OnceaPirate

By

DianaBold

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s
imaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,
locales,organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

OnceaPirate
FirstpublishedbyCobblestonePressasNobody’sHeroin2006.

Copyright©2006DianaBold

CoverArtist:KimKillion

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without
writtenpermission,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedinreviews.

Dedication

Formybeautifulhusband,Chuck.Thankyouforshowingmethattrueloveisn’tthestuffoffairy

tales—itsfarsweeterandricher.Thankyouforteachingmethatanoccasionalargumentisgoodforthe
soul. And thank you for proving that romance has nothing to do with candlelight and roses. I love you
morethanwordscansay.

Acknowledgements

Theroadtobecomingapublishedauthorhasbeenaverylonganddifficultoneforme.I’dliketo

thankallthefellowwriterswhomadeitalittleeasier,oratleastalittlelesslonely.

AngelSmits,whohasthedubiousdistinctionofbeingthefirsttoreadmyfirstpatheticattempts

andsayingthoseinfamouswords,“There’sthisthingcalledpointofview...“

MaryAnnGehling,DonitaNelsonandDianeLittleton,whohelpedmetakethosefirstbabysteps.
RuthKerceandChrisDiStasio,whosemidnightchatssavedmysanitymorethanonce.
Pam McCutcheon, Carol Umberger, Karen Fox, Jodi Beyes, Jude Wilhoff, Lise Fuller, Kris

Williams,ValenCox,PattyLaDuca,andallmyotherfriendsfromPPRWwhohavegivenmeadviceand
supportovertheyears.

Sue Longsdorf, who tries really hard to bring logic and order to my chaotic world, with little

success.

AngelaBailey,fortheSasquatch,thepsychic,andmakingmelaughuntilIcry.
Tina,Gaelen,StacyandMarissaformakingmefeellikeCinderellaevenaftermyGoldenHeart

turnedintoapumpkin.

DonnellBellandRobinSearle,whoarealwaysthereforboththecelebrationsandthetears.
And last, but not least, Barbara Samuel, the most brilliantly gifted writer and incredible person

I’veeverhadtheprivilegetoknow.Sorryyouhadtobethereforthegrowingpains.

Whatdoesn’tkillyoureallydoesmakeyoustronger.

ChapterOne

London—1810

“You’vegotavisitor,Montgomery.”
DeepinthebowelsofNewgatePrison,TalonMontgomerylookedupfromthecornerofhisdank,

windowless cell. “A visitor?” His words were little more than a hoarse rasp. He hadn’t spoken in
months,notsincehe’drealizednothinghesaidwouldenticetheguardstoreleasehim.

He shielded his eyes from the glare of the guard’s lantern with a grimy hand, blinking and

uncertain.Avisitor?He’dbeentrappeddownhereforwhatseemedaneternity,accusedoftreasonand
branded a pirate. They claimed he’d been spying for the Americans, looting English ships for military
secretsandwealth.

Heacceptedthechargeofpiracy,eventhoughhewastechnicallyaprivateer,buthehotlydenied

thetreason.HewasanAmerican,bychoice,ifnotbybirth.Unfortunately,hisletterofmarquefromthe
Americangovernmenthadbeenignored,andhe’dbeenthrowninthiscelltorot.He’dbeensentencedto
death,andhecouldn’timaginewhytheyweredraggingitout.

Thehulkingguardwithdrewakeyandunlockedhiscellforthefirsttimesincehismockeryofa

trial.Thegrindingraspofthekeybroughtlongdeadreflexestolife.

Washehallucinating?Hehadtobe,becausefreedomlayjustbeyondthatopendoor.Allhehadto

dowasgetridoftheguard…

“Youwouldn’tmakeittwofeet,”themanwarned,haulingTalonoffthefloorwithonebeefyarm.
Talonfoughtawaveofnauseaandhumiliation.Thegoodhealthhe’dtakenforgrantedallhislife

haddesertedhim.Hebattledtofindthestrengthtoremainstandinginsteadofwiltingattheman’sfeetin
anignobleheap.

Theguardgrinned.“Notsohighandmightynow,arewe,LordPirate?”
Talon shook off the man’s hands, bracing his own against the iron bars for support. “Where are

youtakingme?”

“There’s a fancy gentleman waitin’ to have a word with you in the warden’s office.” Still

chuckling, the guard shoved Talon toward his cell door. “I don’t imagine the bloke wants to be kept
twiddlin’histhumbsbythelikeso’you.”

Talon let the guard prod him down the narrow corridor, unable to accept the fact that he had a

visitor.Whocoulditbe?Hisvaliantcrewhadbeendeadthesemanymonths,andhehadnooneelse.

He wondered if this was a ruse, some strange new form of torture to make him confess. If so,

perhapsthistimethey’dsucceed.Hecouldbearanythingbutfalsehope.

Halfway to the warden’s office, the cobwebs cleared and he realized there was someone in his

life with the power to arrange such a visit. Sudden fury sparked within him, burning away months of
apathyanddespair.

Sutcliffe! Had he come to gloat? To see Talon broken and humbled once and for all? His anger

gavehimthestrengthtoclimbtheendlessflightofstairs.

Atlasttheguardshovedhimintoawarm,brightlylitroom.“Hereheis,sir.Letusknowwhen

you’redonewithhim.”

Talonstoodinthedoorway,blinkingagainstthelight,tensioncoursingthroughhimashestruggled

togetaclearlookatthetwomenwhowaitedinside.Onewasagiantofaman,dressedinsilverandblue
liverythatboretheSutcliffecrest.Hiredmuscle,Talonthoughtindisgust,dismissinghim.

The other man stood in front of the crackling fire, warming his gloved hands. He didn’t turn

aroundwhenTalonenteredtheroom,whichwasn’tsurprising.

JamesSinclair,theSixthEarlofSutcliffe,hadfirstturnedhisbackonhisbastardsontwenty

‐nine

yearsago,thedayhe’ddiscoveredTalon’smothercarriedhiminherwomb.

Talon slumped against the wall, glaring. He’d swallowed his pride and sent his father an

impassionedpleaforhelpafterhisarrest,onlytobecompletelyignored.Ifthere’dbeenanythingleftin
himoftheboywho’donceyearnedforhisfather’slove,Sutcliffehadkilleditthen.

“Damnyou,”Talonmuttered.“Damnyoutohell.”
Sutcliffelaughedandturnedtolookatthesonhe’dneverwanted.
Talondrewinasharpbreath,startled.Hehadn’tbeenfacetofacewiththemanwho’dsiredhim

sincehewasaladoftwelve.He’dforgottenhowmuchheresembledtheman.

They shared the same unusual coloring — inky black hair and icy blue eyes. Sutcliffe’s harsh,

uncompromisingfeaturesweremoredeeplylinedandhisebonyhairhadturnedgrayatthetemples,but
therewasnodenyingtheywerefatherandson.

Theearlassessedhimwithacriticalgaze.“I’mgladtoseefivemonthsinprisonhasn’tbroken

yourspirit.”

Fivemonths.Fivemonthssincehe’dtakenabreathofairthatwasn’tfouledbytheodorsofdeath

anddecay.Fivemonthssincehe’dfeltthesunandwindonhisskinoreatenadecentmeal.

Ithadseemedfarlonger.
Talon’sfuryburstthroughthedamthathadheldit,atorrentofalltheinjusticeshe’dsufferedsince

hisarrest.Hepushedoffthewall,hellbentonmurder.

Sutcliffe’sfootmansteppedforward,butSutcliffestayedhimwithanarrogantwaveofhisgloved

hand.“Leaveus,Lionel.He’sfartooweaktodomeanyharm.”

LionelpinnedTalonwithanintimidatingglancethenshruggedandlefttheroom.
Talonburnedwithmortification.Hehatedhisobviousweakness,hatedthathisfatherwasright.

Hewasinnoshapetostrikefearintoanyone.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Sutcliffe gave him an arrogant smile. “Arranging your pardon, of course. You’re a free man,

Montgomery.Allyouneedtodoiswalkoutthatdoor.”

Despitehishatred,Taloncouldn’tcontainthedizzyingsenseofhopehisfather’swordsprovoked.

Hewantedoutofthisplace.Hewantedtolifthisfacetothesunjustonemoretime...

It would be worth any price he had to pay. And the watchful look on Sutcliffe’s haughty face

assuredhimtherewouldbeaprice.

Thetruthofithithimlikeafistinthegut.Sutcliffehadlefthimtorotforareason.He’dwantedto

makecertainTalonwasdesperateenoughtoagreetowhateverhewasabouttodemand.

“Whatdoyouwantfromme?Youwouldn’thelpmewhenIneededit.Whybothernow?”
Sutcliffesmiled again, butthe smile didn’treach his eyes. “I’vebeen busy. Iattended to this as

soonasIwasable.”

Withthosefewcarelesswords,Sutcliffemanagedtoexpresshowutterlyunimportanthefoundthe

lifeofhisbastardson.

“Ididn’taskyoutohelpwithmyrelease.Ineededyoutouseyourinfluencetointerveneonbehalf

ofmycrew.It’stheonlythingI’veeveraskedofyou,andnowseventygoodmenaredead.”

“Don’t work yourself into a state,” Sutcliffe said. “Your disreputable crew is safe and sound,

sailingoneofmyshipstoBarbadosaswespeak.”

ReliefwashedoverTalonwiththeforceofahurricane.He’dbeenhauntedwithguilt,knowinghis

menhaddiedwhilehestilllived.NowheswayeddizzilywiththeknowledgethatSutcliffehadsavedhis
crewfromthegallows.

SutcliffefrownedandshovedachairinTalon’sdirection.“Here,boy.Sitdownbeforeyoufall.”
The last ounce of Talon’s strength deserted him. He had no choice but to take the offered chair.

Sutcliffeensuredhiscapitulationbyhandinghimatrayloadedwithfreshbread,cheese,andwine.

Talon’s stomach growled, brought to life by the sharp, wonderful scents. He lifted a piece of

crumblingbreadtohislipswithatremblinghand,eyeingSutcliffewarilylesthetrytosnatchitaway.

“You’re far too thin and filthy as hell, but that can be remedied,” Sutcliffe mused while Talon

devouredthefoodhe’dprovided.

Talonpausedlongenoughtoraiseasarcasticbrow.“Ifyouneededmefatandclean,youshould

havearrangedformyreleasemonthsago.”

Sutcliffe threw back his head and laughed. “By God, boy. There’s more of me in you than I’d

imagined,butI’mgladtoseeit.You’reperfectforwhatIhaveinmind.Absolutelyperfect.”

Sutcliffe’s words should have alarmed him, but the warmth of the room, coupled with the solid

feelofgoodfoodinhisstomach,stoleoverhim,fillinghimwithlethargy.Sutcliffehadsparedhismen.
Hewaswillingtolisten.

“WhatamIperfectfor?”Hewascuriousdespitehimself.WhywouldamanlikeSutcliffegotoso

muchtroubletoensurethecooperationofanAmericanprivateer?Itmadenosense.

“Ineedanheir.”
Talonstraightened,unamused.“Youhaveanheir.”
Sutcliffewavedhishanddismissively.“Lansdowneisanembarrassmenttome.Iprocuredhimthe

loveliestbrideintheland,hopingtodissuadehimfromhispervertedways,butIdon’tthinkhe’ssomuch
astouchedherhandinpassingduringthetwoyearsthey’vebeenmarried.”

NauseatwistedinTalon’sgut.Hehadaninklingofwherethiswasleading,andhedidn’tlikeit,

not one bit. He knew of Viscount Lansdowne’s preference for men. He’d once stalked his half

‐brother,

Daniel,throughthestreetsofLondon,curioustoseewhathislifemighthavebeenlikeifhismotherhad
beentheearl’swifeinsteadofhismistress.He’dseenfarmorethanhe’dwantedto.“Whatdoesthishave
todowithme?”

“I want you to escort Lansdowne and his young wife to my plantation in the Carolinas. He’s

becomealiability.Idon’twanthimtoreturnuntilLadyKathrynmanagestoconceiveachild.”

TheutterruthlessnessinSutcliffe’seyeswhenhespokeofbanishinghisonlylegitimatesonsenta

shiverupTalon’sspine.Perhapshewastheluckyoneafterall.

“Idoubthe’scapableofsiringachild,”Talonmuttered,disgustedwiththeentiresubject.
“I’mcountingonyou.”Sutcliffeleanedforwardwithsuddenintensity.“You’remyson,morelike

methanDanielcouldeverhopetobe.IfyoufatherLadyKathryn’schild,I’llhaveagrandsonworthyof
mytitle.”

Theearl’soutrageoussuggestionhungheavyintheair.“YouwantmetoseduceDaniel’swife?”

Talonshookhisheadinstunneddisbelief.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’ddosomethinglikethat?”

Sutcliffe sat down behind the warden’s desk and steepled his fingertips. “I’ve asked myself the

samequestiontimeandagain.Whatwouldittaketobendamanlikeyoutomywill?”

Inanswertohisownquestion,Sutcliffeliftedonebroadshoulderinacarelessshrug.“I’dthought

a few months of deprivation would make you more open to suggestion. But then I had a chance to visit
withsomeofyourmen,andIthinkIdiscoveredwhatitisyou’dsellyoursoulfor.”

“Gotohell,”Talonsnarled.“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutme.”
“You want land. Land in that heathen country you call home.” Sutcliffe smiled benignly. “I can

giveittoyou.Infact,I’mpreparedtodeedyouthetitletomynewlyacquiredholdingsinCarolina.It’sa
lovely place, I’ve been told. Two thousand acres west of Charleston. A plantation called Holyoke.
Perhapsyou’veheardofit?”

“YouknowIhave.”Talonfeltstripped,hismostsecretdreamlaidbarebeneathhisfather’ssteady

gaze. He’d meant to buy Holyoke one day, leave the sea and settle down in a place where titles meant
nothing.

“It’syours.I’llhaveyouonashiptotheCarolinasassoonasIcanarrangeit.Allyouhavetodo

isseducealovelyyoungwoman.Thenyoucanwalkawayandneverlookback.”

“I’m not like you.” Talon stared down at his empty plate, the food he’d eaten churning in his

stomach.“Iwon’tdoit.”

Sutcliffesighedandgottohisfeet.“I’msorrytohearthat.I’mverysorryindeed.”
He strode to the door and rapped twice. The burly guard appeared immediately. “I’m finished

withhim.Herefusestolistentoreason.Youmayescorthimbacktohiscell.”

Talonknewtheearlexpectedhimtochangehismind.Hewatchedtheguardapproach,hisheart

pounding in his chest. He tried to work up the courage to defy Sutcliffe, to go back to his cell and die
ratherthangivehisfatherthesatisfactionofbreakinghim.

Buthecouldn’tdoit.Hecouldn’tgobackdownintothatcold,darkhell.Hewantedtolive,damn

it.Hewantedthechancetomakethesonofabitchpayforaskingthisofhim.

“Allright,”hesaid.“I’lldoit.”

ChapterTwo

Talon’s release was arranged with breathtaking speed and efficiency. Sutcliffe and the warden

engagedinabriefconversation,therewasanexchangeoffunds,andthenTalonfoundhimselfoutsidethe
prisonwallsforthefirsttimesincehisarrest.

Themoonhungheavyandfullinthestarrysky.Foralongmoment,Talonjuststoodthere,staring

upward,inhalingthecrispnightair.He’dneverseenamorebeautifulsight.

“Come along, lad.” Lionel, the footman, laid a broad hand on Talon’s shoulder and steered him

towardthefinecarriagewaitingjustbeyondthegates.“You’refreenow.Therewillbeplentyoftimefor
stargazinglater.Rightnow,weneedtogetyouhome.”

Home. Talon swallowed back a bitter retort and climbed into the luxurious compartment beside

theearl.Asthecarriagerumbledthroughthedesertedstreets,helethisminddriftbacktohistwelfthyear,
tohismother’slast,painfulwords…

“I’veneverbeenabletogiveyouthelifeyoudeserve,”shetoldhimasshelaydyingoffever.

“You’reaLord’sson,Talon.YourfatheristheEarlofSutcliffe.Youweremeantforbetterthings.”

The Earl of Sutcliffe. He stilled, shocked to the core. Even in his wildest dreams, he’d never

daredreachthathigh.

“Areyousure,Mama?”Hewasafraidtobelieveinher,evennow.Howmanytimeshadshe

promisedhimabetterlife?Howmanytimeshadthosepromisesturnedouttobenothingbutlies?

“Gotohim.Don’tlethimturnyouaway.”Shegavehimonelast,tremuloussmile,andthenshe

slippedaway.

“No.”Tearsstreameddownhischeeksasheheldherlifelessbodyandstrokedherlimp,dark

hair.Hetriedtoimagineatimewhenithadnotbeendirtyandtangled,triedtoimagineherasarich
man’smistressinsteadofapoorman’swhore.

Whatwashetodo,traipseovertoSt.JamesSquare,poundontheearl’sfrontdooranddemand

hisrightfulplaceasasonofthehouse?

Notbloodylikely.They’dtakeonelookathisdirtyface,raggedclothesandskinnybodyand

laughtheirarsesoff.Hehadnoproof,nothingbuthismother’sname.Evenifherclaimwastrue,it
wasunlikelytheEarlofSutcliffewouldrememberawomanlikeMaggieMontgomery.

Butthroughtheterribledaysthatfollowed,longafterhismotherhadbeenburiedinapauper’s

grave and the landlord had stolen what few belongings she’d left behind, it was all he could think

about.

What if it was true and he did nothing? What if he was meant for something better than the

dirty,violentstreetshecalledhome?

Whatcouldithurttotry?
He finally gathered his courage and asked around until someone directed him to the earl’s

enormous Palladian mansion. Once there, however, he knew he could never actually knock on the
imposingfrontdoor.

He turned to go, but then the door opened and a young boy emerged. The lad was a little

youngerthanTalon,small

‐bonedandpale,dressedlikealittlelord.Therewasanexpressionofutter

boredomontheboy’sfaceashesatdownonthewidemarblestepsandstaredatthetrafficonthebusy
street.

Abrother?Talonstaredattheboy,hisheartthunderinginhischest,thestingoftearsburning

hiseyes.He’dalwayswantedabrother.

Beforehecouldthinkbetterofit,hedartedacrossthestreet,climbedthestepsanddroppedto

hiskneesbeforethelad.“IsLordSutcliffeyourfather?”

Theboyscootedbackward,hiseyeswideninginfear.Hetightenedhisholdonthetoysoldierin

his hand until it broke, the head bouncing down the stairs and rolling away. “Go away. I’m not
supposedtotalktostrangers.”

“Ineedtoknow.”Talon’svoiceroseindesperation.Heknewhe’dneverhaveanotherchance.

“He’smyfather,too.Mymothertoldmehewas.”

“You’relying.”Theboyshookhisheadindenialthenjumpedtohisfeetandracedtothedoor,

throwingitopenanddartinginside.

Talonfollowed,dashingpastthewide

‐eyedbutler,careeningtoastopinsidethegrandmarble

hallway.Hissurgeofbraverydissipatedwhenfacedwiththerealityofhissurroundings.

He’d never seen such grandeur. Dozens of gleaming white columns rose toward the domed

ceiling,whileivorystatuestwicethesizeofmenguardedthehugeoakdoorsthatledinalldirections.

“Father,Father,comequickly!”theboyyelledupagrandcurvingstaircase,dartingnervous

looksinTalon’sdirection.

Afteramoment,atall,dark

‐hairedgentlemanappearedonthelanding.

Talonswallowed,suddenlyterrified.
“Daniel,”theearlsaidatlength.“Whyisthereabeggarchildinthehall?”
“He says you’re his father.” Daniel’s thin voice was angry and tearful. “Tell him it’s not so.

Tellhimyou’remyfather.”

Sutcliffelaughed,aharsh,unfriendlysound.HisicygazereturnedtoTalon.“I’myourfather,

amI,boy?Whereisyourproof?”

Talonfistedhishandsathissidessotheearlcouldn’tseethemshake.“MynameisTalon,sir.

MymotherwasMaggieMontgomery.Shediedafewdaysago,andIhavenowhereelsetogo.”

“Maggie Montgomery?” Sutcliffe descended the stairs and strode toward Talon with long,

ground

‐eatingstrides.

Talonforcedhimselftokeepfromflinchingasthemangraspedhischinandturnedhisfaceup

tothelight.

Thesilenceinthehallwasabsolute.
Sutcliffe laughed and released him, dusting his hand on the side of his tailored trousers as

thoughhe’dtouchedsomethingfoul.“Youdohavethelookofme.”

Talonnearlycollapsedinrelief.Hismotherhadbeentellingthetruth.Theearl’seyesturned

flatanddistant.“Yourmotherwasawhore,boy.It’strueIcouldbeyourfather,butsocouldanyofa
dozenothermen.”Hewavedahandattheboyonthestairs.“Besides,asyoucansee,Ialreadyhavea

son.”

Daniel’ssmilewascoldandmocking.Inthatmoment,Talonhatedhishalf

‐brothermorethan

he’deverhatedanything,eventhefatherwhoscornedhim.

Theearlsnappedhisfingersandoneofthefootmensteppedforward.“Givethelittlebastard

somemoneyandsendhimonhisway.”

Talondrewhimselfupwithasmuchdignityaspossible,giventhecircumstances.“Idon’twant

your money, sir. I don’t want anything from you at all.” He turned and walked away, head still held
high,theearl’slaughterringinginhisears…

He’dgonestraighttothedocks,hiredonasacabinboyandgonetosea.Butfromtimetotime

during the last twenty years, he’d imagined coming back so flush in coin and elegantly attired no one
wouldthinkofdenyinghimentrance.

Noteveninhisworstnightmareshadheimaginedhe’dbedressedinragsandcoveredinhisown

stench.

WhentheyfinallyarrivedinSt.JamesSquare,Sutcliffewasthefirsttostepoutofthecarriage,

trailedbyTalonandthemassivefootman.ThesamehaughtybutlerwhohadwitnessedTalon’schildhood
humiliationstoodwaitingonthesteps.

“Goodevening,LordSutcliffe.”Theimpassivelittlemanbowedtohisemployerandthenturned

hisattentiontoTalon,betrayingnotaflickerofsurpriseathisraggedcondition.“We’vebeenexpecting
you,Mr.Montgomery.”

“Jenkins,makesurehehaseverythingheneeds.Informmewhenhe’sreadyfordinner.”Withouta

backwardglance,theearlstrodeoffdownthehall.

“Right this way, sir.” Jenkins escorted Talon up the curving mahogany staircase to an opulent

bedroomsuiteonthethirdfloor.Momentslater,anarmyofservantsarrived,ladenwitheveryimaginable
amenity. After the huge copper tub had been filled with steaming water, Talon sent them all away,
desperateforalittleprivacy.Aftersolongaloneinthedark,thechaosrattledhim.

Sheddinghisfilthyclothes,hesteppedintothedeeptub,lettingthehotwaterseepintohisfrozen

bones.“LadyKathryn,”hemuttered,shakinghisheadindespair.

Christ,whathadhegottenhimselfinto?
Ithadtakenawillofirontopullhimselfoutofthegutterwherehe’dbeenborn,butSutcliffehad

managedtobreakhimwithnothingmorethanthepromiseofabreathoffreshair.

He’dboughthisfreedombyswearingtoseducehissister

‐in‐law,buthehadnointentionofdoing

so.Thequestionwas,howdidhekeephishatredforhisfatheratbaylongenoughtopretendhedid?

Everyinstincturgedhimtorun,andittookasupremeactofwilltoresist.Thewisestcoursewas

toremainhereafewdaysandregainhisstrength.Heneededeverypossibleadvantagebeforeattempting
tooutsmarthisfather.Lordknewhisthinkingwasnonetooclearatthemoment.

Liftingamirrorandrazorfromthetablenexttothetub,hetookamomenttolookathimselfand

wasstunnedbywhathesaw.Thepale,gauntstrangerwhostaredbackathimborenoresemblancetothe
dashingpiratehe’doncebeen.Hell,howdidSutcliffeexpecthimtoseduceanyone?

Resolutely,hescrapedoffhisheavybeard,determinedtoplaytheparthisfatherhadscripted.He

wouldmeetDaniel’swife,perhapsevenshowaninterestinher.AnythingtogetsafelyoutofEngland.

ButassoonastheshipclearedtheChannel,heintendedtowashhishandsofbothhishalf

‐brother

andtheunfortunateLadyKathryn.Noestatewasworthhishonor.Especiallysincehishonorwasallhe
hadleft.

Thesteamingwaterwaslukewarmbythetimeheexitedhisbath.
He dried off with a big, fresh-smelling towel, then pulled on the velvet robe that had been

providedforhisuse.He’djustfinishedbeltingtheheavyfabricwhenthedooropenedbehindhim.

“Youcleanupwell,myboy.”

Talonturnedandmethisfather’sappraisingbluegaze.Sutcliffesizedhimupasthoughhewerea

prizedstallion.Anaccurateanalogy,consideringwhattheoldbastardwantedhimtodo.

“Well,” Talon muttered, taking a seat in front of the crackling fire. “We wouldn’t want Lady

Kathryntobedisappointed,nowwouldwe?”

Sutcliffegaveashortlaughandstrodeacrosstheroom,seatinghimselfinthedeepleatherchair

oppositeTalon’s.“No.Wewouldn’twantthat.”

Aloadedsilencefellbetweenthem,brokenonlywhenseveralburlyservantsarrivedtoremove

thetub.Whentheywerefinished,ayounggirlbroughtupadinnertrayforTalonandadecanterofbrandy
forSutcliffe.

Talon gave the girl a wan smile and was rewarded with a wink and a blush. She was lushly

curved, Irish, he’d guess, from that riotous red hair. Perhaps in a day or two he might feel up to the
invitationinhereyes.

“Bridget,”Sutcliffesaid.“Thatwillbeall.”
Bridget lowered her gaze and backed away. Talon waited until she was gone then glared at his

father.“PlanningtokeepmecelibateuntilI’veperformedyourdirtylittledeed?”

“I’lladmitthethoughthadoccurredtome.”Sutcliffepouredagenerousglassofbrandyandtook

anappreciativesip.“ButIdoubtthatwillbenecessary.Yousee,Idohaveonemoreaceupmysleeve.”

Talon had broken open a steaming roll and was in the process of buttering it, but his father’s

words gave him pause. He set the roll down and met Sutcliffe’s mocking gaze head on. “What do you
mean?”

“We’realotalike,youandme.So,don’tthinkyou’vefooledmeforamoment.Iknowyouagreed

to my demands only to get out of that stinking hellhole. I also know you’ve spent the last few hours
thinkingofwaystothwartme.Afterall,that’swhatI’ddoinyourshoes.”

Talon said nothing. A sense of impending doom settled over him as he waited for what would

comenext.

“Thewealthandplantationaren’tenough,arethey?Ifitwereonlyyourselfatstake,yourownlife,

yourownfreedom,nodoubtyou’dtakeyourchancesandjumpshipatthefirstopportunity.”

“My crew?” Talon closed his eyes. The loss of freedom had addled his brain. He should have

knownSutcliffehadsavedhismenonlytousethemagainsthim.

“Yes.”Sutcliffeshruggedonebroadshoulder.“Idon’tknowwhyyoucarewhathappenstothat

mangyassortmentofscoundrels.Butyoudo,andI’msureyourealizewhatwillbefallthemifyoudon’t
doexactlyasyou’vepromised.”

“I would do anything for my men.” They were the only family he’d ever known. He’d already

mournedthemonceandhadnointentionofdoingsoagain.

Sutcliffedownedtherestofhisglassofbrandyandthenstood.“Wehaveanunderstanding,then?”
“Ofcourse.”Talonwatchedhisfatherleavetheroom.Andhevowedtokillthesonofabitch,ifit

wasthelastthingheeverdid.

ChapterThree

LadyKathrynSinclairfrownedasherfather

‐in‐law’smagnificentcoachstartedupthelong,tree‐

lineddrivetowardRosewoodManor.DearGod,whatwashedoinghere?

Something was definitely wrong. The Earl of Sutcliffe never visited his country estate. His

unexpectedappearancedidn’tbodewell.

HadsomethinghappenedtoDaniel?
Heartracing,sheletherspadedroptothefreshlytilledsoilofherrosegarden.Whileshebore

herhusbandnogreatlove,neitherdidshewishhimanyharm.

She picked up her dusty skirts and hurried up the stone path toward the imposing gray mansion,

intentuponmakingherselfpresentable.Itwouldn’tdotohavetheearlseeherinhergardeningattire.He
dislikedimproprietyofanykind.

Sheranuptheservant’sstairstohersuiteofroomsonthesecondfloor.Shuttingthedoorbehind

her,sheblockedoutthecommotionoftheearl’sarrivalbelow.

“DearLord.”Aquickglanceinthemirrorconfirmedherworstfears.Shegrabbedaclothandwet

itinabasinoftepidwaterthenscrubbedherfaceanddidherbesttowashtheembeddeddirtfromher
hands.

Therewasn’ttimetochangeorringforhermaid,Betsy,soshetriedtorepairthedamageonher

own.Herhairhadescapeditssimplechignontowispaboutherfaceinunrulychestnutringlets.Shetook
theheavymassdown,gavethedarkstrandsavigorousbrushing,andthenarrangeditinamuchsimpler
style.

Herstomachclenchedinafierceknotasshedescendedthesweepingfrontstairs.Shewishedshe

couldrunoutthedoorandacrosstheparkuntilshecollapsed,butitwouldn’tdoanygood.Therewasno
waytoescapetheearlortheholdhehadonherlife.

“Lady Katherine, Lord Sutcliffe has arrived.” The butler, Gregory, met her in the echoing front

hall,hisusuallycalmdemeanorvisiblyrattled.“He’swaitingforyouinthelibrary,milady.”

“Thankyou,”shemurmured,smoothingherhaironelasttime.“Pleaseannounceme.”
She paused outside the library and took several deep, calming breaths, waiting while Gregory

saidhernameinhiscool,formalvoice.Thenshegatheredhercouragelikeashieldandwalkedintothe
room.

Herfather

‐in‐lawstoodbehindhishugedesk,staringoutthewindowatthelakeinthedistance.

He turned when she entered, and his impassive, ice blue gaze swept over her, taking in her unkempt
appearance.“Youlooklikeawasherwoman,Kathryn.It’snotfittingforaviscountesstodirtyherhands
likeacommonpeasant.”

“Gardening is a genteel pursuit,” she pointed out, clenching her dirt

‐stained hands behind her

back.“Myroseshavewonnumerousawards.”

Hefrowned,obviouslyannoyedthathiscuttingcommentshadn’tcausedhertoburstintotearsas

they once would have. Her marriage had taught her many things, paramount among them to never show
weakness.

Heglaredatherforanotherlongmomentandthensatdownintheleatherchairbehindhisdesk.

There weren’t any chairs on her side, a ploy to give him the upper hand and make all those who stood
beforehimfeelinferior.Sheraisedherchinanotchandwaitedhimout,determinednottogiveintothe
panichisarrivalhadprecipitated.

Whyishehere?
“HowlonghasitbeensinceDanielpaidyouavisit?”
Shamedheatcreptuphercheeks,butshemanagedtoholdhissteelygaze.“HecameinFebruary.”
“Four months?” His displeasure was evident. “Then I’m correct in assuming he still hasn’t

managedtogetyouwithchild?”

His shockingly blunt statement managed to do what all his calculated cruelty could not. Kathryn

lookedaway,hercheeksflaming.

Her husband didn’t desire her, and everyone seemed to know it. “This situation is intolerable,”

Sutcliffecontinued.“Daniel’sdrunkencarousingisanembarrassmenttome.Herefusestodohisdutyand
produceanheir,soI’vedecidedtosendthetwoofyoutomynewestateintheCarolinas.Perhapsifhe
hasnothingelsetooccupyhistime,we’llseesomeresultsandI’llallowyoutocomeback.”

Herworldshiftedbeneathherfeet.Itwasanefforttoremainstandingwheneverythingsheknew

andlovedhadjustbeensnatchedaway.

She’d managed to live without the hope of a loving husband or a family of her own, but she

couldn’tbeartohaveRosewoodManor,eventhelandofherbirth,takenfromheraswell.

“TheCarolinas?”shebreathed.“Surelyyoujest.”
“Ineverjest.”
She fought to keep her composure. “I’ll speak to Daniel. Surely he’ll spend more time with me

onceIexplainhowseriousthesituationhasbecome.”

Sutcliffeshookhishead.“Ispoketohimmonthsago.Herefusestolistentoreason.”
Shameoverwhelmedher.WasthethoughtofmakinglovetohersorepugnantDanielwouldrisk

banishmenttoavoidit?She’dneverthoughtofherselfasexceptionallypretty,butshewasn’tunattractive.
Didshehavesometerribleflawshewasunawareof?

“Please, don’t make me leave the Manor.” She hated the betraying tremor in her voice, but she

wastooheartsicktostopit.“It’smyhome.”

“I’vemadeupmymind.Nothingyoucansaywillswayme.”Theearldismissedherwithaflick

ofhiswrist.“Isuggestyoubeginpacking.Theshipleavesattheendoftheweek.”

Fivedays.Kathrynwhirledaround,determinedtoleavetheearl’spresencebeforeshegaveinto

thethreateningtears.

Shewouldn’tlethimseehercry.Neveragain.

*****

“WhydoyouallowthepoorgirltothinkDaniel’sinattentionisherfault?”Talonreachedforthe

bottleofbrandyonthetableandpouredhimselfahealthyglass,feelingtheneedtogetstumblingdrunk.

Howelsecouldhebeartoparticipateinthisterribletragedyhisfatherhadsetinmotion?

He’d watched from a leather chair in a secluded nook as the earl bullied and belittled Lady

Kathryn.Ithadtakeneverybitofself

‐controlhepossessednottointervene.

She hadn’t noticed him, and for that he was thankful. Her interview with the earl had been

upsettingenough.She’dhavebeenmortifiedtoknowshehadanaudience.

“Danielkeepsheroffbalance.Shedoesn’tknowhowtoremedythesituation.”Sutcliffwaveda

deprecatinghand.“It’sgoodforher.Thegirlhasfartoomuchspirit.She’simpossibletodealwith.”

Talon narrowed his eyes at his father’s callous words, his admiration for his sister

‐in‐law

growingbytheminute.Shewasn’tatallwhathe’dexpected.

When Sutcliffe told him she was the most beautiful girl in the land, he’d envisioned one of the

blonde, blue

‐eyed English roses who populated London’s elite drawing rooms by the dozens. A pale,

mindlesscreaturewithavapidsmileandnotasingleopinionofherown.

Lady Kathryn was none of those things. She was a passionate, gorgeous brunette with enough

couragetostanduptotheearl.Taloncouldn’thelpbutbeimpressed.“Ilikeher.”

Sutcliffeleanedbackinhischair,asatisfiedsmirkonhislips.“Ithoughtyoumight.”
Talonscowled.Itannoyedhimtonoendthatheandhisfathersharedthesametasteinwomen.
Sutcliffechuckledathisexpression.“Itwon’tbesoterrible,son.AfewhoursinLadyKathryn’s

arms and you’ll have all you’ve ever wanted. Holyoke will be yours, and I’ll even give you enough
moneytoruntheplace.Ishouldthinkyou’dbegratefultomeforgivingyouthischance.”

Son.OnceTalonwouldhavethankedGodonhiskneestohearthatwordfromthisman.Nowhis

stomachchurnedtothinkhe’dcomefromSutcliffe’staintedseed.

“Youexpectgratitudeforwhatyou’vedonetome?”Talonshookhisheadandstood.“Whenhell

freezesover,oldman.”

Heexitedtheroom,ignoringSutcliffe’ssurprisedbarkoflaughter.

*****

“LadyKathryn,whereshallIputyourridinghabits?”
Kathrynshruggedandpointedinthedirectionofthehalf

‐dozentrunksthatlinedthefarwallofher

bedroom.“Itdoesn’tmatter,Betsy.Putthemwhereveryouthinkbest.”

Betsytskedunderherbreath,butKathrynignoredher.Shereturnedtothewindowandlethergaze

wandertothelakeinthedistance,doingherbesttoignoretheentiresituation.

Servants had been parading in and out of her room all afternoon, pestering her with endless

questions. They’d asked which set of the priceless Sutcliffe silver she wanted to take with her. They
wantedtoknowwhichjewelsshouldbepackedandifshewantedanyofthefurnitureshippedatalater
date.

She really didn’t care. She had no interest in the monumental move Sutcliffe was orchestrating,

becauseshehadnointentionofleavingEngland.

Inamatterofhours,sheandtheearlwouldbereturningtoLondon.Oncetheyarrived,shewas

determinedtotalksomesenseintoDaniel.

HerhusbandlovedtheLondonnightlifeasmuchasshelovedherrosesandthefreshcountryair.

Surely,ifheknewwhathestoodtolose,hewouldswallowhisdistasteandtrytoproducetheheirhis
fathersodesperatelywanted.

Sheclosedhereyesandpressedherflamingcheekagainstthecoolglass,prayingthiswouldn’tbe

arepeatoftheheartbreakofherweddingnight.

Whatanaivefoolshe’dbeen…
MarryingDanielSinclairhadbeenadreamcometrue.She’dexpectedherfathertosellheroffto

someancient,baldingMarquis,sowhenhe’dannouncedthathandsomeyoungViscountLansdownehad
askedforherhand,she’dbeenthrilled.

Theircourtshiphadbeenawkwardandwellchaperoned,butshe’dsoonfalleninlovewithher

future husband’s gentle ways and mild sense of humor. Daniel was breathtakingly handsome with light
brownhairandblueeyes,andhe’dbeensokindtoher.

Theweddinghadbeenperfect,andhe’dkissedheronthealtarwithinfinitetenderness.Forthe

firsttimeinherlife,she’dbelievedinfairytales.

Aftertheceremony,herfather’swidowedsisterhadescortedhertothebedroomshewouldshare

with her husband. While helping her to don a revealing nightdress, her aunt had told her in whispered
toneswhattoexpect.

ButwhenDanielfinallyhadcometoherneardawn,he’dbeenwellinhiscups.He’dmanaged

onlyabrief,brotherlykissonherforeheadbeforepassingoutdeaddrunkonthebedbesideher.

Inthemorning,he’dbeggedherforgivenessandpromisedtomakeituptoher.Thenhe’dcuthis

ownthumb,lettinghisblooddarkenthesheetssonoonewouldbethewiser.

She’dwaitedforhimthenextnight,andtheoneafterthat,buthe’dneverattemptedtoconsummate

their marriage. In fact, he’d avoided her ever since. When she’d tried to press the issue, he’d grown
distantandangry,sointimeshe’dcometoacceptthesituation.

Now she realized she shouldn’t have been so acquiescent. She should have fought for her

marriage,donemoretoshowhimshewasworthy,ifnotofhislove,thenatleastofhisrespect.

Ifonlyherownmotherhadn’tdiedsoyoung…Ifonlyshehadsomeonetoconfidein,someoneto

tellherhowtowinaman’slove…Stiffeninghershoulders,shechasedtheself

‐pityingthoughtsaway.

Shecouldn’tchangethepast,butshecouldchangethefuture.Shewouldn’tallowSutcliffetosend

themawaylikesomedistasteful,dirtylittlesecret.Tonight,shewouldfindawaytoseduceherhusband
andbeginthefamilysheshouldhavehadlongago.

“Betsy, I need your help.” She turned from the window and crossed the room with purposeful

stridestokneelbesidetheclosesttrunk.“Didyoualreadypackmylingerie?”

Betsynodded,herblueeyeswideninginsurprise.“Yes,ma’am.”Shepointedtothenearesttrunk.

“They’rerighthere.”

Kathryn dug through the pile of negligees until she found the exquisite creation of lace, silk and

satinshe’dwornsobrieflyonherweddingnight.Shestood,holdingituptohershoulders.“Doyouthink
itwillstillfit?”

“Of course. You haven’t gained a bit since your marriage.” Betsy frowned. “What are you

thinking, milady? Does this have anything to do with that handsome young devil who arrived with the
earl?”

“What handsome young devil?” she asked, searching for the translucent robe that completed the

ensemble.

“Youhaven’theard?”
WhenKathrynshookherhead,Betsy’seyeslitup.Shedearlylovedtobethesourceofinteresting

gossip.“Well,theearlhasdecidedtoclaimoneofhisby

‐blows.Oneofthefootmentoldmethisgent’s

beenlivingattheLondonhouseformorethanaweek.Icaughtaglimpseofhimwhenthecoacharrived.
He’sdreadfullygood

‐looking,remindsmeoftheearlinhisyoungerdays,don’tyouthink?”

“Whereishenow?”sheasked,fightingherrisingpanic.WasthiswhySutcliffewassendingthem

away?“Iwanttomeethim.”

Betsyshookherhead,makingherblondcurlsbounce.“Idon’tknow,milady.Didn’tyoumeethim

earlier?Hewasinthelibrarywhileyouweretalkingtotheearl.”

Kathrynblinked,stunned.“Areyoucertain?”Shehadn’tseenanyoneelse,buttherewereseveral

readingnooksinthehuge,darkroomandshehadn’tbeenlooking.

“Hestormedoutoftherejustafewminutesafteryoudid,milady.
Helookedmadenoughtospitnails.”
Kathryn’sstomachclenchedatthethoughtofatotalstrangerwitnessingherhumiliation.Howdare

hesitthereandwatchsuchascenewithoutcallingattentiontohimself?

She tossed the lingerie on her bed. “Please make sure these get packed with the clothes I’ll be

wearinginLondon.ItseemsIhaveanewbrother

‐in‐lawtowelcome.”

*****

Afteralengthysearch,Kathrynfoundthestrangersittingonamarblebenchinherrosegarden.His

handswerebracedbehindhim,hiseyeswereclosed,andhisfacewastiltedtowardtheafternoonsky.

Apaganposereminiscentofamedievalsunworshiper.
Shepausedforalongmoment,staring,fightingtocontroltherapidbeatofherheart.Daniel’shalf

‐

brotherwaswickedlybeautiful.

Hergazelituponhisstark,finelyhewnprofilethenslidtothelushmaneoflongblackhairthat

brushedhisbroadshoulders.Hehadthelookofsomeonewhohadbeenill,asthougheveryextraounceof
fleshhadbeenwinnowedfromhisbody.Butinsteadofdetractingfromhisgoodlooks,itsomehowadded
tothem.

He reminded her of a romantic hero from a book, a man who had gone through some terrible

ordeal,buthademergedvictorious.

Shebanishedthethought,annoyed.Thismanwasnobody’shero.Hecouldverywellbeathreatto

everythingshehelddear.Still,shecouldunderstandwhyBetsyhadassumedonelookathimwouldbe
enoughtosendhersearchingforaseductivenegligee.

“Goodafternoon,”shemurmured,stridingforward.
Thestrangerflinchedandopenedhiseyes.Theyweredeepblue,thesamecolorashisfather’s,

but bright like the morning sky, devoid of Sutcliffe’s ice. When he saw her, he smiled, a twitch of his
wide,mobilemouth.

“Lady Kathryn, I presume?” His voice was deep and resonant with a slight accent. The low,

intimatepitchsentshiversdownherspine.

Ifshe’dhadanydoubtsthathe’dbeeninthelibrary,theyvanishedbeneathhisknowinggaze.“You

seemtohaveanadvantage,sir.Ihavenoideawhoyouare.”

“Allowmetointroducemyself.”Hestood,hisbigbodymovingwithfluidgrace.Atfullheight,he

toweredoverherbyalmostafoot.Hetookherhandandbroughtittohislips,brushingatenderkissto
her knuckles. The heat of his mouth sent a shiver of awareness through her entire body. “Talon
Montgomery.Atyourservice,ofcourse.”

Hiswordswerealmosttoopolite.Faintlymocking.Asthoughheknewtherulesofpolitesociety,

buthadnopatiencewiththem.

Talon. An unusual name. She snatched her hand away, her skin still tingling from the warm

pressure of his kiss. There was something overwhelming about him, a physical presence she’d never
encounteredinanyoneotherthanherfather

‐in‐law.

“Are you related to my husband?” She feigned ignorance, determined not to let him know she’d

searchedhimoutafterhearingtherumors.

“I’mSutcliffe’sbastard.”
“Oh.”Hiscandidconfessioncaughtheroffguard.“I’msorry.”
“Sorryforwhat?ThatI’mabastard,orthatI’mSutcliffe’sbastardinparticular?”
Shefrowned,feelingasthoughshe’dmadeaterribleblunder.Hecouldn’thelpbeingabastard,

afterall.Therewasnothingshecouldsaytomakeherwordssoundlessliketheinsultthey’dbeen,soshe

decidedtochangethesubject.

“Yourfatherdidn’ttellmeyouwerehere,orIwouldhavewelcomedyouwhenyouarrived.How

longwillyoubestaying?”

“I won’t be staying. I’ll be riding back to London with you and the earl this afternoon.” But he

gazed at a flock of geese landing on the lake as though the idea of returning to the city was far from
appealing.

Kathryn’sgazecaughtandheldonhisstrongprofile.Thelengthofhislong,darklashesgentledhis

otherwiseausterefeatures,givinghimahintofvulnerability.

Shedidn’tknowwhethershecouldhandlebeinginsuchcloseproximitytothismanforhourson

end.Themerethoughtmadeherstrangelybreathless.“Thenyou’llbestayingattheLondonhouse?”

Henodded.“Forthepresent.ThenI’llbegoingontoCharlestonwithyouandDaniel.”
Theslightdrawlshe’dheardinhisvoicesuddenlyslidintoplace.“You’reanAmerican?”
“Bychoice,”hemurmured.“Notbybirth.IgrewupinWhiteChapel.”
Sheshuddered.WhiteChapelwasoneoftheseediestpartsofLondon,populated,shebelieved,

mainlybycutthroatsandprostitutes.“Youmustbyverygladyourfatherdecidedtoclaimyou.”

Hemadeasoundofdisgust.“Why?DoyoutrulythinkI’mabetterpersonnowthanIwasbefore

SutcliffeadmittedsomethingI’veknownmostofmylife?”

The intensity of his blue gaze made her flinch. “That was thoughtless of me. I didn’t mean to

offendyou.”

“Thinknothingofit,”hesaidafteralongmomentofsilence.“I’mfartoodefensiveofmyhumble

beginnings.”

His anger seemed to fade, but she sensed it took quite an effort to keep it under control. She’d

struckanerve,andshewonderedifSutclifferealizedhowdeeplyhisson’sresentmentran.

“Ishouldn’thavebotheredyou.”Thismanmadehernervous.She’dmanagedtoputherfootinher

mouthtwiceduringtheirbriefconversation,whichwasarecordevenforher.“Ineedtogetbackinside
andsupervisethepacking.”

“Itwasapleasuretomeetyou.”Hebowed,thecourtlygestureofaperfectgentleman.Whenhe

straightened, his blue gaze held hers for a long moment. She had the feeling he saw far more than she
wouldlike.

Beingthesubjectofsuchintenseregardwasunsettling,tosaytheleast.Involuntarily,shetooka

stepbackward.

He smiled as though pleased to have rattled her. Apparently, his resemblance to Sutcliffe was

morethanskindeep.

“Goodafternoon,sir.”Sheturnedaway,tryingtoignorethenettlingfeelofhisgazeuponherback

asshehurriedtothehouse.

ChapterFour

Talon opened the coach window and took a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air, trying to force

awaythetwingeofpanicthatclawedathisthroat.Eversincehisincarceration,he’dhadanembarrassing
fearofclosed-inplaces.

“Closethewindow,please.Ican’tabidethedust.”
TalonleveledaglareatKathryn,willinghertoperdition.Therewasn’tanydust.Yesterday’ssoft

rainhadleftthegroundalmosttoodamptotravel.Sutcliffehadarrangedforthemtomakethetripalone
sotheycouldgetacquainted,butthiswasthefirsttimeshe’dspokentohimallafternoon.

Raisingonebrowinchallenge,hereachedoverandflungtheotherwindowopenaswell.
Hermouthroundedinanastonished“O”atthisaffrontthenclosedwithasnap.Hewonderedif

anyoneelsehadeverdareddefyherinsuchamanner.God,hehopednot.Hehadanuncontrollableurge
togetunderherskinthewayshe’dgottenunderhis.

He’d been watching her surreptitiously for hours. Each soft sigh and shift of her legs made him

mad with yearning. If he’d ever known a lovelier woman, he couldn’t remember. Kathryn’s dark hair
looked almost black in the dim light, contrasting sharply with her creamy skin and emerald eyes. And
thoselips…

Verykissable.
If she’d talk to him, it might be easier to keep his lust at bay. He’d been alone in the dark with

nothingbuthisownthoughtsforfartoolong.

Wordswelledinhisthroat,buthewilledthemaway,reluctantlyadmittingthedanger.Hemustflirt

withher,evenseduceherifallelsefailed.Buthecouldn’taffordtolikeher.Itwouldmakethetaskthat
layaheadofhimunbearable.

Asthemilescreptby,hisresolveweakened.Theneedtosaysomethinggrewandgrew.
Theirkneesbrushedagainforwhatmusthavebeenthethousandthtime,andhesummonedasmile.

“Bumpyroad.”

“Yes,”shereplied,hervoicecoolandclipped.“Intolerablyso.”
“Beautifulday,”hesaid,tryingagain.“Don’tyouagree?”
“It’spassingfair.”
“Well,”hemurmured,ataloss.“Thatcompletelyexhaustsmyrepertoireofsmalltalk.”
The hint of a smile graced Kathryn’s full lips and the stiff set of her shoulders relaxed. “Why

botherwithsmalltalk,Mr.Montgomery?Don’tyouhaveanythingworthwhiletosay?”

He searched his mind for something suitably profound, but brilliant banter escaped him. He

shrugged.“Ididn’tthinkpeoplelikeyouenjoyedtalkingaboutanythingworthwhile.”

Thatgotherattention.“Peoplelikeme?”Shegavehimanintentstare.“Youdon’tknowthefirst

thingaboutme.”

Hereturnedhergaze,enjoyingthehintofangerinhereyes.“You’reright.Idon’tknowanything

aboutyou.I’mattemptingtoremedythat,butyou’renotcooperating.So,I’llassumeyou’reliketheother
highbornwomenI’veknown.Womenwhoonlyenjoytalkingabouttheweatherandthenextparty.”

“Idon’tgotoparties,”shetoldhimwithquietdignity.“AndIonlyworryabouttheweatherwhen

I’mcaughtinadownpour.”

There.Itwasn’tmuch,butshe’dgivenhimanopening.Hewasn’tabouttoletitpassby.“Areyou

caughtoutintherainoften?”

Shesmiled,herrigidposturerelaxingaltogether.“Moreoftenthanyoumightimagine.Ilovebeing

outdoors.Betweenexploringtheestateandgardening,I’vefoundmyselfdrenchedtotheskinquiteafew
times.”

Theimageofthisbeautifulwoman’sfaceandhairwetwithrainwasincrediblyenticing.“Tellme

about Rosewood Manor. I would have liked to spend a little more time there. The gardens are
extraordinary.”

Shenodded,heremeraldeyesalightwithpassionforthesubject.“Yourgreat

‐grandfatherbuiltthe

Manorforhismistress.I’veheardtheysharedagrandpassion.Hespenteverymomenthecouldather
side.”

