Saved by My Blackguard (Linked Across Time Book 1) Read online

  Evelyn gulped. “I understand.”

  She wanted to jump for joy. Surely the duke would be better than living under her father’s care. Six weeks and she’d be the Duchess of Southington, she could hardly wait.

  He nodded. “I’ve already ordered your trunks packed. You’re leaving on a ship this evening.”

  “So soon?” The words were out before she could stop them. She bit her lip and awaited her punishment. It was usually a slap in the face for daring to question him. When no reprimand came, she slowly opened her eyes and was surprised at the expression on her father’s face. He looked contrite.

  “I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I won’t apologize for them, it’s the only way I knew how to raise you. Sometimes I wish…” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter what I wish. If your mother were here she’d be better at this. I’m going to miss you, Evelyn. It’s harder to say goodbye than I thought it would be.”

  This was a side of her father she’d never seen. She had no map to guide her. How was she supposed to respond to this sudden change? If she took a wrong move she could end up regretting it. So she said nothing and waited for him to continue. When there were no adequate words it was better to wait her father out, another lesson she’d learned the hard way. There were too many to count.

  “What are you waiting for?” He shooed his hands at her. “Go prepare to leave.”

  So much for sentimentality, it was nice to see, no matter how brief it was. It showed her that for a small moment in time her father had a heart. He kept it buried too deep for the world to see. In the grand scheme of things it didn’t matter. She still wanted to be as far away from him as possible. Surely there was something greater and more meaningful for her life than to be the daughter of an autocratic earl.

  So she left him alone in his study, the way he preferred, and went to prepare for her new life.

  ***

  Out at Sea, August 21, 1722

  Evelyn had been aboard the ship for days. For too long they didn’t move because there was no wind to guide the sails. The journey was going to take forever at the rate they were traveling. The waves rocked the ship and made her stomach queasy. The daily walks on the deck did nothing to ease her discomfort. Sailing never had been something she enjoyed. The trek from England to St. Kitts had been equally as horrible.

  “Lady Evelyn.”

  Abby’s voice broke through her melancholy.

  Evelyn turned toward the maid her father assigned to her for her journey and said, “Yes?”

  “Perhaps it’s time we take shelter in your cabin. Your cheeks are getting red from too much sun.”

  Evelyn had no desire to be cooped up in her sweltering cabin. She didn’t care if her cheeks burned under the sun’s heat. It was a blessing to breathe the fresh salt air. She was about to tell Abby that when a shout echoed on the breeze from above.

  “Jolly Roger, ahoy!” A sailor called down from the crow’s nest.

  The first mate scrambled forward, shouting, “All hands hoay!”

  Chaos ensued as everyone hurried to get on deck. They forgot about Evelyn in the process and she got shoved against one of the masts. Her head hit it hard and she crumpled to the ground. She stared off into the distance, dazed for several hectic moments.

  “Lady Evelyn.” Her maid shook her. “You need to get up. Pirates are attacking the ship.”

  “What?” The words were not registering. “Who is attacking?”

  “Have you taken leave of your senses?” Abby shrieked. “Get up now and go to your cabin where you’ll be safe.”

  Abby grabbed her arm and yanked hard. Evelyn barely moved. She shook her head to clear it. What had Abby said? Oh yes, pirates. The words finally started to penetrate her mind and she got up. Her movements were sluggish and she swayed with each step she took.

  “Keep moving,” Abby urged.

  A blast hit the hull of the ship lurching her forward. Her knees hit the deck hard and took the brunt of her fall. She would have bruises all over her body before this day was done. She scrambled back to her feet feeling her way toward the entrance to get below deck and the safety of her cabin. The cannons fired again and another explosion rocked the hull. Vibrations rolled across her fingers as she moved against the side of the ship.

  “Hurry. For the love of God, make haste. We’re going to die at this slow pace.” Her maid’s voice was filled with terror. “Why did I let the earl talk me into joining you on this voyage back to England? I’d be safe in my bed on the island if not for you.”

