Gwen was having a horrible dream and wanted to wake up. She felt the weight of the world pressing against her chest, and could barely breathe. It made her wonder if she were trapped under the broken mast of the ship. Thankfully, she wasn’t under water. Still, the taste of salt water burned the back of her throat and made her eyes sting. The sound of gulls screeching from above her, intermingled with the lapping rhythm of the waves hitting the shore.
She needed to wake up from this horrible nightmare. Something warmed her face, and a bright light burned the insides of her closed lids. Slowly, she opened one eye and then the other. Seeing the sun and a blue sky above her, she realized she was in a prone position. The awful weight on her chest made her look down toward her feet. When she did, she screamed. The pirate was on top of her!
“What is it? Why did you scream?” His head lifted. Big brown eyes stared into hers as his long, loose hair spanned out around him and lifted in the breeze. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”
He’d used the endearment with her more than once now. She liked it, but it wasn’t proper since she didn’t even know him. Although he seemed like a nice enough man, her father warned her to stay away from him. Of course, she didn’t have a choice in this situation. It all came back to her clearly now. She fell overboard in the storm. Then, the pirate named Brody jumped in the sea to save her.
“Get off of me,” she retorted, trying to push his weight from her body. He sat up. She followed his action, but the rocking made her fall against him. They seemed to be on a raft or perhaps a piece of wreckage. The movement of their bodies made the raft tilt. His arms closed around her protectively. Even though they were both wet, she felt his body heat between them. Never before had she been in such a precarious position with a man.
“Don’t move so quickly or you’re going to dump us back into the sea,” he warned, his voice sounding rugged and deep.
“Where’s my father’s ship?” she asked, her eyes darting around, scoping the water. “Where are my father and the crew?” Terror-stricken, she realized she was alone with the pirate.
“We lost them in the storm,” he explained, not letting loose of his hold on her. “The mast was struck by lightning, and you fell into the sea. I jumped in after you. Don’t you remember?”
She did remember. Only too well. She also realized that she was alone with this man, and no one was going to come to her rescue.
“You – you saved me,” she said feeling grateful and frightened all at the same time.
“Aye.” He nodded his head. The blue sky above them almost seemed to make his eyes twinkle. A pirate’s eyes wouldn’t twinkle, would they?
“Why did you risk your life and jump into the water after me? You don’t even know me.”
“Unlike some of us who judge a man before they know him, I have no qualms about saving a maiden in distress – no questions asked.”
“Thank you.” She relaxed slightly in his arms, her back pressed up against his chest. His kindness was intoxicating. “Where are we?”
“I can see the coast from here, so thankfully, we haven’t drifted out to sea. It looks like Cornwall if I’m not mistaken.”
“Cornwall? How can that be?” She squinted in the sun, staring at the rocky coastline. “We were fishing near the Isle of Man, which is far from Cornwall.”
“The wind must have blown us here,” he told her. “We’ve been at sea since yesterday.”
“That long?” She made the mistake of moving too quickly. Water sloshed up on the small raft that was meant for one. She almost lost her balance, but Brody kept her secure.
“You’ve been through a lot,” he told her. “You were shivering from the cold, so I pressed my body up against yours to keep you warm. The sun has dried our clothes partially. Here, have some water.” He held up what looked like a goatskin filled with liquid to her lips.
“Where did you get this?” Her shaking hands reached out for it.
“Drink.” He held it while she took a sip. The water tasted cold and refreshing.
“Thank you. Now tell me where you got fresh water.”
“It’s the last of the rain water I collected while I was on the island. I had the goatskin when I left the Sea Mirage.”
“Sea Mirage?” She looked up, shading her eyes from the sun. “Oh, that’s right. It’s your pirate ship. So, where is it?”
Brody had said too much. He’d mentioned his ship again, and now the girl was asking questions he didn’t want to answer. It had been bad enough when he’d accidentally mentioned it in front of her father. Because of it, Brody overheard her father saying he was going to dump him back into the sea because he was a pirate. The less she knew about him, the better. He needed to get back to Whitehaven quickly and talk to Rowen about everything that had happened. That’s all that mattered to him. He’d get everything else sorted out later.