Your great

‐grandfather. He was startled by her words. He’d never given much thought to his

ancestors,hadn’timaginedaSinclairhumanenoughtocareforawoman.

“I wonder if my mother ever lived there,” he mused. “She once told me my father kept her in a

beautifulcountryhouseuntilhelearnedshewasexpecting,butthatwaslongbeforesheevertoldmehis
name.”

“Hecastheroutwhenhelearnedshewasgoingtohavehisbaby?”Shestaredathimindisbelief.
He nodded. “No wonder she was so unhappy, so angry with me all the time. It must have been

quiteashock,goingfromKenttoWhiteChapel.”

“Ican’timaginehowdifficultsuchachangeincircumstancemusthavebeenforher.Butitwasn’t

yourfault.”

Helookedaway,uncomfortablewiththesoftnessinhervoice,theunderstandinginhereyes.“Do

youmindifwechangethesubject?”Thisconversationhadgottenfarmoreintimatethanhe’dplanned.

Awkward silence fell between them, but then she cleared her throat. “Will you tell me about

America?”sheasked,infusingfalseenthusiasmintohervoice.“I’dliketoknowwhattoexpect.”

“Certainly.”Heriskedaglanceinherdirection.“Whatwouldyouliketoknow?”
She flushed and balled her hands in her lap. “I’ve heard it’s a wild, heathen place full of half

‐

nakedsavageswho’dlikenothingbetterthantoseparateyourhairfromyourhead.”

“Well,yourhairwouldbeafinetrophy.”Unabletohelphimself,heleanedforwardandbrushed

anerrantstrandbackbehindthedelicatecurveofherear.“Butyouneedn’tworry.Therehasn’tbeenany
IndiantroublenearCharlestonindecades.”

Her breath caught, and he removed his hand. The surge of desire provoked by such a casual

gesturestunnedhim.

Ithadbeenfartoolongsincehe’dbeenwithawoman.
He cleared his throat. “I think you’ll be surprised, Kathryn. Holyoke is a lovely place. Not as

largeasRosewoodManor,butimposingnonetheless.You’llwantfornothingthere.”

“Ididn’tgiveyoupermissiontoaddressmesofamiliarly,”shesnapped,obviouslyfuriousathis

lackofmanners.

“It doesn’t suit you anyway.” He grinned, unimpressed by her show of pique. “Kathryn is too

stuffy.Soundslikesomeone’smaidenaunt.”

“Ididn’taskforyouropinion.”
“Kate,”hedecided.“IthinkI’llcallyouKatefromnowon.”
“Idon’tneedanickname.”Sheglaredathim,thatfinemindofhersworking.“Whataboutyour

name?Talon.I’veneverheardsuchastrangename.”

Painflaredtolife,chasingawayhislingeringgoodhumor.“MymothernamedmeTalon.Idon’t

knowwhy.”

Somuchforchangingthesubject.He’dspokenofhismothermoreinthelastfiveminutesthanhe

hadinthelastdecade.

Shesatback,lookingembarrassed.“I’msorry.Ididn’tmeantopry.”
“It’sallright.She’sdeadnow,anyway.”
“Howterribleforyou,Talon.”Hergreeneyeswerefilledwithsympathy.Hedidn’tmissthefact

thatshe’dusedhisfirstname,eventhoughshe’djustchidedhimfordoingthesame.“Howoldwereyou
whenithappened?”

“Twelve.”Heshookhishead,lookingaway.“Itwasalongtimeago.”
“MymotherdiedwhenIwasborn,”shetoldhim,tryingtokeephimfrommakinglightofhispain.

“Ineverevenknewher,butIstillmournherloss.”

“Ididn’tsayIdidn’tmournher.GoodGod,Kate.Weshouldhavekepttothesmalltalk.
Shelaughed,asoft,airysoundthatwentalongwaytowardchasingawayhisdemons.“Well,at

leastyouaren’tboring.AndyoumaycallmeKate,ifyouwish.Iratherlikeit.”

*****

TheclatterofcarriagewheelsbeneathKathryn’swindowwokeherfromafitfulsleep.Hergaze

flew to the clock on the mantle, and relief flooded her when she saw morning hadn’t yet arrived. Her
entireplancenteredonspeakingwithDanielbeforeSutcliffereturnedfromtheManor.

She’d curled up in the window seat, awaiting her husband’s return, but had drifted off to sleep

aroundmidnight.Itwasoneo’clocknow.

Pressingherfaceagainsttheglass,shepeereddownatthestablesfarbelow,reliefwashingover

herwhenshemadeoutDaniel’sslenderform.Unfortunately,he’dbroughtafriendhome.

She chafed at the necessity of waiting while he settled the stranger in one of the guest rooms.

Nothingseemedtobegoingherway.

Sighing,sheslidoffthewindowseatandcheckedherreflectioninthemirror,hopingshelooked

suitablyseductive.Herbridalnightgownrevealedeverycurveofherbody,andherhairhungloosedown
herbackinawaterfallofdarkcurls.Heatedembarrassmentflushedhercheeks,andhereyeswerebright
withexcitement.

Thishadtowork.
Shecouldn’tbeartothinkaboutwhatshe’ddoifitdidn’t.
The conversation she’d had with her brother

‐in‐law this afternoon had made her even more

determined to stay in England. Talon Montgomery was simply too intriguing. He’d managed to take her
mindoffthematterathand,andthatwasunacceptable.Shecouldn’tlethimdistracther.Shecouldn’tlet
anythinginterfereinherquesttowinDaniel’saffections.

The low rumble of male voices in the hall outside her room made her hurry to the door. She

pressedherearagainstthewoodenpanel,strainingtomakeoutthewords.

Forthehundredthtime,shewishedsheandDanielhadadjoiningrooms.Eventhoughhissuitewas

directlyacrossfromhers,therewasachancesomeonemightseeherdressedsoprovocatively.Shepaced
herroomforanotherfifteenminutes,tryingtobuildhercourage,andthenstoleintothedimlylithall.

She hesitated outside Daniel’s door then took a deep breath and entered, shutting the heavy oak

panelbehindher.Withinseconds,sherealizedDanielwasn’talone.

Her husband’s nude body, lithe and golden in the flickering firelight, moved in sensuous tandem

withanotheronthelavish,four

‐posterbed.Aheavy,pervasivescentfilledtheroom.Opium,sheguessed

irrelevantly,shockedbeyondwordsbywhatshewasseeing.

She’d known Daniel wasn’t faithful to her, but to have her suspicions proven on a night when

everythingdeartoherrestedonwinninghiscooperation…Sheputherhandtohermouth,tryingtostem
hersoftmoanofbetrayal.

She must have made some sound because Daniel froze and turned to face her. His blue eyes

widened,andheyankedonthedowncomforterbeneathhim,shieldinghisloverfromview.

“Kathryn.”Heheldupahandasthoughtowardheroff.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Sheshookherhead,wonderingiftheheavycloudofopiumhadmanagedtodullhersenses.She

wantedtostrideforward,yankbackthecoversandconfrontthemboth.Butforsomereason,allshecould
managetodowascrossherarmsoverherchestandbackaway.

Beforeshecouldreachthedoor,Daniel’sloversatup,flickedalockoflongblondhairoutofhis

eyes,andgaveheracharmingsmile.“Hello,Kathryn.”

Philip Carrington, the heir to the Earl of Stonebridge. Kathryn sagged against the wall, stunned.

Theenormityofwhatshewasseeingunderminedtheveryfoundationsonwhichherprimandproperlife
hadbeenbased.

Daniel’sloverwasaman.
“I don’t understand.” Her voice shook as she realized how hopelessly naive she’d been. Why

hadn’tsheknownthis?Howcouldshehavebeensostupid?

Daniel pulled the satin sheet around his waist and sat back against the headboard, rubbing the

bridge of his nose. His light brown hair fell forward, obscuring his eyes. “I’ve failed you, Kathryn. I
knowit,andI’msorry.Butdon’tjudgemetooharshly.Ilovehim.”

“Youlovehim?”Incredulous,shestaredatthemanshe’doncehopedwouldloveher.“Well,I’m

surethatwillbeagreatcomforttousbothwhenwe’rebanishedtotheCarolinas.”

Danielflinched.“Don’tyousee?Myfather’stestingus.Hewantedyoutogetmyattentionandit

worked.”HecastapainedglanceinPhilipCarrington’sdirection.“Can’twediscussthistomorrow?”

Hernostrilsflaredathiseasydismissalofhisfather’sthreats.
Sutcliffe intended to do exactly as he’d promised, and now she didn’t even have the comfort of

thinkingshe’dfoundasolution.

“Byallmeans.”Shereachedbehindherforthedoorknob,hervoicedrippingwithdisdain.“I’m

justyourwife.Don’tletmekeepyoufromwhatyouweredoing.”

“Kathryn!Wait!”
SheignoredDaniel’svoice,intentonlyuponescape.Stumblingoutintothehall,sheranstraight

intoTalonMontgomery’sarms.

*****

Talonhadspenttheeveninginhisfather’slibrary,absorbingknowledgewithgreedyintensity.He

doubtedhe’deveragainhaveaccesstothegreatworkshefoundinSutcliff’sextensivecollection.

He didn’t head up to bed until well after midnight, so he was surprised when one of the doors

lining the upstairs hall flew open and the woman he’d been trying to avoid spilled out into his arms.
“Kathryn?”

Cladinanenticingensembleofsatinandlace,herhairtumbledlooseandfreeoverhisarm.His

gazewasimmediatelydrawntotheexpanseofcreamyskinthatswelledabovetheplungingneckline.He
took a deep breath, which was a mistake, because her scent, an erotic blend of roses and vanilla, was
moreintoxicatingthanthebrandyhe’dimbibedearlier.

“Letmego.”Shebegantostruggle,wrenchingoutofhisarmsasthoughhe’dheldherbyforce.

Herchestheavedwithsomeintenseemotion,andhereyeswerebrightwithunshedtears.

“Whatisit?What’shappened?”
Beforeshecouldanswer,therewasmovementintheopendoorway.Danielsteppedoutintothe

hall,fumblingtobelthisrobe.Overhisshoulder,anakedyoungmansprawledacrossalavishfour

‐poster

bed.

“Thisdoesn’tconcernyou,Talon.Ineedtospeaktomywife.Alone.”
Talon gave a soft curse, leveling his brother with a glare. This was the first time Daniel had

deignedtospeaktohimsincetheirfatherhadintroducedthemlastweek.Tensionhummedbetweenthem.

HeglancedbackatKate,fullofsympathy.She’dobviouslymadeadesperateattempttoseduce

her husband, only to catch him with his lover. What a shock that must have been. “Do you want me to
leave,Kate?”

ShemadeaninarticulatesoundofdismayandsteppedinTalon’sdirection,apparentlydecidinghe

wasthelesseroftwoevils.Talonsighedandputhisarmaroundherwaist,guidingherawayfromDaniel,
entanglinghimselfevenfurtherinherlife.

“Whichroomisyours?”heasked,wantingtogetherawayfromDanielasquicklyaspossible.
She pointed to a door a few yards away opposite of Daniel’s. Next to his own, he realized in

shock.Theysharedasuiteconnectedbyacommonsittingroom.Anotherofhisfather’sunsubtlewaysof
shovingthetwoofthemtogether.

“Kathryn.Please,”Danielwhisperedfrombehindthem.
Talonglancedoverhisshoulder,sparinghimascathingglance.
Katestiffenedbutdidn’tturnaround.Squaringhershoulders,sheopenedherdoor.“Ihavenothing

moretosaytoyou,Daniel.”

HerquietdignitymadeTalonproud.
Danielclosedhisowndoorwithagentleclick,endingtheconversation.Katesaggedbriefly,and

Talonglimpsedtheeffortthisrigidcontrolhadcosther.

“Come.”Heguidedherintothesittingroomandurgedhertotakeaseatonthestripedpeachand

greensofainfrontofthefireplace.

She bent forward, the fall of her heavy, dark hair curtaining her face. Talon stood behind her,

fightinganunfamiliarurgetooffercomfort,totakeherintohisarmsnotasalover,butasafriend.He
wantedtolethercryherheartoutuponhischest.

“Ah,Kate,”hemutteredatlast,sittingdownbesideher.“I’msorryyouhadtoseethat.”
“Am I the only one who didn’t know?” Her voice was surprisingly strong. “I feel like such a

fool.”

“You’renotafool.I’llwagerthatuntiltonightyoudidn’tevenknowsuchapossibilityexisted.”
Hershouldersrelaxedabit,andsheletoutashudderingsigh.“Allthistime,”shewhispered,her

voiceamerebreathofsound,“Ithoughtitwasmyfault.Ithoughttherewassomethingwrongwithme.”

“You’re a beautiful, desirable woman. Daniel is probably the only man you know who doesn’t

appreciatethat.”

She lifted her head and pushed a lock of silken, chestnut hair back from her heart

‐shaped face.

He’dexpectedtoseetearstrackingdownhercheeks,buthereyesweredry.“Thankyou.You’refartoo
kind,butIneededtohearthatmorethanyoucanknow.”

Hethoughtperhapshedidknow.He’dseenthelookonherfacewhenSutcliffehadberatedherfor

Daniel’s inattention, and he’d heard the terrible satisfaction in his father’s voice when he’d spoken of
howhisbrother’sapathyhadkeptheroffbalance.Butshewasstrongerthanhe’dthought.Infact,he’d
neveradmiredanyonemore.

Hecuppedherlovelyfaceinhishands.“Ineversayanythingmerelytobekind.”
Andthenhekissedher.
He told himself he was taking his plan of seduction to the next step, taking advantage of her

vulnerability,butheknewitwasalie.Hekissedherbecauseshewasbeautifulandsobadlyinneedofit,
andbecausehewaslonelyandneededit,too.

Her lips were soft, pliant and warm beneath his. He deepened the kiss, tasting the honeyed

sweetnessofhermouth,catchinghersmallsoundofsurprise.

Herhandscameuptohisshoulders,andhethoughtshewasgoingtoresist.Butinsteadofpushing

himaway,shethreadedherfingersintohishair,pullinghimcloser.

The kiss erupted from something gentle and sweet to something fierce, hot and damned near

uncontrollable.Monthsofcelibacyhadlefthimontherazor’sedgeofdesire.Hiscontrolslippedalittle
morewitheverypassingseconduntilhissensesscreamedwiththeneedtoburyhimselfinsideher.

Hepulled away witha curse. Hecouldn’t do this. Notyet. Not untilhe’d assured himself there

wasnootherwaytosavehismen.

Shestaredathim,herfingertipsbrushingherkiss

‐swollenlips.Hisgazedroppedtoherheaving

chest and the tight dark buds her nipples made against the white lace. This blatant evidence of her
passionateresponsenearlydrovehimbackintoherarms,buthemanagedtoaverthisgazeandregulate
hisbreathing.

“I’msorry,”hesaidatlast.“Thatwasunforgivable.”
Shebowedherhead.“Ishouldn’thaveinvitedyouin.NowonderyouthoughtIwouldwelcome

youradvances.”Shelookedup,tearsgatheringinherbeautifulemeraldeyes.“PerhapsIwantedthisto
happen.PerhapsIwantedtohurtDanielasmuchashehurtme.”

It slayed him that he’d made her cry when she’d remained strong through Daniel’s betrayal. “I

shouldgo.”Hestrodetowardthedoorthatconnectedtheirrooms.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Hervoicewasbreathyandsoft,startled.
Hegaveheraguiltyglance.“I’mrightnextdoor.Ididn’tknowthiswasyourroomuntiltonight.

I’llmovefartherdownthehallifyouwish.”

“No.”Sheleapttoherfeet.“Please,don’tgo.”
Hepaused, raising aneyebrow in question.If this was aninvitation, he didn’tknow how in the

hellhewasgoingtorefuseher.

Shebitherlip.“I’mafraidmyhusbanddoesn’trealizethegravityofoursituation.Heseemsto

thinkyourfatherismerelytestingusandhasnointentionofsendingusaway.”Sheliftedhergazetohis.
“Whatdoyouthink?”

Hehesitated,butknewitservednopurposetolie.Heowedherthetruth,inthisatleast.“He’s

alreadyboughtthetickets.I’mcertainhewouldn’thavesummonedmehereifhedidn’tneedmetoescort
you.”

“Sutcliffe knows about Daniel’s… activities, doesn’t he? That’s why he’s sending us away.

Becausehe’sembarrassedandknowsDanielandIwillneverhaveachild.”

Thatwasn’tquiteit,buthegaveanabruptnod.
She closed the distance that separated them, her face somber and imploring. “I know I have no

righttoaskanythingofyou,butthere’snooneelseIcantrust.”

He wanted to ask her what on earth made her think she could trust him, but he swallowed his

protestsandsighed.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Iwanttogotomyfather.Now.Tonight.Willyoutakeme?”Itwasthelastthinghe’dexpected

hertoask,andhefrowned.

“Can’titwaituntilmorning?”
She shook her head. “I’m hoping he’ll intervene on my behalf and petition the church for an

annulment.IfIwaituntiltomorrow,Sutcliffewillbeback,andhe’llneverletmego.”

Anannulment.Hestaredatherinsurprise.Ifshesucceeded,itwouldputherbeyondSutcliffe’s

sphereofcontrol.Andwhatusewouldtheearl’sbastardsonbewithoutadaughter

‐in‐lawtoimpregnate?

Thethoughtofreturningtoprisonthrewhimintoamomentofblindpanic.Hewouldn’tgoback.

Hecouldn’t.Heopenedhismouthtodenyherrequest,butwhenhelookedintoherlovelygreeneyes,he
realizedrefusingherwouldmakehimnobetterthanhisfather.

Shedidn’tdeservetobesentawayforDaniel’ssins.Shedidn’tdeserveanyofthis.
“If I help you, will you promise not to mention it to my father?” If the earl didn’t know of his

involvement,hecouldn’tblamehimforfailingtogivehimanheir.

Shenodded.“Justtakemehome.That’sallIask.Nooneneedeverknow.

ChapterFive

Kathryn stared numbly ahead, lost in her racing thoughts. A thick, heavy fog surrounded the

curricle like a wet blanket, smothering all noise and light. Only the pervasive stench of the Thames
convincedhertheywerestillinthecity.

Sheneverwouldhavehadthecouragetoattemptthisjourneyaloneandwasgratefulforthesilent,

reassuringpresenceofthemanwhosatonthenarrowseatbesideher.TalonhandledSutcliffe’smatched
pairofbayswithpracticedease,andshedidn’tdoubthisabilitytousethepistolhe’dslippedintohis
jacketpocketbeforethey’dleftthehouse.

Hehadn’tsaidawordsincethey’dgottenunderway.Shewonderedwhathewasthinking.When

she’daskedhimtocomewithher,she’dexpectedhimtosayno.Butallhe’daskedwasthatshekeephis
involvementasecretfromSutcliffe.

That had been an easy promise to make. If things went as planned, she hoped never to set eyes

uponherfather

‐in‐lawagain.

Hergazestrayedtohishawkishprofileandrestedonthesensuouscurveofhislips.Thememory

ofthoselipsmovingagainstherscausedacuriousmeltingsensationinthepitofherstomach.

He’dkissedher,shownhersuchpassionandtenderness.Itwaswrong,terriblywrong,forherto

havelethim,butshewasn’tsorry.

Ifhehadn’t,sheneverwouldhaveknownwhatshe’dbeenmissing.
She might have drifted along with Daniel forever, growing more bitter and lonely with each

passingyear.

Marriage for love was almost unheard of among London’s upper crust. Everything revolved

aroundwealthandtitles.Butevenso,she’dseentherespectandregardthatgenerallygrewoutofsuch
circumstances.

Ifnothingelse,atleastawomancouldcountonchildrentolove.
After tonight, she could no longer entertain the hope of wooing her way into Daniel’s heart and

bed. If she remained married to him, she would die alone and unloved, far away from everything she
knew.

Theonlysolutionwasanannulment,shereassuredherself,clenchingherfistsinthefoldsofher

voluminous cloak. Still, she dreaded the thought of facing her father and telling him her marriage had
neverbeenconsummatedandthereasonwhyitwouldn’tbe.

ThomasHaydenwasamereviscount.He’dconsidereditquiteacouptomarryhisdaughtertothe

heir of an earldom. He wouldn’t like the scandal this would bring to his name and wouldn’t relish the
prospectofhavingherhomeagain.

She sighed and closed her eyes, remembering her miserable childhood and the sullen, brooding

manwhocomprisedherentirefamily.They’dneverhadmuchtosaytoeachother.Infact,he’dstrictly
forbiddenanyfrivolouschatter.

Her head began to throb as she realized moving home wasn’t likely to be much better than the

alternative.Shewouldneverfindhappinessinherfather’shouse.

“Haveyouchangedyourmind?”Talon’sdeepvoiceintrudeduponhermelancholythoughts.
Sheshookherhead,tryingtodispeltheimageofdininginsilencewithherfatheratoppositeends

ofatablemeantfortwenty.She’dalwayshatedmealtimes.

Hesqueezedherhand,offeringherthebriefwarmthandcomfortofhistouch.“You’redoingthe

rightthing.I’msureeverythingwillbefine.”

Shehadasudden,wildurgetoflingherselfintohisarms.Hewastheonlymanshe’deverknown

whoactedasthoughhecaredwhathappenedtoher.Shefoundithardtobelieveshe’dknownhimless
thantwodays.

Witheffort,shemanagedtocontrolherself.“I’msureyou’reright.It’sjustdauntingtotakesucha

bigstep.”

Hesqueezedherhandagainandhisstrong,whiteteethflashedinthedarkashesmiled.“Ittakesa

remarkablepersontooutmaneuvermyfather.LordknowsIhaven’tbeenabletodoso.”

Hiswordswarmedher.She’dbeenstarvedforthis,forpraiseandacceptance,forcasualtalkand

thecomfortingclaspofastronghand.

“Why couldn’t you have been Sutcliffe’s heir?” she asked without thinking. “We would have

suitedverywelltogether,don’tyouthink?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Not only had she brought up the taboo

subjectofhisillegitimacyonceagain,she’dstirredtheuncertainwatersofthefutileattractiontheyfeltfor
oneanother.EvenifshegainedherfreedomfromDaniel,herfatherwouldneverallowhertoforgean
alliancewithsomeonelikeTalonMontgomery.

Hetensedandthenwithdrewhishand.“I’veoftenaskedmyselfthatsamequestion.Whatquirkof

fateallowsonemantohaveeverythinghandedtohimonasilverplatterwhileanothermuststruggleand
claw his way through the dirt for every single scrap?” His gaze pierced hers through the dim light. “I
wouldsellmysoulforthethingsDanieltakesforgranted.”

She didn’t like that. Not his tone, nor his inference that she was merely one of Daniel’s

possessions. A plaything he didn’t appreciate. She looked away, unable to bear his scrutiny. “Life is
seldomfair.”

Hedidn’treply,andshefeltthetensionriddlinghisleanbody.Hewasangry,butshewasn’tsure

whethertheemotionwasdirectedather,orathisfatherandthecircumstancesofhisbirth.

Afamiliarroadsignappearedoutofthefoginfrontofthem,andshepointedatit,relievedforthe

distraction.“Thatway,”shemurmured.“We’realmostthere.”

*****

TalonbangedontheheavyoakfrontdoorofThomasHayden’scountryestateforalmosthalfan

hour before he roused someone. When the prune

‐faced, wizened old butler finally answered, he didn’t

seempleasedtoseehisformermistress.NordidKateseemgladtobehome,forallthatshe’dpushedso
hardtogethere.

The butler left them waiting in a dark, chilly parlor. He went to summon his sleeping master,

mumblingunderhisbreathabouttheunseemlyhouroftheirvisit.TalonwassurprisedKatedidn’tputhim

inhisplace.

Thenagain,witheachpassingmoment,hertensionandnervousnessgrew.Hewonderedwhatkind

ofmanherfatherwastoinspiresuchfear.

Hewantedtotakeherhandagain,remindhershewasn’talone,butthatdidn’tseemproper,given

thecircumstances.He’dtakenfartoomanylibertiesasitwas.

She’dmadeherchoice,andhewascertainshehadthestrengthtolivewithit.Thelastthingshe

neededwashishelp.

“ShallIleave?”Thedarknessmadehimfeelasthoughheshouldwhisper.“You’llbesafehere.”
Sheshookherhead.“No.Pleasedon’tgo.Notyet.”
Beforehecouldreply,therewasanoiseoutinthehall.Asmall,bewhiskeredmaninaburgundy

dressinggownsweptintotheroom,followedbythelantern

‐wieldingbutler.

“Kathryn.”Theman’sloud,mean

‐spiritedvoicebeliedhissize.“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”

ThomasHayden’sbeadygazefixeduponTalon.Hesizedhimup,afrownofdispleasureonhis

sour face. “Who are you? What are you doing with my daughter at this time of night? Where is her
escort?”

“MynameisTalonMontgomery,”Talonreplied,managingtocontrolhisanger.“IamKathryn’s

escort.”

“He’sDaniel’sbrother,Papa,”Kateinterjected.“Iaskedhimtobringmehome.”
HaydenglancedbackatTaloninsurprise,obviouslywonderingabouthisrelationshiptotheearl.

Then he shook his head. “This is no longer your home, Kathryn. You should be in London with your
husband,notgallivantingaroundthecountrysideinthemiddleofthenight.”

TalonstoodcloseenoughtoKatetofeelhercringe.“Lethertellyouwhyshe’scome.”
Hayden’s mouth snapped shut with an audible click, and he threw his daughter a bull

‐headed

glance.Talon’sstomachclenchedbecausehesuddenlyknewthesonofabitchwasn’tgoingtolistento
anythingshesaid.

Shetookadeepbreath.“Iwanttoannulmymarriage,Papa.Ineedyoutohelpme.”
“No.”Haydendidn’tevenpausetoconsiderit.“It’soutofthequestion.Themarriagewithyoung

Sinclairisagoodone,farbetterthanyoudeserve,beingyourmother’sdaughter.”

Herbreathcaught.Talonsensedthatifherfatherhadmeanttowoundher,hecouldn’thavechosen

abetterweapon.

“We haven’t consummated our vows,” she managed to tell Hayden in a soft, trembling voice.

“Danielprefersmen,sotherewillneverbeanheir.Sutcliffeisfuriousandplanstobanishus.”

“Watchyourmouth,girl.”Haydendidn’tseematallsurprisedtohearhe’dmarriedhisdaughterto

asodomite,merelyshockedshe’ddaredtovoiceitoutloud.“Iwon’tabidesuchtalk.”

“Youwon’tabideit?”TalonputareassuringhandonKate’sshoulder,infuriatedbyherfather’s

callousattitude.“SutcliffeintendstosendyourdaughtertoCarolinaforsomethingthatisn’therfault,and
allyoucandoischideherfordaringtotellthetruth?”

“Goodriddance,Isay.She’sbeennothingbutaninconveniencetomesincethedayshewasborn.

I knew she’d grow up to be a faithless whore like her mother, and I see I was right.” Hayden’s gaze
narrowedonKate.“You’lltellanylietogainanannulmentsoyoucanbewithyourlover,won’tyou?”
Heshookhisheadandbackedaway.“Iwon’tbeapartytoit.Iwashmyhandsofyou,Kathryn.Don’t
evercomehereagain.”Thenheturnedhisbackonhisonlydaughterinobviousdismissal.

Talonstartedafterhim,agrowlofangerinhisthroat,butKateplacedhersmall,tremblinghand

onhisforearm,stoppinghim.“Please,don’tmakeitanyworse.Justlethimgo.”

Glancingdown,hetookinthebruised,hauntedlookinhereyesandthebrittlestiffnesswithwhich

sheheldherbody.Shelookedonthevergeofcompletecollapse.“Comewithme,”hemurmuredforthe
secondtimethatnight.“Itwillbeallright.”

Sheallowedhimtoputhisarmaroundherandleadherthroughthedarkenedhouseandouttothe

waitingcurricle.Afterhelpingherup,hesettledbesideher,takingupthereinsoncemore.

ChapterSix

Kathrynhadfacedlossanddespairmanytimesduringherbrieflife.Still,thingshadneverseemed

asdarkandhopelessastheydidwhenTalonturnedthecurriclebacktowardLondon.

She should have known her father wouldn’t help her. But she hadn’t expected him to viciously

berateherorslanderhermotherbeforeatotalstranger.

Shemightbeabletoobtainanannulmentonherown,butevenifshedid,whereonearthwould

shego?Therewerenorelativestotakeherin,onlyanelderlyauntwhowouldneverstandagainsther
father.Kathrynhadnomoneyofherownandnowaytosupportherself.

It was over. All her little schemes to escape her fate had fallen apart. She couldn’t think of

anythingelsetodo,anyoneelsetoturnto.Shedidn’thaveanyfriendssaveTalon,apathetictruthshe’d
justassoonkeeptoherself.

“MaybeIamlikemymother,”shewhispered.Allherlifeshe’dwonderedifhermotherhadtruly

been the awful person her father portrayed. Maybe her mother had just been lonely, so starved for
affectionshe’dturnedtoastrangerforcomfort.Kathrynwasstartingtoseehowthatcouldhappen,how
lonelinesscouldturnyouintosomeoneyoudidn’tevenrecognize.

Talonwentstillbesideher.“Don’tdothistoyourself.Ikissedyou,Kate.Thefaultwasentirely

mine.Ishouldneverhavetakenadvantageofyou.”

Sheshookherhead.He’dbeentheonetoinitiatethekiss,butshe’dbeendyingforhistouchsince

themomentthey’dmet.Infact,shewishedhe’dkissheragain.Righthere.Rightnow.

Thetensionbetweenthemgrew,andforamomentshethoughthewouldkissheragain,butthenhe

lookedawayandmadeasoft,encouragingnoisetothehorses.Heseemedtobeinahurry,andshedidn’t
blamehim.He’dundoubtedlyhadquiteenoughofherforoneday.

“Doyouthinkwe’llarrivebackinLondonbeforeyourfather?”
Talonnodded.Helookedexhausted.She’dkepthimoutonthiswildgoosechaseallnight.
Asforherself,shewastooupsettobetired.Allshecaredaboutwascuttingherlosses.“Ithinkit

wouldbebestifwedidn’tmentionthistohim.”

“I agree.” He gave her a sympathetic glance. “What will you do now? Any more tricks up your

sleeve?”

Sheblinkedagainstthestingoftears.“No.Nomoretricks.Iguessthere’snothinglefttodobutgo

totheCarolinas.”

“You won’t be alone.” He reached for her hand, and somehow it felt right to thread her fingers

withintheelegant,leanstrengthofhis.“I’llbewithyou.”

Shelookedupathim,athisstarklychiseledfeatures,andknewshe’dneverseenanyonequiteso

beautiful.“Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedonewithoutyoutoday.Ihardlyknowyou,yetyou’vegone
outofyourwayformetimeandagain.”

“Thinknothingofit.”Hiswordswerelight,butshesensedshe’dmadehimuncomfortable.
She dropped her gaze, trying to keep from mooning after him. He released her hand, and she

almostcriedoutattheloss.Butheonlyputhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledhercloser.

“Leanonme,Kate.It’sbeenalong,difficultnight.Youdon’tneedtobestronganymore.”
His words brought a fresh sting of tears to her eyes, but she blinked them away. He pulled the

heavy,woollapblanketaroundthemboth,givingfreelyofhisstrengthandwarmth.

Neverinherlifehadshebeenofferedashouldertoleanon.
Leanonme.Hiswordsechoedinsidehertiredbrain.Shedriftedoff.
tosleep,thinkingperhapsitwouldn’tbesobad,afterall,tospendafewweeksatseawithTalon

Montgomery.

*****

Talonawokelateintheafternoon,grumpyanddisgruntled.Ithadbeennearlydawnbeforeheand

Katehadreturned.She’dsleptonhisshouldermostofway.Thetendernesshe’dfeltwhenhe’dcarried
herthroughthedarkenedhousetoherbedroomdisturbedhim.

Infact,thewholesituationdisturbedhim.
Hedidn’twanttocareabouther,didn’twanttoseegratitudeinherlovelygreeneyes.Wasshea

fooltotrusthim?

Hecouldhavehadhiswaywithherlastnight.Herdefenseshadbeendecimated,firstbyDaniel’s

betrayal,thenbythestunningrejectionshe’denduredatherownfather’shands.

He should have taken advantage of her fragile state. What good could come of stretching this

sordidaffairout?

Hegroanedandcoveredhisfacewithapillow.Therelaythecruxofhisproblem.Hedidn’twant

tohaveanaffairwithKate.Helikedherfartoomuchtotakehervirginity,impregnateher,andcasther
aside.

He’dhadhisshareofwomen,butneveronelikehissister

‐in‐law.Havingbeenatseamostofhis

life, there had been little time to build a lasting relationship. His entire sexual experience consisted of
whoresandwidows,womenwithwillingbodieswhoneverexpectedanythingbutafewcoinsinreturn.

Katewasthekindofwomanwhostillbelievedinlove.Shewouldn’tgiveherselfcheaply.She’d

expectsweetwordsandgentlewooing.Andwhenshediscoveredhowhe’dschemedandliedtogetinto
herbed,she’dhatehim.

It shouldn’t bother him so. Better Kate’s animosity than the lives of his crew. With a sigh, he

tossedawaythepillowandslippedoutofbed.

He dressed, pausing only once to grimace at himself in the mirror. Sutcliffe’s mirror. Sutcliffe’s

home.Bloodyhell,itburnedtoknowhehadnothingofhisown.Noteventheclothesonhisback.

Steppingoutintothehall,hehaltedwhenhesawDanielwaitingforhim.Theyoungermanwas

dressed impeccably, but his fine clothing couldn’t obscure the tired lines beneath his pale blue eyes.
Daniellookedlikehell.IfTalondidn’tknowbetter,he’dthinkhisbrotheractuallycaredaboutwhathad
happenedwithKathryn.

Cursingbeneathhisbreath,Talonsquaredhisshouldersandturnedintheoppositedirection.He

wantednothingtodowiththis.

“Talon.Wait.”
Hestiffened,butdidn’tturnaround.Damnitall,whatdidhewant?
Danielcaughthiminafewsteps.“Ithinkweshouldtalkaboutwhathappenedlastnight.”
Talonpausedandraisedonebrow.“There’snothingIwanttodiscusswithyou.Ifyouwanttotalk

tosomeone,talktoyourwife.”

Daniel flushed and dropped his gaze. “I never meant for Kathryn to see that. You must believe

me.”

“Must I?” Talon gave his brother a challenging stare, knowing there was something else behind

thisconversation.Danieldidn’tgiveadamnwhatTalonthoughtofhim,andtheybothknewit.

Danielshookhisheadandtookaninvoluntarystepback.“Christ.Youlookjustlikehim.”
ThejabcutdeeplyasDanielhadnodoubtknownitwould.“Gotohell.”
Tohissurprise,Daniellaughed.“He’sgotusbothspinning,doesn’the?Bloodyoldass.”Thenhe

sobered.“Ionlysoughtyououttoaskifyou’dhadanyluckatseducingKathryn.”

HiswordscaughtTalonoffguard.“Youknowthen?YouknowwhyI’mhere?”Despitehisintense

dislikeforhisbrother,hefeltasurgeofguiltandpity.

“Of course, I know. Do you think he could resist the opportunity to rub my nose in it?” Daniel

sighedandgaveacarelessshrug.“Ijustwantedyoutoknowit’sallrightwithme.Infact,I’dlikeyouto
getthejobdoneassoonaspossible.”

Taloncouldonlystareathisbrotherinstunneddisbelief.“GoodGod,man.Don’tyouhaveany

pride?”

AquickstabofpainlitDaniel’sblueeyes,butitdisappearedsoquicklyTalonwonderedifhe’d

imaginedit.“No,”hesaid,turningaway.“IsupposeIdon’t.”

ChapterSeven

Kathryn dressed carefully for dinner, choosing her loveliest gown in an attempt to bolster her

courage.She’dneedeverypossibleadvantagetogetthroughamealwithSutcliffe,DanielandTalon.

Theearlhadreturnednearlyanhourago,andKathrynhadbeenonpinsandneedleseversince.

Eventhoughtherehadbeenveryfewmembersofthestaffondutylastnight,Kathrynwasterrifiedoneof
her father

‐in‐law’s lackeys had witnessed her late-night journey. If Sutcliff found out she’d gone to her

fatherforhelp,orthatTalonhadgonewithher…

Well,hopefullyhe’dneverfindout.
Unfortunately, the earl was only the tip of her troubles. She didn’t know how she was going to

lookherhusbandintheeyesafterwhatshe’dwitnessedlastnight.Herstomachturnedattheverythought.
ButevenworsewasthememoryoffallingapartinTalon’sarms.

She shuddered to imagine what her brother

‐in‐law must think of her. Somehow his opinion had

becomeveryimportant.Shecouldn’tbeartolosehiskindregard.Notnow.Notontopofeverythingelse.

“You look lovely, milady.” Betsy fastened a heavy emerald necklace around Kathryn’s neck and

stoodbacktoadmireherwork.“Yourhusbandwillbemostpleased.”

“I doubt it.” Kathryn gave her reflection a wry glance. She did look her best. The emeralds

complementedhereyesandtheforest-greengownaccentuatedherfigureinaverypleasingway,butthe
effectwouldbelostonDaniel.

Betsy sniffed and handed over Kathryn’s favorite bottle of perfume. “Well, then, beggin’ your

pardon,miss,buthe’safool.”

Kathrynlaughedathermaid’simpertinence.“Oh,Betsy.I’llmissyouwhenI’mgone.”
BetsyfrownedasKathrynappliedthescentofrosestoherwrists.“IwishIcouldgowithyou.I

would,ifnotformypoorailin’mother.Americasoundslikeagrandplace.”

“Yes,”Kathrynmused,turningawayfromthemirror.“That’swhatmynewbrother

‐in‐lawsays.”

“Ah.”Betsysomehowmanagedtoputawealthofmeaningintothesimpleword.“Andwhatelse

didthehandsomeblokehavetosayduringthatlong,unchaperonedride?”

Kathrynblushed.“He’sbeenverykind.”
Betsy shook her head and patted Kathryn on the shoulder. “I know what you’re thinkin’, sweet.

Andmarkmywords,itwillonlybringheartache.”

Heartache.Kathrynclosedhereyes,lettingherselfimagine,justforasecond,howwonderfulthe

eventsleadinguptothatheartachemightbe.ImagesofTalonfloodedhermemory.Hiswarmth,hislean
strength,hisbeautiful,hauntedeyes…

Sheblinked,dispellingthedangerousthoughts.“I’mnotafool,Betsy.Danielismylotinlife.I’ll

notlookelsewhere.”

Betsynodded.“Awoman’slifeisseldomeasy,sweetheart.”
Kathryngavehermaidanimpulsivehugandthenhurriedoutoftheroombeforemorefoolishtears

couldfall.She’dallowedherselftoshedfartoomanyinthelasttwenty

‐fourhours.

Bythetimesheenteredthediningroom,themenwerealreadythere.Shestoodinthedoorwayfor

amoment,staring.Allthreewerebreathtaking,yetherbrother

‐in‐lawstillmanagedtostandout.

Talonstoodbeforethefire,idlyswirlinghisdrinkashestaredintotheflames.Hisbeautifulface

wasturnedinprofile,andshethoughthismotherhadnamedhimwell.Hewasasgracefulandwildasthe
gyrfalconherfatherkeptforhishunts.

“You’relate.”Sutcliffeglaredatherovertherimofhisbrandyglass.
“Shelooksravishing,soitwaswellworththewait.”Danielhurriedforwardandtookherarm,

guidinghertowardthetable.Kathryntensedathistouchandgavehimasuspiciousglance.Itwasthefirst
timehe’deverstooduptohisfatheronherbehalf.

“Iagree.”Talon’sdeepvoicechasedawayanyfurthercontemplationofDaniel’smotives.
SheletDanielpulloutherchair,butallhersenseswereattunedtothemanwhostoodacrossfrom

her. He wore a black dinner jacket with a snowy white cravat, and his blue eyes glittered with
appreciationashereturnedherstare.

“Goodevening,Talon.”
“LadyKate.”Hisreassuringsmilegavehercourage.
Leanonme.Thewordshe’dspokenlastnightcamerushingback,andsheclungtothemwitha

senseofwonder.Howhadthismansprungfromsuchtaintedseed?

The three men took their places, Sutcliffe at the head of the table, with Daniel to his right and

Talon to his left. She sat next to Daniel, which gave her an unobstructed view of her brother

‐in‐law.

Flushing, she dropped her gaze and took a sip of wine. This had to stop. No matter how Daniel had
wrongedher,shewasstillamarriedwoman.

Theservantsbroughtoutthefirstcourse.Whentheywithdrew,Sutcliffelettheweightofhisgaze

falluponeachofthem.“Thisiscertainlyafirst.Allmydutifulchildrensittingdowntosuppertogether.
Ofcourse,you’llbeleavingsoon,sowewon’thavetomakeahabitofit.”

Kathryn felt Daniel’s sudden tension. Despite everything that had happened, she pitied her

husband.Sheknewhowitfelttobescornedandridiculedbyyourownfather.

“Youmeantogothroughwiththis?”Daniel’sfacepaled,andshesawthefainttremorinhishand

whenhepickeduphisfork.

“Ofcourse.DidyouthinkIwouldchangemymind?”Sutcliffeshookhishead.“You’reafool.”
Daniel put his fork back down without taking a bite. “You’ll forgive me, then, if I decline the

pleasure of dining with the lot of you. There are other places I’d rather spend my last two nights of
freedom.”HegaveKathrynawry,apologeticsmile.Thenhestoodandexitedtheroom.

Sutcliffe cursed under his breath and then turned his wrath upon Kathryn. “This is your fault. If

you’dbeenwomanenoughtokeephimathome,noneofuswouldbeinthissituation.”

Kathrynsuckedinherbreath,butbeforeshecouldsayawordinherowndefense,Talonstoodup

andthrewdownhisnapkin.“Iwon’tlistentothis.Irefusetostandbywhileyoubelittleher.”

“Yourefuse?”Sutcliffestoodaswell,andthetwoofthemfacedoff,nosetonose.“Whoareyou

torefusemeanything?NeedIremindyouthatIholdthefutureofeverythingyoucareaboutinthepalmof
myhand?”

FurysparkedinTalon’sbeautifuleyes,andKathrynfeltthetiniestfissionoffearcreepdownher

spine.Thiswasn’tthetenderfriendwho’dofferedherashouldertoleanonandwipedawayhertears.
Thestrangeracrossthetablewaseverybitasdangerousasthemanwhohadsiredhim.

“Youareanevilsonofabitch,”Talonmuttered,spinningonhisheels.
ThemomentTalonlefttheroom,Kathryngottoherfeetaswell.She’dratherstarvethanstayhere

withherfather

‐in‐law.Butwhenshereachedthedoor,sheturnedandmethisicygaze.

“Youmayaswellgetusedtodiningalone,”shetoldhim,shockedbyherownaudacity.“You’ve

justinsuredyoushallremainthatwayfortherestofyourlife.”

*****

Talon went searching for Kate the next morning. He had a strange, masochistic compulsion to

spendmoretimewithher.Surely,oncehegottoknowherbetter,hewouldseeshewasjustlikeallthe
otherwomenhe’dknown.Manipulative,conniving,uncaringofanythingbutherownneedsandwants.

If he didn’t find a reason to dislike her, it would be almost impossible to do as his father

commanded.

Hefoundherinthelibrary,pouringoverahugetombofseanavigation.Heknewthebookwell

becauseonejustlikeithadgracedthecaptain’scabinaboardhisship,TheWesternSky.Thebookwasan
oldfriendandhadguidedhimthroughmanyastorm.

Hepausedinthedoorway,enjoyingthischancetoobserveher.Shetwinedastrandofhairaround

herfingerassheread,anadorablewrinkleinherbrow.Thecomplicatedseachartsprobablylookedlike
Greektoher.

Hesmiledandenteredtheroom,shuttingthedoorfirmlybehindhim.Shejumpedandclosedthe

book,lookinglikeachildwho’dbeencaughtstealingfromthecookiejar.

“What are you doing?” He crossed the room and leaned one hip against the edge of the table,

loomingoverher.“Whatareyoureading?”

Shesighed,buthedidn’tmissthehintofcolorthatstainedhercheeks.Forsomereason,shewas

embarrassedtohavebeencaughtreading.“ItappearsIshallbegoingtoAmerica,whetherIlikeitornot.
IthoughtitwouldbewisetofindoutasmuchaboutthelandandpeopleasIcan.”

His gaze shifted from her lovely face back to the table. Beneath the navigational chart were

varioushistoriesoftheAmericas.Hisregardleaptanothernotch.He’dneverknownawomanwholiked
toread.Neverknownonewhocouldread,cometothinkofit.

“Ilikethewayyourmindworks.”
Shefrowned,seemingtrulyupset.“Don’tteaseme.Notaboutthis.”
“I’mnotteasing.”Heleanedforwardandstaredintohertroubledeyes,wonderingwhyonearth

she’dthinksuchathing.“Yourintelligenceisoneofthemostattractivethingsaboutyou.”

Sheflushedandlookedaway,unabletomaintaineyecontact.“Myfathersaysaneducatedwoman

isnothingmorethanaharlot.Atschool,theytaughtustoread,butonlyforthepurposeofwritingnotes
andplanningmenus.”

The mention of Kate’s father made Talon’s blood boil. He hated the fact that such a heartless,

unfeeling bastard had raised her. Once again he felt the strange urge to shelter her, to protect her from
life’sharshness.

“If you were mine…” The words were out before he could stop them. Dangerous, treacherous

words.Hepulledaway,abitstartledbywhattheymadehimfeel.

“Goon,”shewhispered,hereyeswide.
Helaughed,ashort,strainedsound.“Iwouldneverdiscourageyoufrombroadeningyourmind.”
Naked gratitude shone in her eyes. It was obvious no one had ever shown her any sort of

encouragement.Howverysad.Healsoknewshewasbeginningtocareforhim,andhewantedtowarn

hernotto.Didn’tsheknowbetterthantowearherheartonhersleeve?

Sheblinkedandlookedaway.“Doyouknowanythingaboutthesea?”
“Quiteabit,actually.Untilrecently,Iwas…aship’scaptain.”Hethoughtitbesttohidetheexact

natureofhispastprofession.Itseemedalifetimeagoanyway.Sometimeshewonderedifhe’ddreamed
thesuccessfullifehe’dbuiltforhimself.

“Really?Ididn’tknowthataboutyou.So,youknowtheroutewe’llbetaking?”
Heleanedcloser,inhalingadeepbreathofhersweetsmelling,freshlywashedhair.“Ithinkwe’ll

probablygothisway.”Hecoveredherhandwithhisandtrailedherfingertipoverthemap.“Atleast,this
isthewayI’dgoifIwereatthehelm.”

Shetrembledandthenturnedherpalmfaceup,twiningherfingerswithhis.“Thankyoufortaking

metoseemyfather.I’veneverhadafriendlikeyou.”

“Friends?”Hisgazewasdrawntotheplumpfullnessofherbottomlip.Hewasdyingforanother

tasteofher.“Isthatwhatweare?”

Hereyeswidened,mirroringhisrecklessdesire.“Ofcourse.That’sallwecanbe.”
“Isit?”Heranhisthumboverhercheek,willinghertomakethefirstmove.Ifonlyshe’dmeet

him halfway and play the seductress. He wanted to be able to tell himself she’d known what she was
gettinginto.

“Oh,Talon.”Sheclosedhereyesandturnedherhead,pressingherlipstohispalm.“Youmake

meacheforthingsIcannothave.”

“Comehere.”Hesweptasidethebooksandsatontheedgeofthetable,thentuggedonherhand

untilshestood.“Letmeholdyouforawhile.”

Achokedlittlelaughescapedherlips.“Thisissoverywrong.”
Hepulledhercloser,intotheleeofhisthighs,revelinginthesoftpressofherbreastsagainhis

chest.Hethoughtofwhatshe’dsaid,aboutachingforthingsshecouldn’thave.Hefeltit,too.Thiswas
thethirdtimehe’dheldher,anditseemedmorenaturaleachtime.

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I fear this thing between us will end badly. Already

you’remonopolizingmythoughtsandstealingmybreath.”

Hesmiledintoherhair,gladhewasn’ttheonlyone.“Thenwhydoyoufightit?”
She lifted her head, and there were tears in her eyes. “Because I must. Daniel doesn’t take our

vowsseriously,butIcouldneverforgivemyselfifIweretoforsakethemaswell.”

He sighed and released her. “I’ll respect your wishes.” He forced a lightness he was far from

feelingintohistone.“ButI’mgoingcrazycoopedupinthishouse.Wouldyouliketogoriding?”

She hesitated for a long moment, and he could see the battle being waged within her. She

obviouslywantedtospendmoretimewithhim,butitwentagainsteverythingshe’deverbeentaught.

Comeon.Takeachance.Justthisonce.
Hissilentpleadingseemedtowork.“Yes,”shesaid.“I’dloveto.”

ChapterEight

AsKatehurrieduptoherroomtochange,sheknewshe’dbeenafooltoagreetogoridingwith

Talon.Buthowcouldshehavesaidno?

He was everything she’d ever wanted. Handsome and kind, yet wild and a little dangerous. He

treatedherasthoughheropinionmattered,asthoughwhatshesaidandthoughtwereofinterest.Whenshe
waswithhim,theharshrealityofherlifedriftedaway.Hemadeherfeelyoungagain.

She frowned at the thought. Why shouldn’t she feel young? She was only twenty

‐two years old.

Her marriage to Daniel was making her old before her time. With new determination, she finished
buttoningheremeraldridinghabit,thenpinnedherhairupbeneathajauntygreenhat.

WhenshemetTaloninthestablesfifteenminuteslater,hisgazesweptoverherwithundisguised

appreciation.“I’veneverknownawomantobesoprompt,yetstillmanagetolooksolovely.”

Shesmiled,tryingtotampdownthepleasurehiswordsprovoked.“I’veneverknownamanso

freewithhiscompliments.”

Acharminggrinlithisface,andhemotionedtowardthewaitinghorses.“Thegroomtoldmeyou

preferredGinger,soItookthelibertyofhavinghersaddled.”

“Gingerwillbefine,andJackhereisanotherofmyfavorites.”KateassessedTalon’schoice.For

some reason she’d expected him to choose a high

‐spirited stallion, perhaps that black devil his father

likedtoride.

Insteadhe’dchosenarangy,chestnutgelding.
Talon helped her mount the little gray mare, his hands lingering longer than necessary on her

waist.Athrillmovedthroughherwhenheleaptintohisownsaddle.Hesathishorsewitheaseandfluid
grace,asthoughhe’dbeenborntoit.

They rode west toward Hyde Park and the infamous stretch of road known as Rotten Row. It

wasn’tlongbeforetheystartedgarneringcuriousglances.

“We’recausingquiteascandal.”Katebowedherhead,guidinghermareclosertoTalon’smount

soshecouldspeaktohiminwhisperedtones.“Weshouldgosomewhereelse.Bynoon,everyoneintown
willknowIwasseenridingintheparkwithmyhusband’sbrother.”

