The Pirate's Lair

The Pirate's Lair by Shayne Carmichael, Mychael Black Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com Copyright ©2006 by Mychael...

Author: Carmichael Shayne | Black Mychael

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The Pirate's Lair by Shayne Carmichael, Mychael Black

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2006 by Mychael Black First published in www.torquerepress.com, 2006 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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"Captain Torre!" Gabriel Torre, or The Dragon as some called him, turned around slowly, leveling a black gaze down at his first mate, Duke. "Yes?" Duke puffed as if he'd run the length of ten ships. "We have finished loading the Dragon." "Good. Get the men back on board and send this heap of driftwood to the bottom." "Er, Captain, there is one other thing..." Duke fiddled with his cap for a moment before continuing. "There is ... a man ... sleeping." "A man." Duke nodded. "Where?" Gabriel followed his first mate to the captain's quarters. He was just about to berate the man for overlooking them, given that it was Duke's job, when Duke made a quick left and opened a smaller door. Peering into the storeroom that obviously served as a bunk, Gabriel saw a man lying on the makeshift bed. Just as he stepped into the tiny space, movement below the bed caught his eye. Gabriel reached down and his fingers curled tight around a thin arm. He pulled the woman out from under the bed and glared at her. "Who are you?" Struggling, the woman tried to get loose as she screamed, "It wasn't me! It wasn't my idea!" A low groan came from the man on the bed and his eyelids fluttered as he tried to open them. 3


Ignoring the hysterical female, Gabriel glanced over her shoulder at the man on the bed. Nodding, he asked, "And him? What's wrong with him?" "Drugged. My mother did it," she said, quick to pin the blame. "Is that so?" Duke sneered. He reached out to touch a golden curl near her face, but an iron grip seized his wrist. Duke hissed in pain. "I suggest you follow through on my orders," Gabriel said in a level but firm voice. He released Duke and the man hurried away. Then Gabriel turned back to the woman. "I will ask you again: who are you? And why is this man drugged?" Trying to cower away from him, she stammered over her words. "L-L-Lady Arisla. My mother wants me to marry him. His name is Logan Duval." "Duval." Gabriel growled the name, the sound bitter. "Very well. I will leave you at Mirantheos. Until then, you will share my cabin." With that, Gabriel bent and hoisted the man over his shoulder. "I suggest you either stay in my cabin or risk losing much more than your jewels to my crew." He nodded toward the door. Looking at him in fear, she apparently decided to take his word for it. Duke came back and grabbed her. She squawked but moved with him. When they reached the railing of the ship, Duke yelled to one of the men on the deck of the other ship. "Get her, lad." As the other man stood ready, Duke heaved the young woman over the gap. Too scared to even scream, the poor 4


girl clung to the pirate who took her. Quickly, Duke vaulted over the side and landed on the deck of the other ship. "A new toy, Captain?" Gabriel just smirked at Duke as he handed the man over to his first mate. "He is a Duval." Duke's eyes widened in recognition of the name as he took the man from Gabriel's arms. "You don't say." "Logan Duval," Gabriel grunted as he landed on the deck. "Name sound familiar?" Duke shook his head. "No, sir. Want him in your cabin with the young wench?" "Yes." Gabriel drew his pistol and aimed it at the hatch leading down into the hold of the other ship. "Get us out of here." "Aye, Captain." Duke handed off Logan to one of the other crewman, then climbed the ladder up to the steering deck. "Push off!" When they were a safe distance from the merchant ship, Gabriel fired a shot into the hold. The gunpowder the merchant ship had been carrying exploded, setting the ship ablaze. He didn't always sink the ships he plundered, but lately, there was a touch of satisfaction in the act. Gabriel watched the burning ship sink slowly to the bottom of the sea before he turned and started for his cabin. "Are you hungry?" he asked, closing the door behind him. He gave Logan a cursory glance, but directed his question to Lady Arisla. Shaking her head, she huddled in the corner, trying to stay out of the way. 5


Logan finally opened his eyes and immediately reached for his head. A groan of pain was exhaled with his words. "My head hurts." Gabriel shrugged. "Suit yourself." He uncorked a bottle of wine he'd taken from the merchant ship and tipped it up, taking several swallows before setting it back down again. "Now," he said, turning to Logan, "how do you know Frederick Duval?" "My brother. Why are you asking about him?" Pale eyes tried to focus on Gabriel as Logan slowly sat up. Gabriel smiled; the gesture was far from genial. "Very interesting," he muttered before taking another drink of wine. "Why were you on the Lady's Breath, Mr. Duval?" Logan stared at him for a moment, visibly confused. "We were going to Jorormiu. Who are you?" Lighting the lamp nearby, Gabriel stepped into the light. "Gabriel Torre," he said. "Welcome aboard the Dragon's Rage, Mr. Logan Duval." "The pirate ship?" Logan didn't look like anything made sense to him. As he shifted to stand up, he caught sight of Lady Arisla. "Milady?" When Gabriel did nothing to stop her, Arisla hurried over to Logan, kneeling beside the bed. "Logan. I'm so sorry." "How sweet." Gabriel stepped up beside the bed a moment later, holding the wine bottle out to Logan. "Drink." **** Looking up at Gabriel, Logan took in the extraordinarily good-looking man near him. From head to toe, Gabriel was 6


sheathed in tight black pants and a loose white shirt, guaranteed to draw one's gaze and hold it. The bronze hue of his skin contrasted with the flash of white teeth, though the pirate's smile didn't hold a friendly edge to it. "Sorry? What's going on?" Taking the wine bottle, Logan took a drink. "The 'lady', as you so kindly put it, seems to be in a bit of a quandary." Gabriel glanced down at Arisla and back up at Logan. "As for myself, I believe you will become quite useful." Her expression earnest, Arisla grabbed Logan's hand. "It really was mother's idea to drug you. She wanted to make you marry me. I'm sorry, Logan. I shouldn't have gone along with it." Logan didn't even flinch. If anything, he was completely unsurprised. "I see. I had expected better of you, Lady Arisla." "I'm sorry, Logan." Tears falling silently, she moved towards one of the chairs and sat down on it. Ignoring her, Logan looked back up at Gabriel. "We are being held for ransom?" "The young woman I will leave at Mirantheos when we make port," Gabriel said. He turned around and started back to the desk in the middle of the room. "You, on the other hand, are going to bring me a fine price. I'm quite certain your brother has the means to pay it." Nodding slightly, Logan took that in stride. "Do you have an extra shirt? I would appreciate not having to go around without one." 7


"In the trunk at the foot of the bed," Gabriel said as he sat back in the chair, feet kicked up on the corner of his desk. "You seem unmoved by your situation." "Why would I waste energy being upset about a situation I temporarily don't control?" Logan opened the trunk, took out the first shirt he found, and put it on. "You will pen a letter to your brother Frederick," Gabriel said matter-of-factly. "In it, you will tell him you are my 'guest.' If he wishes to see you alive again, he will pay me the sum of two hundred thousand gold. The contact point will be The Pelican Inn on Belasene." "As you wish." Settling back on the edge of the bed, Logan watched Gabriel in silence. Lifting the bottle, he took another drink before he added, "But don't say I didn't try to tell you." "Until we reach Mirantheos," Gabriel said, letting his feet drop to the floor, "you will entertain me." A soft whimper sounded from a corner of the room, but Arisla said nothing, cowering further into her chair. Raising a brow, Logan shot him a challenging look. "I know you don't mean the lady, Mr. Torre." "Hardly." Gabriel stood and without obvious care that a woman was indeed in the same room, he began unlacing the front of his pants. "Have you ever had a man's cock in your mouth, Mr. Duval?" From the corner, Arisla began muttering—praying—under her breath. A smirk twitched over Logan's lips. "I doubt if Lady Arisla has ever witnessed such a thing. If you would be so kind as to choose another place..." 8