The whole incident aboard the Sea Mirage still gnawed at his gut. Muck was lying, and he needed to learn the truth. The only problem was, the storm had blown them to kingdom come. They were nowhere near Whitehaven anymore. It was his assumption, by the look of the rocky coast, that they were nearing Cornwall at the southern tip of England.
Brody groaned and rubbed his leg. His flesh had broken open on a piece of flotsam when he’d jumped into the water to save Gwen. He’d managed to stop the bleeding by tying his headscarf around the wound, but his leg hurt like the devil. He wasn’t at all sure he could even stand. God’s eyes, he hoped it wasn’t becoming infected.
“You’re hurt,” she said, eying his wound. “And you’re bleeding.”
“It’s nothing,” he said, trying to play it off. He didn’t need a wench in a frenzy to add to the rest of his problems. He had to keep her calm.
“I’m not daft.” She removed her headscarf and, to his surprise, long bouncing blond curls spilled out, reminding him she was a girl. “I’m going to use this to change the bloody wrapping on your leg. I only wish I hadn’t lost my hat, as it could have shaded me from the sun.”
“I’m fine,” he told her.
“You are not fine. Now let me do it.” With gentle and nimble fingers, she unwrapped the bloody binding, inspecting his wound. Her sparkling eyes narrowed, and she shook her head. “Give me some of that water so I can cleanse the wound.” Her hand reached out, but her attention stayed on his leg.
“Nay. We’ve only got a small amount of fresh water left,” he told her, cradling the goatskin to his chest like a baby. “We need to save it until we are sure we can find more.”
“There’s the coast, so we don’t need to worry. We’ll have plenty of fresh water soon.”
What was happening here? He thought he was the one comforting her when, in reality, it was the opposite way around now. Gwen looked to be young but seemed more mature when she tried to comfort him. He hadn’t had anyone other than Rowen who cared for him since the day he was abducted by pirates. It felt nice.
“We’re drifting into the area of the St. Agnes caves,” he told her, knowing the area well as this is where he’d lived before he’d become a pirate. “It is rocky and desolate here. It might take us days to get back to civilization. I’m not even sure if I can stand on my leg.”
“Then I’ll wrap it for now, but I’ll clean it as soon as we get ashore.” She finished wrapping his leg with the cloth.
Sure enough, their raft drifted toward the caves just like he knew it would.
Gwen watched in awe as they drifted closer to the St. Agnes caves. “It is said that these caves are inhabited by giants and mermaids and other creatures,” she told him, feeling apprehensive to be so close.
He chuckled. “That is naught but a legend, my dear. Obviously made up by some greedy pirate to keep everyone out of the caves and away from his booty.”
“I’ve always been intrigued by the caves, but my father warned me never to go in them.”
“He also warned you to stay away from me, but as you can see – I’m harmless.”
“Are you?” She wrapped her arms around herself, not sure what to think. “You could be trying to gain my trust so you can have your way with me later.”
“If I wanted you, I wouldn’t waste time with trying to gain your trust. After all, I’m a pirate. That’s what pirate’s do – take what they want.”
She wasn’t sure if he was serious or trying to scare her. She decided not to talk to him so much and also to keep her distance. Hopefully, with his bad leg, she could outrun him and get to safety as soon as they hit the shore.
“I’ll get off first and make certain everything’s safe,” he told her as they drifted closer to the cave.
The water didn’t look deep at all. Gwen was excited and fascinated by the caves as well as a little scared. She felt daring being in this area and with a dangerous pirate at her side. Why did it make her feel so alive? She could no longer wait. In one motion, she swung her feet over the edge of the raft, preparing to disembark. When she did, it caused the raft to become unbalanced, and they were both dumped into the water. Breaking the surface, she gasped for breath, getting her footing. It was a little deeper than she’d thought.