Talonraisedasardoniceyebrow.“Whydoyoucare?You’llbeleavingsoon.There’snothingany

ofthesesmall

‐mindedpeoplecandotohurtyou.”

He was absolutely right, and the knowledge freed her. For the first time in her life, she needn’t

worryaboutwhateveryonethought.Theonlypersonwhowouldbehurtbyascandalwasherfather

‐in‐

law.

Shewantedtocauseonejusttospitehim.
A laugh bubbled from her lips. Not the quiet, restrained laugh she’d been admonished to use in

public.No,thislaughterwasuninhibited,husky,andnotatallladylike.Headsturnedinherdirection,but
sheignoredthem,wonderingwhyshe’devercaredwhatanyonethoughtaboutherinthefirstplace.

Talon shot her a quick glance and then laughed with her, the deep sound ringing out across the

park.“Youhaveabeautifullaugh.Ihopetohearitmoreoften.”

“You will.” If anyone could make her laugh, it was him. She kicked Ginger into an undignified

cantor,andTalonracedalongsideher,hisleanbodymovingingracefultandemwithhishorse.

Theyspedpastthesedatearistocracywhohadcomemerelytoseeandbeseen,throughacopseof

trees,andintoalovelylittlegardenfilledwithwildrosesandasmall,whitegazebo.

Hereinedinbesideher,hisblueeyesdancingwithpuredevilry.“Let’sstophereforawhile.You

likeroses,don’tyou?”

Shefrowned,aprickleofuneasechasingdownherspine.Thegardenwascompletelysecluded,

theperfectplaceforatryst.“Maybeweshouldheadbacktothehouse.”

“Nonsense.”Hedismountedandcamearoundtoofferherahand.“I’vealreadypromisedtoplay

thegentleman.Youhavenothingtofearfromme.”

He’donlypromisedtoplaythegentleman,notbeone.
Shesearchedhisgazeandthenallowedhimtohelpherdismount.
Onceagain,heheldheragainsthim,chesttochest,forjustamomentlongerthanwasnecessaryor

proper.Hisscent,freshlywashedskin,horsesandmusk,madeherheadywithdelight.Atlasthestepped
away,pressingonehandtothesmallofherbackandleadinghertothebenchinsidethegazebo.

“How did you know I liked roses?” She was desperate to get the conversation back to safe

ground,determinedtoresisthimnomatterhowmuchhetemptedher.

Heleanedagainsttherailandplacedonebootedfootonthebenchbesideher.Musclesrippled

downthelonglengthofhisthigh,andshestared,transfixed.

Bowinghishead,hefiddledwithhisjacketcuff.“Iwasinthelibrary,backattheManor,when

Sutcliffeinterrogatedyou.”

She’dalreadyknownthat,thankstoBetsy,butshewasgladhe’dtoldher.Forsomereason,she

didn’twanttheretobeanysecretsbetweenthem.Shesighed.“Youmusthavethoughtmepathetic.”

He shook his head. “Ah, Kate. You were anything but that. I liked the way you stood up to my

father.AndIreallylovedthefactthatyouhaddirtonyourhands.”

Sheflushedandclenchedherhands,tryingtohidehercallousedpalmsandchipped,raggednails,

onceagainafraidhewasmockingher.

Ifonlyshewereelegantandworldly,thekindofwomanwhocoulddazzleamanlikeTalonwith

hercharmandwit.Thekindofwomanwhocouldtakealoverandnotfeelguiltyaboutit.

“I’llmissmyroses.”Sheblinked,hopingshewasstrongenoughtoholdbackmoreuselesstears.

“IthinkI’llmissthemmostofall.”

Hetookherhands,bendingdownuntilhisbeautifulfacewasdisturbinglyclose.“Tellmeabout

yourroses.Whydoyouenjoygardeningsomuch?”

Noonehadeveraskedheraboutthethingsthatmadeherhappy.Alifetimeofhopesanddreams

were locked deep within her. She didn’t even know where to begin. “There’s just something about
workinginthedirt,gettingdirtyandsweaty,makingthingsgrow.”Sheshrugged,feelingsilly.“WhenI’m
outinthegarden,Idon’thavetoworryaboutdoingandsayingalltherightthings.Icanjustbemyself.”

Hebroughtherhandtohislips,hislonglashessweepinglowashismouthbrushedherknuckles.

“Youdon’teverhavetopretendwithme.Ilikeyoujustthewayyouare.”

Hislipswerefineandfull,warmandsatinytothetouch.Shewantedtokisshim,torunherhands

overhisskin.Lord,hewasadangerous,dangerousman.

Flustered, she pulled her hand away. “What are you passionate about, Talon? What makes you

happy?”

A flicker of pain crossed his handsome features, but then he smiled. “I like simple things. The

windinmyface.Thesmellofthesea.Warm,willingwomen.”

Warm,willingwomen.Hiswordswerelikeadashoficywaterintheface.Theyremindedher

TalonMontgomeryhadbeenwithdozensofwomen.Heprobablyhadtofightthemoffwithastick.

Shedidn’tdoubthecouldmakeherveryhappyforanightortwo.
But then he’d move on. She’d be left behind, alone and unloved, more miserable then ever

becauseshe’dknowwhatshewasmissing.

Clearing her throat, she stood. The time had come to put an end to this foolishness. “I think we

shouldleave,Mr.Montgomery.”

*****

Taloncursedhimselfallthewaybacktohisfather’stownhouse.Whataroyalbotchhe’dmadeof

everything.Katewassilentbesidehim,herbackrigidwithdismay.

Warm,willingwomen. What a stupid thing to say. But her question had surprised him, and he’d

realizedthatshewastheonlythingthathadmadehimhappyinaverylongtime.Sohe’dbrazeneditout,
madeitsoundasthoughsheweremerelyoneofhundreds,thousandseven,tocoverhisdiscomfort.

Nowshethoughthewoulduseherthenabandonherwithoutabackwardglance.Hewantedtopull

heroffthathorseandshakeher,makeherlookintohiseyesandseewhatkindofmanhetrulywas…

His thoughts trailed off, and embarrassed heat crept into his cheeks. Necessity had made him

exactlythekindofmanshefearedhimtobe.

Whatwasitaboutherthatmadehimforgethimself?Whenheheldherinhisarms,heforgotabout

hismen,forgoteverythingbutthememoryofherlipsmeltingbeneathhis,hersoftness,thescentofroses
andinnocence.

Shemadehimfeelalive,asthoughanythingwerepossible.
Hehadtorememberthiswasn’taromance.Hewasbeingblackmailed,andhecouldn’taffordto

lethimselfbecarriedawaybyemotion.

Itwasbesttonipthismaudlindaydreaminginthebud.Hehadtofocusonthesubjectathand—

cold

‐heartedseduction.

Hewaspushinghertoofast.
She was attracted to him. But she was suffering intense guilt over the one meager kiss they’d

alreadyshared.Herdefenseswereup,andshewasdeterminednottogiveintohimagain.

Well,hedidn’thavetimeforhermaidenlyprotests.Hewantedhertofallwillinglyintohisarms.

Hewantedhertobeadifferentkindofwomanaltogether.Onewho’dtakethepleasureheofferedandnot
beburdenedbymorality.

He sighed, and she turned to look at him. Her gaze was reproachful, even a little fearful. But

beneathitallwassomethingelse,somethinghungryandneedy.Somethingthatmadehimthinkmaybehe
hadn’tbotcheditafterall.

Forcinghimselftoberuthless,hepastedonhismostcharmingsmile.“I’msorryifIoffendedyou.

Itcertainlywasn’tmyintention.”

Shegaveadismissiveflickofherhand,herfacesoftening.“It’smyfault.Ishouldn’thavecome

withyou.Itwasselfish.”

“Howoftendoyoudoanythingforyourself?”Heshookhishead.“Don’tregretthetimewespend

together,Kate.Iwon’tallowit.”

“Youwon’tallowit?”Hervoiceroseindisbelief.“Don’ttellmewhatyouwillandwon’tallow.

Ialreadyhaveenoughmeninmylifetellingmewhattodo.”

Beforehehadachancetocallhiswordsbackordefendhimselfinanyway,shetookoff,spurring

herhorsetowardhome.Hewantedtochaseafterher,butrestrainedhimself.Besttocuthislossesandtry
againsomeotherday.

Bythetimehereachedthestables,shewasnowheretobeseen.Hewavedawaythestablelad

andgroomedthehorsehimself,enjoyingthefamiliar,soothingrhythm.He’dalwaysriddenwheneverhe
hadtheopportunity.Itwasagentleman’ssport,andhe’dneverhadtheluxurywhenhewasyoung.

Asheworked,histensioneased.Helethismindwanderovertheeventsoftheday.Katehadbeen

touchedwhenhe’daskedheraboutherroses.Herlovelyfacehadlitupwhenshe’dspokenofthem.He
smiled,thinkingperhapshe’dfoundthekeytomeltingherdefenses.

Sheclaimedshe’dmissherrosesthemost,whichspurredaplan.Ifhearrangedtohaveafewof

herrosebushesbroughtaboardship,itwouldcheerherandperhapshelphimregainsomeoftheground
he’dlosttoday.

Itwouldgivehersomethingtorememberhimby.
Feelingmorose,hehandedthecurrybrushbacktothegroomandexitedthestables.Somuchfor

keeping his emotions out of it. He couldn’t shake the thought that after he’d done what he must, she’d
neverthinkofhimwithfondnessagain.She’dhatehimwithallthegreen

‐eyedpassionshepossessed.

Justthesame,heresolvedtosendafootmandowntoRosewoodManorthisveryafternoon.Kate

shouldhaveatleastafewofherroses.Itwastheonlythinghecoulddoforher.

*****

Daniel Sinclair was at his club sharing a bottle of port with Philip Carrington when his father

trackedhimdown.DanielwatchedthroughnarrowedeyesasSutcliffeboredownonthem,hisfacesetin
grim,forebodinglines.

“Oh, Lord,” Philip groaned, noticing Daniel’s sudden inattention. “What on earth is he doing

here?”

Danielshookhishead,willingthetyrantwho’dsiredhimtoperdition.“Idon’tknow.Butmaybe

youshouldmakeyourselfscarce.”

Philiptossedalockofblondhairoutofhiseyes,frowning.“Buggertheoldbastard.Hehasno

righttotreatyouthisway.”

Daniel just shook his head, knowing all he stood to lose. Philip wasn’t the only thing his father

couldtakefromhimwithameresnapofhisfingers.“I’llbeallright.Justgo.”

PhilipstoodandbowedasSutcliffejoinedthem.“Sir.Iwasjustleaving.”
SutcliffegavePhilipalookofpuredisgust.“Thenbyallmeans,doso.IneedtotalktoDaniel

alone.”HetookthechairPhiliphadvacated,dismissinghim.

PhilipglaredatSutcliffe’sbroadbackforamomentthenshruggedandwanderedawaytowardthe

gamingtables.Danielwatchedhislovergo,innohurrytolistentohisfather’scomplaints.

“You’llbepleasedtoknoweverythingisinorder.”Sutcliffehelpedhimselftotheport,staringat

Danielasthoughhewasaninsectinneedofsquashing.“I’llexpectyoutobeonboardtheshipwhenit
sails.”

Daniel’sangerspiked.“Idon’tunderstandwhyIhavetogoanywhere.Whycan’tyourgoldenboy

seduceKathrynrighthereonBritishsoil?”

Sutcliffequaffedhisdrink.“There’salreadytoomuchtalk.Nolessthanhalfadozenpeoplehave

askedmewhyyourwifewasridingintheparkwithmybastardsinceIenteredtheclub.”

Daniellaughed.Hecouldn’thelphimself.Nomatterhowmuchhehatedhishalf

‐brother,hewas

gladtoseehisfatherinsuchastate.“Veryinconvenient.ButIdon’tseewhywecan’tjustgotoFrance
for a few weeks. We could rent a villa, and I could amuse myself with Philip while the two of them
conceivetheperfectlittleheir.”

ThethoughtofbeingseparatedfromPhilipformonthsonendkilledhim.Whyshouldhebeforced

togiveuphisloverwhilehiswifetookonebeneathhisverynose?

Sutcliffeslammedhisheavycrystalglassdownonthepolishedoaktable.“You’regettingonthat

ship.Idon’twanttohearanotherwordaboutit.”

Daniel clenched his fists at his sides, feeling totally impotent. “You can’t force me to claim

anotherman’schildasmyown.Justlistentoyourself.Thisentireplanismad.Itwillneverwork.”

“IcandoanythingIwant.”Sutcliffewaseerilycalm,consideringthiswasoneoftheonlytimes

Danielhadeverfoundthecouragetostanduptohim.“Youshouldknowthatbynow.”

Danielknew.Heknewalltoowell.Swallowing,hepreparedhimselfforwhateverhellhisfather

hadinstoreforhimthistime.

*****

Kate spent the rest of the afternoon in her room, brooding over what had happened in the park.

Talonseemedtobringoutboththebestandworstinher.Shecouldn’texplainhererraticbehavior.

Talonwasn’taknightinshiningarmor.Hehadn’tcomeheretorescueher.HewasSutcliffe’sson,

andshecouldn’texpecthimtoriskhisrelationshipwithhisfamilytohaveanaffairwithher.

She’dbeenupsettheothernight,andhe’dkissedheroutofpitymorethananything.He’dprobably

beenregrettinghisgenerosityeversince.Asfortherestofit,hissweetwordsinthelibrarythismorning,
hisclaimthatheadmiredher…well,shemustn’treadtoomuchintoit.

Hewasaman,afterall.Itwasherdutytokeephimatarm’slength.
She’dbeenfartooforwardinherdealingswithhimandcouldn’tblamehimfortakingadvantage.
Besides, this whole sordid situation was probably her mind’s only defense against what she’d

learnedaboutherhusband.She’dtakenallherschoolgirldreamsandlongings,whichhadbeenwastedon
Daniel,andhungthemonTaloninstead.

Sheshouldbefiguringoutwhatshewasgoingtodowiththerestofherlifeinsteadofsittinghere

fantasizingaboutherbrother

‐in‐law.

Afterall,he’ddisappearfromherlifeinamatterofweeks,butshe’dhavetodealwithDaniel

forever.

Asoftraponherbedroomdoorcamefromthesittingroom,notthehall.IthadtobeTalon.She

cursed herself for the spike of happiness that surged within her. “Just a minute.” She glanced at her
reflectioninthemirror,despairingoverherbedraggledappearance.

“MayIcomein?”Talon’svoicesoundedmuffledandfaraway.
Despiteallherearliermisgivings,Katefounditimpossibletoturnhimaway.“Ofcourse.”
Heenteredherbedroom,andheatrushedtohercheekswhenheglancedatthelarge,satin-draped

bedinthecorner.Hisverypresencewassheertemptation.Ifshehadanysense,shewouldhavejoined
himinthesittingroominstead.

Sheclearedherthroat.“Doyouneedsomething?”Toolate,sherealizedthatwasnotthekindof

questionsheshouldaskwhenentertainingamaninherbedroom.

A small smile pulled at the corners of his sensual mouth. Then he shook his head and met her

embarrassedgaze.“Ijustcametoapologize.Idon’twantyoutobeangry.”

“I’mnotangry,”shehastenedtoassurehim.“Don’tgiveitanotherthought.”
He took another step toward her, and she fought the impulse to back away. Lifting his hand, he

cuppedherface,histendertouchmeltingthelastofherdefenses.“Good,”hewhispered,leaningforward

andbrushingherforeheadwithhislips.“Don’teverbeangrywithme,sweetheart.Idon’tthinkIcould
bearit.”

Foralong,loadedmoment,theystaredateachother.Somethinginsidehershiftedandfellaway.

Shewasn’tsurewhathadchanged,butsheknewwithuttercertaintythatsomesortofinnerlinehadbeen
crossed.

Hemusthavefeltsomethingsimilar,becausealookofconfusioncrossedhishandsomeface,and

hefellbackastep.“I’llseeyouatdinner?”

Shenodded,unabletoformacoherentthought.Ifhe’dheldouthishand,shewouldhavefallen

intohisarmsanddamnedtheconsequences.Luckily,heturnedonhisheelsandexitedherroom.

Foralongtime,shestoodwherehe’dlefther,staringafterhim.Thenshesankintoachair,coming

facetofacewithahorribletruth.

Eventhoughsheknewitwaswrong,eventhoughitcouldonlybringheartache,shewashelpless

toresistTalonMontgomery’shypnoticattraction.Shewashisforthetaking.Allheneededtodowasask.

*****

TalonfledKate’sroomasthoughthehoundsofhellwereonhisheels.He’donlymeanttogauge

hermood,buttheattractionbetweenthemhadroaredtolifeandhe’dbeenluckytoescapewithoutbeing
burnedalive.

He’dwantedtomakelovetohermorethanhe’deverwantedanythinginhislife.Infact,hewas

stilltremblingwithdesire,stillhalf

‐temptedtogobackthereandtossherdownonthatbig,plushbed.

“Doyoureallythinkyoucangetawaywithmakingafoolofme?”
Sutcliffe’sboomingvoicestoppedTalondeadinhistracks.Hegrippedthemahoganybanisterand

schooledhisfeaturesintoanexpressionlessmaskbeforeturningtofacehisnemesis.“Idon’tknowwhat
you’retalkingabout.”

Sutcliffe stood at the top of the stairs, a superior position since Talon was halfway down them.

“Getbackuphere.Weneedtotalk.”

Talonaffectedanairofcompleteboredom.“Saywhateveryouhavetosay.I’mgoingout.”
The look on Sutcliffe’s face was priceless. Talon wondered idly if he could solve all his

problemsbyangeringthemanuntilhedroppeddeadofapoplexy.

Cursingunderhisbreath,SutcliffestompeddownthestairsuntilheandTalonstoodeyetoeye.

“EveryoneattheclubwastalkingaboutyouandKathryn.Theysawyouridingtogetherinthepark.”

“Whatofit?”
“I won’t have it!” Sutcliffe’s voice thundered through the large, vaulted space, causing a maid

downthehalltoturnherhead.

Talonliftedabrow.“Careful.You’llhavetheservantstalking.”
“Your relationship with Kathryn must remain discreet.” Sutcliffe lowered his voice to a fierce,

angrywhisper.“Therewillbenomorepublicdisplays.NoonemustdoubtthischildisDaniel’s.”

“You’reinsane,”Talontoldhim.“NoonewilleverbelieveDanielfatheredthischild,nomatter

whatIdo.”

“PeoplewillbelievewhatIwantthemtobelieve.”
ThemaidliftedherheadagainandthenscurriedawaywhenSutcliffeshotheravenomouslook.

SutcliffewaiteduntilshewasoutofsightthenturnedtoglareatTalonagain.“I’vechangedyourtravel
planstoinsurenothinglikethishappensagain.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”AbadfeelingtookrootinthepitofTalon’sstomach.Christ,could

thispossiblygetanyworse?

Sutcliffesmiled;thesuddenchangeinhisdemeanorwasfrighteningtobehold.“I’vebookedthe

threeofyouononeofmymerchantships,TheShiningStar.Ibelieveyou’realreadyacquaintedwiththat
vessel?”

Talon nodded, his pulse roaring in his ears. “I know of it.” The captain of The Shining Star,

JoshuaPercy,wasanoldenemyandTheShiningStarhadbeenoneofthebestprizeshiscrewhadever
managedtotake.Heshouldhavescuttledthedamnvessel.

“You’ll be sharing a suite of three rooms, two sleeping berths connected with a sitting room.

You’ll have to keep Kate below, since she’ll be the only woman on the ship.” The earl smiled in grim
satisfaction.“Nooneistoknowshe’saboard.Thatway,noharmfulgossipwillfinditswaybackhere.”

Talon’squestionhadbeenanswered.Thingsweredefinitelygoingtogetworse.

ChapterNine

TalonheldhisbreathashewatchedKateclimbTheShiningStar’sgangplank.Dressedasaboy

inalargeshirtandbaggypants,hergloriouswealthofchestnuthairwaswellhiddenbeneathabattered
oldhat.

Hegaveaninwardgroan.Herfacewastoopale,herfeaturestoodelicate.Nomanwitheyesin

hisheadwouldmistakeherforaboy.Thiswasn’tgoingtowork,andTaloncursedSutcliffeforhaving
madeitsodesperatelynecessarytotry.

Katehurriedpastafewburlysailorswhowereloadinglast-minutesupplies.Shekeptherhead

down,hereyesontheunevenwoodbeneathherfeet.AhalfsmilecurvedTalon’slipsdespitethedanger.
Hecouldn’tfaultherforherperformance.

Whenhe’ddiscoveredthedirtytrickhisfatherhadpulledonthem,he’dsentahastilyscrawled

note to her room, giving her instructions on what to wear and how to act. She was following his
suggestionstotheletter.

What a trusting little soul she was. It amazed him that she’d paid any attention at all to his

desperatepleaforcooperation.Therewasnowayhewouldhavedonnedadressandpretendedtobea
womanattherequestofaladyhebarelyknew.

Shelookedsofrail,sotinyandhelpless,surroundedbythelegionofbrutishsailors.Hewantedto

rush to her side and escort her to her cabin. He would have, if not for the glowering presence of
Sutcliffe’spersonalfootman,Lionel,atherback.Themanhadbeeninstructedtoseehersafelyboarded,
andheseemedtobetakinghisresponsibilityseriously.

“GoodGod,”mutteredJoshuaPercy,TheShiningStar’scaptain,fromhisplaceatTalon’selbow.

“Isthather?”

Talongaveagrimnod.
“Ican’tbelieveSutcliffetalkedmeintothis.Hell,Montgomery,youknowmymenwillmutinyif

theyfindoutthere’sawomanonboard.They’reasuperstitiouslot.Andheavenhelpusiftheydiscover
she’sabeauty.”

“You’redoingthisbecausemyfatherpaidyoudamnedgoodmoneytodoso.”Talonglaredatthe

otherman,makingnoefforttohidehisloathing.“Idon’tlikethisanymorethanyoudo,butSutcliffehas
usbothoverabarrel.Wehavetoworktogether,distastefulastheideamaybe.”

Percytookaninvoluntarystepback,andTalonknewhewasrememberingthelasttimethey’dmet.

They’dgonetoblowsinaJamaicantavern,andPercyhadtakentheworstofitbeforethey’dbothbeen
thrownout.

HehadtohandittoSutcliffe.Whenhe’dsetouttomakethistripalivinghell,hehadn’tmissed

anyofthefinerdetails.Talondidn’ttrustPercy.Hewouldn’tputitpastthecaptaintodecidethemoney
wasn’tworthitandtakethischanceatrevengehisbosshadhandedhimonasilverplatter.He’dbelucky
ifthebastarddidn’tkeelhaulhimandthrowKatetohismen.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Percy told him. “I’m in charge here. This isn’t your cursed pirate

ship,andI’llbedamnedifI’llletyouwalkalloverme.ImadeadealwithSutcliffe,andIintendtohonor
it,butyou’vegottodoyourpart.You’vegottokeepthatwomaninhercabinandyourworthlessbrother
undercontrol,orallbetsareoff.”

“That woman is my wife. I’ll keep her hidden the best I can, but if something goes wrong, you

betterbackmeup.Ifanythinghappenstoher,I’llripyoulimbfromlimb.”

TheliecamefartooeasilytoTalon’slips.ItwastheonlypartofSutcliffe’splanhe’dagreedto.It

wasimperativePercythinkKatewashiswife,notDaniel’s,sinceshe’dbespendingmostofthevoyage
aloneinhercabin.

PercyhadalreadyseenDaniel,andTalonknewhewouldn’tconsiderhimmuchofadeterrentif

hewantedKatebadlyenough.Hell,Danielcouldn’teventakecareofhimself,letalonehiswife.

Danielhadspentthelasttwodaysinanalcohol

‐inducedfog,resistingtheforthcomingtripforall

he was worth. Sutcliffe had grown tired of his son’s protests and ordered for him to be drugged and
carriedonboardinthedeadofthenight.

Percy laughed. “Well, at least we understand each other.” He whirled away and began to bark

furiousordersathismen,sendingthemscramblingtosetsail.Talonglaredathisretreatingback,knowing
theargumentwasfarfromover.

Lionelemergedfromthehatchthatledbelowdecks,andTalonhurriedtowardhim.“Iseverything

inorder?”

Lionelnodded.“Notroubles,sir.”
Talonbreathedasighofrelief.Atleastonethinghadgoneright.“Thankyou.”
“Goodlucktoyou,lad.”Lionelgavehimasuddengrin.“You’llbeneedin’abloodylotofit.”
“ThenI’minaworldofhurt,”Talonmuttered,makingLionellaugh.“Becausemyluckranoutthe

dayIwasborn.”

*****

Kathrynpacedthenarrowconfinesofhercabin,anxietyeatingaholeinherstomach.Theclothes

sheworefeltstrangeandalienagainstherskin.WhyonearthhadTaloninsistedshewearthem?

She’d glimpsed him earlier when she’d boarded the ship. He’d stood at the bow, the feeble

sunshineglintingoffhisjet

‐blackhair.He’dbeenwatchingher,andshe’dwantedtospeaktohim,buthis

instructionshadbeenveryspecific.Shewassupposedtodresslikeaboy,keepherheaddown,speakto
nooneandwaitforhiminhercabin.

Shesanktotheedgeofthebunk,clenchingherfistsathersides.Aknocksoundedatthedoorand

shefroze,thengrabbedtheuglyhatshe’ddiscardedearlier.Shewastrying,withoutmuchsuccess,tostuff
herwaist

‐lengthhairbeneathitwhenTalonslippedinsidetheroom.

“Leaveitoff.It’sjustme.”
She let the hat drop to the warped wooden floor and crossed her arms across her chest. The

shapelessvestwasveryconcealingandshe’dinstructedBetsytobindherbreasts,butshestillfeltnaked
beneathhisheatedgaze.

The hint of a smile curved Talon’s lips at her defensive gesture. He leaned against the wall,

watchingher.“Youlookveryfetching.”

She stared at her feet, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. “I don’t know why you insisted I

dressthisway.IcanonlyassumeI’vebeenafooltodoso.”

“You’re not foolish.” He pushed away from the wall and stepped in front of her, forcing her to

lookupathim.“Believeitornot,Ididn’taskthisofyouformyownenjoyment.”Thesmilereturnedfor
halfasecondandthendisappeared.“I’mafraidwe’reinabitofaroughspot,Kate.”

Kate. For a moment, all that registered was the sound of his deep voice caressing the nickname

he’dgivenher,butthenhergazeflewtohisinalarm.“What’shappened?”

“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
understandwhatI’msaying?”

“I’mnotbeautiful,”shewhisperedautomatically.Therestofwhathe’dsaidmadenosense.How

could she be the only woman on the ship? It was impossible, scandalous. Sutcliffe would never allow
suchathing.

Angerflickeredacrosshisfeatures.“Isthatallyoucansay?Itellyouyou’reindangerandyou

fishforcompliments?”Hesatbackonhisheelsandrakedhishandthroughhisthickdarkhairinagesture
ofimpatience.

Sheshookherheadinquickdenial.“I’mnotfishingforcompliments.Idon’tunderstand.Ithought

thiswasapassengership.”

Helookedaway,amuscletwitchinginhisleancheek.“I’msorry.Itriedtogethimtochangehis

mind,butherefused.HewasfuriouswhenyouandIwereseentogetherinthepark.Thisishiswayof
gettingbackatusandmakingsurenomoregossipfindsitswaybacktoEngland.”

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
merelythat—anillusion.

“WhataboutDaniel?AmIbeingsentawaybymyselfsohecancontinuetoamusehimselfwith

his…lover?”Lord,itstillmadehernauseoustothinkofwhatshe’dseen.

Helaughed,anangry,bittersound.“Danielisinthecabinnextdoor.Herefusedtocomewillingly,

soSutcliffehadhimdruggedandcarriedhereunconscious.Thistripisn’tgoingtobeanymorepleasant
forhimthanitisforyou.”

Sheblinked,stunned.Howcouldthisbehappening?Howcouldherfather

‐in‐lawhavethismuch

controlovertheirlives?“Whatwillhappentous?”

“Nothing,”heassuredher,hisvoicehard

‐edged.“You’llstayinthiscabinortheadjoiningsitting

roomuntilwereachCarolina.I’llmakesurenooneevenknowsyou’rehere.”

Thecabinwassmallanddark,perhapstenfeetwideandnotquiteasdeep.Shecouldn’timagine

beingtrappedhereforallthelongweekstheirvoyagewouldtake.“Ican’tleave?”Thewallsseemedto
pressinonherassoonasshesaidthewords.“Notatall?”

“I’msorry.Iknowitwillbehardforyou.ButIcan’tthinkofanyotherwayyou’llbesafe.”He

tookherhandandgaveitareassuringsqueeze.“Itwon’tbesobad.Itwillbeoverbeforeyouknowit.”

A laugh caught in her throat, threatening to choke her. His nightmare would cease once they

reachedAmerica,butforher,theendofthevoyagewouldonlybethebeginningofthehellSutcliffehad
sentencedherto.

*****

TalonpostponedhisreturntoKate’scabinaslongaspossible.HecheckedonDanielafewtimes,

butmostlyhestayedondeck,watchingPercy’screwguideTheShiningStaracrosstheChannelandout

tosea.

Itwasfrustratingtobenothingmorethananobserver.Hewasusedtobeingincontrol,usedto

barkingoutordersandnavigatingtheshipsthatsailedbeneathhim.

Evenso,itwaswonderfultoleavelandbehind.Especiallythisland.
Hedidn’tplantoeverreturntoEngland.Thosemonthshe’dspentinprisonhadsappedmorethan

hisstrengthandhealth.They’ddrainedhisspirit,hisverysoul.

Hesmiledattheanticsofapairofdolphinsswimmingandplayinginfrontoftheship.Thesea

hadalwayscalmedhim.Thefearandhatredthathadhungsoheavilyaroundhisneckduringthelastfew
daysdissipatedastheEnglishcoastfellaway.

Freedom.
Hewasfree,andthatwasallthatmattered.Sutcliffewasaheadinthegame,buthehadn’twon,

notbyalongshot.

He sighed and pushed away from the rail. Daylight was slipping away and Kate was probably

goingmadinthattiny,darkcabin.Hehatedhavingtokeepherdownthere.He,ofallpeople,knewhow
terribleconfinementcouldbe.Butatleasthecouldmakesureshewaswellfed,warmandcomfortable,
whichwasfarmoreconsiderationthanhe’dbeengiveninprison.

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

hadappropriatedHolyoke.

Ifnecessary,hewoulddowhathisfatherdemanded.Buthewouldn’ttakethedamnedplantation.

Hewouldn’tallowhimselftobebought.

Oncehewasreunitedwithhismen,they’dfindanewship.He’dtaketotheseasonceagainand

rebuildhisfortune.Thenhe’dfindanice,hardyAmericangirlanddohisbesttoforgetKate’sbeautiful
greeneyesandfieryspirit.

Heonlyhopedthatwaspossibleoncehe’dmadelovetoher.
The narrow passageway that connected the handful of passenger cabins was dank and foul

smelling.Talongrimacedandduckedintothecabinhesharedwithhisbrother.Danielwasstilloutcold,
andhewonderedifwhomeverSutcliffehadhiredtodrugthepoorbastardhadknownwhathewasdoing.

Heopenedthebasketfulloffoodhe’dpurchasedbeforetheyleftportthismorning.Grabbingan

appleandachunkofbread,heslippedthemintohispocket.Katewasprobablystarving.He’dtakeher
thislightdinnerandthenleaveheraloneforthenight.

His stomach turned at the thought of spending the night in here with Daniel. He’d much rather

sleep up on deck with the rest of the crew. But that would raise too much suspicion. Kate’s cabin was
supposedtobehis,andhehadtokeepupthepretense.

Hetookadeepbreath,steelinghimselfagainstthesightofKateinthoseprovocativepants,and

openedtheconnectingdoor.

Thestenchofsicknessoverwhelmedhim.Foramoment,hestoodmotionlessinthedark,listening

tothepainfulsoundofKate’sweakretching.Thenhemovedtowardher,strikingamatchandlightingthe
lanternonthewall.Heblinkedagainstthesuddenglare.“Kate?Areyouallright?”

Shehuddledinthecorner,clutchingthechamberpot.Hergreeneyeswereglassyandunfocused,

herfaceanunhealthyshadeofgray.Shemoaned,andthesoundtoreathisheart.Poorlittlething.She’d
beenaloneandmiserablysickforhourswhilehe’dbeenthinkingofwaystoavoidher.

“Letmehelpyou.”Hesanktohiskneesbesideherandtookthechamberpotoutofherhands.He

setitaside,tryingtocontrolhisownnauseaatthesmell.

“Areyoujustseasick,sweetheart?Orisitsomethingelse?”
Justseasick?Kathrynmoanedasherstomachthreatenedtorebelonceagain.She’dneverbeenso

miserableinherlife.“WillitbelikethisuntilwegettoAmerica?Idon’tthinkI’llsurvive.”

Talon put his arm around her waist and helped her over to the narrow bunk. “The Channel was

choppytoday.Perhapsoncewehittheopensea,you’lldobetter.”

“OhGod.”Shegroaned,curlingupinalittleballonthebunk.“Doesn’titbotheryouatall?”
“No.”Hesmiledalittleandsatdownonthebunkbesideher,smoothingalockofhairoutofher

eyes.“I’vebeenatseanearlyallmylife.”

Hecontinuedtostrokeherforehead,andthewaveofnauseasubsided.Shedidn’tknowifitwas

hispresencethathelped,orifthewatershadcalmed.

“Please.” She moved away from his soothing touch. He was the last person in the world she

wantedtoseeherinsuchastate.“Pleasego.I’llbeallright.”

He frowned and reached out, pointing to the nasty streak of vomit that stained the front of her

borrowedshirt.“Whydon’tyoutakethatoff?I’llcarryitandthechamberpotabovedecksandwashthem
out.”

Heatroseinheralreadywarmcheeks.“Takeitoff?”
Henodded,tendernessandamusementbattlingforprecedenceinhisblueeyes.“I’llturnmyback.

Youhavenothingtofearfromme.Ijustwanttohelp.”

Ofcourse,hewasmerelytryingtobehelpful.Shewasfoolishtoentertainanyothernotion.What

maninhisrightmindwouldfindherattractiverightnow?“Allright,”shewhispered,wonderingifthis
daycouldpossiblygetanyworse.“Thankyou.”

Hesmiledandthenturnedaround.“Justcrawlundertheblanketswhenyou’redone.”
Shestaredathisbroadshoulders,andthenhergazedroppedlowertohisleanwaist.Thenlower

stilltothecurveofhisbuttockssnuglydelineatedbythefabricofhistightbritches.Theflutteryfeelingin
thepitofherstomachintensifiedassheliftedherhandstounbuttonherborrowedshirt.

Eventhoughhecouldn’tseeher,itseemedterriblyintimatetodisrobewhilehewasintheroom.

Sheflungtheshirttothefloorandstruggledtotwistherarmbehindherbacksoshecouldunfastenthe
bindinghermaidhadusedtoflattenherbreastsearlier.

“CanIturnaround?”
Panicked,shestruggledoncemoretoreachtheendofthebinding.“No.Notyet.Givemeanother

minute.”Herbreastsached,butherattemptstoremovethebindingwereuseless.Disgustedwithherself,
shegaveupandcrawledunderthecovers,pullingthemuptoherchin.“Allright.I’mreadynow.”

He turned around and looked at her for a long moment. She knew he was wondering what had

takenhersolong,andshedroppedhergaze,unabletobearhisintenseregard.Hemovedabouttheroom
foraminute,pickingupafterher,whichonlyaddedtohermortification.

Hepausedatthedoor.“I’llbebackinjustafewminutes.Ihavesomethingthatmightmakeyou

feelbetter.”

Shenodded,butshedoubtedshe’deverfeelbetteragain.

*****

Danielwasawake.Talonfeltitthemomentheenteredthecabintheyshared.Hisbrotherlayon

thebottombunk,staringsightlesslyatthewall.

Talon felt a small glimmer of relief upon seeing Daniel conscious. There was no love lost

betweenthetwoofthem,buthedidn’tagreewithSutcliffe’smethodsofgettingDanieloutofEngland.In
away,DanielwasasmuchavictiminallthisasKate.

Heputhisdisgustingbundleasideandstrodetohistrunk,diggingthroughitforsomepeppermint

sticks.PerhapstheywouldhelpsettleKate’sstomach.

“HowlonghaveIbeenunconscious?”Daniel’svoicecutthroughhisthoughts.

He sighed, knowing there was no way to get through this journey without talking to his brother

occasionally.“Aboutthirty

‐sixhours.We’realreadyatsea.”

Danielpiercedhimwithagaze.“Wereyoutheonewhohadmedrugged?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Talonshookhisheadindenial.“YouwerealreadyherewhenKathrynandIcame

onboard.”

Danielnoddedtowardthechamberpot.“Issheallright?”
“Seasick,”Talonmuttered.“I’mhopingpeppermintmighthelp.”
Danielclosedhiseyesandgaveadismissiveflickofhishand.“Runalong.Goplaynursemaidto

mywife.”

Talon glared at Daniel, debating whether to wipe that smug, effeminate look off his face. In the

end,hemerelypickedupthechamberpotandexitedthecabin,slammingthedoorbehindhim.

He’dsavethatbattleforanotherday.

ChapterTen

AssoonasTalonlefttheroom,Kateflungofftheblanketsandtoreatherbindings.Shecouldn’t

standit.Shehadtogetthemoff.Sweatbeadedherbrow,andheractionsgrewfeverish.Nomatterhow
shecontortedherself,shecouldn’tuntieBetsy’sknots.Shewaswellandtrulystuckinthedarnedthing.

Thedoorfromthesittingroomopenedwithoutwarning,andTalonenteredthecabin,brandishing

astickofpeppermint.“I’vebroughtyousomethingtosettleyourstomach.”

Katefroze.Itwastoolatetodoanythingbuttrytocoverherselfwithherarms.Heatsuffusedher

cheeks,andshewishedthefloorwouldopenupandswallowherwhole.

Hewashalfwaytohersidebeforehenoticedherstateofundress.
Whenhedid,hestoppeddeadinhistracks.“Bloodyhell,Kate.Whathaveyoudonetoyourself?”
Sheblinked,avertinghergaze,speechlesswithembarrassment.
Talonalwaysseemedtofindheratherworst.
Hesatdownbesideherandhisbighandswentunerringlytotheknot,releasingitinamatterof

moments. She breathed a sigh of relief as he unwound the long strip of cloth. Thank God for the white
cottonshiftsheworebeneathit.

“There,”hemurmured.“Isthatbetter?”
Hehandedherthecandy,andshefumbledtounwrapit.“Icouldn’tgettheknotundone.ThemoreI

pulled,thetighteritgot.”

Tossing the cloth aside, he pulled her back against his chest. His arm rested right beneath the

swellofherbreasts,andsheflushedwithmortificationwhenhernippleshardenedtoclearlydiscernible
points.

“It’s a crime to hide such beauty.” His breath was warm in her ear, sending a delicious shiver

downherspine.

“Ididn’tthinkanyonewouldbelieveIwasaboyifIdidn’t.”Sheputthepeppermintinhermouth,

hopingthestickysweetnesswouldgetridofthehorribletasteofsickness,ifnothingelse.

Helaughed,alow,roughsound.“Youstilldidn’tlooklikeaboy.Ifanyonehadreallylookedat

you,theywouldhaveseenthroughyourdisguiseinaninstant.”

She knew she should pull away. He was holding her far too intimately, and it felt too good.

Instead, she threw caution to the wind and turned, pressing her face against his hard, warm chest. She
inhaled,breathinginhisscent,amixtureofsalt,sunandman.“Wasn’titenoughforSutcliffetosendus

away?Didhehavetoarrangethemostterriblejourneyimaginableaswell?”

Talonranhishanddownherbackandthenpaused,returningtothedeepgroovethebindinghad

leftinherskin.“Damnthingreallyhurtyou,didn’tit?”

He massaged gently, and she couldn’t control the small moan of delight that sprang to her lips.

“Thatfeelswonderful.”

“Does it?” His lips brushed her temple. “I love touching you, Kate.” She shuddered. “You

shouldn’tsaysuchthings.”

“Why?” He cupped her chin and tilted her face so she was forced to look into his earnest blue

eyes.“Whyshouldn’tIsayit?It’strue.”

Hewassobeautiful.Herheartachedwithlonging.Shewouldgiveanythingfortherighttofind

comfort in his arms. “Because I’m married to Daniel,” she whispered in despair. “And he’s right next
door.”

His face darkened. “He doesn’t deserve you. What’s more, he doesn’t care. You could take a

dozenloversandhewouldn’tblinkaneye.SowhyshoulditmatterifIholdyouandkissyou?Don’tyou
wantmeto?”

Despiteherbestintentions,hergazestrayedtohissensuousmouth.Herprotestsscatteredasshe

rememberedthewayhisbeautifullydrawnlipshadfeltagainstherown.“Please.”

“Pleasewhat?”Hegazedatherbreaststhroughaveilofinkyblacklashes.“Pleasetouchyou,or

pleaseletyougo?”

“Idon’tknow.”Shecouldn’tcatchherbreath,andhernipplesseemedtoswellevenmoreunder

hisregard.

“Yourbreastsachefrombeingboundforsolong,don’tthey?”Ashespoke,heturnedherinhis

armssoherbackwasonceagainpressedagainsthischest.“I’mgoingtotouchyounow.Tellmeifyou
wantmetostop.”

His hands skimmed her collarbone, meeting at her throat and then drifting lower. His palms

brushed her nipples, and she gasped at the exquisite sensation. He repeated the process, his touch
infinitelygentle.

Everynerveinherbodytingledinresponse.
Thethirdtime,hecaughteachsensitivetipbetweenhisthumbsandforefingers,pressinghislips

againstherneck.“Doyouwantmetostop?”

Sheshookherhead,nolongercaringthatthiswaswrong.Nothinginherentirelifehadeverfelt

soright.

He made a soft, rough sound and cupped her breasts in his palms. “Perfect,” he whispered, his

breathhotandmoistinherear.“Youfitmyhandsperfectly.”

Sheletherheadfallbackagainsthisshoulderandclosedhereyes,sighingasheleisurelyfondled

her chest. Some dim part of her brain was stunned by her actions, horrified by her behavior, but she
ignoredthepangsofherconscience.TheyweremeaninglessinthewakeofTalon’sburningtouch.

When she didn’t think she could stand the pleasure any longer, he turned her in his arms and

loweredhishead,featheringhislipsagainsthers.“Ican’tstayawayfromyou,”hebreathedandkissed
heragain.

This time his mouth moved hungrily, demanding entrance. Her lips parted, and then his tongue

touchedhers,coaxingherintoasweet,wilddance.Hisgentlefingertipspluckedherbreastsinthesame
mind

‐numbingrhythm.

Shetwinedherfingersinhissoft,blackhairandpulledhimcloser,needingtotouchhim,too.He

moanedandboreherdowntothemattress,insinuatinghislowerbodybetweenherthighs.Somethinghard
andforeignpressedagainsther.Hethrusthishipsagainsthers,theactionsoprimitiveandsearingittook
herbreathaway.

Startled,sheshiedback.
She knew of the differences between men and women from illicit reading and Betsy’s giggling

descriptions,butshe’dneverexpectedsuchheatandsteelystrength.Shewassuddenlyfrightened,bothof
himandthewayhemadeherfeel.

Herolledaway,hischiseledfeaturesdrawnwithpassion.“You’redrivingmecrazy,Kate.I’ve

neverwantedawomanthewayIwantyou.”

Shestaredathim,herheartstillthunderinginherchest.Hergazedroppedagaintohislap,tothe

massiveridgeoffleshthatstrainedagainstthefrontofhisbreeches.Itwasashockingsight,butonceher
fearebbed,itpleasedherimmensely.Fortoolong,she’dthoughtherselfincapableofinspiringdesirein
anyman.

“You’renotreadyforthis.”Hecursedandrolledoffthebed.“Ishouldleave.”
She wanted to tell him to stay, but her emotions were so frayed, so brittle with exhaustion and

despair, she didn’t trust herself. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That’s probably for the
best.”

Henoddedonceabruptlyandleftheraloneintheprisonhercabinhadbecome.

*****

TalonshutKate’sdoorwithexaggeratedcarethenleanedagainstit,hispulseroaringinhisears.

God,whatthehellwaswrongwithhim?

He’d had her in the palm of his hand. Literally. She’d been ripe for his seduction. There might

neverbeabettertime,andyetsomemaverickstreakofhonorkeptpoppingup,preventinghimfromdoing
whathemust.

“You’reafool.”
Daniel’s voice flayed Talon’s already tightly strung nerves to the breaking point. He lifted his

head,meetinghisbrother’sgazeacrossthenarrowroom.Shit.Thebastardwasstillawake.“Leaveme
alone.”

DanielpulledhimselftoasittingpositionandgaveTalonaslow,appraisinglook.“Whyareyou

puttingyourselfthroughthis?Youobviouslywanther.Lookatyou,standingtherewithyourcockhardas
arock.Itwouldsolveallofourproblemsifyou’djustgobackinthereandletnaturetakeitscourse.”

Never in his life had another man commented on the state of his penis. Anger and humiliation

surgedthroughhim,burningawayhislust.Helungedforward,graspingDaniel’sthroatandpinninghimto
thehull.“Givemeonemorereason,”hewhispered.“Youdon’tknowhowbadIwanttohurtyou.”

Daniel didn’t resist; he merely hung from Talon’s hands, his face turning red with the strain.

Disgustedwithhimself,withtheimpossibilityofthewholesituation,Talonreleasedhim.

For a moment, the only sound to be heard was Daniel’s gasping attempts to regain his breath.

Talonclenchedandunclenchedhisfists,staringoutthesmallporthole.

“You’re so predictable.” When Daniel spoke, his voice was choked and low. “Father must be

enjoyingthisimmensely.You’replayingrightintohishands,andyoudon’tevenrealizeit.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Talon itched to put his hands around his brother’s throat

oncemore,butherestrainedhimself,determinednottoletthebloodybastardmakehimlosehistemper
again.

“My wife is the kind of woman a man like you can’t resist. Innocence is unholy temptation to a

manwho’sneverknownit,isn’tit?Youalreadyburnforher.It’sjustamatteroftime.”

Talonshookhisheadindisbelief,angryandunwillingtoadmitthetruth.“Whydon’tyoujustdo

thejobyourself,man?CloseyoureyesandthinkofEngland.Christ,dowhateveryouhavetodo,justget
thebloodythingdoneandleavemeoutofit.”

Danielgaveabitterlaugh.“It’snotthatsimple.Nothingeveriswhenmyfather’sinvolved.”He

metTalon’sfuriousgazewithatwistedsmile.“Enoughofthistalkaboutwomen.Idon’tsupposeyou’ve
broughtanythingtomakethistripmorebearable?I’llpayyouwell.”

Talongrimaced,realizinghisbrotherwastalkingaboutopium,orperhapssomethingevenworse.

Hehadthesallow,wastedlookofamanaddictedtothestuff.“LookslikeI’mnottheonlyonewho’sin
foramiserabletrip.”

Danielraisedanimaginaryglass,smilingforthefirsttimewithrealhumor.“Aren’tyougladyour

fatherturnedouttobeanearlinsteadofsomesailoronshoreleave?”

“Gotohell.”Taloncouldn’thelprememberingDaniel’spalelittleface,peeringathimfromthe

topofthestairsonthatfateful,longagodaywhenhe’dtriedtoconvincetheearltotakehimin.Daniel
hadwitnessedhisweakestmoment,andhedoubtedhe’deverforgivehimforthat.

Danielsighedandturnedaway.“I’malreadythere.”

*****

After Talon left, Kathryn climbed beneath the scratchy blankets and snuffed out the light. Her

thoughtsscatteredasshestaredupintothedarkness.Theshipcreakedandrockedbeneathher,thesounds
strangeanddisconcerting,theswayingmotionrenewinghernausea.

Howwouldshebearthreemoreweeksofthis?
Despairsettledaroundherlikeablackcloud.Theeventsofthepastfewdayshaddestroyedher

optimism,andshedidn’tknowhowtogetitbackagain.Thepale,beatencreatureshe’dbecomedidn’t
evenresemblethestrong,confidentwomanwho’dbeensosureshecouldseduceherhusbandandcontrol
herowndestinyjustafewshortdaysago.

Herlifewasspinningoutofcontrol,andshehadnoideahowtostopit.Nomatterhowsheturned

thesituationaroundinhermind,therewasnowayout.Theshiphadalreadysailed.Therewasnoturning
backtheclock.

AndthentherewasTalon.Justthethoughtofhimsentthatmeltingsensationspiralingdowntothe

pitofherstomach.Shecouldstillfeeltheheatofhishandsonherskin,stilltastepeppermintanddesire
onhertongue.

She’dneverwantedanythingthewayshewantedtogiveintothisfierceattraction.Inhisarms,

she might be able to forget her heartache. For a few glorious moments, there would be nothing in her
worldbutthatbeautifulmanandthewonderfulthingshemadeherfeel.

Unfortunately,sheknewshecouldneverlivewithherselfafterwards.Thelibertiesshe’dallowed

Talonwereinexcusable.Undernocircumstancescouldsheallowhimtotouchheragain.Herwillpower
wasnonexistentwherehewasconcerned.

Shehadtopullherselftogetherandhonortheunbreakablevowsshe’dtakenwhenshe’dbecome

Daniel’swife.Hewashercross,andsinceallhereffortstobefreeofhimhadfailed,shesimplymust
bearhim.

In a day or two, she’d have to talk to her husband and figure out what their future held. She

couldn’tbearthethoughtofgivingbirthtohischild,notnow,afterwhatshe’dseen.Thebestshecould
hopeforwasthatthey’dmanagetobuildsomesortoffriendship.

Shefeltfoolishtohaveeverwishedformore.

ChapterEleven

Talon spent the next morning in an out of the way spot on deck. Bare

‐chested and indolent, he

stretchedoutnexttoapileofropeandsoakedupthesunshine.Heenjoyedthewarmthofthesun,thetaste
offreedomandtherarityofhavingnothingtodo.

He’dhelpedhimselftoafewvolumesfromhisfather’slibrarybeforeheleft,andnowheplunged

into the world of a novel, seeking an escape from the decisions that lay before him. He had weeks to
worryaboutthefuture.Forthenextfewdays,heplannedtodonothingbutfocusonregainingthehealth
andstrengthprisonhadcosthim.

Beforehisarrest,he’dneverhadanidleday.Asachild,hislifehadalwaysbeenamadscramble

tostayalive.Lifeatseahadn’tbeenmuchbetter.He’dalwaysbeensweatingtocompletesometaskor
another,evenafterhe’dfinallymanagedtogetashipofhisown.

All his life he’d been rushing toward something, pushing himself harder and harder to achieve

somemeasureofsuccessandsecurity.Howhumblingtohaveeverythinghe’dworkedforsnatchedaway.

But it wasn’t his ship or his wealth that he missed the most. It was the feeling of belonging, of

havingsomewheretocallhome.

Afteralongwhile,ashadowfellacrosshim.Heglancedup,immediatelyonthedefensivesince

Percy’screwhadmadenosecretoftheirreluctancetohavetheiroldrivalaboard.

