The hint of a smile curved Talon’s lips at her defensive gesture. He leaned against the wall, watching her. “You look very fetching.”
She stared at her feet, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. “I don’t know why you insisted I dress this way. I can only assume I’ve been a fool to do so.”
“You’re not foolish.” He pushed away from the wall and stepped in front of her, forcing her to look up at him. “Believe it or not, I didn’t ask this of you for my own enjoyment.” The smile returned for half a second and then disappeared. “I’m afraid we’re in a bit of a rough spot, Kate.”
Kate. For a moment, all that registered was the sound of his deep voice caressing the nickname he’d given her, but then her gaze flew to his in alarm. “What’s happened?”
“You’re the only woman on the ship. These men believe women are bad luck. And you’re so damned beautiful. If they see you, they’ll begin to think about you, dream of you, want you. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“I’m not beautiful,” she whispered automatically. The rest of what he’d said made no sense. How could she be the only woman on the ship? It was impossible, scandalous. Sutcliffe would never allow such a thing.
Anger flickered across his features. “Is that all you can say? I tell you you’re in danger and you fish for compliments?” He sat back on his heels and raked his hand through his thick dark hair in a gesture of impatience.
She shook her head in quick denial. “I’m not fishing for compliments. I don’t understand. I thought this was a passenger ship.”
He looked away, a muscle twitching in his lean cheek. “I’m sorry. I tried to get him to change his mind, but he refused. He was furious when you and I were seen together in the park. This is his way of getting back at us and making sure no more gossip finds its way back to England.”
She absorbed that for a moment, shame heating her cheeks. What had she been thinking? She’d acted too impulsively that day they’d gone riding. She should have known the illusion of freedom was merely that—an illusion.
“What about Daniel? Am I being sent away by myself so he can continue to amuse himself with his… lover?” Lord, it still made her nauseous to think of what she’d seen.
He laughed, an angry, bitter sound. “Daniel is in the cabin next door. He refused to come willingly, so Sutcliffe had him drugged and carried here unconscious. This trip isn’t going to be any more pleasant for him than it is for you.”
She blinked, stunned. How could this be happening? How could her father-in-law have this much control over their lives? “What will happen to us?”
“Nothing,” he assured her, his voice hard-edged. “You’ll stay in this cabin or the adjoining sitting room until we reach Carolina. I’ll make sure no one even knows you’re here.”
The cabin was small and dark, perhaps ten feet wide and not quite as deep. She couldn’t imagine being trapped here for all the long weeks their voyage would take. “I can’t leave?” The walls seemed to press in on her as soon as she said the words. “Not at all?”
“I’m sorry. I know it will be hard for you. But I can’t think of any other way you’ll be safe.” He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “It won’t be so bad. It will be over before you know it.”
A laugh caught in her throat, threatening to choke her. His nightmare would cease once they reached America, but for her, the end of the voyage would only be the beginning of the hell Sutcliffe had sentenced her to.
* * * * *
Talon postponed his return to Kate’s cabin as long as possible. He checked on Daniel a few times, but mostly he stayed on deck, watching Percy’s crew guideThe Shining Staracross the Channel and out to sea.
It was frustrating to be nothing more than an observer. He was used to being in control, used to barking out orders and navigating the ships that sailed beneath him.
Even so, it was wonderful to leave land behind. Especiallythisland.
He didn’t plan to ever return to England. Those months he’d spent in prison had sapped more than his strength and health. They’d drained his spirit, his very soul.
He smiled at the antics of a pair of dolphins swimming and playing in front of the ship. The sea had always calmed him. The fear and hatred that had hung so heavily around his neck during the last few days dissipated as the English coast fell away.
Freedom.
He was free, and that was all that mattered. Sutcliffe was ahead in the game, but he hadn’t won, not by a long shot.
He sighed and pushed away from the rail. Daylight was slipping away and Kate was probably going mad in that tiny, dark cabin. He hated having to keep her down there. He, of all people, knew how terrible confinement could be. But at least he could make sure she was well fed, warm and comfortable, which was far more consideration than he’d been given in prison.
She would survive this. They both would. He had a feeling she’d thrive like a hothouse rose in Charleston.
Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be around to see it. Charleston had lost its appeal now that Sutcliffe had appropriated Holyoke.
If necessary, he would do what his father demanded. But he wouldn’t take the damned plantation. He wouldn’t allow himself to be bought.
Once he was reunited with his men, they’d find a new ship. He’d take to the seas once again and rebuild his fortune. Then he’d find a nice, hardy American girl and do his best to forget Kate’s beautiful green eyes and fiery spirit.
