Guy jerked his thin shoulders forward. “’Tis the way of the world. He has told me so himself. Take—or be taken.”
Katherine stared at the boy, shivering slightly, for Liam was right, dear God, he was right. In this world, might made right, and she herself had learned that firsthand. Clearly Liam had learned such a painful lesson himself as well. And she wondered, then, when he had received his education in bitter reality. She began to suspect that it had been far too early in his childhood years, perhaps when Shane O’Neill had taken him from his mother.
It would explain so much. The contradictions in his character and personality, the duality, his being both savage pirate and charming gentleman—a man she feared to comprehend.
With a heavy heart, Katherine stole out of the castle in the same manner that she had a few days before. A message had been relayed by one of the dairymaids. The ship from Belfast had arrived.
She rushed to the village, jumping at every sound and shadow. She was half-afraid and half-hopeful that, at any moment, she would find Macgregor on her heels, or worse, come face-to-face with Liam. But the Scot had been nowhere to be seen all day, and Liam was still at sea.
Her rendezvous with the seaman would take place beside an alehouse which was on First Street, the dirt avenue fronting the docks. Katherine espied him lurking about kegs of beer that were piled against the wooden wall of the ordinary. Her glance moved on, taking in all the usual activity of the day, the few passing drays, some men moving briskly about their business, a woman hawking fish pies, a single painted whore lurking on the street corner. Two children played ball near the wharf, kicking it back and forth. But then her blood chilled and every air upon her nape prickled. Not far from the closest dock, theSea Daggerbobbed at anchor.
Katherine’s steps slowed and she stared at the pirate ship. Men were scurrying about the decks, preparing the ship for its berth, others unloading chests and barrels onto the docks. She strained her vision, then realized she hoped to espy Liam one last time before she stowed away on the supply ship destined to take her from the island.
“Lady?”
Katherine jumped in fright. A gasp of relief quickly followed when she face the sailor. “You scared me! When did theSea Daggerarrive?”
“This morn.”
Katherine gaped. Liam had arrived many hours ago—but she had not seen him. Was he still aboard? Overseeing the unloading of his booty? She should not be hurt that he had not come running to a reunion with her, she should be relieved. “Are we ready to go?”
“All the way to Belfast, my lady,” the sailor said, smiling.
Katherine closed her eyes, overwhelmed with sudden confusion, with heavy doubt. She did not want to leave—but she had to. Yet she could not leave without a final good-bye to Liam. But if she really wished to escape, she knew she must not delay, must not return to see him, she must quickly go forward to the supply ship. Too easily she imagined herself in his embrace, and if she did not leave now, she suspected that she never would. “Where is Liam?” she asked very hoarsely.
The sailor looked at her, hesitating.
Katherine licked her lips, trying to summon up the will to leave—a will she had been so sure of until now. Her pulse was thundering in rhythm with her doubt.
“I am right behind you, Katherine,” Liam said very softly—very dangerously.
Katherine felt the ground tilt wildly beneath her feet. She whirled around. Liam stood there, staring at her coldly. Dangling from his hand was the ruby-and-gold necklace with which she had bribed the seaman.
24
Liam tossed the priceless necklace to the seaman. “Keep it, Jacko. Well done.”
Katherine’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes wide, incredulous—fearful. Jacko grinned, pocketed the jewels, saluted Liam smartly, and turned away. Katherine’s gaze lifted to Liam’s. His regard chilled her to the bone.
He was very angry, and she should be afraid of him. But her pulse was beginning to subside now, not accelerate. In fact, Katherine was vaguely aware of feeling relieved.
He gripped her arm, jerking her up close. “I did not realize you were so unhappy, Katherine.”
She stared up at his handsome face. Oh, God. Shewasrelieved. She had not really wanted to leave him, she had not.
He shook her briefly, to get her attention, his mouth tight. “I did not realize you were so unhappy,” he repeated angrily.
She hesitated, her eyes growing moist. “I…I was notthatunhappy, Liam.”
His laughter was harsh, unamused. “Then why?” he demanded. “Why this?”
She had the reckless urge to fling herself into his arms, yet she stood very still instead. “’Twas my duty—to myself.”
He stared at her.
“I could not passively accept this circumstance,” she said softly.
He eyed her. “You have never demonstrated the slightest tendency to passive behavior in my presence.”
