BURIED TREASURE

Still holding her wrists in one hand, he caressed her face with the other. His fingers grazed her cheek, her chin, his thu ! ru!!ing her lower li" in a !ack#and#forth otion.

She was aware of his hard, asculine fingers, war and fir against her outh. He was so close she could s ell the salt s"ra$ and sunshine on his clothing, feel the heat e anating fro his !od$, al ost taste his se%ualit$.

His words &olted her. 'I want $ou, Bliss (ren)ille. I want $our !od$. I want $our soul. I want $our heart.'

Bliss nearl$ gagged on her "anic. *hat did he ean+ ',o- .lease let go of su""osed to return e to $ fianc1+ unhar ed, re e !er+'

e. /ou0re

Hunter0s face was as hard and cold as his )oice. '2h, $ou0ll see 3aulk again, !ut not until I decide it0s ti e.'

Hunter felt Bliss0s soft !od$ stiffen against his and s iled inwardl$. She was frightened, !ut fear was good. 3ear was a start. He couldn0t wait to turn her fear into desire. The sa e desire she0d once felt for (u$ De /oung.

Su

ar$

A, E/E 32R A, E/E

De)astated !$ lo)e0s !etra$al, nearl$ destro$ed !$ the assassin who took his e$e and left hi for dead, (u$ De /oung was re!orn as a an with no na e4 a "irate. His stare was unforgetta!le5 the !rilliant gaze enchanted wo en and struck fear in the hearts of en. Deter ined to ruin those who ke"t hi fro freedo and his heart0s onl$ desire, the reckless arauder could ha)e !een the De)il hi self !ut for the single glea ing sil)er e$e that recalled his "ast life.

*hen his lost lo)e, Bliss (ren)ille, fell into his clutches, the handso e !uccaneer whisked her off to his island "aradise, intent on re)enge. But so eti e during those endless tro"ical nights, his lust for )engeance !eca e an uncontrolla!le desire for the wo an herself. Though he had taken her ca"ti)e, he would not !e satisfied until she had freel$ gi)en hi her heart and soul.

RA6E RE6IE*S 32R 72,,IE 8AS2,-

*I,,ER 23 THE ROMANTIC TIMES CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!

6I9I,(-

'This ca"ti)e:ca"tor ro ance "ro)es a delicious read.'

Romantic Times

SHEI9

'8s. 8ason has written another winner; This is a stor$ that will certainl$ kee" $ou war on a cold winter0s night.'

Romantic Times

BRA6E <A,D, BRA6E <26E

' Brave Land, Brave Loveis an utter delight fro ad)enturous, and highl$ ro antic-'

first "age to last funn$, tender,

Romantic Times

*I<D <A,D, *I<D <26E

'7onnie 8ason has done it again-'

Romantic Times

B2<D <A,D, B2<D <26E

'A lo)el$ ro ance and a fine historical-'

Romantic Times

TE8.T THE DE6I<

'A grand and glorious ad)enture#ro "- 8s. 8ason te "ts the readers with; thrilling action and sizzling sensualit$-'

Romantic Times

BE/2,D THE H2RI=2,

'7onnie 8ason at her !est- She draws readers into this fast#"aced, tender and e otional historical ro ance that "ro)es that lo)e reall$ does con>uer all-'

Romantic Times

2ther Leisure and Love Spell books by Connie Mason:

BRAVE LAND, BRAVE LOVE

WILD LAND, WILD LOVE

BOLD LAND, BOLD LOVE

VIKING!

!RRENDER TO THE "!R#

"OR HONOR$

AKE

LORD O" THE NIGHT

TEM%T THE DEVIL

%ROMI E ME "OREVER

ICE AND RA%T!RE

LOVE ME WITH "!R#

HADOW WALKER

"LAME

TENDER "!R#

DE ERT EC TA #

A %ROMI E O" TH!NDER

%!RE TEM%TATION

WIND RIDER

TEAR LIKE RAIN

THE LION$ BRIDE

IERRA

BE#OND THE HORI&ON

TREA !RE O" THE HEART

CARE

CON'!ER

%ROMI ED %LENDOR

WILD I M# HEART

M# LAD# VI(EN

7onnie 8ason

To

$ hus!and, ?err$. The "irate who stole

$ heart

nearl$ half a centur$ ago.

A <EISURE B229@

Dece !er ABBC

.u!lished !$

Dorchester .u!lishing 7o., Inc.

