Forbidden Desire Page 12

  Royce dropped the message on the table. “The natives want us to sail to their isle rather than them coming here. They’ve had problems with the crops and can’t spare the men for a crew. They’d like our best seeds for the next planting. In exchange, they’ll send the priest back here for christenings and give us more herbs and spices. If we agree, we leave next month.”

  Diana clutched Tristan’s arm. “Please, not you. I know you like to sail, but I don’t want you in danger from mariners, pirates, or the authorities for herbs and spices. We have plenty here. We only trade because the other islanders need what we have, not the other way around.”

  “They have the priest, love. The new mothers here and those expecting infants clamor for his blessings.”

  “Someone who doesn’t have a price on his head for piracy can bring him back. Merry and I need you to protect us. So do the islanders. Whether you like it or not, you are the ruler here.”

  “I rule no one. We’re all free.” He shrugged. “I simply suggest solutions.”

  “And implement them to everyone’s benefit. Do so now. Say you’ll stay to protect this isle and everyone here.”

  “Always.” He kissed her cheek. “But not because the trip is difficult or dangerous, since it’s not. I’ve far too much to do here to travel elsewhere, especially for such a minor matter.”

  “Looks like it’s settled.” James yawned. “Lovely when a couple agrees so readily without screaming and throwing things.”

  Gavra brushed past Heath, Willy on her shoulder. “What did you say?”

  James had spoken English. He shook his head. “Rien.” Nothing.

  “Tell me.”

  “We were simply discussing sailing to the islanders who trade with us. Diana feared Tristan going. He won’t. He has to protect her, Merry, and the islanders, plus do endless tasks.”

  “You too.” Gavra gave Willy to James. “Before you slipped the marriage collar on my throat, you made me wait too many nights for you to return. Do you want me to suffer again? Are you trying to make me cry?”

  Tristan smiled gently and spoke French. “No need to worry. James knows he has to stay here to keep you and Willy safe.”

  Diana tapped Tristan’s hand. “I wasn’t able to translate all of that. What happened?”

  He told her.

  “Peter remains here too.” She crossed her arms. Her red silk gown shone faintly. Diamonds twinkled about her throat. “He also has a price on his head and I’ll not have him in unnecessary danger. I can tell Gavra that. Even though my French is far from perfect, it is improving.”

  “Go on then.”

  Diana relayed her comments about Peter.

  Gavra flicked her wrist. “I can have a word with Laure and she can do the same with him. Peter knows better than to disobey her.” She padded away.

  Tristan kissed Diana’s cheek. “Did you get all that?”

  “Most of it. It wouldn’t hurt if you told me everything, just to be sure.”

  “Gavra’s setting Laure on Peter like a hungry dog on a bone. The matter is settled.”

  “Not entirely.” Royce fingered the note. “Looks like this task falls to me.”

  “With Simone even closer to delivering next month?” Diana gave him a scolding look. “Or have you forgotten? What if you’re delayed for some reason that keeps you past your expected return? I’d wager she wouldn’t want to birth the child without her husband here.”

  Heath stepped into the room and closed the door lest Gavra returned or Aimee wandered by and heard something she’d want translated. “I can go.” The trip would be his chance to finally command a ship and show these people he could behave like a true islander.

  Diana turned her disapproval on him. “What about Netta and Aimee? Do you intend to abandon them already?”

  “Wait a moment.” Tristan leaned forward. Merry fussed. “Sorry, love.” He settled her on his shoulder and patted her bottom. “How did you know about Aimee and Netta?”

  Diana’s surprise matched his. “How did you?” She spoke to Heath. “I swear, I did not betray their trust. When I give my word, I keep it.”

  “Clearly.” Tristan turned her face so she’d look at him. “You kept this from me.”

  “You hardly shared what you knew.”

  “Because you’re a woman. A mother now. The thought of one man with… I didn’t know if you could handle it.”

