Page 26 of Safe in the Earl's Arms
‘But that woman I give the medicines to—is she hidin’ gold?’ Stubby’s voice was a whisper, but the kind that bounced from walls.
War stepped back to the empty hammock and knelt to make a step with his interlaced fingers for Stubby’s foot.
‘I wager it be gold,’ the waif continued, moving close to Warrington.
Stubby’s small fists held the edge of the hammock. He secured his foot in Warrington’s hand and tumbled into the ropes. ‘Gidley says having gold is better’n having teeth ’cause if you have gold, then someone will chew your food for you.’
‘Go to sleep,’ Warrington said, turning to retrieve the lantern.
‘I’d like to have me a big hunk of gold. I’d like to have me a gold ring to wear in my ear and a gold sword to fight pirates, and gold buttons and gold—’
‘Do not go back on deck tonight.’
‘If Capt’n says all hands ahoy, I will. Capt’n says all hands ahoy, even cook goes.’
‘Not in this storm. If Captain Ben and Gidley both think the storm will be angry, then you should stay below. I’ll take your place.’
‘I be man enough. Been in more storms than you could even think of. I be a sailor.’ His head wobbled with pride, then his voice dipped to smugness. ‘You be just an earl.’
‘One big enough to thump your backside. You will not go on deck.’
Stubby didn’t answer, but turned his head. ‘I be real sleepy now and you be keepin’ me awake.’
‘You had better not go on deck before sunrise.’
‘I might need to piss.’
‘Then you best hold it.’
Warrington turned away, leaving with the cabin boy scooting around in the bedding and swinging the hammock even more than the waves did.
Warrington returned to the spot where Stubby had interrupted him. Stubby’s chatter had reminded him of Jacob and caused a longing for his child. But he could not expose Jacob to the risks of the sea and he had not been able to stay on land where the memories were disastrous. Now he wanted to get home and see his son, and throw him up in the air, and pick him up around the waist and carry him like a sack with flailing legs.
And Jacob—how could anyone ignore a blast of life like him? If Jacob were on the ship and saw the men climb the rigging, he would be serenely waiting until a head was turned and he’d be scampering to the top, five years old, thinking himself a man.
Warrington was only days from seeing his son again and this time, he’d not leave him. Jacob needed a father. Well, he decided, perhaps Jacob did well without a father. The child had a nursemaid, servants around who doted on him and an uncle for guidance. Jacob would do well—father or not. But Warrington knew he needed his son’s laughter. Now, when Warrington was too far to see his son’s face and too far for the sound of delight to carry, he knew where his heart belonged. Warrington wanted to be the one Jacob followed.
Being away had helped him find his compass. He’d put the starkness of the Ascalon into his past, along with this woman he’d happened upon, and begin anew with his life.
And if Jacob ever saw the scar across his father’s back, and asked about it, the version he heard would be a tale of a cutpurse attempting a crime.
He’d send his past into the depths and not even let Melina linger in his thoughts. But he could still feel the brown-eyed siren. She had skin softer than any touch of silk. Lips that caused his body to boil with desire—not to mention the mark that drew his eyes more than any breasts or arse.
But she wasn’t a goddess. She was human. Like everyone else. Their coupling had been a transaction for her passage. She’d been straightforward. And no foolish words of love. Anyone would be better than Stephanos, she’d said. No false praise there.
She was, in a way, the perfect woman, drawing his eyes, setting a price for her affections and taking herself away when they docked. But he’d not touch her again. Not risk giving her a child.
If he could only forget she’d been a virgin.
* * *
‘All hands ahoy.’ The voice rang out, carrying through the cabin walls.
Warrington opened his eyes, coming awake instantly. A true storm was upon them.
Melina sat with her back against the wall and her feet stretched against the base of the berth. She’d wedged herself, holding firm when the ship moved. Her hands held the slop bucket. Lightning illuminated the room and her head was relaxed back, and her lips were softly parted in sleep.
He’d not undressed earlier, knowing the call would sound in the night. He left the cabin, giving a quick glance over his shoulder before pulling the door shut.