DEF 3ifth A)enue

,ew /ork, ,/ AGGGA

If $ou "urchased this !ook without a co)er $ou should !e aware that this !ook is stolen "ro"ert$. It was re"orted as 'unsold and destro$ed' to the "u!lisher and neither the author nor the "u!lisher has recei)ed an$ "a$ ent for this 'stri""ed !ook.'

7o"$right H ABBC !$ 7onnie 8ason

All rights reser)ed. ,o "art of this !ook a$ !e re"roduced or trans itted in an$ for or !$ an$ electronic or echanical eans, including "hotoco"$ing, recording or !$ an$ infor ation storage and retrie)al s$ste , without the written "er ission of the .u!lisher, e%ce"t where "er itted !$ law.

ISB, G# CIJB#IIKF#G

The na e '<eisure Books' and the st$lized '<' with design are trade arks of Dorchester .u!lishing 7o., Inc.

.rinted in the United States of A erica.

.rologue

New Orleans, 1804

(u$ De/oung didn0t fear death. It was the thought of lea)ing Bliss to a 3aulk that sent terror though his heart.

an like (erald

7louds of thick, swirling ist nearl$ o!scured the handful of en standing !eneath the cano"$ of li)e oak trees known as Dueling 2aks. Eerie, gra$ tendrils of S"anish oss strea ed downward in the da ", "redawn orning, o!scuring the )iew of the two o""onents facing one another.

(u$ De/oung selected a "istol fro the "olished case held !$ his second, aware that his o""onent intended to kill hi . This was (u$0s first duel5 an affaire de coeur . He had unwisel$ fallen in lo)e with Bliss (ren)ille the daughter of the an who had hired hi as sta!le aster. He0d !een &u!ilant when he learned his affections were returned in full, and he and Bliss had secretl$ arried without her father0s a""ro)al and her for er fianc10s knowledge.

*hen (u$ had infor ed 7laude (ren)ille that he and Bliss were arried and had consu ated their )ows, (ren)ille had !een li)id. Bliss0s father had called (u$ a "enniless 7a&un u"start with no future. (ren)ille had great e%"ectations of the arriage he had arranged !etween se)enteen#$ear#old Bliss and (erald 3aulk, a wealth$ shi"#owner and e%"orter. (ren)ille was a "ro inent in)estor in 3aulk0s !usiness and had counted on a long and "ros"erous association with his "ros"ecti)e son#in#law. *hen 3aulk learned that his fianc1e had arried another an, he considered hi self the in&ured "art$ and challenged (u$ to a duel.

The$ stood now !eneath the Dueling 2aks, enclosed in a tent of green lea)es dri""ing with orning dew.

(erald 3aulk sneered at (u$ as he !alanced his "istol in the "al of his hand. '/ou0re a fool, De/oung. /ou should ha)e known !etter than to reach a!o)e $ourself. ,o one will ourn $our "assing.'

'Bliss lo)es

e,' (u$ taunted. 'That0s

ore than $ou can sa$.'

3aulk, a handso e, da""er an with light hair and a "encil#thin ustache, had the audacit$ to laugh at his tall, handso e o""onent. '/ou "oor, deluded fool. Bliss was !ut to$ing with $ou. *hat she "ercei)ed as lo)e was si "le infatuation. She0s alread$ !egged $ forgi)eness for her rash act, and I agnani ousl$ granted it.00 His words were lightl$ uttered !ut the look in his e$es !es"oke his rage. 'Bliss alread$ regrets arr$ing $ou against her father0s wishes. /ou0re scu , De/oung. .oor as dirt- 7laude (ren)ille has alread$ a""lied for an annul ent.'

'/ou0re a liar, 3aulk-' (u$ s"at. 'Bliss lo)es nothing to her.'

e. She0d ne)er "la$

e false. 8one$

eans

'The outco e of this duel will decide Bliss0s future,' 3aulk declared. '*e !oth know it0s her one$ $ou want. Are $ou aware that she doesn0t co e into her inheritance until she reaches twent$#fi)e+'

'I don0t want her

one$,' (u$ said, insulted. 'I will

ake

$ own fortune.'

'8ake $our own fortune+ Ha- Doing what+ Swee"ing u" horse dung+ I ho"e $ou en&o$ed Bliss, for $ou0ll not get another chance at her,' 3aulk s"at.

Suddenl$ a wo an ca e riding out of the ist toward the , a cloud of russet hair fl$ing !ehind her as she reined her ount to a skidding halt. '*ait-' she cried as she slid fro the saddle and raced toward the duelists.

