Quest of Honor Read online

  Eleanor felt her stomach tighten as he wrapped a strong arm around her waist and led her away from the table. This was all happening so quickly. She could not simply run from him, for then his suspicions would be alerted at once. He might come searching for her, only to discover her father and then the ship. Why had she not listened to Morgan and simply left the man alone?

  This worst part of all this was that Eleanor had to admit to herself that she was not completely opposed to the idea of going to bed with this man. Strong muscles revealed themselves through his shirt, and his drunken clumsiness was lending somewhat of a charm to his bearing. She felt like a traitor as her body and mind struggled inside of her.

  “Top of the stairs to your left,” the barman grinned, as the captain slammed down some money on top of the bar. “Thank you, sir. Most generous.”

  He thinks he’s paying for my services, Eleanor realized, going cold all over. She tried to breathe slowly as he stumbled up the stairs, her mind working furiously. Maybe she would be able to knock him out somehow, and then make her escape.

  “What is it that you need relief from, sir?” she asked, hating that her voice trembled a little. “Perhaps I can help you in other ways.”

  He snorted, pushing the door open slightly too hard so that it banged loudly against the next wall. "Unless you can find Captain Adams, my dear girl, then I do not think you can relieve my torment."

  "Ah, so you are hunting a pirate," she trilled. "Come now, sir. If it is causing you so much difficulty, then why do you not simply give up?" she asked, trying to keep her voice airy. "I am sure the Navy will find much better things for you to do. After all, he is only one pirate and there are so many around Port Royal."

  Throwing his hat and coat onto the chair in the corner of the room, the captain faced her, his face ravaged. The change in his demeanor shocked her, although she kept her features schooled into a sympathetic smile.

  “I dream of freedom,” he rasped, stepping closer and grasping her arms with strong hands, as if willing her to feel his desperation. “I can have none until I catch him. The Navy does not accept failure.”

  “Must you stay in the Navy? Have you no other options?”

  “Not if I am to keep my family from dishonor.”

  “Leaving the Navy would cause this?”

  “They were shocked when I joined the Navy. Now I have spent three years in a search for one man. I am a laughingstock, but if I find him, bring him to justice — well then, perhaps, I will have restored the honor I lost and can find a new path.”

  Eleanor looked up into his eyes, finding them cold but haunted – and in that moment, something shifted within her. “You feel you’re trapped.”

  “Trapped.” His mouth curled into a grimace. “That is exactly what I am.”

  “Is it not enough to see the world, as you search for him?”

  “I’d prefer to see the world on my own terms,” he replied, a faraway look in his eye. “However, I have seen more than I would have ever thought possible. Even this town, as dirty as it is, has beaches that are something to behold, and the palm trees and crystal blue ocean are simply… magnificent.”

  “No, I do not suppose they have beaches such as these back home in Britain,” she replied with a smile. “Where will you go next?”

  “I’ll follow the pirate, until the day I catch up to him. I should hope that day comes sooner rather than later.” Tipping his head, his eyes blazed into hers as he ran his hands lightly down her arms, catching her hands. He unconsciously stroked her wrists, sending tingles through her body. “Over and over I search for him, and always come up short.”

  “Perhaps you are not meant to capture this particular pirate,” she said, which stilled the stroke of his fingers.

  “Why this sudden care in Captain Adams?” He asked, eyeing her warily from somewhat glassy eyes. “Do you know the man?”

  She let out what she hoped was a carefree laugh.

  “The fabled pirate Captain Adams? I could only wish. As I’m sure you know, Captain, he does not frequent such establishments as this. I’m afraid you will have to continue your search for Captain Adams — and your freedom — elsewhere.”

  “That I will. In the meantime, perhaps you can help me remember what freedom tastes like.”

  Eleanor shivered as his mouth descended, catching his kiss and finding that she didn’t shrink from it. It was hard and firm, but she refused to allow him dominance, kissing him back with as much passion as she could muster.

