Rogue of the High Seas by Cynthia Breeding Page A

room. She knew he’d been down to the docks this morning and who knew what Albert had told him? Robert had moved away from her with lightning speed yesterday, but if Albert had any inclination what was about to happen… Shauna couldn’t afford to take the chance of being barred from the office. She would have to behave pleasantly enough with Owen to convince Shane she might consider his suit, even if it galled her to do so. “I am sure ye will nae.”
    Owen gave her an indolent look. “You do not want to sit by me?”
    Shauna folded her hands in her lap. “I am fine here.”
    Shane raised a brow as he removed books and sat down. Abigail gave her a warning glance that said Shane wasn’t in the best of moods either. Shane did look tired, as though he hadn’t slept well. Perhaps he and Abigail had more of a falling out than Shauna had thought. She knew her cousin had acted out of concern for Abby, and knew Abby knew it too. Still, what woman wanted to be ordered about?
    She was not going to sit on the sofa. But neither did she need to upset Shane. She pushed aside the lace curtains. “I prefer to sit here because I enjoy the sun’s warmth through the window. It feels good.”
    â€œI will join you then.” Owen hopped off the couch and took the table’s other chair, sliding it closer to her. “A bit of warmth always helps.”
    She had a feeling Owen wasn’t talking about the sun since his eyes had taken on an intent look, somewhat like a wolf cornering its prey. Although there was a reasonable amount of space between them, his boot brushed her ankle, an action Shane wouldn’t see with the angle of the chairs. She moved her foot away and Owen gave her his smirk again.
    â€œI am going to enjoy courting you,” he said.
    â€œI doona ken what ye have to complain about,” Kyla mumbled as she set down the plate of small sandwiches in front of Shauna in the solar the next afternoon. “Having two men—especially handsome devils that they are—interested in ye will keep both of them on their toes.”
    Shauna sighed and pushed the plate toward Abigail. “I doona want two men interested in me.”
    Kyla looked at her as though she’d taken leave of her senses. And maybe in a way she had. She’d gone down to the dock office this morning and nearly panicked when she saw the New Orleans wasn’t tied to the wharf. When she’d asked if Robert had gone, Albert had reminded her that the rudder was broken and the boat had been hauled to dry dock. She didn’t need to read his expression to know he thought she had gone daft. She’d known about the rudder, but the possibility that Robert may have left had sent her common sense wafting away on the breeze.
    â€œDo nae be so quick to throw away a God-given gift,” Kyla said.
    â€œGod-given?”
    â€œAye. The American looks like one of them Viking raiders in the picture Mr. MacLeod has in his library, nae to mention he has a fine arse—”
    â€œKyla!” Abigail said. “Your language—”
    â€œâ€™Tis true,” Kyla answered, undaunted. “Ye might nae have noticed since your husband is a well put-together mon himself, but I’ve seen Shauna looking at—”
    â€œI have nae!” Shauna protested, feeling herself blush.
    â€œWell, if ye want to deny it,” Kyla said, “but I’ve seen the mon looking at your—”
    â€œ Kyla .” Abigail nearly choked on her sandwich. “ Please .”
    â€œWhat is wrong with a mon eyeing a woman’s assets?” Kyla asked stubbornly. “’Tis a sign of interest, nae?”
    â€œA gentleman does not scrutinize a lady,” Abigail replied
    â€œRules.” Kyla waved a dismissive hand. “Ye English—beggin’ your pardon, ma’am—have too many of them. What is wrong with a mon letting a woman ken he’s taken to