Five

Shock vibrated through Lindsay from everything that was happening. She didn’t want Captain Braxton to see her, and now…now he was being accused of a crime he did not commit.

Gasping, she covered her mouth. Should she say something? Obviously, the shopkeeper thought he was doing the right thing, but she couldn’t let the Englishman get taken away when he wasn’t at fault. She was the handsome sea captain’s only hope.

Praying for courage, she took a deep breath and cleared her throat, trying to get their attention. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Both men ignored her.

“Look here, sir,” Captain Braxton said, his lips tight with anger.

The other man shook his head and interrupted. “I have already sent my son to fetch the guards, and you will be thrown in prison very soon. We will stop your kidnapping attempts and there will be no more selling our women as slaves.”

Frustrated that the men weren’t looking at her, Lindsay stomped her foot. Her brother had always accused her of being too forceful, but doing it in front of the family was far different than doing it in front of others. She had no choice. She must change the shopkeeper’s mind.

Lindsay cleared her throat again, harder this time. “Pardon me.” Her voice boomed through the air louder than she’d anticipated, but at least she received both men’s attention. She looked at the shopkeeper. “You have this all wrong. He is not kidnapping me.”

The man glared. “Stop trying to defend him. I don’t know what he has promised you, but men like him are liars. Would you rather me not do anything and have him steal more of our country’s women?”

“Of course not, sir, but you have gotten the wrong man. He isn’t who you are looking for, I assure you. He wasn’t kidnapping me. He was...um...” She scrambled for an intelligent idea; something to make the shopkeeper believe her. Sadly, nothing intelligent was entering her mind fast enough.

“He was what?” the man demanded in a stronger voice.

She released a light laugh, feeling far from amusing right now. “As humorous as it seems, this man is...um, my fiancé.” She glanced at Captain Braxton, his eyes widened for a quick second before his mouth stretched into a smile.

The angry man shook his head. “If this is your fiancé, then why was he grabbing hold of your arm as if he expected you to run?”

Lindsay darted her attention back and forth between the men. Although the sea captain had wide, shocked eyes, they still pleaded for her help. She would help him, only because she needed to get out of this situation and return home before someone noticed her gone.

The captain must have sensed her panic, and he winked at her before turning his focus to the shopkeeper. “Sir, the girl is indeed my fiancée, but she was running from me because she didn’t want me to take her back to her father.” He shrugged. “She prefers my company over his.”

Lindsay could have laughed out loud. Did Captain Braxton know how that statement was so close to the truth?

“We are to be wed in a few days,” he continued, “and I’m trying to convince her she needs to stay with her father until that time.” He shook his head. “She’s being very defiant.”

The very handsome sea captain’s arms snaked around her shoulders and pulled her against him. She gasped from the suddenness at first, but then wanted to sigh with pleasure once her body fit next to the hard contours of his frame. He was a tall man, and the top of her head fit just under his chin. Automatically, she placed her hand on his chest and stared up into his eyes.

When he smiled at her, something in her chest fluttered. For the life of her, she didn’t know why her heartbeat quickened as well. Then again, those green eyes of his could melt even an old maid’s heart.

The shopkeeper scratched his head, anger lines slowly disappearing around his eyes and mouth. “Well,” he grumbled, “if the girl says she is marrying you then I believe her.”

She kept her gaze locked with Captain Braxton’s as she replied to the other man, “Yes. I’m going to marry this man.” As reality finally hit, her hopes sank. If only she wasn’t the youngest. If only her father didn’t follow this ridiculous custom of the oldest marrying first.

She didn’t see the shopkeeper leave, but the sound of his boots crunching on the gravel announced his departure. Barry’s gaze roamed over her face—void of the veil she detested—his smile widening. Did he recognize the woman he’d held this way from last night?

He swept his fingers along her hairline. “What’s your name?”

“Lindsay.”

He nodded. “Such a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

Heat consumed her face, but she couldn’t look away. His gaze had her enchanted.

“I’m Barry Braxton.”

Apparently, he didn’t connect her with the woman he’d held in his arms and almost kissed last night. She sighed as her body melted against his. “That is a very nice name, also.”

“I thank you for helping me just now. I don’t know how I would have convinced him I’m not kidnapping you.”

She chuckled. “And thank you for helping me when I needed your assistance. I knew you weren’t that type of man, which is why I had to lie to him.”

He stared at her for a few earth-shattering minutes more, then gradually loosened his hold and stepped away. The warmth from his body disappeared, making emptiness grow inside her. Heaven help her, but she wanted him back and in her arms, and yes, she wanted to kiss him even if it meant that she went against customs.

He exhaled slowly. “So Lindsay, I want to know why you ran away from me yesterday, and why you were trying to keep yourself hidden from me today. If you’re not a thief, then why do you act like one?”

