Love Inspired Historical July 2015 Box Set: The Marriage Agreement\Cowgirl for Keeps\The Lawman's Redemption\Captive on the High Seas (88 page)

She stepped from the comfort of his arms and turned from him. Her gaze caught site of the ships bobbing in the port through a break in the trees. “I would not have you keep me to appease your guilt, Nicolaus.”

“That is not—”

She held up her hand. “I overheard you speaking with your father, and I know why you purchased me. And it does not matter. What does matter is that you now have a dilemma. Your conscience will not allow you to remain my master.” She turned toward him and smiled. “Truth be told, although my captivity has not been oppressive, I do not wish to be any man's slave.”

Especially to one she loved.

He clenched his teeth and a muscle at the corner of his jaw ticked. “If you were to return home you risk your sisters selling you once again.”

“You speak a great truth.” She sighed. “Nicolaus, you would know your sister is alive and well just as I would know if my father wished such a fate upon me.”

“If he does?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, and then opened them. “Then I would have been better off here as your slave.”

He growled. “Not once have I treated you as such.”

“No, you have not, but the fact remains that is what I am.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I understand that as a woman I have little to nothing to say. As a daughter I am ruled by my father. If I were to marry I would be ruled by my husband, as a slave I am ruled by you. My worth is not dependent on how I care for your household. It is dependent on the price you paid for me.”

“Then I would set you free.”

* * *

Ada blinked up at him. He couldn't discern what she was feeling. At first he thought she'd been pleased, and then he saw a hint of sadness before she veiled her eyes from him. She bowed her head. “My thanks, Nicolaus.” Turning from him, she wrapped her arms around her midsection. The tension in her muscles returned and her shoulders stiffened. She seemed to place a barrier between them. It was as if she'd donned a man's armor. “How will I repay you for the coin you have lost?”

Her words were no more than a whisper above the rustling leaves and the water flowing down the mountain. She should be celebrating her freedom. He raked his hand through his hair. He should feel the peace he'd hoped to obtain by granting her freedom. However, a sense of loss bore down upon his shoulders. “It is a gift, Ada.”

Her spine straightened a little more, but she did not say another word. He never should have mentioned her freedom until after he'd spoken with her father. What if the man wanted nothing to do with her, leaving Ada without the protection she needed to keep her from another master? What if her father only desired more money?

He would have gladly given it, but now, because of his rash speech, she was free to do as she wished. Free to stay, free to go. If only the guilt plaguing him over his part in her captivity had not been so great, especially in the face of her confession...she needed to know she was worth more than the price he'd paid for her, more than all the riches contained on this island. Worthy of a thousand men's hearts. Worthy of his. If only he was worthy of hers. “I would escort you back to my mother.”

“Nicolaus.” His name whispered from her lips. The longing in her voice tied his stomach into a large knot. He waited for her to say more, to tell him she did not wish for freedom but to remain with him.

He neared her and placed his palms upon her shoulders. The scent of lavender water combined with the heady fragrance of the flowers surrounding them left him feeling light-headed A feeling he hadn't known since before his own captivity. He leaned closer and inhaled. The tip of her ear called to his lips. “Ada, I would keep you with me. I would grant you the protection of my name. Tell me that is what you wish and I'll make it happen.”

How, he did not know. At least, not until he spoke with her father. But one thing was for certain, he'd move mountains to marry her, if only she would grant him permission. She tilted her head as if she would look at him. Her hair, piled around her head, danced at her shoulders. He could not see her eyes or even the soft curve of her cheek. He gave in to the desire to press his lips to the flesh peeking through her hair. “Ada.”

Pulling from him, she shook her head. “I cannot, Nicolaus.” She turned toward him. Tears shimmered in her eyes. It was like a blade to the gut. Their time together neared its end. He saw it in the way her eyes pleaded with him. “I cannot.”

She hugged her arms tighter around her waist and bowed her head.

“Come, I will take you back to the house.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I would stay here a moment.”

“Although this is my home, it is not safe for you to be alone.” His tone was sharper than he intended, but he would not see her harmed in any way. Or stolen from him before he had to let her go.

“I understand your concern.” Her gaze rose to his. “I am now free to do as I please, am I not? Or have you decided to go back on your word?”

He clenched his teeth, nodded and then swiveled on his heel. He shoved the branches aside and stepped out onto the path. He should count his blessings that Ada had the wits about her to know she could not stay with him. She drove his emotions to confusion. He shook his head. If she stayed with him he'd no doubt lose all his teeth from gnashing them together.

