Rebellious Cargo Read online

  He looked down and she was surprised to see the grey eyes were full of concern. “That fall down the cliff must have left you with some painful wounds. I shall attend to them once we get settled.”

  Good Lord, what did that mean? She considered the prospect.

  The captain sat her down just inside the entrance of the cave and she gratefully rested whilst she watched her two companions systematically check the area.

  Once satisfied there was no danger, they stopped and conversed together. Their heads were close and she noticed with amusement they had the same raven-coloured hair – one a curly mop and the other sleek and shiny. They turned and walked towards her. Adam disappeared into the cave whilst Jake stopped and looked down at her, his white teeth flashing a smile.

  “Goodbye, for now, Mrs. Charlesworth.”

  “You are leaving? But it is not safe out there.” She nodded inland.

  “I will be back in a few hours and I will try to find some clothes for you. Do not worry, I know every inch of this island. I can make sure there is no one left searching for you. I promise to return soon.”

  “I hope so.” The captain was much less of a worry to her when there were three of them.

  Jake was now giving her a strange smile that Jane thought far exceeded his years.

  He lowered his voice. “You will be safe with the captain. He will not lose you again. He is I think a little sick.”

  Sick! She sat bolt upright. “The captain is sick? That is not something to smile at. What is wrong with him?” She felt suddenly selfish at the fact she hadn’t detected he was ailing.

  The boy answered, unperturbed with her reprimand. “He hides it well, but he is sick here.” Jake put both hands on his heart and adopted a strange moon-faced expression. Jane was truly puzzled. Then she flushed down to her toes as she figured out his act.

  She glared at him as he turned, jumped between the rocks, and disappeared.

  “How does he do that?” she mumbled to herself.

  “Do what?”

  She started as she discovered the captain was back at her side staring down at her.

  “Appear and disappear, like a jack in the box.”

  He chuckled and sat down beside her, causing her insides to squirm. “I am not risking taking you anywhere until I know your kidnappers have abandoned the search. Jake will collect some clothes and food and find out who is about. He is a resourceful lad. I am glad Celine procured his services when she did.”

  “Celine is a good judge of character,” Jane said quietly, as she stared towards the cliffs. “I hope she is safe.”

  “Try not to worry. I am sure she is sitting somewhere at this very moment thinking the same thoughts about you.” He placed a hand on hers and instantly she felt desire and fear mingling in that heady mix which was becoming more frequent since he had rescued her.

  His closeness reminded her she was practically naked under the fishy blanket. Just a few tatters of the giant’s shirt lay beneath it, and assorted bandages around her four limbs. She felt like a part mummified haddock – a very vulnerable one at that.

  He let go of her hand and disappeared outside for a few minutes. When he returned he kneeled down in front of her and, without any permission she noted, took her right foot in his hands and whisked away the bandage around her calf and ankle. The bottom of the blanket slid up her leg and she squirmed with embarrassment as he started to clean the wounds with the water from the flask. This was not right – not right at all, but she couldn’t formulate the words to deter him. In fact, she couldn’t formulate anything as his hand continued to work on her foot. His brow was furrowed and his full attention was on his quest to ease her discomfort. He was not altogether succeeding; although her foot felt less inflamed, the rest of her body had taken on a treacherously hot glow.

  He ripped a clean length of material from the hem of his own shirt and covered the worst of the grazing, then turned his attention to the other leg. She obediently moved position, watching as the strong sculptured fingers shot tingling sparks up her limbs.

  She searched for conversation in a bid to divert her thoughts. “Is the place we are meeting Admiral Cookson far from here?”

  “No. About an hour on foot,” he replied. “As soon as Jake returns, we will leave. I hope to be out of here by dawn.”

  “Dawn tomorrow?” She swallowed. “So we are staying here tonight?”

  “Sunrise is only a few hours away.” He raised his eyebrows. “Are you scared of the dark? You are quite safe here, you know. No wild animals about.”

  “No,” she snapped, fully aware he was enjoying her unease. Hang the dark and the animals, there was only one threatening predator in the cave at the moment.

  “Did Crosby hurt you?” The bluntness of his question surprised her, but she was glad of the distraction.

  “Crosby and Ned were just jailers; I had the impression they were following orders.” She shuddered as she remembered Crosby’s perverted behaviour, and decided she couldn’t tell all the details.

  Picking her words carefully, she continued. “Crosby wanted to humiliate me. He was a twisted man – he hated women. Celine and I triggered something inside him, something dark and miserable. He indicated my future was going to be rather terrifying once he handed me over to the people who were expected to collect me that night. That’s what made me escape.”

  Adam absorbed the information quietly but she knew his mood had darkened. “How did you manage that?” he asked finally.

  She told him about the fire and the coal scuttle.

  “You are some lady, Jane, to fell a giant. Reckless and impossibly headstrong, but amazing.”

  Her heartbeat quickened as she registered the almost angry heat in his eyes. He finished with her wounds and went to stand on a rock at the entrance of the cave, checking the beach. Her eyes roamed slowly over his broad back, neat buttocks, and long legs – the sight caused her breath to hitch – he looked as if he could keep an army at bay.