  A part of Evelyn knew Abby didn’t like her. This was all the confirmation she needed. “If I am such a burden you can leave me alone.”

  She’d probably be better off without her maid tagging along behind her, spying on her. She didn’t doubt Abby would report her every move back to her father. Soon he would have no control over her life. A new man would have that honor. She had only met the duke once when she was a small girl. He’d seemed so foreboding then, but not unkind. Evelyn hoped her original assessment wasn’t wrong. It was easy to fool a girl, but as a woman she would see through any façade he presented her. Under her father’s tutelage she’d been trained for any possibility. She’d had to grow strong and able to withstand anything because of his unruly temper and exact expectations.

  Abby stuck her chin in the air defiantly. “Good riddance too. I’m sure the pirates will find you lovely.”

  She scooted past Evelyn and headed down to the cabin. It took every bit of strength she had to fight back the tears threatening to fall. Abby had the right of it. Good riddance to her spy and task master. Her life would be inherently easier without having to deal with the maid dictating to her in her father’s absence. Maybe the pirates would be a better choice.

  “Prepare to be boarded,” a pirate called out.

  The pounding of feet on the deck filled her ears. Shouts and screams joined the bombardment of noise. Strange men shifted from one side of the ship to the other as they fought for control. The pirates filled the ship and before long they seized power of the vessel. Evelyn wanted to crawl into a hole and seek cover, but the time for hiding had passed.

  “What do we have here?”

  A husky voice as rich as the Scottish whisky her father preferred filled her ears. Something she shouldn’t know much about, but out of curiosity she’d sneaked a taste or two of the amber liquor. Evelyn looked up and stared straight into eyes the exact shade of the Caribbean Sea. The pirate’s golden-blond hair shimmered in the sunlight. He was perhaps one of the most beautiful men she’d ever gazed upon. She’d heard pirates were a dirty lot, but this one was surely a different breed altogether.

  “Who are you?”

  He studied her for a moment and then his lips tilted into a wicked smile. It made him intrinsically more appealing. The sexy beast was too gorgeous for his own good. He would be devastating to the female population if he were unleashed upon them.

  “Captain Jack Morgan at your service.” He bowed to her. “Percy, come help the Lady board the Siren Song. She’s going to join our crew as my mistress.”

  “But Capt…” The pirate stammered.

  “Are you refusing to follow a direct order?” Captain Morgan glared at him.

  “No, Captain.” He bowed his head in submission. He leaned in and said with a loud whisper, “Women are a curse on board a ship.”

  “I don’t bow down to superstition. This woman is mine and I intend to keep her.” The captain waved a hand dismissing the other pirate. “Now, do what I ordered.”

  Evelyn turned her head back and forth between the two. Did the pirate captain say she was going to be his mistress? Over her dead body… She was meant to be a duchess and she’d be damned if she let that man lay a hand on her. He might be astoundingly striking, but her father hadn’t raised a fool.

  “I am no man’s mistress,” she spat out, finally finding her voice, and the spine she’d grown dealing with her father’s tyranny.

  “Of course not, you’re Captain Morgan
’s and he’s no mere man.”

  Evelyn’s gaze flew toward the pirate who’d cowed before his captain. “I don’t recognize him as someone in need of worship. He might be a god to you, but he’s nothing to me.”

  Captain Morgan laughed. “Let her be for now. She’ll come around in time. They all do.”

  A cocky smile filled his dazzling visage. Evelyn wanted to wipe it permanently off his face. He was so damned sure of himself. How many women had fallen at his feet? She would not be among them. “You can wait till the end of time. I will not be changing my mind.”

  “We’ll see, love.” His grin widened and he traced her jaw with the tip of his finger. “I’ve been told I have a magic touch.”

  She shivered involuntarily. Why did he have to be so bloody handsome? “I wouldn’t know. You do nothing for me.”

