“You know there are some leftovers on the shelf and other foods that you’re allowed to eat.”
“But I don’t see any of that ham we had for supper. I think that would make the perfect sandwich.”
“That ham has been designated for another dish we’re having tomorrow.”
She tried to sweep past him, but he took hold of her and pulled her into his arms. “Maybe I’ll just nibble on you instead.” He leaned down as if to kiss her.
Elise stomped down on his booted foot and pulled away.
Duran just laughed. “You don’t weigh enough to make a dent in my boot.” He tightened his hold and bent her backward. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
She saw that his intent was to kiss her lips and turned away with a scream. Duran shifted his hold and put his hand over her mouth, but thankfully her single call for help was enough. Several of the men showed up en masse, making it hard for them to pour into the galley at once. Seeing the problem, they were shocked into inactivity, except for Nick and her father.
“Unhand her,” Nick said, pushing Duran aside.
He released Elise so fast that she didn’t have time to get her footing and started to fall. Nick easily caught her and pulled her away from Duran.
Elise watched as her father stood nearly nose to nose with Duran despite Papa being a couple of inches shorter.
“My daughter is not to be handled. Do you understand me?”
“We were just engaging in a little fun.” He winked at Elise. “I came for a midnight snack.”
“Well, seeing as how it’s not even close to midnight, I’d suggestyou get back to whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. Or I can find something for you.”
Duran was unmoved by the underlying threat. “Beggin’ your pardon, but it’s my own time, Captain.”
“Then it doesn’t include my daughter.” Papa continued to stare the man down. “If we’re going to have continuous trouble with you, Duran, then I’m going to have to put you off the ship. This is your final warning. Do you understand?”
Duran’s jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. It was easy to see the hate in his eyes. Elise wished her father would just get rid of him once and for all.
She felt Nick’s hand tighten on her upper arm and glanced up at him. He appeared as angry as Duran. He looked down at her as if to ask what she wanted, and she smiled. “Your hold is steady but tight,” she whispered.
He seemed to realize all at once what he was doing. “I’m so sorry.” He let her go.
The other men began to file out of the deckhouse, seeing that Elise was all right. Papa, however, wasn’t finished with Duran. Once everyone but Elise and Nick had gone, he pointed his index finger at the seaman.
“You had better understand me. My daughter is off limits to you, and you will leave the other men alone, as well. Keep to yourself if you can’t keep your hands off of folks.”
Duran looked as if he was barely restraining himself. “Aye, aye ... Captain.” Every syllable was punctuated.
“Good. Now get out of here. The deckhouse will be locked tonight, so be so kind as to put the plate of cookies by the wheel for the men.”
Elise wondered if Duran would obey the order. After a longmoment he walked to the table and picked up the dish. He walked from the galley without another word. Elise shivered at the ugly scowl on his face. She had a feeling that none of this was over.
“Are you all right, daughter?” her father asked, a look of concern replacing his rage.
“I’m all right, thanks to all of you.” She smiled and gave her father a kiss on the cheek, and he bent down to hug her. “I recently commented on never having been attacked by a man at sea. I guess I can no longer say that.” She sobered. “I’m going to my cabin. My door will be locked.” She glanced at Nick and pulled away from her father. “Thank you both. Thank the men for me. Hopefully, Mr. Duran has learned that I have protectors.”
“If he hasn’t learned yet, he definitely will,” her father replied. “I hope he can swim.” His lips curled into a smile.
Elise knew her father would never throw anyone overboard, but the thought of it made her grin. “If not, it might serve him well to learn.”
Chapter 9
With their trip to Duluth nearly done, Nick tossed and turned as he tried to sleep. The winds had been stiff that day, and Nick couldn’t help but remember the storm that had claimed thePolaris. His sleep was filled with nightmares of the ship breaking apart and men slipping into the sea even as he reached for them. He woke in a cold sweat to the sound of other men snoring peacefully. How he wished he could put it all behind him.
He dressed and made his way up on deck. It was still dark—probably another hour before dawn. He pulled his coat close and made his way to the deckhouse. He wasn’t surprised to find Elise already busy at her work.
