I sipped from my mug mostly to hide my little grin, but I was becoming more accustomed to the taste of this odd warming drink.
The Captain must have caught a whiff from my mug, as he grabbed it and took a sip. “You’re drinking rum?”
“With water, Captain,” McGee said quickly. “Just a drop for the wee lass.”
For half a second, I wondered if he would be disappointed with me. But the Captain grinned widely. “Finish your drink, my lass, and let’s get you to bed.”
~ Chapter 22 ~ The Captain ~
* Purchase *
“That was a hell of a chance you took, lass,” I said gently as we walked to our quarters. “The thought of you being caught by the guard… I just can’t even think it.”
“Larry and Davy were outside, you were inside, and there was just one guard. The men all said that there was no way anyone would hurt a crying woman.”
I chuckled as I opened the door for her. “You yelled so loudly in that jail I didn’t even realize it was you at first.”
“Forgive me, sir, I know it’s improper…”
I closed the door behind us, grabbing her around the waist as I kissed her swiftly. “Lass, I am so proud of your performance. I just wish you hadn’t had to do it.” I cupped her sweet face in my hand. “The thought of you in pain or discomfort rattles me, lass.”
“It’s sweet how you worry about me.”
I looked at her in surprise. Then I ran my rough thumb along her soft cheek. “Of course, darling girl. I’ll always worry about you.”
“Always is a long time,” she smiled gently.
I looked at her sharply. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, nothing, sir,” she shook my head. “I just sometimes wonder… I mean, things seem to ebb and flow out here. Nobody ever mentions any time more than a few months out.”
I felt stricken. “I would never... sweet girl, you must know what I need you forever?”
She bit her lip, staring down at her hands.
“Please,” he said, taking her hand in his. “Speak plainly, girl. What troubles you?”
Flora went to sit on the bed, patting the spot beside her, and I sat close. The wee thing looked so serious that it was making me nearly jumpy. She dug in the hidden pocket of her skirt, fishing out the purse of coins, and placing it in my hand.
“Lass, I have no need for your money.”
“I’m paying you back for buying me.” Flora looked up into my eyes with fierce determination. “Sir, I don’t wish to be owned.”
It felt like my blood was leaving my skin, everything growing cold. “Lass, you... you’re not wishing to leave?”
“No!” she exclaimed, giving me a quick kiss that shared enough heat that I was reassured somewhat. “My life is here with you on the Fortune, and I’ve never been happier.”
I set the money on my lap and held her hand. “What’s all this then?”
“I’m yours because I want to be, not because I must. I want to be your girl, not your property. Er, if that’s alright with you, sir.”
Her smile was as soft and warm as a sunrise. “My sweet girl. Delicate as a rose petal, sharp as a needle, but tough as fine steel.” I hefted the sack in my hand, then stood up and turned to the wall behind us. Sliding my thumb under a piece of wood, I popped out a hidden panel, stowing the sack within and replacing the plank.
Turning back to Flora, I sat close again, wrapping an arm around her. “Let’s save that bit of gold and spend it together someday.”
She grinned sweetly. “That’s a fine idea.”
“My lass, I never thought of you as an acquisition. I paid your father so that he wouldn’t sell you to a scoundrel. The thought of what other men might’ve done to you... I just had to keep you safe.”