Thetow

‐headedladwhostoodonthedeckinfrontofhimtookaninvoluntarystepback.“Didn’t

meantodisturbyou,sir,”hesaid,hisvoicecracking.“Iwasjestwonderin’whatyouwasreadin’.”

Talonsmiled,feelingateaseforthefirsttimeinmonths.“Oh,it’safinetaleofadventure.Would

youliketoborrowitwhenI’mdone?”

Theboycastthebookalonginglookandthenshookhishead.“Naw,wouldn’tdomemuchgood.

Neverdidlearntoread.”

Talonfrowned.“That’sapity.What’syourname,boy?”
Theboygrinnedandsatdown,obviouslytakinghiswordsasaninvitation.“Name’sJohnny,sir.

What’syours?”

“Myname’sTalonMontgomery.ButyoucancallmeHawk,ifyoulike.Mostofmyfriendsdo.”
“You’rethepirate,”theboyexclaimed,hiseyeswideningwithfearandfascination.“Everyone’s

beensayin’there’sapiratenamedHawkontheship.”

Talongaveashort,humorlesslaugh.“Ioncewas,”headmitted.“Butrightnow,I’mjustanother

passenger.”

JohnnyremindedTalonofhisowncabinboy,Garrett,whohadbeenlikeasontohim.Garrett’s

losshadbeenthehardestoneofalltotake,andhewasgrudginglythankfulhisfatherhadsteppedinand
rescuedthelad.HewonderedwhereGarrettwasnowandhopedhewashealthyandhappyinhisnew
berth.

Johnnypeeredatthebook.“Wouldyoutellmethisstory,Hawk?Afteryou’redonereadingit?”
“Nope.”Talonshookhishead,hidingasmileattheboy’screstfallenlook.“Iwon’ttellyouthe

story,butI’lldosomethingevenbetterifyou’reinterested.”

Johnnyraisedonesandybrowinquestion.“Whatdoyoumean,sir?”
“I can teach you to read, if you want me to.” It would be a way to pass the time. A far more

enjoyableactivitythanbeingcoopedupinhiscabinalldaywithDaniel.

Johnny’seyeslitupwithwonder,thesamewayGarrett’shadnotsolongago.Hell,thewayhis

hadwhenhe’dbeentaught.“I’dbemuchobliged,sir.Isurelywould.”

Talonlaughed.“Meetmeheretomorrowafteryourworkisdoneandwe’llbegin.”

*****

Kathrynspentthenextfewdaysinneartotalisolation.Taloncamefaithfullytwiceadaytobring

her something to eat and inquire after her well

‐being.Buthisvisitswerebrief,tosaytheleast,andhe

avoidedmeetinghereyes.

She hadn’t had the pleasure of Daniel’s company and wasn’t desperate enough to seek him out.

Therewerethingssheneededtodiscusswithhim,importantthings,butshedidn’thavetheenergytodeal
withhimatpresent.

Hernauseahadimproved,butshestillfeltweakandgroggy.
Besides,whatgoodwoulditdotogetoutofbedwhentherewasnowhereforhertogoexceptthe

smalladjoiningsittingroom?Shewasimprisonedinthistinycabinassurelyasthoughshehadaballand
chainaroundherankle.

Onthefourthdayofthetrip,shewokelateintheafternoon,feelinggroggyandsick.Shepulled

herselfoutofbedtousethechamberpotandthencaughtsightofherselfinthesmallmirroronhertable.
Herhairwasdullandwild,herfacewanandpale,hereyesbruisedandteary

‐looking.

She sank into the chair and stared at her reflection in horror. No wonder Talon didn’t want to

spendtimewithher.

Whatwasshedoingtoherself?She’dallowedSutcliffetobeather.
Worse,she’dbeatenherselfbylosingherwill,losingherway.
Well, no more. She was through feeling sorry for herself. Filled with new determination, she

rootedthroughhertrunktofindaplain,simpleskirtandblouseshecoulddonwithoutamaid’shelp.Once
she was dressed and her hair was neatly combed and plaited, she opened the door that connected her
cabinwiththesittingroombeyond.

The room was tidy and neat, full of gleaming wood, a small writing desk and a table with two

chairs,oneofwhichwasoccupiedbyDaniel.Herhusbandstaredmoroselyintothebottomofhisglass,
butwhensheentered,heglancedup.

KatetookinDaniel’spale,ravagedfaceandthewarylookinhiseyes.Helookedasdepressed

andbeatenasshefelt.

“Talon’snothere.”Whenhespoke,Daniel’svoicewaslowandrough,asthoughhehadn’tsaida

wordinseveraldays.

“I’m not here to see him.” Guilt flooded Kate when she realized her husband was aware of her

feelingsforhisbrother.Wasshethattransparent?“Ireallythinkweneedtotalk,Daniel.”

Henodded.“Perhapsyou’reright.Please,sitdown.”

She took the chair across from him, her stomach churning with anxiety. The next few moments

couldprovetobepivotaltoherfuture,andsheprayedshe’dgetthroughthemwithoutlosinghertemper
andirrevocablyseveringthefragilebondthatconnectedthem.

“Areyoufeelingbetter?”heaskedsolicitously.“Talontoldmeyou’dbeenunwell.”
“I’mfine.”HeatstainedKate’scheekswhenshethoughtofTalonwitnessingherretchweaklyinto

thechamberpot,ofhimemptyingitforherandthencleaningherup.Evenworsewasthememoryofwhat
hadhappenedlater,ofTalon’seleganthandscaressingherbreasts.

She forced herself to meet Daniel’s gaze. His light brown hair was disheveled, as though he’d

repeatedly run his fingers through it, and there were dark circles under his eyes. “How are you doing,
Daniel?Youlookpale.”

Hegaveadeprecatingwaveofhishand.“I’mfine.Justsufferingtheaftereffectsofwhatevermy

fatherdruggedmewith.”

Hiswordschanneledherangerinanewdirection.“He’samonstertodosuchathingtohisown

son.Youcouldhavebeenkilled.”

“Idon’tthinkhegivesadamn.”Danielshruggedanddrainedhisglass.“Ihaven’tgivenhimthe

heirhewants,soasfarashe’sconcerned,I’mutterlyuseless.”

Kateshiftedinherchair.Theimageofherhusbandinhislover’sarmswasbrandedinhermind.

“Youshouldn’thavemarriedme.Youshouldhaveknownitwouldonlymakeusbothmiserable.”

“Of course, I knew.” Daniel’s voice was low and lost. “But my father pressured me until I

couldn’t stand it any more. He knew of my preferences, but he was certain all I needed was the right
womantochangemymind.”

Katelaughedbitterly.“Apparently,Iwasn’ttherightwoman.”
“It’snotyou,”Danielhastenedtoassureher.“Believeitornot,Iputalotofthoughtintochoosing

youasmywife.You’rebeautifulandintelligent,andIreallythoughtIcouldmakeitwork.Iplannedto
have a child with you, to make you as happy as possible while still maintaining a discreet relationship
withPhilip.Ithoughtwe’dbefriends,ifnothingelse.”

KateshudderedatthethoughtofDanielgoingfromPhilipCarrington’sbedtoherown.Itwould

have been even harder to bear his betrayal if she’d thought he’d cared for her, if they’d had a normal
marriage.

Shecouldn’tevenimaginehowdamagingitwouldhavebeentolearnhissecretifthey’dalready

beenintimateandshe’dhadhischild.

Sheforcedthethoughtaway.“Younevereventriedtobemyfriend,Daniel.You’veignoredme

sinceourweddingday.”

“I’m sorry.” He pushed out of his chair and knelt before her, taking her hands in his. “Nothing

turnedoutthewayI’dplanned.Ithoughtaboutcomingtoyouandconfessingeverything,butIwassure
you’dneverforgivemeifyouknewthetruth.”

Hishandswerepaleandcool,softtothetouch.Shecouldn’thelpcomparingthemtohisbrother’s

strong,callusedones.Andsheknewtheywerebothlost,becauseshecouldneverallowhimtotouchher
thewayTalonhad,notevenifitmeantstayingbanishedforever.

“YoushouldhaveknownI’dcometoyoueventually,demandmorefromyouthanyouhadtogive.”
Hesighed,soundingsadandveryyoung.“I’vebeensuchafool.I’veruinedmylife,butthelast

thingImeanttodowasruinyoursaswell.”

Shebrushedalockofsilkybrownhairfromhiseyes,feelingstrangelymaternal.Hewasfoolish,

hewasdamned,butshecouldnolongerholdontoheranger.

Danielleanedintohertouch,seemingtoneedthehumancontactasmuchasshe.“Whatdowedo

now,Kate?You’reallIhaveleft.”

It was the first time he’d ever used Talon’s nickname for her, but she didn’t mind. He was

absolutelyright.Forbetterorforworse,alltheyhadwaseachother.

Beforeshecouldreply,thedoortothepassagewayopened,andTalonenteredthecabin.Hefroze,

his gaze locked with hers. He was shirtless and shoeless, his smooth skin kissed by the sun, stretching
tautly over powerfully contoured muscles. Dark hair furred his chest, narrowing to a thin line that
disappearedintothewaistbandofapairofsoft,doeskinbreeches.

He was so beautiful, all lean strength and golden skin. She’d never seen a bare

‐chested man

before,butdoubtedmanylookedlikethis.

“Howcozy,”hesaidatlast,hisvoicedrippingwithsarcasm.“AmIinterrupting?”
His words made Kate feel unaccountably guilty, but quick on the heels of her guilt came anger.

How dare he? Talon Montgomery meant nothing to her. Nothing. He was her brother

‐in‐law, and she

couldn’tlethimbeanythingelse.

Daniel lifted his head and met Talon’s glare straight on. “Bugger off, Talon. My wife and I are

finallygettingtoknoweachother.”

Talon frowned and shifted his gaze back to Kate. For a moment, she thought he was going to

protest,andshewishedwithallherfoolishhearthe’dstay.

“I’mgladtoseeyou’refeelingbetter,”hesaid.Thenheturnedandleftthewayhe’dcome.
Danielgaveasoftlaughandsatbackonhisheels.“Poorsod.He’squitesmittenwithyou.”
Kate’sstomachtwistedinpanic.DidDanielknow?Washeawareshe’dletTalonkisshertwice

andtouchherinthemostintimateway?

“It’sallright,”Danielassuredher.“Idon’tmindifyouhaveanaffair.Ican’texpectyoutoremain

faithfultome.You’reayoung,vibrantwoman.Youdeservetobeloved.”

“I’myourwife,”shewhispered,stung.“I’lladmitI’vebeenangrywithyouandIwastemptedto

dosomethingspiteful,butitwillneverhappenagain.I’llstandbesideyou.Iswearit.”

Apainedexpressioncrossedhisface,andforamomentshewascertainherwordshadupsethim,

butthenhegaveherawrysmile.“I’mglad.”

She did her best to return his smile, but inside her heart was breaking. She knew what she was

givingup—Talonandthekindofpassionshe’donlydreamedabout.

“Well,”hemurmured,gettingupandgrabbingadeckofplayingcardsfromthedesk.“Nowthat

everything’sbeensettled,canIcorruptyoufurtherandteachyousomecardgames?I’vebeengoingoutof
mymindwithboredom.”

“Yes,”Kateagreed,determinednottodwellonwhatmighthavebeen.“I’dlikethatverymuch.”

ChapterTwelve

After leaving Daniel and Kate, Talon went back up on deck, his mind whirling with the

ramificationsofwhathe’dseen.Whatthedevilwasgoingon?Katehadtouchedherhusband’sfacewith
suchtenderness,withthekindofeasyfamiliarityheassociatedwithtruelove.

Thewayhe’dimaginedshe’dtouchhimifheevergotaroundtoseducingher.
Talonhadneverthoughtofhimselfasajealousman.Buttherewasnootherwordtodescribethe

raw emotion that had exploded in his chest when he’d opened the door and saw his brother and Kate
together.

Damnit.Hewantedtobetheonetolayhisheadinherlapwhileshegentlystrokedhishair.He

wantedhersofttouchandsweetkissesforhimself.

Katehadbecomeimportanttohiminaveryshorttime.He’dmissedhertheselastfewdays,but

hadmanagedtostayaway.He’dwantedtogiveheralittletime,unwillingtotakeadvantagewhileshe
wasinsuchavulnerablestate.

Nowitappearedhe’dwaitedtoolong.
The old Kate had returned. She was no longer lost, no longer vulnerable. She’d gathered her

amazing strength around her like a cloak, and it was going to be very difficult to breach her defenses
again.

He stood against the rail, staring down into the churning, icy depths of the Atlantic, wishing he

couldfindtheanswershesought.

He was so torn. On the one hand, he was glad she’d bounced back, glad to see that determined

sparkleinherlovelyeyesonceagain.Buttheclockwasticking,hismen’sliveswerestillatstake,andhe
hadtomakeamovesoon.

Therehadneverbeenawomanhecouldn’tseduceonceheputhismindtoit.ButKateSinclair

wasaforcetobereckonedwith,andhewasafraidhe’dpushedhertoofar,toofast,thatfirstnightafter
they’dsailed.

Hell,he’dscaredhersomuchshe’dturnedtoDaniel.She’dputherhusbandbetweenthem,using

himasabarrier.Butthemerefactthatshe’ddonesogavehimhope.He’dseenthewayshe’dlookedat
hisbarechestthisafternoon.Theattractionwasstillthereandstrongerthanever.Hejusthadtogiveita
littletime.

Besides,afewdayswithDanieloughttoputhischarmsinawholenewlight.

*****

During the next few days, Kate spent most of her time with her husband. He turned out to be a

passablechessplayerandaninteresting,ifsometimesshocking,conversationalist.Hetaughtherhowto
playwhist,pokerandrummy,andtheytookturnsreadingtoeachother.

She grew stronger, bolder, more willing to accept this sudden twist in the fabric of her life.

Perhapsitwouldn’tbesobadtoliveinAmerica.

Sheimaginedshe’dhaveafareasiertimecontinuinghernewfoundfreedomtherethanshewould

haveinLondon.

Talonstayedawayasmuchaspossible,butwhenhedidjointhem,sheoftenfoundhimstaringat

herwistfully.Heseemedrespectfulofthedistanceshe’dimposedbetweenthem,butshesensedhe’dbe
alltoowillingtopickupwherethey’dleftoff.

Anddespitehergrowingfriendshipwithherhusband,hernightswerelongandlonely,filledwith

thoughtsanddreamsofherbrother

‐in‐law.Hispassionandgentlenesshadchangedher,madeherbelieve

inthekindofloveshe’donlyreadabout.

Thebiggestchallengeshe’deverfacedwouldbetorestrainherrecklessheartfortherestofthis

journey.Sheprayedshe’dfindthestrengthtodoso.

*****

TalonallowedtwoendlessdaystogobybeforehesoughtKateoutagain.Hespentsomeofhis

timeteachingJohnnytoread,thereststaringouttoseaandtryingtocomeupwithaplantothwarthis
father.

He’dhadnoluck,soonthethirdday,hewokebeforedawnandstoleintoKate’scabin.Helita

lanternandthenstareddownatherforamoment.Shewasunbearablylovelyinsleep,herfaceangelic
andinnocent,herchestrisingandfallingingentlerhythm.

Kneelingonthefloorbesideherbunk,hetuckedalockofchestnuthairbehindherear,lettinghis

knucklestraildownhercheek.“Kate,”hewhispered.“Wakeup.”

Hereyesflutteredopened,andasoftsmilecurvedherlips.“Talon.AmIdreaming?”
Herwordscausedastrangeflutterinthevicinityofhisheartandanot-so-strangereactionlower.

Shedreamedabouthim.Hecontemplatedclimbingintothatnarrowbedandshowingherhewasfleshand
blood,farmorepotentthananydream.

“You’renotdreaming.I’mhere.”
Her eyes widened, and she scrambled to a sitting position, drawing her knees up to her chest.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Shesmelledofwarmflannelandsweet,softwoman.Herdarkhairhungloose,tumblingoverher

slimshouldersinawealthofsilkycurls.Itreachednearlytoherwaist.

Soon,hepromisedhimself.Soonhe’dseeherwearingthatbeautifulhairandnothingelse.
“I thought you might want to get out of this room for awhile. I’ve brought you Daniel’s hat and

cloak.Aslongasyoukeepyourheaddown,itshouldbesafetosneakaboveandwatchthesuncomeup
overthesea.”

“Areyouserious?”Herentirefacelitup,andhecouldn’tresistleaningforwardandtouchingher.

Hecuppedhercheekwithhispalm,strokingthepadofhisthumbalongherjaw.

“I’mveryserious.Besides,Ihaveasurpriseforyou,andyouneedtocomeuptoptoseeit.”
Shetiltedherface,pressinghersmoothcheekmorefullyintohispalm.“You’resogoodtome.I

don’tknowwhattosay.”

“Sayyou’llcome.”

“Of course, I’ll come.” The deep, husky sound of her laughter ignited his blood even more. He

shifteduncomfortablyandprayedshewastooinnocenttonoticehismassivearousal.

“I’llwaitoutinthepassagewayuntilyou’redressed.Butremember,youhavetobeveryquietand

pretendyou’reDaniel.Hehasn’tlefthiscabinmuch,sonooneknowswhathelookslike.”

“Icandothat.”Hestood,andshegrabbedhishand,squeezingtightlyasthoughreluctanttolethim

go.“Thankyou.Thankyousomuch.”

“You’re welcome.” His smile faded and he stepped away. Then he turned and left the room,

wonderinghowonearthhewasgoingtosurvivewhenhersoftsmilesturnedtohatred.

*****

Kate dressed hurriedly, donning the boy’s clothing she’d worn before and covering herself with

Daniel’s cloak and hat. When she opened the door and stepped out into the passageway, Talon was
waitingforher,hiseyessparkingwithhumorinthedimlight.

“I’dtakeyourhandagain,butitmightcausemoreattentionthanwewant.”
Shechokedbackalaughandfollowedhimupthenarrowladderthatledabove.Theycrossedthe

pitchingdeckandwenttostandattherailinanoutofthewayspottowardthebow.

Kate took a deep breath of the salt

‐scented air. A soft wind kissed her cheeks and stirred her

clothes.Shewishedshecouldtakeoffthehatandletherhairblowfree.

A few crewmembers stirred at their posts, but none of them were very close. She had the

impressionsheandTalonwerecompletelyalone.

Ofcourse,healwaysmadeherfeelthatway.Whenhewasnear,everythingelsetendedtofade

away.

Hesmiledandpointedouttosea.“Onlyafewmoreminutesnow.Thatway.”
Theskywaslighteningintheeast,andsheheldherbreath,waitingforthedaytodawn.Themere

factthatTalonhadwokenhertosharethiswithhimmadeherresolvetostaystrongcrumblelikeacastle
madeofsand.

Howcouldshepossiblyresistamanwhowatchedthesunrisewithsucheagerness?
As if his thoughts mirrored her own, he shifted and moved a few inches closer. “I wish I could

takeyouinmyarms,”hewhispered,hisvoiceamerebreathofsound.“I’vemissedholdingyou.”

She turned to face him, her breath coming hard and fast. She wanted to tell him it had been

difficultforher,too.Thatshedreamedabouthimconstantly.Hot,wantingdreamsthatlefthertiredand
edgy.

Theimageofhisbarechestwasbrandedinhermind.Sometimes,inthedarkestpartofthenight,

sheimaginedseeingevenmoreofhim.Sheimaginedhimnakedandbeautifulinthebedbesideher.

“Shh,” he whispered. “It’s all right. I didn’t bring you up here to tell you that or make you

uncomfortable.JustenjoythesunriseandforgetI’mevenhere.”

As if I could. Dutifully, she turned her face back toward the rising sun. The line between the

horizonandtheseabecamemoredistinctbythemoment,lighteningtoathinstripofsilver,thenblazing
allatonceinribbonsofredandgold.

Heartbreakingly beautiful. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked to clear them. The sun hovered

foramoment,halfvisible,bobbingattheedgeoftheseabeforerisinginallitsglory.

“Amazing,isn’tit?”Theystoodside

‐by‐side,soclosesheimaginedshecouldfeeltheheatofhis

bigbody.Thenhesighed.“Well,wemustn’tstaymuchlonger.Butthere’soneotherthingIwanttoshow
youbeforeItakeyoubackdown.”

Intrigued, she followed him to a sheltered place near the wheelhouse where he pointed out

somethingthattookherbreathaway.Rosebushes.Ahalfdozenofthem.

“IthoughtyoumightliketoseehowrosesgrowinCarolina.”
Katecouldn’tspeak.Thetearsshe’dmanagedtorestrainbeforefellfreely.
He frowned, glancing around to make sure no one saw. “Go back to your cabin. I’ll be right

behindyou.”

Shestumbledbackthewaythey’dcome,hermindreelingwiththegiftTalonhadgivenher.No

onehadeverdoneanythinglikethisforher,andshewasoverwhelmedbyhisthoughtfulness.

Somehow,shemanagedtomakeitbacktohercabin.WhenTalonshutthedoor,shethrewherself

intohisarms.Hecaughtheragainsthim,andsheliftedontiptoetopressherlipstohis,beyondcaring
whetheritwasrightorwrong.

Hestiffenedinsurprisethenmadealow,roughsoundinthebackofhisthroatandreturnedher

passionatekiss.Heturnedheruntilshewaspressedagainstthewall.Hislean,hardbodycoveredhers
completely.

Afteralongmoment,hepulledback.Hisblueeyesheldcautiousdelight.“Itakeityou’regladI

broughttheroses?”

Shecuppedhisfacewithtremblinghands.“Noonehaseverdoneanythinglikethisformebefore.

You’retheonlyonewhohaseverknownmewellenoughtorealizehowmuchitwouldmean.”

Heclosedhiseyesasthoughherwordshadhurthim.“Don’tgivememorecreditthanIdeserve,”

hewhispered,hispeppermint-scentedbreathticklingherface.“Mymotiveswerefarfrompure.”

She laughed. “I don’t care about your motives. I’m just glad you did it. Carolina won’t feel so

foreignnowthatIhavesomethingofhome.Infact,Ican’tbelieveIdidn’tthinkofitmyself.”

He bent forward until his forehead rested against hers and she couldn’t see his face. “I only

broughtthembecauseIhopeditwouldmakeyousohappyyou’dletmekissyouagain.”

She hugged him, loving the way he felt so warm and solid. In his arms she felt safe, cared for,

cherished, all the things she’d sought with Daniel but never found. “Well, it worked. So why don’t you
takeadvantageofyoursuccess?”

“I’dliketodoahellofalotmorethankissyou,”hetoldher.“God,Kate,can’tyoufeelwhatyou

dotome?”

Itwasthereagain,thathard,probingpartofhimpressingagainstherstomach,remindingherof

hismaleness,hisstrength,herownfragility.

She stared up at him, both frightened and exhilarated. “I love it that you’re attracted to me. I

thoughtnomanwouldeverlookatmethewayyou’relookingatmerightnow.”

He sighed and kissed her once more, lingering over her lips, teasing and withdrawing until she

thought she’d faint with the pleasure of it. Then he stepped away. “We’ll continue this discussion some
othertime,”hepromised.“IfIdon’tleavenow,Iwon’tbeableto.”

He hesitated, his gaze boring into hers, and for a moment she almost gave in. She almost threw

cautionandhermoralstothewindandaskedhimtostay.

Shewantedthisthinghewasofferingher.Wanteditmorewitheverypassingday.
Butintheend,shesaidnothing,andheturnedandlefttheroom.

ChapterThirteen

Talonwasonhiswaytohiscabinafewdayslaterwhenheheardscufflingandasoftwhimper

downthecorridortohisright.Hepaused,sensesinstantlyalert,hismindconjuringupterribleimagesof
Kate’sfateifshe’dbeendiscoveredbyoneofPercy’sfilthymen.

“Who’sthere?”Hisharshwordselicitedaloudthumpandamuffledgroanthatmadehishackles

rise.

Therewascompletesilenceforamoment,andthenagruffvoiceletoutamutteredcurse.“None

ofyerdamnedbusiness.”

Talon took a few steps forward, his eyes adjusting swiftly to the gloom. A large, brutish sailor

namedMcGuirestoodintheshadows.

Johnny, the cabin boy Talon had been teaching to read, cowered behind him. Johnny’s trousers

weredownaroundhisknees,andhisfaceshonewetlywithshamedtears.

Talon’s rage was instant and intense. After so many weeks of boredom and frustration, he was

itchingforafight.“Takeyourhandsoffhim,youbastard.”

McGuire gave the boy a shove, sending him sprawling amidst the tangle of his pants. “I’m not

finishedwithye,”hewarnedbeforeturninghisfullattentiononTalon.

Knowing his only chance lay in going on the offensive, Talon struck first, sending a punishing,

bone-crushing right to the man’s bulbous nose. He felt it give and knew a moment of savage joy as he
followedwithalefttoMcGuire’sgut.

McGuire stumbled back, but recovered quickly, coming after Talon with a growl. Talon swung

again,butthistimeMcGuireblockedtheblowandretaliatedwithafisttoTalon’stemple.

PainexplodedinsideTalon’sskull,buthepressedon,determinedtokillthebastardsohewould

neverbeabletoabusetheboyagain.Hecouldn’thelpthinkingofhisowncabinboy,Garrett.Furydrove
his next few punches as he wondered if the lad, whom he’d rescued off the London streets, was being
mistreatedinthissamefoulway.

Adooropenedbehindhim,andheprayeditwasn’tKate.Hehopedshehadthegoodsensetostay

outofthis.

Meanwhile, McGuire’s brute strength and large bulk had turned the tide of the battle. Talon

renewedhisefforts,battlingexhaustion.HislipsplitbeneathMcGuire’sham

‐likefist.Hestumbledback

andsawhisbrotherstepoutintothepassageway.Danielsizedupthesituation,hisgazefasteningonthe

tremblingboywhowasstrugglingtofastenhispants.

Talon turned his attention back to McGuire, who was coming at him again, murder in his beady

eyes.Talonducked,evadingthefirstblow.

McGuireroaredlikeabullandraisedhisotherfist.Hestoppedtheswinginmidair,sputteringin

disbeliefasDanielsteppedbetweenthem,pressinganelegant,lightweightswordtothebastard’sneck.

“Getawayfrommybrother.”Daniel’svoicedrippedwithicy,aristocraticdisdain.“BeforeIslit

yourfilthythroat.”

Talonblinked,annoyedyetpleasantlysurprisedbyDaniel’shelp.
He’dneverexpectedhisbrothertocometohisdefenseorstandbesidehim.Somenamelessspark

ofemotionhadflareddeepwithinhimwhenDanielcalledhimbrother.

Heavy footfalls sounded down the corridor. Percy rounded the corner, his dark eyes flashing.

“Whatthehellareyoutryingtodotomyship,Montgomery?”

“Your ship?” Daniel lifted a brow as he lowered his sword from McGuire’s throat. “This is a

Sinclairship,Captain.I’llthankyoutorememberthat.”

Talongroanedandsteppedforward,hismomentarygratitudeforhisbrother’sactionsfading.The

lastthingtheyneededwasforDanieltochallengePercy’sauthorityinfrontofthegrowinggroupofmen.
PercywasGodonthisship.AllDaniel’swealthandprivilegecouldnothelphimhere.

KatewouldbeleftdefenselessifPercytookitinhisheadtofeedhimandDanieltothesharks.
“McGuirewasmolestingyourboy,”Talonsaid,wonderingifPercydidthesamethingwhenno

onewaslooking.“Iwastryingtostophim.”

PercylookedtotheboywhohadmanagedtopullhimselftogethersinceTalonhadseenhimlast.

“Isthattrue,Johnny?”

Johnnyflushedscarletandstareddownathisfeet.“Hawkwastryingtohelpme,sir.Ifhehadn’t

comealongwhenhedid,Macwouldhave…”Hisvoicebrokeandhetrailedoff.

PercygaveagrimnodandturnedhiswrathonMcGuire.“You’llgetfiftylashesforthis,Mac.”

Hisgazespearedtheothermenwhowerewatchingthedramaunfold.“Andletthisbealessontotherest
ofyou.Thistypeofbehaviorwillnotbeallowedonmyship.”Therewasdefiniteemphasisontheword
my,butthistimeDanielhadthesensetoletitgo.

“Takehimabove,”Percycommanded,andseveralofthemenrushedforwardtodohisbidding.

ThepassagewayemptieduntilonlyDaniel,JohnnyandTalonremained.

Danielputhishandontheboy’sshoulder.“Itwasn’tyourfault,”hesaid,hisvoicelowanddark,

containingundertonesTalonchosenottoexaminetooclosely.“Youhavenothingtobeashamedof.”

Johnny nodded and shrugged off his hand. “I’ll be all right,” he mumbled, hurrying away. He

glancedoverhisshoulderoncejustbeforeheclimbedtheladder.“Thanks,Hawk.”

“You’rewelcome.”Talonlethisheadfallbackagainstthepassageway.Nowthattheadrenaline

had worn off, he realized how foolhardy he’d been. He ached all over, and his nose was bleeding
profusely.

Danielshookhishead,awrysmilecurvinghislips.“Youlooklikehell.Whatwereyouthinking?

Thatmongrelwastwiceyoursize.”

“Icouldn’tstandbyanddonothing.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Thanksforthehelp,Daniel.”
Daniel grinned. “It was my pleasure, you stupid, big-hearted bastard.” There was a note of

affectioninhistone,andforthefirsttimeinhislife,Talondecidednottotakeoffenseatbeingcalleda
bastard.

Theystaredateachotherforalongmoment,andTalonfeltasuddensurgeofkinship.Foralltheir

differences,thismansharedhisblood.Danielwashisbrother,andtodayhe’dactuallybeentherewhen
Talon had needed him. It was strange, unsettling, and a trifle sad. He couldn’t help wondering how
differentboththeirlivesmighthavebeenifthey’dgrownuptogether,defendingeachother’sbackssince

childhood.“Comeon,”Danielsaidatlast.“Kate’sprobablyworriedaboutus.”TalonfollowedDaniel
throughthedoorthatledintothecommonsittingarea,ponderingthe“us”,confusedbyDaniel’sbehavior
andhisown.

“Whathappened?”KaterushedtoTalon’sside,theconcernonherlovelyfaceerasinganydoubts

he’dhadaboutwhethershestillcaredforhim.

Talon attempted a wry smile, feeling a bit sheepish. His split lip pulled painfully, and he

abandonedtheeffort.“It’snothing.”

Daniellaughed.“He’ssomodest.Youshouldhaveseenhim,takingonabrutetwicehissizeto

keepayoungboyfrombeingbrutalized.Itwasquiteheroic.”

Kate shook her head and ushered Talon to a chair. She urged him to sit and handed him a wet

washclothtopresstohisbleedingnose.“Ineverdoubtedhisbravery.”Katebrushedalockofhairfrom
Talon’sforehead.“He’sbeenmyheroonseveraloccasions.”

“I’mnotahero,”Talonsaidtocoverhisdiscomfort.Hehateddeceivingher.“Besides,ifDaniel

hadn’tarrived,theloutprobablywouldhavekilledme.”

“I’llbethejudgeofwhoisbraveandwhoisnot,ifyouplease.AndIthinkyoushouldbothbe

commended.”ShesmiledandthenglancedoverhershoulderatDaniel.“Wouldyoufindmeabasinof
warmwaterandsomeragssoIcantendtoyourbrother’sface?”

“Ofcourse.”DanielwinkedatTalonandthenleftthecabin,closingthedoorbehindhim.Forthe

firsttimeindays,TalonfoundhimselfalonewithKate.

Herhandsdriftedoverhisface,cataloguinghisinjuriesasshetskedbeneathherbreath.Noone

had ever coddled him in such a manner. Even his mother had always been too caught up in her own
miseriestoworryabouthis.

She massaged his temples, eliciting a small sound of pleasure from the back of his throat. He

closedhiseyes,revelingintheattention.Hertouchwaslikeagentlerainupontheparchedsurfaceofhis
soul.Hedrankherin,determinedtotakeasmuchfromthismomentashecouldsincesheoffereditso
freely.

“Ithink your beautifulnose is broken,”she told him. “Yourlip is cut,and you’ll probably have

twoblackeyesinthemorning.”

“Itwasworthittohaveyoutouchmethisway.”Hedidn’tbothertoopenhiseyesandseeifhis

words had affected her. Daniel would be back soon, and the mood would be shattered. He was
determinedtoenjoyhersweetnessforaslongaspossible.

She caught her breath, and he felt the fine tremor of her hands upon his skin. “Talon,” she

whispered,hersoftvoicecaressinghisname.“YouknowhowmuchIcareaboutyou.Butyoualsoknow
I’mamarriedwoman.Ican’tkeeplettingthishappen.It’swrong.”

“You’renotmarried.”Heopenedhiseyesandglaredather,willinghertolisten.“You’vebeen

coopeduponthisshipwiththemanfortwoweeks,butthatdoesn’tmakeamarriage.”

Hereyesclouded,andsheletherhandsfallaway.“Maybenot.Butit’sastart.DanielandIhave

to learn to get along with each other. He’s all I have. There will be no children. We’ll never return to
England.”

“Youhaveme,Kate.Allyouneedtodoissaytheword.Icouldmakeyousohappy.”
“How will it make me happy to take you as my lover?” Her blunt words shocked him, and she

shookherhead.“Itwouldbefartooeasyformetofallinlovewithyou,andthatwouldonlyleadtoa
brokenheartbecauseeventuallyyouwouldleaveme.Besides,Icouldneverlivewiththeguilt.”

Hesighedandturnedhisfaceaway.“Ilivewithguilteveryday.Youmanagetogetusedtoitafter

awhile.”

Butthatwasalie.Hewouldnevergetusedtoit,anditwasnevergoingtogoaway.Evenifhe

managedtowinhismen’sfreedom,theguiltwouldstillbethere.Ifanything,itwouldbestrongerbecause

insavingtheirlives,he’dhavedoneexactlyasKatefeared.Hewouldhavebrokenhertenderheart.

Thedooropened,endingtheirconversation.Danielslippedbackin,carryingabasinofsteaming

waterhemusthavegottenfromthegalley.Hesetitonthetableinfrontofthem,frowningashetooka
closerlookatTalon’sface.“Well,youwon’tbequitesoprettyforawhile,butIimagineyou’lllive.”

Katewetthewashcloth,liftingittoTalon’sface.“Thismightstingabit.”
“It’sallright.”Hetriedtotaketheclothfromherhand,unwillingtohaveherhandsonhimwhile

Danielwasintheroom.“Icandoit.”

Sheputonehandonhischestandflashedhimawarninglook.“Letmedothisforyou.Iwantto.”
“All right.” He couldn’t resist her plea. Despite all her talk of marriage and duty and guilt, she

seemedunabletoresistthischancetobenearhim.

Talonheldstillwhileshebathedhisbloodyface,strugglingtocontrolhisriotingemotions.She

tracedtheoutlineofhislipswithinfinitecare,andhewonderedifshewasrememberingthekissesthey’d
shared.

Hewas.Infact,he’dbeenunabletothinkoflittleelse.Especiallysincethatmorninginhercabin

whenshe’dcomesowillinglyintohisarms.Turningawayfromherhadbeensohard,andhewondered
whyhe’dbothered.

He wanted her so badly he ached. More than half a year had passed since he’d found release

within a woman’s body, and he knew making love to Kate would surpass all his other romantic
experiences.

So,whatwashewaitingfor?
Delaying the inevitable wouldn’t make it any easier when the time came to leave her. Why not

stealthesefewpreciousdaysandhourswhenshestilltrustedandcaredforhim?Hecouldturnthesedays
atseaintoamemorythatwouldlasttherestofhislife.

He was tired of spending his days on deck, pacing and driving himself crazy with jealousy. He

hateditwhenDanielandKateexcludedhim.

He wanted to remain in this cabin with Kate and his brother. He wanted to taste this strange

friendshipandbaskinKate’sgoldenlight.Hislifehadbeenfullofsolitudeandloneliness.Itwasstupid
todeprivehimselfofloveandcompanionshipwhentheywerebeingofferedsofreely.

Atlast,Katefinishedhercarefulministrations,andshesatbackonherheelstosurveyherwork.

“Muchbetter.”

DanieltossedKateabook,andshecaughtitinsurprise,raisingoneeyebrow.“Isthisahint?”
Nodding, Daniel glanced at Talon. “Kate has been reading to me from a volume of Greek

mythology.Whydon’tyoustickaroundandlistenforabit?”

Talonfeltasthoughhisbrotherhadreadhismind.DanielgaveawickedsmilewhenTaloncaught

his gaze. While Kate was struggling hard against taking him as her lover, Daniel was doing his best to
throwthemtogether.

“I’d love to listen to you read,” Talon murmured with no little regret. “But I think I need to lie

downforawhile.”

“We’ll come with you. It’s more comfortable in there anyway. You don’t mind, do you, Kate?”

Daniel’ssmilewasguileless.

For the second time that day, Talon was forced to admit his brother was not the self

‐absorbed

simpleton he’d first supposed him to be. A cunning mind lurked behind Daniel’s bland good looks and
mincingmanner.

KategaveTalonatentativeglance.“No,Idon’tmind,ifTalonreallywantstolisten.”Ahopeful

plealithereyes.

“Ido,”hetoldher,unabletofightthemboth.
They filed into the cabin Daniel and Talon shared. Talon kicked off his boots and socks and

stretchedoutonthebottombunk.Danieltooktheonlychair,soKategesturedtowardthemattressathis
feet.“WillitbotheryouifIsithere?”

Heshookhishead,hidingasmallsmile.He’dwantedherinhisbedforweeks,butthiswasn’t

quitewhathe’dhadinmind.

Kate took a deep breath and opened the book. As she began to read, Talon closed his eyes,

listening to the sound of her voice while she spoke of Mt. Olympus, the realm of the Gods. Gradually,
Kate’sshouldersrelaxedandherhiprestedagainsthisfoot.

Foralongtime,helaystill,enjoyingthewarmpressofherbodyagainsthisfeet,butafterawhile

hegrewrestless.Itwasn’tenough.Hewantedmore.

Hemovedonefoottentatively,almostgroaningaloudattheslightgiveinhersoft,roundedhip.

Her voice faltered for a moment then resumed stronger than before. She touched his ankle, closing her
handoverhisbareskin.

At first, he thought she was warning him. Instead, she rubbed his arch with slow deep caresses

thatmadehisalreadywarmbloodrisetotheboilingpoint.

He’dneverknownsuchsensualdecadence,tohaveabeautifulwomanrubhisfeetinthemiddleof

the afternoon. Every other sexual experience he could recount had been a hurried affair. There was
alwayssomeoneelsewaitingforaturn,orhehadashiptosailorascoretosettle.

Alltheseweeks,he’dbeenworryinghimselfsickoverhowtosavehismenwithoutseducingher.

Hecouldhavebeenlyinghereinhisbunk,regaininghisstrengthandlisteningtoherclear,sweetvoice.
Whatawaste.

He’dbeenafooltoresistthis.Itwasthemostbeautifulthinghe’deverknown.
Shemovedontohisotherfootsometimeduringthethirdchapter,reducinghimtocompletemush.

Hismindbegantowander,andhedriftedaway,lostinhisdaydreamsofthewomanbesidehim.

Inhisdreams,shewashiswife,notDaniel’s.

ChapterFourteen

“IthinkTalonisasleep.”KateglancedupatDaniel,thenclosedthebookandputitaside.“I’m

goingtostopreading,ifyoudon’tmind.”

Danielleanedbackinhischairandgavehisbrotherasympatheticglance.“Hereallydoeshavea

heartofgold,doesn’the?He’snothinglikeIimagined.”

KatestareddownatTalon’sbeautiful,batteredface.Hislasheslaythickanddarkonhisbruised

cheeks,andhisbroadchestroseandfellinsoftrhythm.“Exactlyhowdidyoupicturehim?”

DanielgaveTalonapensivestare.“HeshowedupattheLondonhousewhenIwasaboy.Iwas

playingonthestepswhenthisfilthyraggedurchinapproachedandtoldmehewasmybrother.Fathersent
himaway,ofcourse,butfromthenonhedelightedintellingmeofhissuccesses.”

“Where did he go after that? How did he live?” Kate was horrified at the thought of the earl

rejecting his own son. No wonder Talon hated his father so much. And poor Daniel. It must have been
hardtoliveintheshadowofthebrotherhe’dneverknown.

“Hewenttoseaandworkedhiswaythroughtheranksuntilhefinallycommandedashipofhis

own.FatherlovedtotellmehowbraveTalonwas,howresourceful.Iexpectedtohatehim.”

“He’sratherhardtohate.”
“Yes,heis.”Danielshookhishead.“Ican’thelpbutadmirehim.Hehadnoneofmyadvantages,

yethemanagedtomakesomethingofhimselfanyway.Hewentfromthestreetstobeingoneofthemost
successful privateers to sail the seas. He amassed quite a fortune before he was arrested last year for
piracy.”

“He’sapirate?”Katecouldn’thavebeenmoresurprised.“Idon’tbelieveyou.”
Danielsatforward,hisblueeyesserious.“TheycalledhimtheHawk.Hisshipwasagorgeous

clippercalledTheWesternSky.HetargetedmainlyBritishships,myfather’sinparticular,butwhocan
blamehimforwantingrevenge?Heraidedthisveryshipnotlongago,whichisonereasonwhyhe’sso
worriedforoursafety.Heandthecaptainarenotonthebestofterms.”

KatesqueezedTalon’sslim,barefoot.Shelovedhisfeet.Theywerefine-bonedandelegant,just

likehishands.“Ineverwouldhaveguessed.”

“HewascondemnedtolifeinNewgateforhiscrimes.IthoughtFatherwasgoingtolethimrot

thereforever,buthefinallyintervenedandhadhimreleasedamonthago.”

“So that’s why he was so thin and pale when we first met.” Kate was horrified to think of this

strong,kindmantrappedinafilthy,windowlesscell.“Nowonderhespendssomuchtimeondeck.”

“Istillhaven’tfiguredoutwhyhe’sbeensodecenttome,”Danielmused.“Surelyhemusthateme

andeverythingIstandfor.”

KatereluctantlyreleasedTalon’sfoot.“I’llbethe’sanxioustoreachtheCarolinassohecanbe

ridofus.”

“He’llbegladtogetridofme.ButIdon’tthinkhemindsyourcompanyatall.”
Shestoodandstretched,feelingthekinksinherbodyrelax.She’dbeensittinginoneplaceforfar

toolong,unwillingtomoveforfearshe’dlosethewarmthofTalon’sbody.Butthisconversationwithher
husbandhadremindedheronceagainwhyshemustkeepherdistance.

She didn’t care whether or not Talon was a pirate, but she realized now, more than ever, how

impossible it would be to hold him. He belonged to the sea. “I think I’ll skip our card game tonight,
Daniel.I’mrathertired.”

“Sweetdreams,”Danieltoldher.“I’llseeyouinthemorning.”

*****

Talon wasn’t sleeping. He’d heard the whole conversation, and he barely managed to restrain

himselfuntilKatelefttheroom.Assoonasthedoorclickedshutbehindher,hesatup,pinninghisbrother
withafuriousglare.“Howdareyoutellherthosethings?”

Danielflinchedinsurprisethenshruggedandgaveaneasylaugh.“Don’tyouknowitisn’tniceto

eavesdrop?”

“Whydidyoutellherallofthat?Christ,howcouldyoudothistome?Ithoughtyouwantedmeto

seduceher.”

TalonwasstillstungbythedismayinKate’stonewhenDanielhadtoldherhe’dbeenimprisoned

forpiracy.He’dwantedtodenyitatthetopofhislungsandbeghertobelieveinhim.He’ddoanything
tokeepfromlosingtheonethingshe’dgivenhimthatnooneelseeverhad—heresteem.

Shehadthoughthimahero.
“Don’tbeanidiot.”Danielgavehimasmugsmile.“You’vebeenslackingtheselastfewweeks.

Kate’sgottentooclosetome.Hell,she’sevenpledgedherundyingfaithfulness.Ihadtodosomething.”

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’veaccomplishedbythis?”TalonwantedtobashDaniel’sfaceuntilhis

brotherlookedasbatteredasTalonfelt.Hecouldn’tbelieveafewshorthoursago,he’dthoughtthetwo
ofthemmightsomedaybefriends.

Besides,Kate’sundyingfaithfulnesswasnothingtoscoffat.Hewanteditforhimself.
Danielstoodup,stretching.“Igavehersomethingtothinkabout.ThedashingpirateHawk.What

womancouldpossiblyresist?”

Talonshovedahandthroughhisrumpledhairindisgust.“Itshouldn’tsurpriseme,butit’sobvious

youdon’tknowadamnedthingaboutwomen.IfyourgoalwastogetKateintomybed,I’mafraidyou’ve
madeabigmistake.”

“Idon’tthinkso.Butwe’llsee,won’twe?You’rerunningoutoftime,youknow.We’llonlybeat

seaanotherweekorso.Youhavetodothissoon.”

“We’vehadthisconversationbefore,”Talonsaid,refusingtoadmithe’dalreadycometothesame

conclusion.“I’mnotgoingtoseduceher.Therehastobeanotherway.”

“Maybeourfatherisn’tsosmart.Maybeyoudon’tcareasmuchaboutthosemenofyoursashe

thoughtyoudid.”

“You can’t begin to know how I feel about those men.” Talon fisted his hands at his sides,

concentratingonthepainofhissplitknucklesinsteadoftheresponsibilityhefeltforhiscrew.“You’ve
neverheldanotherman’slifeinthepalmofyourhand.Youdon’tknowthemeaningofthewordshonoror
loyalty.Iwillsavethem.ButI’lldoitwithouthurtingKate.Shedoesn’tdeservethisfiascoyou’vemade

ofherlife.”

Daniel sat back down, his eyes widening in disbelief. “My God. I can’t believe I didn’t see it

before.You’reinlovewithher.Aren’tyou?”

Talonflinched,feelingasthoughMcGuirehadpunchedhiminthegutyetagain.“Ofcoursenot.”

Heshookhisheadindenialeventhoughhewasterrifieditmightbetrue.“Don’tbeabloodyass.”

Daniel laughed again, but this time there was pity in the sound. “I’d hate to be you, my friend.

Whatadecisiontohavetomake.”

“Why don’t you just leave me the hell alone?” Talon lay back down and stared sullenly at the

ceiling.HepretendedtoignoreDaniel,buthisbrother’swordswouldnotgivehimanypeace.

Whatadecisiontohavetomake.
A decision. In the end, that was all it really came down to. Kate’s innocence, or the lives of

seventymen.Itshouldhavebeensoeasy.

Kate was strong. This would hurt her, but she would go on. She would lavish all that love and

affectiononthechildhewouldgiveher.

Thechildhewouldneversee,neverhold.HeimaginedasonwithKate’sbeautifuleyesandquick

laughter.Hepushedthethoughtaway,determinednottotorturehimselfthatway.Itwasbetterifhedidn’t
thinkofthechild.

LongafterDanielhadblownoutthelightandclimbedintothebunkabovehim,Taloncontinuedto

stareupintothedarkness,bothdreadingandanticipatingwhattomorrowwouldbring.

Afteralongwhile,hisbrother’ssoftsnoresfilledthesilence.Talonclenchedhisjawagainstthe

soundandplannedtheseductionofhissister

‐in‐law.

*****

Kate was getting ready for bed the next evening when someone knocked on her door. She’d

alreadychangedintohernightgown,butsheshrugged,decidingitwasprobablyjustDanielcometosay
goodnight.

Shewelcomedthethoughtofalittleconversation.Herhusbandhadbeenquiettoday,lostinhis

ownthoughts.AndTalonhadbeenupandgonelongbeforesunrise.Infact,shehadn’tseenherbrother

‐in‐

lawallday,andithadbeenhardtocontainherdisappointment.

She’dhopedTalonhadenjoyedspendingthedaywithherandDaniel.She’deventhoughtshe’d

noticedalesseninginthetensionusuallysoprevalentbetweenthetwobrothers.

Herthoughtstrailedoffwhentheknockcameagain.Whensheopenedthedoor,shewasstunnedto

findTalondressedinelegant,blackeveningclothes,theeffectonlyslightlytarnishedbyhisbatteredface.
He looked as though he’d arrived to take her to the opera. He held one perfect red rose in his hands,
whichhemusthavegottenfromtherosebusheshe’dbroughtwiththem.

Sheflushed,stunnedbyhismasculinebeauty,butconfusedaswell.She’dgrownaccustomedto

seeinghimdressedasasailor,shoeless,shirtless,bronzedskindampwithsweat.Shecouldthinkofonly
onereasonforhimtobeherebearingaroseanddressedinhisfinest.

“May I come in?” He smiled and entered her cabin before she could answer, shutting the door

behindhim.“Closeyourmouth,Kate.You’veseenmeinadinnerjacketbefore.”

Sheswallowedandtooktheroseheoffered,bringingittohernoseandinhalingdeeply.Herheart

pounded,andshecouldn’tgivevoicetothequestionsstuckinherthroat.Shewasafraidshealreadyknew
theanswers.Wherewouldshefindthestrengthtodenyhimanythinghemightask?

“Youshouldn’tbehere.Ithinkyoushouldleavebeforewebothdosomethingweregret.”
Talon lifted one dark brow, his eyes glowing with inner fire. “Would you really regret making

lovetome?”

There.He’dsaidit.Thewordshungbetweenthem.Shocking.
Potent.Lacedwithpromiseanddarksecrets.DearLord,shewantedwhathewasoffering.She’d

wantediteversinceshe’dfirstlaideyesuponhim.

“Ofcourse,Iwouldregretit.”Sheturnedaway,unabletolookathimwhileshedeniedwhatwas

inherheart.“Iwouldregretitfortherestofmydays.”

“Is it because of what Daniel told you yesterday?” He moved to stand behind her, his heat

permeatingthethinlayersofcloththatseparatedhisskinfromhers.“Areyousorryyouletmetouchyou
with my filthy pirate hands?” As he spoke, he cupped her breasts, his breath rasping in her ear and
sendingadeliciousshiverdownherspine.

“Areyouapirate?”shewhispered,hervoiceshaking.“ItoldhimIdidn’tbelieveit.You’retoo

good,toofinetomakeyourlivingthatway.”

He shuddered and hugged her, stealing her breath with the power of his embrace. “I went to

prison,”headmittedharshly.“Iguessyoudon’tknowmeaswellasyouthought.”

She covered his hands with hers, trying halfheartedly to remove them. “Please, Talon, don’t do

this.Notthisway.”

“What way then?” He moved his hips against hers, and his scent enveloped her. He smelled

sinfullygood,amixtureofsoapandsea.“Wouldyouhavemebeg?BecauseIwould.”

She shook her head, past coherent speech. His lips moved against her neck, his long, elegant

fingersworkingtheirtendermagiconherbreasts.

“Danieldoesn’tcare.YouknowitaswellasIdo.Hedoesn’twantyou.Hedoesn’tneedyou.”
“Anddoyouneedme?Willyouevergiveathoughttomeoncethispassionbetweenushasbeen

spent?”Shewascrying,tearsstreamingdownhercheeks.