“Bid the devil,” she heard Brody cry out. When he stood, the water was up to his waist.
She smiled. “Sorry about that.”
“What’s one more dip in the sea?” he grumbled, pulling the raft up to the rocky shore. His strong, glistening wet chest gleamed in the sunshine. It was hard for her to look away. This man intrigued her just as much as the caves.
Water trickled into several of the caves. Over the rocks, further down, there was a beach in the far distance. Shading her eyes, Gwen surveyed that she could almost see the docks. She had planned to run, but when she glanced back at Brody, she decided he didn’t seem that threatening after all. By the looks of his leg, even if he tried something with her she’d still be able to get away. Nay, he saved her life and so she would help him.
“If we hurry, we might be able to walk down the beach and get to the docks by sunset,” she told him. “I know where we are now. I’m familiar with this area. This is where my father sometimes brings his catch to sell or trade.”
“I know the area too,” he told her.
“My father does business in some of the towns around St. Agnes. We usually dock just down the beach. There is a tavern not far from here. My father goes there at times to get something to eat.”
“Or drink,” he mumbled, tying up the raft. It was no secret he was referring to her father’s fondness of the bottle. Not wanting to speak ill of her father, she pretended not to hear him.
“How do you know these caves?” she asked, scanning the area, feeling a shiver go through her body. “I suppose you’ve got booty hidden inside?”
“Hah! If that were true, I’d be running to get it, even with a bad leg.”
“So, you have sailed here before with your crew?”
He looked up but didn’t respond. He seemed to be remembering something but wasn’t in a hurry to share it with her.
“Mayhap my father has already made it to shore with his crew,” she suggested, trying to be optimistic. “Let’s go see.” Taking off at a brisk pace, she hurried over the rocks, anxious to find them. But when she heard Brody groan, she stopped and turned around. He was struggling to walk, grimacing with every step he took. The water around his leg turned a bright red. He’d started bleeding again. She wasn’t even sure his leg wasn’t broken or sprained. Her heart went out to him.
“Here, let me help.” Being no stranger to physical work, she rushed over to him and slipped her arm around him. “Lean on me.”
“I won’t be helped by a wench!” His body stiffened.
“Have it your way.” She dropped her arm from around him. “Your face looks pale. Are you ill?”
“I’m wounded, not to mention I have almost drowned twice lately. I’ve had very little fresh water to drink and barely anything to eat. So, what do you think?”
She felt as if he’d scolded her. She didn’t like it, even if she felt sorry for the man. “There’s no reason to become curt with me. We’ve both had some bad times lately, so I’d appreciate if you didn’t try to make me feel daft or guilty again.”
He stood up straight with a jerk, and his eyes bore into her. “No lady speaks to a man in that manner. Especially not to a pirate! You play with fire and are going to get burned someday.”
Gwen had been acting more like a boy most her life, so it came naturally to her to boldly speak her mind. She didn’t know how to act like a lady and wasn’t going to start now. “Mayhap I can pull you on the raft,” she suggested. “Since you are wounded, it would be faster to travel in the water.”
“For a girl who says she knows this area, you’re forgetting a few things.” He groaned again and sat on a rock, touching his leg with his fingertips, testing the wound. He grimaced when his finger poked at his leg, which told her he was in dire pain. “This time of year, the sun goes down quickly. It’ll make it harder to travel over the rocky ground in the dark. And when the tide comes in we’ll have to make our way to higher ground.”
“So, you’re saying we’re not going to try to find my father and his crew after all?”
“Nay. Not today.” He removed his binding and inspected his wound.
She let out an exasperated breath. They were so close to the docks and finding help. “There’s still light left. If we hurry, we could make it to the docks before the tide comes in. We need to try.”
“Then go,” he said, not even looking at her when he spoke. “No one is asking you to stay.”
“Stay?” She hadn’t even considered the thought, but he obviously had. She glanced at Brody, and then her eyes darted over to the caves. While both intrigued her, she didn’t want to be alone in the dark with either of them. “If I leave you, where will you go tonight? What will you do? You can barely walk. And you’re bleeding.”