  What are you doing? came the voice in her head. This is the man who has been hunting your father!

  She couldn’t think straight. His fingers were already tugging at her bodice, clearly desperate to get to her body underneath. It wouldn’t be the first time Eleanor had been with a man, although it had been some time since the last. It wasn’t a frequent occurrence. While she and her father were both pirates, she was still his daughter and as far as he was aware, no one had ever touched her, so she had been discrete.

  Struggling with what to do, Eleanor couldn’t help her gasp as his hands found her buckled skirt, undoing it quickly. Taking the opportunity, he slipped his tongue in to battle with hers, his hands running over the curve of her hips.

  There was nowhere to go. Nowhere to run. She was pressed back against the wall of the small room, knowing that if she made any attempt to leave, that he may come after her and eventually discover her father’s whereabouts. If she remained, then she would have to play the part of a working girl and wait until he fell asleep, as they always did. And, deep down, she wanted this. Her soul would never submit to it if she didn’t.

  The shirt fell from her shoulders, her skin now bare to him. The lace ties of her drawers fell prey to his eager hands and soon Eleanor found herself entirely divested of her garments, while he remained completely clothed.

  Stepping back, he ran his eyes over her, a slow grin spreading across his face.

  “Perfect,” he murmured, moving back in front of her again and boldly caressing her breasts. “You’re just lovely. Perhaps my fortunes have turned and you’re the good luck charm I’ve been looking for.”

  Eleanor could hardly breathe. The sensations he was sparking in her told her that she found this man more than attractive, as desire slowly pooled in her belly. She didn't attempt to remove his hands from her but rather gave in to his rather urgent attentions.

  “You are still clothed, sir,” she murmured, closing her eyes as his mouth sought hers again. “If you wish to make this quick, then may I suggest that – ”

  She did not have time to finish her sentence, for he broke the kiss for a moment so that he could throw his shirt over his head. The rest of his clothes were easily discarded until Eleanor felt warm skin pressing against her own.

  Her breath caught as his lips moved from her mouth down her jaw and to the curve of her throat, as his hands kneaded her breasts. Heat burst through her veins as he continued his exploration of her body, leaving her trembling with unspent need.

  “You are a warm one, that is for sure,” he muttered, slowly lowering his head further so that he might catch one of her nipples between his teeth. Eleanor could not help the moan that came from within, betraying her need for him. He chuckled low in his throat, before scooping her up in his arms and depositing her on the bed.

  His intrusion into her body was immediate, hot and sharp. Eleanor squeezed her eyes shut as he began to move, lengthening his strokes. Her body, which had tightened upon his first entry, began to slowly relax as she became used to his presence, only to grow hotter with the fire he was building in her.

  Eleanor was sure that he was only interested in his own pleasure, but could not stop the desire growing in her own body. His hands continued to caress her curves, roving over her with reckless abandon. Looking up into his eyes, she saw the spark of heat in them and heard the way his breathing came more and more quickly. He was reaching his peak, but she did not intend to allow him to do so without finding her own release.


  Boldly, she grasped his hand and pressed it to her center, crying out at the slightest of touches. Astonishment stopped his movement for a mere second before a wicked smile came over his face and he pressed her center again. His movements were rough and hasty, but Eleanor did not care. Arching her back, she closed her eyes and lost herself entirely, only aware of the growing tension that drew her ever closer to the brink.

  He moved faster now, groaning as he neared the edge of his release. Eleanor met him there, her body practically coming off the bed as she convulsed around him. Stars exploded in her vision, blood thundering through her veins.

  Pulling himself from her body, Eleanor heard him shout aloud as he found his release, his seed dampening the bed beside her. Then he collapsed forward, still breathing hard.

  “I was right — I do feel much better already,” he said, his eyes already beginning to close. He absently stroked her hair as he slowly drifted off to sleep. “I needed that — you. Needed you. I paid the barman for your services.”