He was tempted to return to the storehouse and leave her truly alone. However, the port was active and he would not wish Ada to wander toward the ships where an unsavory fellow could happen upon Ada, or any man for that matter. One look upon her beauty and even the most good-hearted and compassionate of men could lose their heads.

Plopping down onto the pathway, Nicolaus plucked a blade of grass from between the stones and twirled it between his fingers. An image of Ada's tears forced its way into his thoughts. He'd seen the longing in her eyes. Had that longing been only for her freedom? Then why did she look pained at the mention of their parting, of her returning home?

He dropped the blade of grass and rested his elbows against his knees. Why did he not tell her of his love for her and his wish to marry her? Because she needed the freedom to choose her own will, and he needed to know that choice was made without the binding of his words.

Voices mumbled from the twist of the path, and Nicolaus rose. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited for the men to round the bend. When they did, he wasn't surprised. However, it seemed as if they were.

The men halted their steps. Both were large and imposing. The younger, who seemed to be a few summers shy of Nicolaus's age, clasped his finger around the hilt of his dagger and allowed his gaze to travel over Nicolaus.

Nicolaus twisted his lips at the young man's daring. “What business do you have here?”

He didn't need to ask. He knew who they were as they had the same color eyes as Ada, and their language was that of hers.

The older man nodded his graying beard. “I am Manus of Ashkelon and this is my son Asher.” He held his hand out in front of the younger man. “We are in search for Nicolaus, son of Gavros.”

Nicolaus narrowed his eyes. “You have found him.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

A
da tilted her head and listened to the familiar voices from the path. The prayer she'd lifted to God only moments ago had been a request for an answer. She loved Nicolaus, there was no doubt in her mind as to that fact, but she would not see him choose between her and searching for his sister. She would do all that she could, even speak with Nicolaus's father, so he could search for her.

Her heart had rent in two when he'd pleaded with her to stay. Although she knew she couldn't, she also knew she had no other place to go. Not until now. She tiptoed toward the edge and peeked through the shelter of the branches. She blinked, uncertain if her eyes deceived her. Her father, who was almost as tall as Nicolaus, stood next to her brother Asher, who was just as tall. Their cheeks bore the brunt of days in the sun. Asher's cheeks and chin, which he normally kept smooth, were now sprinkled with the beginnings of a beard. The change surprised her. He no longer looked like a youth but a grown man.

Her father looked as if he'd aged since she'd last seen him. No longer did he look the giant she always believed him to be. Perhaps it was the wrinkles lining his face or the way his shoulders slumped or even the walking stick he leaned heavily upon. How had her father come to be here so far from home? She parted the foliage and stepped out onto the path. Her gaze darted to Nicolaus. A muscle ticked beneath his beard. She turned toward her father. “Father, Asher.”

The corner of her father's left eye twitched as he straightened his spine A certain sign he was irritated and on the verge of rage. Asher's cheeks turned crimson. Wishing she would have stayed hidden, she began to take a step back, but Nicolaus grabbed her arm and thrust her behind him. She fought the urge to kick him in the leg at his arrogance. Why did he always feel the need to move her around as if she were a crate of merchandise? She pressed her fingers against Nicolaus's side for balance and peered around him to garner her father's reaction.

The sharp contours of her father's nose became more prominent when he narrowed his eyes farther. His staying hand on Asher's arm was the only proof he remained reasonable. “I see the rumors about you and my daughter hold some truth.”

The muscles beneath her fingers quivered in controlled anger. She moved to stand beside him but stopped when a rumble vibrated through him.

“Of what rumors do you speak?”

“Your treatment of my sister.” Asher's gaze flicked to hers. “And she allows it.”

“I—”

“Ada.” His low command halted any further words from her but it did not halt her movement. “As far as I am concerned she is my slave. My treatment of her is of no consequence, especially since your own daughters sold her into slavery.”

Her father flinched, and her brother paled. She gave in to her urge and stomped on the top of his foot. “You granted me my freedom.”

His nostrils flared. “Not yet, my love. If you recall, I offered but I have yet to grant your freedom.”

Ada gasped at his words.

Asher nudged their father. “You see.”

“Yes, it is a mystery to be solved.” Her father smiled, and then took in Nicolaus.

“I believe there are matters we must discuss between us.” Nicolaus shifted his weight. He did not want to take these men to his father's house, yet he did not feel comfortable with Ada walking home, even if the distance was short. What choice did he have? Although he'd sought out his daughter, Nicolaus did not trust her father, nor her brother. “Ada, you can find your way to the house?”

She blinked, her gaze moving from Nicolaus to her father. She was more confused than she had been moments before. “Yes, of course.”