“That’s right, I am,” he said, still not looking at her when he spoke. “But I’m naught more than a cutthroat, so you don’t need to worry about me. Just throw me back in the sea where all pirates belong. After all, that’s what your father would do, wouldn’t he?” With his head still down, his eyes lifted to meet hers. He looked dangerous and angry. It caused a chill to run up her spine.
“Oh. You heard him,” she remarked softly, feeling embarrassed that he’d overheard their conversation on the ship. She hoped he wouldn’t be upset and take it out on her now. Feeling restless and not knowing what else to say, she picked up the edge of her tunic and wrung out the water. She contemplated running now, but for some reason, she stayed.
“Pirates have bloody good ears, sweetheart.” He tied the cloth back around his leg and stood. He took a step and winced. Even through the pain, he continued to walk toward her.
How could she leave him now? He could have been safe aboard the fishing ship, but instead, he chose to dive into the water to save her life. She supposed she owed him a favor. With one last glance over her shoulder, she looked down the beach, wanting to go, but at the same time feeling as if she needed to stay. She sighed and turned back to him.
“Let me help.” She tried once more. She put her arm around him again. This time he didn’t stop her. He leaned against her as they made their way toward the caves.
“I’m not used to being helped by a lady.” He didn’t sound so repelled at the idea this time. The low timbre of his voice was rich and masculine. It matched the very handsome man. She felt as if he were trying to be polite since he hadn’t called her a wench again.
“Well, I’m not used to being called a lady,” she admitted flashing a quick smile.
“Would you rather I stick to wench?”
“Nay,” she blurted out. “Please, don’t.”
When he chuckled, she realized he’d only been jesting.
Thunder rumbled in the distance as black clouds rolled in overhead. With it went any warmth from the sun.
“Not more rain,” he protested.
“We can find shelter in the caves,” she told him, heading to the one closest to them.
“If we don’t get warm and dry we might not be alive on the morrow.”
“When will the tide come in?” she asked. It started to drizzle.
He stopped and looked up at the moon, still partially visible in the daytime sky. “By my calculations, we should have at least a few good hours before the tide comes in. We can stay here for a while. We’ll try to get to higher ground as soon as it stops raining.”
“Then let’s get inside and out of the rain.”
Brody let the girl help him into the cave. Usually, he wouldn’t accept help from a woman, but his ordeal and his wound were taking a toll on him. He was tired and drained of energy. He was also to the point that he didn’t even feel hungry anymore since it had been so long since he’d had a real meal. His throat felt parched, and with the pain in his leg, all he wanted was a bottle of rum right now. Hating to accept her help, he’d agreed because she was the only one here to do it. He also didn’t want her wandering off on her own, and not being able to protect her. Aye, he was glad she decided to stay.
They made their way to the first cave where they would have shelter from the rain. She stopped in the entranceway, hesitant to go inside.
“What’s wrong?” he asked her. “Afraid the giants will eat you in your sleep? Or perhaps that the mermaids will curse you?” He chuckled, stopping behind her.
“It is very dark in there. Perhaps we should stay at the mouth of the cave where it’s still light. I wouldn’t want to run into any critters hiding deep inside the cave.”
“Great idea,” he said, not caring in the least. He hobbled into the cave and sat down in the shadows. It was cool and damp inside, but at least they were out of the wind and rain.
“So, this is the cave.” She stood there for a moment, letting her eyes get used to the last bit of light that bathed the cave entrance only. Her sweet voice echoed off the walls as she ventured inside slowly, acting as if it were a place to be reverent.
“Aye, it is a cave,” he answered.
“Not just any cave,” she said, taking a step inside. “I’ve heard legends that these caves are magical. Lovers hid here many years ago before tragedy took their lives. It is said to enter the lovers’ caves will ensure two people will fall in love. Supposedly, if you touch the wall, you can feel the love shared by the legendary lovers that once hid here.”