  A few hours ago she had been alone and stranded, and a few hours before that, in the hands of a madman. Things had certainly improved. Yawning, she stretched her limbs. She was so damnably tired, but her mind resisted closing down – even as her body begged for sleep.

  An hour later the sun dipped below the horizon, turning the sea to dark blue velvet. Jane shivered as her eyes drooped with tiredness. She heard Adam moving from the cave entrance. Moments later he returned and draped his jacket around her shoulders before setting down a roll of sailcloth for a pillow.

  “Get some sleep,” he said firmly. “I will be just outside.”

  He started to walk away, and her body relaxed. “Captain Marston!”

  He turned and she smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  “Adam. That is my name – whilst we are alone, at least. Can you manage that? After all, it is only fair as I have been using your given name for ages.”

  “It hadn’t gone unnoticed,” she scolded. “But as you kept pointing out, you are the one in command.”

  “Of course,” he agreed, “at last you have the right of it.” And he winked at her before turning again.

  Adam – she silently tested the sound. Yes, she preferred him much better out of uniform.

  ***

  Jane screamed as the nightmare came to its familiar hideous peak before she forced herself from its grip. Darkness shrouded her and her shattered breathing racked her body. A hand softly brushed her arm. “Jane, you are safe, it is me, Adam. You are in the cave.”

  She swiped the arm away and wriggled backwards. “Get off me! Leave me alone!” Her breathing steadied as the large form retreated. Huddled tight against the wall, her senses slowly returned, and then her voice shook with remorse.

  “I’m so sorry. I am prone to nightmares, please forgive me.”

  Adam edged a little closer. “I am not surprised you have bad dreams after your experiences lately. Is there anything I can do?”

  She shook her head and gave him a wobbly smile. “No –
but I am glad you are here.”

  He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand and she closed her eyes, savouring the contact. He placed a comforting hand over hers and they sat there silently for a while.

  Jane was struggling now, trying to keep herself from reacting to his touch. His fingers shifted and the contact was fractionally more possessive – but it was not restraining. If she gave any hint of concern, she knew he would release her. But she kept still – she didn’t want him to let go. She had pushed him away before, had run like a coward.

  He must have sensed her fear as his hold loosened. Instinctively she raised her other hand and placed it on his. That small gesture of encouragement was enough. He turned and gathered her in his arms. Her hands crept around his shoulders, the heat and solidness of his chest igniting a rolling smouldering fire through her body. He tilted her head and his eyes were deadly serious as he bent to kiss her. But there was no terror now – all she felt was desire as she responded to the firm insistence of his lips.

  “I smell of fish,” she said minutes later, as if it was her last token of resistance.

  He nipped a line of encouraging kisses along the length of her lips. “Fish are delicious if properly prepared.”

  His arms encircled her a little tighter, unleashing wonderful, unfamiliar feelings deep within her core. Although even now she was fighting the demons, she couldn’t draw away. The attraction was too powerful. This time she had to face them, and by doing so perhaps she could chase them away.

  She felt less fear here in his arms than when they were in his cabin back on the Serena. Perhaps it was the absence of the gold braid, the sound and smell of the ship, which had so vividly transported her back to Pennington’s cruel rape the last time Adam had embraced her.

  His hands cradled her back, moving in slow leisurely exploration whilst his lips investigated the hollows around her neck. How could she have lived for so long and not have been aware the small patch of skin at the base of her earlobes held such sensitivity? What else had she been missing? She shuddered in expectation as his lips delved down, sweeping a line of sweet fire across her breasts just above the line of the blanket dress. This was getting truly dangerous, but she knew she could stop him if she really wanted – and it was because of that fact she wouldn’t pull away – she simply didn’t want to.

  ***

  Adam buried his head in the soft mahogany locks, trying to control the desire she had unleashed in him. Jane Charlesworth may be a widow but was plainly unskilled in the art of lovemaking. Yet her response to his kiss had set him on fire. But he was taking advantage of the situation. She had been terrified by a nightmare; he was supposed to be comforting her, not seducing her. And he knew for this reason he had to stop. Even wrapped in that smelly blanket she was magnificent. Her body had been slowly awakened, tentatively explored, and had finally relaxed into his hold, melding her softness to him. It took every ounce of strength for him to take a step away and hold her gently at arm’s length.

  A scurrying of feet on the shingle outside made him release Jane instantly and reach for his sword. He took a few steps to the cave entrance, then lowered his weapon, and sighed.

  “Impeccable timing, Jake,” he grumbled, as his first mate ran up to him.

  “The hunt has been abandoned – they think Mrs. Charlesworth is dead,” Jake panted. “We can go now, Captain, it will be light in half an hour.”

  Adam took a look over his shoulder and was relieved that Jane had composed herself, and had pasted on a welcoming smile for the boy.

  Jake ran up to her and pushed a small bundle into her hands. “These are for you.”

  Jane shook out a shirt, a pair of trousers, and a worn pair of leather shoes. Adam almost chuckled as he read the regret in her face. “It is more sensible to dress as a boy until we are safely back,” he ventured.

