Master of Seduction (26 page)

Why not call him Percy Poindexter, or Oscar Gridley?

“Is what she says the truth?” Wallingford asked him.

Jack debated on his answer. She had brazened much to face a British officer and give false testimony regarding a known outlaw. Part of him wanted his confrontation with Wallingford still, but the other part sought to protect Lorelei.

It was that part he listened to. “I would never deign to call a lady a liar.”

“Nor would I,” Justin added, sheathing his sword. “Now that I look at you I can see that I was clearly mistaken by my bloodlust. You’re not the man in the tavern.”

“Are you sure about that?” Wallingford asked his youngest son.

“Positive.”

Ben came forward with a nervous laugh. “Of course he’s not Black Jack Rhys. Haven’t you heard that I swore I’d hang that pirate beast if he ever showed himself on my island?”

Jack guarded his look as he turned his head to Ben. Now that was laying it on a bit thick, and not at all to his liking. Aye, he’d make the man pay for that.

Later.

“Well then,” Wallingford said with a sniff. “Justin, collect your bride and you…” He raked his gaze over Jack. “Come with me. I should like a word with you.”

Jack went cold. “I don’t think so.”

“It wasn’t a request, boy. And I suggest you obey.”

It was on the tip of Jack’s tongue to tell him to go to hell and roast, but one look at Lorelei quelled the impulse. Concern was plainly etched on her face, and if he didn’t know better, he’d almost swear he saw love in her eyes.

Of course, if that were truly there, then it was no doubt meant for Justin.

Justin pulled her away from Jack, toward the boat, and it took every shred of Jack’s control not to run to her as she looked back at him over her shoulder.

It was only then Jack realized where he stood. It was the same spot that had haunted his dreams for years. The same spot where he had once told Thadeus that Jack Rhys would die.

With an eerie chill skipping up his spine, he followed Wallingford to the boat.

“Don’t worry,” the old man assured him in that stiff, pompous accent he deplored. “I shall have my men row you back to shore once our meeting is finished.”

“As if I would
ever
believe anything that comes out of your mouth, old man.”

Even so, Jack followed.

His heart heavy, he watched Justin help Lorelei into the boat before he took a protective seat next to her. Jack wanted to shout in rage and toss the brat out on his arse. That should be
his
place beside her, not Justin’s.

But it wasn’t.

Why she had saved him, he didn’t know. In truth, he wished she hadn’t bothered. One sword stroke and all this pain would have ended.

Unable to see the two of them together, Jack took a seat with his back to her.

No one spoke as they made their way to the ship.

Once on board, Lorelei was led away while Jack followed Wallingford to the deck below and into his officers’ room. It was a typical study with a large table and chairs set up for meetings. The oak panelling glistened from new polish and sunlight flooded in from the open windows.

Wallingford closed the door securely before he faced Jack. “Why didn’t you kill Justin on the beach?”

“Because no matter how much I hate
you
, I couldn’t bring myself to kill my brother.”

Wallingford folded his hands behind his back as he approached Jack. He narrowed his gaze. “Is that the only reason?”

“It’s the only one I plan to give you.”

He walked past Jack as if pondering his words, then he turned to face him again. “Tell me why Lorelei lied to protect you.”

Jack folded his arms across his chest. “How should I know. I’ve never understood women and their loyalties.”

Wallingford’s jaw flexed a moment before he gave a long, tired sigh. “I know you don’t believe me, Jack. But I’m very sorry for what I did to you and your mother.”

Jack sneered at him. “You’re right, old man. I don’t believe you.”

Tears glistened in his eyes before Wallingford turned his back and cleared his throat. “I want you to know that I really did love her and…and you.”

Did he honestly expect Jack to believe that? How could he even say it with a straight face? Especially to
him
!

“I see,” Jack said slowly as he sought to stave off the roiling rage that simmered deep in his gut. “So that’s why you abandoned us.”

“No,” Wallingford said, his voice hoarse. “It’s why I
had
to abandon you.”

What the devil did that mean?

Not that he cared.

“And you think this makes it all better?” Jack asked as his lip curled in repugnance. “Or that it relieves you of your guilt?”