  He chuckled lightly. “I like this one. She has spirit. We’re going to have a lot of fun together.” He turned toward the other pirate. “Take her aboard the ship now.” He gestured his arms toward the ship Evelyn had been sailing on before they attacked. “As for this one, scuttle it.”

  Percy yanked her toward the gangway and hauled her across it toward their ship.

  “What did the captain mean by scuttle it?”

  “He means to sink the ship.” Percy didn’t even bother to look at her. He kept pulling her toward a cabin on the ship. He shoved her inside and locked it from the outside.

  “You can’t murder everyone on the ship.” She banged on the door.

  The last thing she thought she heard him say was, “Not your call to make.”

  Then there was nothing but silence, leaving Evelyn alone with her own dreary thoughts. There was no saving her from the fate she found herself in. She had only herself to rely on. Jack Morgan believed she’d willingly fall into his arms. He didn’t know her or her resolve. As long as he didn’t force her she could withstand his advances. She took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. She would need her strength for the upcoming battle.

  SAVED BY MY BLACKGUARD

  CHAPTER THREE

  Out at Sea

  August 28, 1722

  Evelyn had somehow managed to avoid Captain Jack Morgan’s advances for a week. It was by sheer will she’d been able to tell him no when he turned on the charm. He was overwhelming every one of her senses. His very presence was a lure of seduction that was proving almost irresistible. She had to get off the Siren Song before she willingly gave herself to the handsome devil.

  Why, oh why does he have to be so charismatic and fun? It was a question she asked herself several times every day she’d been forced to be in his company. She let out a relieved breath every time he left the cabin. He, at least, refused to take her as long as she was unwilling. For that alone he earned her respect. Most men in his situation would have taken her and not bothered to seek permission. It was a horrible fate to suffer and she was thankful for that small favor. Still, he let his wishes known to her at every meeting.

  Soon he would seek a kiss and she’d be at a loss to stop him. A part of her wanted him to. The part that knew she deserved better prevented her from giving in to him. She had a future to protect and it wasn’t with a too handsome pirate. Besides, while he refused to be with her without her consent he still gave the orders to murder everyone on the ship she’d been sailing on. Ironic that Abby had wanted to be separated from her to obtain her own safety and she still ended up finding her death at the bottom of the sea. She should feel sadness, and a part of her did, but a larger part of her didn’t. Abby had made it clear how she felt about her. Evelyn had never wanted her maid to die though. She’d never wish that on any person.

  “How is the lovely Lady Evelyn this afternoon?”

  She looked up and almost got lost in his beautiful sea-green eyes. He wasn’t for her. The Duke of Southington would not marry a woman with a sullied reputation. He still might not once he realized she’d been kidnapped by pirates. As long as she remained true to herself, it would all work out as it was supposed to. She had faith in her destiny. Jack Morgan was not her future.

  “I would be better if I could leave this cabin.”

  He smiled. “I can arrange that. But you would owe me a boon.”

  She tilted her head and studied him. This was a trick, she was sure of it. She’d gotten to know him over the last week. Instead of falling headfirst into his scheme she decided to change the subject.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  He laughed and folded his arms across his burly chest. She pushed her heathen thoughts out of her head and stared him in the eyes. It wouldn’t do to get caught ogling him like a prize.

  “We’re headed to the pirates’ den.” He raised an eyebrow mockingly. “Why, are you hoping you’ll get a better offer at Port Royal?”

  She snorted and then covered her mouth and nose with her hand. It was a reflex. Snorting was unladylike and her father would have slapped her for such a rude gesture. Evelyn shook her head slowly. “No, I don’t want anything another scalawag has to offer. I’d rather you took me to England. My betrothed is expecting me.”

  The captain frowned and shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t accommodate you. If I get anywhere near England it would be the hangman’s noose for me. I rather enjoy breathing and having an intact neck.”

