Love Me With Fury (27 page)

“You know as well as I do that code has some
special meaning.”

“Even so, what different could it make now? What if she was forced to carry it? It’s mighty strange we haven’t come across it before—nor has anyone else. Maybe she’s telling the truth. Maybe it’s just a family message,” he reasoned in mounting frustration.

“But what if it isn’t, Andy?”

“What if it is?” Andy quickly came back to nettle him.

Without an answer, Spencer turned his back on his friend…unable to forget his words.

The winds and currents in their favor, they sailed into the port at San Augustin that next afternoon. Alex was shocked when Spencer took her ashore this time, her and her baggage! Yet, the moment they were settled into a comfortable suite of rooms in a massive stucco structure, he left for some secret meeting with “friends.”

A guard had been left outside her door to prevent any rash moves. She had been quick to pick up certain facts: the Spanish ruled Florida and the French ruled the Spanish through Napoleon’s brother on the Spanish throne. For all she knew, they had simply put into port here for rest and repairs.

Before leaving, Stephen had ordered a bath for her. She reclined in the large oval tub for hours. It was deliriously invigorating. After she dressed in one of her finest and prettiest gowns, Alex relaxed in the warm sunlight on a side balcony to dry her tawny hair.
She brushed and braided it, securing it around her head like a golden coronet. She splashed on a delightful fragrance and nibbled at the food sent in by the guard.

If Stephen was determined to discard her, he would view her at her best this last time! She would make such an impression upon him, he would never forget her! She knew she was desirable; men had made that plain to her in the past. She would use every charm and feminine wile she possessed. Tears, rebellion, and submission hadn’t worked any wonders for her. What would happen if she made herself irresistible and provocative? Could she persuade Stephen to change his mind? She would give it her damnedest!

She withdrew a book from her trunk and sat down to patiently wait for him. She instantly jumped up and knocked on the door. When the guard answered her signal, she boldly and confidently ordered a sumptuous dinner and a heady red wine to be served in their room. Confused, the guard complied.

In less than half an hour, a table with a lacy cloth was brought inside. A silver candleholder with creamy tapers was placed upon it. A dish of colorful and fragrant flowers joined it. A light red wine followed and the table was set in elegant style. No doubt they realized this pirate captain could afford anything his lady ordered and responded with enthusiasm.

Just as darkness closed in, the delectable meal was brought to their room, covered with silver tops to keep everything warm. Glowing with anticipation, Alex lit the candles and waited. She nervously dabbed on more
perfume. A heady odor from the mixture of flowers wafted through the open windows and balcony doors.

An hour passed—no Stephen. Another hour snailishly followed it—no Stephen. She called to the guard to ask when he would return. A new man was there and replied he didn’t know the captain’s plans. She paced the floor until her nerves were taut. Was it possible he wasn’t coming back tonight? Perhaps he had another room? Perhaps he was working out the details to hand her over to the authorities here? Perhaps he was even seeing another woman?

She wearily and anxiously leaned back against the sofa. She sipped several glasses of wine, an unfamiliar habit. Taking its toll, she was eventually sound asleep. It was past two in the morning when Spencer finally came in, reeking of cheap cologne and brandy.

He stared at the strange sight which greeted his tired eyes. Neither his attempt to forget this vexing female in another woman’s arms nor to drown his guilt in strong spirits had worked. All evening, all he could think about was her waiting here alone, vulnerable. His smarting gaze went from the sleeping girl attired in an exquisite gown to the table with burned-down candles, cold food, colorful flowers, and a half-empty bottle of wine.

He staggered over to her. In her lap were two objects: a wilted flower and an empty wine glass. From the salty streaks upon her cheeks, she had been crying before falling asleep. He was transfixed by the vision of beauty and softness before him. Angel was an appropriate name for this slumbering child who
radiated innocence and purity. He mentally cursed her for the effect she effortlessly worked upon him.

Effortlessly? he protested to himself. From the looks of things, she was definitely attempting to catch his attention. He was sorry he had messed up her scheme to entrap him. He was tempted to leave her there all night to punish her for her blatant and seductive game!