  She slowly got up from the bed. She had slept with the enemy — and enjoyed it. Dressing as quickly as she could, Eleanor tried not to feel the shame that crept into her soul, unable to even give him one final look as she left the bedchamber.

  What had she done?

  6

  Hurrying towards the shore, Eleanor saw her father making his way to the rowboats. She ran to catch up with him.

  “Papa, we must leave at once,” she said, urgently.

  He nodded, his face grim. “Yes, Morgan has already spoken to me about Captain Harrington’s presence here. Although I am not exactly pleased that you went to speak with him.”

  She prayed he would never find out that she had done so much more than speak with him. “I had to find out what he knew.”

  “And did you?” Her father’s eyes were angry, glaring at her as they made their way towards the small boats that would carry them back to the Gunsway.

  Her throat spasmed. “Yes, I did, Papa.”

  Snorting, he shook his head, grasped her hand and tugged her into the boat. “Hurry now, Eleanor. We must make haste.”

  Eleanor grasped at one of the oars, while three more of the crew took the others. As they rowed, the boat began to cut through the water, moving quickly away from Port Royal.

  Eleanor did not want to think about what had just occurred between her and Captain Harrington. How she had let it happen, she was not sure. She had made one excuse after the other to herself, until she found herself underneath him on the bed. Perhaps it had been too long since she had had any kind of affection from a man, but to give herself to the one man who was intent on bringing her father into custody was utterly shameful. Heat burned her cheeks as her entire being filled with humiliation. If her father was to ever hear about what she had done he would feel utterly betrayed.

  “You do not need to worry, Eleanor,” came her father’s voice, cutting into her thoughts and making her jump. “We will be away before nightfall. The captain will not even know we were here until it is too late.”

  She managed a tremulous smile. “Just as always.”

  He chuckled, his face lit with good humour. “Precisely.”

  His humor slowly died away as his face grew paler until it was practically translucent. His hand slowly climbed its way up to his chest, his breathing becoming labored.

  “Papa?” Eleanor gasped, dropping her oar and reaching for him. “Papa!”

  “I’m well,” he gasped, his words hoarse and weak. “Just some pain.”

  Eleanor grasped his free hand, entirely helpless. His face had now a pale sheen of gray, his hand scrabbling at the collar of his shirt.

  “Hurry!” she cried to the crew on the boat, still holding onto her father’s hand as they looked on anxiously. “The Captain is sick!” They responded in earnest, eager to do all they could for their beloved captain.

  Thankfully, by the time they reached the Gunsway, her father’s color was slowly beginning to return to normal as his pain ebbed away.

  “I am sure I must have had one too many mugs of ale,” he joked, although Eleanor could see the line of concern on his face. “To my cabin, I think.”

  Eleanor knew he was not as strong as he was trying to show, her sharp eyes noticing the way he stumbled as he walked. She was beside him at once, wrapping her hand around his arm in an attempt to support him. Whatever had happened to her father, it had taken his strength from him, leaving him weak and tired.

  “I just need to rest, Eleanor,” he said, quietly. “You can run the ship until I awaken, can’t you?”

  "Of course, of course, I can," she replied firmly, hoping that the crew would simply accept her command without question. "Are you sure you are not in any more pain, Papa?"

  He sat down heavily on his bunk, pressing her hand with his. “I feel no more pain, Eleanor, I promise. I just need to sleep, perhaps, for I am quite worn out.” His smile fell a little flat. “Hearing Captain Harrington was at Port Royal did surprise me, I must say. It seems he has followed us here, somehow.”

  “Then we shall go to open water for a time,” she said, firmly. “Or perhaps near the Iron Caves? That way we can go ashore if we need to.”

  Patting her hand, he handed her his hat before leaning over until he was lying flat on his bunk. His eyes began to close almost immediately. "You decide, Eleanor," he murmured, apparently already too tired to stay awake for even a moment longer. His breath grew heavy as he drifted into sleep, leaving her feeling worried for his health and anxious over her new role.