“I need you like I need air to breathe.” He turned her in his arms and tenderly kissed her tears

away.“You’reafireinmyblood.Icouldnevergetenoughofyou.Never.”

Itwasn’tquitetheanswershe’dhopedfor,butitnolongerseemedimportant.Shewoundherarms

around his neck and kissed him back, straining to get closer, offering herself to him without guile or
hesitation.Itwaswrongandshewouldprobablyburninhellforherweakness,butshedidn’tcare.

Inablindingflash,sherealizedhowmuchshelovedthisman.Lovedhimwithallherheartandall

hersoul.Shewasrunningoutoftime,andshewantedthisonenightforherown.Onenightofpassionand
lovetosustainherthroughallthelong,lonelyyearstocome.

Shedidn’twanttospendtherestofherlifewonderingwhatshe’dmissed.
“Makelovetome,”shewhispered.“Ineedyou,too.

ChapterFifteen

TalonsweptKateintohisarmsandcarriedhertothenarrowbunk,humbledbyheracquiescence.

Hewastremblingwithneedandsomethingelse.Somethingstrongerthandesire.

Ifonlythiswasthebeginningoftheirrelationshipinsteadoftheend.Shewouldhatehimsomuch

whenshefoundoutthetruth.

“Just let me kiss you for awhile.” He lowered her to the mattress and stretched out beside her,

noticing for the first time the light sprinkle of freckles across her dainty nose. “We don’t have to do
anythingelse.Nottonight.Notuntilyou’reready.”

Itwasalie,ofcourse.Anotherfilthylie,becauseheknewhe’dcometoofartoturnbacknow.
She nodded, her teeth worrying her bottom lip in a gesture he found unbearably erotic. “I trust

you.”

Hebentandcuppedherface,loweringhislipstohersandsippingfromthemwithagentlenesshe

hadn’tknownhepossessed.Shetrustedhim.God,shebrokehisheart.

He’dnevermadelovetoavirginbefore,andhewasterrifiedhe’dlosecontrolandhurther.He

wantedtotakehistimeandshowhereverymeasureofawoman’spleasure,butithadbeensolong,too
damnedlong,sincehe’dhadareleaseofhisown.

Shesmelledofrosesandfemininemusk.Everythingsoftandsweetthathadbeenmissinginhis

life.Shewasthestuffhisyearningmidnightdreamsweremadeof,aladywithacoreoffireandpassion.
Andinthemidstofitallwasthepoignantknowledgethathedidnotdeservethis.Hewasapirate,after
all,takingwhatbelongedbylawtoanotherandtryingtojustifyitasright.

TherewasonlytheslightesthesitationinKate’skiss,abitofcharmingawkwardnessashetaught

herhowtoseducehimwithherlipsandtongue,andshemorethanmadeupforitinexuberance.Shewas
aslim,burningflameinhisarms,andthesoftsoundsofburgeoningpassionhecoaxedfromthebackof
herthroatnearlyundidhim.

Kissingherwasnice,buttherewerefarmorewonderfuldelightsahead.Atlength,hetrailedhis

lipsfromhermouthtoherthroat,whisperingsweetwordsashisnimblefingersattackedthetinywhite
buttons that lined the front of her nightdress. Then the barrier was gone and her beautiful breasts were
baretohim,theirtight,darknipplesglisteninginthesoftlight,begginghimtotouchandtaste.

“You are so beautiful, Kate. So soft.” He molded her shape with his hands, watching her green

eyesflarewithpassion.Hebenthishead,tracingonerigidcrestwithhistonguebeforetakingitfullyinto
hismouth.

Sweet.He’dneverknownsuchsweetness.Shegaspedhisnameandthreadedherhandsinhishair

whilehesampledtheotherlushmoundandthenbackagainlikeastarvingmanatabanquet.

“Iwanttotouchyou,too.”
Her voice seemed to come from far away. He felt drugged with arousal, drunk on her, but her

wordswrenchedhimoutofhisreverie.

“Aye,”hebreathed,sittingupandshruggingimpatientlyoutofhisjacket,vestandshirt.Holding

her gaze, he let his hands fall to the ties of his breeches. When she didn’t protest, he loosened them,
freeinghisachingcockandkickingawaytheconfiningfabric.

Naked,hestretchedoutbesideher,tryinglikehelltorestrainhimself,towalkwhenhesobadly

wantedtorun.Sheliftedupononeelbowandusedherotherhandtotracethecontoursofhischest.

“I’vedreamedofthis.Oftouchingallthisbeautiful,sun-bronzedskin.”Asshespoke,shecircled

hisnipplewithherthumbnail,makinghimsuckinanagonizedbreath.

“I’vedreamtofyou,too.Everynight.”Herolledontopofher,theirbarechestspressedtogether,

the soft mounds of her unbound breasts searing his skin. He kissed her long and deep, trembling with
need.

She traced his back with her fingertips, exploring. Tentative at first, then moving daringly low,

grazingtheswellofhisbuttocks.Hesmiledintothekiss,enraptured.HisKatewasaquicklearner.

Unable to bear it any longer, he broke a little apart from her, running his hand over her flat

stomach then lower. He threaded his fingertips through her dark, damp curls, touching her where she
neededitmost.

Sheflinchedatfirst,shyingawayandtryingtocloseherlegsagainsttheintrusion.Hepersisted,

whisperingwordsofencouragementwhilehecoaxedthesweethoneyofexcitementfromherbody.

Hefoundtheexactspotthatdroveherwildandthentookshamelessadvantageoftheknowledge,

pleasuring her until she was writhing and panting beneath him. She sobbed his name, and he caught the
beautifulsoundwithhismouth.

Risingaboveher,hesettledbetweenherthighs.“Ican’twait,sweetheart.I’vewantedthisforso

long.”Hisvoicewasharshandbroken,hisentirebodytrembling.Heslidagainstherwetheat,andsweat
brokeoutacrosshisforehead.

Her eyelids fluttered closed at the sensation then she opened them, staring at him with emerald

intensity.“Idon’twantyoutowait.Iloveyou,Talon.I’veneverlovedanyonethewayIloveyou.”

Herwordspiercedhim.Suchapricelessgift,theonlyoneofworthhe’deverbeengiven.Hewas

shamedtothedepthsofhissoulbywhathewasabouttodo,yethecouldn’tturnawayfromhernow.

Itwasn’tabouthismenanymore.Hewantedherforhimself,justfortonight.Hewasamiserable,

betrayingbastard,andthisonlyprovedit.“Don’tloveme,Kate.I’mnotworthit.”

“You’reworthittome.”Shemovedbeneathhim,reachingforwhathecouldgiveher.Shetilted

herhipsjustenoughtoallowhimtobreachthevirginaltightnessofherbodywithhis.

“Areyousure?”hewhispered.“Areyouabsolutelysurethisiswhatyouwant?”
Shenodded,hergazefullofloveandtrust.“I’msure.Iwantyou.IhavesincethefirsttimeIsaw

you.”

Riding the euphoria of her declaration, he thrust deeply, crying out with pleasure as he buried

himselftothehilt.Shegaspedandstiffenedbeneathhim,shovingathischestashebracedhimselfabove
her,hisarmstremblingwiththeeffortofholdingback.

Hedippedhisheadandkissedawayhertears.“I’msorry,”hewhisperedoverandover.“I’mso

sorry.”

“It’s all right,” she murmured, relaxing as she adjusted to his invasion. “I just didn’t realize it

wouldbelikethis.Youfillmesocompletely.”

He took one of her hands and placed it over his thundering heart. “You fill me, too. Here.” The

wordsweren’tnearlyenough.Whathefeltforherwastoonew,tooimmensetoname,butshebitherlip
andmoretearswelledinhereyes,andheknewsheunderstood.

Itwasimpossibletoholdbackanylonger.Hedrewhishipsbackinalong,slowslideandthen

drovehomeagain.Katewincedabit,butnodded,encouraginghim.

“Letgo.Takeme,Kate.Takeallofme.”“Yes,”shewhispered.“Yes.”
Heracceptancepushedhimbeyondcoherentthought.Heclosedhiseyesandfilledheragainand

again,losinghimselfinthewonderofit,therightnessofmakinglovetothiswoman.Shewaseverything
he’deverwanted,andforthisbrief,shiningmoment,shewashis.

Allhisplanstoensureherpleasureevaporatedbecausehisowncametooquickly,rippingthrough

himwiththeforceofahurricane.Heshudderedandmoanedhername,spillinghisseeddeepwithinher,
holdinghertightlyagainsthischestastremorsofcompletionrackedhisbody.

*****

KatelayinTalon’sarms,listeningtothesteadybeatofhisheart.
The lean strength of his big, warm body pressed along her back and one of his elegant hands

fannedherbarehip.

Shefeltthestrangesturgetolaugh.Hereshewas,aproper,pamperedladyallherlife,lyinginher

lover’sarmsingloriousabandonwhileherhusbandsleptunknowinglyintheroomnextdoor.

Therewasnoneoftheguiltshe’dexpectedtofeel.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,she’dfollowedher

heartinsteadofherhead.She’dthrownconsequencetothewindandlivedforthemoment.

Strangeasitseemed,shethoughtDanielwouldapprove.
She’dbeenmadeforthis,madetoloveamanlikeTalon.Itwasn’tfairthatfatehadstuckherina

loveless,passionlessmarriagewithamanlikeDaniel,someonewhowouldnevershowherthephysical
sideoflove.

Sheforcedthepointlessthoughtsawayandconcentratedinsteadonabsorbingeverynuanceofthis

moment for later reference. She wanted to remember the feel of Talon’s breath on her skin, the hair-
roughenedtangleofhislegswithhers.Whoknewifshe’deverhaveanopportunitylikethisagain?

They’dreachAmericainanotherfewdays,andshehadnoideaofTalon’splansoncehe’dseen

them to Holyoke. There had been no talk of the future, and he hadn’t claimed to love her, although she
thoughtperhapshedid.

Anotherthoughtoccurredoutoftheblue,strikingicyfearintoherheart.Whatifthenightshe’d

passedwithTalonresultedinachild?

Thepanicdissipatedasquicklyasithadcome.Lord,whatifitdid?
Ifshehadachild,theycouldreturntoEngland.Danielwouldprobablybeecstatic.Shewouldn’t

even have to feel guilty about her son inheriting the earldom, because he would still be of Sutcliffe’s
blood.

Ababyatlast.Afteralltheselonelymonthsofheartacheanddisappointment,thethoughtofitwas

enoughtobringpurejoytoherheart.ShewantedTalon’sbaby.Shecouldshowerthechildwithallthe
loveshewantedtogivetoTalon,allthelovehe’dneverallowhimselftoknow.

“Good morning.” Talon hugged her and pressed a tender kiss behind her ear. “Having second

thoughts?”

Sheclosedhereyesandtriedtocontrolherracingheart.Shecouldn’tlethimknowwhatshewas

thinking.Hewouldassumeshe’dusedhimtogetherpregnantandescapethefateSutcliffehadplanned
forher.

Todistractthemboth,sheturnedtofacehim.“I’mpastsecondthoughts.I’vealreadymovedonto

thirdandfourthones.”

Hechuckledandkissedher,longandsweet.“It’snicetowakeupwithyou.I’veneverknownthe

luxuryofspendingthenightinalady’sbed.Mylifehasneverbeenthissoft,thissweet.”

Sheranherfingertipsoverhispoor,bruisedcheekbone.“Tellmewhatyourlifehasbeenlike.I

wanttoknoweverythingaboutyou.”Realitywouldintrudesoonenough.She’dalreadycommittedthesin;
itcouldn’thurttowringeverymomentofpleasureshecouldfromtheexperience.

Hesighedandstretched,themusclesofhisbig,leanbodyripplingagainsther.“Youdon’twantto

know.It’sanuglytale.”

Shetriedtocontainherdisappointment.Itwasn’tasthoughhe’dmadeheranypromises,afterall.

Shehadnorighttoexpecthimtogiveherhisheartorhistrust.He’dofferednothingbuthisbody.

Herattentionwascaughtbyasoftsoundintheadjoiningcabin.Herhusbandwasawake.Shebit

herlip.“DoyouthinkDanielknows?”

Talonnodded.Hehuggedhertighterforamomentandthenreleasedher.“Yes,heknows.”There

wasastrange,angrynoteinhisvoiceshewashesitanttoidentify.“Don’tworryaboutit,sweetheart.I’ll
takecareofDaniel.”

Sweetheart. Kate’s foolish heart clenched at the careless endearment. “Daniel and I were just

beginningtobecomefriends.”Theenormityofherbetrayalwassinkingin,theguiltnolesspowerfulfor
havingbeendelayed.

“Youcanstillbefriends.He’llbehappyforyou.”Hekissedheragain,thistimeonthebridgeof

hernose.

“I should get out of here.” He sat up and swung his long, bare legs over the side of the narrow

bunk.Naked,hestrodetothepileofclothinghe’ddiscardedlastnight.

Thedim,dawnlightpouredinthroughtheroundportholeandgildedhispowerfulbody.Hergaze

wasdrawntothemuscledperfectionofhisthighsandbacksideashebentandgrabbedhispants.

He turned toward her and pulled them on. She stared, transfixed by the part of him she’d never

gottenaclearlookatlastnight.Hewasstillhugeandthickwithneed,andwhenshethoughtabouthow
he’dfilledher,howhe’dmovedwithinher,herfacegrewwarmwithembarrassment.

He hesitated, pausing without fastening his pants. “I still want you.” His voice was low and

intense. “No matter what happens in the future, I want you to know these past few hours have been the
mostbeautifulmomentsinmylife.”

“Mine,too.”Herdwindlinghopeswererefueledbyhispassionatewords.
Thenhewasinherarmsagain,kissingherwithoverwhelmingurgencyandhunger.Foramoment,

shewastoostunnedbyhispassiontoreact,butthensherespondedwiththesamesenseofdesperation.
Shebrushedhishandsaway,shovinghistrousersdownhisthighs.

She touched him, learning every inch of his powerful frame, daring to run her hands over the

smooth,beautifulcurvesofhisbackside,cuppinghimcloserwhilehesuckledherbreasts.

Hegroanedandlaidherdownonthebed,kneelingaboveher,hiserectionjuttingfromitsnestof

dense,darkcurls.“Touchme,”hebreathed,hisblueeyesburning.“Iwanttofeelyourhandsonme.”

Sheknewwhathewantedandwasshockedatherselfforwantingtogiveittohim.Tentatively,

sheliftedherhandandtracedthetipofhim,gaspingattheheat,theunexpectedsilkytexture.

“Yes.” His voice was rough and broken. “God. Just like that.” He closed his hand over hers,

showingherhowtopleasehim,hisbeautifulfacedrawnwithpassion.

Shestaredatherpalehand,dwarfedbyhislarge,callusedone,amazedbywhatshewasdoing

andevenmoresobyhowwonderfulitfelt.Shelikedhavinghimathermercy,likedknowingshehadthe
abilitytobringthisfierce,gentlemantohisknees.

“Iloveyou,Talon.Iloveyousomuch.”Shecouldn’tcontrolthewords,couldn’tholdthemback.

Shewantedtochantitoverandoverfortherestofherdays.

“Kate.OhGod,Kate.”Hemoanedandthrustherhandaway,movingoverher,coveringherwith

hispowerfulbody,pressingherintothemattress.Sheclutchedhisbackandwrappedherlegsaroundhis
leanhipsashethrustdeepinsideher.

Thistime there wasno pain; therewas nothing but pleasure.Waves and wavesof it building in

intensityasshereachedforsomethingjustbeyondhergrasp.

“Comewithme,”Talonbreathed,reachingbetweenthem,rubbinghisthumbagainstatinybudof

sensationashethrustharderandfaster.

Herentirebodytensedthenshatteredinamind-numbing,brilliantexplosion.
Talonwhisperedhername,hishipsjerking,hismouthhotanddampagainstherthroatashe,too,

found release. She held him, drifting in the aftermath, her eyes brimming with tears as she faced an
unavoidabletruth.

Somedayverysoon,thismanwasgoingtobreakherheart.

ChapterSixteen

TalonspenttheentiremorningwithKate,returningtohiscabinearlythatafternoon.He’dfoundit

nearlyimpossibletoleavehersideandhadpostponedtheinevitableaslongashecould.

Lastnighthadbeeneverythinghe’dimaginedandmore.Inherarms,he’dfeltatpeaceforthefirst

timeinhislife.

But it couldn’t last. Kate wasn’t his. She could never be his. He wanted to scream with the

injusticeofitall.He’dneveraskedformuchoutoflife,neverwantedanythingbutahomeandsomeone
tocareabout.Butitseemedthatthethingsmostmentookforgrantedweretobeforeverdeniedhim.

Daniel waited on the bottom bunk in their cabin. The self

‐satisfied smirk on his brother’s face

broughtTaloncrashingevenfurtherbackdowntoearth.

“Well, how did it go?” Daniel queried, looking up from the book he was reading. “Did you

deflowermywife?”

Talonmerelyglared.HestalkedacrosstheroomtothecoldbasinofwaterKatehadusedtobathe

hiswoundsyesterday.Wringingoutthewashcloth,hebroughtittohisfaceandwashedtheperspiration
fromhisbrow.

Foralongmoment,hejuststoodthere,staringatthewall,aveinpulsinginhisjaw.“It’sdone,”

hemutteredatlast,tossingthewashclothbackinthebasin.“I’vefulfilledmypartofthebargain,andI
damnwellexpectyoutotellSutcliffetoliveuptohis.”

“Whatifitdoesn’ttake?Whoknows,itmightbemonthsbeforeyourworkisdone.”
Talonclosedhiseyes,bothhorrifiedandelatedbytheprospect.
Danielwasright.Hehadn’treallythoughtthatfarahead,stupidlyassumingitwouldonlytakeone

time.

Howwouldhebearit,deceivinghertimeaftertime,watchingtheloveinhereyesgrow?How

couldhebearknowingthatassoonashe’dgottenherwithchild,he’dhavetogiveherup?

Heturnedaround,focusinghisfuryonDaniel.“Don’tmakelightofthis,youbastard.Thisisyour

fault, all of it. If you’d been man enough to do the job yourself, Sutcliffe would have left me the hell
alone.”

“Don’tyoudarestandinjudgmentofme.”Daniel’svoicewaslowandfurious.“Youexpectmeto

pity you because James Sinclair turned you from his door? Well, think again. I wish I could have gone
withyou.Thereareworsethingsintheworldthanpoverty.”

“Spokenlikeamanwhowasbornwithasilverspooninhismouth.”DisgustlacedTalon’severy

word.“Iwouldhavegivenmysoulforthethingsyoutakeforgranted.”

“AndI’dhavegivenminetobeyou.Absolutelyfree,sailingtheworldwithoutacarewithnoone

but yourself to disappoint.” There was a longing in Daniel’s voice Talon couldn’t fathom. How could
Danielbesofoolish?Didn’theknowhowluckyhe’dbeen?

“Youhadafather!”hecried.“Youdon’tknowhowitfeelstobeallalone.Youneverhadtofight

andstruggleforeverybiteyouate.MyGod,Sutcliffeiswillingtosacrificethelivesofseventymenjust
togiveyouason.Doesn’tthatmeananythingtoyou?”

“Ifyouthinkhe’sdoingthisforme,you’reafool.”Danielturnedaway,hisshouldersrigidwith

anger.“Youdon’tknowadamnthingaboutit.IcouldhavemadelovetoKate.Hell,itisn’tasthoughI’ve
neverbeenwithawoman.Andwhetheryoubelieveitornot,Idocareforher.Icareforherverymuch.”

“Thenwhydidn’tyou?Goddamnit!Ideservetoknowtheanswer.”
Therewassilenceforaverylongmoment,andTalonwassurehisbrotherwouldonceagainlaugh

himoff,leavinghimangrierandmoreconfusedthanbefore.

“Did you know my mother killed herself?” Utter despair laced Daniel’s voice when he finally

spoke.“Sutcliffedrovehertoit.Hemadeherlifealivinghell.”

Talon’s anger drained away. He knew what loving Sutcliffe had done to his own mother. “I’m

sorry.”

Danielshrugged.“Shekilledherselftoescapehim,becausenomatterhowoftenhebeather,no

matter how often he beat me, she would never give him the answer he sought. She would never admit
she’dlainwithsomeoneelse.”

“Hedoesn’tbelieveyou’rehisson?”Suddenlyallthepiecesstartedtofallintoplace.
Danielshookhishead,andTalonwasstunnedandhumbledbythepaininhisbrother’seyes.“He

didwhenIwasyoung,treatedmelikeadamnedprince.Butthen,whenIwastwelve,Ihadatutorwho
used to punish me for poor tests scores by making me perform sexual favors…” He trailed off and
squeezedhiseyesshut.“Anyway,Fathercaughtus.Itwasrightafterhe’dsentyouaway,andashebeat
me,hetoldmehewishedhe’dkeptyouinstead.”

Talonsankintothecabin’slonechair,feelingutterlydrained.Hehadn’tcountedonthis,hadnever

imaginedDanielhadbeencastasideascruellyashehad,perhapsevenmoreso.“Areyoutellingmehe
plannedthisallalong?Thatheneverintendedforyoutobedyourownwife,whetheryouwantedtoor
not?”

DanielopenedhiseyesandmetTalon’sseekinggaze.“You’rethesonofhisheart,Talon,theone

he’sproudof.Hedoesn’twantmytaintedbloodmuddyinguphisline.Onmyweddingday,hetoldme
he’dkillPhilipifKatebecamepregnantbeforehehadachancetosetthiswholecomplicatedschemeinto
motion.”

“Christ.” Talon bowed his head, soul-deep fear chasing away the last remnants of his anger. “I

can’tlethimhavemychild.Iwon’tletthatsonofabitchgethishandsonanotherinnocentlife.”

Daniel shook his head, pity in his eyes. “The only way you can keep him from doing that is to

sacrificeyourmen.I’msorry.Iwishtherewassomeotherway.”

Talonfeltasifheweresuffocating.Hecouldn’tstandbeinginthiscabinevenonemoresecond.

Hegottohisfeetandheadedtowardthedoor,hesitatingafterhe’dopenedit.“GotalktoKate,Daniel.
She’safraidwhatshe’sdonewillhurtyou.Letherknowyouunderstand.Tellheryou’renotangry.”

“Ofcourse,”Danielwhispered.“Ofcourse.”

*****

Whatapatheticsonofabitchyouare.DanielfloppeddownonhisbunkafterTalonhadleft.The

webofliesanddeceithisfatherhadforcedonhimwasunbearable.

HefoundhimselflikingTalon,somethingheneverwouldhaveexpectedinathousandyears.After

all,he’dspentyearsbuildinghishatredforthebrotherwhowaseverythinghe’dtriedandfailedtobe.

Talontheperfect.Talonthebrave.Talonthehero.
When he thought of all the times his father had sung his brother’s praises, all those dark, black

momentshe’dtriedsohardtoforget,hewisheddesperatelyforthetenuouscalmhe’donlymanagedto
findatthebottomofanopiumpipe.Perhapsthelackofthatold,familiarescapewastheworstpartofthis
hellish journey. He would have liked to ignore the whole situation, pleasantly drifting along in a drug-
inducedhaze.Instead,he’dbeenforcedtogettoknowhisbrotherandhiswife,onlytofindhelikedthem
bothanddidn’twanttoseethemhurt.

TalonlovedKate,lovedherfiercelyandpassionately.Danielhadneverknownsuchloveexisted.

WhathehadwithPhilipdidn’tevencomeclose.

It made him wonder what it would be like to have a relationship that was based on something

otherthansexanddrugs.He’dbeenthinkingtoomuchlatelyaboutwhatmighthavehappenedifhisfather
hadallowedhimandKatetohaveachildtogether.

Forthelastweek,he’dwatchedTalon,wonderingifhisbrothermightsomehowfigureawayout

of this mess. He’d decided perhaps he could live without Philip, could even stay in the godforsaken
Carolinas and remain celibate for the rest of his life, merely for the pleasure of watching his father
thwartedjustthisonce.

Butintheend,hisfatherhadwon,ashealwaysdid.
Poor Kate. Talon was right. She was probably beating herself up over what had happened. He

shoulddoashisbrotheraskedandgotoher.

Andhewould.Inalittlewhile.ButfirsthewasgoingtowritealettertoPhilipandlethimknow

hewouldbecominghomesoon.

*****

Katewokelateintheafternoon.Shestretched,reachingforTaloninthebedbesideher,onlyto

findherselfalone.

Herbodystilltingled,andshewassoreinaveryagreeableway.Shesmiledwhenshesawthe

roseonthepillowbesideher.“Talon,”shewhispered,lovingthesoundofhisnameonherlips.

Shewonderedwherehe’dgoneandiflastnighthadbeenasspecialtohimasithadbeentoher.

Never in all her wildest fantasies had she dreamed making love to him would be so beautiful, so
consuming.

Sheslippedoutofbedandreachedforhernightgown,suddenlyself

‐consciousofhernakedness.

Assheslippedthefabricoverherhead,shesawthedarkredstainonhersheets.

Lettingtheconcealingfabricslidedownoverherhips,shereachedoutatremblingfingertipand

touchedthedriedblood,soberedbythedreadfulfinalityofit.

Therewasnogoingbacknow.Shewouldneverbeinnocentagain.Whatwouldhappenwhenshe

sawTalon?Wouldheactasthoughnothinghadhappened?Orwouldhetakeherinhisarms,kissherand
tellherhelovedher?

AndwhataboutDaniel?Whatdidhethinkaboutthiswholemess?
Shebathedwiththechillywaterleftoverinherbasinandthendressed,knowingshecouldn’tput

offfacinghimanylonger.

A few moments later, she opened the door to the sitting room. Daniel looked up from the desk,

hastilyshovingtheletterhe’dbeenwritingintothedrawer.Standing,hetookherhandandescortedherto
thechair.“Howareyoufeeling?”

Hisconcernmadeherburstintotears.Shehadwrongedhimintheworstpossibleway,andstill

hewasbeingnicetoher.“I’vedoneaterriblething.I’msosorry.”

“Hush.”Danielpattedherawkwardlyontheback.“It’sallright,Kate.Iunderstand.”
“Howcanyouunderstand?Idon’t.I’mnotthekindofpersonwhodoesthingslikethis.”
“Yes,youare.”
Sheglancedathim,stung,buthegrinnedandwavedadismissivehand.
“YouweremeanttobewithamanlikeTalon,”heclarified.“Besides,I’mhardlyinapositionto

begrudgeyouanyhappinessyoumightfind.”

Hercheeksgrewhotwhenshethoughtoftheraptureshe’dfoundinTalon’sarms.Hedidmakeher

happy.Happierthanshe’deverbeen.

“You’re blushing.” Daniel sat back and gave her an appraising glance. “So, tell me. Was it

everythingyou’dthoughtitwouldbe?”

“More,” she admitted, her face flaming even hotter. “So much more.” It seemed odd to be

discussingthiswithDanielofallpeople,butshewasgratefulforthestrangefriendshipthey’dforged.

She desperately needed to talk to someone, and her very unconventional husband gave her a

freedomnotmanywomenhad.SherealizednothingshecouldsaywouldshockDaniel.He’dneverjudge
her,becausehe’ddonethingsfarworsethananythingshecouldevenimagine.

“Itwaswonderful.Magical.”
Hesmiled.“I’mglad.Truly,Iam.”
Deciding she might never have the courage to bring the subject up again unless it became

imperativetodoso,sheforgedahead.“CanIaskyousomething?”

Hissmileslippedasthoughhesensedthegravityofwhatshewasabouttoaskhim.“Ofcourse.

Youcanaskmeanything.”

She stared at him intently, determined to read the truth in his face, no matter how he answered.

“WhatwouldyoudoifIweretohaveTalon’schild?”

SomethinghotandbrightflickeredinDaniel’seyes.Shethoughtitwaselation,butitdisappeared

soquicklyshecouldn’tbesure.Allthesame,itgaveherabadfeeling,andshesuddenlyregrettedher
openness.

“I would be very happy. The child would be of my blood, the son of my heart, if not my loins.

Besides,thatwouldsolveallourproblems,wouldn’tit?”

Thecoldfeelinginthepitofherstomachintensified.Sheshookherhead,tryingtodenyit.“Don’t

sayanythinglikethatinfrontofTalon.Iwouldn’twanthimtothink…”

“Thinkwhat?Thatyouhadanulteriormotivelastnight?Thatyouwantedtohavehischildsoyou

couldreturntoEngland?”Danielwatchedherclosely,obviouslyexpectinghertoadmitthatwhathesaid
wastrue.

“Ididn’t.Isweartoyou,itneverevenoccurredtomeuntilthismorning.”
“Didn’tit?”Daniel’ssoftblueeyeswerepitying.“Itoccurredtome.”

ChapterSeventeen

Talon ignored the seething hostility of Percy’s crew and strode to his usual place at the bow.

ThankGodthiswasalmostover.Hewantedtogetbacktohismenandbacktothehelmofashipwhere
hebelonged.

Closinghiseyes,heclenchedtheoakrailandleanedintothewind.Theoceanspraywashedover

him,clearingsomeofthecobwebsfromhismind.Unfortunately,thatleftmoreroomformemoriesoflast
night.

WarmthfloodedhimattheimageofKate,flushedandbeautiful,herpalelimbsbareintheearly

morninglight.Shewasincrediblysweet,passionateyetinnocentallatthesametime.

Whenhe’dmadelovetoKate,he’dfeltasthoughhe’dcomehome.Untillastnight,hehadn’teven

knownwhathewasmissing,butnowheknewwithdeep,darkcertaintythathomeforhimwouldalways
bewhereKatewas.

He’d done the unthinkable. He’d fallen in love with the only woman he could never have.

Swallowingconvulsively,hetriedtocontroltheloss,theutterdespairoflettingKateandhischildgo.

Therewouldbeachild.Heknewitwitheveryfiberofhisbeing.Itwasunbearabletothinkof

bowingoutofthepicturewhilehisfatherandDanielraisedandcorruptedhisson.

Ordaughter.God,thethoughtofalovelylittlegreen

‐eyeddaughterlefthimbreathless.

“Ican’tdoit,”hewhispered.“Iwon’tgiveherup.”
Astrangesenseofpeacewashedoverhimwhenherealizedhewasfarfrompowerlessnowthat

the deed had been done. He would leave Kate for a little while, just long enough to find his crew and
warnthemofthedangerSutcliffeposed.Hisfather’sreachwasnotinfinite,afterall.Hewouldsplitthem
up,findthemnew,safeberths.

Thenhewouldreturn.Hewouldmakehimselfaperpetualthorninhisfather’sside.
ItkilledhimtothinkoflivingwithoutKateuntilthen,buthepromisedhimselfhe’dfindawayto

remainnearher.EvenifitmeantreturningtoEnglandandremainingtherefortherestofhislife.

He wasn’t quite sure how long he stood there, his mind racing with new possibilities, but

graduallyhebecameawareofthefactthatthewindhadturned.

Sofar,theircrossinghadbeenblessedwithfairweather,buthe’dmadethistripdozensoftimes

andknewtheheavycloudsgatheringinthewestmeanttrouble.Theywereheadingintosomethingbad.

HeglancedupatthebridgewherePercyandhisfirstmatewerepouringoveramap,theirfaces

tightwithconcentration.Good,itlookedasthoughtheywereontopofthesituation.

Longingly,hethoughtoftherainslickerinhiscabin.Hehadafeelinghe’dbeneedingit,buthe

wasn’treadytofaceKate.Notyet.

*****

Kate remained in the sitting room until after Daniel had gone to sleep. Her stomach was upset

again, but she wasn’t sure if it was because the ship had begun to buck alarmingly beneath them or her
anxietyaboutfacingTalonagain.

He’d remained on deck all day, and with each hour her heart broke a little more. What had she

expected?Thathe’dstaybyherside,sharehisthoughtsanddreamswithher?

Shemeantnothingtohim.Shewasmerelytheonlywomanavailableonwhichtospendhislust.

She’dbeenafooltoimaginehelovedher.

Daniel had betrayed her as well. He didn’t care that she’d made love to his brother; in fact, he

seemedhappyaboutit.HewantedhertohaveTalon’sbabysohecouldclaimitashisownandreturnto
hisloverinLondonasthoughnothinghadeverhappened.

He’dbeenwritingaletterwhenshe’dfirstseenhimthismorning.
He’dlookedsoguiltyshesuddenlywonderedagainwhathe’dbeenwriting.Stridingacrossthe

room, she jerked open the desk drawer and retrieved the letter from its hiding place. She wanted to
remindherselfshewasn’ttheonlyonewho’dbeenunfaithful.ShewantedtoknowwhatDanielandhis
loverwrotetoeachotherabout.

DearestPhilip,
It’s done! Last night my brother and Kate were intimate. Surely, the coveted heir will quickly

follow.

Ihaven’tenjoyedplayingthemediator,constantlyremindingTalonofallhestandstoloseifhe

doesn’tdoasourfatherwisheswhilesubtlytryingtoletKateknowIwouldn’tmindifshedecidedto
have an affair with him. I like them both more than I ever expected to, and believe it or not, my
consciencehastroubledmegreatlythepastfewweeks.

Talon was hard to manage, as you might imagine, but last night I finally pushed him into

makingachoice.HechoseHolyokeandtheotherboonsFatherpromisedhimoverhisownhonorand
Kate’svirtue.

ImustadmitIwasalittledisappointed.Ithoughthemightresisthisobviousattractiontomy

wifeandriskitalljusttothwarttheoldbastard,butitturnsoutmydearbrotherisonlyhuman,after
all.

So,thingshaveworkedoutjustthewaymyfatherplanned.IfKateisn’talreadywithchild,I’ve

nodoubtshesoonwillbe,andthenIshallcomebacktoyou…

Katelettheletterslipfromherbloodlessfingers,unwillingtoreadanymore.Shefeltasthough

she’dbeenpunchedinthegut.Boththemenshecaredabouthadusedherinthemostdespicableofways.
They’dplottedherseduction,spokenofittoeachotherwhileshelaysleepingunsuspectinginthevery
nextroom.

Sutcliffe,ofcourse,hadbeenbehinditall.He’dbribedhisbastardsonwithanestateinhopesof

gettinganheirofhisownblood.Danielhadbeenalltoowillingtoplayalong.He’dschemedtobecome
herfriend,doneeverythingpossibletoencourageherrelationshipwithTalon.

“Talon.”Shesanktoherkneesinthemiddleofthefloor,slainbytheknowledgethateverysweet

word,everytendertouchhadbeenalie.Shehadlovedhim,damnit.Shelovedhimstill.

Shepressedherhandtoherstomach,prayingshewasn’tpregnant.

She wanted to remain childless and never let any man touch her in passion again. It would be

worthremainingaloneandunlovedjusttoseetheearldiewithouthispreciousheir.

HergazedartedtoDaniel’scloseddoor.Hehadalottoanswerfor,andshepreferredtochannel

theemotionsinsideherintoangerinsteadofgivingintotheanguishthatlurkedjustbeneaththesurface.

Shegottoherfeet,marchedoverandflungopenthedoor.Thesoundwasveryloudinthesilence

ofthesmallroom.Danielsatboltupright,lookingconfuseduntilhisgazesettledonherface.

“Kate,”hewhispered,hisvoiceroughwithsleep.“Whatisit?What’swrong?”
“IreadyourlettertodarlingPhilip,”shetoldhim.“Iknoweverything.Iknowyouandyourfather

bribedTalonintoseducingme.”

Daniel paled, putting his hands up as though to ward her off. “God, Kate. I never thought you’d

snoopthroughmyprivatecorrespondence.”

“And I never thought you were such a conniving, low-down, lying jackass.” She’d lost all

semblanceofcontrol.Sheknewsheshouldtrytobequiet,butshewasbeyondcaringifsomeoneheard
her.“Itrustedyou.Ithoughtwewerefriends.”

“Wearefriends.I’msorryifthishurtsyou,butitwasforyourowngood,you’vegottobelieve

me.”

Hertemperflaredevenhotter.“Don’tyoudaretrytomakeitsoundasthoughyouhadanyregard

formyfeelings.”

His blue eyes were imploring. “I wanted you to have a child. I wanted you to know love and

passion.IwantedyoutohaveallthethingsIcouldnevergiveyou.”

“Youwantedtoreturntoyourlover.You’venevergivenadamnaboutme.God,Ifeellikesucha

fooltohavefallenforyourbelatedattemptstopretendyoudid.”

“Whenyoucalmdown,I’msureyou’llseetherewasnootherway.Onceyouholdourprecious

childinyourarms,you’llrealizeitwasforthebest.”

“Ourchild?”Shelaughed,makingnoefforttoreininherrisinghysteria.“Nobabyofminewill

everbeyours,Daniel.

Heflinchedandlookedaway.
“I’m through talking to you.” She would never let him know he’d helped break her heart in a

millionpieces.“Andyoucantellthatschemingbrotherofyourstostayawayfromme.Ineverwanttosee
himagain.”

*****

The storm hit the ship with all its fury at dusk. Talon couldn’t believe his father had let such

incompetentfoolsbehindthewheelofoneofhisfinestships.Insteadofcirclingthestorm,Percyhadtried
tooutrunit.Nowtheywereinamaelstromoftwenty-footswellsandcontinuouslightning.

Talon had volunteered his services, knowing the captain needed every able-bodied man if they

weretohaveachanceofsurvivingthis.Butwithintwohours,heknewtheywerefightingalosingbattle.

Fromthecoordinateshe’dstolenapeekatearlier,hefiguredtheyweren’tfarfromtheVirginia

shore.Hebegantothinkabouttheskiffsfastenedtothesidesoftheship.

Oncetheshipbegantobreakapart,hewouldn’tbeabletokeepKatesafe.Herefusedtosubject

hertoalifeboatfullofangryBritishsailors.

He knew his own skill. The wisest course of action was to get himself, Kate and Daniel into a

boatoftheirown,whereheatleasthadasemblanceofcontrolovertheirfate.

Heneededsupplies,lotsofthem.Blankets,food,freshwater,aweapon,oilcloth…Hementally

tickedtheitemsoffinhismind.Hewouldtakewhatheneededandnotworryaboutanybodyelse.His
firstpriorityhadtobethesafetyofthepeoplehecaredabout.

Strangethathe’dcometoincludeDanielinthatnumber.
Stealing into the pitching galley, he took everything he could find then went back out on deck,

securing the supplies under the canvas that covered the most out-of-the-way skiff. No one paid any
attentiontohim,andheprayedhisluckwouldhold.

Duckinghisheadagainstthewind,hestruggleddownthesideofthewheelhouseandheadedfor

thehatchthatledbelow.Afigureappearedaheadofhim,andhewassurprisedtoseeDaniel.

“What’swrong?”Talongrabbedhisbrotherbytheshoulders,peeringathisfacethroughtherain,

yellingtomakehimselfheardoverthenoiseofthestorm.

“It’s Kate,” Daniel yelled in return. “She knows everything. I’ve never seen her so furious. She

toldmetotellyoutostayawayfromher.”

Kate knows. For a moment, Talon couldn’t move. He saw his dreams of a future shatter like a

fragilepieceofcrystal.Thenhisshockturnedtorage.“Youtoldher,didn’tyou?Ican’tbelieveyou’ddo
thistome.Youmiserablesonofabitch!”

Danielshookhisheadandbackedaway.“Ididn’ttellher.Iswear,Ididn’t.Ineverwantedherto

know.”

“Thenhowdidshefindout?”
Danielhad the graceto look embarrassed.“She found a letterI was writing.I wanted Philip to

knowI’dbereturningtohimsoon.”

“Ah,shit.”Talonshookhisheadindisgust.Therewasnousearguingaboutit.Heneededtogoto

Kate,tryandexplainthingstoher.Hewantedtotellheraboutthedecisionhe’dmadethisafternoon.

Danielsaidsomethingelse,butthewindsnatchedhiswordsaway.Talonignoredhim,turningto

gobelowdeck.Butbeforehe’dtakenmorethanasteportwo,ablindingflashoflightsenthimcareening
againstthehatch.

Talon looked up at the mizzenmast, crying out when he realized it had been hit by lightning and

wascrashingtowardhisbrother.Hetriedtomoveforward,toknockDanieloutoftheway,buttheship
wasridingaswell,andhecouldn’tpushawayfromthesideofthewheelhouse.

“Daniel!”Hescreamedtheword,buthemightaswellhavewhisperedforallthegooditdid.The

deckwasinchaosandthemastcrasheddown,clippingDanielandknockinghimtothewetdeck.

The ship pitched back the other direction, and Talon surged forward. He knelt beside Daniel,

pullinghisheadintohislap.Bloodstreakedhisbrother’stemple,andtherewasahugeknotonthesideof
hishead.

“Daniel,”hemuttered,shakinghim.“Daniel,wakeup.”
Daniel lay silent and still. Talon placed trembling fingertips to his brother’s pale throat, but he

couldn’tfeelanything,noteventhefaintestbeatoflife.

Hewasstunnedbyhissenseofloss.Evenaftertoday’sbetrayal,eventhoughhewantedKatefor

hisown,hehadn’twantedittoendthisway.NomatterwhatSutcliffethought,overthelastfewweeks
he’dgrowncertainheandDanielsharedthesameblood.

Justwhenhe’dgivenupandwasloweringDaniel’sheadbacktothedeck,hisbrothermoanedand

hiseyesflutteredopen.“Whathappened?”

Talonclosedhiseyesinthanksgiving.“Ithoughtyouwereagoner,Daniel.”
Danielgaveaweaklaugh.“Idon’tplanonmakingitthateasyforyou.”
“Canyoustand?Weneedtogetthehelloffthisship.Nowthatthemastisgone,it’sjustamatter

oftimebeforeitgoesunder.”

Danielnodded.“I’mallright.”
“Good.Makeyourwaytotheskiffthat’sfarthestaft,andI’llgogetKate.”

ChapterEighteen

Thecabindoorcrashedopen.Katejumped,hernervesonedge,thenrelaxedwhenshesawitwas

onlyTalon.Hestoodinthedoorway,hisgazerivetedonherface,thenusedhisfoottoslamtheportal
closedbehindhim.

Hewassoakingwet,hishairplasteredtohishead,hisclothesoutliningeverylean,muscledinch

ofhisbody.Despiteheranger,shestillappreciatedhisstarkmalebeauty.Hisfatherhadchosenhimwell.
Hewaseverythingshe’deverwanted.

“What’s going on? What was that noise?” Just after Daniel had left, the entire ship had given a

violentshudder,andherfearofthestormeclipsedherearlierfury.

“Lightning hit the mast.” He rubbed his hand over his face and leaned against the door for a

moment.“Theshipisgoingdown.Weneedtogettoalifeboat.”

“Theshipissinking?”Sheshookherhead,unabletobelievehim.“That’snotfunny.”
“It’snojoke.”Hestrodetohistrunkandbeganpullingthingsout.“Gochangeintothosetrousers

youworewhenyoufirstcameonboard.Bequick.Grabthequiltoffyourbunkandanythingelseyouthink
mightbeuseful.”

Shestaredathim,shockedatthesharpnessofhistone.He’dneverspokentoherthiswaybefore.
“Now!”hesnapped.“We’rerunningoutoftime.”
She scrambled to her feet, spurred into action by the truth in his eyes. The ship is sinking. This

wasn’t the time to tell him how much he’d hurt her. She hurried into her cabin and donned the boy’s
clothingthengrabbedherheaviestcloakandthequilt.

When she returned to the sitting room, Talon was going through Daniel’s trunk. She blinked in

surprisewhenhepulledoutarevolverandtuckeditintothewaistbandofhistrousers.

“I’mready.Where’sDaniel?”
“Daniel should already be in the boat.” His voice was harsh, leaving no room for questions or

accusations.

Butshecouldn’tresistonelittlejabtolethimknowhowfuriousshewas.“DidhetellyouIknow

aboutyourlies?”

Talonpausedandgaveheralong,searchinglook.“Yes.Butthere’snotimeforthisnow.Wehave

togettoalifeboatbeforetherearen’tanyleft.”

He strode toward her, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the door. His hand was gentle

despitehisharriedmanner,butsheshookitoff.“Don’ttouchme.Don’tevertouchmeagain.”

“Allright,”hemurmured,eyeingherasthoughshe’dlosthermind.“Butyouhavetocomewith

menow.Goaheadandhateme.Ideserveit.Butplease,justdoasIsayforthenexttenminutes.”

Shenodded,andheprecededheroutintothenarrowpassageway.Shefollowedhim,shockedto

findthecorridorfullofankledeep,ice-coldwater.Shefoughttostayonherfeetastheshipswayedand
buckedbeneaththem.Heclimbedthestepsthatledtothehatch,waitingatthetop.

“It’sgoingtoberoughoutthere.Iknowyoudon’twanttotouchme,butifthewindistoomuch,

don’thesitatetograbmyhand.Idon’twantyoublownoverboard.”

As soon as he’d finished speaking, he opened the hatch, letting in the ferocious wind and rain.

Kategaspedandswepthercloakaroundhershoulders.Itwasnearlyimpossibletobattleherwayacross
thedeckbyherself,andshefoundherselfclingingtoTalon’swaist,lettinghimpullherforwardthrough
thechaos.

Noneofthemenevenglancedinherdirection,butitseemedaneternitybeforeTalonreachedthe

skiff.Hestoppedsosuddenlysheslammedupagainsthim.

“Damnit,”hecursed,pryinghimselfaway.“Stayhere,”hebellowed,strugglingtobeheardover

theroarofthewind.Hewrappedherfreezingfingersaroundtherail.“Holdon.I’llberightback.”

Then, to her shock, he kissed her, fierce and hard. Before she had a chance to protest, he was

gone.Sheclungtotherail,blinkingtoseethroughthedrivingrainashemadehiswaytoalifeboatbeing
loweredjusttenfeetaway.

He waved his arms, yelling something, but the wind stole his words away. One of the men

scrambledbackuptheropeandswunghisbeefyarminTalon’sdirection.Talonblockedthepunchand
thenpulledoutthegun,aimingitatthesailor’sface.

Thebattleofwillslastedseveralseconds,butthenthetwomengotoutoftheboat.Talongestured

inherdirection,andsherealizedhewantedhertojoinhim.Shepulledherselfdowntherail,everystepa
battle.

“Itoldthemtofindtheirowndamnedboat.I’vealreadyprovisionedthisone,”heyelledwhenshe

wasmerefeetawayfromhim.“Idon’tknowwhereDanielis.Ifhedoesn’tgetherefast,we’llhaveto
leavewithouthim.”

She nodded, wondering why it mattered. The sea rose toward the deck like some nightmarish

monster.Thetinylifeboatwouldneverstayafloatinthisragingmaelstrom.Theywereallgoingtodie.

Hepointedtowherethelifeboathungsuspendedabovetheseethingwaves.“You’llhavetojump

forit,Kate.”

Jumpforit?Itseemedimpossible,butonelookintohisflintyeyesconvincedher.Therewasno

otherway.

Shejumped.

*****

TalonhesitatedforseveralminutesafterKatewassafelyaboardtheskiff,searchingthepitching

deckforanysignofhisbrother.Danielwasnowheretobeseen.Hadthatblowtotheheadbeenworse
thanhe’dthought?HadDanielbeensweptoverboardwhileTalonwasbelowgatheringKate?

Ifhisbrotherwasstillalive,he’dbeherebynow,wouldn’the?
Surely,herealizedtheseriousnessoftheirsituation.
His gaze caught and held on several men who were making their way toward him, that bastard

McGuire in the lead. Cursing under his breath, he waited for one moment more, searching the chaos
desperatelyforaglimpseofDaniel.Thenheleaptintothelifeboatandreleasedit,lettingitfallintothe
churningfuryoftheoceanbelow.

Theywerethrownagainsttheshipthentossedaway,asinsubstantialasapieceofseaweed.He

glancedoveratKateandsawthathereyeswerehugeinthepaleovalofherface.

Sheyelledsomething,buthecouldn’thearher.Itdidn’tmatter.Heknewwhatshewasasking.She

wantedtoknowwhyhe’dleftDanielbehind.

Theanswerwasfarfromsimple.Ifthereweren’tsomanyotherthingstoworryabout,heknew

he’dberackedwithguilt.ButsearchingforDanielwouldhavemeantlosingtheskiff,andhewassure
DanielwouldhavewantedhimtosaveKate.Danielwouldn’thavewantedallthreeofthemtodie.

Hewantedtoreassureher,tellhereverythingwasgoingtobeallright,buthewasn’tcertainof

thathimself.He’dlivedontheseamostofhislife,andtherehadbeenmanytimeswhenithadchallenged
him,madehimfighttosurvive.Alwayshe’demergedvictoriousandexhilaratedbythebattle.

This time was different. He didn’t have a beautiful, seventeen

‐mast schooner and a crew of

seventyable

‐bodiedmenathisside.Hehadonlyaskiff,hisstrengthandhiswits.

Itdidn’tseemnearlyenough.
Katehuddledbeneathhercloak,soakedbytherain,buffetedbythewind,herlovelyeyesfilled

withaccusation.Ifshedied,itwouldbehisfault.He’dmadehertrusthimandthenbetrayedthattrust.

Ifonlyshehadn’tfoundoutthetruth.Ifshe’djustlookathimwithloveonemoretime,hemightbe

abletopulloffthemiracleitwouldtaketogetthemtoshore.

Hehatedthisfeelingofimpotence.Therewasnothinghecoulddorightnow,nothingbuthangon.

Thewaveswouldcontinuetotossthemwheretheywilleduntilthestormdieddown.Bythen,theycould
be hundreds of miles from land, stranded in the middle of the Atlantic, dying slowly as their food and
waterranout.

He rubbed his burning eyes, praying they lived through this, hoping he hadn’t made the biggest

mistakeofhislifebytakingKateofftheship.Hewantedachancetotellherabouthiscrew.Hewantedto
tellherwhathadmotivatedhisbetrayalandbeghertoforgivehim.

Everythinghadseemedsosimplethismorning,andheclungashardashecouldtothememoryof

the peace that had washed over him when he’d realized how much he loved her. He refused to believe
he’druinedeverythingirreparably.Becauseifshewouldn’tgivehimasecondchance,whatwasthepoint
ofhangingon?Whatwasthepointofliving?

*****

KatehuddledbeneathherraincoatandglaredatTalonthroughthesheetingrain.Hewasinsane.

He’dtakenherofftheship,which,whilebroken,wasstillamuchsaferplacetobethanthisspeckofa
lifeboat. Any minute they could capsize and be tossed into the sea with nothing to hang on to but each
other.

Atthispoint,she’dratherdrownthanhangontoTalonMontgomery.
Shewasstrangelycalmconsideringthefactthatshe’dlosthervirginity,hadherheartbroken,and

leftherhusbandtodieallinthespaceofoneday.

“You’regoingtogetuskilled.”Shedidn’tevenknowshe’dspokenthewordsoutlouduntilTalon

turnedinherdirectionandcuppedhisear.

“What?”Theroaringwindandcrashingwavesmadeitalmostimpossibletohearhim.
“You’re going to get us killed,” she screamed. “I can’t believe I came with you. Not after all

you’vedone.”

He made a slashing motion with his hand. “I can’t hear you. Can’t this wait until the wind dies

down?”

