Keeper of My Dreams (St. John Series Book 4) (12 page)

“Bloody hell,” Eli mumbled.

Max’s gaze turned deadly.

Nicholas laughed. “She doesn’t mince words, does she? Just gets straight to the point. No wonder Madison and Kris think so highly of you.”

“Do they?” she questioned with hope, her gaze turning back to Nicholas. “I’m so glad to hear that. I think quite highly of them as well. I look forward to their daily visits, but I understand why they haven’t stopped by the past couple of days . . . getting acquainted with the newfound family and all.”

Max turned his gaze to Eli. “Better put some reins on your woman or she will get you into trouble, St. John.”

“I’m not his woman!” London replied at the same time as Eli said, “She’s not my woman.”

London blushed at her outburst. “Pardon my rudeness, Mr. Hart. The medication that Natasha insisted I take must still be having effects on my actions and words.”

Max said nothing but gave a curt nod of his head.

“Well, if you’ll excuse us, gentlemen, I have some more pressing issues to attend to other than to entertain Nicholas’s annoying sense of humor any further,” Eli said as he glared at his now laughing brother-in-law.

“Very well, Eli. But please bring this gem by my home later on this week. Madison has talked Max into staying for an extra week, although I do believe it was Kris’s doing. She claims she is not feeling well. I think it’s just an excuse to visit longer since Max does not allow her to sail when expecting.”

“That would be lovely. When should I stop by?” London asked.

“Have Eli bring you by the day after tomorrow. Madison and Kristina are taking the girls to the beach. So that should give Robert ample time to entertain Alex and Sophia before their outing.”

“He’s been over there?” Eli’s tone was brittle.

“Yes.” Nicholas grinned like a cat moving in for the kill. There was nothing he liked better than irritating his brothers-in-law. “Doting over his two beautiful granddaughters. And I do believe between the two, they have him thoroughly wrapped around their wee little fingers.”

London smiled. She turned her gaze back to Max and noticed his dark look. “Do you not approve of your father and daughter socializing?”

Nicholas laughed again. “I better get Max out of here before he decides to take you over his knee, London. Good day to you both.” Nicholas spurred his horse forward towards his home. Max gave another heated glance at London and left with Nicholas.

“Such a sour man,” London mumbled, watching the men leave. She then looked to Eli. “And you appear to be in the same disposition. I take it you were not thrilled by your father’s announcement?”

“And I take it Madison has told you all the family’s dirty little secrets?”

“Well, no, just the one about Max. And of her abduction. And Kristina’s. She also said the St. Johns are not well thought of in England but did not elaborate. Care to?”

Eli looked to London and could tell she was trying to calm him down. “Why the hell not,” he mumbled. “My father nearly killed a Duke over my mother.”

“Really? Who? Not that I would presently know them.”

“Charles Madison Davenport,” Eli gave a chuckle. “Madison’s namesake.”

“What?!” London croaked.

“My father only witnessed Jacob and I being born. When my other brothers were born, he was away on business. He had to go to England after Mother found out she was expecting Madison. She gave him an ultimatum—if he was not here to witness this child’s birth, then she would name him after the Duke. Father promised. But needless to say, he missed her birth. Mother became angry when she went into labor and Father was nowhere to be found. Having already decided that she was having another boy, she had already named the child Charles. But imagine her shock when she had a girl. At first she thought of keeping her name as Charles but decided against it and used his middle name of Madison. When Father returned home two weeks later, he was furious at the name and demanded Mother change it.” Eli laughed again. “That was one hell of a fight.”

“How old were you then?”

“I was twelve and I can still remember it like yesterday. Anyway, Father told her the reason he was detained was due to a hurricane. The ship became damaged and they had to make berth in Africa. Mother still didn’t care. She told him the baby had been called Madison for two weeks and to change the name would be detrimental to the infant. Plus, she was still furious. She called him every name under the sun from the time he left to the time he returned . . . and then for several weeks afterwards. I believe her vocabulary is more rounded than any sea-hardened sailor.”