  “I sailed the ocean with crude mariners to capture you. I fought pirates to remain at your side. I birthed our daughter with little pain and no screams. At this point, I doubt much would send me into a swoon.”

  “Your wails during Merry’s birth nearly made my ears bleed. Before you retort, I can never thank you enough for the agony you went through to give us such a splendid daughter.” He pecked Diana’s lips. “You never cease to dazzle me. That said, you keep no more secrets. I’ll not have it.”

  “Nor will I.”

  Heath cleared his throat to gain their attention. “This island is my home, same as yours. I don’t intend to sail to the other isle and work my way back to civilization as I once said. I’d simply like to help when I can. I’ve no price on my head nor do I have a coming infant to worry about during the voyage.”

  Tristan pointed. “See that you never do.”

  “Never?” Diana curled her hand around his. “Heath’s a man not a child. We must leave him to his own future.”

  Her words shocked. Few women would have been as tolerant. Tristan had a true prize in her. “Thank you for not minding about Netta and Aimee.”

  “I didn’t say that.” She sighed. “However, it’s your life not mine, and this isn’t England. As long as the islanders have no argument with what you three want to do, we have no say in the matter.”

  “Aimee, Netta, and I will take care. I adore them.”

  “Good God, man, control yourself.” James shivered as one would when tasting something foul. “Soon you’ll be spouting poetry. I don’t have the stomach for that.”

  Diana leaned across the table and smacked his arm. “You were as bad with Gavra and her with you. I can’t count the times she failed to get tea in my cup because you two were making eyes at each other.”

  James’s freckles disappeared beneath his vivid blush.

  Tristan and Royce laughed.

  “If I may interrupt.” Heath stepped closer. “I don’t know most of the men so I have no idea who to choose for a crew. However, I would like Adamo to join me. He’s a fine fellow.”

  “No.”

  Tristan and James had spoken as one.

  Couldn’t be they didn’t trust him. Everyone knew Adamo would gladly die to protect these shores. “Because of his arm?”

  “Canela.” Loathing erupted in Tristan’s eyes. “Wouldn’t be fair or kind to expose him to that she-devil again.”

  “Understood. I didn’t consider her banishment to that island.”

  James exchanged a glance with Tristan. “I doubt she thinks of anything else.”

  * * * *

  Sun poured down relentlessly. The cooking fire raged. Sweat beaded on Ismay’s brow.

  “Next time use less wood.” She smiled weakly at Canela. “I have never been as hot.”

  “I can do better. I can learn.” She pressed linen against Ismay’s forehead. “Would you like me to stir the food while you rest beneath the palms? Their shade will cool you.”

  “I should stay here.” She stared at the trees longingly. “My duty is to cook.”

  “All day, every day? No one helps you, save me. What if you need to sleep longer than you usually do or you fall ill? The others would starve. If you teach me how to measure and mix, I could ease your burden. Together, we could make twice as much and no one, not even Fanette, could complain.”

  Ismay laughed. “Her above all. Has she threatened you?”

&nb
sp; Only her eyes, not the switch she loved to wield. Canela planned to use far worse on her. “I keep away. She frightens me.”

  “I promise to protect you.” She handed Canela the large wooden spoon. “Let the mixture bubble then stir it several times. It will quiet down. Once new bubbles rise, stir again to keep the food from burning. I only need a few minutes’ sleep.”

  “Rest well. If I need your help, I can come for you.”

  “Merci.” She squeezed Canela’s wrist and slogged to the trees.

  At the forest edge, Vincent and another captive dug a grave for Yoland’s mother. She’d passed as Ismay had predicted and would rest next to her husband. His crucifix was on the last mound in a long line.

  Vincent stopped digging and stared at Canela.

  An islander cursed Vincent’s laziness and brought a large switch down on his shoulders. He shrieked and fell to his knees.

  Canela longed for the native to strike Vincent again.

  He did.

  Wind swept the yard. The fire licked the ground and came too close to Canela’s cloth. She scooted as far as she could from the intense heat and stirred, amused this slop, more than Vincent’s useless male power, would be her way off the isle.