“Whatifthewindneverdiesdown?Whatifweenduponthebottomofthesea?”Shewasstill

screaming,herfrustrationrisingbecausesheknewhewasonlyhearinghalfherwords.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” He moved forward and grabbed her arms, shaking her a

little,hisblueeyesintense.“IswearI’llgetustoshore.”

Shestaredathim.“Idon’tbelieveyou.I’llneverbelieveanythingyousayagain.”
Painflashedinhiseyes,andhereleasedher.Hesaidsomething,butshedidn’thearitbecausea

hugewavewashedoverthem,drenchingtheboatwithicywater.Itfilledhernoseandmouth,makingher
chokeandgaspforair.

Drowningwasahorriblewaytodie,shethought,strugglingtobreathe.Shedidn’twantherlifeto

endthisway.

Talonforcedabucketintoherhands.“Bail,”heyelledquitedistinctly.“Iknowyouhateme,butI

needyourhelp.Ifyoudon’tbailforallyou’reworth,wewillendupatthebottomofthesea.”

*****

The storm continued throughout the night, but as dawn broke, the seas calmed. Talon glanced at

Kate,whobailedmechanicallyontheothersideofthesmallboat.Herheaddroopedwithexhaustion,her
handsmovingindependentlyofhermind.

Hereachedoutandstoppedher,puttinghishandsonhers,stunnedbyhowcoldtheywere.“It’sall

right,Kate.It’sallright.Youcanstopnow.”

Shelookedupathim,hereyesglassyandunfocused.Heyearnedtopullhercloseandsharehis

bodyheat.Butshewouldn’tappreciatethatevennow,sohefoughttheimpulse.

Instead, he reached beneath the seat and pulled out the bundle of blankets and clothes he’d kept

dry with a large piece of oilcloth. He spread the oilcloth across the wet hull and then placed several
blanketsontopofit.

“Liedownforawhile.Getsomerest.”
Shenoddedandcrawledtothemakeshiftbed.“Whataboutyou?Shouldn’tyourest,too?”
He shook his head. “I need to figure out where we are and start trying to row toward land. We

weren’tfarfromshorewhenthestormhit,butwecouldhavebeensweptahundredmilesfartheroutlast
night.”

“Wecouldstilldie,couldn’twe?Wecouldjustdriftouthereuntilwedieofthirstorhunger.”
Hehatedtheresignationinhervoice.Hadhedonethattoher?Shehadoncebeensuchafighter.

“Wehaveplentyoffoodandfreshwater.We’llmakeit.Justhavealittlefaithinme.”

“IwishIcould,”shewhispered,closinghereyes.“IwishyouwerehalfthemanIoncethought

youwere.”

ChapterNineteen

Talonblinkedandthenblinkedagain.Disbelieving,hebroughthishandtohiseyesandgavethem

avigorousrub.Whenhelookedagain,itwasstillthere,adarksmudgeonthehorizonthatcouldonlybe
land.

“Kate.”Hisvoicewasharshandraspyfromlackofsleep.Byhiscalculations,ithadbeenalmost

threedayssincethey’dabandonedtheship,andhehadn’tsleptatall.

HereachedoutandtouchedKate’sshoulder,shakingherawake.
For a long moment, she resisted his efforts, but then she made a small sound of alarm and

scrambledtoherknees,makingtheboatrock.“Whatisit?What’swrong?”

Hecouldn’tcontrolawidegrin.Somehow,withnothingmorethanacompassandsheerwill,he’d

broughtthemtodryland.Elationsurgedthroughhim,chasingawaytheself

‐doubthe’dwallowedinfor

thelastfewdays.“Wemadeit,sweetheart.We’regoingtobeallright.”

Katestaredupathim,confusiondarkeninghersleepygreeneyes.“Wemadeit?”
He slipped his arm around her shoulder and tipped her chin toward the west with his fingertip.

Thenarrowstripoflandwasbecomingmorevisiblebythemoment.“Land.Rightthere.”

Foramoment,sherelaxedagainsthim,herwarmthandsoftnessabalmtohisbruisedsoul.Then

shejerkedaway.“Itoldyounevertotouchme.”

Talon’smomentaryelationdisappeared.He’dbeenafooltothinkshe’dforgivenhimjustbecause

he’dmanagedtogethersafelytoshore.Hell,shestillbelievedtheywouldhavebeensaferontheship.

Hereachedfortheoars.“Youwin,”hetoldher,fightingtherenewedpainofherrejection.“Ifyou

wantmetokeepmydistance,Iwill.Butdon’tturntomewhenyourhatewon’tkeepyouwarmatnight.”

Shestiffenedhershoulders,butnotbeforehesawthetremorthatrockedherslimbody.“Howcan

youactasthoughI’mtheoneatfault?IgaveyoueverythingIhadtogive.Myheart,mytrust,mybody.I
lovedyou.”Hervoicebroke,andsheliftedhergazetomeethis.“HowdidyouexpectmetoreactwhenI
discoveredyou’dpurposelysetouttoseduceme?Thateverylook,everytouch,everywordbetweenus
wasalie?”

Talon’s hands itched with the need to touch her, so he rowed with every ounce of strength that

remainedinhisbatteredbody.“Ineverliedtoyou.Imayhavekeptsometruthsfromyou,butIdidn’tlie.”

Shegaveabitterlaugh.“Howcanyoulookmeintheeyesandsaysuchthings?DoyouthinkI’ma

fool?”

Frustrationcoursedthroughhim.“Youhaven’tgivenmeachancetoexplain.”

“YouthinkIshouldletyouexplain?”Hervoicerangoutoverthewater,incredulous.“Whatcould

youpossiblysaytoexcusewhatyourfamilyhasdonetome?”

Talonfeltanotherlittlepieceofhissoulshrivelupanddie.Shewastheonewhohadlied.Ifshe

reallylovedhim,shewouldhearhimout.Shewouldtrusthimalittle.

“Iwasfacinglifeinprison,”hegroundoutbetweenclenchedteeth.“Theearlofferedmeaway

out.SeducingawomanIdidn’tevenknowseemedasmallpricetopay.”

“And now?” Tears streaked unheeded down her sunburned cheeks. “Does the price of your

freedomseemsocheapnow?”

Heshookhishead.“Ihadtomakeadecisiontheothernight.Therewasmoreatstakethanyour

innocence.Therewasmoreatstakethanmyprideandsenseofhonor.”

“You have no honor. I know exactly what was at stake. An estate in Carolina. A way for a boy

fromthestreetstobetterhimself.”

Talonsatback,stunned.He’dnearlyforgottenaboutHolyoke.He’dnevermeanttoacceptit,had

givenuphisdreamsthemomenthisfatherhadoffereditasatawdrybribe.

ButDanielhadleftnostoneunturnedinhismissivetoPhilipCarrington.Hecouldonlyimagine

howdamninghisbrotherhadmadehisbehaviorsound.

“Iwouldneverhavehurtyouthiswaytogainanestate.Ifyoucanthinkthat,youneverlovedme.

Youneverevenknewme.”

Kateflinchedandthenturnedherfacebacktowardshore.Thestiffnessinhershoulderstoldhim

she wouldn’t listen to any more excuses. She wouldn’t believe him if he told her about his men. She’d
thinktheywereaninventiontogainbackhertrust.

Well,hewasthroughbegging.He’dlivedwithoutlovehisentirelife.He’dbeenafooltoreach

foritnow.

He forced his exhausted muscles to pull toward the beach. The sooner they reached land, the

soonerhecouldputKatebackonashiptoEngland.

*****

Kate scrambled out of the skiff before Talon had finished rowing it in to the barren, deserted

shore.Herabruptdisembarkmentleftthesmallboatrockingwildly,butshedidn’tcare.

Shehadtogetout.Fordays,she’dthoughttheywouldfloatforever.
She’dbeencertainshe’ddiewithouteverwalkingondrylandagain.
Talonletoutastringofcursesashefoughttokeeptheboatfromcapsizing.“Whatthehellareyou

doing?”

Sheignoredhim,splashingthroughthelastfewfeetoficywaterandthenrunningseveralyardsup

the beach. Sinking to her knees, she pressed her forehead against the grainy white sand in utter
thanksgiving.Thetearsofreliefandregretshe’dbeenholdingbackcameinarush,streamingdownher
cheekswhileharshsobsrackedherbody.

She was alive! They had made it despite impossible odds, and she was suddenly ashamed of

herselfforthehorriblethingsshe’dsaidtoTalon.Hemighthaveseducedher,buthehadalsosavedher
life.

If he was the heartless bastard she’d accused him of being, he would have left her to die with

Daniel.He’dhadnothingtogainbybringingheralong.

The boat glided up on the beach, and Talon got out. He traipsed back and forth, carrying the

suppliesfromtheboattoasmallstandofstrange-lookingtreesaboutfiftyfeetinland.

Hemadenoattempttostopandaskherifshewasallright.
Upuntiltwentyminutesago,hewouldhave.Hewouldhavetriedonemoretimetoreachoutto

her,riskinghernastycomments.She’dfinallymanagedtopushhimaway.

Sheliftedherheadtoseehimkneelingbesideafewpiecesofwood,strugglingtomakeaspark

withapieceofflint.Shewatchedhimforseverallongmoments,herguiltgrowingasshenoticedtheutter
exhaustioninhiscloudyblueeyesandthedefeatedslumpinhisbroadshoulders.

In contrast, she thought of the excitement and confidence shining on his beautiful bruised face

whenhe’dwokenher.She’dtakenthatawayfromhim,afterhe’dgonewithoutsleepandmostofhisshare
ofthefoodandwaterforthelastfewdays.

Unsteady,shegottoherfeetandcrossedthedistancethatseparatedthem.Itfeltlikeadozenmiles

instead of a dozen yards. By the time she reached him, he’d managed to get the fire started. A small,
hungryflamelickedatthekindling,growingstrongerandbrighter.

It had been so long since she’d been warm. She longed to sit beside him and soak up the fire’s

meagerheat,butthereweretoomanythingsthatneededtobedone.Talonwasattheendofhisstrength.It
waslongpasttimetohelphim.

Despite the anger and resentment simmering between them, they had to work together. Reaching

drylanddidn’tguaranteesafety.Anynumberofthingscouldgowrongbeforetheymanagedtofindtheir
waybacktocivilization.

Shesortedthroughtheirsupplies,pleasedtoseetherewasenoughfoodandfreshwatertolasta

couplemoredays.Untilnow,shehadn’tappreciatedtheefforthehadmadetoseetheywereprepared.
Nowsheunderstoodwhyhe’dfoughtsohardtomakesuretheygotthisboat.

Shespreadouttheblankets,makingabedafewfeetawayfromthefire.Talonglancedather,and

shewonderedifhethoughtshewasonceagainputtingherneedsbeforehis.Shedidn’tblamehimifhe
did.Lordknewshehadn’tbeenatherbesttheselastfewdays.

Gatheringhercourage,shedugoutafreshpairofbreechesandawarmflannelshirt.“Here,”she

said,offeringtheclothesasagestureofpeace.“Whydon’tyouchangeoutofthosedampclothesandtry
tosleepforawhile?You’vebeenwatchingovermefordays.Letmetakecareofyounow.”

Heeyedherwarily,andthenhisgazeflickedpasther,restingonthebed.“No,yougoahead.It’s

goingtogetcoldtonight.Idon’twanttoletthefiregoout.”

“Icankeepthefiregoing.”Sheshookthedryclothesinhisdirection.“Comeon.Justtakealittle

nap.We’vegotafewhoursbeforedark.You’llbeofnousetomeifyoudropdeadfromexhaustion.”

He sighed and took the clothes from her hand. “I am tired,” he admitted, pulling his damp shirt

overhisheadandtossingitonthesand.

Shewatched,unabletotearhergazefromthebroad,goldenexpanseofhischest.Hefumbledwith

thebuttonsonthesoftflannel,lackinghisusualdexterity.Shebattedhishandsawayandbuttoneditfor
him,piercedwithlongingwhenherknucklesbrushedthesatinywarmthofhisskin.

“Thanks.”Hegaveherasearchinggazeandattemptedawrysmile.“Wouldyouliketohelpme

withmybreeches,too?”

Shepulledaway,rememberingallthereasonswhyshewasangrywithhim.“No,thankyou.Never

again.”

“Can’tblamemefortrying.”Heshookhisheadthencrawledovertotheblanketsandcollapsed

upontheminutterexhaustion.“Wakemewhenitgetsdark.I’llkeepthewildthingsatbay.”

“Youareoneofthewildthings,”shechided,reachingoverandtuckingtheblanketsaroundhim.

“Who’sgoingtokeepmesafefromyou?”

Hisbreathingdeepenedalmostimmediately,andshesatbackonherheels,watchinghisfacein

the flickering light. With a sigh, she returned to the fire, reflecting morosely on everything that had led
themtothismoment.

Hergazewasdrawnagaintothelongfanofhislushlashes,thebristlygrowthofbeardonhislean

jaw.Helookedsotousledandvulnerableinsleep.Evenaftereverythingthathadhappened,shehadto

fighttheurgetogotohimandsmooththeworriedfrownfromhisbrow.

Ifonlyshecouldbelievethethingshe’dtoldherthisafternoon.
He’dswornhe’dneverliedtoher.Shedidn’twanttoadmitshe’dbeenafool,sohungryforlove

andacceptanceshe’dmadeherselfaneasytarget.Butithadbeenpainfullyeasyforhimtowinhertrust.

Unfortunately, her trust had been a fragile thing. It had taken very little to destroy it. You never

loved me. You never even knew me. His words, and the disappointment lacing them, haunted her. He’d
madeitsoundasthoughherloveshouldhavebeenstrongerthanDaniel’srevelations.

But how dare he demand such blind loyalty when he’d never once told her that her love was

returned?Shesighedandburiedherfaceinherhands,ignoringtheencroachingdarkness.

Perhapssheshouldtrytorestrainherangerlongenoughtolistentowhateveritwashehadtosay.

Regardless,shewouldlethimsleepthroughthenight.Heneededhisstrengthforwhatlayahead.

ChapterTwenty

Talon came abruptly, violently awake. He sat up, staring into the darkness that surrounded him,

strugglingtogethisbearings.Wherethehellwashe?

Thesoundofthesea,socloseyetstrangelymuted,confusedhimfurther.Hadhefallenasleepand

letthelifeboatwanderoffcourse?

“Talon?” Kate’s voice pierced the darkness, and she touched his back, making him flinch. “Are

youallright?”

Heshiftedtofaceher,takinginthesmallfirethatburnedtohisleftandtheconcerninhereyes.

Thesoft,powderysubstancebeneathhishandsclickedintoplace.Sand.They’dmadeittodryland,and
Katehadinsistedhetakeanap.

Lettingoutashudderingsigh,hescrubbedhisfacewithatremblinghand.God,hewasasweak

andtiredashe’dbeenwhenhe’dfirstgottenoutofprison.“It’sdark.Youshouldn’thaveletmesleepso
long.”

“Actually,it’salmostdawn.”Therewasapoppingnoiseassheputanotherpieceofwoodonthe

firehe’dstartedyesterdayafternoon.“Youneededtorest.It’sallright.I’mnotafraidofthedark.”

“Almost dawn?” That meant he’d slept nearly twelve hours. She’d remained awake all night,

watchingoverhimandtendingthefire.

It confused him, made him feel strange and unsettled. Why was she being so kind? He’d rather

faceherangerthanthiscool,impersonalconcern.

Inanyevent,shelookedexhausted.Thedim,flickeringlightilluminatedthedarkshadowsunder

her eyes. “Come lie down with me. Don’t worry about the fire. We’ll be warm enough if we share the
blankets.”

He held his breath, wondering if she’d reject him again. To his relief, she nodded and scooted

acrossthefewfeetthatseparatedthem.

“Ihaven’tforgivenyou,”shewarned,crawlingundertheblanketsbesidehim.“Butyou’reright;if

we’retokeepfromfreezingtodeath,weneedtoshareourbodyheat.”

Deep tremors racked her slim body. She lay stiff beside him, her teeth chattering. Talon was

humbledtothinkshe’dsattherefreezingforhoursonendwhilehe’dlainhereobliviousbeneathahalf

‐

dozenblankets.

Ignoringhersoftprotest,hepulledherintothecircleofhisarms.“Youlittlefool,”hewhispered,

rubbinghischeekagainstherhair.“Forgiveme.Letmetakecareofyou.”

“IthinkperhapsIcanforgiveyou.ButIdon’tthinkI’lleverbeabletotrustyouagain.”
Itwasastart,morethanhedeserved.Heheldhertighter,thinkingofthenightthey’dmadelove,

wishing he’d had the foresight to tell her the truth then. “I’ll never abuse your trust again,” he vowed.
“AndI’llgetyoubacktoEngland.IswearIwill.”

“We’llsee.”Sheburrowedalittleclosertohimandpromptlyfellasleep.

*****

OfallthethingsKatelovedaboutTalon,wakingupinhisarmswasoneofthebest.Thatmuch

hadn’t changed. He exuded strength and warmth, and after going for days without those things, she was
reluctanttorelinquishthem.

She lay in his arms, pretending she was still asleep. While awake, she’d have to keep her

distance;fornow,though,shejustwantedtorestagainstTalon’sbroadchestandlistentothesteadybeat
ofhisheart.

Heatsearedhereyelids.Itwasprobablyafternoonalready.Thesealappedagainstthesandanda

fewstrange-soundingbirdscalledinthedistance.

Sheknewwhatshe’dseeifsheopenedhereyes.Strangetrees,whitesandandwaterthatseemed

tostretchontoeternity.Awholenewworld.Abeautiful,lost,lonelyplace.ItremindedherofTalon.

Nowonderheloveditso.
He’dcoaxedherintolyingbesidehimwithembarrassingease,butshewasn’tsorrytohaveleft

herpostinfrontofthefire.She’dsattheremostofthenight,watchinghimsleep,hislonglimbssprawled
outinbonelessexhaustion,wishingshe’dneverfoundDaniel’sletter.

Ifshehadn’t…Well,ifshehadn’t,thingswouldbesosimplerightnow.
She felt shockingly apathetic about Daniel’s death. Despite their differences, he’d been her

husband,andshe’dgrownfondofhimduringthelastfewweeks.Sheshouldbeweakwithgrief,butshe
couldn’tmanageanythingbutasenseofemptinessandloss.

Danielhadleftherawidow.IfTalonhadmeantthethingshe’dsaid,ifhelovedherasmuchas

shelovedhim,therewouldbenothingstandingbetweenthemnow.

Asifoncue,Talon’sarmstightenedaroundher,theslighttensioninhisbodygivinghimaway.He

wasawake,andheprobablyknewshewasawake,too.Sheshouldmoveaway.

Sheshouldmoveaway,butshedidn’t.Sheremainedstill,lostinmemoriesofhistouchandkiss.

Theremustbesomethingwrongwithhertowanthimsobadlyafterallhe’ddone.

“Kate?”Hernamewasamerebreathofsound,hislipsbarelymovingagainstherhair.
She said nothing, her pulse jumping as his hand slid stealthily from her waist to her chest. His

fingertipsfoundhernipplethroughthesalt-roughenedmaterialoftheboy’sshirtshewore.

Thistime,therewasnotightbindingtoprotecther;therewasnothingbutathinlayerofclothand

herownwill,whichseemedtohavedesertedher.Allshehadtodowaspullaway,tellhimnottotouch
her,andsheknewhewouldreleaseher.Hewouldneverforcehimselfonher.

Hepluckedatherbreast,causinganansweringtwingedeepinherwomb.Heshiftedagainsther,

and she felt the hard press of his erection against her hip. Startled, she opened her eyes, and her gaze
lockedwithhis.

“Iknewyouwereawake.”Anoteofsatisfactionlacedhisvoice.“Lookmeintheeyesandtellme

youdon’twantme.”

Itwouldhavebeenimpossibleifheweren’tsosmug.
“Idon’twantyou.”Shovingaway,shegottoherfeetandstrodetothefire,tryingtostirsomelife

intotheembers.

Hegroanedandthumpedhisheadbackagainstthesand.“Andyoucallmealiar?”

Sheignoredhim.Inwardly,sheberatedherselffornotpullingawaythemomentshe’dwokenup.

Shecouldhavesavedherselfthisembarrassment.

Silencereignedbehindherforseverallongmoments.ThenTalonheavedahugesighandjoined

heratthefire.

“Here, let me. You’ll never get it going that way.” He produced the flint from his pocket and

startedstrikingit,hisbrowsdrawntogetherinanominousfrown.“Ifyouwanttohelp,youcangogather
somemoredrywood.”

Hergazewanderedfromhisgrimface,stillbatteredfromwhenhe’dsavedthatlittleboy,tothe

enormousbulgethrustingagainstthefrontofhissandybreeches.“Yes,ofcourse,”shemurmured,backing
away.“I’llbebackinaminute.”

“Don’tgotoofar.Keepmeinsight.”
Kateforcedbackahystericallaugh.Keephiminsight?Thesightofhimwasbrandedagainstthe

backofhereyelids.Itwouldbethereuntilthedayshedied.

Shestrodeupthebeachacouplehundredyardsandthenduckedbehindatreetotakecareofher

personalneeds.Shetookhertimecomingback,gatheringasmuchwoodasherarmscouldhold.Bythe
timeshereturned,Talon’sbodyhadreturnedtonormal.

Shedumpedthewoodinapilebesidehim.“Doyouhaveanyideawhereweare?”
He glanced up, his dusky lashes tangling at the corners. “I believe we’re somewhere along the

AtlanticcoastoftheCarolinas.Ofcourse,Icouldbewrong.Wecouldbestrandedonsomelittlebarrier
island.”

“Wonderful,”shemuttered,sittingdownbesidehim.Hergazedriftedtothestandoftrees.What

laybeyond?Indians,wildanimals?Sheshiveredandstaredbackintothefire.“Whatdowedonow?”

Heshrugged.“Ithoughtwe’dspendonemorenighthere,resting.Thenwe’llgetbackintheboat

andheadnorthalongthecoastline,stoppingtomakecamponthebeacheverynightuntilwereachsome
sortofsettlement.Ifthisisanisland,we’lljusthavetocontinuetorowwest.”

Hershouldersslumped.Lord,shehopedthiswasn’tanisland.Infact,shehopedtheywereonlya

few miles from civilization. Because if she had to spend more than a few more days with him, she’d
forgethowmuchshehatedhimandrememberhowmuchshe’doncelovedhim.

*****

Talongazedintothefire,chewingasslowlyashecould,consideringhehadn’teatenathingfor

nearly four days. Kate sat to his right, picking at the rabbit he’d snared earlier. He was determined to
matchherpaceinsteadofbehavingliketheanimalhefelthimselfbecoming.

She’dbeencivilallafternoon,buthe’dkepthisdistance,embarrassedbythismorning’sfiasco.

Whenhe’dawoken,he’dbeenhardandachingasheusuallywas.TouchingKatehadseemedasnaturalas
breathing.

Ithadbeenaterriblemistake.Onceagain,he’dopenedhimselfuptorejection.
“I’vebeenthinkingaboutDaniel.”Kate’svoicesurprisedhimoutofhisbitterthoughts.
“You’refreeofhimnow.Isn’tthatwhatyouwanted?”
Shedrewinasharpbreath.“Ofcoursenot.Atleast,notthisway.”
“Whatway,then?Didyouhavesomeotherplantogetridofhim?”
Talonwasthroughbeingpolite,throughtryingtowinbackKate’slove.Itwasbetterifshesaw

himforwhathetrulywas.Aheartlessbastard.

“Howcanyoutalkabouthimthisway?Hewasyourbrother.”Kate’sgreeneyeswerewidewith

hurtandaccusation.

“Danielwasn’tmybrotheranymorethanhewasyourhusband.Theonlyreasonheeverlowered

himselftospeaktomewastothreatenandcajolemeintoseducingyou.”

TalonforcedhimselftoforgetthetimesDanielhadconfidedinhimandthetentativecamaraderie

they’dsharedtowardtheend.HewantedtobelieveDanielhadalwayshadanulteriormotive.

ButanuglylittlevoiceinthebackofhismindkeptremindinghimthatDanielhadbeentherefor

himduringhisfightwithMcGuire.

“Iknowyoucaredforhim.Youwerebecomingfriends.”Kategavehimaperceptiveglance,her

gazesearchingandsympathetic.“It’sallrighttoadmityou’llmisshim.I’llmisshim,too.”

“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutme.”Talonshookhishead,overwhelmedwiththeguiltofleaving

Danielbehind.“Iwillnotmisshim.”

Katelookedaway,blinkingbacktears.“Nevermind.IguessIwaswrong.Youprobablydidn’t

careforhimanymorethanyoucaredforme.”

“Thinkwhateveryoulike.Ijustdon’tgiveadamnanymore.”
Hershouldersslumpedindefeat.“I’mgoingtosleepnow.”Shethrewhimanangryglare.“Idon’t

wanttowakeupwithyourhandsonme,Talon.Noteveragain.”

“Youwon’t,”hetoldher,staringbackintothefire.“I’velearnedmylesson.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Kateblewasweat-soakedstrandofhairoutofhereyes,stiflingagroanofpuremisery.Shewas

hot,filthyandinfinitelytiredofdriftingalonginthisbloodyboat.Herskinwaschappedanddry,burnt
fromthepunishingraysofthesun.

Talon’stense,bittersilencewasdrivingherinsane.Sincethenightthey’dfoughtaboutDaniel,he

hadn’tspokenmorethanahandfulofwords.Ifsheaskedhimadirectquestion,hegaveherayesorno
response,andheissuedacurtcommandortwowhentheymadecamponthebeacheachnight,butthat
wasit.

Heactedasthoughshe’dhurthim,whichwasridiculous.
Hesatacrossfromher,bare

‐chested,hismusclesflexingbeneathanexpanseofsun-bronzedskin,

thecrispwhorlsofdarkhairdampwithsweat.Hisstrengthandenduranceamazedher.Sheknewhewas
exhausted,butstillhepressedon.

Probablybecausehewantedtobefreeofher.
Unabletobearthesilenceanymore,sheaskedthequestionthathadbeenhauntingherfordays.

“Whydidyoubothertotakemeoffthatship,Talon?Whydidn’tyouleavemetodiewithDaniel?”

“InevermeanttoleaveDanielbehind.Itoldhimtomeetusatthatlifeboat.”Hestoppedrowing,

swipingthesweatfromhiseyeswithhisforearm.“Christ,doyoureallythinkI’dhaveletyoudie?”

“I don’t see why not,” she answered. “With Daniel gone, your father will probably leave you

something. An estate. Money. Why leave me alive? It doesn’t make any sense. I’ll only give him
somethingelsetoholdoveryourhead.IfI’mnotpregnant,you’llhavefailedtodoasheasked.I’msure
hewon’tbeveryhappyaboutthat.”

Shedidn’tknowwhyshewaspushinghimsohard,butshewasdesperatetocrackthaticyveneer.

Shewantedtomakehimangry,wantedhimtoshowhersomethingofhistrueself,hisrealemotions.

Talongaveheracoldsmile.“Well,Iwasn’tthinkingtooclearlyatthetime.I’msureifI’dthought

about it as much as you have, I would have left you there. In fact, now that you’ve brought it to my
attention,I’llhavetothinkofawaytogetridofyou.”

Kateswallowed,wonderingifshe’dgonetoofar.Shesearchedhisface,whichsuddenlylooked

faintlysinisterdisguisedbythefadingbruisesandnearlyaweek’sworthofthick,blackbeard.Itwasas
ifallthetrappingsofcivilizationhadfallenaway.Thismanlookedeveryinchthebloodthirstypirate.

Andshewasentirelyathismercy.
“Nothingtoobloody,Ihope.”Shesmiled,tryingtobringhumorintotheirconversation,missing

thedayswhenshe’dfeltcomfortablewithhim.

Heignoredher,pickinguptheoarsandrowingwithrenewedvigor.Silencelapsedbetweenthem

onceagain,andherapprehensiongrew.GoodLord.Washetrulythinkingofwaystodispatchher?

Suddenly,helettheoarsclattertothebottomoftheboatandleanedforward,pinningherwithhis

furiousgaze.“Damnit,Kate.SometimesIwouldliketokillyou.I’dliketoplacemyhandsaroundyour
prettylittlethroatandsqueezeuntilyoushutup,squeezeuntilyoustoplookingatmeasifI’mamonster.”
Heshookhishead.“Ineverclaimedtobeahero.”

Helookedsotired,soutterlydrained,thatallhernervousnessdisappearedandshewasforcedto

rememberallhiskindnessestoher.

“Ifyouwantmetoquitlookingatyouthatway,thengivemeonereasontotrustyouagain,one

excuse that makes any sense at all.” She implored him with her eyes, begging him to set her world to
rights.Shedidn’twanttobelieveherloveforhimhadbeencompletelyunwarranted.

Hesighedandlookedaway.Amuscleinhisjawclenched.“There’sapartofmethatwantstotell

youeverything,falldownonmykneesandbegyoutobelieveinmeagain.”

Sheheldherbreath,hopingagainsthopethatshe’dfinallybrokenthroughhisdefenses.
Talonmethergazeandshookhishead.“Thetimefortrustandloveandexplanationshaspassed.

Wecan’tgobacktothewayitwas.Itwillonlybeharderonbothofusintheendifwetry.”

*****

Talonremainedmutetherestoftheday,concentratingontheacheinhisshouldersinsteadofthe

piercingpaininhisheart.

Katehadaskedhimforthetruth,hadgivenhimtheperfectopportunitytotellherhowhisfather

hadblackmailedhim.

Unfortunately,herquestionshadmadehimthinkaboutwhatwouldhappenoncetheyfoundtheir

wayoutofthewilderness.

ShewasprobablyrightaboutSutcliffe.Ifshewasn’tpregnant,hisfatherwoulddeemthemission

afailureandfollowthroughwithhisthreats.

Eitherthat,orhe’dforceTalontotryagain.
Hestaredatherthroughtheshiftingflames,watchingasshespreadoutherblankets.Shelooked

upandmethisgaze,herexpressionlostandlonely.“Thiscountryissowild,sohuge.SometimesIthink
we’llbelostforever.”

He gripped his cup of coffee a little tighter, raising it to his lips and taking a bracing swallow.

“Stilldon’ttrustmetogetyoubacktoLondon?”

“Idon’tevenknowifIwanttogoback.There’snothingthereformenow.”
“There’snothingforyouhere,either.”Heforcedhimselftobebrutal,tampingdownacrazysurge

ofpleasurethatshewantedtostay.

He’d never be able to build a future in this country unless there was at least an ocean between

them.Otherwiseshe’dbetoomuchtemptation.

“What about you? Where will you go once you’ve seen me to safety? Will you continue on to

Holyoke?”

Questionsandmorequestions.Sheseemeddeterminedtotorturehimtoday.
“I doubt it.” Holyoke was ruined for him now, no matter what happened. “As you pointed out

earlier,SutcliffemightdecideIhaven’tearnedit.”

She bit her bottom lip. “What if I am pregnant? Will you take your prize and walk away? What

aboutyoursonordaughter?Willyouabandonyourchildthewayyourfatherabandonedyou?”

Shewasright.Soheartbreakinglyright.Hecouldn’tbearthethoughtofleavinghischildtogrow

upwithouthim.

Heclosedhiseyesagainstthesightofher.“Whatwouldyouhavemedo?Therewasatimeback

on the ship when I thought you were worth fighting for. I thought we’d found something rare and
wonderful.Iplannedtotellyouthetruthandbegyoutoforgiveme.”

“Whatmadeyouchangeyourmindaboutme?Aboutus?”
He shook his head, refusing to look at her, knowing if he met her earnest green gaze he would

shatterintoamillionpieces.“ItwasyourreactiontoDaniel’sletter.Yourlackoffaithinme.Wecould
trytostartoveragain,butitwouldneverbethesame.”

“Iunderstandwhyyoudon’twantmeanymore,butIneverthoughtyouwerethekindofmanwho

wouldwalkawayfromyourownchild.”Kate’svoicebroke.Shecurledinonherself,pullingtheblankets
uparoundhershoulders.“You’dbethekindoffatherneitherofushad.You’dbesternyetloving.You’d
givepiggybackridesandreadstories…”

Herwordspaintedsuchasweetpicture.Hethoughtofhergrowingupaloneandunlovedinthat

drearymausoleumofahouse,dreamingofafatherwho’dgiveherpiggybackridesandreadtoherbefore
shewenttobedatnight.

Histhroattightenedwithemotion.God,Ican’tdothis.Hecouldn’tremainaloof,couldn’tpretend

themerethoughtoflosingherwasn’tkillinghim.

“Idon’twantyoutoraiseourchildwithoutme.Ineverwantedthat.”Heputhisheadinhishands

andrubbedhisachingtemples.“Holyokewasn’tthereasonIseducedyou.Itwasneveraboutland,never
aboutmoney.”

He could sense her stillness. Her whole being was attuned to him, and he realized how much

she’dbeenlongingtohearwhathewasabouttosay.

“Iknow.I’msorryforallthethingsI’vesaid.Iwasjustsohurt,sofrightened.”
Herwordsgavehimtheabsolutionhe’dbeenwaitingfor.Nomatterwhathappened,hewanted

hertoknowwhathadmotivatedhim,wantedhertoknowhowmuchhadbeenatstake.

Heliftedhishead,meetinghergaze.Inhereyes,hesawsuchtrust,suchlove.Forthefirsttime,he

daredtohopeshemightbeabletoforgivehim.

“I’lltellyoueverything.AslongasyoucomeoverhereandletmeholdyouwhileItalk.”Itwasa

biggamble,andforamomenthethoughtithadbeenafoolishonetotake.Shestaredathimforalong,
longmomentthenstoodandcrossedtohisside,sinkingtoherkneesinthesandbesidehim.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Kate moved into the circle of Talon’s arms, her heart hammering at the thought of learning the

truth.Shewantedtoknowwhathe’dbeenhidingfromher,butshewasafraidhe’ddisappointher,afraid
she’dlearnherfaithinhimwasunwarranted.

“WhereshallIbegin?”
Shesighedandsnuggledcloser,determinedtolistenwithanopenmind.“Beginatthebeginning.”
Talonreachedforherhandandlacedhisfingerswithhers,squeezingtightly.“Ineverknewwho

my father was until the night my mother died. She told me the whole story then, how she’d been his
mistress,howhe’dcastherasidewhenshehadbecomepregnant.Butshewantedmetogotohim.Even
afterallthepainhe’dcaused,shethoughthe’dtakeonelookatmeandbeunabletoturnmeaway.Ican’t
believeIwasfoolishenoughtobelieveher.”

“You were just a child,” Kate whispered, her heart breaking already. “It’s not foolish to expect

yourownfathertoprovideforyou.”

“Hesentmepacking,ofcourse.Offeredmeafewpounds,butIdidn’ttakeit.InsteadIwentdown

tothedocksandfoundmyselfajobworkingasacabinboy.”

She squeezed his hand even tighter, wanting to say something, but unwilling to do anything to

interruptthishaltingglimpseintohischildhood.

“It wasn’t a bad life. The captain was a good man and I got to see the world, places I’d never

evendreamedof.Ihadquiteabitoffreetime,andhedidmethetremendousfavorofteachingmehowto
read.”

Talonlookedupather,brushingalockofhairoutofhiseyes.“Iworkedmywayupthroughthe

ranks. Then, when I eighteen, our ship was attacked by some some American pirates. I was given the
choice of dying or joining them.” He gave her a rueful look. “Well, you know my choice. Eventually, I
workedmywayupthere,too.Ibecamefirstmate,andthen,whenwetookaparticularlyrichprize,we
seizedtheshipandthecaptainofferedtogivememyowncommand.IgatheredawholecrewofmenI
knewIcouldtrust.Thosemenweremyfamily,Kate.TheonlyoneI’deverknown.”

Katewassurprisedbythepassioninhisvoicewhenhespokeofhisjourneyfromstreeturchinto

pirate captain. Perhaps Sutcliffe’s rejection had been a good thing. It explained why he’d seemed so
different,sofairandkindcomparedtohisfatherandbrother.

“So,thereIwaswithmyownshipandacrewofloyalmen.Iwasmakingagoodlivingandit

should have been enough, but it wasn’t. I was tired of the cramped spaces and the lack of privacy. I
started dreaming of a home, a family, all the things I’d never had, all the things I thought my father had
stolenfromme.”

Ahome.Afamily.DearGod,howshewantedtobetheonetosharethosethingswithhim.
“I dreamed too big. I set my sights on a grand plantation a few miles outside of Charleston…

Holyoke.Theownerhaddiedandtheheirswereaskingafairprice.Istartedimaginingmyselfthereand
decidedtodoeverythingittooktobuyit.Itooksomerisks,pushedmyshipandmymentoohard.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know why the British Navy came after us. I didn’t even realize the

dangertheyposeduntilitwastoolate.WewerechargedwithpiracyandthrowninprisoneventhoughI
hadaletterofmarque.IwassodesperatetosavemymenIevensentwordtotheearl,hopinghe’dhelp,
buthedidn’treply.Wewerefoundguiltyandtheyexecutedmycrew,butforsomereasonIwasspared.
TheytookmebacktoNewgateandthrewawaythekey.”

Shepressedatenderkisstothebackofhishands.“Oh,Talon.”
“It killed me. I thought I’d lost everything. So, when Sutcliffe told me he’d intervened on my

crew’sbehalf,savingthemfromthegallows,Iwaswillingtodowhateverittooktokeepthemsafe.”

“He saved them in order to get you to seduce me.” She understood now. She understood

completely,butitstillhurttosaythewords.

Alookofutterpainandlosscrossedhisstarkfeatures.“Heputmymenononeofhisownships

sohecouldcontrolthem.IfyouandIdon’tprovidehimwithanheir,he’llmakesuremymenreallydo
hang.”

Kate hugged him. “You did what you had to do. There was no other choice. My virtue hardly

comparestothelivesofallthosemen.”

“I’msosorry.”Hisarmstightenedconvulsively,andsheburiedherfaceagainsthiswarm,broad

chest.“Iwishyouhadn’tbeencaughtinthemiddleofit.”

Sheliftedherfaceandbrushedatenderkisstohismouth.“Iloveyou,Talon.I’veneverstopped

lovingyou.”

Hegaveherawarylook,clearlyyearningforherforgiveness,butafraidtogivetoomuchaway.

Shethoughtofthemotherlessboyhe’dbeen,andherheartbled.

“I’msoalonewithoutyou.”Shebrushedthefaintpurplebruiseonhischeekwithherfingertips,

feelingthewarmthofhisskinandtherough,darkbristleofhisbeard.“You’rethebestfriendI’veever
had.”

Heshudderedathertouch.“Ah,Kate.Itseemslikealifetimesinceyoutouchedmelikethis.”
Ithadseemedlikealifetimetoher,too.
Emboldenedbyhishuskywords,sheletherhandstrailfromhisfacetohisshoulders.Holdinghis

smokygaze,shecaressedhischest,lovingthefeelofhishard,thickmuscles,thinkingofeverymoment
during the last week when she’d longed to put her hands on all this golden, silky skin. “Take off your
shirt,”shewhispered,stunnedbyherownaudacity.

Hequicklydidasshe’daskedthenstood,sweepingherintohisarmsandcarryingherbackover

tothespotwhereshe’dlainherblankets.

Kneeling,hemadeshortworkoftheboy’sclothingsheworeandthenshedhisowntrousersas

well.Naked,hestretchedoutbesideher,givingheralookfullofsimmeringpromise.

Hergazesweptoverhim,takinginhistousleddarkhairandscruffyjaw,hisblue,blueeyes,and

magnificentlyarousedmalebody.“You’resobeautiful,”shesighed,tracingherfingertipsacrosshistaut,
muscledbelly.

Hisjuttingerectionleaptasthoughithadalifeofitsown,strainingtowardherhand.Shelaughed,

holdinghishungrygazewhileshebrushedthetip.

He made a low, tortured sound in the back of his throat and looped one arm around her neck,

pullingherdownacrosshischest.“Kissme,Kate.I’mdyingforthetasteofyou.”

Sheobliged,kissinghimthewaysheknewhelikedtobekissed,slowanddeepandoh,sosweet.

Allhernotionsofplayingtheseductressfled.Therewasnoroomforteasing.Ithadbeentoolong,and
sheneededhimtoomuch.

He lifted her so she straddled his hips, the long hard length of his erection pulsing between her

thighs.Theabruptchangeinpositionbroketheirkiss.Shestareddownathim,abitembarrassedbyher
wantondampnessandtotallyatalossastohowtoproceed.

He smiled, dark and wicked. Then he reached between them, showing her how he could fit,

impalinghimselfdeepwithinher.Shegasped,surprisedalloveragainbyhowcompletelyhefilledher.

He closed his eyes and leaned forward to take one of her nipples between his lips. Placing his

handsuponherhips,heshowedherhowtomoveandpleasurethemboth.

Soonthelong,slowstrokeswerenotenough.Shefellforward,bracingherhandsonhischestas

heplungedwithfierce,wildabandon.Thepressurebegantobuild,spiralingtowardahigherpeakthanit
hadbefore.Shecriedoutinshockedwonderaswaveafterwaveofecstasycrashedoverher.

Herreleaseseemedtotriggerhis,becausemomentslaterhegroanedandshuddereddeepwithin

her. She collapsed against his chest, holding him tightly, determined to never let him go. Together they
couldfindawaytobesthisfather.

Togethertheycoulddoanything.

*****

Talonmovedreluctantly,slidingKate’sboneless,sleepingbodyoffhischest.Herearrangedher

besidehimandthencurledprotectivelyaroundher,tuckingtheblanketsaroundthemlikeacocoon.

Healreadywantedheragain.
Hereasyacceptancebothshamedandhumbledhim.Heshouldhavetoldherthetruthdaysago.

Heshouldhaveknownshe’dunderstandoncesheknewwhathadmotivatedhim.

Hispridehadnearlydestroyedthisspecialthingbetweenthem.
He’d been such an ass, brooding and feeling sorry for himself, determined to make her as

miserableasshe’dmadehimwhenallalonghe’dbeentheoneatfault.

Howcouldhehaveblamedher,evenforamoment?Shehadeveryrighttothinktheworstofhim

after reading Daniel’s letter. If their situations had been reversed, he doubted he’d have been half as
understanding.

Butevenaftereverythinghe’dputherthrough,she’dstillhadthecouragetogivehimonemore

chance.Herstrengthandabilitytoloveastoundedhim.Especiallysinceshe’dneverbeenlovedherself.

Wherediditcomefrom,thisabilitytoloveunconditionally?Wasitsomethingwomenwereborn

with,amaternalinstinct?OrwasitjustKate?Wasshereallyasuniqueashesuspected?

Shemadeasoftsoundandsnuggledcloser,hersoftbottomcradlinghisgroin.Hegroanedathis

body’s fierce reaction. Would this ache ever go away? He doubted it, not even if he made love to her
everynightfortherestofhislife.

Everynightfortherestofmylife...
Thethoughtwassosweet.Hecuppedherflatstomachwithhishand,imaginingherbigwithhis

child.Achildmadeoflovewithnoulteriormotives.

He let his hand fall away, hoping she wasn’t pregnant. Not yet. He wanted her to have his

children,butnotuntilshewastrulyhis.Hedidn’twantthememoryofhisbetrayaltocomebackandhaunt
theminthefuture.

Therehadtobeawaytokeepherbyhisside.Hewantedhersmiles,herlaughterandhertears.
AndGodhelpJamesSinclairifhetriedtostandinthewayagain.

ChapterTwenty

‐Three

Kate woke slowly, reveling in the warmth of Talon’s body. So much had changed since the last

morninghe’dheldherinhisarms.Thistimeshewasfreetosavorit,freeofguiltandangerandregret.
Shefeltasthoughshe’dbeenreborn.

Memoriesoflastnight,ofthewantonwayshe’dlovedhim,madehersmile.God,shelovedthis

man.

“Youlookhappy.”Talon’svoicewassoftandhuskyinherear.
She stretched and opened her eyes. He filled her vision, his beautiful blue eyes stormy with

unguardedemotion.Hestillhadn’tsaidthewords,buttherewasnolongeranydoubtinhermindthathe
lovedher.

“I’mveryhappy.”Theywerestuckinthemiddleofnowhereandrunninglowonfoodandfresh

water, but she didn’t care. The hardships of their trek down the beach were nothing compared to the
emptinessshe’dfeltuntilshe’dmethim.

He laughed, one side of his lips turning up in a rueful grin. “You’re a strange and remarkable

woman,Kate.I’mhumbled.”

Shesmiledbackathim.“Ofcourse,I’dbeevenhappierinacozyhotelroomsomewherewitha

gourmetmealandahot,scentedbath.”

Hissmilefaded,andhetracedtheplanesofherfacewithhisfingertip.“Ididn’tsleepatalllast

night.Instead,IstaredupatthestarsandwonderedhowonearthIwasgoingtomanagetokeepmymen
fromthehangman’snooseandkeepyouinmyarmsatthesametime.”

Her heart quickened with gladness. He did love her. This was practically a declaration. “We’ll

figure it out. Sutcliffe’s whole plan revolves around me playing my part, and I don’t ever intend to be
meekagain.”

Hetweakedhernose.“You’reaboutasthreateningasahissingcat,sweetheart.”
Sheglaredathim,trulyoffended.“I’vestooduptohimbefore,andI’lldoitagainifneedbe.”
“I know you will.” He gave her a gentle kiss. “Don’t worry. I came up with a plan, and I think

you’lllikeit.Atleast,Ihopeyouwill.”

She sat up and stared down at him, pulling the edge of the blanket to her breasts a little self

‐

consciously.“Tellme.”

Hefoldedhisarmsbehindhisheadandstaredupatthesky.“Daniel’sgone.You’refreetomarry

meifyouwantto.”

Shestaredathim,bitingherbottomlipasshetriedtogaugehisintent.“Isthataproposal?”
Thewistfulyearninginhisblueeyesbrokeherheart.“Ofcourse,itis,thoughapisspoorone,I’ll

admit.”

Hesatupandtookbothofherhandsinhis.“Idon’thavemuchtoofferyou.ButIdohavesome

moneyinabankinCharlestonifthedamnedEnglishhaven’tconfiscatedit.Ithinkit’senoughforafresh
start.”

Shestartedtoanswer,totellhimyeswithallherheart,butheputhisfingeronherlips,hushing

her.“Hearmeoutbeforeyoucommityourself.”

Shenoddedmutely.
“Sutcliffebelievesusdead,andI’dlikehimtokeeponthinkingthat,atleastforawhile.”
Hereyeswidenedassherealizedwherehewasgoingwiththis.
Hetookadeepbreath.“OncewegettoCharleston,we’lllielowuntilthere’sanavailableberth

onashiptoNassau.ThenI’llgatherupmymenandletthemknowwhathashappened.I’llgetthemoff
Sutcliffe’s ship and split them up. As long as they’re aware of the danger, they should have a fighting
chance.”

“And then what?” She asked the question softly, knowing all her future happiness rested on his

answer.

“Then we’ll marry, if you’ll still have me. We’ll spend the rest of our lives here in Carolina,

growingroses,tobaccoandchildren.”

Her eyes flooded with happy tears and she flung herself against him. “Of course, I’ll have you,

Talon.Ofcourse,Iwill.”

Hisarmstightenedaroundher.“I’msoglad,”hewhispered,hislipscrushedagainstherhair.“I

don’tdeserveyou.ButIpromiseI’lldoeverythinginmypowertomakesureyoudon’tregretthis.”

“HowcouldIregretlovingyou?You’refarharderonyourselfthanyouneedtobe.”
Helaughedalow,lostsoundandpulledherupintohislap,lettingherfeeltheextentofhisneed.

Hekissedher,asweet,hotcouplingoftheirmouths.Shestirredagainsthim,wantingtofeelthelengthand
breadthofhiminsideher.

As they continued to kiss, she let her hand trail down his chest and flat, muscled stomach.

Suddenlyhegroanedandsetheraside.

“What’swrong?”Shetouchedhisshoulderandheflinched,hisskinhotbeneathherfingertips.
“Whenareyouexpectingyourmonthly?”
Shestaredathim,shockedbytheimproprietyofhisquestionevenafteralltheintimaciesthey’d

shared.“Idon’tknow,”shewhispered,embarrassedheatsuffusingherface.“Soon.”

Hegaveherapainedsmile.“Thinkaboutit.Ineedtoknowforcertain.Thisisimportant.”
Sheglancedaway,stillflushing,andtriedtoremember.Thismonthhadbeensofullofchanges,

shehadn’treallythoughtaboutanythingsomundane,butnowsherealizedshehadn’thadonesinceright
aftershe’dlefttheManor.

“Ishouldstartanydaynow,”shesaidatlast.“It’sbeenaboutamonth.”
He nodded, his gaze drifting over her bare breasts. “I hope you’re not pregnant. Not now. We

shouldwaitawhilebeforewemakeloveagain.Iwanttoknowforsurethatourbabywasnotconceived
aboardthatship.”

Shebitherlipandtorehergazeawayfromhisbeautifulbody.“Idon’twanttostoptouchingyou.

Ispentsomanynightsontheothersideofthatfiredreamingofyou,wishingyouwerebesideme.”

“Ah,sweetheart.You’reenoughtotemptasaint,andI’veneverclaimedtobeone.”Hereached

outandbrushedalockofhairbehindherear.“Iwanttodothisright.Iwanttobesureallourchildrenare
conceivedinlove,notblackmailanddistrust.”

Shesighed.“Iwaslookingforwardtosleepinginyourarmstonight.”
Hegaveherawickedgrinandpulledherbackintohislap.“Youcanstillsleepinmyarms.And

thereareotherthingswecando.Thingsthatwillgiveuspleasure,butnotcauseababy.”

“Thereare?”Sheliftedonebrow,delighted.
“Yes,”hewhispered,kissingherdeeply.“I’llshowyoutonight.”

*****

After a dinner that consisted of the last of the dried beef and an apple to share, Talon busied

himselfbymakingabedoutoftheirblanketsclosetothefire.Hepushedasidehisgrowinguneaseover
theirdwindlingsupplies.Soontheywouldhavetoforageforfood.

Insteadheconcentratedonthoughtsofthenighttocome.Hestillcouldn’tbelieveKatehadagreed

tomarryhim.Hell,hecouldn’tevenbelieveshe’ddecidedtoforgivehim.

Hedidn’tdeserveit.Heknewthatwitheverybreathinhisbody.
Kate had disappeared down the beach with a pile of clothing a while ago, saying she needed a

few moments alone. While he waited for her, he kicked off his boots and shed his shirt then climbed
beneaththetopblanket.Sheemergedfrombehindthetreesafewminuteslater,pausing,hergazeloving
yetself

‐conscious.

His breath caught and his heartbeat accelerated. She wore nothing but a white linen shift, and

she’dunbraidedherchestnuthair,lettingittumbleacrossherslimshoulders.Hisgazecaughtandsnagged
onherlong,barelimbs,entranced.

“You’rebeautiful,”hemurmuredasshekneltontheblanketsbesidehim.
Kateshookherhead.“I’mamess.Idon’thaveanythingtobrushmyhairwith…”
Talonsilencedherwithakiss.Shemeltedintohisembrace,hermouthmovingoverhiswithall

thepassioninherbeautifulsoul.

