Seas of Seduction (Waves of Desire #2)

Prologue

The French colony of Tortuga

Everything happened for a reason.

At least that’s what Josephine reminded herself as the mockingbird outside her window increased the tempo of his song.

Definitely a he. No reasonable female of any creature would be so rude for so long this late at night.

Hours had passed since she’d lost track of the passing minutes.

Even opening her shutters and throwing an old slipper at the palm tree where the bird perched hadn’t convinced him to take his amorous tune elsewhere.

With a groan, she rolled over and pressed her fingers to her temple. Speaking of birds, Lola slept soundly in her cage, her head tucked tight beneath a green wing. Damn parrot could sleep through a hurricane.

Must be nice.

A loud thump interrupted her thoughts and she went perfectly still. Again and again it sounded. The front door.

Josephine bolted upright, mind racing. At this hour, it must be a true emergency.

Living on an island frequented by pirates and smugglers, “true emergency” always meant something dire.

She would have heard cannons if two ships had started a fight.

So not that. Perhaps a fire? Her stomach twisted at the thought.

Almost all the homes in town were wood. A fire would be devastating.

Swinging her feet to the floor, she pulled her nightgown off and struggled into the skirt and blouse she’d laid out before going to bed.

The pounding began anew as she found her slippers in the muted moonlight.

Heavy footsteps came from the hallway and she opened the door just in time to catch the top of her father’s head disappearing down the stairs, bathed in warm lantern light.

She followed, pausing halfway down to stay in the shadows.

He opened the door and a man rushed in. “Governor?”

Her father nodded and the man sagged against the doorframe. “First officer, Isaac Caldwell, US Navy. I’m in desperate need of help.”

The US Navy? What in heaven’s name were they doing here?

Though the states made their displeasure well known about Tortuga’s relationship with pirates, they had no jurisdiction on the island.

Although… A vision of a dark ship flashed across her mind.

Captain Thorne had arrived in port last night.

The Navy had made it clear the capture of the notorious pirate had become a top priority.

Would they risk a battle in the harbor?

Her father lifted his lantern while the man caught his breath and all thoughts left Josephine.

She blinked to make sure her eyes were not deceiving her.

They were not. The most handsome man she had ever seen stood in their foyer.

Grateful for the shadows, she let her eyes soak him in.

Golden hair fell in messy waves around a chiseled face, and with his shirt sleeves rolled up, tanned muscles demanded her attention.

Dirt stained his rumpled clothing, a far cry from what she’d expect for a Navy uniform.

She swallowed as her sight dropped to tan breeches, which clung to him in a way some might deem scandalous.

“I’m in desperate need of a ship. It’s life or death.”

Her father cleared his throat. “A ship?”

The lines on the sailor’s face hardened. “My captain is being pursued by Thorne. We were captured by him two days back and escaped tonight.”

“Captured by Thorne, you say? I thought he didn’t take prisoners.”

“Well, he did. By order of the United States of America, I require your assistance.”

“I don’t understand. Why are you not with your captain?”

Officer Caldwell hesitated the slightest moment. “He departed with another pirate. Thorne’s ship left in pursuit shortly after.”

“I don’t have a ship. At least not one capable of going after the Reckoning.”

“I will take anything. I must try. You’ll be compensated very well, I assure you.”

Josephine took another step down toward the men. The stair tread creaked under her weight and she went still as her father spoke again. “And when your rescue mission is unsuccessful? How will I be assured of my funds?”

“Draw up a contract to send to Washington if you must, but be quick about it.”

Her father studied the man for a long moment before giving a curt nod. “My daughter, Josephine, will take care of the contract.” He waved a hand in her direction. “I will go find you your ship.”

Blue eyes fixed on her and she fought back a gasp. They seemed to pierce through her very soul. She stood frozen, her pulse thundering in her ears until he turned back to her father.

“It would be better if I went with you. The rest of our men are waiting at the docks, and will be ready to sail at a moment’s notice.”

No.

Josephine almost said it aloud.

He couldn’t leave. Not yet.

She practically ran down the stairs. “It will be faster if he goes now. Your men can ready the ship while we finish the contract and you’ll be able to sail as soon as you arrive.”

His jaw twitched, several days worth of stubble running its length in a masculine shadow. When he glanced between her father and her, she could see the war of morals going on in his head. He would be alone with her if her father left. Americans, always so prim and proper with their endless rules.

“Go, Papa. Tell his men he will be but a quarter hour behind you.” The sailor’s brows rose when she made the decision for him and she gave him a small smile. “If you’ll follow me, Officer Caldwell, I’ll take you to the study.”

She took the lantern from her father and turned, praying the officer would follow. For a few moments, she walked alone. Then, footfalls fell in step behind her.

In the study, Josephine set down the lantern and pulled out a sheet of fresh parchment.

While she laid it flat on her father’s desk, the officer positioned himself on the other side and her smile wavered.

