The other man shook his index finger at Nick. “She’s married to theMary Elise.”
Elise crossed her arms. “And to think I spent the evening baking you cookies.”
“Cookies!” The men gave her a bow. “We’d best check those out.”
“They’re better than any I’ve ever had,” Nick admitted.
“What kind?”
“Molasses,” Elise answered before Nick could. “They’re on the table.”
The two men quickly headed off for the galley.
Elise suppressed a yawn. “I suppose I should get to bed. Dawn will be here before I know it.”
“Thanks for the cookies. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of bringing them to me on watch.”
Elise nodded, hating to leave his company. She wanted to explain what the men had said about her taking a vow never to wed. She wanted to know more about him. What he liked and disliked. What his life’s goal might be.
“Well, ain’t she the beauty,” a strange voice called out.
Elise hadn’t realized just how much Nick had consumed her thoughts. She looked across the deck and found a big man sauntering toward them. He was more than a little tipsy. “How about giving me some attention now? No doubt the first mate has had enough.”
“There are cookies in the galley. That’s all the attention you’ll get from me. Who are you, anyway?”
“Booker Duran, at your service.” He gave an exaggerated bow and nearly fell over.
“He’s the new man,” Nick added.
“Then he ought to know my father doesn’t allow for drunkenness on the ship.” She glared at Duran, remembering what had been said earlier.
“A man can’t help having a few when he’s back in port. No ship’s captain can tell a man what to do while he’s ashore.”
“But you aren’t ashore now.” Elise kept her tone stern. “He might discharge you if he hears about this.”
“Then maybe he shouldn’t hear about it.” Duran raised his brows and gave her a look that suggested she keep quiet.
Duran stepped closer, and Nick cupped Elise’s elbow. “You should probably go,” he whispered against her ear.
She nodded. She didn’t usually let anyone boss her around except for her father, but something about this situation told her it was the better part of wisdom.
“No, she should stay. I want to convince her to keep my secret,” Duran slurred.
Nick pushed her toward the deckhouse and put himself between Duran and Elise. “Get to your bunk and sleep this off. Otherwise, I’ll have Elise go get her father right now to dismiss you.”
Duran started to take a step toward him, then seemed to think better of it. “I didn’t want any cookies anyway.” He stumbled around and moved off toward the bow of the ship.
Elise headed to her cabin but gave Nick one last glance over her shoulder. He was still watching Duran. There was an air of danger in that man, and Elise was glad someone was keeping track of him.
Booker Duran had been told the captain had a fetching daughter, but they had lied. She wasn’t just fetching, she was a great beauty. The kind of woman a man might fight to the death to keep by his side. Of course, Booker had no desire to keep her by his side—but he wouldn’t mind having a little sport with her now and then.
“You were right,” he said, stumbling to his berth in the forecastle.
The four men already in bed gave him an odd look. “What are you talking about?” Sam asked.
“Miss Wright. She’s a beauty. Ain’t never seen a woman like that in all my years. I’d like to get to know her better—if you know what I mean.” He laughed.
Sam rose up out of bed in one fluid motion. “You leave her alone, Duran. She ain’t for the likes of you.”
