Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel) (10 page)

BOOK: Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel)
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Bless the woman she had ale for him and Colin and, of course, a cold Pepsi for Emily. Colin’s wife was southern born and bred, from Charleston, and she adored cold Pepsi. No one else could abide the beverage, but Colin made sure the castle was fully stocked for his woman.

“When the babes wake, ring and I’ll feed them.” Meg told Emily as she left, softly closing the doors behind her.

A thoughtful look on his face while he chewed, Colin answered Robert. “Thorne hasn’t responded to any of my calls. No one’s heard from him in weeks, so we can’t count on him to talk to his bloody brother.”

“In Paris, Jasper said he killed a Day Walker who confessed to plans to turn or drain the entire population. At least now we know why we’re seeing an increase in the bastards.” He blew out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “It’s good you’re taking in kids. We have to stop this before there are no humans left. I’m going to check in with Monroe see what he’s found out.”

Propping his booted feet on the table, Colin stretched. “Loathe as I am to admit it, he’s been helpful this past year. If his hatred of Day Walkers doesn’t get him killed, he’ll be useful. Tell him to come by if he wants to discuss anything.”

Covering his shock, Robert inclined his head. Colin had hated the cop interfering into Shadow Walker business. Being married had mellowed the cranky warrior. Bidding them goodbye, Robert grabbed a sandwich and the last lemon bar off the plate while making for the door, snickering as he heard Colin curse. He had to get back to the
Revenge II
and check on sleeping beauty.

“Milord, I have a car waiting to take you to the docks.”

“Much obliged, Worthington.” Gods, Colin had to love having the butler around. Robert’s crew was great and all, but someone to look after things would be helpful.

Chapter 12

 

 

Bidding the driver farewell, Robert jumped in the waiting rowboat. Tired, he cursed his humanity again as he boarded his other lady, his ship. Running his hands through his hair, he poured a glass of wine and checked on the patient.

“Cap’n. The lady came to for a few minutes and I gave her some water, but then she fell asleep again and hasn’t moved since.”

“Good job, lad. Go back to your post, I’ll take it from here.”

Ian left the room, softly closing the door behind him. Sinking into the chair in front of the fire, he drained the wine, his eyes heavy.

Waking with a start, Robert landed in a heap on the floor. Hell, he must have fallen out of the chair. A moan had him jumping to his feet to check on the woman responsible for his current problems.

She opened her eyes. “Where am I?”

“Rest easy, lass. You’re safe on my ship.”

Mystery girl shook like a leaf in a strong breeze. “No, I can’t be here, the pirate—he’ll kill me.” Green eyes fixed on his face and she gasped. “Don’t hurt me.”

“Shhh, no one’s going to hurt you, least of all me, though I’d like to throttle you for what you’ve set in motion. Especially after I’ve spent the better part of the night tending to you. Want to tell me who you are and what happened?” At her wary silence, he tried once more. “I give you my word. I nor anyone on my ship will lay a finger on a single strand of your pretty hair.”

Chewing her lip, she seemed to be weighing her decision. “I’m Maggie. The men I escaped from are scared of you—Bruce and Solien. Those guys are really bad news, and you’re worse than them…” Losing consciousness again, her voice trailed off. Maggie. A lovely name, too soft for one as hard as she. He frowned. Hearing her say Solien’s name chilled his blood. How did she know the demon, and more vexing, about Walkers? Guess he couldn’t shake her awake given her condition so instead he got to his feet pacing, swearing under his breath. Thankful she couldn’t hear the foul curses flying out of his mouth.

What was her part in this? Was she some kind of minion? Answers, that’s what he needed. There was also the small matter of the bloody clock ticking down for his week to the reckoning. Whatever. That was the least of his concern given this latest development.

Chapter 13

 

 

Hours ticked by before she woke but when she finally came to, the fever passed. Watching her roll over to stretch and rub her shoulder, he winced on her behalf. The injury would bother her for a while. Coming to, she flinched, seeing him slumped in a chair. Of course he must look like hell and wasn’t like he could wave a magic wand to improve his appearance, not this week anyway.

“Oh, I wasn’t dreaming … it is you.”

“I’m not going to hurt you. How are you feeling?”

A wary look filled her eyes. “Better.” The words came out scratchy.

“Ian.” Robert bellowed. The lad came in, tripping over his feet. “Aye, Cap’n? Oh, Miss you’re awake. We’ve been ever so worried about you.”

The incredulous look on her face had him stifling a laugh. Had no one ever told her they worried over her? This one was prickly.

“Please bring some water for our guest along with towels.”

Ian scurried to do his bidding while Maggie watched, the covers clenched in her hands, face pale. So wary. Who had mistreated her so?

“Maggie, if you feel up to it, you can shower. The wound is healing nicely.”

“I remember now…of all the ships to sneak onto, it had to be yours.”

A woman of few words. Most men would kneel down and thank their lucky stars. Suppressing a chuckle so he didn’t spook her, he moved slowly so she could see what he was doing. Any sudden move might send her bolting from the bed, out the door, and over the railing into the sea.

A knock saved him from replying as Ian came in balancing a tray of food. There was broth and water for Maggie and tea for Robert. Another crewmate followed Ian in with towels for her as well.

“Thank ye, lads. I’ll be up in a bit.”

Maggie gave them less of a frown, almost a shy smile. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” They bobbed their heads and shut the door with a soft click.