Gabriel started over to Logan, pants falling open just enough to show a patch of black curls. "Where, Mr. Duval? In front of the rest of my crew?" "A broom closet would do." Logan's gaze dropped to the front of Gabriel's pants and he couldn't help but lick his lips. "I am afraid you're out of luck," Gabriel said as he stopped in front of Logan. Reaching behind him, he drew the thin black curtain closed, shielding them. Black eyes stared down at Logan as equally black hair draped over the captain's shoulders. "Suck it here or suck it out there. Either way, you will swallow me." Logan leaned forward and curled his hand around the thick cock in front of him. With a slow stroke of his fingers to pull the excess flesh back, he licked at the sweet fluid on the tip. Looking up into Gabriel's eyes, Logan slowly began to swallow him. Gabriel's rumble of pleasure sounded as if it came from deep within his chest as he pushed into Logan's mouth. His hands slid through Logan's hair, gripping the blond curls. "Such a sweet mouth you have." Logan swallowed Gabriel's cock with a great deal of enthusiasm. Suckling tightly at the flesh, the edge of his teeth and tip of his tongue glided over Gabriel with each movement of the man's hips. Lowering his hand slightly, he slipped it beneath to caress against the pirate's balls. "Yes," Gabriel hissed, hips pushing forward. "Let me feel more teeth." The pressure increased at Gabriel's insistence as he fucked Logan's mouth. Then Logan took over, varying the suction 9


and movement of his tongue in a quickening rhythm. His fingers slid beneath Gabriel's balls, rubbing at the sensitive underside as his mouth worked over Gabriel's cock. Gabriel growled Logan's name, hips thrusting harder, quicker. His fingers tightened in Logan's hair as he groaned and bucked. "Yes. Fuck..." With a sudden jerk of his hips, Gabriel came, cock throbbing on Logan's tongue as he filled Logan's mouth with his release. Logan swallowed every drop, humming softly around the pirate's flesh as he licked Gabriel clean. When the last spasm faded, Logan released the captain and lowered his hand. The shirt he wore wasn't tucked in, but the hard bulge in his pants wasn't easy to overlook. Gabriel pushed Logan back against the hull and dropped to his knees between his legs. Without a single word, he worked Logan out of his pants and swallowed him down to the root, growling and rumbling around Logan's cock as he slid his hands over Logan's thighs. A sharp breath hissed from between Logan's teeth and the hard buck of his hips pushed him deeper into the slick heat. Reaching out, he combed his fingers through the silky black length of Gabriel's hair before tugging on it, encouraging the movement of Gabriel's head. Hands on Logan's hips, Gabriel slid his mouth up and down Logan's length, tongue flicking over the tip before Gabriel plunged back down again. Pulling up to the head, the captain sealed his lips around it and sucked, dipping the tip of his tongue over and over into the slit. The ragged sound of Logan's breathing filled the small cabin before he bit at his 10


lower lip. In a sudden strain, his hips arched upward as he came in Gabriel's mouth. Unable to stop the sound, Gabriel's name escaped him in a sharp gasp. Gabriel swallowed, moaning around the flesh in his mouth. When Logan was done, Gabriel pulled off him and stood. "Delicious," he said, licking his lips. Logan remained half-stretched on the bed, staring up at him bemused. A moment later, he refastened his pants. "I'd enjoy more, but that should probably wait." "I can assure you that you will get it." The door opened just as Gabriel got his pants tied and the curtain open. Duke stuck his head into the room. "Captain, we're nearing Mirantheos." With a nod, Gabriel dismissed him and turned to Logan. "You have a letter to write. You have ten minutes. It will be delivered by Lady Arisla to your brother." Turning on his heel, Gabriel left the cabin, closing the door behind him. Logan didn't look at Arisla. Somehow he doubted if the young lady would ever bother him again. Getting up, he moved reluctantly to the desk and searched for a piece of paper. Logan knew his brother would pay to get him back. Frederick would pay ten times the asking price to get his hands on Logan again. Idly, Logan wondered at whose hands he would fare worse: his brother's or the pirate's. He'd escaped Frederick once. No doubt, he wouldn't be so lucky again. Sighing to himself, he dipped the pen in the ink and began writing the letter. Arisla glanced over at him and whispered, "Are you all right, Logan?" 11


Not even stopping what he was doing, he replied, "I'm absolutely fine, Lady Arisla. And I want you to do me a favor: when you leave the ship, burn this letter. I think you owe me that much." Finally, he did look up, pinning her under a stern gaze. Her teeth worried at her lower lip and she remained silent. After a moment, she nodded to him. A few minutes later, the door opened and a young man looked in at Logan. "Uh, the Cap'n wants you up top. He says the lady is to remain in the cabin." Leaving the letter on the desk, Logan stood and followed the pirate. On the deck, he drew in a deep breath of the fresh air and the heat of the sun warmed him. When he saw Gabriel standing at the wheel of the ship, Logan's breath simply caught in his throat. He almost laughed at the irony of such a delicious man kidnapping him. If Logan played his cards right, when no ransom was paid, Gabriel wouldn't kill him. Stepping forward, he joined Gabriel. Gabriel glanced over at him, then looked back at the sea. Just in the distance, coming up slowly, was the port city of Mirantheos. Other ships were docked, while more lingered about in the open water near the harbor. Despite being the most lucrative port in the land of Arcanna, Mirantheos also held the worst reputation. Pirates and brigands from all over the land seemed to converge on the bustling city. "Have you written your letter?" Standing beside Gabriel, Logan nodded. "Yes, I wrote it and left it on the desk." He allowed himself to outright stare at the ungodly handsome pirate. The long black hair was a 12


temptation in itself. Now that he had a taste of part of what was beneath the clothing, he wanted the rest as well. "Good. Your ... lady-friend ... will take it to your brother. For your sake, I hope he pays the ransom." Gabriel reached out with one hand and slid his fingers through Logan's golden curls. "You are much too exquisite to meet death." Logan had always very easily commanded the attention of both sexes; something he was used to. Most times he didn't want it, but now he found he did. Letting Gabriel touch him, Logan didn't draw away. "And if he doesn't, you kill me, right?" Gabriel looked pensive for a moment and turned his attention back to the ship as they entered the harbor. "If he doesn't ... then I will decide, when the time comes, what to do with you. We will be going to shore for supplies. You will come with me. If you try to escape, I will not hesitate to use this." He drew his pistol halfway as if to make a point. "Do you really think I want to roam a place like Mirantheos without an armed guard?" Laughing, Logan shook his head. He never looked away from Gabriel and noticed the deeply thoughtful look on the pirate's features before it faded. "Smart man." Gabriel steered the ship into the dock, the crew scrambling over the next several minutes readying the ship. Then clanging of heavy chain sounded and a moment later, a splash of water followed. Gabriel waved toward the steps leading down to the main deck. "Get your letter and retrieve Lady Arisla." Logan turned on his heels and quickly returned below to the cabin. "Lady Arisla, it's time to leave." Picking up his 13


letter, he handed it to her and whispered, "Don't forget to destroy the letter." With a nod, she took the paper from him and followed him up to the deck above. "Lady Arisla," Gabriel said as he approached them. "This is Markus. He will be your escort to Noriaton." She only nodded slightly as she folded her hands primly in front of her, the letter clutched between them. "I will make sure Logan's brother receives this." Logan didn't say a word as he moved to stand beside Gabriel. With a nod, Gabriel sent them on their way. Then he turned to Logan. "Let's go." Ship's manifest in hand, he had Logan go first down the gangplank to the wooden platform of the dock. Holding to the rope railing, Logan walked across the plank to the shore. Rather curious about the place, his avid gaze took in the sight of the great mass of unwashed bodies crowding the dock. Vendors hawked their goods alongside men and women selling themselves. When a few of them approached, Logan remained silent as one moved closer to him and the other two went for the pirate. "Oh, Dragon," one of the women purred, arms slinking around Gabriel's neck. "Where have you been?" Gabriel dislodged himself and gave her a wry smile. "Plying my trade, woman. Where else would I be?" She pouted, then grinned, dragging a lacquered nail down his shirt. "You lookin' tonight?" Glancing over at Logan, she added, "Two for the price of one." "No." Gabriel took her hand and moved it. "He's mine." 14


