Page 7 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

Retired and comfortable, love had tamed the beast who’d beaten six sailors to death in a failed mutiny attempt. That didn’t prevent Rowland from reminding Cedric of his previous—and permanent—place beneath him.

“If you want to increase the bounty on your life, you’ll need to kill someone.” Rowland released his hold on Cedric and snagged the news sheet, smoothing the paper out as he dragged it closer.

“I did.”

Rowland’s hard gaze lifted from the page.

“Apart from Charles Ashmore,” he said after a long moment of silence.

“You and your lovely wife,”—Cedric glanced over at the blonde woman bandaging his shoulder—“are the only people who know the rumors surrounding my merciless nature are false.”

“And that needs to remain a secret if you are to carry out your plan—”

“Rowland,” Mrs. Taylor said, raising her head from her task, her disarming green gaze seeking her husband. “Why are you encouraging him toward murder? Do you want to see him hanged?”

“I want him to stop attacking ships off the coast of America before the Navy captures him,” Rowland replied.

“You taught me this profession!” Cedric slammed his fist on the table, disturbing the bowl of bandages, which rocked back and forth several times before settling into place.

“I also instructed you to leave it after three years.” Rowland’s brown eyes softened. “Every pirate runs out of luck. Neither of us wants to attend your funeral.”

“We prefer weddings,” his wife said as she stood. After collecting the bowl and her sewing supplies, she rounded the table, stopping behind Rowland, and rested her fingers on his shoulder. “You’ll convince him to pursue romance?”

“I shall do my best, my love.” He reached up and squeezed her hand.

Cedric looked away from the intimate caress, allowing a private moment between the couple, whose amorous connection had only increased since their meeting aboard Rowland’s—now Cedric’s—ship several years prior.

Assigned the task of managing hostages held for ransom, Cedric’s first introduction to Miss Olivia Dixon was when she kicked him in the shins, escaped from his grasp, and broke into the captain’s quarters.

He wasn’t certain what discussion took place between Miss Dixon and Captain Taylor, but the end result was marriage.

He’d never seen Rowland happier.

“How long will you be in Ceresus?” Rowland asked, interrupting Cedric’s rumination.

“A week, possibly longer, depending on the repairs needed.” He lifted a rummer glass from the table, the reddish-amber liquid sloshing over the side as he saluted Rowland. “Just long enough for you to regret your offer of hospitality.”

“But not enough time for Olivia to arrange any introductions…”

“An unfortunate occurrence,” Cedric replied and sipped, his eyes closing.

The familiar sweet-tart taste spread over his tongue and crawled down his throat, a ball of fire expanding in his stomach.

Cherry trees grew prevalent on this secluded island—known for providing a safe haven to misguided souls and those who wished to employ them. Cherries also happened to be the secret ingredient in the whiskey he and Rowland distilled in a little barn behind the main house.

Rowland snorted.

His previous captain was well aware of Cedric’s detestation of marriage or romantic engagements in general. Neither he nor Mr. Hayward, Cedric’s first mate, nor any of the women they’d flung in his path had been able to deter him from his focus.

Dinah’s safety.

Cedric was running out of time to save her. She was almost of age, and his father wouldn’t hesitate to sell her to the highest bidder, no matter how inappropriate the match or how miserable the marriage made his sister.

“You’re fortunate that cannonball didn’t kill you.” Rowland refilled Cedric’s glass from a crystal decanter, a gift given in exchange for the ship since Rowland refused to accept any payment for the vessel.

“I was in no danger. Their aim was terrible.” Cedric drained his glass a second time.

“That’s why you turned up this morning covered in blood, begging for my help, and half your crew quit.” A smirk pulled the corner of Rowland’s mouth. “Captain Shaw is mortal.”