Page 21 of Rose
She took a deep breath. “I understand yer confliction. I could never marry someone I didn’t love. And yer father has placed his life in grave danger.”
“Not just his life, but my own as well. My stepmother and sister would be left to fend for themselves, not to mention what would happen to our ships and the men who rely on us for their livelihoods.” His mind was spinning, but he took a deep breath and squeezed her hands. “Despite it all, this scheme of Philip’s is fraught with risks of its own, not to mention deception. I vow to you—no harm will befall you. I will protect you with my life if need be, but do not allow the direness of my own situation to be your only guide.”
“If I did agree to help, what would happen? How long would we play the role of husband and wife?”
“Our charade would not last long. We journey to France and then London to spend a few days with my family. After that, I bring you home, and your obligation ends.”
“What about after? Will ye tell yer family yer new bride died?”
His eyes widened with surprise the instant before he shook his head. “My island bride prefers our home on Skye. Trust me when I say, my parents have passed their seafaring days.”
She raised a skeptical brow. “But what if ye decide to marry in earnest?”
“I am a man of the sea, Rose. I’ve no intention to wed.”
She looked surprised. “Why ever not?”
“It is not easy to love a sailor.”
Rose shrugged. “That which is worthwhile is never easy.”
“Well, what I’ve proposed will not be easy, but I assure you I plan to compensate you handsomely.”
She sat straighter. “How so?”
His lips lifted in a gentle smile. “I would not ask you to help me without ensuring you benefitted as well. I am a very wealthy man.” He leaned back against the door. “Name your price. But again, I insist you follow your heart and your conscience. I will understand if you wish to have nothing to do with this scheme. And please, take all the time you need to—"
“A ship,” she blurted, interrupting him.
His eyes widened in surprise. “Pardon?”
“Ye said I could name my price. I would like a ship, one equal to the Messenger.”
He considered her request. “The Messenger is the finest ship in my fleet. She is yours, if you decide to—”
She stood up. “Done,” she said, extending her hand for him to shake.
Climbing to his feet, he took her hand. “We have an accord then.”
She looked at him pointedly. “Ye cannot change yer mind.”
“A deal is a deal,” he agreed.
Now that they both stood in his confined quarters, their bodies nearly touched. Her blue eyes danced with excitement. A healthy flush colored the apples of her cheeks. He was struck by her beauty and vitality. His fingers twitched at his side as he resisted pulling her into his arms. Clearing his throat, he reached behind him to open the door. Then he stepped into the hallway and expelled a tense breath. He needed to be very aware of his powerful attraction to her. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel uncomfortable. Their relationship was now one of business, and that was how it would have to stay.
He turned to face her. “We have a busy day ahead of us. There are a few tasks that demand my immediate attention. For now, why don’t you rest a while in preparation for a trip to shore.”
Her eyes lit up. “I’m to go to Cardiff?”
He smiled. “Indeed, you are. You need a new wardrobe among other items too numerous to list. I will be down to fetch you within the hour.”
He started to turn away, but stopped and once more took her hand. “Thank you, Rose.”
A cheeky smile curved her lips. “The Messenger is thanks enough, Captain.”