Fear gripped her chest as her throat dried. “Do I really have to answer that?”

He chuckled. “Yes.”

“What if I choose not to?”

“Lindsay? Are you afraid I might follow through with my threat and take you to your master?”

“Uh…yes.”

“Fine. What if I promise I won’t?”

The corner of her mouth lifted into a smile. “Then maybe I will tell you.”

“What made you decide to kick me and then run?” he asked.

“You frightened me. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and you acted as if I needed to be punished for some reason.”

He nodded. “So, you don’t think your behavior was rude?”

She arched her brow. “Not any ruder than yours.”

Laughing, he shook his head. His eyes sparkled like gems and made her heart flutter.

“But you were raised in a different country than I, and if I remember correctly, the women in Turkey aren’t supposed to be outspoken.”

Fear consumed her again, but she couldn’t let him know. She needed to use her quick wit around him. “Do you mean we aren’t supposed to have our own opinions or speak our own minds?”

“Yes. Is that not the way it is around here?”

She shrugged. “If you ask me, I think that is pure stupidity. Because I do have my own opinion and speak my own mind.”

“Do you talk like that around your master?”

“Well, no.” Her father would skin her alive if he caught her speaking like this. She might even be banished from the family.

“Then why are you speaking that way to me? Is it because I’m not from your country?”

“Possibly.” She also knew a lot of it stemmed from her father being from England. Lindsay recalled the stories her father had told her when he was a robust young man, and some of the women he courted in England. Apparently, the women there were outspoken and had their own opinions.

Barry’s gaze moved over her attire again, down the plain brown servants’ dress she wore. Nervously, she swallowed and swiped a lock of hair behind her ear.

“So tell me, Lindsay, are you running away from your master?”

“No.”

“Then what are you still doing at the marketplace when it’s almost dark? Do you not know the servants leave by now?”

She hitched a breath and scanned the area. Night was almost upon them, and men were lighting lanterns along the streets. Tanya would be looking for her by now. Lindsay had to leave. Quickly!

“You are correct. I must go.” She turned to run, but then stopped and looked at him. “Will you be here tomorrow?”

He chuckled. “Why? Do you come to the marketplace to shop or watch me?”

Her cheeks flushed with the answer; there was no way he could miss the glow she knew came from her face right now. “Well, to be completely honest, I came yesterday to look around, but when I saw you, I couldn’t stop myself from returning.”

He cupped her chin tenderly as the pad of his thumb stroked her skin. “I’m not going to be here tomorrow. I shall be sailing to England in the morning.”

Her heart dropped. It wasn’t fair she found a man to make her heart pitter-patter and cause her knees to weaken, then to lose him so quickly.

“Oh.” Her voice was low. “Then I suppose I’ll just say it was a pleasure meeting you and I hope you have a safe journey home.”

With a heavy heart, she turned to leave, but he stopped her by taking her arm. When she faced him again, he moved closer and wrapped her in an embrace.

“Would you like to spend some time with me tonight?” he asked, his voice deep and sensual. “You could give me something to remember you by, and I can pretty much promise I shall never forget it.”

He had no idea how tempting that sounded. She’d love nothing better than to prove her father wrong. Prove that she didn’t have to wait until she was an old maid before a man could hold and kiss her.

He bent his head, his lips hovering just above hers. “Stay the night with me, Lindsay. I’ll give you a memory you shall never forget.”

Her knees weakened, and she was grateful he held her up. His words were so charming, so very seductive, but she couldn’t succumb to his advances no matter how much she wanted his kiss. Lindsay had a good reputation no matter how outspoken she was. She couldn’t shame her father, and she couldn’t go against his custom. Her father had to be the one to break it.

“Barry,” she said softly, “as much as that sounds Heavenly, I fear I must decline.” She pressed her hands against his chest and pushed away. She took one last look of his handsome face.

Confusion creased his forehead, and his dark eyes were laced with passion.

“That’s too bad.” He took a deep breath. “I was really looking forward getting to know you better.”

She shrugged. “What is the point? You’ll be leaving my country tomorrow and I shall never see you again.”

He swept his fingers along her cheek. “Then what do you say we make this our good-bye kiss.”

Once again, she was tempted, but…dare she? This might be her last chance at kissing such a handsome man. After he left, she’d have to wait years before she’d be the next in line to marry.

Closing her eyes, she leaned into him, hoping he’d make the first move since she had no idea how to passionately kiss a man.

His warm breath touched her lips before his mouth did. She’d been holding her breath, but once their lips joined all the air that had been in her lungs rushed out in a heady sigh.

At first, he kissed her with so much tenderness she thought her legs would collapse beneath her. Thankfully, though, his strong arms wrapped around her body and held her close to his strength, keeping her up.