Logan winced slightly, not at all appreciative of the proposition. Jerking his head slightly, he gestured towards the end of the dock. "Popular fellow, aren't you?" "You could say that." As they moved deeper into the crowd, Gabriel drew his pistol and pressed the end of the barrel to the small of Logan's back. "Just a precaution," he said near Logan's ear. "You don't trust me, Gabriel?" Logan was acutely aware of the solid metal against his back. "I hope that thing doesn't go off accidentally." "Then I wouldn't recommend any sudden movements." Gabriel steered Logan using the pistol, turning him toward one of the small shops. "And just because I'm looking forward to fucking that sweet ass of yours doesn't mean that I trust you." The element of fear and danger brought a razor's edge to the arousal hitting Logan with Gabriel's words. "Just because I want that hard cock of yours in my ass doesn't mean I trust you, either." "Good. Then we understand each other. In here." Entering the dingy building, Logan didn't expect much in the way of merchandise. The clerk standing behind the counter had the rough, grizzled look of an old sailor. Cautious of the gun at his back, Logan followed Gabriel's direction. As Gabriel steered him up to the counter, the man behind it looked up. "Well, I'll be. Gabriel Torre. Where the hell you been?" "Working." Gabriel pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and slid it across the counter. 15


The man looked it over, then up at Gabriel. A broad smile followed. "Looks like you been doin' well." Sliding his free hand around the front of Logan's stomach, Gabriel pulled Logan back against him, pressing the pistol harder into Logan's back. "I'll say." The gun felt damn uncomfortable, but the hard cock against his ass didn't. Logan didn't dare grind back against Gabriel, though, not with that damn gun in the pirate's hand. He slipped a hand back, fingers curling around the pirate's hip. "Payment, Kell," Gabriel growled. "All right, all right. Hold yer damn horses." Kell pulled out a bag and dropped it onto the counter. "Six hundred. I want all of it." Gabriel nodded. "Thank you. Logan, get the bag." Grabbing the heavy bag, Logan hefted it off the counter, then turned to face the pirate. "I hope you don't expect me to carry it that far. Talk about an open invitation for robbery." "You won't have to." Turning and nodding toward the door, Gabriel said, "Duke is waiting. He'll take the money back to the ship." Sure enough, as they stepped out the door, Duke was there with a large pack. He grinned and held it open. Logan eyed the pirate with a strong dislike. Something about him grated on Logan and it probably had a lot to do with the man's oily smile. Dropping the bag into the pack, Logan didn't dare get too close. "Get the others on board," Gabriel said. "Have you unloaded yet?" 16


"Yes, sir. All goin' to Kell, I see." "Yes. Get everything over here and get back to the ship." When Duke was gone, Gabriel gripped Logan's shoulder and turned him around. Arm sliding around Logan's waist, Gabriel pulled him into a hungry kiss, tongue forcing its way into Logan's mouth. About to protest the sudden assault, Logan lost the battle and ended up giving in. Pressing as close as he could to Gabriel, the rock of his body betrayed his sharply-increasing arousal. The danger of the situation was forgotten as he lost the ability of thought. Gabriel's kiss gave him no room to think and only made him want even more. "On the ship," Gabriel growled against Logan's lips. "Now." When Gabriel released him, Logan spun around and walked briskly back down the street toward the dock. At this point, he didn't give a damn whether Gabriel had the gun on him or not. Knowing exactly where the pirate wanted him, he strode through the people crowding the dock, then across the plank to the ship. "Ty!" A young man appeared seemingly out of nowhere as soon as Gabriel and Logan boarded the ship. "Yes, Captain?" "Duke is taking the cargo to Kell. Tell him he has the wheel when he returns. I am not to be disturbed." "Yes, sir." Turning to Logan, Gabriel said, "I want you in my cabin and stripped by the time I get there." Logan had already started down the stairs, heading below deck before Gabriel even finished his sentence. Slipping into the cabin, he quickly took off his pants and the borrowed 17


shirt, tossing them on a nearby chair. Spending only a moment to poke nosily around, Logan managed to find several jars in one of the drawers of a small dresser. Opening one, the smell made him wrinkle his nose and he quickly closed it. The second one had what he'd been looking for. Moving to the bed, he slid on top of the covers, laying on his back as he waited for Gabriel. Setting the jar next to him, he closed his eyes as he ran a hand slowly over his chest, a shiver of anticipation rolling through him. A few minutes later, Gabriel walked into the cabin and closed the door behind him. He smiled slowly, gaze sweeping over Logan. The pirate set the pistol and his cutlass on the desk and stripped. Then he walked over and knelt between Logan's legs, pushing up until Logan's thighs were parted wide and resting on his as he knelt over him. "Want you," Gabriel growled, dipping two fingers into the jar by the bed. Then he edged his hand down and pushed both fingers deep inside Logan's body. Logan gasped and bore down. Trapping Gabriel between his legs, he reached out, curling his fingers around the thick strands of black hair falling over him. "Then fuck me, Gabriel." Gabriel pulled his fingers out, gave his cock a few strokes to slick it up, and pushed in. "Logan..." The arching grind of Logan's hips drew Gabriel's cock into him as his arms encircled the pirate's neck. The pure pleasure of being filled was breathtaking. Whether or not he should desire Gabriel didn't matter; he badly wanted the man, and 18


his body demanded it. "I want to feel that cock of yours hard and fast, Gabriel." Gabriel's smile was wicked as he reached up to grab Logan's arms. Pinning them down tightly above Logan's head, Gabriel gave Logan exactly what he asked for. With every hard, jarring thrust, Gabriel growled down at Logan, black gaze hungry and dangerous as Gabriel slammed into him. Logan cried out as Gabriel held him down, fucked him hard. Writhing helplessly beneath the relentless assault, the need of his body spiraled out of control. The world hazed as he met each jolting thrust with a hard grind of his hips. A shudder rolled through him and he screamed Gabriel's name as the pleasure held him enthralled. Mouth crashing down hard on Logan's, Gabriel swallowed the sounds as his own pushed into Logan's mouth. With several hard thrusts, he grunted and growled and came, cock throbbing deep inside Logan's ass. Silenced, Logan clung to Gabriel, riding the waves with him until it all began to fade. A distinct soreness left a delicious aftereffect as Logan pulled away from the kiss to nuzzle in against the pirate's throat. Gabriel tipped his head slightly, as if encouraging the random touches. "If your brother does not pay the ransom, I am quite tempted to keep you for myself." "Then very likely you will be keeping me," Logan whispered in his ear before pressing a soft kiss just beneath it. "My brother will not pay the smallest piece of gold for me." He needed Gabriel to believe that as an explanation when no ransom was sent. 19


Gabriel pulled back and looked down at him. "You sell yourself short," he said. "Or is there more to it?" Drawing back his head, Logan laughed. "Considering my brother doesn't care about me, I'll not be surprised if you're given no answer at all." Logan could only pray Lady Arisla did as he had asked. Winking at Gabriel, he murmured, "Though I do know a way into his castle if you ever need the extra cash." "I'll settle for his head." Gabriel dropped a kiss to Logan's lips and eased out of him. Standing, he raked a hand through his hair as he reached for the wine bottle. "That you can have with the greatest of pleasure, Gabriel." Logan smirked up at him as he lazed in the bunk. Rolling onto his side, facing the pirate, he added, "There's a secluded cove near the west wall of the castle. The cave entrance can only be accessed by a small boat. It leads to a lake and once you hit the shore it leads right into the lower level of the castle." Gabriel seemed to muse over it all for a moment, then took a swallow of wine. "He's your brother, flesh and blood." He looked over at Logan, eyes narrowed. "Why are you helping me when you know I intend to kill him?" "We never were a happy family." Logan shrugged. "Though I am curious as to why you want to kill him. You're not the first, and you'll probably not be the last." "Good enough reason, I suppose. As for my reasons ... Does the name Vincente Torre mean anything to you?" "No, I've never heard of him. Did my brother cheat him? Frederick is rather notorious for that. As well as killing if one isn't so lucky." 20


