Page 10 of A Treacherous Bastard (Lords of Temptation #15)
CHAPTER NINE
Kate
Kate heard the warning cry, and she spun back, racing to Jack’s side.
She might be working toward independence, but Jack was right. If it came to a fight, she hadn’t the skill or strength to defend herself.
He saw her coming and reached out one arm, wrapping it about her waist and pulling her close. “Don’t worry,” he murmured against her temple. “Fulton has one of the fastest ships on the seven seas. We’ll outrun them.”
“Just barely,” Fulton said but he didn’t look worried, he was smiling.
“Is he addled?” Kate whispered.
That only made Captain Fulton smile wider before he let out a generous chuckle.
“No,” Jack assured her.
“What I mean, dear Kate, is that I only plan to go fast enough so that they think they might catch me. We’ll play cat and mouse as we wait for reinforcements.” Then he turned and began barking orders.
“We’re playing cat and mouse?”
“Yes,” Jack held her tight. “This ship will keep the king chasing long enough that he won’t realize he’s the one who is being hunted.”
“It’s a good plan.”
“Thank you.” His other arm wrapped about her. “And thank you for your help today.”
“You’re welcome.” She nipped at her lip, her hand settling on his chest. “I’m hoping that your appreciation means that I can stay.”
“No. It does not mean that.” His grip on her tightened. “I want you safe and away from this war.”
Kate’s chin notched. “How am I going to learn to fight for myself if I can’t fight?”
Jack’s hands splayed out on her back. “This is the largest villain any of us have ever faced. Fulton and his brothers are some of the strongest men I know, and they’ve struggled to best this man.”
“Are you saying I can’t do it?”
“I’m saying you need to cut your teeth on something smaller. A schoolyard bully, perhaps. A mean shopkeeper.”
His words might have made her laugh if this wasn’t so serious. “Those men nearly killed us. I want to see when they get what’s theirs.”
He shook his head. “And what if we get it instead? I don’t want you hurt.”
“I appreciate that,” she said, softening. “But I’d much rather die fighting than be at the world’s mercy all the time.”
He dropped his forehead to hers. “You’re not at the world’s mercy Kate.”
“I’m not?”
“No. In fact I’m fairly certain I’m at yours.”
She smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she just breathed him in. “And what does that mean?”
“I know you want to be strong, and you are. But what if we joined forces. It would be a future of your choosing. I’d be your willing soldier, of course.”
Her eyes popped open. What was he saying? “I’m sorry?”
“We’re back to our original topic.”
“Which was?”
“Marriage,” he whispered onto her cheek as he kissed a path closer to her mouth.
“I,” she started, her fingers digging into his chest.
“Before you say no, let me just make my argument. I’m an earl, I don’t require you to bring any sort of dowry, I won’t pay your father a dime.” He kissed the corner of her mouth.
“Oh, I see.”
“In addition, I’ll provide you with enough funds to live independently should you ever need to.”
Her heart leapt into her throat. “Jack, that’s very generous.”
“I understand you want to be a stronger woman. I won’t stand in your way. If I’m honest, I find you far more interesting than any woman I’ve met before.”
He kissed her then, slow and soft and full of a tenderness that had Kate’s heart beating wildly in her chest. What was it about deciding to be independent that had the most handsome man she’d ever met arguing to marry her?
Was fate really that much of a trickster?
“I…” She faltered again. It was just that she’d only decided not to depend on a man. But she’d never receive a more compelling offer, she was certain of that.
“Is this about staying?”
He kissed her again, a little longer, firmer. Her heart skipped in her chest, her body tightening in response.
He might sway her with his kisses alone. They were so delicious.
He kissed her again, and everything on the deck melted away, the other men, the noise and bustle.
Her arms thread about his neck as he crushed her to his chest.
But she didn’t mind. It was just right.
When he finally lifted his head, she stared at him, a bit dazed. He gave her a one-sided grin. “So? Will you be my wife?”
“You’re not fighting fair.”
He chuckled at that. “I can assure you that kisses are perfectly acceptable weapons when it comes to courtship.”
He was likely right. She drew in a steadying breath. “Can I stay then? If we’re married and you’re here to protect me?”
“Kate.”
“I want to see this through. It’s important that I prove I can weather this storm.” She’d likely have many in her life, provided this one didn’t kill her.
The more she thought about it, the more right it sounded to have Jack at her side. But if he was really going to treat her like a partner, then he’d have to acquiesce now.
It was a test.
And perhaps she was the one not fighting fair.
He let out a long breath. “You want to stay as my wife?”
She nodded. “That’s right.”
He let out a long breath. “I’m hopeful we’ll win, but I’m not certain.”
“I understand.” Her eyes fluttered closed again. “We’ll fight together, though. And that’s how we’ll start our marriage.”
“You’re very difficult to argue with.”
That made her smile. “Am I? That’s good to know.”
“And I agree to your terms. We’ll marry and then we’ll stay together.”
The blood rushed in her ears. She was going to be married…