Page 12 of The Lord who Seduced Me
In his life, his bed. He had never had thoughts like that about another woman, never even gave them a second glance, but Rose? She was his. Without a doubt.
He was scared though, the letter from the Renegade making him wish he lived a different life. Wished he was a different man.
He could have claimed Rose the way he wanted to, without something like this hanging over their heads.
He hated not knowing if something was going to happen, or when. And that was why he was here today.
He needed Nathaniel to help him. He needed to end this threat, because he was sick and tired of that man still ruling their lives.
He wanted to claim his woman, and he wanted to do it yesterday. He was through with waiting. Seeing her, but never claiming her was worse than any torture he had endured. This had to end, and one way or another it would.
Cabe followed Nathaniel into his office and sat across from Nathaniel’s desk.
Nathaniel knew why he was here and was ready for him. His desk was strewn with maps, newspapers, and other random papers that held important information.
Nathaniel spread out his hands, “This is all I have gathered so far. After asking around on the docks, no one has seen him, but I think they may just be scared. Who wouldn’t be? But sightings have proven that he isn’t in England. Last time someone heard, he was headed toward the Caribbean.”
Cabe sighed, “He has to be here. I feel it deep down Nathaniel. They may have seen his ship, but the Renegade is notorious for only showing his face to the last remaining survivor. They may have a skewed version of him. But we remember every single facet of his face.”
He pulled the drawing out that he had made when he had first gotten home. It was the Renegade in all his glory, standing over him with a knife.
Cabe shuddered, remembering the pain that knife had caused.
He handed the drawing to Nathaniel and watched as Nathaniel shuddered too.
The shared pain they endured made them as close as brothers.
Nathaniel pocketed the drawing, “This will help a lot. I need to get out there tonight and ask around again.”
Cabe nodded, “Thank you. This helps us to hopefully get some answers.”
Nathaniel just shrugged. “You would do the same for me and you know it. If he is threatening you, then he will threaten me. It’s just a matter of time.”
Cabe sighed, “I know. We have to get rid of him. Somehow, we have to try. Keep asking around, and if we don’t find him here, we may have to look elsewhere.”
Nathaniel looked like this was his favorite possible outcome. “We can find him. If we have to go back out there, then that’s what we will do. You, me, our entire crew need this. They do not deserve this hanging over them either. Most just want to live their lives and forget about it. But they cannot. Not like this. We have to try Cabe. You know I am behind you, and that everyone else is as well.”
Cabe nodded, “All right if we can’t find something soon, then we will go. I promise. You know I have a lot riding on this. I do not want to live my life with this either. Rose deserves better than that.”
Nathaniel said, “I may not have a woman yet, but I get it. She does deserve more than that. And she needs you to stop being such an ass. Either you want her or you don’t. Stop pushing her away Cabe. From what I saw, she can take care of herself. She did when she was on our ship.”
Cabe ran his hands through his hair and sighed. “I know. I hear it from everyone.”
Nathaniel snorted. “Then maybe you should listen. I have seen your gorgeous woman. Do not be an ass and wait to claim her. Because there are men all over England and beyond who would snatch her up in a heartbeat.”
Cabe growled. “She is mine! Only MINE!”
Nathaniel sat back, “Just stating the facts as I see them. Men are probably lining up around the block to be with her. I bet Aidan has to keep them all away because he knows of your claim. But there are men who don’t care because you obviously don’t.”
Cabe stood and put his hands on the table, his face a mask of anger. “That is going to change. I just wanted her to be safe from him.”
Nathaniel stood as well, “She is safer at your side than she is being thrown to the wolves who live in London. Do not make the mistake of letting her slip through your fingers. Please Cabe. Rose is like my little sister, and she deserves better than you pushing her away. I am certain there is another man out there who can give her the love she needs.”
Cabe was breathing hard, and his fist was bunched. Nathaniel noticed this and laughed. “I just had to tell you the truth. You know it’s the truth. Rose is a catch. She is the sister of a Duke for heaven’s sake. That, along with many other things, besides her beauty make men want her. She is in high demand. Don’t lose her Cabe.”
Cabe was shaking but took a deep breath. He sat back down in his chair hard. Nathaniel was right. Rose was not only beautiful; she was accomplished and was the sister of a Duke. She had a lot of power and commanded such. He had to get his head out of his ass.
Tonight, that would change. Thanking Nathaniel, he walked out the door and got on his horse carefully. Then he rode like a demon toward his house.
He had to get ready. His woman was out there, by herself. She needed his protection and he would give it to her.
That would be the only thing he would accept.