“So she named Madison after that Duke? That explains a lot. Her name is so unconventional. I was wondering how she acquired it.”

“That’s how. That is one of the many scandals attached to the St. John name.”

“There are others?”

“Considering the fact that my parents were betrothed at birth and my father left before he ever met my mother—or so he thought. He hoped his sudden departure would make my Grandmother Lenora—that is Mother’s mother—so furious that she would call off the betrothal. And it did, but the contract needed my father’s signature before it could be broken. Mother came to the Caribbean in search of him to get the contract signed. She did not want to be married to a complete stranger. Little did she know that Grandmother Lenora wanted her to marry the Duke of Somerville—the same Duke Madison is named for—who was years older than mother. Father took one look at Mother and refused, giving her the reason that he had met her before at a masked ball just before he departed London to travel here and wanted to get to know her first. During that time period, Mother became with child. Somewhere in the midst of this, she became angry with father and went back to England. To make a long story short, he traveled to England and begged for her forgiveness. She forgave him and they married. They quickly departed England considering the authorities were still looking for him, hence leaving Jacob and I to be born at sea two weeks later.”

London’s eyes grew wide. “You didn’t have to tell me all of that!”

“You might as well hear it from me other than the whispers of servants or the wagging tongues of the
ton
.”

“Natasha would have never told me all of that.”

“No, Natasha would not. But when you return to England, you would have heard.”

“So why did your father nearly kill the Duke?”

“Mother returned to England several months before Jacob and I were born. She was eighteen and six months pregnant. Grandmother Lenora demanded that she wed in order to keep her reputation. My grandmother was all about making a good impression and having an unwed expecting daughter would get her ousted by the
ton
. She convinced the Duke to marry my mother and found a clergyman who would back date the banns and certificate in order to keep the scandal at bay. Mother refused and the Duke abducted her—with Lenora’s assistance. Lenora slipped a sleeping tonic in Mother’s beverage. The Duke then loaded Mother into his coach and headed for his country estate. He was older and needed an heir in order to keep his younger brother from laying claims to his lands and title for himself. Davenport didn’t care that Mother was carrying another man’s child. Her dowry was substantial enough for him to claim the child as his own, hence giving him the heir he desired. Father came to England looking for her and fought the Duke. If it wasn’t for my mother, Father would have killed him. He was to be arrested for the assault, but his father detained the authorities so they could wed and then escape—leaving Jacob and I to be born at sea. It was several years later, after the Duke’s death, before my father could return.”

“That makes three people in this family who have been taken by someone. That’s a bad omen.”

Eli chuckled. “You sound like Natasha. But it is a strange coincidence. Mother, Madison and Kristina have all been taken.”

London readjusted in the seat, turning to face Eli completely. “I will have to have Natasha fashion me a good luck charm. I for one do not want to take part in your family’s tradition.”

“Being kidnapped is not a tradition.”

“Really? Three people, Eli. Not just one, not two, but three. That is a tradition.”

“Rest assured, sweet London, no one will abduct you. The pirates who took Madison and Kristina are no longer around and the Duke was killed.”

London sucked in her breath. “Your father beat him so badly that he died?”

“No. He did nearly die at my father’s hands. It took almost a year for the Duke to fully recover but that is not what killed him. He eventually married and had his desired heir. After the birth of his second son, he sought companionship with another man’s wife. He was caught in a compromising situation by the woman’s husband and was challenged. I was told that Davenport was not a good marksman and lost the duel.”

London turned to face forward. “You have a very interesting family. I think it’s awful that my brother likes to fight and comes home covered in bruises, but that’s tame compared to your family.” Her eyes grew wide. Both she and Eli looked at each other at the same time. “I have a brother!”

“Do you remember anything else?”

“I remembered my mother’s name was Madelyn. And now I remember I have a brother who likes to fight!”

“I’m glad your memory is returning. When we get a last name, I will take you back to England myself. I want to assure your family that you were under my personal protection and that no harm came your way.”

