“Two points to port, Mr.Pell!”the captain ordered.“Head for that island!”
Gabrielle followed his gaze to a speck of land in the distance.Aye, should be large enough to offer them shelter until the storm passed.
Another pain etched across her belly, starting low and rising in ripples of anguish, this one far stronger than those prior.Fear heightened her breath as she schooled her expression.The throbbing passed and she loosened her tight grip on the railing, blowing out a breath.Thankfully, Omphile was too busy staring at Moses, who was repairing a gash in the larboard bulwarks, or surely the woman would make her go below.
The ship bucked over a rising wave.Gabrielle gripped the railing tighter, balancing her feet on the heaving deck.Thick, black clouds tumbled across the sky, stealing all remaining sunlight and casting a gray hue over the sea.Wind blasted over her, and she closed her eyes, relishing the strength of it, the feel of it caressing her skin.
She sensed rather than saw the captain standing behind her.Despite the gusts of wind, his unique scent mixed with stale rum assailed her.
“My lady.”The deep, smoky voice caused a slight tremor to course through her as he slipped beside her.
She glanced his way but said naught.No need to encourage the beast.Though she thought she saw a speck of, dare she say, humility on his expression.Nay, couldn’t be.
“I did not behave well last night.”
The understatement of the century.“Truly?”she retorted with sarcasm.
“’Twas not my intention to frighten you.”
“Captain, if this is your attempt to apologize for nearly ravishing me, ’tis a poor effort, indeed.”
His jaw tightened, and he rubbed the stubble on his chin.Gripping the hilt of his cutlass, he shook his head.“I assure you that was the last thing on my mind.”
“’Twas not your rum-flooded mind that concerned me.”
Anger flared in eyes that now shifted from green to brown as his dark hair blew behind him in wild abandon.The ship crested a wave, and he shifted his boots on the deck, obviously having difficulty holding his tongue.
“I came to inform you, Lady Fox”—he began in a strained tone—“that you will not be harmed on board my ship, but I see now ’twas a waste of my time.Why do I bother?”
“I am curious about that as well.”She dared to peer into his eyes where his fury remained, but something else lingered there…sorrow.
“The seas roughen.Go below,” he ordered.
She did not respond.Shecouldnot respond, for another spasm racked through her, and it took all her strength to not reveal her discomfort.
Lightning streaked a white fork across the sky.Gazing up at the sails, he pushed from the railing, issuing commands as he went.
The pain subsided as wind blasted over Gabrielle, filled with the sweet sting of rain and charged with the power of the storm.Unlike her family, tempests at sea terrified Gabrielle, but what terrified her more at the moment was that something was amiss with her baby.’Twas too soon to be giving birth, wasn’t it? But what could she do?Either way, she didn’t wish to endure it below deck in a tiny cabin.Hence, when Omphile returned and asked her to go below, she pleaded to remain a few more minutes.
The ship heaved over a particularly large wave.She squeezed the railing even as Omphile clasped her arm to give her additional support.What a kind woman.
Soon, they approached the small island, no larger than a navy dockyard, but covered in trees that would offer them safety from the storm.
Something red caught Gabrielle’s attention.Through the trees on the north side of the island.There one second and then gone.But she knew those red and blue colors.The unique ensign was forever imprinted on her mind.
“I must speak to the captain at once.”Pivoting, she held out her arms for balance and made her way to the quarterdeck ladder.
Omphile dashed after her, gripping her arm.“Miss, I wouldna bother him now.”
Ignoring the woman, and the sudden pain gripping her belly, Gabrielle mounted the ladder and staggered to where Pell manned the tiller and the captain stood at the binnacle.
“I ordered you below!”he shouted, then nodded for Omphile to take her away.
“Allard is here!”Gabrielle shouted over the din of the rising storm.
The captain’s eyes met hers.Determined, yet full of doubt.
“I saw his ensign, his colors.I know it!”She gestured toward the north end of the island.“He waits behind the trees.”