  She’d been afraid that would be his answer. How was she ever going to get back to England and marry the duke? “There must be a way for you to send me home.”

  He shrugged. “I rather like having you around. In time you won’t mind the pirate life. It has its benefits.” Captain Jack wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  Oh, he was so stubborn. Why couldn’t he see reason? She stomped her foot with frustration. “I don’t want to live this life. Did you ever once stop to think what this would do to me? My reputation is in tatters. No respectable man will have anything to do with me. I’m impure just by being alone with you.”

  His smile widened as he gazed at her. Wickedness poured out of him as he glanced over her. “Then I don’t understand why you’re fighting what is between us. Surely you feel what I do.”

  “Lust?” She raised an eyebrow. “There is more to life than giving into your baser instincts. I will not lay with you no matter how prettily you wrap up the package. It is not something I want or will condone.”

  “Then we’re at an impasse, love.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “But you should know pleasure beyond your wildest imagination, and I can give that to you.”

  She sucked in a breath. His promises were so tempting, if she wanted that from him. He was gorgeous but she didn’t want to be anything more than friends with him. Evelyn mentally counted to ten to regain control. Dealing with Jack was akin to reasoning with a small child.

  He took a step back and smiled down at her. “I have decided to give you something you want without compensation.”

  What game was he playing now? She scrunched her eyebrows together with disbelief. “What are you after?”

  “Oh, what I want has been clear all along, love.” His grin grew wider on his face. “I want every inch of you naked and spread out willingly for me on my bed. I plan to feast on. Say the word and I’ll make it happen.”

  “No.” Her mouth formed a firm flat line. “Quit teasing me.”

  He sighed. “Have it your way. Instead I’m going to give you the freedom you seek. My men know to leave you alone or to suffer the consequence. Go roam the ship.”

  She was afraid to step out of the cabin. What if she did and he expected something she was not willing to give him? She had to know exactly what she was getting into before she took him for his word.

  “And you don’t expect me to pay for this gift later?”

  He lifted his hand and did a crisscross motion over his heart. “I promise. This is something I want you to have. If I show you some generosity maybe you won’t see me for the evil man you believe me to be.”

  Of course he had an ulterior motive. That didn’t surprise her o
ne iota. She wouldn’t turn down his offer though. Evelyn was desperate to get out of the cabin. The only thing she was surprised about was him caving into her desire.

  “How long until we get to this pirates’ den you told me about?”

  “Making plans, are you?” He laughed. “Don’t worry I will protect you. The other pirates won’t touch what belongs to me.”

  “I am not yours,” she replied. “I belong to no man.”

  Maybe this was for the best. Her father had ruled her life. She needed this space to breathe. Captain Jack wasn’t for her, but she could weave her own path.

  He saluted her. “I do enjoy these chats. To answer your question we should be there within the hour.”

  No wonder he was allowing her on deck. The ship would be docking soon. If they were going to the pirates’ den she’d be reluctant to leave the ship. Pirates were an untrustworthy lot. What Captain Jack had planned for her she did not know. He could be a hard man to read at times. She fidgeted under his stare. “Can I go on deck now?”

  “Of course, would you like me to escort you?”

  That was the last thing she wanted. She needed some space between them. Over the long week she had started to like him, but that didn’t mean she would give him her innocence. A bit of an epiphany hit her during their conversation. She had more freedom than to stroll on the deck. For the first time in her life she had options, and one of them was to marry for love.

  “Can I go by myself?”

  “Yes,” he replied. “Enjoy your stroll. If you change your mind you know where to find me.”

  She spun on her heels and faced him. Perhaps she should mess with him a little bit. Give a little tit for tat. Evelyn sashayed over to him, lifted her hand and twinkled her fingers up his chest all the way to his lips. She traced them with the tip of her finger. “Jack, darling, please I beg you…” She leaned in close and whispered, “I need something only you can give me.”