  As soon as the pigeon returned and she knew when Tristan’s crew would arrive.

  * * * *

  For Heath’s work on the crib, Bella’s mother gave him fresh bread, cooked fish, bacon, and boiled eggs. Laden with the bounty and a few items he’d gathered, he hurried to his house to prepare for the midday meal. Today, he’d serve Netta and Aimee.

  He tidied up his meager surroundings, collected wildflowers, scattered them throughout the room, and pulled back the cowhide to let in sun and air.

  The harder he worked, the more energy he had. Hope fueled his vigor as nothing else could. He fairly burst to tell Aimee and Netta what had happened. How their fortunes were changing.

  Everything was ready.

  Except for him. Wood shavings, dirt, and pigeon droppings had soiled his breeches. Before he washed them in his basin, he cleaned his face and beneath his arms.

  The sweetly scented flowers drew him. He sniffed each kind, settled on one that didn’t smell too womanly, and rubbed it on his chest.

  If Royce, James, or Tristan saw him now, they’d laugh.

  To hell with them. Heath intended to please his women.

  Lovely term.

  He laundered his breeches and hung them on his chair to dry.

  Shadows fell across the entrance.

  Netta and Aimee.

  He pointed. “You’re late. I won’t have that.” He relieved them of the food they’d brought and danced them around the room. Wasn’t easy in the small space. Neither followed his steps. Knees and feet bumped.

  He’d have to teach them the few dances he knew. Nothing as fine as Royce’s minuet, but fun nonetheless.

  Netta laughed heartily. Aimee giggled.

  “I trust you’re not making light of me.”

  Aimee rested her head on his shoulder. Her breath skimmed his chest. “What does that mean?”

  “Trust?”

  Netta wiggled against him. “Making light.”

  “Teasing me at my expense. Treating me as if I was a bloody fool.”

  “You smell good.” Aimee suckled his nipple.

  Netta tongued his ear.

  His restraint crumbled. He didn’t need words or food, only them. However, he had scant time for their repast before work beckoned. When Heath took them as a man should, he didn’t want to rush or leave the bed for hours.

  He eased away and grabbed their hands. Unthinkingly, he’d taken Netta’s maimed one.

  She wrapped her remaining finger and thumb around his. “Is our play over?”

  “Never.” Aimee pressed her breast against his arm.

  They were going to kill him with their innocent lust. “I’m afraid our desire will have to wait until this evening. After we eat, I must go to the courtyard. I have another crib to build. Ourson’s helping me. When I told him yesterday I’d be back, I never returned. If I do that again, he may hate me and rightfully so.”

  Aimee pulled Heath to the table. “Sit. Eat. Then go back. You must be kind to Ourson and all the children so their parents will like you too.”

  “I have news about that.”

  She exchanged a glance with Netta. Their lighthearted mood turned guarded.

  He added, “Good news.”

  Their moods didn’t improve.

  “Do you two have something to tell me first?” Couldn’t be pleasant given their long faces. “Out with it.”

  Aimee bowed her head. “Gavra wants Netta and me to be happy with two men not one.”

  “Two each? Four men total?”

  “No.” She frowned.

  He smiled. “Forgive me, I couldn’t help but tease.” He spoke to Netta. “What happened with you?”

  “Simone says the priest must say the words over us.”

  “Is that all? We’ll find another way. Do you know why? Diana and Tristan have no say in what we do. Her very words. Tristan didn’t argue. My guess is, he wants to stay in her good graces.” Heath gave Netta and Aimee bread, bacon, eggs, and fish divided equally on two plates. He’d taken one from the storage room, along with an extra fork and knife, and left a note that he’d pay for it with labor. Tomorrow, he’d start building two more chairs so they and he could sit at the table like a proper family. “Royce and I also spoke.”

  Aimee pulled bacon from her mouth without biting into it. “Did he frown? He likes to do that to you.”