  Jake, unaware that his gift had not been viewed with anything less than delight, nodded in agreement. “They are mine so they will fit you better than the others – and they are clean,” he added proudly. “I washed them myself.”

  Her smile returned as she stepped forward and hugged the boy.

  “They are very much appreciated. Thank you, Jake, I am truly grateful.” She slipped on the sandals and flexed a foot. “Just perfect.” She grinned.

  Adam caught her eyes and they exchanged a lingering look of regret.

  Just perfect.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Admiral Sir Robert Cookson sat opposite Jane, studying her gravely. She probably wasn’t quite what he had expected. There had been no opportunity to change out of Jake’s clothes, which actually fitted her quite well, as they were much the same height. But she would have preferred to bathe and don a decent gown before being introduced to the Commander-in-Chief of the island.

  They had arrived at the large white stone villa a few minutes earlier, and Cookson had been sitting waiting for them in a sparsely furnished room. Cookson had installed himself at a desk in the centre, and Adam had retreated to the window seat to give them a little privacy. The morning sun was forging its rays through the half shuttered windows, and from somewhere else in the building a delicious smell of newly baked bread wafted in. Jane wondered who was making breakfast and whether it was for them.

  Cookson cleared his throat and she was surprised at the warmth of his first words to her.

  “I have not seen you since you were in leading strings, but your father often spoke of you and I see that you are indeed the daughter he described.” His lips slid into a grin and she knew instinctively that she could trust this man. Not only had her father told her so many times – and she always trusted his judgement – but also the older man had a genuine fondness in his eyes. She had no recognition of him in truth, but it felt like she had found a long lost friend.

  “I am sorry I have not had the opportunity to present myself properly.” She gestured to her clothes. “My father would properly have a fit if he could see me now.”

  “No! He would be proud – you are as resourceful and intelligent as he was. Do not worry, a bath and a change to more conventional clothes is available upstairs.”

  “What of my companion Celine? Has there been any news of her? I am anxious for her safety.”

  Cookson frowned and then, as if he had just recollected the facts, gave her a reassuring look. “I have sent my men out to see if there is any news of her. I am sure she will turn up, Jane.” He paused. “May I call you by your given name?”

  Jane nodded. “Of course.” Where was Celine? She was so hoping they would find her safe in Valetta.

  Cookson straightened in his chair. “I have something for you.” He took two items from his pocket and laid one on the desk. “This is an official document written by your father shortly before his death. The messenger who took it from his house was never discovered.”

  He handed the second item to her. “And this is a private letter to you which accompanied it. I alone have read it, and I apologise for that, but it was necessary to try to piece together what was in his mind. As it was personal, I had intended to forward it, but you were out of the country. Then when the government set out to find you, I insisted that they bring you here. I wanted to give it to you personally. I am not sure why he sent the letter with the document instead of leaving it in the house for you to collect at the time. But now I believe he doubted you would have been given it.”

  Jane’s hand shook as she accepted the folded paper. “My father always spoke highly of you, sir. He said that I could depend on you for assistance if I ever found myself alone.”

  Cookson voice softened. “You never took up the offer, though.”

  She gave him a wry smile. “I am glad I did not. Since I have been summoned to your presence, I have found myself in constant danger.”

  “Apologies, my dear. We should all have looked after you better. I had no idea that our enemies had already infiltrated the island and Captain Marston’s ship.”

  But Jane’s mind had mo
ved to the document spread on the desk.

  “The hand is Father’s,” she confirmed, “but not his usual neatness.” She looked at Cookson sharply and the pain in his eyes mirrored her own.

  “I think time was running out when he wrote it, Jane. He was being pursued for something he had discovered in a dispatch. I was half-expecting some information from him; he had alerted me in a former message that he could not trust his usual line of command.”

  Jane’s head snapped up and her eyes glistened with anger. “So you knew he was murdered.”

  “No, not at first. But these papers were dispatched on the day he died. He was a clever man and I believe he took precautions to divert his findings from falling into traitorous hands. And he was killed for it.”

  Cookson paused as his tired eyes locked hers as if willing her to understand. “His murder would have led to an investigation, so I fear it was made to look like it had arisen from natural causes. There is no hard evidence, of course, but several names are under suspicion and at this moment a full investigation is being carried out back in England.”

  Jane blinked her anger back as she digested this news. “But the document he had been working on was given to me to finish. It was nothing more than the usual report of movements.”

  “I suspect what he was working on had been replaced and destroyed long before you arrived back from your stay in Bath.”

  She took a steadying breath as the painful memory stirred in her mind.

  “This code” – she scrunched her eyes at the document – “I will need time to study it. Have you a magnifying glass?”

  Adam’s voice reached her from the window seat. “Jane, your sea chest is upstairs – it was removed from the Serena. Your spectacles are probably inside with the rest of your belongings, if that will help.”

  Jane raised her head and turned to look at him. Her mind flashed back to the cave and a warm tide of desire spread up through her body at the look in his eyes, and she quickly lowered her gaze.