Slowly, he moved his mouth with hers, pressing his face closer. His mustache tickled her skin, but it was the softness that surprised her. He surprised her yet again by nipping her bottom lip. As she gasped and parted her lips, his moist tongue slipped in.

Explosions ignited inside of her head, and she thought for sure her heart was going to beat so hard her ribs would crack. Strange emotions flitted through her, making her weak in the worst way. At this moment, she’d do anything to keep him kissing her. The excitement flowing through every part of her body was foreign, and yet she wanted more.

Unfortunately, if she took more, she’d disgrace the family. That’s something she couldn’t do.

Pressing her palms against his chest, she pushed out of his arms. Desire etched in his expression and had darkened his green eyes. Loving this man would be easy, so she must leave. Now!

“Forgive me, Barry, but I must go before my fa—um, my master realizes I’m gone.” She whirled around and ran as fast as she could before she changed her mind and hurried back into his arms to stay.

* * * *

Lindsay took her time returning home. She swung her arms wide, laughed giddily, and couldn’t remove her grin.

All because of the handsome man—Barry Braxton, captain of her heart.

She couldn’t possibly be in love, yet he was the first man she’d really talked with, and the only man who acted as if he was attracted to her. Dreamily, she sighed. He’d actually wanted to kiss her, and he acted as if he’d enjoyed holding her…just as she enjoyed being held.

He’d leave bright and early tomorrow morning, and she would never see him again, but the short time she’d spent in his presence would be cherished always.

She reached the manor, but the gates around the palace were locked and guards stood at their posts. She lowered her gaze and shifted the veil covering her hair, trying to cover most of it so they wouldn’t get suspicious.

Darkness had spread throughout the land, and she was grateful since it made her harder to see. She crept toward the back servants’ entry, but the gates were locked there, too.

Panic spread throughout her like wildfire. How was she supposed to get inside now? Tanya? Where are you?

Lindsay followed the gate as she kept her eyes on the windows, praying to see another servant that would assist. She came to a halt and frowned. Even if she could see someone, they wouldn’t be able to see her because of the darkness.

What a mess she’d gotten herself into this time.

Where is Tanya? Then it hit her. The maid was visiting with her family tonight. She wouldn’t be back to the manor until early morning.

Groaning, Lindsay covered her face with her hands and sank by the nearest tree. What was she going to do now? Really, there was nothing she could do—unless she wanted to shame her family by admitting she’d been in the marketplace dressed like a servant.

Perhaps if she could have someone get the chef. He’d let her in. But who could she have to do this errand for her?

Growling inwardly, she stomped her foot. There was only one solution. She had to go back to the marketplace, find Barry, and tell him the truth. He would be able to help her back into the palace without being caught. He could request an audience with her father, and then Barry could sneak her in some way.

Yes. That’s what she’d do.

She jumped to her feet, lifted her skirt to her ankles, and ran as fast as she could to the city’s center toward Barry’s shop. With each step, desperation clawed harder at her chest. Hopefully, the shop owners would still be dismantling their tents and packing it up for the night.

Please, Barry, be there.

When she reached the spot she’d last seen Barry, she stopped. Pain tightened in her chest from her deep breaths, and weariness surged through her legs from running so fast.

She scanned the area. Only a few men were loading merchandise on to a wagon. Unfortunately, Barry wasn’t one of them, but the other man she’d seen with him was. Her heart clenched. What should she do now?

The men strapped the canvas over the wagon then climbed up front. Without another thought, she ran to the end of the wagon and hopped on the back. One way or another, she’d be taken to Barry, even if she had to travel all the way to his ship.

The closer they came to the waterfront, the air turned colder. Weather in Selcuk had been cooler lately, and as always, very rainy. This evening’s rain wasn’t as heavy, but still damped her clothes quickly. The servant’s dress she’d found wasn’t providing much covering for her right now, especially when her teeth started chattering.

They reached the ship. Lindsay curled up on the end, holding tight to the ropes. The vehicles swayed as it boarded the vessel. Dizziness assailed her as the ship tossed back and forth. She closed her eyes, breathing slowly. Her stomach lurched a few times, but she fought to keep from retching. Good thing there wasn’t anything in there to lose.

The wagon bumped and swayed until it finally reached its destination. Once the motion stopped, she opened her eyes and jumped off. The rocking from the wagon and the ship caused her to stumble. She fell to the deck, her head slamming against the hard wood. Pain shot through her and she clutched her achy head.

“We have a stowaway,” someone yelled.

“No,” she gasped and snapped open her eyes.

Two men ran toward her. Barry’s first mate was in the lead. When the chubby man neared, his eyes widened and he hitched a breath. “It’s you.”

A sob rose to her throat. “I need to see Barry…um, Captain Braxton. Please.”

A wave of dizziness rolled through Lindsay’s head once again, this time making it impossible to move. She closed her eyes, willing the sickness to leave. But before she could call for Barry, her world turned dark.