God,howhe’dmissedthatpassion.
Hethoughtofhisvownottodoanythingthatwouldcauseababyandprayedhehadthestrengthto

resistburyinghimselfdeepwithinher.Hewouldnevergetenoughofher,notinahundredlifetimes.

Kateliftedhertremblinghandstoremovehershift,buthestilledher.“No,”hewhispered.“Let

me.”Heundideachofthetinybuttons,kissingeachinchofpale,softskinheuncovered.

Herbreastsweresosensitive.Helovedthewayherbreathcaughtatthebarestbrushofhislips,

lovedthedark,poutytips.Hespreadthewealthofherchestnuthairacrossherchest,admiringtheresult.
“IpromisedmyselfI’dseeyouthiswayoneday.”

“Whatway?”Heremeraldeyesweresmokywithpassion.
“Wearingnothingbutyourhair.”Hebentandkissedher,drowninginthetasteandfeelofher.As

theykissed,hepleasuredherwithhishand,drinkinginhersoft,brokencries.

Soonthatwasnolongerenough,andhesliddownherbody,lovingherwithhismouth,takingher

totheedgeagainandagainandthenpullingbackuntilshewasnearlysobbingwithneed.

Atlastheletithappen,lethertumbleheadlongintorapture,holdinghertremblinginhisarmsin

theaftermath.

Hisownbodystillpulsedandachedwithneed,butheclosedhiseyesandfoughtagainstit.He

wasdeterminedtobeunselfish.

Afteralongwhile,shestirredagainsthim,runningherhandsacrosshischest,exploringthedark

hairthatgrewthere.

“Ineverknewsuchthingswerepossible,”shewhispered.“Ineverknewanythingcouldfeelso

good.”

Hegaveahuskylaugh.“Youhavealottolearn.Andyoucan’timaginehowhappyIamtobethe

onetoteachyou.”

Shecontinuedhertenderexplorations,herbrowknottedinadorableconcentration.Suddenlyshe

sat up and stared at the aching, straining length of his cock. “Is it possible for me to do for you what
you’vedoneforme?Toloveyouwithmymouth?”

Henearlycameundoneonthespot.God,shewasaquicklearner.
“Ofcourse,”hewhispered,hisvoiceunsteady.“Butyoudon’thavetoifyoudon’twantto.Most

womendon’tcareforit.”

“I’mnotmostwomen.”Shesmiledandleanedoverhim,pressingasweetkisstohisbelly.Her

silkenhairtrailedoverhisheatedskin.Hegroaned,clenchinghisfistsathissides,assheranthetipof
hertongueoverhisswollentip.

“Likethis?”shewhispered,herbreathstirringhimunbearably.
“Aye,”hebreathed.“Takemeinyourmouth,Kate.Asmuchofmeasyoucan.”
Sweet.Sohotanderotic.Shewasunskilled,andherteethgrazedhimpainfullyafewtimes,buthe

didn’tcare.Sheexploredeveryinchofhimwithherlipsandteethandtongue,andhedriftedinthebeauty
ofit,wonderinghowhe’deverlivedwithouther.

Eachtimetheycametogetheritwasbetterthanbefore.Sheneverceasedtosurpriseandhumble

him.

Atlasthecouldn’ttakeitanymore.Hewassoclose,sounbearablyclose.Hegroanedandpulled

heruphisbody,kissingherwildlyashewrappedherhandaroundhispulsinglengthandspilledhisseed
acrossherpalm.

ChapterTwenty

‐Four

Katewasgatheringfirewoodforthemorningfirewhenshesawthesmokeinthedistance.Atfirst,

shemistookitforacloud,butthensherealizedwhatitwas,whatitmeant,andherheartplummetedtoher
toes.

Civilization.
Aftermorethanaweekinthewilderness,sheshouldhavebeenoverjoyedtoseesignsofhuman

life.Andshewas.ButanotherpartofherdreadedleavingthesafetyofthelifesheandTalonhadcreated
onthebeach.Itwasimpossibletobelievethehappinessthey’dfoundcouldlast.

Sheletthefirewoodshe’dbeengatheringtumbletothegroundandranbackupthesandtoward

Talon,whowasdraggingtheboatintothewater.“Smoke,”shetoldhimbreathlessly.“There’sahouseor
somethingoverthatridge.”

His blue eyes widened, and he stared in the direction she’d pointed. “You’re right.” He turned

backtoher,acrookedgrincurvinghislips.“Oh,myGod,Kate.Wemadeit.”

Shenodded,unabletoresistsmilinginreturn.“Youpromisedyou’dseemetosafety,andyoudid.

Ishouldneverhavedoubtedyou.”

Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed,grabbingheraroundthewaistandswingingherroundand

round until they were both so dizzy they collapsed on the sand. They lay on their sides, staring at each
otherandsmilingfoolishly.

“Iloveyou,”shewhisperedthenheldherbreath,hopingagainsthopethattodaywouldbetheday

hereturnedthesentiment.

Hissmilefaded,andhecuppedhercheekwithhispalm.“Youmakemesohappy,sweetheart.”
Banishingherdisappointment,shehuggedhimfiercely.“Whathappensnow?”
Hepulledawayandsatup,staringbroodinglyouttosea.“Ithinkyouneedtodonyourdisguise

again. A man and a boy wandering out of the woods won’t cause nearly the speculation a man and a
beautifulwomanwill.”

Sheliftedherhandtohersnarledhair,wonderinghowonearthhecouldstillthinkherbeautiful.

“Weshouldn’tmentionanythingaboutbeingshipwrecked.WordofitmightgetbacktoSutcliffe.”

Henodded,hiseyestwinklingagain.“I’mgoingtohavetobindyourbreastsagain,sweetheart.

Butjustthinkofallthefunwe’llhavewhenIgettotakethathorriblethingofftonight.”

Anticipationchasedupanddownherspine.“First,Iwantalong,hotbath.ThenIwanttosleep

untilnooninarealbed.”

“Thenyoushall.”Hestoodandrootedinthebottomoftheboatuntilhefoundherbatteredoldhat.

“Let’sgo.”

*****

“Justfollowmeandkeepyourheaddown.Trynottomakeeyecontactwithanyoneandyou’lldo

fine.”TalongaveKateareassuringsmileastheycrestedtheridgethatoverlookedthesmalltown.

Itwasn’tmuchasfarastownswent,justaninnandacoupleofhouses,aricketydock,andasmall

tradingpost.ButtoTalonandKate,itwasateemingmetropolis.Theyweresaved.Ifnothingelse,they’d
atleastbeabletogetsomemorefoodandsupplies.

Theyreceivedafewcuriousstares,butnoonelookedtoocloselyatKate.Talonwasn’tsurprised.

He’dlearnedlongagothatpeoplesawwhattheyexpectedtoseeandnotmuchelse.

The inn was a small, dark little building redolent with the smells of sour ale and cabbage. The

sign above the door proclaimed it The Do Drop Inn, the once green letters faded and nearly
indecipherable.TalonledKatetoatableneartheback,blinkingtoaccustomhimselftothedimlight.

Thankfulforthesmallpurseofspendingmoneyhe’dappropriatedfromDaniel’sstashaboardthe

ship, he beckoned the barkeep. “An ale for me and the boy, and two plates of whatever you’ve got
cookingintheback.”

Themannodded,hisbeadyeyeslivelyinhisjowledface.“Youfolkscomeafarpiece?”
Talonlaughed.“Youcouldsaythat.We’reonourwaytojointhelad’smainCharleston,butI’m

afraidwegotabitturnedaround.Canyoutellmehowfarwehavetogo?”

Thebarkeepscratchedhischinwithabig,dirtyhand.“I’dsayabouttenmiles.OldSethistakin’a

wagonloadofcottondownthatwaylaterthisafternoon.Ifye’reinterested,yecouldprobablyhitcharide
forasmallprice.”

TalonnudgedKate’slegunderthetable,barelyabletocontainhiselation.Tenmiles.Itappeared

thattheyhadn’tbeenblownthatfaroffcourseafterall.“We’reveryinterested.Thanks.”

Nodding,thebarkeepwentbehindthebartogettheirdrinks.Whenhewasoutofearshot,Talon

allowedhimselfagrin.“Youjustmightgetthathotbathtonightafterall,sweetheart.”

Herfacelitupwithdelight.“Ican’twait.”
Thebarkeepreturnedwiththeirdrinksandheapingplatesofcornedbeefandcabbage.Talonhad

neverbeenabigfanofcabbage,butittastedwonderfultoday.

He couldn’t stop grinning as he watched Kate. She looked adorable in her stained travel-worn

clothing.Shedugintoherfoodwithgusto,pretendinginherdainty,ladylikewaytobesomepigofafarm
boy.

Aftertheyfinishedthemeal,theywentandspoketoOldSeth,whowasindeedheadedforthecity

andwouldbedelightedtogivethemaride,forasmallprice,ofcourse.Theysatinthebackofthewagon
atopcomfortableburlapbagsstuffedwithcottonandheadedforCharleston.

Katewasenjoyinghercharade.Iftheearlcouldseehernow,he’dbeapoplectic.Talongrinnedat

thenotion.ThisKatewasafarcryfromtheelegantwomanSutcliffehadhandpickedtobethemotherof
hisheir.

Her cheeks were flushed with color and good health. Despite the ridiculous clothes and hat she

wore, he didn’t think he’d ever seen anyone more beautiful in his life. This land suited her. He’d been
right,shewasblossomingbeforehisveryeyes.

God,please,letmehavethis.
Itwasasclosetoaprayerashe’devercome.Thisthinghe’dfoundwithKate,theselastfewdays

ofbliss,wereallhe’deverwantedoutoflife.Heruncomplicated,generouslovemadehimthinkanything

intheworldwaspossible.

Unfortunately, he was plagued by a pervasive sense of doom. If there was any way to get his

moneywithoutgoingtoCharleston,he’davoidthecityliketheplague.Sutcliffewouldlookforthemifhe
suspectedthey’dsurvivedtheshipwreck.

Theyroundedafamiliarbendintheroad,andTalonsatupstraighter,realizingwheretheywerein

a blinding flash. He peered through the dense oaks, straining to catch a glimpse of the majestic white
housethathadoncebeentheextentofhisdreams.

“Whatisit?”Kateleanedforward,concerndarkeningtheearlierpleasureinhereyes.
“Holyoke. It belongs to Sutcliffe now. This is where you and Daniel would have lived if

everythinghadgoneashe’dplanned.”

“It’slovely.”
Henodded.“Thelandisperfectforgrowingtobacco.There’sovertwothousandacresrunningall

thewaytotheriver,wherethere’saprivatedockforshippingthecropstomarket.Yourroseswouldhave
grownwellhere.I’msorryyouhadtolosethem.”

Shefrowned,searchinghisface.“Youreallywantedthis,didn’tyou?”
HeshruggedasthoughHolyokeandallitentailedmeantnothingtohim.“Itdoesn’tmatter.It’sjust

ahouse,justsomeland.WhatyouandIbuildtogetherwillbebetterbecauseitwillbeours.”

Shenodded,buthesawthedoubtinhereyesandknewhe’dtroubledher.Hekickedhimselffor

pointing the place out. The last thing he wanted, now that she’d forgiven him, was to remind her of his
betrayal.

He forced himself to put the house and his foolish dreams out of his mind. He and Kate would

haveaplaceoftheirownsomedayverysoon.Hedidn’tneedHolyoke.Neverhad.

He’d much rather think about Kate and all the naughty things he’d taught her during the last few

days.She’dbecomesurprisinglyuninhibited,growingsurerofherselfandherpoweroverhimeverytime
theytouched.

Whenhethoughtofallthewaysshe’dlovedhimwithherhandsandsweet,sweetmouth,hegrew

instantlyaroused.Hewishedsheweren’tdressedinthoseridiculousclothessohecouldholdher.

God,hemissedbeinginsideher.
He tried to remember why he was torturing himself. This was his rule, after all, his last-ditch

attempttomakeupforthatnightaboardtheship.

Soon,hepromisedhimself.Soonhismenwouldbesafe,andhewouldbefreeofSutcliffe.Heand

Katewouldlivetherestoftheirlivesinpeace,farawayfromSutcliffe’sevilschemesandplansfortheir
child.

*****

Charlestonwasabusy,bustlingplace,farmorecosmopolitanthanKatehadimagined.OldSeth

droppedthemoffattheoutskirtsofthecity,andtheytookaferryacrosstheriver,disembarkingdownby
thedocks.KatetrailedafterTalon,gawkingatthehouses,shopsandinns.

They stopped at the first respectable looking hotel they came to, and Talon signed in with a

fictitious name. He claimed her as his son and told the proprietor his wife would be joining them
tomorrow.

Kate looked down at her feet, unwilling to let anyone see the hot blush that spread across her

cheeks.SoonshereallywouldbeTalon’swife.Itseemedtoowonderfultobetrue.

Theirroomwasonthesecondfloor,atwo

‐roomsuitewithalarge,four‐posterbedandasitting

area.Themahoganyfurniturewasdarkandheavy,thebedcoveredwithahandmadequiltindeeptonesof
blueandred.Itlookedlikeheavenaftersomanyweeksatsea.

Talongrinnedassheranherhandoverthequilt.“Ihaven’tforgotten.Bathandthenbed,right?”
She nodded. “That would be wonderful. We can order dinner brought up and eat here in the

room.”

“I have some errands I need to run, but I’ll stop and order you a bath on my way out. Is there

anythingelseyouneed?”

“Justhotwater.”Shesighed,takinghergrubbyhandawayfromthebedbeforeshesoiledit.“Alot

ofit.”

Halfanhourlater,thebigcoppertubhadbeenfilledandKatewasaloneatlast.Sheslidintothe

steamingdepths,sighinginblissasthehotwaterseepedintoherachingmuscles.

Picking up a bar of soap, she scrubbed at the sand, grit and sweat that roughened her skin. She

couldn’twaittobecleanagainanddressedlikeawomaninribbonsandlace.

Theirtimeonthebeachhadbeenwonderful,butnowshewantedtoprettyherselfupforTalon.

Sheneededtoremindhimshehadn’talwaysbeenabedraggledurchinwithdirtyclothesandtangledhair.

What she wouldn’t have given for the emerald gown she’d worn at dinner that night back in

London.

Usingthescentedsoaponherhair,shescrubbedrepeatedly,washingandrinsinguntilatlasther

tangled,dirtymanewassqueakyclean.Whenshehadfinishedwashing,shelingered,reluctanttogetout.
Sheintendedtowringeverysinglebitofwarmthfromthewaterbeforeshefinallyrelinquishedit.

“What’sthis?Amermaid?”Talon’sdeepvoicestartledher.Shejumped,sendingwatersloshing

overtherimofthetub.

Sheglaredupathim.“Youscaredmetodeath.Ididn’tevenhearyoucomein.”
He smiled and held out his arms, emphasizing the packages he held. “Am I forgiven? I come

bearinggifts.”

She smiled back, feeling like a little girl at Christmas, though heaven only knew her father had

nevertroubledhimselfmuchonherbehalfwhenshewasachild.Shegrewmistyeyedthinkingoftheway
Talonwouldbewiththeirchildren.He’dbesternyetloving,lettingthemcrawlalloverhimandpress
stickykissestohisbrow.

“Letmegetoutfirst.Wouldyouhandmeatowel,please?”
Hetossedthepackagesonthebigbedandthengrabbedthetowelfromthechair.
Shetookthetowelfromhishandandstood,alittleself

‐conscious.Ifsheweretrulyalady,she

wouldn’tlethimloveherthewayhedid,orworseyet,lovehimbackinsuchwildandwantonways.

Hewrappedthetowelaroundherandpulledherbackintohisarms.“Mmm,yousmellgood,”he

whispered,hisvoiceroughandlowinherear.

Shepushedhimplayfullyaway.“Well,youcertainlydon’t.”
Helaughedandpulledhisshirtoverhishead,tossingitasideandthensheddinghistrousers.“I

intendtoremedythat.Caretohelp?”

Gloriouslybare,hesteppedintothetub,sinkingintothelukewarmwaterwithasigh.Shewatched

himwithahalfsmile,thenknottedthetowelaroundherbreastsandkneltonthefloorbesidehim,taking
thesoapintoherhand.

“Whatdid you buyme?” she asked,running the soap ina frothy trailacross his muscular chest.

“Somethingcleantowear,Ihope?”

He nodded and closed his eyes, leaning his head on the back of the tub. “I bought you a few

dresses.Ihopethey’retherightsize.Ijustdescribedthewayyoufitmyhands,andtheshopgirlswere
abletohelpmeout.”Heheldouthishandsandmimickedthewayhe’dmeasuredherbreasts.

Shesmackedhisarm.“Pleasetellmeyoudidnosuchthing.”
Helaughed.“Ijustgotafewready

‐madethingsinsmallsizes.

Whatever doesn’t fit can be returned tomorrow. But I did ask the shop girl to pick out all the

necessaryunderthings.Myexperiencewithwomenonlygoessofar.”

Shecontinuedtobathehim,lovingthefeelofhiswet,warmskinbeneathherhands.“Didyougo

tothebank?”

Henoddedagain,awidesmilecurvinghislips.“Igotthemoney.It’senoughtogiveusagood

start.Ican’tbelieveIwasfoolishenoughtothinkIneededsomuchmore.”

Sheranthesoapoverthecontoursofhisarms.“Whencanweleave?Haveyoufoundusaship

yet?”

Heshookhishead.“I’lllookintothattomorrow.Hopefully,we’llfindsomethingbytheendofthe

week.Untilthen,we’llstayhereatthehotel,maybegoouttodinnerafewtimes,andspendtherestofthe
timemakinglove.”

“Oh,”shemurmured.“You’regoingtomakelovetometonight?Areyouthroughtorturingme?”
“We’ll see.” He opened his eyes, and there was a teasing glint in their beautiful blue depths.

“Maybeifyouaskmerealnice.”

Sheslidhersoapyhandslowerbeneaththesurfaceofthewater,andhiseyesdarkened.“Ithink

youwanttomakelovetome.Ireallythinkyoudo.”

He grinned and sank back, letting her have her way with him. This was something she’d never

growtiredof,learninghisbody,learningwhatmadehimshudderwithdesire.

After several long, delicious moments, he pushed her hand away and dunked his head under the

water.“Washmyhair,wench,orI’llgetoutofthistubrightnowandyou’llnevergetmeclean.”

Shelaughed,lovingthatshehadthepowertoaffecthimthisway,tomakehisbigbodytremble

withlonging.ThankGodhe’dcomeintoherlifewhenhehad.Shecouldnolongerimaginelivingwithout
him.

Histhick,darkhairfeltlikesilkbeneathherfingertips,andshetookhertimerubbinginthesoap,

makinghimsighincontentment.Aftershe’drinsedhishair,shehadhimleanforwardsoshecouldsoap
hisbackaswell.

“Wouldyoushaveme?IboughteverythingIneed.It’sinthatsmallestpackage.”
Shenoddedandcrossedtogetthethingsshe’dneed,happytobeabletogetridofhisdarkbeard.

Shelikedhimcleanshaven.Thelinesofhisfaceweretoopureandcleantoobscurewithfacialhair.And
hisbruiseshadfadedsomuchtheywerebarelynoticeable.

Sheputtheshavingcreamonhisfacethenstaredathim,wonderingaboutherskillasshehandled

thelethalstraight

‐edgedrazor.“MuchasI’dliketohelpyouout,I’veneverdonethisbefore.I’mafraid

I’llslityourthroat.”

Hiseyeswidened.“Givemethemirror,then.Youcanwatchandlearn.”
Shemovedthesmallhandmirrorintohislineofvision,holdingitwhileheproceededtoscrape

awaythecourse,blackwhiskers.

Shewatchedhimwithgreatinterest.Ofallthethingsthey’dsharedtogether,forsomereasonthis

seemedthemostintimate.Shelovedthelookofconcentrationonhisface,thewayhesuckedinhischeeks
togettherightangle.Ifeverythingwentasplanned,she’dbeabletowatchhimshaveeverymorningfor
therestofherlife.

Itseemedfartoogoodtobetrue.

ChapterTwenty

‐Five

The sun was setting in the west in a brilliant blaze of purple and mauve when Talon and Kate

steppedoutsidetheirhotel.Katepausedforamomenttoadmiretheviewthenhurriedtocatchupwith
Talon,whohadn’tevenrealizedshe’dstopped.

He’dgoneoutforawhilethismorning,andhe’dbeendistractedeversince.Atfirst,she’dbeen

nervous,afraidsomethinghadhappened,somethingthatwouldsendthisidyllicinterludespiralingoutof
control.Butotherthansuggestingtheygooutfordinnerinsteadofdiningintheirroom,hehadn’tgiven
anyhintofwhatwasonhismind.Asthey’ddressedfortheeveningintheclotheshe’dpurchased,she’d
realizedhehadtheairofamanwithasecret.

“There’ssomethingIwanttoshowyou.”Heplacedhishandonthesmallofherbackandguided

herdownthelovely,tree-linedstreet,stillsmilingthatsecretsmile.“Doyoumindifwetakealittlewalk
beforedinner?”

She gazed up at him, amazed that he was hers. He looked every inch the gentleman in his fine

creamtrousersandtailoredemeraldcoat,andshewouldhavewalkedthroughhellandbacktostayonthe
receivingendofhisbeautifulsmile.

“I’dlovetoseealittlebitofthetown.It’snotatallwhatI’dexpected.”
He grinned. “Not exactly a heathen, backwoods village, is it?” She shook her head, greedily

absorbingthesightsandsoundsofCharleston.Therewasanewness,afreshnessandanenergyintheair
thatmadeiteasytounderstandwhyTalonlovedhisadoptedcountry.Eventhepoorpeopletheypassed
didn’thavethehopelessdespairintheireyesshe’dsooftenseeninLondon.

At last Talon drew her to a stop in front of a lovely stone church. Two magnolia trees in full

bloom grew on either side of the front steps, and he plucked a blossom and tucked it behind her ear.
“Would you like to get married here? I spoke to the minister this morning, and he agreed to marry us
tomorrow,ifthat’sallrightwithyou?”

TearsstungKate’seyes,andsheblinkedthemaway,afraidtobelievethiswasreal.“Ithoughtyou

wantedtowaituntilwefoundyourmen.”

Hecuppedhercheekwithhisbroad,warmpalm.“Idon’twanttowait,sweetheart.Iwanttohold

you in my arms tomorrow night and know that it’s forever, that nothing in the world can take you away
fromme.”

Shepressedherlipstohiswrist,touchedbeyondwords.“Iwantthat,too.Iwouldbehonoredto

marryyoutomorrow.”

Thefaintcreaseofworry,whichhadfurrowedhisbrowduringthelastfewhours,disappeared.

Hehuggedhertightlyinfullviewofallthepassersby.“Ineverknewsuchhappinesswaspossible.”His
wordsweresoftandferventagainstherhair.

“I didn’t either. Not until I found you.” She hugged him back, uncaring of the scene they were

making,oblivioustoanythingbutthefactthattomorrowallherdreamswouldcometrue.Shewouldbe
Talon’swifeandneverhavetospendanothernightalone.

Afteralongmoment,theybrokeapart,laughingalittleself

‐consciously,stillholdinghands.An

oldwomansniffedherdisapprovalattheirpublicshowofaffection,andamanontheothersideofthe
streetwasstaringatthemwithburningintensity...

“Oh, no.” She took an involuntary step backward, her gaze locked upon the tall, slim gentleman

whowasmakinghiswaytowardthem.

“Whatisit?”Talongaveherasharpglance.Hehalfturned,lookingforthesourceofherdismay,

thenfroze.Hishandtightenedalmostpainfullyaroundhers.“Daniel,”hebreathed.

Shenodded.Therewasnothingmoretosay.
Itwasn’tpossible.OfallthedisastersTalonhadimaginedbefallingtheminthecity,havingKate’s

husbandcomebackfromthedeadwasn’toneofthem.

Heclosedhiseyesasifthatwouldtaketheimageaway,butwhenheopenedthem,Danielwas

stillstridingtowardthem.Helookedhealthyandwell.Unmistakablepleasurelithiseyesashecrossed
thelastofthedistancethatseparatedthem.

“Kate! Talon!” He pulled Kate into his embrace, laughing. “I can’t believe it’s really you,

sweetheart.IthoughtI’dlostyoutothesea.”

“We thought you’d been washed overboard.” Kate endured Daniel’s hug, her gaze locked with

Talon’sinanunspokenquestion.“Talonsaidyouweretomeetusatthelifeboat,butyouneverdid.”

Talon took a step back, stunned. She was obviously wondering if he’d left Daniel behind on

purpose,attemptedtomurderhisownbrothersohecouldhavehertohimself.

Herdoubtslayedhim.He’dhopedthataftereverythingthey’dbeenthroughtogether,he’dearned

backhertrust.

Takingadeepbreath,heforcedhimselftomeethisbrother’ssteadygaze.“Hello,Daniel.”
DanieldrewawayfromKate.“Talon.It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.”Butinhiseyes,Talonsawthe

samequestion.Apparently,DanielalsosuspectedTalonhadlefthimtodie.Christ,whathadheeverdone
tomakethetwoofthemthinksopoorlyofhim?

He stepped forward and pulled Daniel into a rough embrace. “I’m glad you made it. I never

expectedtoseeyouagain.”

“I’msureyoudidn’t,”Danielsaid,pullingaway.“ButI’mlikeabadpenny.Ialwaysturnup.”His

tonewaslight,butagainthereweredarkundertones.

“Whathappened?”Kateasked.“Howdidyougetoffoftheship?”Danielshrugged.“Imusthave

passedoutafterTalonleftme.Thatyoungcabinboy,Johnny,wastheonewhosavedme.Iwokeupinone
ofthelifeboatsthenextmorningwithahellofaheadache.”

“ThankGodforJohnny.”Talonwasnearlycrippledwithguilt.Hehadn’tgiventheboyathought

sincehe’dlefttheship.

Hell,maybetheywererightabouthimafterall.TheladhadsavedDaniel,showingrarecourage,

whileTalonhadchosentosavehimself.

He’dmadethedecisiontoreleasetheboat,knowingtherewasachanceDanielwasstillalive.
“I’ll have to find Johnny and express my gratitude,” Talon said. And he would. Despite all he

stood to lose, despite his many protests to the contrary, he had mourned Daniel’s loss. Kate had been
right.Hehadgrowntocareforhisbrother.

“I’vebeenherefornearlyaweek,”Danielcommented.“Father’sagenthasarrived,andwewere

abouttogiveuponyoutwoandheadbacktoLondon.”

Hopesoaredanew.Maybetherewasstillachancetosalvagethesituation.
“There’snoreasontochangeyourplans.Pretendyouneversawus.”Thewordswereoutbefore

Taloncouldstopthem.“Telltheearlwewerelostatsea.LetKateremainherewithme.”

Kateglancedbackandforthbetweenthem,hereyeswideandtragic.Shelookedasdevastatedas

hefelt.“Weweregoingtobemarriedtomorrow.”

Daniel paled, his good humor fading. He gave Kate a look filled with reproach. “That’s a little

precipitousofyou,isn’tit,darling?It’susuallyconsideredbadformtomarryasecondhusbandbefore
you’reevencertainthefirstone’sdead.”

“I’msorry.Ineverwantedtohurtyou.”Sheliftedanimploringhand,touchingDaniel’ssleevein

entreaty.“Ilovehim,Daniel.Please,letmego.It’stheonlywayanyofuscanbehappy.”

“You’remywife,Kate.Nothis.”DanieljerkedawayandturnedhisangeronTalon.Hislightblue

eyes were filled with rage and betrayal. “I won’t let you have her. You’ve taken too much from me
already.”

“Youbastard.”Talonforgothisearlierguiltandregret.“You’rejustlikeourfather.Youdon’tgive

adamnaboutKate.Youdon’tgiveadamnaboutanyonebutyourself.”

Kate gasped, and Daniel’s face flushed an unhealthy shade of red. “I’d be careful with your

insults.Youstillhaveacrewofmentoworryabout,don’tyou?”

Andthatwasit.Withthosefewwords,DanielpuncturedTalon’slasthopes.Theyhadcomefull

circle.TalonwasforcedbackintothepositionofchoosingbetweenhismenandKate.

Hissoulcriedoutinanguish.Hecouldn’tthinkofanythinghecouldsay,anythinghecoulddoto

makeDanielchangehismind.

Andtherewasnowayhecouldsacrificehismenforhisownhappiness.
He met Kate’s stricken gaze, and his heart shattered. “I’m sorry,” he told her. “I’m so damned

sorryforthiswholemess.”

Thenheturnedandwalkedaway.
Stunned,KatewatchedTalondisappeararoundthecorner.She’dknownifhewereeverforcedto

choosebetweenherandhismen,he’dchoosethem,butshehadn’texpectedhimtogiveupsoeasily.

She’dthoughthe’dfightforher,notjustwalkaway.
Didshemeansolittletohim,evenafterallthey’dshared?Whatifshecarriedhischild?Shetook

astepafterhim,butbeforeshecouldtakeanother,Danielgrabbedherarm.“Don’t,”hesaid,hisvoice
lowandangry.“Don’tyoudaregoafterhim.”

The anguish in Daniel’s voice stunned her. She tried to pull away, suddenly frightened of the

gentle,foolishmanshe’dmarried.

Daniel’shandtightenedpainfully,endingherstruggles.“Tellme,Kate.Didyoushedasingletear

forme?OrdidyouandTalonconspiretogetridofmefromtheverybeginning?”

“Icareforyou.”Sheheardthedesperationinhervoice,butwaspowerlesstostopit.“You’relike

a...brothertome.ButIcan’tstaywithyou.Talonismylife.Ilovehim.Surelyyoucanunderstandthat.”

“Love?”Danielgaveaharshlaugh.“Iknownothingoflove.IonlyknowthatItrustedyou.Hell,I

trustedhim.Andbothofyoubetrayedme.”

Kate was flooded with guilt because he was right. She hadn’t mourned him as she should have.

They’d been friends, if nothing else. But her friendship with Daniel meant nothing compared to all that
wasatstake.Shehadtomakehimunderstand.

“I’msorry.Inevermeanttohurtyou.Butplease,ifyouevercaredformeatall,letmego.Ithink

I’mgoingtohaveTalon’sbaby.”

“DearGod.”Heclosedhiseyesthenopenedthemandstaredatherstomach,anindecipherable

lookonhisface.“Comewithme,”heordered,propellingherdownthecobblestonestreet.

Katedidn’taskwherehewastakingher.Ittookallherflaggingcomposuretokeepfromfallingto

herkneesandwailingindespair.

ShehadonlythesefewmomentstocomeupwitharationalargumentthatwouldconvinceDaniel

toreturntoEnglandwithouther,butshecouldn’tthinkofasinglething.Hermindwasnumb,thewordno
reverberatinginsideherskulluntilshethoughtshe’dgomad.

Atlast,theyarrivedatabeautifulhotel,muchfancierthantheonesheandTalonhadstayedin.

Danielshepherdedheruptwoflightsofstairstoaluxurioussuiteofrooms.Heshutthedoorbehindthem,
andshewassurprisedtoseeayoungboyloungingonapaisleysofainfrontofthefireplace.

“LordLansdowne,”hecried,jumpingtoattention.“Iseverythinginorder?”
Danielshookhishead.“No,Johnny.Everythinghasgonetohell.”Heshruggedoutofhisjacket

and threw it across the back of a chair. “Would you mind taking a walk? My wife and I have a lot to
discuss.”

Johnny. The boy who had saved Daniel’s life. Kate didn’t know whether to laugh or cry upon

learningDanielhadbeentakingcareofthelad.

“Yourwife?”JohnnyturnedhisbluegazeinKate’sdirection.“Beggin’yourpardon,ma’am.But

doesthismeanHawkisstillalive,too?”

“Hawk?”Katestaredattheboyinconfusion.
“Talon,”Danielexplained,shakinghisheadbitterly.“It’salwaysTalon,isn’tit?”
Kate blinked back tears of sorrow and frustration. “Talon is alive and well,” she told the boy.

“He’sstayingattheCharlestonArms.”

Johnnygrinned.“Thankyou,ma’am.Doyouthinkhe’dmindifIpaidhimavisit?”
Kate shook her head, thinking of how alone Talon would be without her, how badly he’d need

someonetotalkto.“Ithinkhe’dlikethatverymuch.”

Theboydartedtowardthedoor.Butbeforeheleft,hehesitatedandmetKate’sgazeagain.“I’m

realgladyou’rehere,LadyKathryn.Yourhusbandhasbeenmissingyousomethingfierce.”

Aftertheboyleft,Danielsatdownonthesofa.“Haveaseat.Wehavealottodiscuss.”
She nodded and settled in the chair across from him. “Did you really miss me?” she asked,

deciding to go on the offensive. “Or were you merely counting the days until you could return to your
lover?”

Daniel flushed, his beautiful face crimson with emotion. “Think whatever you like, but I did

grieveforyou.ThatweekbeforethestormwastheonlytimeinmylifeI’deverfeltasthoughIwerepart
ofsomething,asthoughIhadafamily.”

Sheclosedhereyes,unabletobeartheanguishinhis.“Ifeltit,too.”
“Well, then you can imagine how I felt when I saw the two of you out there on the street and

realizedyouthoughtmedead,butneitheroneofyougaveadamn.”

“Oh,Daniel.Iknowhowitmusthaveseemed.Butwedidcare.Bothofusdid.Iswearit.”She

saggedagainstthebackofthechair,suddenlybonetired.Shewastooexhaustedtocry,toosickatheartto
argueanymore.

Therewassilenceforalongmoment,andthenhekneltbeforeher.“I’mtiredofbeingalone.”His

wordsweresoftandhusky.Hetookherhand,pressingittohislipsandkissingherpalm.“Iwanttohelp
youraiseyourchild.Iwantthethreeofustobeafamily.IknowyouloveTalon,buthe’salreadymade
hisdecision.Hechosehismenoverhisownchild.Surelyyoudon’twantafuturewithamanwhodoesn’t
putyoufirstinhisheart.”

“You forced him to choose!” Kate snatched her hand away, sickened by the warm imprint of

Daniel’slipsonherskinanddeterminednottolethimmakeherdoubtTalon.“Whycan’tyoujustpretend
youdidn’tseeustoday?Why?”

“Why?”Hesatbackonhisheels,furyemanatingfromhiminwaves.“BecauseI’mtiredofnever

havingwhatIwant!I’mtiredoflosingtoTalon,tiredofwatchinghimtakeeverythingthatshouldhave
beenmine!”

The words echoed for a long moment, and Kate began to tremble. She’d lost everything. There

was no reasoning with him. Especially since she knew he was right. She’d betrayed him, and so had
Talon.

Danieltookadeepbreathandpushedalockofhairfromhisburningblueeyes.“Wecouldhave

hadagoodmarriage.Icouldhavemadeyouhappyifonlymyfatherhadleftmealone.ButhedemandedI
giveyoutoTalon.Heforcedmetogiveupanyhopeofachildofmyown.”

“Maybewecouldhavebeenhappy,”sheconceded,tryingnottoshudderatthethought.“BecauseI

wouldn’thaveknownwhatIwasmissing.Butit’stoolateforthatnow.I’llneverforgiveyouifyoumake
megobacktoLondon.”

Hestoodandpacedtothewindow.“ThenIguesswe’llbemiserabletogether.BecauseI’mnot

lettingyougo.Notnow.Notever.”

*****

AfterleavingKateandDaniel,Talonreturnedtohishotelroom.Heclosedthedoorbehindhim

withinfiniterestraintandthenleanedagainstit,tremblingwithsuppressedrageandanguish.

Hisgazeswepttheroom,notingthatthemaidhadalreadybeenintoclean.He’dinstructedherto

burntheiroldclothes,sotherewasnothingleftofKate.Therewasnotraceshe’deverbeenhereexcept
forabrand-newpeachnightgowndrapedoverthefootofthebed.

Hepushedawayfromthedoorandpickeditup,sorrowoverwhelminghim.Herubbedthesoft

fabricagainsthischeek,wishingshe’dwornitsohe’datleasthaveherscenttosustainhim.

Withalowmoanofdespair,helaydownonthebed,staringupattheceilingindry-eyedmisery.

Hetriedtothinkofawaytogetherback,butheknewinhishearthehadfailed.Sutcliffehadwon.Ifhe
pursuedKateanyfurther,hismenwoulddie.

Idon’tcare! The words echoed up from the depths of his soul, hateful and true. Good Lord, he

wasaselfishbastardbecausehewantedtoforgetthedangertohiscrew,runawaywithKateandpretend
themenwhohadoncemeanttheworldtohimdidn’texist.

Itwouldhavebeenbetterforeveryoneconcernedifhe’drefusedhisfather’sofferandremained

inprisonwherehebelonged.Butno,he’ddaredtohope,daredtodreamhecouldchangethings.

Whatafoollovehadmadeofhim.

ChapterTwenty

‐Six

BythetimeDanielandKatearrivedinLondon,theicychillofwinterhadsettledoverthecityand

herpregnancyhadbeguntoshow.AstheelegantSutcliffecarriagecarriedthemthroughtheteeming,dirty
streets,Katewasstruckanewbyutterdespair.

Returningtothelandofherbirthwasmoredepressingthanleavingithadbeenjustafewshort

monthsago.

Shepressedherhandagainstherstomach,takingsolacefromthechildwhorestedsafeandsecure

inherwomb.She’dfeltthebabymoveforthefirsttimejustyesterday.Herneedtosharethemomentwith
Talonhadbeenaphysicalachethatburnedwithinherstill.

Danielstaredather,hiseyesdarkeninginconcern.“Isanythingwrong?”
“I can’t believe you have the nerve to ask such a thing. Everything is wrong. Absolutely

everything.You’reabouttodelivermeintothehandsofamonster,andtheonlymanwhocouldprotectme
isthousandsofmilesaway.”

“Can’twehaveevenoneconversationwithoutyoumentioninghim?”Danielglaredatherandthen

shookhishead.“Ipromisemyfatherwillneverharmyou.Youmustbelieveme.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You know what it’s going to be like. You know the hell

he’llputusthrough.”

Danielflushedandlookedaway,hisfistsclenchedathissides.Sheknewshe’dhurthimagain,but

shewasn’ttheleastbitsorry.Hewastryingsohardtowinherover,asthoughonedayshe’dsimplywake
upandnotloveTalonanymore.

Asthoughshecouldeverallowhimtotouchherandnotshudderwithrevulsion.
ShenolongerthoughtofDanielasherhusband.Talonhadbeenright.Afewweeksonashipdid

notmakeherDaniel’swife.

ButafewdaysonthewhitebeachesofCarolinahadmadeherTalon’sineverywaypossible.
ThecarriageslowedandhaltedbeforeSutcliffe’simposingtownhouse.Katetookadeepbreath,

steelingherselfforwhatwastocome.Sutcliffewantedherchild,butKateintendedtoguardthebabelike
alioness.Shewouldneverallowherfather

‐in‐lawtodamagehersonthewayhe’ddestroyedbothofhis

own.

Sutcliffe met them in the formal drawing room just moments after they arrived. For once, there

wasgenuinewelcomeinhisicyblueeyes.

Andwhynot,Katethoughtcynically.Healonehadgottenwhathewanted.

His gaze went to Kate’s slightly rounded stomach. “Kathryn. It’s so good to have you home at

last.”

Katelaughed,alost,bittersound.“I’msorry,butIreallycan’tsayI’mgladtobehere.”
Sutcliffefrowned,glaringathersointenselyshewassurprisedshedidn’tburstintoflames.“I’d

becareful,mydear.Youwouldn’twantanyonetoknowwhosechildyou’rereallycarrying.”

“Wouldn’t I?” she answered recklessly. “I’m not ashamed of loving Talon. It’s you and Daniel

whowantthiskeptsecret.”

Sutcliffe’s handsome face, so like Talon’s, turned red with fury. He grabbed her shoulders and

shookher.“Don’teventhinkaboutcrossingme,youlittletrollop.I’llkeepyoulockedawayinthecountry
forever,ifneedbe.”

Katelaughedagain,pastthepointofcaringwhathappenedtoher.They’dalreadytakentheone

thingthatmatteredmost.“Goahead.Nothingcouldmakemehappier.AllI’veeverwantedwastobeleft
aloneinthecountrywithmyroses.”

DearGod,ifonlythatwerethetruth.Ifonlyshehadn’tdaredtodreamoffar,farmore.
Tearsstunghereyes,andshejerkedawayfromSutcliffe’spunishinggrasp.Danielstaredather,

pityandregretdarkeninghisgaze.

ShehatedDanielinthatinstantmorethanshe’deverhatedanyoneinherlife.Despiteallhistalk

ofwantingafamily,sheknewhe’dbereunitedwithhislovertonightwhileshe’dspendtherestofherlife
alone.

Buttoherimmensesurprise,itappearedDanielwasn’treadytoabandonheryet.Hetookherarm

and steered her away from his father. “Let me help you upstairs to your room, darling. You’re looking
pale.I’llhaveyourdinnersentuplater.”

Sutcliffemadeasoundofdisgust.“Goon.Getheroutofmysight.”
KatefollowedDanielreluctantly,unwillingtoacknowledgehergratitude.Surely,hewouldtireof

playingthedotinghusbandsoon,leavingheraloneanddefenseless.Itwouldbefoolishtostarttrusting
him.Shecouldn’taffordtodependonanyonebutherself.

He didn’t leave when they reached her bedroom. Instead he came in and sat down on the same

striped sofa where she and Talon had shared their first kiss. She looked away, blinking hard as the
memorycrippledherwithlossalloveragain.

“Aren’tyoulateforatrystwithPhilipCarrington?”Shewasdesperatetomakehimleave.She

wantedtobealonesoshecouldwallowundisturbedinhergrief.

He flushed. “There will be plenty of time to see Philip later.” He crossed his legs and made

himselfcomfortableasthoughheplannedtostay.

“Don’tletmekeepyou.”
Ignoringher,heleanedovertothebrandydecanterandpouredhimselfahealthyshot.“Itwasn’t

wise to provoke him that way. Can’t you just hold your tongue for a few more days? I need time to
convincehimyouweretiredandupsetanddidn’tmeanwhatyousaidtoday.ThenI’lltakeyouhometo
theManorandweneedn’tseehimagainuntilthebaby’sborn.”

Kateclenchedherhandsatherside,pacingtheroom.“Imeanteveryword,”shetoldhim.“I’m

temptedtocreateascandalneitherofyouwilleverlivedown.”

Daniel sighed. “Think about what you’re saying. He would never allow you to do such a thing

withoutreprisal.Ifyoucontinuetobehavethisway,he’lldestroyyou.”

“DoyoureallythinkIcare?”Hervoicebrokeastheefforttoremainstrongbecametoomuchto

bear.“Thetwoofyouhavealreadybrokenmyheart.Talonisgone.Whatelsecanhepossiblytakefrom
me?”

“Yourchild,”Danielanswered.“He’lltakeyourchildfromyouifyou’renotcareful.”
Kateclosedhereyesandturnedaway,grippingthecoolmarbleofthemanteluntilherknuckles

turned white from the strain. He was right. There were consequences for every action, and she was no
longertheonlyoneatrisk.

“OhGod,Daniel.”Sheturnedaroundandpressedherhandsoverherstomach.“Doyourealize

whatyou’vedone?Doyouseethedangeryou’veputusin?”

He paled and reached for her hand, pulling her to sit on the sofa beside him. “I’m sorry,” he

whispered,awkwardlyputtinghisarmaroundhershoulder.“I’msosorry.Butitwillbeallright.Iswear
itwill.”

It was the first time he’d ever held her, and for a moment she let herself lean against him. She

absorbedhiswarmth,tryingtofindthestrengthtogetthroughthisnightandallthecold,lonelynightsto
come.

Danieltouchedherchin,tippingherfaceuntilshewasforcedtomeethisearnestgaze.“Doyou

thinkyou’llevergrowtoloveme,Kate?Evenjustalittlebit?”

Hereyeswidenedashemovedcloser.Surely,hedidn’tmeanto...Oh,buthedid.Daniel’smouth

descendedonhersinanardentkiss.Foramoment,shewastoostunnedtoreact,butwhenheliftedhis
handtoherbreastshegasped,shovingawayfromhimwithallherstrength.

Theystaredateachother,bothbreathingheavily.Kateforcedherselftoresisttheurgetowipethe

tasteofhimfromherlips.Shecouldn’taffordtoangerhim,notnowwhenshewasathismercyashis
wifeintheeyesofthelaw.

“Don’tdothis.Please,Daniel.Ican’tbearit.”
Danielgottohisfeetandslammedhishandagainstthewall,makingthefragilecrystalvaseonthe

mantleshudder.“Whatcan’tyoubear?Mytouch?Mykiss?Mybodylyingnexttoyoursinthedark?”

Headvancedtowardherashespoke,hiseyesalittlewild.Katecringedagainstthesofa,terrified

ofhimandwhathemightdo.Suddenlyhisentireposturechanged,andhesanktohiskneesbeforeher.
“Givemeachance.God,justgivemeonechance.”

“I’msorry.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherwaist,curlinginonherself,prayinghewouldn’t

force himself on her. The thought of his hands on her body, the same hands that had touched Philip
Carrington... Bile rose in her throat and she swallowed, tears stinging her eyes. “I’m sorry, Daniel. I
can’t.”

His handsome face filled with despair. “I’ve been such a fool. I disgust you, don’t I? The mere

thoughtofmakinglovetomeisabhorrent,andafterwhatyouwitnessedthatnightyoucameupfromthe
country...howcanIpossiblyblameyou?”

Hewasright,butshedidn’twanttohurthimanymore.Theywerebothhurtingenoughalready.

“You don’t disgust me. This isn’t about you.” She touched her stomach, beseeching him with her eyes.
“I’m going to have Talon’s baby. I love him more than my own life. I could never share myself with
anyonebuthim.Canyouunderstandthat?”

Daniellaughed,alow,lostsound.“I’vemadeamessofeverything,haven’tI?”
She nodded in heartfelt agreement, afraid to give too much away, afraid to trust the glimmer of

hopehiswordsprovoked.

Hesmiled,andsomethinginthetiltofhislipsremindedherofhisbrother.“Youknow,you’renot

myideallovereither,Kate.Nooffense,butyou’rejustnotmytype.”

Sheburstintosurprisedlaughter,gladforhisflashofhumor.Itmadeeverythingmucheasier.“Tell

me.Whythissuddenurgetobemyhusband?You’venevercaredabouthearthandhomebefore.”

Heshruggedandgottohisfeet,comingtositbesideheronthesofa.“Itjustseemedlikeitwould

be so much easier. Being with you. Starting a family. Perhaps my father wouldn’t hate me so much if I
coulddothisonethingright.”

KatetookDaniel’shandandsqueezedit.“DoyoureallylovePhilipCarrington?”
Danielsighedandclosedhiseyes.“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowanythinganymore.”

*****

DanielclosedKate’sdoorandleanedagainstit,tremblingwithemotion.DearGod,whathadhe

done?

Forthelastmonth,allthroughthelongvoyageacrossthesea,he’dspunsparklingfantasiesofa

newlife.He’dimagineddonninganentirelydifferentpersona,becomingthekindoffathertoKate’schild
thatSutcliffehadneverbeentohim.Withtheloveofagoodwoman,he’dplannedtoputthepastbehind
him,denythesinfulurgesanddestructivebehaviorthathadruledhislifesofar.

Theloveofagoodwoman.Whatafarce.Katecaredforhim,butshewouldneverlookathimthe

wayshelookedatTalon.Howcouldshe?He’dneverbeabletoloveherthewayhisbrotherhad.

He’dlethisjealousyandangeroverTalon’sbetrayalblindhim.
NowheknewthatbytakingKateawayfromhisbrother,he’druinednotjustTalon’slife,butKate

andthebaby’saswell.

Allsohecouldhavesomethinghedidn’tevenwant.
Closinghiseyes,helethisheadfallbackagainstthedoor,ahorribleimagesearinghiseyelids.

Memoriesofthepunishmentshisfatherhadsubjectedhimtomadehimshudderindespair.Howcouldhe
everhaveconsideredallowinghisnephewtosuffersuchafate?

What if the poor boy started displaying signs of weakness? What if all Sutcliffe’s machinations

producedanheirwhowasmorelikeDanielthanTalon?

Godhelphim,hewouldkillhisfatherbeforehe’dletthesonofabitchtouchTalon’ssonwithhis

perverted,filthyhands.

Shovingawayfromthedoor,hestrodetowardthestaircasewithnewdetermination.Hecouldn’t

allowanyoneelsetosufferforhismistakes.Allhislifehe’dlivedinterrorofhisfather.He’dcowered
andworriedanddrownedhisself

‐disgustinliquoranddrugs.

Well,nomore.
ItwastimetostanduptoSutcliffeandundueallthewrongs.Hewastheonlyonewiththepower

tosetKateandTalonfree.

Hemadehiswaybackdownstairs,onlytogroanaloudwhenhesawhisfatherstandinginthehall

waiting for him. Sutcliffe’s dark hair gleamed in the flickering candlelight, and Daniel was eerily
remindedofTalon.

Daniel’s earlier resolve withered beneath his father’s icy stare. He wasn’t ready for this

confrontation.Notnow.Heneededmoretimetothink.Hedidn’tevenhaveaplan.

“Well,”theoldmansnapped.“Didyoutalksomesenseintoher?Iwon’tallowhertodestroythis,

notaftereverythingI’vebeenthrough.”

“Everything you’ve been through?” Daniel ran his hand through his hair in agitation. “I’m glad

Kate’sstandinguptoyou.Godknowsit’stimesomeonedid.”

Sutcliffe laughed, dismissing the thought of Kate’s anger as though she were a mosquito buzzing

tooclosetohisear.“She’samerewoman.

Whatcouldshepossiblydotohurtme?”
“She’sstrong,andshe’sgotmoreheartthanbothofusputtogether.Ifyouwanttokeepherquiet,

you’llhavetokeepherunderlockandkey.She’llneverletyougetawaywiththis.”

“Shecouldalwaysdieinchildbirth,”Sutcliffesaid.“Noonewouldfindthatpeculiar.Ithappens

allthetime.”

Danielstaredathisfatherindawningrealization.Katewasanobstacle,andSutcliffealwaysgot

ridofanyobstaclethatstoodinhisway.

If Kate continued to stick up for her unborn child, kept declaring her love for Talon, Sutcliffe

wouldarrangeanaccident.

Presto,theunwanteddaughter

‐in‐lawwouldbegone.

“Keepawayfromher.”Thiswasevenworsethanhe’dfeared.He’dknownhisfatherwouldmake

Katemiserable,buthe’dneverdreamedthebastardwouldsnuffherbeautifullifeoutcompletely.“We’ll
goouttothecountry,”hevowedwithasinkingsenseofdesperation.“I’llkeepherquiet.”

“IsthisconcernI’mhearingfromyou,Daniel?Forawoman?”Sutcliffegaveanastylaugh.“Are

youfinallygoingtostartactinglikeaman?Now,whenInolongerhaveanyuseforyou?”

Daniel flushed, struggling to maintain a thin veneer of control. “She’s my wife. We’ve become

friends.Iwon’tclaimthisbabyasmineifyoudoanythingtoharmher.”