“Then I will take these men to the storehouse where we can have our discussion.”

Her father shook his head. “That will not be necessary, my son. I will not leave my daughter alone to your care, and I have need to speak with your father.”

Nicolaus's body seemed to expand. “Very well,” he said as he grabbed hold of her hand and stepped aside to allow her father and Asher to go before them.

“His home, where Ada has been staying, is at the end of this path,” Asher informed her father.

“This I know.” Her father took a step forward. Ada laid her fingers against the fabric of his tunic on his forearm. He glanced at her and she immediately bowed her head. “What is it, daughter?”

She swallowed the knot in her throat and risked a glance at him. “Why is it you have come?”

“To see that my daughter is well. After I heard what your sisters had done...I could not believe my own ears. You may be assured they are receiving a just punishment. One fitting their crimes.” Ada shivered as her father sighed and then smiled. “I am overjoyed to see you are better than I could have hoped for.”

She drew her brows together and wondered what it was that he meant. Certainly he did not wish any of his children to endure slavery. Although she had to admit she could have obtained a worse master than Nicolaus. One much more like her father had been. And why he seemed pleased with himself she could not fathom. Had she ever seen him truly smile, like he did now?

“I do not understand.” She wrapped her fingers around her father's arm, so thin beneath his tunic, and then looked to Asher for answers, but his angry gaze was focused on Nicolaus. They would be fortunate if these two did not draw their weapons. She did not wish for Asher, the only champion she had among her siblings, to be harmed by the hands of the man she'd given her heart to.

“Do not worry yourself, Ada. All these troubles will, no doubt, be resolved shortly.” The warmth of his palm covered the back of her hand. “You'll soon be a bride.”

Ada jerked away from her father. “What? No, I cannot marry.”

* * *

Ada paced the bedchamber. She did not appreciate the fact that she'd been barred from the conversation, especially considering it concerned her. She sat on the cushioned mat and pulled her knees into her chest. Such was the lot of women. At least she held confidence that Nicolaus would defend her in any manner he could. She just wished she could be sure he and Asher would not destroy each other. How would she ever face Nicolaus if he brought harm to her brother or Asher if he harmed Nicolaus?

She sighed. If only she understood what Nicolaus meant by his endearment. Did he, in truth, love her, or were his words nothing more than...words? Would she be able to leave him if his heart belonged to her? Would her father allow her a choice? What of Nicolaus's sister?

“Ada,” Chloe said as she walked into the room, the babe nestled against her chest. “Have you seen Galen?”

Ada shook her head. “I've only just returned. When is the last time you saw him?”

Color rose high in Chloe's cheeks. “I cannot be certain. He and the babe were asleep when I took Edith down to bathe and break her fast. When I returned Galen was gone.” Tears formed in the nursemaid's eyes. “I've looked everywhere as have a few of the servants. He is not to be found. I would inform Nicolaus, but he is in the
andron
with his father and brothers.”

As well as with her father and brother. She rose from the mat and ran her hands over the fabric of her chiton. “No bother, Chloe. I believe I know where Galen has taken off to. I will find him and bring him back posthaste.”

Searching for the boy would keep her mind from wandering to the men below and the fate they would ultimately decide for her.

“My thanks, Ada. I have been beside myself with worry.”

“As would I if I did not know this young man's curiosity.” Ada offered the nursemaid a hug. “Now, if I do not return before the men are done with their discussions please inform Nicolaus I went to search the port for Galen.”

Chloe gasped and grabbed hold of her hand. “You cannot go down there, Ada. It is too dangerous.”

Ada nodded. “So it is and even more so for a curious little boy.”

* * *

Nicolaus ran his hand over his beard. He opted to lean against the wall and stare out the window overlooking the bay. Asher, Ada's arrogant brother, took up a spot near the door leading to the courtyard as if to keep Nicolaus locked in his father's home. He'd been glad when Jasen and Brison had arrived, perhaps, smug even. He could not help the way the corner of his mouth lifted at the tipping of the scales. If this young man chose to challenge him, his brothers would no doubt stand beside him.

Ada's father lounged on one of the padded couches and plopped a grape into his mouth. He was like a dog with a meaty bone. Problem was Nicolaus could not figure out why. Did he think forcing Nicolaus to marry his daughter such an onerous task for him? “Pfft.”

He crossed his arms over his chest and expanded his muscles. If that was his thinking, he was wrong. Nicolaus would like nothing more than to spend the rest of his life in Ada's company. He just wasn't going to let Manus know that.

Jasen finished his game of knuckles with Brison and strode toward him. “What is the matter with you, Nicolaus? Father will not be too happy with the way you treat his guests.”