As with a small child, he helped her up and led her into the adjoining room to the bed. Unable to fully arouse herself, Alex was undressed by him and tucked in. He stripped and followed her, kissing her lightly upon the head.

Her lids fluttered slightly and she dreamily looked up into his handsome face. “Go to sleep, love; it’s late,” he tenderly murmured..

“Good night, Stephen. I love you,” she mumbled in her hazy state, then closed those alluring green eyes to sink into instant slumber.

That slip sobered him. Did she really say what he thought? Did she realize what she was saying? Surely not, she was too far gone! Stunned, it was some time before he could get to sleep.

Once during the wee hours, Alex stirred and glanced over at him. Too fatigued to come alert, she detected the odor of brandy and cologne. Her mind spinning, anger and jealousy consumed her. “You vile bastard, you’ll pay for this insult,” she sleepily threatened before giving over to mindless sleep.

A light sleeper whose instincts were always sharp, he heard and ignored her empty threat. Maybe
jealousy was good for her. When all else failed, work on a female’s vanity. He grinned and sighed peacefully.

When Spencer awoke the next morning, he yawned and stretched to loosen taut muscles. His mouth felt like cotton and tasted worse. His temples ached, but he thought the pain was a result of a lack of sleep and tension rather than a hangover from too much brandy. He glanced over at the girl beside him. She looked almost regal with her exquisite features and her coronet of golden hair. Her soft lips were slightly parted and were most inviting. Thick, dark lashes lay against her flawless skin. Damn, if she wasn’t the most fetching female alive!

He was sorely pressed to awaken her and make savage love to her as she lay there, an alluring mixture of innocence and provocation, carefree child and seductive woman. He wondered if Andy was right. Was he trying to punish her for being so enchanting and irresistible, so unreachable, so forbidden? Was he only trying to make certain no other man could possess those charms which he craved, yet resisted?

Spencer carefully left the bed so as to not disturb her. From the darkened smudges beneath her eyes, she needed more sleep—and he wasn’t in any mood for a bitter confrontation this morning. He had other pressing matters to take care of before tonight. He went into the bath closet to wash, wishing he could purge his mind as easily. He dressed in tan breeches which fit his lower torso like a glove, leaving little to the imagination. Desiring comfort today, he pulled on a
loose white shirt and left it opened halfway to his narrow waist, exposing a tawny chest with an enticing mat of furry black hair. He pulled on shiny black knee boots and strolled out, closing the door quietly behind him.

If he had been more alert this morning, Spencer would have been aware of the green eyes watching his every move. Alex had awakened long before him, but had feigned sleep to avoid an argument. She threw the covers aside, bathed, then dressed in a tea gown of muted greens.

Eying his discarded clothes from the night before, Alex absently picked them up to lay them across a chair. Catching the lingering fragrance of another woman’s perfume, she angrily flung them back to the floor. She scolded herself for this ridiculous envy of another female. She had no rights where he was concerned. She had been a fool to fall in love with a man like Joshua Steele!

When she hadn’t ordered any breakfast by midday, the guard knocked and inquired if she was ready to eat. Lacking any appetite, she refused without opening the door. Noting the remains of her spoiled evening staring her in the face, she finally called the guard to have the foolish evidence removed. She wondered what Stephen thought when he saw how she had planned to spend last evening. A cynical laugh passed through her taut lips. What did she care what he thought or felt? He had unmasked his true colors and intentions. All games had ended. If only she could claim one victory…

To pass the time away, she unpacked and neatly repacked her trunks. She was baffled to discover her jewels still present. Why did they mean nothing to a greedy pirate? After all, they were worth a small fortune! She smiled in pleasure. With them, she might find some way to escape and buy her passage home. For the first time, those expensive baubles gave her delight and satisfaction. She carefully returned them to their concealed compartment.

Around two o’clock, the guard made another attempt to persuade her to eat something.

“I’m not hungry! How can I work up any appetite cooped up like some animal?” she vented her anger and tension upon the man.

“I’m sorry, miss: Capt’n’s orders,” he stated almost apologetically.

