But as she thought back, she realized that her bond with Cade had always been especially special, if one could say such a thing. She’d loved him since they’d first met as children. For all the years since he’d been considered a brother, but he’d always been in a category of his own. He’d been her best friend, the one she turned to first, and she loved and trusted him.
She’d met Bran at the same time, and she also loved and trusted him entirely. But if she was defining relationships, she’d say that Bran was truly her brother while Cade was . . . something different.More.
Cade was a loyal and loving brother to all the Tremayne sisters, but apparently he’d also put Tamsyn in a different category all her own. He’d recognized that difference early but kept it hidden until he’d spoken those words of love when his mind was in chaos. Once spoken, the words couldn’t be unheard, and they were changing how she thought of him.
Bran was a wonderful brother. Cade was her one and only beloved. It was so obvious now. How could she and Cade explain that to the rest of the family without causing grave damage? Particularly when all the Tremaynes had at least some ability to sense emotions.
That was a problem for another day, but she believed it could be solved. Shehadto believe that because the closer she and Cade became, the less she could imagine being separated from him.
She wriggled comfortably against Cade, feeling his breath and warmth and strength. The ship was rolling gently, like the rocking of a cradle.
She drifted into sleep with a smile on her face, and dreamed of what it would be like for them if—when—they fully became lovers.
CHAPTER29
Cade didn’t want to sleep and miss any of the delight of having Tamsyn in his arms, but fatigue won. As Captain Jones had warned, the channel seas were rough, but the cutter was steady on her path north.
He was jolted to full wakefulness by a deep boom that echoed over the waves like a cannon shot. Damnation, surely itwasa cannon shot!
Tamsyn also woke, asking sleepily, “What the devil was that?”
“I suspect it’s a revenue cutter,” he said grimly as he swung over her to get to his feet. As he yanked on his boots and coat, he said, “Stay here. I’ll go up on deck to see what’s happening.”
She muttered an oath and flipped the railing down, then sat up on the edge of the bunk. “I hope you’re wrong, but I don’t think you are.”
Andre rolled restlessly on the upper bunk but didn’t wake. Cade left the cabin at top speed, saying, “I’ll let you know what I learn.”
As soon as he emerged from the hatch onto the deck, he was hit by a fierce wind. A burly sailor stood at the wheel, fighting to keep the cutter on course. Jones stood beside him, facing the stern as he scanned the sea with a spyglass and a grim expression.
“Revenue cutter?” Cade asked.
“Not sure yet,” the captain said tersely. He lowered the spyglass, muttering, “They say it’s bad luck to sail with a woman on board.”
“Don’t blame Tamsyn for this,” Cade said in a hard-edged voice as he looked in the same direction as Jones. It was dawn and the sky was beginning to lighten, though a heavy overcast made visibility poor. “Surely revenue cutters are one of the dangers of the smuggling trade.”
“Yes, but not the only danger.” Jones raised the spyglass again, then swore. “I think it’s a French patrol ship.”
Cade frowned. “Is that better or worse?”
“Worse. Either side would prefer to capture us and our cargo rather than blow us to bits, but if it’s the Revenue, we’ll be taken to England. Maybe end up in jail, though you’d probably be safe since you’re a trapped Briton coming home.”
“And if the French capture us, every man on the ship will be arrested and interned,” Cade said flatly. God only knew what would happen to Tam as the only female on board.
Another cannon shot boomed, and Cade flinched as he saw a splash where the ball hit the water not far to port. A second shot tore through one of the head sails and barely missed the single mast. The cutter lurched and lost speed.
Cade squinted and managed to see the French ship in the distance. It was larger than the cutter with two masts, and it carried more sail. It was just a matter of time until the ship caught up.
Tamsyn’s voice sounded behind Cade. “I presume we can’t outrun the French. Does this ship carry any guns?”
“Nothing to match the French artillery.” Jones was grim-faced.
Cade swore under his breath. He should have known Tam wouldn’t stay below. He glanced over and saw that she had a secure grip on the ship’s railing. Behind her was Andre, his face pale and his grip on the railing white-knuckled as he saw his dreams of England slipping away. Trying to keep his voice steady, he said, “Grandmère told me theSea Swanis a lucky ship. But maybe it isn’t today?”
“The French haven’t caught us yet,” Jones said gruffly. “But it wouldn’t hurt to pray for divine aid.”
Tam peered at their attacker. “It looks like a squall is coming this way. Could that conceal us from the enemy?”
“We might be able to do something with that,” Cade said, thinking it was time to see if he could change the weather even a little bit. He concentrated on the squall, willing it to draw closer and grow stronger.