The corner of his eye twitched. “Hah, guests. More like thieves.”

Jasen shook his head. “I do not understand.”

“The elder,” Nicolaus said, motioning his head toward the man, “is Manus of Ashkelon. Ada's father.”

Jasen laughed. “The glowering giant guarding the doorway must be her brother.”

“I find nothing humorous.” Nicolaus shoved his fingers through his hair and pushed from the wall. “What is taking Father so long?”

“Hmm.” Jasen tapped his chin. “Believe it or not, Mother said he was praying.”

A breath of air whooshed from Nicolaus's chest. “As should I be.”

His brother clamped him on the shoulder. “Then do so. I'll keep the giant from bothering you.”

Before his brother made it across the room, their father entered. “Manus, my old friend!”

Nicolaus froze and then glanced at Jasen, who seemed as surprised as he was. How did his father and Ada's know each other?

Ada's father rose from the reclining couch and clasped his father in a quick embrace. “Gavros, it is good to see you. However, I do wish it were under different circumstances.”

His father's gaze shifted to Nicolaus, and then back to Manus. “Yes, yes, of course. However, I can assure you my son's intentions were of good nature.”

Manus returned to the reclining couch and took a sip of water from his goblet. “I have no doubt they were.” His gaze shifted to Nicolaus. “I wish to thank you for rescuing my daughter from Ashkelon's darkness.”

“I would do it all over again.”

“Of course. I did not realize the discord between my daughters. They have been punished for their part in Ada's captivity. Harsh as it may seem, we received a fair price for them at Delos, all but my oldest, Dina, who will remain a slave in my household.”

The contents of Nicolaus's stomach revolted in disgust. “A harsh punishment I would not wish on my worst enemies.”

“You may be assured they will consider their actions. Besides, I do not intend to leave them there. Once I am finished here I will return to Delos and retrieve my daughters. Now, I was prepared to offer thrice the price you paid for my daughter as I have a neighbor willing to pay that much for her hand in marriage.”

Nicolaus clenched his hands at his sides. Heat rose into his cheeks.

Manus fused his gaze to Nicolaus's. “It is much more than I could have expected given she is the daughter of a Hebrew slave.”

His heart lurched into his chest at the implications. He now understood why Ada fought against the affection between them. Had her mother loved Ada's father during her captivity?

“However, I fear rumors of my daughter being slung over a man's shoulder and carried onto a boat have ruined her reputation, one I did all in my power to guard throughout the years.” He plucked a grape from the bowl. “If that were not enough, I hear rumors of how you carried her off your boat and into port, and then proceeded to reprimand your men for daring to look at my daughter.”

He recalled well the moment when he swept her into his arms and carried her from his vessel. Nothing could have prepared him for the way his heart had lurched at the comfort of holding her close, not even that small kiss they'd shared.

“I do not know about you, Gavros.” Manus looked to his father. “But I have never treated my slaves with such grace. If they refused my orders they were beaten, especially if they were as disobedient as my daughter.”

Nicolaus stiffened. Ada would never survive the beatings he'd received while in captivity.

“You must forgive my son. He was kidnapped and forced into slavery. It is fortunate his brother found him and paid a ransom for him. He bears the scars of brutality and would not treat another as such.”

“Gavros, we are old friends, are we not? We sailed together, traded together and went our separate ways. You made your riches and I mine. We helped make the world as it is.”

Thorns pricked Nicolaus's neck. He did not like the tension in the air, and the way his brothers stood at attention showed they did not, either. “What is it you ask, Manus of Ashkelon?”

“Direct, much like your father, Nicolaus, son of Gavros.”

“I have no tolerance for games just as I have no stomach for beating obstinate slaves.”

Manus laughed. “You know my daughter well.” He took a sip from his goblet. “And I find you hidden away with her in the trees.”

His nails bit into his palms. “Forgive me, sir, but as my slave, I can do as I wish, and I did. However, as beautiful as your daughter is and as much as I desire to take your daughter as my wife, I respected her virtue.” He would not tell him about the stolen kiss. Not when he knew Ada wished to go home.

Manus rose and glided toward him until there was little space between them. The air in the
andron
thickened. “I know the look in your eyes. It is the look of a man in love. My daughters' beauty has been known to weaken even the strongest of men, especially Ada. I've seen men go mad over a glimpse of her. It is why I pushed her away. I have done all I could to keep the dogs from stealing her from my house. Even telling her no man would want her because of her mixed blood. Of course, her mixed blood did little to keep my neighbors from offering. However, it kept her from encouraging them.”