Page 43 of The Swan Syndicate
He growled but did as he was told, and she shook her head. Men acting like children when they didn’t feel well must have begun at the beginning of time.
She took the glass of water and set it on the table. “Now, what can Stella do to make it all better?” She climbed into bed and stroked his body until it went limp as his headache receded. “Just lay back and let the medicine work.”
She massaged his arms and legs, but when her hands slid to his chest, he rolled her over against her protests. His gaze was heated, with no sign of his earlier pain. She didn’t think it had anything to do with the medicine. She’d wanted to be the seducer, and she tried to push him off so she could get on top, but he pinned her down.
“Hush, woman. I’ve discovered a better cure for hangovers.”
Her laughter was throaty, which only encouraged him. He was always a generous lover, and this time was no different. And when his thrusts increased, he smothered her screams with a heated kiss.
There was no question about it. This was turning out to be a fantastic holiday after all.
16
Stella stood back and scanned the galley as she wiped her hands on a towel. The breakfast dishes were done, the pantry restocked, and she’d left the makings for lunch and dinner on the counter for when Cook was ready.
Beckworth was supposed to take her shopping while in port. Instead, he’d gone off with Fitz for morning sleuthing while most of the sailors on other ships were sleeping off their night in the pubs or caring for ship tasks.
“If you continue to keep the galley spotless, I’m going to think of ways to permanently keep you aboard.”
Stella turned and smiled at Jamie. “I believe we’ve had this discussion before. You know I’m only good if you stay close to shore.”
He frowned. “Have you been getting seasick?”
“No. But I’m not sure I want to chance a trip to Ireland. I understand the sea between here and there can get stormy.”
“Aye. It has its moments.”
“Beckworth was going to take me shopping so I could get more herbs. Do you know how long he’ll be gone?”
“If he was on his own, maybe a couple of hours, but with Fitz along? It depends on what piques their interest. It could be a good portion of the day.”
“You mentioned at breakfast that this was a safe port. Safe enough for me to take a stroll?”
“Yes, but I’m not willing to face Beckworth’s wrath if he knew I let you go alone. Lando has spare time, and there are few items he could pick up for the ship.”
She sighed. As much as she enjoyed her time in this century, her inability to go anywhere without someone trailing behind her grated. She had her dagger and her pistol, but apparently, they weren’t enough, even in broad daylight.
She put on her best smile. “That would be lovely.”
Jamie had watched her wrestle with his offer, and though his lips might have twitched, he nodded. “Lando’s finishing up a repair. I’ll let him know you’ll be up when you’re ready.” He turned, but before he reached the stairs, she called out.
“Thank you, Jamie.”
He looked back, and this time he did smile. “Try to stay out of trouble.”
She winked, and he climbed the stairs, his chuckle floating back down to her.
She took her time, finally settling on one of the day dresses she’d brought from Waverly. Not too fancy, but a step or two up from the dresses she’d worn for the evening pub crawls. It should prevent most of the sailors from pestering her.
Eleanor had created larger pockets for the dress so she could carry her dagger in one and her pistol in the other. The pistol was heavy, and she considered leaving it behind since Lando would be with her, but she needed to get used to carrying it.
While she brushed out her hair and worked on pinning it up, she considered changing into her pants and shirt. Then shecould carry her pistol in a holster under her jacket. Would she be safer dressed like that in port?
She decided to stay with the dress and would ask Lando once they were in town. He had a different way of looking at things, and he never sugar-coated his answers. Not that Beckworth or Jamie would lie, but they sometimes modified their answers in such a way that made the other person believe they were getting the answer they wanted to hear. She wasn’t fooled, and she grinned as she turned, trying to get a better look in the small mirror. The men usually thought they won a verbal discussion with a woman, but they rarely did. It was fun to watch them try, though.
Lando waited at the gangplank, leaning against the railing and watching the people mill about the docks. He had a good view of a few pubs and two inns.
“Notice anyone suspicious?” She stepped next to him and took in the scene. They had arrived after dark the night before and this was the first time she’d seen the port during the day. This town was larger than the last one.
