Sea of Desire Page 17

  Jared wasted no time getting to the point. “I wish to know what’s going on. You send me after Lady Merideth because you fear for her safety.” He paused, leaning toward Franklin, his hands planted on the table separating them. “How did you know a highwayman was going to attack the carriage?”

  “I didn’t.” When he noticed Jared’s skeptically raised brow, he continued. “Not for certain, anyway. But I feared something might happen.” Franklin stood and moved awkwardly toward the window. “There have been a series of... accidents.”

  “Accidents?”

  “I call them that for want of a better word. At first I thought them just that. A runaway coach that barely missed hitting her. A footpad who attacked as we walked along the ramparts of the Quarter Bonne Nouvelle. They all seemed coincidental. Even after I spoke with Merideth about it, she assured me that the only person she had to fear was you. And you, of course, were liberating English supplies on the channel.”

  A pang of guilt shot through Jared. He had indeed been the cause of fear in Merideth more than once. He opened his mouth to explain, but Franklin waved his interruption aside.

  “At any rate, she nearly had me convinced that they were just a series of accidents until one of the grooms surprised an intruder in the stables.” Franklin settled back into his chair. “The man was doing something to the saddle Merry used for her everyday ride. The groom scared him away, then luckily examined the saddle and found the cinch had been cut almost clear through.”

  “So she would have taken an ‘accidental’ spill.”

  “Exactly.” Franklin peered through his spectacles. “Possibly a fatal one.”

  Jared grew tired of pacing and took the seat across from Franklin. “What did Lady Merideth say when you told her?”

  “I didn’t.”

  “But I don’t under—”

  “I’m nearly convinced someone is trying to kill our Merry,” Franklin interrupted. “I’m also confident she doesn’t know who or why. I know you find that hard to believe.” Ruffles fell away from his wrist as Franklin held up his hand. “But I’ve come to know her very well, and I think she can be trusted.”

  Two hours ago Jared would have argued that point vehemently. Now, after making love to her, he wasn’t certain enough to offer any response.

  “You probably think this the result of an old man’s imagination, but—”

  “Nay. I also believe someone is trying to kill Lady Merideth.” As concisely as he could, Jared related the experience with the highwayman.

  “And he gave you neither name nor reason?”

  “He was killed before he could say anything more.”

  “Hmmm.” Franklin’s head sank into his neck and he rubbed at his chin. “It’s obvious you’ll have to take her to safety.”

  “Me?” The words had been uttered so quietly it took Jared a moment to appreciate what the older man was saying. When he did, Jared’s surprise was evident. “I can’t protect Merideth.”

  “You did tonight.”

  “Only by a stroke of dumb luck, I assure you.” Jared tried to explain the situation logically. After all, wasn’t Dr. Franklin known for his logic? “If there is a threat against her life, perhaps the police—”

  Franklin waved that suggestion away with a swish of his hand. “They wouldn’t know where to begin. Besides, Lady Merideth is British. You are the one to do it, my boy. Need I remind you that you are the one who brought Merry here, thus exposing her to this danger?”

  A rush of guilt shot through Jared, but he still countered Franklin’s argument. “She possessed information I was sent to retrieve. Hell, she still possesses it.”

  “Poppycock! Merry doesn’t know anything.” Franklin’s expression sobered. “I want you to take her back to Land’s End.”

  “What of your diplomatic channels?”

  “Nothing moves as slowly as diplomats. And we haven’t the luxury of time.” Franklin pushed himself to his feet. “I should think you’d feel some responsibility toward the girl.”

  Jared wanted to argue the point, but the truth was, he did feel responsible for Merideth Banistar... especially after tonight. He let out a gust of air, then leaned back in his chair. “I suppose I can see her safely home.”

  Franklin’s face brightened. The crinkles around his eyes deepened. “That’s splendid. I knew I could count on you.”

  Jared hadn’t a clue as to why Dr. Franklin felt that way, but he merely shrugged. He stood, and was almost to the door of the small room when Franklin stopped him. “She isn’t likely to go with you voluntarily.”

  Jared turned. “Why is that?”

  “I believe Merry still harbors a dislike for you.”

  If that were true, her actions earlier would be difficult to explain. “I shall handle it.”

  “Good. Now I believe I shall seek my bed, knowing Merry is in safekeeping.”

  Merideth jerked awake.

  It only took a moment for her to remember what she’d done in this bed, and to realize she was alone. She sat up, brushing tangled hair from her eyes, her mind riddled with disbelief.

  Not about Captain Blackstone abandoning her. She’d expected no less from him.

  It was her own behavior that astounded her. It had, almost from the moment she’d first seen him. This inability to think... or behave rationally while in his presence.

  Burying her face in her hands, Merideth tried to tell herself it was the American’s fault. But though he had come to her room, she knew there had been no force. She had wanted him... wanted him to make real the dreams she’d had about him.

  And now that he had, he was gone.

  Telling herself she was pleased, at least about that, Merideth slipped from the bed. The room was dark and still, closed up. The stifling closeness was breeding a panic in the pit of her stomach. Earlier, the captain’s appearance had kept her from opening the doors that led onto the terrace. But now she planned to rectify that.