Wallingford faced him with a tormented face and for the first time in his life, Jack saw something other than smug assuredness on those pinched features. “I know it doesn’t, and I don’t ask for your forgiveness. I deserve your hatred. God knows I hate myself for it.”

The admiral’s raw emotions gave Jack pause. “Then why did you leave?”

“Because Charlotte found out about the two of you and she threatened to take Adrian and Justin and leave me.”

Jack’s jaw dropped. That was the last thing he had expected him to say. The bastard had taken them away from any shred of protection and left them in hell because his little wife might take his legitimate heirs and leave!

“What?” he asked in disbelief.

“I was scared, Jack. She could have ruined me.”

The urge to strike the man was so fierce that Jack didn’t know what prevented him from it. If the truth were known, he’d like to gut the beast. “So instead you ruined us.”

“I had to,” the admiral insisted as if he could somehow sway Jack over to his twisted reasoning. “I knew if I kept Margaret in England that sooner or later I’d find myself at her door. The only chance I had was to leave her somewhere I couldn’t return to.”

“I see now,” Jack said, seizing him by the throat. “You left us in hell because you were a craven bastard.” He tightened his grip, enjoying the feel of the flabby flesh against his palm. “Well, I can most certainly send you there now.”

Wallingford’s eyes bulged as he tried to pull Jack’s hands away. “You don’t have to send me there.” He gasped with each breath he could draw through his constricted throat. “I’ve lived there every day of my life. There hasn’t been an hour that has gone by that I haven’t seen her face or yours.”

Jack slung him against the wall, then returned to seize his throat. He held his father against the paneling, waiting for him to draw his last breath and end this once and for all. “Is that why you kicked me in my face when I begged you for a guinea to buy my freedom?”

Wallingford closed his eyes and swallowed. “Dear God, Jack, I didn’t mean to do that. You surprised me. I had no idea that you and your mother had gone somewhere else, and then there you were looking me in the face. I reacted without thought.”

“And I hate you for it.”

“I know you do, and it should give you great comfort to know that I’m dying.”

Jack loosened his grip. “What?”

“It’s true,” Wallingford said, taking Jack’s hand in both of his. “It’s lung sickness. I’ve been coughing up blood for some time now, and the doctors have assured me that my time is short. That’s why I wanted to speak with you today. I’ve made provisions for you.”

Growling low in his throat, Jack released him. He was no longer sure what to feel. The urge to kill his father was as strong as ever, but there were other emotions that were confusing him.

But one thing was certain, he wasn’t about to take anything from this man. Not now. Not so that he could go to his grave peacefully.

“I don’t want your damned provisions, old man. Nor do I need them.”

“Yes,” Wallingford said, straightening his jacket with an imperial tug. “I’m sure you’ve grown quite wealthy stealing from others.”

“It’s what I learned while starving in the gutter.”

Wallingford flinched, then took a deep breath as if steadying himself. “Fine, give it away then. I know it doesn’t relieve my conscience, nor does it make ammends to you. It was just something I had to do.”

Jack curled his lip. “And what will good sweet Charlotte say?”

Wallingford’s face hardened. “I don’t care what she says. She has made my life a living hell for years. Why do you think I’ve been at sea though I know I’m dying? Because I’d rather be here than listening to her croaky, nagging voice.”

In spite of himself, Jack snorted a bitter laugh. Perhaps there was some justice in this world after all.

“You are the image of your mother when you smile.”

Jack sobered.

“Would you please answer me one thing?” Wallingford asked.

Jack stared at him in disbelief that he would dare ask anything of him.

“Why did you draw me here?” Wallingford continued. “’Tis obvious you deplore me.”

“I wanted to kill you.”

“I see. After all these years you wanted peace.”

Jack couldn’t let it go at that. Nay, he wanted the beast to know the truth.

“You don’t know anything,” he growled. “You’ve taken everything from me. First it was my security, then it was my mother and my dignity. Then six months ago you razed a ship called the
White Dove
, do you remember it?”

“Aye, I recall it. It was a Patriot blockade runner and I did what was necessary to secure the interests of the Crown. Why do you care about it?”