She gave him a warm smile. He returned her smile, causing her heart to skip a beat. The soft breeze caught a lock of her hair causing it to dance around her face. Eli’s eyes locked with hers. He leaned over and gently pressed his mouth to her slightly parted lips. She melted into his kiss like butter to a hot knife. She felt his hand travel to the back of her neck and hold her in place as the kiss intensified. The horse let out a loud snort. Eli pulled back and looked down at the beauty. He shifted in the seat and flipped the reins over the horse’s back. The buggy lurched forward. London turned away from Eli and looked out at the countryside. How could she return to her family when this man would ruin her before she ever returned to them?

Chapter Fifteen

The ride to the mercantile was too short to suit London, despite the unexpected detours they made. Eli showed her the hidden treasures that Governor’s Harbour had to offer—from lush green meadows covered in vibrant wildflowers to hidden caverns with waterfalls. She was enjoying being in Eli’s company. Their last stop was at a small clearing to observe the butterflies floating over the fragrant flowers. Eli exited the carriage and returned with a bouquet of purple and white wildflowers. A butterfly followed him and landed on his arm. He gently ushered the creature onto his finger and placed the vibrant blue-winged creature upon her finger. She held her hand up and it floated away to join its companions. Never could she have asked for a more perfect day.

Her opinion changed and her mood soured considerably once they reached the shop. While at the mercantile, they just ever so conveniently ran into Marina. The brazen brunette attempted to turn her charm back on Eli in an attempt to win him back. When Marina noticed London, her disposition abruptly changed.

Marina looked London up and down, the shock notable in her expression. “What did you do, Eli, have Natasha do one of her voodoo spells and make her turn presentable?” she said in a supercilious voice.

“I see your tongue is still as razor sharp as it was at our first meeting. Pity that your personality is still lacking,” London retaliated as she held her chin up proudly.

Marina took a step toward London and was surprised at how tall London was. “It must be hard for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You and your manly features. I bet there are no men on this earth who would want you. Are you secretly a man disguised as a woman?”

London sucked in her breath at the insult. She drew her arm back and backhanded Marina, sending the brazen woman sprawling backwards and then landing on her backside.

“London!” Eli shouted as he watched Marina go sailing backwards. He turned and assisted the baroness up. He handed Marina his handkerchief for her bleeding lip, then turned to face his houseguest. “Apologize, London.”

“No,” she said, as she held her chin up proudly. “She insulted me. She got what she deserves. I believe she is the one who should apologize.”

“Eli, do something,” Marina whined.

“Oh, yes. By all means, Eli, defend that title-hungry dated tart,” London heatedly replied.

“What did you just call me?” Marina seethed.

“I’ve heard all about you, Baroness. You are out for a title and as promiscuous as a stray tomcat. So do not pretend to be offended when we both know that you are not the least bit insulted by my comments.”

“Ladies!” Eli yelled. He turned to London and saw the hurt in her eyes. In his heart he knew she was right. He turned towards the other woman and assisted her up. “She is correct, Marina. You have insulted a guest in my home. Apologize.”

“Eli,” Marina pouted. “Why are you taking her side again? I thought . . . thought . . . we had something special,” she said as she covered her face with her hands, pretending to cry.

Eli took a frustrated breath. “What we had is over. Now, please apologize to London. You have insulted her. She is a guest in my home and under my care.”

Marina’s head shot up. She glared at Eli. “Why, you no good bastard! If I were a man, I would call you out!”

“If you were a man, we would not be having this discussion,” Eli drolly replied.

Marina turned and stormed out the door.

Eli turned to London. She noticed the change in his appearance. It was a subtle difference, one you wouldn’t notice if you didn’t know him, but London noticed. She could feel the tension in his body. The Baroness had upset him. Or had she upset him by attacking his lover?

“Thank you,” London whispered. “I know you didn’t have to defend my honor, but I appreciate the gesture.”

“You are a guest in my home. I will not have anyone speaking ill of you while you are under my protection.” His indignant tone was not missed.