  She scooped the silk wrapper from the gilt-front chifforobe and flung it around her body just as the sound of a lock being turned came from her door.

  Dual realization hit her. She’d been locked in her room. And someone... someone with the key was entering. After all that had happened tonight, she wasn’t surprised to see Captain Blackstone standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the light from the hall.

  “You’re awake. Good,” was all he said as he entered, carrying a branch of candles.

  The light splashed into the room, filling all but the deepest corners. Merideth’s wrapper hung open and she hastily tied the sash, lifting her chin when she noticed the captain’s steady appraisal.

  “What...?” Merideth’s voice quivered and she took a steadying breath. There was something about his hot, green gaze that made her remember the feel of his mouth on her flesh. “What are you doing here?”

  The slight lift of his brows and quirk of his lips told her he remembered it too. His words confirmed it. “I’d have thought you would be expecting my return.”

  He was so arrogant. So certain she would succumb to him. And why not? Merideth chastised herself. She’d done it quickly enough before.

  But not this time.

  Folding her arms over breasts tight with longing for his touch, Merideth marched to the doors leading to the balcony. She’d barely gripped the brass handle when he grabbed her from behind, pushing her away from the glass-paned doors and pressing her against the watered-silk wall.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she sputtered, shoving at his hard chest to no avail.

  All manner of responses came to mind. His attempt to keep her from opening the balcony door. His fear that Franklin was right and there might be someone out there right now waiting to kill her. But he didn’t think she’d believe him.

  And then, Jared wasn’t sure that was the real reason he was pressed against her. When he’d entered, her expression had been so full of disdain. He hadn’t expected a loving, welcome... but disdain? It would be interesting to see how lon
g her eyes held their frosty edge if he kissed her.

  “Don’t! I’ll scream.” Merideth jerked her head to the side to avoid the descent of his lips. But his attack was only deterred, not repelled. His mouth wet a spot on the side of her neck, just below her ear, and Merideth couldn’t suppress the moan of desire.

  Jared smiled against her flesh. His palm slid between their bodies and found her breast, berry hard and straining against the clinging silk. His lower body arched forward, showing her his desire was as hot as hers.

  And she seemed to melt around him.

  For a moment Jared found his control sifting away. What had started as an attempt to prove something to her, as well as to himself, was fast taking over his good sense. He’d decided, after leaving Franklin, to spirit her away as quickly as possible. Tonight. Before anyone was the wiser.

  If he had to take her back to Land’s End... and it appeared he did... it was best to accomplish it quickly.

  But now his resolve was battling his desire. Carrying her to the bed and burying himself deep inside her, or just taking her here, against the wall—such was all he could think about. And she’d let him. Jared didn’t have to plunge into her moist heat to know she was ready for him.

  He closed his eyes and tasted the sweet honey of her lips. But with the sensual thrill came the flash of a memory—the expression on her face when the highwayman had aimed his pistol at her.

  With a final sweep of his tongue, Jared broke the kiss. His forehead rested momentarily against hers as he fought for control. Then, before she could protest, he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the chifforobe. Still holding onto her, he yanked open the door and pulled out a gown.

  “Get dressed,” he said, holding it out toward her.

  “But I...” Merideth sucked in her breath as he snatched open the wrapper and drew it off her shoulders. “Stop that.” Before she was certain what “that” was, he was gathering the gown and tossing it over her head, not bothering to hide the regret in his eyes as he covered her nakedness. “What?” Merideth spit hair from her mouth as he pulled the neckline over her head. “What are you doing?”

  “Remember what I told you about my great-grandfather?” Jared smoothed the bodice down over her breasts and waist.

  “Your... You mean the pirate?”

  “Aye.” Jared glanced up from his search for a pair of slippers.

  “What about him?” Merideth was having a hard time following what he was doing. What he was saying.

  “I told you what he did with beautiful women.”

  Merideth hopped on one foot as the captain grabbed her ankle and stuck her foot into a shoe. “You mean that he kidnapped them?”

  Jared stood, towering over her. For a moment he only stared. Then he grinned, the dimple dancing to life in his cheek. “Consider yourself kidnapped... again.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Where in the hell have you been?”

  Jared stood hands-on-hips on the Carolina’s deck, glaring at his cousin. Daniel Wallis appeared nonplussed as he crossed the gangplank and ambled toward the ship’s captain.

  “Greetings to you too, Cousin Jared.”

  “Don’t give me any of your dubious charm. I asked you a question.”

  “A question I’m not at liberty to answer, cousin.” Daniel shaded his eyes and stared into the rigging. “My, the Carolina looks in fine form.”

  “She is, no thanks to you. She could have been lost off the coast of England along with all on board. All because I was off running some wild-goose chase for you.”

  The mirth left Daniel’s pale-green eyes. “This is not something we should discuss here. As a matter of fact, I’ve come to ask you to join me in town. I’ve let a room and we can talk there without being disturbed.”

  Jared held up his hand. “I don’t wish to hear any more. We set sail from Morlaix with the evening tide, and I’ve work to do.”

  “Your destination is what I must speak with you about.”

  “My destination is none of your business.”