“Because on that ship was the only father I ever knew and you killed him.”

A single tear ran down Wallingford’s cheek. “I’m truly sorry, Jack. I did not know.”

Jack stood back in confusion at the sincerity.

Wallingford walked over to his desk and slid open a drawer. He pulled out an ivory-handled dagger and laid in on the desk. “Go ahead. Kill me. You might as well, and I certainly deserve it.”

Stepping forward, Jack reached for it.

Just as he was about to take it into his hand, he pulled back.

Lorelei had bought his life with her integrity and he wasn’t about to let his father take that as well.

“You’re not worth it.”

Wallingford drew a ragged sigh of relief. “I’ve said my piece, Jack, and I hope that someday you might find it in your heart to let go of the hatred you feel for me.”

“They tell me anything’s possible given time.” And with that, Jack turned and walked out the door.

W
hy did you lie, Lori?” Justin asked as soon as they were alone in a small cabin.

Lorelei reached up and touched his cheek. Poor, precious Justin. He’d lost weight, and deep circles marred his eyes. “You’ve been worried about me, haven’t you?”

“Of course I have,” he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. “I haven’t been able to eat or sleep for fear of what that monster was doing to you.”

Guilt gnawed at her. He’d been terrified while she, for the most part, had been enjoying herself. “Jack’s not so bad, really.”

Justin was aghast. “How can you say that?”

She looked away from him, her heart heavy. She didn’t want to hurt Justin. Ever.

But to tell him the truth would crush him.

“After all this, do you still wish to marry me?” she asked him.

“Of course I do. Why…” His voice trailed off as color suffused his cheeks. “If he’s laid a hand on you I swear I’ll—”

“Bleed all over him?”

His look turned murderous.

She stifled the smile that was on the edge of her lips. “I’m sorry, Justin. It’s just that I saw your fight and though I love you still, I…”

Reality dawned on him. His eyes widened, and horror mixed with disbelief shone in his eyes. “Nay, Lori. Tell me ’tis not true.”

“I wish I could, but I love him, too.”

His face turned a shade darker. “So much so that you would cast me aside for him?”

Lorelei pulled away from him. Clenching her hands together, she diverted her gaze to the floor. “I’m not casting you aside, Justin. It’s just—”

He placed a finger over her lips to silence her. “Say nothing more. I don’t want to hear it. I knew how you felt the moment I saw your face when you begged me not to hurt him. Does he know how you feel?”

Refusing to meet his gaze, she murmured, “I don’t know.”

“Well, at least tell me he loves you.”

“I wish I could.”

“Oh, Lori,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “You know how much I love you, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I was relieved by your news.”

Stunned, she looked up at him. “Relieved?”

“Aye, relieved that he didn’t hurt you and relieved that you no longer wish to marry me.”

“Why?”

He pulled away from her and offered her a tender smile. “I’m not what you need. I’ve known that all along, but you seemed to want me so badly that I couldn’t disappoint you. The truth is, you’re so lively and daring. I’m just simple Justin who likes to sit quietly while you have always wanted to be the center of attention. Not that that’s bad. It’s part of why I love you so. But you could never be truly happy with me. And after a time, I am quite certain my boring ways would begin to wear on even your gracious patience.”

Her throat tight, she offered him a gentle smile. “You’re such a wonderful man.”

“But not wonderful enough,” he said with a sigh. “Go on, get out of here before I change my mind. Go get your pirate.” He urged her to the door.

Lorelei turned around to face him. “Thank you.”

His eyes were sad, but he kissed the tip of his finger, then touched the tip of her nose. “Tell him to be good to you, or I shall be forced to bleed on his boots.”

She laughed, then he opened the door and pushed her out.

L
orelei reached the deck just a few steps behind Jack. He was heading for the ship’s boat. Forgetting her role of lady, she ran across the deck and grabbed his arm. “Hello.”

Surprise flickered across his face. “What are you doing here?”

She hesitated. Something wasn’t right. Jack looked troubled and…well, he looked lost. “I’m going with you.”

He looked around them, then shook his head. “You don’t belong with me.”

“Yes, I do.”