"Vincente Torre fell in love with a young woman whom your brother also had his eye on. Vincente challenged your brother to a duel, but when Frederick failed to show, Vincente thought him a coward. Your brother shot him in the back as Vincente turned to head home. Vincente Torre was my twin." Logan wasn't surprised. "Frederick has many deaths to his name. Maybe you'll be the one to finally catch up to him, though the wisest thing to do would be to stay completely away from him." "I can't do that." Gabriel wiped off and pulled on his pants, then sat down in the chair behind the desk. "Despite my trade, I do operate by a set of morals, though they may be my own." "Why not, Gabriel?" Getting out of the bed, Logan picked up his shirt and pants, cleaned himself, and began to dress. The captain sighed and leaned back, propping his feet up on the corner of the desk. "Vincente was a good man. He did not approve of my ... habits, but he overlooked them because I was his brother. He did not drink; he did not smoke. I swear the man had no vices." "Going after Frederick wouldn't be the wisest thing to do, Gabriel. As much as I want to see my brother die, I'm not sure if it's worth another life." When he'd finished dressing, Logan settled on the edge of the pirate's desk, watching him. "I am the captain of the Dragon's Rage," Gabriel said calmly. "I have, under my command, murderers and brigands. I do not think an Arcannan lord is any worry." "I think you are forgetting he is just as ruthless and dangerous as you are. And he has the same under his 21


command." Realizing it wouldn't do much good to continue warning the pirate, Logan shrugged. "Then he will be a worthy challenge." Gabriel dropped his feet to the floor and stood. "Are you hungry?" "I haven't eaten since yesterday; yes, I am." "Wait here." Gabriel walked over to the door and pulled it open, shouting, "Tuan!" A few minutes later, a short, somewhat chubby man hurried toward him. "Yes, Cap'n?" "We will take our dinner now," Gabriel said, tilting his head in the direction of Logan still sitting on the corner of the desk. Tuan peered in and looked back at Gabriel. "Yes, sir. Right away." Then he turned and started for the other end of the deck, disappearing through another doorway. "You are welcome to join me up top." Gabriel glanced back at Logan. "When Tuan returns with our meals, we will come back down." Pushing off the desk, Logan walked towards Gabriel. "Where are we going anyway? And I'm curious where you are going to pick up the money if Frederick does pay, though I doubt he will." As he led the way up to the top of the deckhouse, Gabriel said, "We are going to Noriaton. If he does not pay, then I will crush him into the ground." Taking the wheel, Gabriel dismissed Duke. Stilling beside him, Logan stared at the pirate for a long moment before he looked out at the huge expanse of sea. "When I was younger, I wanted to be a pirate." A wry smile 22


twisted his lips. "Frederick wanted me to be his lackey. I won in the end, though. I never was his servant." "I never chose this life," Gabriel said as he steered. "It's a far cry from what I was intended to be." "It was a child's dream of adventure and not the reality. Haven't you gained enough yet to leave the sea behind, Gabriel?" "Where would I go? What would I do? The sea is in my blood. She's my mistress, my soul. There's no other place in this world I feel more at peace than here." Logan moved towards the railing, leaning against it. "At least you have the freedom to do whatever you please." "And you do not?" Shrugging, Logan continued staring out onto the water. "I think that comes when I die." "So what changed your mind about becoming a pirate?" "I grew up and it just didn't seem like a good idea to be on the wrong side of the powers that rule. Guess I just didn't have it in me to be like my brother." The thought alone had Logan suppressing a shudder of distaste. "Believe me, Logan Duval: you are nothing like your brother." "Captain!" The man in the crow's nest pointed toward a ship on the horizon. "She's flying a merchant flag!" "Raise ours!" Gabriel shouted back. "And ready the guns!" Looking at Gabriel over his shoulder, Logan asked, "And where do you want me?" Doubtful Gabriel trusted him to remain on deck, he figured the pirate would make him go below deck. 23


The sounds of cannons sliding into place along the hull of the ship surrounded them. Glancing over at Logan, Gabriel said, "Go back to the cabin." As they neared the ship, the wicked gleam in his eyes grew. "You are too fine a prize to get damaged." "Two hundred thousand gold pieces. I know my worth, Gabriel." A faintly bitter smile edged at his lips before Logan turned away to go back down to the cabin. Several men were running up to the deck so he waited until the small passageway cleared. Entering the cabin he shut the door behind him. Settling to brood in one of the chairs, Logan listened to the sounds above deck. The activity made it very noisy in the small room. "Move it!" Gabriel barked orders to his men, sounding fiercer than he normally did. "Bring us in alongside her!" Within seconds, shouts and thumps and the sounds of pistols firing and swords being drawn rang out. Gabriel continued issuing orders, half growling and half shouting. When he yelled for his men to board the other ship, the sounds seemed to shift from the Dragon's Rage to the unfortunate merchant vessel. Standing, Logan moved towards the window of the captain's cabin. Inwardly, he felt relatively little as he watched the men clash and battle. Leaning against the glass, he caught sight of Gabriel. It said a lot that Logan only really noticed how magnificent the man looked. The fading sunlight flashed off the blade of Gabriel's cutlass as it swung down, catching a man's arm. Logan could see no scratches on the pirate, and Gabriel fought as fiercely as his men. 24


As Gabriel's men flooded the merchant ship, the captain took down several of the merchant vessel's crew. Only when a shot rang out near him did he falter, but it was only for a moment. Spinning around, Gabriel drew his pistol and shot his attacker in one graceful, smooth motion. Seeing the red stain of blood spreading on Gabriel's sleeve, Logan had to still the urge to head up to the deck. No doubt the pirate could take care of himself and wouldn't appreciate his prize trophy in the middle of the chaos. It appeared the pirates were winning and surrender was near at hand. Gabriel disappeared from view and the clamor seemed to migrate back onto the Dragon's Rage. Minutes later, the cabin door banged open and Gabriel walked inside, followed quickly by the cook, Tuan. Duke stood in the doorway. "Take what we can and sink it," the captain growled. He grabbed the bottle of wine from where it sat on the desk and drank several swallows. "Get this damned thing out of me." Tuan dumped a worn black bag onto the desktop and started pulling out various instruments. "One of these days, you're going to get one I can't fix," he grumbled. Staying out of the way and near the window, Logan folded his arms across his chest and watched silently. He really hoped the cook didn't double as the doctor on the ship. "Shut up, Tuan." Gabriel took another swig of wine, growling through his teeth when Tuan started poking at his bicep. With a quick rip, Gabriel's shirt sleeve was gone. The fingers of his left hand curled tightly around the edge of the 25


desk and he nearly dropped the wine bottle out of his right hand when Tuan dug into the wound with a knife. Logan moved forward, searching the cabin for something a mite stronger than wine. He really couldn't believe what he was seeing. Finally finding what he was looking for, he took the bottle and a clean linen cloth. Tearing the material, he stepped towards Gabriel and the cook and waited for the man to finish. "Got it," Tuan muttered. Gabriel audibly gritted his teeth and the small metal ball popped out of the hole in his arm. He let out a breath and took another long swig of the wine as Tuan stepped back, nodding to Logan. "Deep breath, Gabriel. This is going to hurt a bit." Opening the bottle, Logan poured the alcohol straight onto the wound. The last thing he wanted was for it to get infected. Using a piece of the cloth, he quickly wiped off Gabriel's arm before he poured a bit more of the alcohol on the wound. Gabriel growled and dropped the wine bottle which had looked as if it was in danger of being crushed. "Tuan. Go." An explosion rocked the ship and Gabriel and Logan glanced out the window, watching the merchant ship sink in a fiery mass. "Thank you," Gabriel muttered. Logan dried off Gabriel's arm before smearing the salve Tuan had left over the wound, then quickly bound it up in clean strips of linen. "Who are you thanking? And for what?" As he tied the cloth, he eyed the pirate with a questioning look. "You. Tuan is not a doctor, but he's the best I've got." 26


"I had wondered." Logan's tone took on a dry edge. "I don't suppose you'd think about hiring a doctor for the ship, would you?" Gabriel snorted. "You know any who'd be willing to travel with a pirate?" "Not enough gold to bribe one?" Arching a brow at Gabriel, Logan lifted the bottle and started to drink the rest of the contents. "Not a chance, once word got around that I shot the last one." Stepping back to settle in the chair, Logan studied the pirate before he said anything. "Is that common practice? If so, I can understand why you would have a problem getting a doctor on the ship." Gabriel reached for the bottle in Logan's hand and took a healthy swallow. "No," he said when he was done. "The bastard forced himself on Ty and I shot him as an example." "Ah, that would make sense." It seemed to Logan that Gabriel had a bit more heart to him than appeared on the surface. "If you keep that arm clean, it should be fine. I'm not a doctor, but I have a bit of knowledge." "Does that mean you're for hire?" Gabriel grinned from behind the bottle before taking another drink. "No, it doesn't. I just said I'm not a doctor." Laughing, Logan relaxed in his seat. "Then I suppose I will have to keep you as a sex slave." Logan's brows rose. "I suppose I should take exception to that, shouldn't I?" 27