“I know, George; I’m sorry. I don’t need to take my irritation out on you.” She thanked him and closed the door to pace some more.

Alex went to the balcony and gazed out over the gardens below it. The rainbow-colored flowers with their sweet smells brought a smile to her lips and eyes. She reached out to pluck several from nearby trees. She held them to her nose and inhaled their stimulating odors. She leaned against the bumpy surface of the stucco wall and closed her eyes dreamily. Such a wide variety of thoughts and images flashed through her troubled mind. What if this was the last time she could enjoy nature at her peak, or feel the breeze playing through her amber hair and over her skin, or inhale the freshness of each new
day, or…

Tears eased down her cheeks as she rebelled at the hopelessness of this trying situation and fully comprehended the price of her reckless love for a daring and heartless pirate. “Oh, Papa,” she miserably cried, “I should have heeded your words. Surely no marriage could compare with this hellish existence. If I ever get home again, I’ll never disobey you again.”

Spencer shifted uneasily at intruding upon such a private and tormenting moment for her. He patiently, and yet anxiously, waited for her to compose herself. He dearly hoped she would not begin sobbing again; he didn’t like the effect of her tears and anguish upon him! Angel, Angel, why do you make me hurt you this way? he inwardly raged.

Without opening her eyes, she wiped away the moisture teasing at her cheeks and quivering chin. “I’ll never let you hurt me again, Stephen,” she swore softly as if replying to his thoughts. She sighed wearily and inhaled the heady aroma of the flowers in her tight grasp. Time passed.

For some inexplicable reason, Spencer couldn’t find the right words to open their talk. His normal poise and confidence were stormed by the sight before him. He couldn’t allow his weakness for her to continue. He toughened his heart against his emotions. He only had a few more days before his ship would be ready to put to sea again and that last moment to decide her future would be upon him. His talks with Governor Sebastian Kindelan hadn’t gone well so far. He could hardly blame the man for not trusting him and the American
government. America had seized the western portion of the territory and attacked others. He hoped he wouldn’t be forced to insist upon a base here to prevent the English from using it.

Alex opened her eyes, ready to order some hot tea to calm her frayed nerves. She jumped as her gaze touched upon the solemn man standing near her. Startled, she gasped, “How long have you been standing there gaping at me?”

“Only a few moments,” he lied. “You looked so serene and lovely standing there, I couldn’t break your magical spell,” he teased, although serious.

Chips of ice flashed angrily in her green eyes. “Did you want something, or is it time to go?” she scornfully asked. She lifted her chin and shoulders to reveal her courage and pride.

His smoldering eyes eased over her body from head to foot, noting how nicely her clothes fit and enhanced her delicate air. “George says you haven’t eaten all day. From the looks of it, you also skipped dinner last night. No appetite when I’m away?” he jested.

“My lack of hunger has nothing whatsoever to do with you, Captain Steele. Without exercise, the body doesn’t require much food to nourish it.” She noticeably failed to mention last night’s fiasco. There was something different about her this morning. He dreaded to comprehend it. She was quiet, withdrawn, and tense.

“I’ve come to make amends for ignoring you so long, love, but I had business which came first. How would you like to attend a dinner and dance at a
friend’s house?” he asked, his own aura self-assured and mellow.

“No thank you, Captain Steele. I don’t make a practice of socializing with my enemies,” she rejected him.

“You mean you aren’t bored enough yet to share my company outside my bed?” he teased.

“I would prefer not to share any time with you at all, sir,” she sassily declared, looking as if she honestly meant it.

“You could dress in one of those lovely gowns and dazzle all the men and make the women green with envy,” he added mischievously. “It would make a most enjoyable evening for both of us.”

“I have no desire to do either, Captain Steele. As for being enjoyable, that I seriously doubt. Farewell parties have never been to my liking, especially not my own. I’m certain you can find another willing female to keep you company. Until you make the arrangements for my incarceration, I prefer to remain here…alone, if you don’t mind.”

He could sense the withdrawal and tension within her. She wasn’t going to make this any easier for him. “The only female company I desire at present is you, Angel. I want you to come with me tonight.”