“If you didn’t want to defend my honor, then why did you?”

“My family has a reputation to maintain.”

“Really?” London questioned with heated doubt. “You just told me they are not thought highly of in England but they are here? Let me tell you something, Eli, I do not need you to defend my honor or protect me from your lover’s vicious tongue. I can do it myself. Feel free to chase after her and beg for her forgiveness but do not expect me to be waiting here for your return.” She turned and stormed out of the mercantile.

Eli watched her leave and let out a faint curse. He did not want to get attached to this woman and that was exactly what was happening. He tried to deny his feelings. He had suffered too much heartache upon Meredith’s death and had sworn to never get emotionally involved with a woman again, but it was happening. London was intelligent, funny, compassionate and breathtakingly beautiful. At night he would take a walk to clear his mind, but she would always invade his thoughts. When he would return, he would find her sitting at his desk working on the ledgers and they would talk for hours. He found her company delightful. She was a breath of fresh air. A light to the darkness that had been surrounding his soul.

He marched out the door in search of London. He spotted her walking towards the docks—towards tavern row. A man approached her before he could reach her and an all-consuming rage filled his soul.

“Aw, come on now. Yer a pretty little thing. How much ya charge?”

“I think you have me mistaken for someone else.” London raised her chin up proudly as she viewed the dirty little man.

“You one of dem high flutten wenches, eh? Well, I’ll have ta show ya how we treats yer kind down here.” The man roughly grabbed London’s upper arm, causing her to make a small pain-filled noise.

“That wouldn’t be a smart idea there, Asa,” a voice said from behind the man.

“Keep out of this, Smitty. This wench needs ta be taught a lesson.”

Smitty just shook his head as he noticed Eli approaching. “Don’t say I didn’t try ta warn ya, pup.”

Asa looked towards the one-eyed sea dog, then turned towards the direction Smitty was looking. He didn’t even see the fist that connected with his nose, breaking it. The man cried out in pain as the blood poured from his oversized nostrils. Eli’s fist then connected with the man’s abdomen, causing Asa to double over in pain. Eli grabbed the man’s hair and brought his face up even with his.

“Do not think of touching her again or I will take great delight in killing you, understand?” Eli warned in a tight frosty voice.

“Who do ya think ya are attacking me like that?”

Smitty laughed as he intervened, “Don’t kill ‘em, St. John. He’s still wet behind the ears and don’t know no better . . . yet.”

Eli kept his cold, merciless gaze locked with the sailor who had attempted to cause London harm. “Is he part of my employment?”

“Naw, sir.”

“Mr. Smitty, please make sure this man is off this island within the hour.” Eli turned his eyes to Smitty. “And make sure he does not return.”

“Ya’ve got ma word.”

Eli shoved the man to the ground and turned to face London. He extended his arm out to her. She gladly accepted the outstretched token of his protection. As she placed her hand on the crook of his elbow, Eli covered it with his. The dominant way he held her hand caused a stirring sensation deep within her. At that instant she felt safe and knew no harm would come her way as long as she was with this handsome man. She swallowed nervously as she allowed Eli to escort her back to the buggy.

“Next time you get the foolhearted idea of wandering off, please make sure you have a way to protect yourself,” Eli chided.

London gave him a tight-lipped smile. “And I will remind you to keep your harlots on a leash.”

“I beg your pardon?” Eli questioned with disdain.

“All right. You may begin begging now. Although no amount of begging will be sufficient for the apology I am still waiting for.”

Eli took a frustrated breath. He nearly tossed London across the buggy as he assisted her in. “Hey,” she protested as she landed with a hard thud in the seat.

“Don’t,” Eli warned as he took a seat beside her. “My temper is at its end. It would be wise for you to keep your mouth shut for the time being.”

London clamped her mouth tightly closed and turned her back to Eli, refusing to look at him during the ride back to his home. Once at Eli’s estate, London literally jumped out of the buggy and raced to her room. Slamming the door closed, she locked it and stormed to her bed, allowing her frustrations to pour out in the form of tears.