"Do you?" Gabriel chuckled. "You certainly didn't complain earlier." A smile twitched at the corners of Logan's lips. "I really should, but you're right." Gabriel stood and pulled what was left of his shirt off, tossing it onto the floor. "Then you will enjoy me again." "Considering you were just injured, you might want to rest first, Captain." Logan's gaze dropped to the bare chest and the small patch of hair that dipped lower beneath Gabriel's pants. "Oh, I'm going to be resting." Gabriel shoved his pants to the floor and stepped out of them, kicking them away. Then he stretched out on the bed, one arm under his head while his other hand stroked idly over hard flesh. "I'm going to enjoy your mouth." "Is that a direct order, Captain?" Logan's gaze followed the up and down motion of Gabriel's hand, but he didn't move from his chair. Tipping up the bottle, he took a swallow, waiting for Gabriel's answer. "You question your captain, Mr. Duval?" Gabriel's stare was sharp, unwavering, as his fist moved up and down his length. "Just testing him," Logan murmured as he set the bottle down and stood up. Peeling off his shirt, he tossed it towards the chair. Leaving his pants on, Logan moved towards the bed, kneeling at the side of it. His fingers wrapped around the base of Gabriel's cock and slid upward, dislodging the pirate's hand. Hunger flared as he watched the play of his own hand 28


over the long prick and he rubbed the head with his thumb, smearing the clear drops. The pirate rumbled, hips lifting. "I want those pretty lips wrapped tight around my cock, Mr. Duval." "I want to taste." Leaning over Gabriel, Logan's lips circled the head of the captain's cock as he tasted the escaping saltiness. A low sound vibrated over the length as Logan slowly swallowed him, suckling the hard flesh. His hand drifted lower, lightly rubbing over the pirate's balls. "Yes," Gabriel hissed, hands gripping Logan's hair. He groaned and spread his legs, giving Logan more room to explore. "Tug on them. Let me feel a touch of pain." With Gabriel's request, Logan's teeth ran slowly over his cock as he cupped Gabriel's balls, kneading and pulling them. The tips of his fingers massaged against the sensitive underside as his mouth tightened around Gabriel. Feeling the buck of the pirate's body, Logan increased the sensations. Gabriel's movements grew more erratic, breath pushing from his lungs as quick and hard as his hips were pushing up into Logan's mouth. Fingers tightening in Logan's hair, the pirate began shaking, thighs tightening and his sac drawing up close to his body. "Don't stop," Gabriel panted, thrusting quicker and harder. Logan's throat closed around the deeper thrusts and on the upward glide, his teeth scraped to the hard length. His middle finger slid down, slowly circling the hot hole of the pirate's ass and his thumb continued the rougher handling of Gabriel's balls. Rocking his hips downward, Gabriel forced Logan's finger inside him. Within seconds, the pirate roared, 29


body jerking as he exploded on Logan's tongue, pouring heat down Logan's throat. The sound of Gabriel's enjoyment sent its own shiver through Logan as his other hand rubbed his own cock through the material of his pants. A moment later, tremors shot through his body as his seed stained the fabric. Only when the aftershocks faded did Gabriel ease his hold on Logan's hair. Petting the curls, Gabriel groaned. "Damn. I love a man who knows how to suck a cock." Nudging under Gabriel's hand, Logan scrambled out of his pants. He hadn't planned on that last part. "Then I'm sure to satisfy you, Captain." Gabriel hummed his agreement, tugging Logan up for a kiss. "Tastes like a man," he murmured. "I like it." Logan's tongue silenced him as it delved into the depths of the pirate's mouth in leisurely strokes, his palm brushing slowly against Gabriel's chest. "I've a mind to steal you away for a time," Gabriel said as the kiss ended. "Hide you away on an island; perhaps keep you for my pleasure..." He reached down, fingertips sliding over Logan's chest, his eyes never leaving Logan's. "Taste every inch of you; delve into your darkest fantasies." "Do I look like I'm fighting the idea, Captain?" Instead of being appalled by what Gabriel said, Logan shivered as he crawled in next to him, being careful not to jar him too much. "Good. Smart man." Gabriel grinned and tilted Logan's head up for another kiss. "Rest now. I'll have Duke set a course for Belasene Isle when we wake." 30


"Thankfully I'm not known for being stupid." Chuckling, Logan returned the kiss before he tucked his head against Gabriel's chest and closed his eyes. Compared to where he could have been, this was perfect. **** "Well, now, what a mighty fine prize you are." As Logan rounded the corner, heading back to the cabin, the rough voice caught him by surprise. A group of pirates blocked the corridor, and without any weapons, Logan had no choice but to step back. "Not so fast now. We've been hearing the captain, and only want a taste o' the same pleasures you been givin' him." "Must be somethin' real good to make The Dragon holler like that," another sneered, spitting to the side. "How 'bout you show us what you been doin', aye?" The three of them advanced on him, catching him before he could run. Before Logan could make a sound, a knife was pressed to his throat. "I be keepin' that mouth shut, 'less you plan on suckin' a cock with it." The blade nicked slightly into his skin, showing him the pirate meant business as he began dragging Logan back towards the hold. Instead of fighting him as might be expected, Logan suddenly shoved hard against the pirate behind him. The man let go of Logan, his arms flaying wildly as he fell. Grabbing at the wall, Logan tried to remain upright. Snarling, the other two men advanced on him, and Logan 31


made a run for it, trying to dodge them by diving between them as he yelled loudly. Nearly everything stopped on deck. When Logan came into view out of the hold, the captain's expression as he stood at the wheel turned murderous. Drawing his cutlass in one hand and his pistol in the other, Gabriel jumped from the wheel deck and started toward Logan. Scrambling for safety, Logan lost his balance and fell to his knees. At least the unexpected move had gotten him away from the pirates. Frustrated, the men got to their feet; they didn't see Gabriel until it was too late. The first shot rang out just as one hand reached out to grab Logan. The barrel of Gabriel's pistol smoked and its unfortunate target dropped to the deck, shrieking and clutching his side. Another shot to his temple and he stopped moving altogether. Gabriel stood still as stone as the others skidded to a halt before him. When Logan neared him, Gabriel stepped between him and his assailants. Knowing what the men would have probably done to him, Logan didn't intervene. Getting to his feet, he remained silent as the pirates sudden became very conciliatory towards their captain. "We didn't mean no harm, Cap'n. We was just having a bit o' fun." "Yeah, that's all we was doing." "Then let us have 'fun,'" Gabriel said, though the inflection didn't sound too 'fun.' "Tuan!" "Yes, Cap'n?" "Find me some rope." 32


Before they could blink, several other pirates came up behind the men and held them fast as Gabriel issued his orders. After a bit of a struggle, the two offenders were firmly under control when Tuan returned with the requested rope. Logan turned, wanting to head to the safety of the cabin and stay the hell out of the way. "Lash them to the mast," Gabriel said evenly. "Tuan, bring me my whip." Tuan nodded and tossed the rope to the others before heading toward the captain's cabin. He held the door open for Logan and stepped in behind him. "I be stayin' in here, if I was you. Cap'n's in a mood." Nodding gratefully to Tuan, Logan moved towards the wide window to look out at the ocean. Turning only once to look at him, Logan caught sight of the whip before Tuan closed the cabin door behind him, heading back up to the deck. A few minutes later, a man's scream cut through the sounds of the waves. Another followed quickly behind the first. Then a third. The sharp snap of a whip preceded each scream. Logan didn't doubt the men would be punished. If he hadn't broken free, he'd be captive in the hold now until the men freed him or Gabriel came looking for him. Closing his eyes, he tried to block out the sounds of the screams, but they continued long past the point Logan's nerves were on edge. What the hell was Gabriel doing? Whirling quickly, he left the cabin and bounded up the stairs back to the deck. Blood poured from the cuts across the men's backs, and still Gabriel cracked the whip on each one of them. Only when 33