  “You misunderstand, cousin. I already know your destination. I also know taking Lady Merideth back to Land’s End is ill advised.”

  Jared tried to hide his surprise that Daniel knew where he was going and why. He had told no one... not even his crew. They might have suspected when he brought Merideth Banistar back on board that they were taking her home, but Jared had tried to make it appear that she was only staying with him for their mutual enjoyment. He had kept her in the cabin—not without protest from her. And he’d stayed close by her side. Even Padriac looked on him with envy, thinking he was enjoying a passionate affair before facing the rigors of sea battle again.

  But contrary to the impression Jared had tried to convey, he’d kept his distance from Merideth. And having her near, not touching her, was taking its toll on his patience.

  It showed in the narrowing of his eyes, and the set of his jaw. “I won’t listen to any more. You refuse to tell me where you’ve been. Fine. I’ll accept this misadventure for what it is. But I am out, repeat, out, of the spy business.”

  “I understand your reluctance—”

  “You misunderstand, Daniel.” Jared turned his face into the brisk breeze blowing up the river and strove to control his anger. “It isn’t a matter of my being reluctant. A man was killed—Lord Alfred was killed over this scrap of information that the Americans don’t even desire.” Jared clenched his hands behind his back. “I was to be hanged for his murder.” Jared’s brow arched. “You don’t appear surprised.”

  “Because I’m not. Listen, cousin, this is far more complex than you can imagine.”

  “Not according to Dr. Franklin.”

  Daniel made a noise with his mouth that bordered on disdain. “I admire Ben,” he said, belying his obvious attitude. “But he doesn’t always know what’s best as far as negotiations with the French are concerned.”

  “He isn’t interested in the name of any traitors.”

  “Which in itself should have given you a sense of his incompetence. How couldn’t he be interested to know the name of a Judas in his midst?”

  Jared shrugged, unable to argue the point, unwilling to even try. “It matters naught. I had no name to give him. Lord Alfred died before he could do anything but tell me his daughter was involved. And she refuses to say... or mayhap she doesn’t know,” Jared added. As time went by he was more and more inclined to believe the latter.

  “So that’s it then?” Daniel followed Jared up the ladder to the quarterdeck.

  “As far as I’m concerned, aye.” Unrolling a chart, Jared began to examine it, hoping the discussion closed. But in the end he relented and accompanied his cousin into town.

  The chance to learn more about his brother’s death was something Jared could not resist. Daniel knew it. Jared knew he did. So when Daniel intimated a link existed between Lord Alfred’s death and John’s, Jared couldn’t resist trying to find out more.

  “How long do you plan to keep me a prisoner down here?” It was the question she had asked near every day since she and the captain had arrived in Morlaix. And in truth she asked it now more out of habit than with any thought that she’d discover the answer.

  “Until I deposit you safely on British soil,” her captor answered offhandedly.

  Merideth leaned back against the window seat, where she was reading a book about the growing seasons of Carolina—one of several the captain had on the subject. Cocking her head to the side, she watched Jared Blackstone as he settled into the chair beside his desk. He usually bristled at her inquiries about her captivity. Actually, that was the main reason she continued to ask. But today he barely seemed to notice her or her question.

  “It’s been so long since I’ve seen the sun.” Merideth closed the book and set it upon the cushion beside her.

  “May I suggest you but turn your head,” Jared said without looking up.

  Merideth glanced out the transom window and scowled. “I meant to say, ‘tis been so long
since I’ve been out in the sunshine.”

  “Think of all the sunspots you’ve avoided getting on your nose.”

  “I do not get sunspots.”

  He glanced up at her and Merideth felt heat seep up her neck into her cheeks. She hadn’t been able to meet his eyes without blushing since the night he’d kidnapped her for the second time... the night they’d made love. Merideth raised her chin, daring him to say anything about her high color, but he only looked back down at the chart on his desk.

  He basically ignored her.

  He’d basically ignored her since they’d stolen away from Passy.

  And it was irritating beyond belief.

  Not that Merideth wanted a repeat of the night in his arms. After considerable reflection she decided that that had been caused by a temporary— hopefully— lapse in her ability to reason.

  But she didn’t like being ignored.

  “Is that a map of the waters around Land’s End?” Merideth kept her gaze carefully fixed on the desk top so she wouldn’t meet his green eyes when he looked up.

  “Nay. ‘Tis of the route to the Carolinas.”

  “In the New World?” Merideth forgot to keep her lashes lowered.

  “Aye.” Jared forgot to ignore his captive.

  For long moments their gazes locked.

  Merideth’s knees felt weak, and she could hear her heart pounding in her chest. His gaze warmed her. The green eyes, so like the color of the sea on a clear day, drew her with a force she couldn’t resist.

  Pressing palms to desk top, Jared stood. He was around the side of the chair before he realized he’d moved. Going to her seemed the most natural thing in the world.

  The knock on the cabin door jolted them both. Merideth flopped back onto the window seat, wondering when she’d stood. She grabbed up the book on agriculture. Jared turned, scooping up the chart and rolling it into a cylinder, which he passed from one hand to the other. “Enter,” he said, not surprised at the gruffness in his voice.