  “At first, but we eventually shook hands. We’re on our way to becoming friends. He even called me a good man. Adamo and I have also talked. He’s going to help me and I’ll help him. That reminds me, I must ask Tristan for his book on the subject.”

  Netta put down her bread. “Subject?”

  “About metal. Adamo and the other men can use what I learn to make tools for everyone. Like this.” He touched her fork. “Don’t know why Tristan hadn’t considered it before now. Could be he thought he’d get whatever he’d need from piracy.” Heath laughed. “I can’t imagine Diana going along with that. She changed his mind on sailing to the other isle for spices and herbs. Told him he was needed here to protect her and Merry. Gavra told James she’d cry if he left. I’m certain Laure lectures Peter as we speak.”

  Aimee looked at Netta. “Do you understand what he’s saying?”

  “No.”

  “Sorry. I’m so excited, I’m not explaining myself adequately. The pigeon came back with a message from the islanders we trade with. They want us to sail to their shores this time. Royce was the only one who offered to go, until Diana reminded him of his and Simone’s coming child. Since I have no infant to worry about I said I’d go.”

  He chomped on bacon from Aimee’s plate, his hunger returned and voracious. “I wanted to take Adamo with me, to strengthen our friendship, but exposing him to Canela again would be cruel. I can’t believe a woman would do that to any man, even the vilest. She must be quite mad or pure evil.” He gobbled Netta’s bread and fish, and spoke around the food. “I told Tristan and the others they should pick the crew as I have no idea how well any islander will perform. We sail next month. This voyage is everything I wanted and more than I dreamed.” He laughed. “I’m ready to dance again.”

  Aimee stepped back. Netta joined her. Neither smiled.

  Little wonder. He’d devoured a good portion of their meals. “I’m a swine. Don’t let me take another bite.” He delivered a new helping of bread, bacon, and fish. “Please eat. It’s delicious.” He sucked his fingers.

  Netta put her plate on the table. Aimee’s chin quivered the way a woman’s does before weeping.

  “What have I done?” This couldn’t be about food. “Tell me.”

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bsp; Netta wrapped her arm around Aimee’s shoulders. “How long will you be away?”

  “I don’t know. Didn’t think to ask. Longer than a week, I would guess. Otherwise there’d be no need to take the Lady Lark. We could use a skiff or the longboats from Bishop’s attack.”

  Aimee ran her toes over the dirt floor.

  She reminded Heath of Ourson when he’d been disappointed. “I’ve troubled you and I don’t know why. Please tell me what I’ve done wrong. Never keep anything from me.” He touched her cheek.

  She pulled away. “You want to go. Will you come back?”

  “Are you asking if I want to return? Of course.” He cradled her face and Netta’s. “If it were my choice I wouldn’t leave you.”

  “Then why are you?” Netta brushed his hand away. “Why does leaving us make you happy enough to do your foolish dance?”

  He’d never expected such a comment from her. When Diana and Gavra had given their men a hard time, Heath congratulated himself on having not one, but two understanding women who’d never demand, threaten, or rage against him. Apparently, females came one way, sweet one moment, unbelievably cross the next. “No need to fret.”

  Aimee shoved her plate at him. “You think I’m being foolish?”

  “No. I’m just trying to make you understand I’m not going for me. I’m doing this for you and Netta.”

  “Stop lying to us.” Netta poked his chest. “We never told you to go. We begged you to stay. You said you would. Now you want a chance to leave and because you have it, you hop around like a bird. You dream of nothing else except the other isle.”

  He curbed his frustration. “Let me reword what I said.”

  “Will it mean that you stay here?”

  “No. I have no bloody choice except to do this. Tristan and James have prices on their heads. For them to leave for any reason would be madness. Besides, they have to stay here to see to matters and keep everyone safe. Peter’s also wanted for piracy and is far too young and obstinate to be of any use. Royce and Simone are expecting their first child. She requires him more than anyone does. That obviously leaves me. By sparing the others the task, and putting myself at risk, I—”