the men could no longer stand or scream did the captain coil the whip once more and turn away. "Release them. No salve. Let them suffer. Back to work!" Horrified at the sight of the raw, mangled skin, Logan did his best not to show it. Moving towards Gabriel, Logan said in a very low voice, "You can't just leave them, Gabriel." The captain stared down at him. "And why not? They would have left you." Gabriel started toward the cabin. "Come." Not really wanting to discuss it in front of the crew, Logan followed behind the captain. When they entered the cabin, he shut the door and went to Gabriel. "At least have Tuan or me attend to the backs. Please, Gabriel." "No." Gabriel tossed the whip onto the desk and grabbed the bottle of wine. "Men like me operate on a different moral code from most other men. On this ship, I am judge, jury, and when needed, executioner." He tipped the bottle back, taking a long swallow, eyes never leaving Logan's. "Dammit, Gabriel!" Frustrated, Logan turned his back and walked to the window. "Discipline is one thing and it doesn't have a damn thing to do with any moral code. But that was more than punishment." "And if it was?" Gabriel's voice sounded in Logan's ear as the captain brushed back Logan's hair. "You are on my ship, Logan. You do not have to agree with me, but my orders and actions stand regardless. I did not come into this position by turning the other cheek." "I know you didn't, and I know that punishing those men was to be expected. If you hadn't, then the rest of the crew 34


wouldn't respect anything you say. To a degree, I do agree with you, but not to something like that." The savage beating had been way beyond what Logan had thought would happen. "I am a pirate, Logan." Gabriel's breath blew over Logan's ear as he whispered. "I am a criminal. An outlaw. I make my own rules, live by them, die by them. When a man signs onto my crew, he knows what he is getting into; he knows who his captain is." "And what happens when I displease you, Captain?" Turning to face him, Logan calmly held Gabriel's gaze as he waited for the answer. Gabriel reached up and caressed Logan's cheek with the backs of his fingers. "I do not think that is possible," he said, voice softening. "The men on my ship are cutthroats, murderers, thieves, bandits. You are not. You are..." Trailing off, he just shook his head. "That is not an answer. I'm no more than a willing mouth and ass for you to fuck." Amazing even himself, Logan didn't sound the least bit bitter. There was only an odd acceptance. Closing his eyes, he tipped his face into Gabriel's touch. Logan was incapable of denying the pirate's effect on him. He'd already started to crave the taste and feel of the man. Instead of kissing him, Gabriel gripped Logan's chin, forcing Logan to look at him. "If that were the case, I would have left you at port. I would have let my men have you by now. Make no mistake, Mr. Duval, there is much more to you than that." "Aye, the money." Logan barely got the words out before Gabriel's mouth claimed him. Opening instantly, Logan 35


strained against the pirate, feeling the wall to his back. One leg slid behind Gabriel's as their trapped cocks rubbed together. Gabriel forced a hand between them, nearly ripping Logan's pants as he worked to get them open. Wrapping strong fingers around Logan's cock, Gabriel glared into his eyes. "Fuck me." Logan simply stared at Gabriel. Making a wild grab for the salve, he opened it, giving the captain a cautious, questioning look. In silent answer, Gabriel stripped down to nothing and swept the charts and instruments off the desk before sitting on it. "It's been so long. Please..." Logan simply couldn't resist the quiet plea in the pirate's tone. One hand gently parted Gabriel's legs as the other coated Logan's cock in the clear lotion. Then he probed his finger between the cheeks of the pirate's ass as Gabriel lay back on the desk. Slowly, Logan slicked the tight hole, sliding his finger deep inside Gabriel before adding another. "Yes," Gabriel hissed, drawing his legs up. He rested his feet on the edge of the desk, opening himself to Logan. "More." Logan scissored his fingers before adding a third. He slowly fucked Gabriel with them, watching the play of sensations across the pirate's face. The sight aroused him like nothing else ever had. Impatient, Logan withdrew his fingers and guided his aching flesh inside Gabriel. A slow, determined push of his hips opened Gabriel's ass to him, and Logan groaned with the tightness. 36


"Logan." Gabriel's back arched, hips rocking down to drive Logan deeper. "Make me fucking feel it," he growled through gritted teeth. Logan didn't even let Gabriel take a breath before he pulled back and rammed hard into the pirate repeatedly. One hand curled around Gabriel's prick, running just as quickly over it as Logan fucked him. There was nothing gentle about the deep, driving thrusts that buried him over and over again into the hot ass surrounding him. A guttural growl began in his throat and rose as the trembling of his body reached the edge. Squeezing his hand around Gabriel's length, Logan shot deep inside him as he came, flesh grinding to flesh. "Logan!" Gabriel bucked beneath him, fingers digging into the wood of the desk as he came hard and quick. Shaking and breathless, his eyes were wide as he stared up at Logan. "I think we both needed that," he said after several seconds. Looking down, seeing them still joined, a shudder ran through Logan and he dropped a soft kiss to Gabriel's lips. For once, he was without words. Gabriel hummed softly, threading the fingers of one hand through Logan's hair and pulling Logan down for a real kiss. He traced Logan's lips with his tongue before parting them slowly. "Now that was well worth the wait," the pirate whispered. Chuckling, Logan carefully slid out of him and reached for a cloth to clean them both up. "You are definitely worth it, Gabriel." Gabriel sat up and groaned. "Though I might be getting too old to do it over the desk." 37


Taking his hand, Logan helped him up. "Next time I suggest the comfort of the bed. At least you won't have a mess to pick up." Grinning, he eyed the scattered papers on the floor. He bent down and started to gather up everything to put it back on the desk. Gabriel chuckled. "True. Very true." After getting his pants back on, he helped Logan replace the charts and instruments on the desk. "You're becoming an addiction," he said quietly, not looking at Logan. One Logan felt fairly certain Gabriel could easily replace, though he chose not to share that sentiment. "Well, you may end up keeping me if my brother refuses to pay the ransom, Gabriel." "I can't imagine complaining." Gabriel put the last of the charts on the desk. "I must take the wheel for a while. You're welcome to join me." Grabbing his own clothes, Logan dressed. "Where are we going again?" Gabriel glanced out the small window. "Belasene Isle. It's where we will see whether or not your brother decides to pay the ransom." "He won't answer, so why bother?" "I've made my demands and stated my offer," Gabriel said as they walked out of the cabin. "It would be dishonorable not to follow through." He glanced back at Logan before starting up the stairs to the wheel deck. "And despite what some think, some of us pirates do have a sense of honor." "Captain!" Duke waved at him from the wheel deck above the cabin. 38


After climbing the steps up to the deck, Gabriel took the wheel. "We should reach Belasene Isle within the hour, Mr. Duke. You are to keep the men on the ship." He gave Duke a fierce glare. "Do I make myself clear?" "I would rather you just keep me," Logan said under his breath. Gabriel sighed as he took the wheel from Duke. Duke jumped down onto the main deck and started barking orders. "I'd have a mind to do just that, but honor is honor, Mr. Duval." Logan's muttered reply, "To hell with honor," was drowned out by the frenzy of activity in preparing the ship to land. **** "Land!" The man up in the crow's nest pointed toward a large island looming in the distance. Gabriel turned the wheel, directing the ship toward the island. "Mr. Duke, ready the men for landfall!" "Aye, Captain!" Logan studied the island in silence. The wild coastline was ringed by a beach and beyond it, a dense forest. Resting against the rail, he watched as they rounded the island, and a port city appeared in the distance. As they neared it, he saw that the thriving hub was crowded by docked ships and people moving to and from the ships. Once the ship was docked, Gabriel silently led the way down onto the pier. The Pelican Inn was a ramshackle tavern with rotting walls and several broken windows. Only the lowest seemed to flock toward it. 39


Nodding to the building, Gabriel finally spoke. "Your brother's messenger should be in there." Going ahead of Gabriel, Logan pushed open the door and went in. The stench was awful and Logan paused as he looked around. The place was filled with fishermen and pirates, a very rough-looking lot. Then his heart froze. "Don't make this any harder than it has to be," Gabriel whispered near Logan's ear. "Do you know what this messenger looks like?" "There is no messenger, Gabriel. If you value your life, just follow my lead. Keep me in front of you." Logan moved slightly away from Gabriel, but kept exactly in front of him as he headed toward the back. One lone, hooded man sat at the table Logan paused in front of. "What you want is being delivered to your ship right now." Drawing back the hood, the man smirked faintly up at them. "Now I would like my brother back." "I've a mind to kill you now," Gabriel growled, "but unlike you, I am a man of my word." "As am I, in my own way." Cold green eyes held the pirate's for a moment before Frederick glanced at Logan. "A good thing you haven't harmed him. You may send a messenger to your ship to verify that the gold has been delivered. Then we will be parting your delightful company." Logan said absolutely nothing as he remained standing right in front of Gabriel. Gabriel stopped a young serving boy and said to him, "There is a gold piece for you if you run to The Dragon's 40


