To her right, two sailors led a shackled Talbot off the ship. The red-haired giant glared at the captain and sneered, “You ain’t seen the last o’ me!”
“If you know what’s good for you, I have,” the captain said, then turned to her, concern reaching her from his dark eyes.
She looked away. Why did the thought of parting with the Black Dragon make her ache? He was domineering and stubborn…and tender and occasionally fair-minded, something Grandfather never was, even in his finest of moods.
“Lilli?” he whispered from behind her as she stood at the rail.
She turned, meeting his dark eyes that seemed heavy with unreadable emotions. Something within her leapt. Maybe he cared a little. She didn’t want to examine why it mattered if he did.
-99-
Shelley Bradley
“I know you’re anxious to go ashore,” he said. “As soon as I clear port, I’ll take you.”
Then again, maybe he just wanted to rid himself of her.
Heart heavy, she nodded. “Thank you.”
“I have to meet with the port master, but I should be back within the hour.
You can pack while I’m gone.”
The captain stared for the barest of moments. For some reason, she couldn’t tell him she had already packed her belongings that morning, when she’d heard the call of “land ho!” Instead, she memorized his dark eyes framed by the ebony spikes of lashes, his strong jaw evident beneath his close-cropped beard, his lips, thin in fury and full in passion.
Christina wished she could touch him or talk to him, something to clear up the emotions whirling inside her. But he nodded and disappeared down the gangplank, and perhaps for the better. She hated good-byes. They were so teary and sad…and final. Besides, the captain was probably glad to be rid of her, and she shouldn’t make a fool of herself by hoping differently.
“Know where yer goin’?” Hancock asked as he approached.
She nodded. “My aunt’s.”
He chuckled. “So there’s an aunt, after all?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile. “I have not seen her in years, not since before my mother died.”
“The cap’n’ll see to ye when he returns from havin’ a few ales with the port master. God be with ye.”
Hancock turned away, and with him, her last chance for escaping the ship without the Black Dragon’s assistance, as well as enduring an awkward and prolonged farewell.
“Wait!” she called to him. “Could you take me ashore now?”
The short man studied her from beneath bushy brows. “The cap’n’d have me hide if I did. He wants to take ye himself.”
“It would be better if I left now. He’s a busy man and I…” She bit her lip. “I think I should go.”
Hancock paused, then nodded. “The cap’n’s been distracted of late.”
-100-
The Lady and the Dragon
Christina yearned to ask Hancock a dozen questions about his statement, but did not. Leaving the captain would be easier if she knew less of the man’s feelings.
“All the more reason for me to leave now.”
He frowned. “Get yer bag, lass, and hurry.”
She ran across the deck, winding through companionways that had seemed like a maze to her once. Inside her cabin, she lifted her valise and headed for the door.
At the sight of the captain’s closed door, she paused.
Though Hancock waited for her, she strode to the portal and lifted the latch. A rush of memories assailed her: their first conversation, which had also become their first argument. Their first kiss. His first display of tenderness.
The moments when he had almost become her first lover. All had taken place here.
Tears pricked her eyes. She swiped them away. A better life awaited her with her aunt. Under it all, the Black Dragon would always have a tyrannical, inflexible side. He would only act as a shackle, never giving her enough slack in the chain for independence.
Today, she would begin a new life of freedom. The Black Dragon and his meddling ways need not be a part, and without his constant proximity, she would forget him.
Grabbing her valise, she rushed out of the cabin and shut the door behind her. She ran up to the poop deck before she could change her mind. Hancock stood where she’d left him.
During the quick row to the shore, Christina studied on her new surroundings beneath the cloudless sky. She focused on the smells of spice, sweat and damp air. Anything but the captain.
Upon reaching the shore, Hancock helped her from the small boat. She took a closer look at the dock’s inhabitants. A rough crowd, with grimy clothing and probing stares. She looked away.
“I can obtain a hackney to my aunt’s. You needn’t trouble yourself further, Mister Hancock.”
-101-
Shelley Bradley
He shot her a dubious stare. “I already rowed ye ashore. The cap’n’d string me up if I let ye wander this rough town alone. Tell me where yer aunt lives.”
Christina recited the address. Hancock’s eyes widened with incredulity.
“Are ye sure, lass?”
She recoiled. “That is where I send her letters.”
“And ye want to visit?”
Christina stared at the first mate, confusion wrinkling her brow. “Actually, I wish to live there.”
Hancock’s face became a tight-lipped mask. “I see.”
What he saw, she didn’t know. Shrugging, Christina followed the man through the narrow streets surrounded by straw huts and luxuriant fields of green. Wild flowers of purple, yellow and white grew hither and yon, their perfume pungent in the breeze. Living here would be a relief, a balm to her soul. Especially if she could banish the Black Dragon from her memory.
After ten minutes of winding streets and rich foliage, Hancock stopped before an elegant house. Its pale hues and large windows invited tropical drafts. A large veranda ran the length of the dwelling and swept about its side.
Stained glass decorated the massive door, depicting a bare-breasted maiden on her horse.
The house was perfect, exactly as Aunt Mary described it. She would enjoy her life here, relish her freedom. All she had to do was say good-bye to Hancock and walk inside. Then she could start a new life and put the captain out of her thoughts.
“Yer sure you want to stay here?” Hancock asked.
“Of course,” she answered, wide-eyed. “It’s lovely.”
He sighed. Frowning, Christina watched Hancock turn away and step out onto the deserted street.
“Hancock,” she called out. “Tell the captain…” Tell him what? That she wondered if she would always regret their parting? “Tell him good-bye.”
“Aye, lass. I will.”
-102-
The Lady and the Dragon
Christina held her valise, watching as, a few moments later, the small man disappeared around the corner, and along with him, her last tangible reminder of the Black Dragon.
* * *
“I still cannot believe you’ve come,” her aunt said twenty minutes later.
“How exciting! We’ve years to catch up on.”
Awed by her surroundings, Christina nodded absently and turned her gaze to the drawing room. Hues of blue and burgundy, accented by dark furnishings dominated the room with an understated elegance. A Brussels carpet stretched across the floor, indicating her aunt’s good fortune. Yet she couldn’t take her eyes away from a Rubenesque nude that commanded the spot of honor above the fireplace, its gilt-edged frame lending elegance to an otherwise shocking painting. She smothered her surprise, since she’d always heard morals in the islands were somewhat lax.
“Is London as dreary as ever?” Mary asked.
“Indeed not. I saw interesting people during my season, but Grandfather would not allow me to converse with them.”
Mary rolled her eyes. “So the old man is still controlling?”
“It’s why I’ve come.”
A black-skinned maid shuffled in moments later and left a tea service. Aunt Mary poured two cups and handed her one.
Christina took the cup and drank. “I’m certain you’re terribly busy with your social club but I had nowhere else to turn. And I had so hoped you could teach me what you know.”