The room suddenly felt very small. In here, with the flame’s light dancing off the walls, she could not help being acutely aware she was alone with him.

His eyes bore into her and she wondered if he were thinking the very same thing.

She took a quill from its holder and dipped the point into the pot of ink. “How much time will you require?”

“Two months should suffice. If I’m not back by then…” He trailed off.

If he didn’t return, it would mean he failed. And failure with Thorne meant only one thing: death. Everyone in the Caribbean knew the name well and made sure to never cross his path. No one had ever done so and lived to tell the tale.

She sucked in a breath. Don’t think like that.

He was young and fit. A navy man. If anyone stood a chance against the bloodthirsty pirate, certainly it would be him.

Those ocean-hued eyes followed her every move as the ink flowed into words and Josephine struggled to keep breathing. Her hand began to shake, the smooth line going askew.

“Have you done this before?”

The skepticism lacing his voice brought her focus back to the task at hand. “Of course I have. Do you think my father would have entrusted the job to me if I hadn’t?”

He didn’t answer.

She swallowed and continued. “You must like your captain very much to go through such an effort to save him.”

His eyes darkened with intensity. “He is my closest friend. I would die for him. And he would do the same for me.”

The fierce and emotional reply left her at a loss for words as a chasm opened within her. She’d never had a friend she felt that way about. That’s what happened when one grew up on an island surrounded by pirates and smugglers.

“Well then, I wish you success.” She finished and slid the parchment to him. “Would you like me to write out a second copy for you?”

He gave a brisk shake of his head, sending a wave of hair tumbling over his forehead. “That won’t be necessary.”

With a nod, she handed the quill over. Rough fingers brushed hers and a tingle shot up her arm. She rubbed one hand across the skin there, marveling at the lingering warmth as he scrawled his name in a hasty flourish.

He straightened and moved to the side, motioning her forward. And that was it. Their fleeting time together had already come to an end. She left the contract on the desk and led the way back to the foyer.

Josephine came to a stop in front of the door, but didn’t open it. She didn’t want him to leave. Selfish girl. She didn’t care. A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. Besides, she could offer him some extra help.

“If you don’t mind waiting a few moments, I can pack some provisions for you. The ship will not be stocked well since it hasn’t sailed in a while.”

He glanced at the door. “I should go. The sooner we leave, the better my chances are.”

She pulled her lip between her teeth.

“But, I would be grateful for anything you can offer. The men have had very few rations the last few days and they will need all the strength they can muster if we are to fight Thorne.”

A lightness filled her chest. “Very true. Follow me.”

In the kitchen, she took a burlap bag from a shelf. Shaking it out, she handed it to the officer. “Hold this and I’ll fill it for you.”

A crate of papaya sat on the counter and she grabbed one. The fruit had been delivered that past morning. “How much do you think you can carry?”

“Are you questioning my strength?” Something sparkled in his eyes. A quick flash of mischief, there and gone in a flash.

“Of course not.” She couldn’t help another look at his arms. He could probably carry ten full bags without breaking a sweat. Maybe more. You’re staring like you’ve never seen a man before. With a jerk, she twisted back toward the crate and began to transfer the fruit.

When she emptied the crate, she added a round of waxed cheese. With very little room left in the bag, she glanced around the kitchen. The three loaves of bread she’d made earlier would fit. She pulled them free from the cloth she’d wrapped them in and set them on top of the cheese.

“Did you bake these?”

She nodded.

“They look lovely.”

Her pulse jumped at the murmured words. They stood still for several wild beats of her heart before he cleared his throat and took a step back. “I must go.”

“Yes.” Her throat had gone dry and she swallowed. “Make sure you get fresh barrels of water down at the docks. Even at this hour, there should be someone down there who can get you some. Tell them to charge my father’s account.”

This time, he led the way to the door and she followed him out onto the porch.

He started down the stairs and admiration flowed through her.

Here was a man willing to risk everything for his friend, a man who didn’t waver in the face of danger.

An uncomfortable tightness surrounded her heart.

He had no idea what he was getting into.

“Officer Caldwell?”

He paused and turned, those blue eyes locking on hers once again.

“Be careful. Thorne is…Well, he’s cunning. Even when you think you’re about to win, he’ll surprise you. There’s a reason he has never been captured.”

His face softened. “Thank you, Miss…” He shifted the sack to his other hand. “I’m sorry, I do not even know your name.”

Warmth pooled at her cheeks. “Josephine. Josephine Montclair.”

“Miss Montclair. And thank you for your hospitality. I will not forget you.” His gaze traveled over her as if trying to commit her to memory.

Her heart stuttered as the heat in her face traveled straight through the rest of her body. Before she could form a response, he bowed and turned down the stairs. With several long strides, he passed through their gate and onto the quiet street.

Josephine stood still, waiting until he disappeared from sight before turning back toward the house. The mockingbird’s shrill call rang out to break the silence and her lips curved.

Everything most certainly happened for a reason.