Rage, confirm that two hundred thousand in gold has been delivered, and come back to me." "Yessir!" Racing off, the young lad disappeared before anybody could even blink. Reclining, seemingly at leisure, Frederick's gaze never left Logan as he totally ignored Gabriel. "The fair Lady Arisla has been deeply concerned about your safety, my dearest brother." Other than a slight nod, Logan still said nothing. "She confessed the whole incident to me; you needn't worry. She'll not bother you again." The friendly family conversation was interrupted when the boy entered the tavern several minutes later and tugged at Gabriel's jacket. "Mr. Duke says there be five large chests filled with gold coins." "Excellent." Gabriel picked a gold coin out of the small pouch at his waist. "Here you go, and thank you, lad." The boy took the coin and tucked it into his shoe before scampering away again. "Now that our business has been concluded, we will be taking our leave." Covering his head with the hood, Frederick stood. Looking back over at Gabriel, Logan said only two words: "Leave now." He remained where he stood, blocking his brother from getting any kind of access to the pirate. With a curt nod, Gabriel backed away slowly. "Good day to you both." Then he gave Frederick a wry smile as Duke and five crewmen stepped into the tavern, acting as guards. 41


Gabriel met Logan's gaze for only a moment before he walked out of the door, his men flanking him. Emptiness was all that remained as Logan watched him leave. **** Two weeks passed and Gabriel desperately tried to forget Logan Duval. He'd gotten his money, paid as ransom—a brother for a brother. But it wasn't enough now. No matter what he did, Gabriel couldn't get Logan out of his mind. By the end of the second week, he was certain of only one thing: he loved the man. His next thought? To get Logan back. Gabriel set sail back to Noriaton. Determination was strong. He would have Logan in his arms again, no matter the cost. When they reached the tiny port town, he left the crew on the ship, making his way to one of the taverns in hopes of getting information. He entered the first tavern he found and stepped up to the bar. "Where can I get some information on your lord?" With a smirk the barkeep gestured around the bar. "Just take a sit and listen up. It's been all the talk since Master Logan was forced to return. You have to buy a pint, though." "Damn shame." One of the men sitting at the bar shook his head as he wrapped his hands around his mug. "Thought the boy would get away this time." Sliding onto the stool, Gabriel eyed each man in turn. "What do you mean?" 42


Another one of the men piped up, acting a touch superior for being in the know. "Mimsy told me he told her he'd had a fine adventure with a pirate. Guess the bastard paid off the pirate and got Master Logan back." "A pirate, Georgie? Life on the high seas would have suited the boy." Nodding knowingly, the barkeep poured a mug and slid it toward Gabriel. "Just..." Gabriel shook his head. "How old is Master Logan and why is he so important to Lord Duval?" "Nineteen. Just last January. Ran away right after his eighteenth birthday he did. Wasn't it, Narm?" "Aye. The old bastard drove him away." Narm's voice lowered over the next part. "Wantin' things no man should be wantin' from his brother." "Kalley seen him yesterday. Poor Master Logan. The old bastard had him tied to the post in the coach yard. Whipped him something fierce, she said." Gabriel didn't hear anything beyond that. He tossed the money onto the bar and bolted out the door. The world had turned red; he had blood on his mind. Before he knew it, he was back at the dock. He took the steps of the rope ladder two at a time as he climbed them up to the deck of the ship. "Duke!" Everyone stopped, dropping what they were doing as he roared the first mate's name. Duke bolted down from the wheel deck, almost skidding to a stop in front of Gabriel. Gabriel didn't give the man time to speak. "Get me to Duval Castle. Now!" 43


Nodding frantically, Duke started issuing orders, getting them out on the sea again in record time. Gabriel could do nothing but fume and beat himself inwardly. He stormed into the cabin and slammed the door behind him. **** Logan lay in the narrow bed as the old servant carefully tended to the bruised and battered flesh of his body. When Frederick entered the room, he sneered at Alaric. "Leave now." Taking one look at Frederick's scowling face, the servant scurried away, leaving the bowl of bloody water and stained rag behind. Carefully, Logan sat up in the bed and tried to scoot toward the edge. The scowl faded, leaving only lust on Frederick's face as he approached Logan. Even with Logan's left eye swollen shut and the bruises and partially healed wounds spoiling his looks, he knew that Frederick would already be hard. Reaching down, Frederick unfastened his pants as he advanced. "Open that sweet fucking mouth of yours, Logan." Knowing what would happen if he didn't, Logan obeyed. **** Gabriel's rage had not dissipated. In fact, as he stared up at the castle looming above them, it had doubled. He drew his cutlass and readied his pistol. Most of his crew stood behind him, waiting for his orders. "Kill the strong. Ignore the weak." 44


Short. Simple. His orders were always obeyed. For himself, however ... Gabriel scowled, his mood darkening. For Logan ... he would kill anyone who stood in his way. Leaving his crew to dispatch the guards when they reached the castle, Gabriel made his way into the keep itself. The sounds of men fighting and dying echoed in the night. Gabriel ignored them until one shout—one scream—split his heart and soul in two. Another followed shortly after, the piercing agony echoing before it was abruptly cut off. One of the servants, a female, watched Gabriel from behind a massive oak cabinet. Stepping out, she showed no fear. Instead she whispered to him, "You're the pirate, ain't you?" Gabriel glared at her. "Where is he?" He took two long strides toward her and snarled, "Where is your master?" "U-u-upstairs. W-w-with M-m-master Logan." Stammering over the words, she appeared about to flee away from Gabriel. Quickly, she pointed to the stairs and whispered, "Right. Last room." A second later, she darted off to the safety of the back hall. Gabriel ran up the stairs and down the lengthy hallway. When he reached the last door on the right, he kicked it open. The doorframe splintered and Gabriel stormed into the room, drawing his pistol. "Get away from him!" Logan was on the bed, looking like a limp rag doll. Frederick quickly scrambled off him, going for his sword. A formidable foe, Frederick soon had his weapon in hand and stood in front of the bed, scowling at Gabriel. 45


"What the hell are you doing here?" Gabriel aimed directly for Frederick's head. "You stole my brother from me. Now I've come to take yours back." Eyes narrowed on his opponent, the scowl twisted Frederick's face. Before Gabriel could react, the tip of Frederick's sword pressed against Logan's throat. "Now, why do you want my brother? He belongs to me and no other." "He belongs to me." With that, Gabriel fired. **** As Frederick went down, Logan tried to roll away. The sword sliced against his flesh before his brother's body fell on him. Screaming, he tried to push him off as he stared into the sightless eyes. Gabriel rushed to the bed and grabbed Frederick's body, shoving it onto the floor. Finding a cloth on the bedside table, the captain pressed it to the small wound on Logan's neck. "Shh," Gabriel soothed, his voice working to calm Logan. "It's over, Logan. It's over." Incoherent, Logan grabbed for Gabriel. Gabriel gathered him close. "You're safe. Safe." A kiss was placed on Logan's hair, Gabriel's hold strong. "I'm so sorry." Curling into Gabriel, Logan buried his face against the pirate, turning to the one person he needed above all others. As the full reality of Gabriel's presence seeped into him, Logan began to regain a semblance of calm. "I told her not to give him the letter. She didn't listen." 46