“I don’t believe in that kind of nonsense.”
Cautiously, she stepped forward, daring to reach out her fingers to touch the cave wall. “Are you saying you don’t believe in legends or that you don’t believe in falling in love?”
“Neither,” he said, just being honest. Her head snapped around to look at him. Although her face was in shadow, it was evident she was scowling at him right now. Just his luck to be stranded with a woman who dressed and acted like a boy yet had her head filled with fantasies of legends and falling in love. This girl was very complicated.
“How can you say that?” she asked, sounding as if his answer displeased her.
“It’s all nonsense. The legend is only a story made up, probably by a man to get a wench into bed with him. And the only people who touch these walls are young fools on a dare. They come here at night to prove nothing scares them, carving their names into the stone only to have their lives destroyed afterward because of it.”
Gwen felt a tingle run up her spine and a heat engulf her as she laid her entire hand on the cave wall next. She wondered if it was just the excitement of being here or if these caves really held some sort of magic. Was she being silly to believe in ancient legends? And was she a fool for believing in love? Brody seemed to think so. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Oh, but I assure you, I do,” said Brody. “I know from experience.”
“Experience?” Her hand stilled on the wall, and she looked over her shoulder at him. “What do you mean?”
“Years ago, I was one of those fools on a dare that sneaked into the cave and etched my name into the stone.”
He walked up next to her and reached up higher on the wall. With the tip of his finger, he traced letters carved into the stone that she hadn’t even noticed were there. Sure enough, the name Brody was scratched into the cave wall in big, bold letters. How hadn’t she seen this?
“You – you’re telling the truth.”
He turned his head to look at her. His eyes were dark, dangerous and sultry. The daylight from behind him at the cave opening illuminated the outline of his body. “Of course I am. Why do you sound so surprised? Is it because I’m a pirate and to you, all pirates are naught but thieves and liars?”
Something came alive inside her with every swipe of his finger against the outline of his name in the stone. He touched the wall of the cave as if he was caressing a lover. Somehow, she felt it as if he were touching her. Was it just her imagination? Her heart pounded in her ears, mixed with the sound of the waves lapping against the rocks outside the cave. The waves pushed forward and then retreated, like a secret lover in the night. All she could think about was the fact she was in the lovers’ cave . . . alone . . . with a very handsome pirate. She squeezed her eyes closed, feeling confusion cloud her head.
“Are you ill?” His hot breath in her ear caused her to jump backward. Her eyes sprang open, and she broke the connection of whatever it was she’d been feeling between them. She quickly stepped away from the wall, suddenly feeling very foolish. It had to be the legend of the lovers that made her feel a spark between them. Still, she needed to know if he felt anything at all.
“We touched the wall at the same time,” she said, no louder than a whisper.
“And now you think we’ll fall madly in love?” His deep laughter echoed off the walls of the cave. “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Now, come over here and put your arm around me.”
“What?” she blurted out, wondering if he’d felt all hot and flushed like her.
“I need you to help me walk.”
“Oh. Of course.” Part of her wanted him to touch her the way he’d touched the wall. Thoughts of sensuality rushed through her. It had to be just her imagination. It was silly, just like he said.
“You’re cold,” he said when she slipped her arm around him. “I’ll warm you.”
“Nay, I’m not cold.” Her teeth chattered as if on cue to call her a liar.
“Your words say one thing yet your body says something else.”
She was cold – yet hot at the same time. She couldn’t explain it, so didn’t bother to try.
“You’re shivering,” he continued.
She was shaking, but it wasn’t from the weather. It was because of what she’d felt between them, and that scared her. Had something happened when they both touched the wall at the same time? And could the legend be true after all?
Anxious and confused, she wasn’t sure what to think. Then Brody reached out for her. Her eyes closed as he wrapped his arms around her in a protective hold.
“Everything will work out,” he whispered, rubbing his cheek against her hair. “We’ll find your father, don’t worry.”