“Perhaps that time you spent with my true son did you some good.” Sutcliffe gave him an

appraising glance. “Tell me, you little bastard, have you fallen in love with Talon? Is that what this is
about?BecauseIknowyoudon’tgiveadamnaboutthatshrew,Kate.”

Danielfeltasthoughhe’dbeenpunchedinthegut.HestaredatSutcliffe,filledwithdisgustand

loathing.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,hewasgladtheEarlofSutcliffedeniedbeinghisfather.

“WhenTalonfindshismen,he’llbeback,”hewarned.“AndGodhelpyouthen.”
Sutcliffe laughed. “He’ll search his entire life and never find them. How could he? I made sure

theyhangedbeforeIeverlethimoutofprison.”

“They’redead?”Danielpaledwhenhethoughtofthelookonhisbrother’sfacewhenhe’dspoken

ofhismen.He’dspokenofhonorandtrust,conceptsasforeignaslovetothemonsterwho’dbroughtthem
both in to the world. Daniel couldn’t imagine what it would do to Talon when he discovered all his
sacrificeshadbeeninvain.

“I hate loose ends,” Sutcliffe explained. “There were too many of them to keep track of, so I

decidedtoeliminatetheproblem.”

Eliminate the problem. Just as he planned to eliminate Kate. Hell, Daniel imagined he’d be

eliminated, too, once the baby was born. After all, what use would he be once the world thought he’d
begottenanheir?

“Youcertainlyfooledhim,didn’tyou?”Hetriedtokeephisfaceimpassive.Itwasimperativenot

toletSutcliffeknowhowmuchthedeathofTalon’smendisturbedhim.

“I’llexpectyoutobemorediscreetinyourdealingswithPhilipCarringtonnowthatyou’reback.

Iwantyoutoatleastpretendyou’vebeensleepingwithyourwife.Iwon’thaveanyhintofscandalright
now.Thetimingistoocrucial.”

Danielnodded,realizingthatifherenewedhisrelationshipwithPhilip,itwouldonlyendanger

themboth.“Areyouquitethrough?”

Sutcliffe laughed and turned back to his study. “I’m through with you for now,” he tossed back

overhisshoulder.“Runalong.Goplaywithyourlittlefriend.Youneedn’tworryyourselfwithyourwife
anylonger.”

Danielclenchedhisfistsathissides,reiningintheurgetoattackthebastardandmakehimpayfor

everysingletimehe’dhurthim.

Sutcliffewasinsane.Hehadtobestopped.
AndDanielknewhowtodoit.ItwastimeTalonlearnedthetruth.
Abouteverything.

ChapterTwenty

‐Seven

Talon had been in Nassau for over two months. He’d questioned someone from every ship that

cameinabouthismissingcrew,buthadyettoturnupasinglelead.Itwasasthoughhismenhadvanished
offthefaceoftheearth.

Hesatwithhisbacktothewallinashady,seafrontdive,drowninghistroublesinthebottomofa

bottle.Itwashardtoremainhopefulinthefaceofrepeatedfailure.

He’d thought of writing his father and demanding his crew’s whereabouts. After all, he’d more

thanlikelyfulfilledhispartofthebargain.Sutcliffeowedhim.

Buteachtimehetriedtoputpentopaper,somethingstoppedhim.Thelastvestigesofhispride,

hesupposed. Or maybeit was fear.He was afraid toreceive confirmation thatKate had been pregnant
whenhelefther.

Perhapshewasevenmorefrightenedbythepossibilitythatshewasn’t.WasSutcliffesearching

forhim,expectinghimtofinishthejob?

“TalonMontgomery?”
Thesoundofhisgivennameinaplacewherehe’dtakenpainstoremainanonymousjarredhim

outofhisanguishedreverie.

“Who’s asking?” Talon warily regarded the stranger who’d come up behind him, wishing he

hadn’timbibedsomuch.Hewasinnoshapeforafight.

“JonathanScott,sir.Yourbrotherhiredme.Heaskedmetogiveyouthisletter.”Theyoungman

grinned.“You’reahardmantofind.”

Talonstaredattheletterasthoughitwereapoisonousviper.“ThisisfromDaniel?”
JonathanScottnoddedandextendedtheenvelope.“Hesaiditwasmosturgent,sir.”
Talonacceptedtheletterandthensentthemanaway.Hereturnedtohisdrink,staringpensivelyat

hisnamescrawledinDaniel’sneathandwriting.

WhatthehelldidDanielwantfromhimnow?Hadn’thealreadytakeneverythingthatmattered?
After a long while, he finished the bottle then stood and took the letter back to the barren hotel

room where he’d been staying. He sat down on the edge of his narrow, filthy bed and opened it with
tremblingfingers,prayingnothinghadhappenedtoKate.

Talon,
Kateiswastingawayforloveofyou.Ithoughtintimeshe’dforgetyouoratleastrealizeshe

mustmoveon.Butthathasn’thappened,andIknowinmyheartitneverwill.

Mydreamsofafamilyofmyownareslippingaway,butwhyshouldthatsurpriseme?Itwasn’t

myfamilyI’vebeendreamingof.Itwasyours.

AllmylifeI’vewantedtobehalfthemanyouare.
You accused me of never having loved anyone, never having sacrificed anything I wanted for

thesakeofsomeoneelse.You’reright,ofcourse.Ifoursituationswerereversed,ifI’dhadtochoose
betweenPhilipandthelivesofseventymen,I’msureI’dhavechosenPhilipwithlittleregret.

Well,nomore.ForonceIamgoingtodotherightthingandsacrificesomethingIwantforthe

sakeofsomeoneIlove.

IgiveyouKate.Andnotonlythat,Igivehertoyouwithaclearconsciencebecauseourfather

hasneverhadanythingtothreatenyouwith.

Yourmenaredead.Theyhavebeenfromthestart.
Father admitted as much when I returned to London. After further investigation, I’ve

discoveredhiscrimesagainstyoudonotstopthere.HewastheonewhosenttheBritishNavyafter
you.Ifitweren’tforhim,youneverwouldhavebeenimprisonedinthefirstplace.

IhatethepartIplayedinthisunspeakabledeception.Ihopesomedayyoucanforgiveme.
ComebackforKateandyourchild.Don’tletyourhatredforSutcliffeblindyoutothefactthat

theyneedyou.

Yourbrother,Daniel

Taloncrumpledtheletterintoaballandhurleditacrossthehotelroom,watchingasitsettledin

thedustagainstthewall.Thenhesanktohisknees,buryinghisfaceinhishands.

Hismenweredead.They’dbeendeadallalong.
Big,gruffSmittyandyoung,trustingGarrett.Bones,O’Neal,Scott...Thelistwentonandon,their

facesmarchinginarelentless,accusinglinethroughhismind.Herealizedhewascrying,notjustfortheir
loss,butbecauseofeverythingitmeant.

He’druinedKatefornothingthenlethergowithoutafight.Christ,he’dalmostlethisfatherand

Danielraisehischild.

Mychild.
Had Kate known she was carrying his baby when he’d left her standing there beside Daniel in

Charleston?

Ofcourse,she’dknown.He’dknownit,too.Hehadn’tlethimselfacknowledgeitforfearhe’dgo

starkravingmad,butthetruthhadbeeninhisheartallalong.

He’dknownifheadmittedit,evenforamoment,hewouldn’tbeabletoconcentrateonsavinghis

men.Furyroseinhischest,burningawaythelesseremotionsofguiltandregret.

Hisownfatherwastoblame.
Sutcliffe had schemed and manipulated, murdering innocent men in cold blood, just to ensure

Talon gave him an heir. The entire plan was diabolical, but he’d never even suspected it was Sutcliffe
who’dhadhimarrestedinthefirstplace.

Hehadtokillthesonofabitchforwhathe’ddone.Itwastheonlywayhecouldeverbecertain

Kateandhischildwouldbesafe.

*****

Katestoodatherbedroomwindow,hercheekpressedagainstthecoolglass,staringattherose

garden beneath her. The roses were dying. She hadn’t worked with them since she’d returned and had

forbiddenthegardenertogonearthem.

Itseemedfittingsomehow.Thesightofthemwitheringontheirvineswasstrangelycomforting.
She’dendedupexactlywhereshe’dbegun,banishedtothecountrytoawaitthebirthofherchild.

Itwasasthoughthosefierymonthsshe’dspentwithTalonhadneverhappened.

KnowingTalon’slove,evenforjustalittlewhile,hadopenedhereyestoallshe’dmissed.The

silenceoftheManorleftherbereft.DearGod,howshemissedhim.

Shemissedtheheatofhisbodylyingbesideherwhilesheslept.
Shemissedhisbeautifulsmileandhistender,knowingtouch.
Perhapsshewouldfeelbetteroncesheheldhisbabyinherarms,butsomehow,shedoubtedit.

Thisacheinherheart,inherverysoul,wouldnevergoaway,notevenifshelivedtobeahundred.

SurelybynowDaniel’sletterhadreachedTalon.Shestillsimmeredwithragewhenshethought

about what Sutcliffe had done to him, to all three of them. She was glad Daniel had decided to do the
decentthingandputanendtoTalon’ssearchingandsuffering.

Shewouldhavegivenanythingtobeabletotellhimherself.Thenewsmusthavekilledhim.She

wished she could have been there to hold him, comfort him, and try to convince him it hadn’t been his
fault.

Withouther,hewouldbesolost,soalone.Worse,therewouldbenoonetotampdownhisfury.

Rageathisfather’sinjusticehadalwayssimmeredjustbelowthesurface.

She shivered to imagine the lengths he’d go to, the risks he’d take, in order to gain revenge.

Especiallynowsincehedidn’tthinkhehadanythinglefttolose.

She pressed her palm against the large swell of her stomach. Tears stung her eyes. Didn’t he

realizehowmuchshestilllovedhim?Howmuchsheandthischildneededhim?Hehadsomuchtolive
forifonlyhe’dcomebackandclaimit.

Daniel had assured her he’d grant her an annulment if Talon came back for her. But they’d both

agreedthatuntilhedid,shewassafernottostarttheproceedings.

ShewasbeginningtothinkTalonwasn’tevergoingtocomeback.
Asmuchasshefoughtagainstit,thesemonthsoflonelinessweretakingtheirtoll.Everypassing

daymadeherdoubtherselfandTalon’slove.

Ifonlyhe’dsaidthewordsjustonce.
Buthehadn’t.He’daskedhertomarryhim,buthe’dnever,everlookedherintheeyesandsaid

thewordsshe’dlongedtohear.

Iloveyou,Kate.
It would have made all the difference in the world. She could have kept hoping forever on the

strengthofthosefourlittlewords.

Asudden,sharppaininthesmallofherbackbroughtherself

‐pityingthoughtscareeningtoastop.

Sheheldherbreathuntilthepainsubsidedthenrubbedherhandnervouslyoverherstomachonceagain.

Itcouldn’tbetimeyet,sheassuredherself.Thedoctorhadbeenbytoseeherjustyesterday,and

he’dtoldhershehadseveralmoreweekstogo.

Shebegantothinkback,countinhermindhowmanymonthsithadbeensinceshe’dfirstmade

lovetoTalon,butthememoriesmadeherdizzywithlongingandshegaveup.Itseemedlikeaneternity
sincehe’dcometohercabinwiththatsingleperfectroseandcreatedthistinylifethatgrewwithinher.

Shecrossedtheroomtowardherbed,thinkingsheneededtoliedown.Butbeforeshecouldget

there,thepaincameagain,sharperthistime.

Shestumbledtothesatinbellpullandyankedonit,panicclawingatherthroat.Sheneededhelp.

SheneededBetsy’ssmilingface.

“No,”shewhispered,huggingherself.“Please,pleasenotyet.”Shewasterrifiedofboththepain

and going through this by herself. She wanted Talon at her side, holding her hand and encouraging her

withwordsoflove.Allhercarefullyconstructeddreamsofthefuturehadrevolvedaroundthisdayand
hispresencebyherside.

In her heart of hearts, she’d been so certain he wouldn’t let her go through this alone. She was

unpreparedtofacethetruth...shewasgoingtohavethisbabyaloneandprobablyremainthatwayforthe
restofherlife.

Betsyenteredtheroom,herfacepalingwhenshesawKatelyingonthebed.“Goodness,sweetie,

areyouallright?”

Kateblinkedawayhertears,resolvingtogetthroughthis.Herchildneededhertoremainstrong,

becausetheworstbattleswereyettocome.“Sendforthedoctor,Betsy.Thebaby’scoming.”

ChapterTwenty

‐Eight

Talon’s rage and thoughts of revenge sustained him during the weeks it took him to cross the

Atlantic. He spoke to no one, sending any potentially friendly sailor skittering off with one hell born
glance.

Sutcliffewasadeadman.Nomatterwhattheconsequences,Talonwasdeterminedtomakethe

bastardpayforwhathe’ddone.

After Sutcliffe’s demise, Daniel would be the bloody earl. Perhaps that would finally make his

brotherhappy.Forhimself,Talonwaspreparedtofacethehangman.Itwasonlyfittingsincetheveryfact
ofhisbirthhadconsignedhiscrewtodie.

HedidhisbesttoblockallthoughtsofKatefromhismind.Ifhethoughtofher,he’dgomad.
Forafewdays,he’dtoyedwiththeideaofgoingtoseeherbeforeheslitSutcliffe’sthroat.He

wantedtomakelovetoheronelasttime,tellherhowmuchhelovedherbeforehedied.

But in the end, he knew it would weaken his resolve. She would remind him of all the things

Sutcliffehadstolenfromhim,allthebloodyliesandbetrayals.

Shewouldmakehimwanttoliveagain,andtherewasnoroomforsuchthoughts.Sutcliffehad

takenseventylives,andhehadtodie.ItwastheonlywayTaloncouldredeemhimselfforbeingsucha
stupidfool.Henevershouldhavefallenforhisfather’slies.

Whyhadn’thedemandedsomeproofthathismenstilllivedbeforeagreeingtobreakKate’sheart

andabandonhisownchild?

Hadhetrustedthebastard,evenforamoment?
Thatwastheworstofit,becauseheknewinthedepthsofhisheartthathe’dbeenalittleflattered

Sutcliffewantedhimtofatherhisheir.Atlasthisfatherhadacknowledgedhim.He’dbeenpathetically
happytoknowSutcliffefoundhimaworthyadversary.

Christ,howthesonofabitchmustbelaughingathimnow.
HearrivedinLondonlateintheafternoonalittleovertenmonthsafterhe’dleft.Katemighthave

evengivenbirthtohischildbynow,butheshovedthethoughtaside.Thebabywouldbefine.Thatwas
whathewasheretoensure.

The city hadn’t changed since he’d been gone. It was still too crowded, too busy, too dirty. He

thoughtofthepromisehe’dmadetohimselfwhenhe’dleftaboutnevercomingbackandwishedtoGod
he’dbeenabletokeepit.

Hehiredahackandleanedbackinthericketyseat,histhoughtsracingaheadtotheconfrontation

tocome.WouldSutcliffebesurprisedtoseehim,orhadheanticipatedthis,stillonestepaheadofthe
game?

Would that hulking footman be lying in wait, ready to take care of Sutcliffe’s embarrassing

youthfulmistakenowthathehadhisheir?

Talonsethisjaw.Itdidn’tmatter.AllthatmatteredwasthathetookSutcliffewithhimtohell.
LifewithoutKatewashellanyway.
Thehackturneddownthequieterstreetswheretherichandprivilegedlived.Talonsatforward,

scanningthestatelymansionsfortheonehe’dcometoknowsowell.

Hehadthedriverdrophimoffafewhousesawaythenstoodinthegatheringtwilight,wondering

belatedlyifKatewashere.

Itwasn’tbeyondtherealmofpossibility,althoughhe’dassumedshe’dreturnedtotheManor.But

her time was close, and perhaps she’d preferred to stay here where she’d have access to the finest
doctors.

Heaven help him if she hadn’t left. Because he knew he could never kill anyone, not even his

father,iftherewasachanceshemightbehurtbyit.

Ifhecaughtevenaglimpseofher,hemightforgetwhyhe’dcome,falldownonhiskneesbefore

herandbeghertogivehimonemorechance.

Hetookadeepbreathandcircledthehouse,lettinghimselfintheservant’sentrance.Onceinside,

hemadehiswayupthebackstairs,headingtotheroomKateusedwhileshewasinresidence.

Onewayortheother,hehadtoknow.
Heslippedthroughtheunlockeddoor,forcinghimselfnottolooktowardthesofawhereheand

Katehadsharedtheirfirstkiss.Despitethecircumstances,ithadbeenoneofthemostbeautifulmoments
ofhislife.Eventhen,he’dknownhowharditwasgoingtobetogiveherup.

Asoftnoisecaughthisattention,andheturnedhisheadtowardthesource.Hisheartpoundedin

denialwhenheheardshallowbreathingcomingfromthecurtainedbed.

Creepingcloser,heheardanothernoise,asmall,thincrythatnearlyunmannedhim.Kate’svoice

whisperedinthedark,asoft,sweetbreathofsound,quietingthechildwhomustbelyinginthebedwith
her.

Thefloorcreakedbeneathhisfeet.Kateinhaledsharply,andthecoversrustledasshesatupand

fumbledtolightthelampbesideherbed.“Who’sthere?”

Theroomfloodedwithsoftlight,andTalon’sgazelockedwithKate’s.Shewasbreathingheavily,

her hair falling around her shoulders in chestnut disarray. One sleeve of her pale green nightgown was
lowered,exposingherfull,whitebreast.

Sheheldhischildagainsther,thetinymouthsuckinggreedily,thesoundveryloudinthesilenceof

theroom.

Hecouldn’tspeak.Hecouldonlystareinawe.Shewasmorebeautifulthananythinghe’dever

seeninhislife.Madonnaandchild.Hisfamily.

“Talon,”shewhispered,hervoicebreakingwithemotion.“Isitreallyyou?”
Henoddedandmovedtowardherhesitantly,afraidoflosingcontrol,ofthrowinghimselfagainst

her and crushing her in a bruising embrace. His gaze traveled from her face to the baby at her breast,
transfixedbythesightofthetinycreaturehe’dhelpedcreate.

She patted the bed beside her in invitation. He sat down, a shudder working its way from deep

insidehimassheclosedherhandaroundhis.

“OhGod.”Hebowedhisheadandpressedhislipstoherpalm.“Imissedyousomuch.”
“I missed you, too.” She touched his face, his hair, his chest, as though she couldn’t believe he

wasreallythere.

“Ididn’tthinkyouwereevercomingback.I’vebeensoafraid,soworriedaboutElizabeth...”

“Elizabeth?”Hisgazeleftherstoreturnwithawetothebaby.“Adaughter?”
“IsElizabethallrightwithyou?”sheasked.“Itwasmymother’sname.”
“Ofcourse,”hewhispered,histhroattightwithemotion.“Ofcourse,it’sallright.It’sabeautiful

name.”Hereachedoutandtouchedhisdaughter’sdownyhead,awedbythesoftness,thewarmth.

Kategentlydisengagedthechildfromherbreast.“Wouldyouliketoholdher?”
Talonnoddedandheldouthisarms.Katehandedhimthebaby,andarushofoverwhelminglove

consumedhim.HecradledElizabethtohischest,staringathertiny,perfectface.

He saw a little of Kate in his daughter’s face, but also a little of himself. It made him doubt

everythingthathadbeensoclearjustashortwhileago.Hedidn’twanttodie.Notwhentherewasso
muchlefttolivefor.

“DidyougetDaniel’sletter?”
Kate’s soft voice intruded on his reverie. He nodded, the grief for his men a crushing weight

dragginghimdown.Hehadnorighttobehere,holdinghisbeautifuldaughterandbaskingintheloveof
thiswonderfulwoman,whensomanymenweredeadbyhisfather’shands.

“I’msosorry.IwishIcouldhavebeentherewithyouwhenyoufoundout.”Thesympathyinher

voiceundidhim.

“I’mgladyouweren’t.Iwentalittlecrazy.Iwouldn’thavewantedyoutoseemethatway.”
Shepulledhernightgownup,coveringherfullbreast,andthencuppedhischeekwithherhand.

“Youdon’talwayshavetobeatyourbestforme.Iwanttobethereforyouduringthebadtimesaswell
asthegood.Nothingyoudocouldevermakemeloveyouless.”

“Youcan’tmeanthat.”Heshookhishead,unwillingtobelieveher.Howcouldshestilllovehim

afterallthathadhappened?“Don’tdependonme,Kate.Ican’tbearit.Don’tyourealizeIdidn’tcome
heretoseeyou?Ididn’tevenknowyouwerehere.”

Her hands slid from his skin, leaving him bereft. “Then why did you come?” Kate’s voice was

frightfully restrained, cool and condemning, every bit the English aristocrat. Never had he felt the
differenceintheirstationssoacutely.

“You know why. I came to kill Sutcliffe to protect you and Elizabeth. To make him pay for

everythinghe’sdone.”

“Don’t drag me and Elizabeth into this.” Kate’s green eyes flashed with fury. “If you loved us,

you’d take us away from this place tonight and never look back. You’d be there when we needed you
insteadofthrowingyourentirelifeawayforrevenge.”

“Kate,youdon’tunderstand.”Hemethergaze,tryingtomakeherseehewasdoingthisforher.

Hewassacrificinghisentirefuture.Therewasakindofnobilityinthat,wasn’tthere?

Christ,whycouldn’tsheseeit?
“Iunderstandperfectly.”SheleanedforwardandtookElizabethfromhisarms,cradlingthebaby

to her chest and giving him a look filled with loathing. “You seduced me because you had to. You’ve
neverclaimedtoloveme,andI’manutterfooltohavebelievedyoudid.”

Her words left him reeling. He might not have said the words, but he’d shown her in a million

wayshowmuchhelovedher.

Hadn’the?
“Please,sweetheart.Don’tbethisway.YouknowIloveyou.I’velovedyousincethefirsttimeI

sawyou.That’swhyIhavetokillSutcliffe.Aslongashe’salive,we’llneverbefreeofhim.He’llfind
someotherwaytodestroyus.”

“WecanleaveEngland,gobacktoAmericaandchangeournames.Therehastobeaway,ifonly

you’restrongenoughtofindit.”

Kate’s words were filled with blazing intensity, and for a moment he found himself considering

hercrazyplan.Maybeshewasright.

ButthethoughtoflettingSutcliffelive,walkingawaywhilethatsonofabitchremainedfreeto

ruinevenmoreinnocentlives,wasabhorrent.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I have to do this. It’s the only way I’ll ever be able to live with

myself.”

“Livewithyourself?”Kate’svoicerosehysterically.“Ifyoudothisthing,you’lldie.They’llhang

you!”

Hejuststaredather,hisheartbreaking.
“Do you think Elizabeth gives a damn about your pride and guilt? Don’t you think she’d rather

haveafatherwholovesherandkisseshergoodnight,thanhearstoriesaboutonewhosacrificedhislife
forsomemistakensenseofnobility?”

Thebabybegantocry.Obviously,Kate’smoodwascommunicatingitselftothechild.
“LetmeholdheragainbeforeIleave.Please.”
KatehuggedElizabethtighter,makinghercryevenharder.“No,Talon.Ifyouwanttobeafather,

thenyoubeonefortherestofherlife.Dowhat’sbestforher.Don’tabandonusagain.”

Hisarmsachedwithemptiness.Howcouldheleavethem?Howcouldhediewithoutevermaking

lovetoKateagain?

Kate’seyesnarrowed.“Makethehardchoice,Talon.Chooseloveinsteadofhate,orgetoutofmy

room.”

“Idoloveyou,”hevowed.“Iloveyouboth.ButIcan’tdowhatyou’reasking.”
Eyesstingingwithunshedtears,heturnedandwentinsearchofhisfather.

ChapterTwenty

‐Nine

Talon drifted back downstairs, taking care to remain unobserved by any of the servants. He

wantedtosurprisethebastard.Lordknewheneededeveryadvantagehecouldget.

Thoughts of Elizabeth and of Kate and her impassioned plea echoed in his head, destroying his

resolve.Hetookseveraldeepbreaths,tryingtoregaincontrol.

Atlast,hemanagedtoputeverythingexcepttheneedforvengeanceoutofhishead.Itwastheonly

wayhecoulddothisthing,theonlywayhecouldfacewhatwouldcomeafterward.

Sutcliffe was exactly where Talon had expected him to be, sitting in his library smoking an

expensive cigar and sipping cognac. For a moment, Talon just stood in the doorway, watching him and
lettinghishatredsimmertotheboilingpoint.

Sutcliffefinallyturnedtoseewhowasbehindhim.“Talon.”DismayflickeredacrossSutcliffe’s

facebeforehisfeaturesbecameinscrutable.“Comein,son.I’llpouryouadrink.”

“Don’tcallmethat.Don’tevercallmethatagain.”
Sutcliffechuckledandfilledanothercrystalshotglasswithcognac.Hesentitskitteringacrossthe

deskandgesturedtothechairacrossfromhim.“Goahead,sitdown.Wehavealottotalkabout.”

“I’mthroughtalking.”Talonignoredboththedrinkandthechair.“Ididn’tevenplantosaythis

much.AllIwanttodoiskillyou,yousonofabitch.”

“Ah, so you’ve found out about your crew.” Sutcliffe gave a pitying shake of his head. “Come

now,didyoureallythinkI’dstickmyneckoutforabunchofworthlesspirates?”

Talonreachedintohiswaistbandandpulledoutthesmall,pearl-handledpistolhe’dpurchasedin

Nassau.HeaimeditatSutcliffe’scold,deadheart,surprisedtoseehishandsweresteady.“Imistakenly
assumedyoumightbeamanofyourwordsincewesharedthesameblood.Obviously,Iwaswrong.”

Sutcliffe glanced at the pistol. “You’ll never get away with killing me, you foolish boy. Lionel

willbeinheretheinstantyoufireashot.

You’llneverevenmakeitoutofthehouse.”
“Igotintothehouse,didn’tI?Itdoesn’tmatter.Ineverexpectedtogetawaywithit.Imighteven

turnmyselfin.I’mmorethanreadytodie,yousee,aslongasIcantakeyouwithme.”

Sutcliffelookedjustalittletakenabackbythat,butthenhesmiled.“I’msurprisedyoucametome

first.IexpectedyoutogoouttothecountryandseeKathrynandherchild.Shedeliveredseveraldays
ago.”

Talonforcedhimselfnottoreact.Hewouldn’tallowSutcliffetouseKateorthebabyagainsthim.

“I guess that shows how little you know me. By killing you, I’m ensuring their safety. That’s all that
matterstomenow.”

Sutcliffeplayedhistrumpcard.“They’rehere,Talon.Upstairs.IhadthembroughtheresoIcould

seemyheir.Areyousureyoudon’twanttogoseeyourdaughterbeforeyoudosomethingyou’llregret?
Surelyyoudon’twantKathryntoseeyouarrestedformurder.”

The thought made him weak with despair. Sutcliffe was right, killing him would be harder than

he’d ever imagined, especially after the ultimatum she’d given him. “I’m sure,” he managed, trying to
remainimpassive.

Sutcliffemusthaveseenhisflickerofweakness,though,becausehepouncedonit.“Alittlegirl,

canyoucreditit?Ithoughtyouweremoreofamanthanthat.”

“Gotohell,”hewhispered.
Heshouldhavejustwalkedinandshotthebastardinthebackofthehead.Ithadbeentheheight

offoolishnesstoallowhimtosayasingleword.

“Agirlchildsimplywon’tdo.”Sutcliffepursedhislipsandshookhishead.“I’mgoingtohaveto

try again with one of my other by

‐blows. I’ll have to find one who is more agreeable for the next go

round.”

Allindecisionfellaway.Talonwouldn’tallowKateorDanieltobehurtagain.Heliftedthegun

andtookcarefulaim.“Idon’tthinkso.”

“Don’tdoit.”Daniel’svoicestartledTalon,buthedidn’tturnaround.Hekepthisgazelockedon

hisfather,gratifiedtoseeafewbeadsofsweatbreakoutonSutcliffe’sbrow.

“It’stoolate,Daniel.Ishouldthinkyou,ofallpeople,wouldbegladtoseehimgone.”Talon’s

fingertightenedonthetrigger.

“Idon’tgiveadamnabouthim.”Danielcrossedtheroomuntiltheystoodsidebyside.“ButIdo

care about Kate and your daughter. She’s been waiting for you. Don’t throw it all away now. He’s not
worthit.”

Sutcliffelaughedmockingly.“Isn’tthissweet?Suchashowofbrotherlyconcern.”Hesmiled.“He

wantsyouonyourkneesforhim,Talon.”

“Divide and conquer, hmm?” Talon shook his head. “Daniel has earned my trust, you bastard. I

happentothinkhe’llmakeawonderfulearlonceyou’redead.”

HeriskedaglanceathisbrotherandwasshockedtoseethefuryonDaniel’sface.“Ifanyone’s

goingtoshoothim,itshouldbeme,”Danielmuttered.“Idon’thaveanythingtolose.Letmedoit.It’sthe
onlyway.”

“You don’t have the guts,” Sutcliffe told him. “You’ve been a spineless ninny all your life,

Daniel.”

“Think of Kate.” Daniel ignored Sutcliffe’s taunts, his gaze still locked with Talon’s. “Don’t do

thistoher.She’salreadybeenhurtenough.ThinkaboutlittleElizabeth.She’ssobeautiful.Don’tthrow
yourlifeawaybeforeyouhaveachancetoseeher.”

Elizabeth.
God, if only Daniel hadn’t mentioned his daughter. But now he saw her in his mind, a living,

breathingsoul.Elizabethwouldneedhim.

Andherealizedhedidhaveachoice.Katewasright.Hehadtochoosebetweenhishatredforhis

fatherandhisloveforKateandthechild.

Thedecisionwassurprisinglysimpletomake.
He slowly lowered his gun, forcing himself to ignore the triumphant light in Sutcliffe’s eyes.

“Daniel’sright,I’moffarmoreusetomyfamilyalivethandanglingattheendofahangman’snoose.”

“Your family?” Sutcliffe scoffed. “You forget, Talon. She’s married to Daniel. And Daniel will

nevergoagainstmywishes.He’ddoanythingtoprotectPhilipCarrington.”

Daniel gave a bitter shake of his head. “Philip and I have ended our involvement. And I’ve

alreadytoldTalonI’llannulmymarriage.”

“You’lldonosuchthing.”Atlast,Sutcliffebegantolosecontrol.“Iwon’tallowthetwoofyouto

defyme.I’llkillyoubothandfatheranotherchildonKathrynmyselfifIhaveto.Godknowsthat’swhatI
shouldhavedoneinthefirstplace.Thetwoofyouareasworthlessasthespinelessbitcheswhobirthed
you.”

Talonliftedthegunagain,blindedwithred-hotfury.“I’llseeyouinhellbeforeI’llletyoutouch

onehaironKate’shead.”

Beforehecouldpullthetrigger,Danielwrenchedthegunoutofhishand.Talontriedtowrestit

back,butDanielpulledawaywithsurprisingstrengthandfired,aimingfortheirfather’sblackheart.

Sutcliffe staggered back, clutching at his chest and staring down at the blood that covered his

hands. His shocked gaze flickered up to Daniel, who still held the gun in his trembling grasp, his face
bleachedpaleassnow.

“Iamnotspineless,”Danielwhispered.“AndIwishtoGodIwasn’tyourson.”

ChapterThirty

TalonandDanielstoodsidebyside,watchingasJamesSinclairtookhislast,chokinggaspofair.

Talonclenchedhisfistsathissides,stillstunnedbywhathadhappened.

DaniellaidthegunonthedeskandthenkneltbySutcliffe’sside,feelingforapulse.“He’sgone,”

hesaidafewmomentslater.“He’llneverbotheranyofusagain.”

“Daniel,whathaveyoudone?”Talonstaredathisbrother,wonderingiftheyoungermanwasin

shock.“Inevermeantforyoutogetinvolvedinthis.Thiswasmyfight,notyours.”

“Youthinkso?”Danielshookhisheadandsankintothechairbehindthedesk,theoneSutcliffe

had so recently vacated. “He never would have stopped. Even if you’d managed to take Kate and
Elizabethawayfromhere,hewouldhavefoundawaytohurtyou.Andonceyouweregone,hewould
have started on me again. He’d have found something else he could hold over me, forced me to marry
someotherpoorgirl.”

Talon rubbed a trembling hand over his face, knowing every word Daniel said was true. “You

hatedhimevenmorethanIdid.”

DanielnoddedandmetTalon’sgazeheadon.“HewasalwaysmakingmedothingsIdidn’twant

to do.” His voice broke, and Talon saw unimaginable pain in his brother’s light blue eyes. “Do you
understandwhatI’msaying?”

“Christ.”Talonlookedaway,rememberingthatnightontheshipwhenDanielhadclaimedthere

wereworsethingsthanpoverty.

He’dbeenright.
Danieltookadeep,shudderingbreath.“Well,itwon’teverhappenagain.Nottome,nottoyou.

Nottoanyinnocentchildeveragain.I’mnotsorry.I’mwillingtotaketheconsequences.”

Therewasaswiftknockonthedoor,andLionelburstin,arevolverinhislarge,capablehands.

Hetookinthesituationwithimpassiveeyesthenturnedandmurmuredsomethingtothegatheringcrowd
ofservantsoutsidebeforeshuttingthedoorfirmlybehindhim.

“Whichoneofyoufinallygavetheoldbastardwhathedeserved?”Lionelaskedwithoutaflicker

ofsurprise.

Talon looked into the footman’s face and realized Lionel was an ally, not an enemy. Hell, he

probablyknewbetterthananyonehowevilSutcliffehadbeen.“I’mafraidthehonorsgotoDaniel.”

Danielburiedhisfaceinhishands.“Icouldn’ttakeitanymore,Lionel.Hepushedmetoofarthis

time.”

LionelstaredatDanielforalongmoment,compassioninhisdark,knowingeyes.“Everyman’s

gotalimit.Iexpectyou’vebeenpushedfurtherthanmost,LordSutcliffe.”

“LordSutcliffe?”Danielwhispered.“Thankyouforthat,Lionel.IdoubtI’llbehearingitagain

oncetheconstablecomes.”

LionelglancedatTalon.“Idon’tthinkthere’sgoingtobeaproblemwiththeconstable.I’msure

yourbrotherwillbemorethanhappytotestifytowhathesawheretonight,andsowillI.”

“What did I see?” Talon asked, realizing the big man had a plan. “Your father surprised a

prowler.” As he spoke, Lionel crossed the room and slid aside a painting, revealing a hidden safe. He
deftlyworkedthecombinationandopenedit,tossingpapersandstacksofmoneytothefloor.“Thethief
shothimthenescapedthroughthewindowwhenthetwoofyoucamerunning.”

Lionelheftedonesmallstackofbillsandliftedabrow.WhenDanielnodded,Lionelgrinnedand

pocketedthemoney.“BythetimeIarrived,thetwoofyouhadalreadydeterminedyourfatherwasdead.”

Talon crossed the room, opening one of the large windows. “I believe this was the window he

escapedthrough,wasn’tit?”

Danielglancedbetweenthem,cautioushopedawninginhiseyes.“Youdon’thavetodothis.”
TalonexchangedalookwithLionel,certainthefootmancouldbetrusted.“Youdon’tdeserveto

die,Daniel.Ifwehavetotellafewliestopreventthatfromhappening,wewill.”

*****

Kate sat in the darkness, holding her baby in her arms, tears streaming down her cheeks as the

echoesofagunshotfadedaway.Thesoundwasadeathknell,notjustforherfather

‐in‐law,butforallher

dreams.

Inherheart,shereallyhadn’tthoughtTalonwouldgothroughwithit.Evenwhenhe’dwalkedout

the door, she’d been certain he’d come back once he’d had a few moments to think about what he was
losing.

How could he have looked into Elizabeth’s helpless little face and made the decision to desert

her?WashemorelikeSutcliffethanshe’dimagined?WasheasdisappointedasSutcliffethatshehadn’t
givenhimason?

ShestrokedElizabeth’sdownycheek,hertearsfallingevenharder.
She knew she should go below and attempt to keep Talon out of prison, but the futility of it

overwhelmedher.Sutcliffehadbeenanearl.Hispeerswoulddemandjusticeforwhathadhappened.

Justice?
She had a sudden, vivid image of a noose around Talon’s beautiful neck, his long, lean body

dancinginthewind.No.Nomatterwhathe’ddone,shecouldn’tallowhimtodie.Therewasnojustice
inthat.

ElizabethfussedasKatelaidherbackdownonthebedandbeganpullingonherclothes.Shehad

to be downstairs before the authorities arrived. There must be something she could do, something she
couldsaytokeepElizabethfromgrowingupwithoutafather.

ShedressedinrecordtimethenhurrieddownthesweepingstaircasewithElizabethclutchedto

herchest,terrifiedofwhatshemightfind.Theservantsweremillingaroundoutsidethelibrarydoorand
talkinginexcitedwhispers,butwhentheysawhertheyquieted.

“Whathappened?”Hervoicecracked,andsheclearedherthroat,determinednottoletonthatshe

alreadyknew.“IthoughtIheardagunshot.”

“There was a gunshot, Lady Kathryn. It came from the library.” The butler, Jenkins, stepped

forward,hissolemnfacemoreanimatedthanshe’deverseenit.“We’renotsurewhathappened.Lionelis

intherenowtalkingwiththeearl’ssons.”

Sons?HadDanielbeeninvolved?Shepushedthroughthecrowd,stoppingonlytohandElizabeth

to her nurse. Perhaps, if only Lionel knew what had happened, there was still something that could be
done.

Thebutlertriedtoblockherway.“Idon’tthinkyoushouldgointhere,milady.”
Kategavethemanhermostscathingglare.“Kindlystepaside,sir.Iamtheladyofthishouse,and

Iintendtofindoutexactlywhathappened.”

Thebutlerlookedasthoughhe’dliketoarguewithhersomemore,butheletherpass.Headheld

high,Katesteppedpasthimandtriedthelibrarydoor.

Itwaslocked.
Heat rising in her cheeks and intensely aware of her audience, Kate rapped on the closed oak

panel.Therewassilenceforalongmoment,andthenthedooropened.

Lionel,thehuge,grufffootmanwhoaccompaniedherfather

‐in‐laweverywherehewent,stoodin

theopening,blockingherviewoftheroombeyond.Theangrylookinhiseyesgentledwhenhesawher.
“I’m sorry, milady. There’s been a horrible crime committed here tonight. You’ll have to wait out here
withtheothersuntiltheconstablecomes.”

“Letherin,Lionel.”
KatehadneverbeensogladtohearDaniel’svoice.Sheslippedpastthegiantfootman,onlyto

cometoanabrupthaltwhenshesawSutcliffelyingonthelibraryfloorinapoolofblood.

Sheliftedherhandtoherthroat,closinghereyesinanefforttoblockouttheterriblesight.He’d

done it. Talon had chosen vengeance over love. Her heart shattered at this final, irrefutable proof that
he’dneverlovedher.

“Kate?”Talon’svoicewassoftandlow,andsherealizedhe’dcomeupbehindher.
She whirled to face him, all dignity and restraint gone. “Was it worth it? Was killing this man

worthlosingmeandyourdaughter?”

Painsparkedinthedepthsofhiseyes.“IknowIhurtyoutonight.Iknowyou’reangry,butplease,

letmeexplain.”

“Explainwhat?”Sheturnedherback,unabletolookathimforanotherminute,unabletolistento

himrationalizeyetanotherterriblebetrayal.“There’snothinglefttosay.Youmadeyourdecision.”

“It’s not what you think, Kate.” Daniel took her arm and drew her to a chair. “Talon didn’t kill

him.Idid.”

Kate sat down, staring at her husband in shock. “You, Daniel?” Her gaze flicked to Talon, who

saidnothing,juststaredatherwiththoseblue,blueeyes.

Daniel nodded and sank back on his heels. There was grief on his face, but also a strength and

steadinessshe’dneverseentherebefore.“Yes.Ididthis.”

Lionelclearedhisthroat.“Areyousureyoushouldbetellingherthis,sir?”
Danielmadeadismissivegesture.“ItrusthermorethanItrustmyself.”
Talon stepped forward, placing his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “I was going to do it. I wasn’t

thinkingstraight.AllIwantedwasrevenge.”

“That’snottrue,”Danielsaid.“Hewouldn’thavedoneit.Hehadtoomuchtolose,andallthree

ofusknewit.ItoldFatheryouandIweregoingtogetanannulment,thatyouandTalonhadmyblessing
tomarry.Theoldbastardstartedtoloseit.Butinsteadofadmittingdefeat,hekepton.Hestartedtaunting
me...”

Kateshuddered,wonderingwhatSutcliffehadsaidtodriveagentlemanlikeDanieltomurder,

butsherealizedshewasbetteroffnotknowing.

“Oh, Daniel. What will become of you?” She couldn’t imagine Daniel in prison, let alone

sentencedtodeath.

“Nothing will happen to the lad, Lady Kathryn.” There was a faint challenge in Lionel’s voice.

“We’vedecidedtoclaimLordSutcliffewaskilledbyaprowler.”

She let her gaze drift over the face of each of the three men in the room and realized they had

thingswellinhand.Asusual,herpresencewasn’trequiredatall.

Talontookherhandandpulledhertoherfeet.“Whydon’tyoutakethebabyandgobackupstairs?

The constable will be here shortly, and there’s no reason for you to have to endure all their questions.
DanielandIwilltakecareofeverything.”

She stared into his eyes, trying to see beyond his quiet words, wondering where on earth this

strangeturnofeventshadleftthem.Questionstrembledontheedgeofhertongue,butsheheldthemback.
She’dalreadysaideverythingshehadtosay.Thenextmovewasuptohim.

“Allright,”shewhispered,turningherfaceawayfromherfather

‐in‐law’sbloodycorpse.

“I’ll come up after everything is settled,” he promised her, squeezing her hand gently before

releasingit.“Westillhavealottotalkabout.”

Hopesoaredanew,butsheschooledherface,noddingasthoughshecouldcareless,determined

nottoletheremotionsshow.He’dalreadybrokenherheartoncetonight,andshewouldn’tallowhimto
dosoagain.

Beforesheleft,shehuggedDaniel,pressingherlipstohischeek.“Everythingwillbeallright,”

shetoldhim.“Thisisabeginning,notanend.”

ChapterThirty-One

Talon stayed in the library with Daniel for hours, answering the constable’s questions over and

overagain.Theinspectorswerejustifiablysuspicious,buthe,DanielandLionelhadworkedoutasolid
story,andtherewasnoprooftheywerelying.

Besides, Daniel was an earl now, and none of these men wanted to accuse either him or his

brother of murder without anything solid to go on. In the end, they’d taken away Sutcliffe’s body and
promisedtofindtheunknownintruderwhohaddonethedeed.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Talon headed upstairs to Kate’s bedroom. He needed Kate

andhisbeautifuldaughtertocleansehimofthenight’sugliness.

Hestillcouldn’tbelievetheoldbastardwasdead.
Theknowledgegavehimnoneofthesatisfactionhe’dexpectedtofeel.Hiscrewwasstillgone,

andDanielwasscarredforlife.

Sutcliffehadruinedeverylifehe’devertouched.
Forthesecondtimethatnight,TalonstoleintoKate’sroom,shuttingthedoorandlockingitbehind

him.Itwasalmostdawn,andhedidn’twanttobeinterruptedbyanydutifulservantbeforeheandKate
hadsettledthings.

Theroomwassoftlylitthistime,thelampbythebedflickeringlow.Katewassoundasleepwith

Elizabeth cradled in the crook of her arm. A smile curved Talon’s lips when he saw his daughter was
awake,gazingwide

‐eyedattheceiling,herlittlearmflailingintunetomusiconlyshecouldhear.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and lifted Elizabeth into his arms. “Hello, sweetheart,” he

whispered,touchinghertinynosewithhisforefinger.“I’myourfather.”

The words brought stinging tears to his eyes. The task that lay before him seemed almost

insurmountable. How did one become a good father? Elizabeth’s future rested in his hands. What if he
failedher?

“Youcameback.”Kate’svoicewassoftwithwonderandscratchywithsleep.Hejumpedatthe

soundandavertedhisface,blinkingrapidly,hopingtoeraseallsignsofhisweakness.

“Ithoughtyouwereasleep.”HeclearedhisthroatandhuggedElizabethalittletighter.Hedidn’t

knowwhattosay,didn’tknowhowtorightallthewrongs.

Kate got to her knees and put her hand on his chin, forcing him to look at her. “You’re crying,

Talon.”Shesatback,hereyeswideandconfused.“Whyareyoucrying?”

He shook his head. He wanted to deny it, but his pride had destroyed too much between them

already.“I’mafraid,”headmitted,releasingashudderingsigh.“I’mafraidI’llruinthis.”

Shefrownedandsaidnothing,justcontinuedtostareathimwiththosewidegreeneyes.
Hetookadeepbreath,knowingshewasn’tgoingtomakethiseasyonhim.“Iloveyou,Kate.I

knowI’vehurtyou;IknowI’vebeenafool.Butplease,givemeanotherchance.”

She bowed her head. “How can I trust you? A few hours ago, you were willing to throw it all

away.Ineedyoutobethere.Notjustforawhile,butforever.”

He reached into the space that separated them and took her hand in his. “I’ve learned so much

tonight.I’velearnedthevalueofloveandtheimportanceoffamily.Mostofall,Irealizedmylifemeant
nothingwithoutyouinit.”

Sheclosedhereyes.“I’mglad.Really,Iam.Butdiditeveroccurtoyouthatitmightbetoolate?”
“Isit?”Hesqueezedherhandwithmoreforcethanheintended.“Isittoolate?”
For an endless moment, she said nothing. He saw everything slipping away from him and

wonderedhowhe’dfindthestrengthtobearit.

Atlast,sheshookherheadandmethisgaze,atremuloussmilecurvingherlips.“It’snevertoo

latewhenyoulovesomeone.”

HeshiftedElizabethsohecouldpullKateclose.“Idoloveyou,”hewhispered,realizingheheld

everythingheneededinhisarms.“I’llneverstoplovingyou.”

“Thenlet’sgetmarried,”Katesuggested,kissinghislipswithinfinitetenderness.“Thesoonerthe

better.”

Epilogue

HolyokePlantation–1814

“Daddy,Daddy,comelook!Comelook!Mamagotmeakittycat!”
Talon grinned at his adorable, green

‐eyed daughter and bounded up the front steps to the wide,

coolverandahthatsurroundedthebigplantationhouseonallsides.“Akitten?”Heraisedaneyebrowat
Katewhorockedcontentedlyinawornwickerchair.

Katesmiled.“She’sbeenpesteringmeforweeks.”
Elizabethpulledonhisdustypant

‐leg,andhebentdowntomeetherearnest,three‐year‐oldgaze.

“Look,Daddy.Isn’thethecutestli’l’kittyyou’veeverseeninyourlife?”

Talon’sheartswelledwithlove,andhetousledhisdaughter’ssablecurls.“Hesurelyis,sweetie.

Hesurelyis.”

Satisfied, Beth scampered away, the striped gray kitten clinging precariously to the front of her

yellowdress.Talonwatchedherforamomentthensankintothechairbesidehiswifeandpouredhimself
aglassofcold,sweetlemonade.He’dspentthedayworkingwithhismeninthesouthfield,andhewas
gladtobehome.

“How are you feeling today?” He placed one hand on the large swell of Kate’s stomach. “You

didn’toverdoit,didyou?”

She smiled and moved his hand, directing it to a spot where a little foot kicked vigorously. “I

don’thaveenoughenergytodoanything.I’vejustbeensittingheremostofthedayrockingandplaying
withBeth.”

Talonclosedhiseyesandleanedback,leavinghishandonKate’sstomach,lovingthefeelofhis

childmovingwithinher.Sheteasedhimsometimesaboutallthequestionsheaskedandthewayheliked
totouchherstomachandthebeautifulfullnessofherbreasts.Buthe’dmissedallthisthefirsttimewhen
she’dbeenpregnantwithBeth,andhethoughtsheunderstood.

Hewasblessed,andnooneknewitbetterthanhedid.Hehadeverythinghe’deverdareddream

ofandmore.HisloveforKategrewwitheachpassingday.Hisdaughterwashealthyandhappy,andhe’d
provenhewasworthyofbeingafather.Sutcliffe’staintedbloodhadnotdestroyedhisabilityforkindness
andcompassion.

Yes,lifewasgood.

He opened his eyes and gazed out at the tobacco fields, which stretched as far as the eye could

see.Intheend,he’devengottenthelandhewanted.DanielhadgiftedhimwithHolyokeashiswedding
present.

He’d been stunned by his brother’s generosity and tried to refuse the generous offer, but Daniel

hadpersisted,andatlastTalonhadgivenin.Itwasmeanttobeyours,Danielhadinsisted,andTalon
hadfinallyagreed.

Daniel had come to visit last year, and Talon had been glad to see the changes in his brother.

Danielwasmoremature,morecontent,andheandBethhadfalleninlovewitheachother.

IfthechildKatecarriednowwasaboy,hewouldbeDaniel’sheir,thefutureEarlofSutcliffe.

Deepdown,Talonhopeditwasn’t.He’dbemorethancontentwithahousefulloflittlegirls.

ButhetrustedDaniel,enoughtohaveagreedforhisunbornsontogotoEnglandwhenhewasold

enoughsohecouldseehowtheSutcliffeestateswererun.

WhichmeantTalonandKatewouldneedanothersontotakeoverHolyokesomeday.Helooked

overatKateandgrinnedlazily,thinkingofallthebabymakingtheyhadyettodo.

“Why are you smiling like that?” Kate gave him a suspicious glance and stole a drink of his

lemonade.

“I’mjusthappy,”hetoldher.Anditwastrue.Hislifehadcomefullcircle,everythingslidinginto

placejustwhenhe’dalmostgivenuphope.Despitethetroubledpathhe’dtakentogethere,hecouldn’t
imagineendingupanyotherway.

Katesmiledandsqueezedhishand.“I’mglad,Talon.I’msoglad.”
Theystaredateachother,andforamomentTaloncouldn’tevenbreathe.Hisloveforherwasstill

thatstrong,thatdeep.

Inhereyes,hesawhisweaknesses,butalsohisstrengths.She’dtoldhimoncethatshewantedto

bethereforhimduringthegoodtimesaswellasthebad,andshe’dprovenittimeandagain.

She’d taught him love was stronger than hate, trust was stronger than doubt, and that there was

nothing in the world they couldn’t do together. “You’re a remarkable woman, Mrs. Montgomery. I love
you.”

Hergentlesmiletoldhimshefeltthesame.

TheEnd

AbouttheAuthor

Drawnintothehappily

‐after‐everoffairytales,Dianawroteherfirststoryinelementaryschool

andhasbeenwritingeversince,publishingovertwentyhistoricalromanceandfantasynovels.Shehas
wonorbeenafinalistinoveradozenwritingcontests,includingRWA’sprestigiousGoldenHeart.She
livesinasmallColoradotownwithherwonderfulhusband.Dianalovestohearfromherreaders.You
canemailherat

[e-mail]

orvisitherwebsiteat

www.DianaBold.com.