Robert stood and pulled his robe off the hook on the wall. “Would you like to sit by the fire and dine with me?”

Sinking deeper into the bed and coverings, her already pale face blanched, and he resisted the urge to shout. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t ruined his life, putting events into play and yet
he
, the injured party in this damn mess, had to calm her down. “Maggie girl, I won’t bite…well not unless you ask me to, that is.” In spite of himself, he chuckled. This was hard. Usually the women fell all over him while he enjoyed their charms and sent them on their way with a smile. But Maggie, she was bloody work, no fun at all. “Put on the blasted robe and come sit. I’ll give you the poker to keep close in case you want to bash me over the head with it, agreed?”

This time, the corner of her mouth lifted in the tiniest start of a smile. My gods, she was stunning. The worry vanished, transforming her face into that of a beauty. Stirrings of desire snaked through him.

“Turn around and don’t look.”

“Cross my fingers.” He heard rustling as the covers were flung back and a gasp. Turning, he made it to the bed just in time to catch her before she could fall over. “Easy. You’ve lost quite a bit of blood and you haven’t eaten so take your time to get up or you’ll fall on your lovely arse.” The rigid set of her body as he helped her into the robe told him she was truly afraid of him. ‘Twas time to find out what she knew. Helping her to the chair in front of the fire, he kept her arm tucked in his. Sighing as she sat down; her skin was pale and clammy. “Here. If you feel the need to use it, you’ll have it close by.” Grabbing the fireplace poker, he placed it next to her chair within arm’s reach.

“Now, let’s get some food in you. Though it’s only broth.” Robert watched Maggie as she looked at every inch of his cabin. Would she find it pleasing? It was well appointed. The bed was massive and made for making love all night. A good-sized dresser, trunk, and mirror finished the room. The furnishings were from his old life though the bathroom was completely modernized. The fire was a nice touch, they’d figured out how to have them without burning the blasted ship to cinders.

Robert served her more broth and poured tea. Lowering his arm, he discreetly sniffed his armpits. Wouldn’t do to offend her.

“It’s very good. Are those grapes? Where did you get them? They’re so hard to find.”

Grinning at the avarice in her eyes, he tossed her a bunch. “Go easy. You haven’t had any solid food for a bit so make sure your stomach can handle it. As for the grapes—let’s just say I have plenty of connections.”

“How long was I out?” Watching her nibble the grapes, he shifted his legs, trying to ease the ache in his balls. Poor girl was recovering, and he wanted to feed her those grapes one by one, nibbling her fingers, kissing her lips, tasting the grape juice on her mouth. Pushing the thoughts away, he answered her. “Over a day. You had a fever from the wound.”

“That long? I can tell we’re moving. Where are we going? Not that I’m complaining…I was curious, that’s all.”

Leaning in to refill her teacup, he was frustrated when she pulled back, her hand unconsciously going to the poker, curling around it. He ran his hands through his hair, biting his tongue to keep from saying something snarky to her. It was time to find out why she feared him…after she showered and dressed. In his experience, ladies were always more talkative after they felt better about themselves.

“We’re headed to Wales. I have to deliver a package to a collector. We’ll spend a day there. Does that suit milady?”

“Wales. I’ve never been to Wales…that’s good.”

Odd, she didn’t seem curious or concerned as to their destination. Before he delved into that, first things first. Tension gripped her as she finished her broth and tea, but at least she didn’t have her hand on the makeshift weapon anymore.

“Right, then. There are towels next to the door. Fresh clothing is hanging on the hook on the wall over there. Would you like a shower? Don’t bother looking for your clothes. I burnt what you were wearing along with the backpack.”

“Everything I owned in the world was in it…” Her fingers clenched into a fist.

“Maggie. The satchel was beyond saving. I will replace whatever was in there and anything else you may need. Try not to worry. After you shower we need to talk about what you said when you woke—about knowing me and why you would ever think I would kill you when I’m certain I’d remember you if we’d met previously.”

A look crossed her face and she tensed. Picking up the poker as she stood, she clutched the robe with her other hand. “Shower first.” Resignation tinged her voice. “Then we can talk if you wish.” Slowly walking across the room, watching him with every step, she paused and lifted the clothing from the hook. As she reached up, the robe gaped open, providing him a tantalizing glimpse of thigh. “The bathroom is the next door in the hallway to your right. You should find whatever you need.”

Hand on the doorknob, she paused. “You know, you look like some old-fashioned handsome pirate. I can almost see you decked out in a puffy shirt, surrounded by mounds of gold, jewels, silk, and the heads of your enemies piled around your feet.” With that, she closed the door behind her.

Robert didn’t know whether to be offended or charmed by the vision she’d laid out of him. He wasn’t a barbarian, he’d never pile heads around his feet. They would smell and who’d clean up the mess? Maybe pretty ladies…he could think of one in particular he wouldn’t mind having draped across his lap.

While she showered, he called for Ian to remove the dishes and went above decks to check on the state of his ship.

He returned to his cabin in time to see her wandering around the room. When they arrived in Wales he’d get her some new clothes. The ill-fitting clothing would do until then. “Feeling better?”

She favored him with a look. “I am. Before we talk, could I have some more tea and grapes? I can’t remember the last time I had grapes not to mention real honey in my tea.”

“Whatever pleases milady. I’ll have Ian bring it to you. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to shower so I don’t offend with my stench.” Sketching a bow, he left the room.

BOOK: Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel)
12.15Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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