* * * *

Later that afternoon, London was awakened by a faint knock on the door. She was taken aback to find Eli standing outside her door, holding the bouquet of flowers he had picked earlier. As Eli looked at London, a feeling of guilt invaded him. Her eyes were swollen and red.

“What do you want, Eli?” she asked in a voice hoarse from crying.

A concerned look crossed his face as he listened to her voice crack. “I’ve come to apologize for my actions.” He held out the flowers.

She held up her hand to stop his apology. “No need. You have reminded me on several occasions that I am a burdensome guest. I should not have expected you to tolerate me in public. I know you are not sorry for your actions today. You are only sorry that your mistress is no longer available for you.” She was close to tears and the steadiness of her voice surprised her.

Eli rubbed the back of his neck. “That is not the reason. And yes, there is a need, London. I have made you angry by not taking your side at first with Marina. I wounded you. There was no cause for my actions. It’s just that you . . .” He paused, searching his mind for the words.

“I what?”

He took a step towards her. He didn’t know how to answer her question, so instead he did the only thing he knew would answer her question—he kissed her. He didn’t know what possessed him to do so. This was the third time he found himself in this situation with her, but he couldn’t help it. He was drawn to her like a moth to the flame. She kept disrupting his life but brought clarity to his soul. She had been in his home less than two weeks, and because of her, he had dismissed a good lover, fought even more than normal with his parents, and had not thought of Meredith once. But yet . . . he couldn’t imagine his life any other way.

As he kissed her, his body took over his emotions. He could feel her kissing him back and it excited him. He wanted her, craved her. He could sense her passion, her longing. His hand made its way to her breast and he felt her moan into his mouth as she leaned into his touch.

London did not know what had come over her. She was acting like a wanton, but did not want to stop—nothing in her longed to do so. His touch made her feel alive. It caused strange sensations to stir deep within her. When his hand cupped her breast, she felt like her entire body would go up in flames. In the next instant, she felt his flesh on hers as he slipped the dress off her shoulders. His lips left hers and traveled down her neck to the tops of her breasts. She clung to him as her knees went weak. Somehow she ended up by her bed. She was not aware of how she got there or even of her dress being removed. All she knew was the fire raging in her soul.

Eli kicked the door closed with his booted foot as he picked up London and carried her to the bed. He craved to see her, craved to feel her body around him. He gently sat her down and began his assault again. He made quick work of the laces holding her dress, her shift and sucked in his breath as the material hit the floor. She was breathtaking. There was not an imperfection to be found. Even the scar running down her upper thigh was perfect. Her nipples pebbled under the coolness of the room. Leaning over he took one of the pert orbs in his mouth. He felt her hands travel to his head and hold him in place. Her body withered under his caress. He stood straight and placed his hands on each side of her face, kissing her deeply.

Her hands had a mind of their own. She needed to see his body, to feel his flesh on her skin. Her hands made their way to his shirt and tore at the laces holding it together. She vaguely heard the material rip under her aggressive touch. When his shirt dropped to the floor, she pulled back from the kiss to admire his chest. It was broad, firm and tanned. Her fingers traced the muscles of his chest and made their way lower, exploring every inch of his toned abdomen. She hesitated at his trousers but the stirring sensation deep in her loins caused her to continue. She could make out an outline of his member straining against the material of his trousers. She stood naked before him and assumed he should be in the same state of dress. What would be his reaction should she remove his clothing? Curiosity overtook her and passion controlled her. Fearfully and with trembling fingers, she unbuttoned his pants and watched as they dropped to the floor. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of his engorged manhood—her first view of a naked male form.

Eli could sense her hesitation. He captured her face and kissed her again. She melted into him. He picked her up and placed her on the bed. Climbing in bed with her, he allowed his fingers to travel her body. A shiver ran over her. His mouth found hers as his hand traveled lower to the dark velvety triangle between her legs. The heat radiating from her was noticeable. His fingers entered her and she sucked in her breath, pulling away from the kiss.