"I never should have let you go." Gabriel slipped his fingers beneath Logan's chin, tilting his head up slowly and gently. "I never will again." "Didn't want to go. Had to. He would've killed you to get to me." Logan's breath hitched in his throat, trying to swallow the turmoil he felt as he clung to Gabriel. His eyes stung with unshed tears. "Get me out of here. Please. Just take me away, so far away that I never have to come back." Gabriel kissed him softly and stood. After wrapping the blanket around Logan, Gabriel picked him up and stepped over Frederick's body to walk out into the hallway. "Ready the ship," he called to the men downstairs. As Gabriel carried him out of the keep, Logan burrowed in against his chest, keeping his arms tight around the pirate's neck. The others scurried ahead of them to do Gabriel's bidding. By the time they reached the shore of the cavern's lake, two of the long boats were already gone. Gabriel got into the boat and sat down, never once relaxing his hold on Logan. He remained silent as the last of his men got in and rowed them to the Dragon's Rage. When they reached the ship, Gabriel nudged Logan gently. "They're lowering a sling. I'm going to set you in it and climb up to get you. You're safe now, love," Gabriel whispered. He eased Logan into the makeshift sling and waited until they started hoisting him up before climbing the ladder. Something inside Logan eased upon hearing that one word. As they lifted him up, he remained motionless, trying to slow the frantic beating of his heart. Though whether it was 47


from the thought that the pirate might indeed love him or because he was suspended in midair, he really didn't know. When he reached the top, Gabriel was there to pick him up. Giving the crew orders to get them out on the water, Gabriel carried him into the captain's quarters and kicked the door closed behind them. He placed Logan on the bed gently and stretched out beside him, pulling him close. "I'm so sorry," Gabriel whispered as he stroked Logan's hair softly. "I love you so much, Logan." A soft whimper escaped Logan as Gabriel held him. "I knew I loved you before I had to go away, Gabriel. He would have hunted you down if I hadn't gone with him." "I would have killed him either way, Logan. I'm just so sorry I left you to the bastard in the first place." "It wasn't your fault." Barely suppressing a shudder, Logan nestled as closely as he could to the pirate. "What would you say to a life on the sea?" Gabriel tucked his hand beneath Logan's chin and lifted his face up. His thumb stroked slowly and gently over Logan's lips. "Living under your own terms, with no one to answer to..." "No one but you to answer to." Logan met Gabriel's gaze calmly. "And that I would do gladly." Falling silent, the tip of his tongue licked the ball of Gabriel's thumb before he took hold of the pirate's hand. "I didn't..." Gabriel groaned. Whatever he was going to say seemed to be forgotten as he tilted his head down, tongue parting Logan's lips.

48


Logan opened for him, sucking at Gabriel's tongue and drawing it in more deeply. It didn't matter what the pirate had meant; Logan offered everything to Gabriel. "Let's get you cleaned up, doctored, and fed. I don't want to get to the point where I can't stop." Gabriel placed another soft kiss to Logan's lips, whispering, "Not yet, anyway." Logan hadn't wanted the kiss to end. "I know I have to have a bath. I just don't want..." Trailing off, he was uncertain how to express himself. Not wanting to dwell on what had happened, he forced his mind back to the present. "Don't want what?" Gabriel cupped Logan's chin and looked into his eyes. "Please don't hide from me, Logan." Shrugging, Logan just said, "I can take a bath while you go up to the deck." "Duke has the wheel." Gabriel dropped another gentle kiss to his lips. "I have more important things to take care of, starting with getting you cleaned and doctored." Without giving Logan a chance to argue, Gabriel got up and went to the door. He opened it, yelled for Tuan, and a minute later, closed the door again. When the door opened once more, Tuan carried in a bowl of steaming water and several cloths. He set them on the desk and left the cabin without a word. Gabriel knelt down beside the bed. "Let me do this, Logan. Please." Scrambling to sit up, Logan kept himself tightly wrapped in the blanket. "You don't really need to, Gabriel." What else could he say? He really didn't want Gabriel to see what had 49


happened to him. Yet he didn't want the pirate to go far away from him. Eyebrow raised, Gabriel stood. "You should know by now that arguing with me is pointless, Logan." He dipped one of the cloths into the water and picked up the bowl, carrying both over to the bed. He peeled away the blanket from Logan's body, the look in his eyes gentle but brooking no argument either. Logan nearly cringed, trying to keep the blanket around him. He'd never said a word about the pain he was in, nor had he shown it in any way. When he realized Gabriel wasn't going to stop tugging at it, he finally let the blanket go and looked down at his lap. **** The first thing Gabriel saw was the presence of both dried and fresh blood. He didn't see much beyond that. "Turn around," he said quietly. Carefully Logan turned. Not an inch of his back had been left untouched. Fading lines as well as angry red marks marred his skin and continued downward toward his ass. Hanging his head, Logan didn't say anything at all. "Logan..." The name was whispered as Gabriel stared at the unbelievable sight before him. Fresh rage welled up inside him, knowing Logan had been hurting, knowing Frederick had done this. "Lie down on your stomach." Logan complied as he shifted onto his stomach and stretched out on the bed. The thin stripes continued down over his ass and to the back of his thighs. Muscles rippled 50


tightly beneath his skin with nervous tension. Wetting the cloth, Gabriel began at Logan's thighs, parting them gently. He was almost terrified to see the damage, but he needed to know in order to help Logan heal. The blood was fresher further down, clear evidence of rape. Parting Logan's buttocks with one hand, Gabriel washed away the blood as gently as possible. The tight flex of muscle resisted his touch for a second before Logan finally seemed to relax somewhat. "I would never hurt you," Gabriel said quietly as he cleaned the last of the blood from Logan's skin. Then he worked his way up, moving as carefully as possible over the wounds. "You know that, don't you?" "I know you wouldn't, Gabriel." The words were muttered against the sheets, Logan sounding lifeless, uncaring, hollow. Once he was done, Gabriel put the cloth into the bowl, determinedly ignoring the way the water turned a dark pink almost immediately. He picked several more strips of cloth and wrapped them around the worst parts gently. Then he stripped down, not wanting to risk his clothing grating over the bruised and battered skin, and eased back down onto the bed beside Logan, rolling his lover over onto his side so he could see Logan's face. **** "Logan. Logan, please come back to me. Don't let him take you away. You're safe now. You always will be." "He's dead. He won't ever touch me again." The pattern of Logan's speech reflected the deadness inside. He'd been exposed to Gabriel in a way he didn't want to ever be seen. 51


Struggling against that, he rested quietly in Gabriel's arms. Closing his eyes, he tucked his head beneath the pirate's chin. Most times there was never anything left after Frederick touched him. But for the first time, there was someone to soothe him and he sought the solid comfort of Gabriel's presence. "I'm terrified of losing you," Gabriel whispered. "I want to be the one who fixes everything, who can make you whole again, Logan." "You're not losing me. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Just let me stay here." Logan kissed the pirate softly, using the simple touch as a connection. "Always," Gabriel said with particular conviction. "I would never hesitate to protect you in any way I could. Not going to let you go, Logan. I love you too much." "That's all I want." The emotional void inside began to relinquish him as Logan drew back his head to look at Gabriel. Still, he couldn't cry, wouldn't cry. He'd regained a touch of peace and needed to cling to it. "I'd do anything for you." Gabriel smiled slightly, fingers touching Logan's cheek, his lips. "Anything in this world, Logan." "I believe that, Gabriel. If I didn't, I'm not sure I'd be sane." A mixture of old fear blended into a more solid calm as Logan stared at him. Gabriel kissed his hair softly. "I need to take the wheel. Will you be okay here?" "Do you really think I'm letting you go anywhere without me?" Rolling out of the bed, Logan moved, stiffly at first, 52


toward the chest near Gabriel's bed and helped himself to some of the clothes, despite Gabriel's protests. Shaking his head, Gabriel just got up and walked up to him. He kissed Logan and waited patiently. Once Logan was dressed, they left the cabin and went up top. Duke nodded and jumped down to the deck as Gabriel took the wheel. "Welcome home, Mr. Duval," Gabriel said, smiling over at Logan. Logan stood beside him for a moment. "I'm glad to be back, Captain." He walked over to the railing, relishing the warmth of the sun shining down on him and the tang of the sea air filling his lungs. Everywhere he looked, he saw the calming blue depths of the ocean. Glancing back at Gabriel, he took in the sight of the captain at the wheel, clad in black pants and a white shirt. Black hair strayed across his face in the wind and Logan chuckled as the pirate brushed it impatiently away. Gabriel presented a commanding figure, one that held Logan enthralled as he turned to face the sea again. Whispering to the wind, he said quietly, "This is where I belong."

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