have your shipping company.”

“Please, Bran. Don’t ridicule me. ’Tis cruel.”

“Elyssa, my love. The only thing I want for you is your happiness. I would never ridicule you for your dreams.”

Bran pushed off the desk and grabbed a bottle from a chest. A quick twist and the cork popped out. ’Twas not rum. It had a sweet, heavy aroma.

“I save the Madeira wine for special occasions,” he said, handing her a cup. “Let us celebrate the
Sanctum
and her new commission.” He raised his cup and took a sip.

“I don’t understand.”

“My ship, it is small. My crew, they are hardy. ’Tis not much, but both will serve as a start for your venture. And I may not be good at arithmetic, as you spare not one chance to remind me,” he winked, “but I happen to have the respect of many merchants in many ports.” He wrapped his arm around her waist crushing her into the curvature of his taut body to which she fit so well. “So, you see, you
will
have your company.”

The knot of emotions filched her ability to speak. She tried, even moved her mouth. It was all she could do but nod. Nod and focus on his sinful grin.

She had gone from a widowed sailor boy pressed into service on a pirate ship, became a rogue’s pawn in a dangerous family feud, and fallen in love with the pirate captain. And now, in an odd twist of fate, she was to become his business partner. Bran had taken care to see to her future. Men usually don’t welcome women into their occupational affairs. Yet, Bran wanted to stand by her, to see her reach for her dreams and succeed. How was it possible to love him more? One thing for sure, her adoration for him had no bounds.

“Together, darling, we will prosper—as husband and wife.”

Slowly, she set down her wine.
Husband and wife?
Elyssa’s vision blurred, a lump lodged in her throat.

“I hope those are tears of joy,” he said, dabbing away a teardrop with his thumb. “What do you say, little one? With the blessing of your father and Lord Montgomery, will you be my wife?”

She leapt into his arms, excitably whispering ‘yes’ between kisses. Elyssa’s heart was so full, yet it floated past the glittering stars on the winds of heaven.

“Guess my plundering days are over. I’ve all the spoils I could ever want right here.” Bran laughed, giving her arse a tight squeeze.

“Oh, please say it isn’t true.” She awarded him a coy smile of her own. “I happen to enjoy it when you go a-rogueing. Most especially when you fly your jack and show no mercy.”

“My angel, you wear the devil well.”

“I’ve a pirate to blame.” She winked.

“Ah yes, well this pirate also happens to be very good at giving orders.”

Bran unraveled her legs from around his waist and set her down. He rounded his desk, pulled out a piece of paper, and dipped his quill in the inkwell. “My first order of business.” He handed her the white plume. “A letter home.”

She hugged him with such ferocity, he coughed for air. “I love you, Captain Blackthorn.”

“And I love you, more than you could ever know. Now sit.”

Gladly, she did as he bade. Yes, the sea could swallow her whole. But not just yet. She had a lifetime she wanted to spend with a pirate.

Dear Father,

Please forgive my tardy letter. I am well and, by virtue of an honorable pirate, have an amazing adventure to tell.