The Pirate's Desire by Jennette Green Page B

too far, what would he do?
    “Yes, Mr. Montclair?”
    He released her arm. “Do not spy on me again, Lucy.”
    “I will thank you to call me Lady Lucinda. And you may be sure I have no intention of being found in such a position again, Mr. Montclair. If you will excuse me.”
    His faint chuckle further stoked her irritation. Drat the man!
    All at once, she realized the full implications of the Navy ordering Riel to return to his ship. He would leave soon. Perhaps he would never return.
    Her quick hope at this happy thought swiftly faded.
    His mission would not last for two years. She still must find a way to get him out of Ravensbrook for good. A man of his questionable character could not gain control of her money or her ancestral home. Not even for one day.
    Only two full days remained until he signed the papers on Friday morning. It was unlikely that she would discover any of his secrets in that short amount of time. However, during the time in the secret passage, she’d concocted the outline of a plan to oust him from her home—permanently. It may not be the most prudent scheme. But she believed it would convince Riel to leave Ravensbrook willingly. And better yet, at a fast gallop.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Riel watched Lucy sweep away, her shoulders straight and regal. The faintest hint of irritation tilted her chin. She was as beautiful as a yellow rose, and just as prickly.
    Something else had bothered her just now, at the end of their conversation; something she’d bitten back and kept hidden. He couldn’t imagine what it could be, and the puzzle disturbed him.
    His mind returned to their earlier conversation. She hadn’t heard everything Haskins had said to him, although clearly she was quick to believe the worst. His gut told him if she knew the full truth of his past, which he did not intend for the British Navy to ever discover, she would not see it the way her father had. The dislike she felt for him would deepen into contempt.
    Self-disgust twisted in him, for in truth, he felt the same way. How long would his past haunt him? For how long would he feel the need to make amends for what he had done? Forever?
    He believed in God’s forgiveness, and he’d asked for it, as Peter Hastings had advised, but still, Riel could not forgive himself. He felt certain Lucy would not forgive him, either. No, the truth would provide fuel for her to evict him from her life as speedily as a skiff with the wind at its back.
    No, he thought grimly, Lucy must not find out. He must fulfill his promise to her father and protect her. A deathbed promise.
    He’d made it five days ago, when Peter lay on the deck of the Tradewind with his life’s blood seeping from his chest. Face as pale as death, his eyes had opened and stared skyward. “Riel.” The scratchy whisper drew his attention.
    “I am here.”
    Peter’s eyes, dilated in agony, focused on him. “Riel.” The older man’s hand gripped Riel’s arm with surprising strength. “My daughter…”
    “Lucy.”
    “Yes,” he gasped. The Earl’s eyes looked heavenward, as if seeing something far off…a truth beyond the constricting barriers of time and space. “Protect her…from the wolfff…” The last word slurred, so Riel couldn’t tell if Peter had said “wolf” or “wolves.” Either way, the meaning was clear enough. The hairs prickled up on the back of his neck. Peter saw something that could—or would—happen in the future.
    The Earl’s eyes widened suddenly, looking wild. Clearly and sharply, he ordered, “Tell me you will do this!”
    Riel gripped the older man’s shoulder. “I will protect her with my life. I swear it.”
    Peter relaxed. A faint smile hovered. “I know…can count…you.” Seconds later, his life slipped toward the heaven he had just seen.
    Now, Riel’s heart beat hard with the same urgency he’d felt then.
    Lucy was a beautiful, wealthy girl. Peter was right. She would be choice prey for the wolves of London. At least until she