“I hope so.” She felt the urge to look up into his eyes, needing to know if he felt attracted to her at all. “Don’t you feel it?” she asked, wetting her dry lips with her tongue.
“Feel what?” He looked down, his focus on her mouth if she wasn’t mistaken.
“We touched the wall at the same time. Something happened between us. I felt it.”
“The last time I touched that bloody wall, I was captured by pirates,” he scoffed. “These walls are nothing but a curse. I haven’t been back to Cornwall for over ten years and have no desire to be here now.”
“You – were captured by pirates?”
“Aye. You see, I wasn’t always a pirate, Gwen.”
He’d used her name, and she liked it. Curious, she found herself needing to know more. “Please, continue,” she told him. “I’d like to hear about how you became a pirate.”
He hesitated, and for a moment she didn’t think he would. But then he opened up a part of his life to her after all.
“I was here with my good friend, Edwin, on a dare. It was right after I lost my family to a passing pestilence. Edwin’s family felt sorry for me and took me in. Besides them, I was always treated by everyone else as an orphan.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Her gaze dropped to his mouth. They were standing very close. It would be so easy to kiss him. His head lowered, and his face came closer.
“I wasn’t always a pirate. At one time I was a son of a fisherman and no different than you.”
“Didn’t anyone come looking for you?”
“Who would come looking for an orphan? My family was gone, and I hadn’t made many friends since I was aboard the ship and at sea most the time.”
“You were part of your father’s crew, just like me.”
His head bobbed up and down in agreement.
“What about your friend, Edwin?” she asked. “What happened to him?”
“I don’t know. The pirates had captured him at first. I fought them off, and told Edwin to run and get help. I thought he’d be back with his father and some of the men from the village. Mayhap they did return, but I never had the chance to find out. I was scooped up and thrown onto the Sea Mirage by the infamous captain, One-Eyed Ron. From that day on . . . I was considered his property. And a pirate.”
“That’s awful,” she said, her heart going out to him. She faced him and slipped her arms around his waist, just trying to get warm. Her teeth chattered so much they rattled her brain. If she had been thinking with a sound mind, she would have never been so bold.
His hand gently cupped and lifted her chin, bringing her mouth closer to his. Then he dipped down, and their lips touched – and she let him do it. Heat seared through her as they shared a kiss. He tasted like fresh air mixed with the salty sea. Dangerous, yet exciting. His hand reached out, and he cupped her cheek next. Tilting her head toward him, she leaned into his caress as her eyes drifted closed. She reveled in the feel of his warmth against her skin.
Aye, there was something between them, and he could not deny it. He had felt it, too. She was sure of it. Why else would he kiss her?
“We both touched the wall, and look what happened,” she said, just to prove her point about believing in legends. “Do you see what I mean?”
He hesitated for a moment, causing her to open her eyes. Then he cleared his throat before he spoke. “I’ve had a change of mind.” His arms fell from around her body as he released her. With it went the excitement and heat she’d felt between them. Then he turned away, staring at his carved name on the wall as he talked. “This place holds bad memories for me, and I don’t want to stay here any longer.”
“You don’t?” This wasn’t what she wanted to hear. She thought for sure he’d say he felt something, too. That now, after touching the wall at the same time, they were falling in love. But instead, he said the opposite.
“Perhaps we can make it down the beach before the tide comes in after all. No sense waiting any longer. Let’s get out of this god-forsaken cave and go find some warm shelter, food, and ale for the night.”
He limped out of the cave, leaving her standing there alone. She looked over to the wall and sadly shook her head. Now, it just seemed to be a cursed wall like he said. Brody’s name was scratched into the stone in tall letters, reminding everyone that he’d been there. She thought of his sad story. There was no love here. What she’d felt was naught more than her imagination. But now, that was gone, too. Mayhap he was right. This cave was nothing but the product of an ill legend devised by pirates to lure young people away from their families. A shiver coursed through her.
“Aye, let’s get out of here and never look back,” she told him, pushing past him and leading the way.