  Walking outside onto the deck, she glanced at the first mate, who gave her a barely perceptible nod. Apparently, he was willing to listen and take commands from her, which bolstered her courage.

  “The captain is unwell,” she stated, trying to keep her voice firm. “He has appointed me captain until he is recovered.”

  She paused for a brief moment but didn't catch a single word of dissent. Instead, each of the crew simply looked up at her, a few nodding, all waiting for her to tell them what they should do next.

  “We will set sail for the Iron Caves,” she continued, looking around. “Are all the crew returned?”

  “All but three,” the first mate replied. “I can see them approach.”

  Eleanor nodded. "Very good. The moment they are on board, we are to weigh anchor. The Navy is on the other side of the island and we cannot risk them knowing our position. Understood?"

  “Aye, Adams — Captain Adams,” Morgan replied, giving her a small smile before turning around and shouting orders to the crew.

  Eleanor stood in front of the ship’s wheel for a few minutes, watching the crew scurry about the ship, making it ready. Hope filled her. She could do this. She could command the crew and take them out to the open water for safety. All she had to do was keep the ship – and herself — away from Captain Harrington.

  One hour later, the Gunsway was already making its way out to sea, with all of the crew safely on board.

  “Captain!”

  Eleanor took a breath, waiting for her father to respond.

  “Captain Adams!”

  The shout came again, louder this time, making her start with surprise. In a rush, she realized the man was speaking to her, seeking to get her attention.

  “Yes?”

  Flushing, she hoped the crew hand hadn’t noticed her slip and lifted her chin just a notch. The last thing she needed was to lose the respect of the crew.

  “Captain, it seems there be a ship on the horizon.”

  “A ship?”

  He nodded, as another crew hand handed her the spyglass.

  Eleanor lifted it and scrunched up her face as she looked across the churning water. The clouds were gathering already, and the darkness was slowly creeping in. Sooner or later, they were going to have to drop anchor, but Eleanor wanted to get as far away from Port Royal as possible. Shame sent a flush of heat straight through her as her mind lingered on Captain Harrington for a brief moment before her eyes landed on the
ship on the horizon.

  Her stomach dropped.

  “The Savage Soul. It’s heading straight for us,” she said, softly, lifting the spyglass to try and identify the flags, just to confirm her suspicions. “How did they know we were here?”

  Handing the spyglass to the crew hand, she turned to the first mate, who had joined them.

  “Probably just bad luck, Captain,” Morgan replied. “We’ve been fighting with the Savage Soul for as many years, but they just keep coming back.” He grinned. “Probably because we’ve got the best crew around and we always get the most swag, better than any other pirate ship on the seas!”

  “That may be true, but that doesn’t tell us what the best course of action is now,” Eleanor replied, tersely. “How should we avoid them?”

  Silence covered the crew hands for a brief moment before the first mate nodded to dismiss them. Stepping a little closer to Eleanor, Morgan looked at her with gravity in his eyes.

  “You be the captain, Adams.”

  Drawing in one long breath, Eleanor slowly realized what it was he was trying to say. She wasn’t to be the one to ask the others what to do, she should be the one shouting orders at them. Closing her eyes briefly, Eleanor fought against the urge to rush into her father’s cabin and waken him to seek his direction. She had to take on the mantle of responsibility and that meant deciding for herself what was best to do. The crew were looking to her to make the choice: head towards the ship and fight, or take action to remove themselves from their path.

  Eleanor swallowed. “We are to avoid them. The Savage Soul is coming looking for a fight, but we’re not going to give them one if we can help it.” She remembered with absolute clarity the last time they had met. The captain of the Savage Soul, Captain Wayland, was a dark-hearted, evil man who liked nothing better than to tear his enemies apart, limb by limb. She’d heard it said that the head was the last thing he’d remove, ensuring his captives suffered the greatest amount of pain before they finally passed. A shudder ran through her. Her father had always ensured that the Gunsway was prepared for a fight with the Savage Soul, although he tried not to seek one out. That is what she must do now.