'Bliss- 8$ (od, what are $ou doing here+' (u$ cried, catching the $oung wo an in his ar s and swinging her out of har 0s wa$. ',othing can !e gained !$ $our "resence. (o ho e, sweetheart. .lease.'

'/ou don0t understand,' Bliss "anted as she glanced fearfull$ o)er her shoulder. '3ather; He said $ou; The "olice; I know $ou didn0t do it.'

'Dueling is frowned u"on, !ut not illegal,' (u$ declared, una!le to words. 'I ight ha)e to go awa$ for a while !ut $ou0ll co e with e.'

ake sense of her

'Ste" awa$, Bliss,' 3aulk ordered !rus>uel$. '/our $oung lo)er and I ha)e unfinished !usiness to settle. If $ou hadn0t acted like a s"oiled child, this wouldn0t !e necessar$.'

Bliss turned the full "otenc$ of her tur>uoise e$es on 3aulk. 'Don0t do this, (erald. I !eg $ou. *hat if $ou0re killed+ 2r ai ed+ *hat will ha""en to'

'I will win,' 3aulk said with confidence.

(u$ regarded Bliss with dis a$. All her concern see ed to !e directed at 3aulk. Bliss was acting as if 3aulk were the an she cared a!out. Had 3aulk !een right a!out Bliss all along+ ,o, he couldn0t; wouldn0t think that wa$. Bliss lo)ed hi . She0d ne)er "la$ hi false.

'8o)e awa$, lo)e,' (u$ said.

'But 3ather'

(u$ didn0t ha)e ti e now to hear what Bliss was tr$ing to sa$. She could tell hi later, after he had dis"atched 3aulk. He otioned to his second, who strode !riskl$ forward to re o)e Bliss fro the dueling arena. Then 3aulk0s second read the rules while the o""onents aligned the sel)es !ack to !ack, !arel$ touching. U"on co and, the$ arked off the re>uired ten "aces and sto""ed.

As the count ended, a second intoned, 'Turn and fire at will.' Both "istols, and took ai .

en turned, raised their

3aulk0s shot whizzed "ast (u$, nicking his ear. (u$0s shot, intended for 3aulk0s shoulder, lodged in his chest when 3aulk lurched to the right in a futile effort to esca"e (u$0s !ullet.

Bliss screa ed as 3aulk clutched his chest and fell to the ground. <ifting her skirts, she rushed forward, dro""ing to her knees !eside hi . Her frantic words to her for er fianc1 would re ain etched u"on (u$0s !rain to the end of his da$s.

'Don0t die, (erald- .lease don0t die-' She tilted her tear#stained face u"ward, her terror "al"a!le. Her li"s had !eco e !loodless in a face leached of all color. '<ook what $ou0)e done-' she screa ed at (u$. '2h (od, wh$ did $ou do it+'

(u$ felt as if he0d !een ri""ed a"art. He didn0t want to !elie)e it, !ut he realized now that 3aulk had !een right when he0d said Bliss had !een to$ing with hi . Their arriage eant nothing to her. His e%"ression hardened and his heart turned to stone. E)en though (u$ had won the duel, he felt as if he had lost the !attle.

Through a haze of seething rage, (u$ !eca e aware suddenl$ of a distur!ance, a racket raised !$ shouting )oices and "ounding hoo)es. He tensed, his ner)e endings screa ing danger.

the

'There he is- Seize hi - The !ounder sold two of $ ost )alua!le horses and "ocketed one$. ,ow he0s killed a "ro inent citizen of ,ew 2rleans.'

The hea)$ ist was drifting awa$ now, chased !$ the orning sun. Through the thinning )a"or (u$ saw 7laude (ren)ille riding toward hi with a dozen 7it$ (uards hard on his heels. There was !ut one thought in (u$0s ind. 3lee- He knew nothing a!out stolen horses, !ut was astute enough to realize that Bliss0s father had concocted false charges in order to kee" hi awa$ fro Bliss. (u$ sent a !ewildered, hate#filled glance toward Bliss, con)inced that she had known of her father0s sche e all along. Then he s"un on his heel and fled.

He s"rinted across slick, wet grass, awa$ fro the agnificent oaks, unaware of the !lood flowing down his neck fro his nicked ear. His one chance of esca"e la$ in the acres of swa "s and !a$ous south of the cit$, where a an could lose hi self fore)er. But it was not to !e. He was !ut one an against an$. He was soon run down, !eaten, and dragged off to the 7ala!oso, that dark, da " "rison where an$ a an !efore hi had et his end.

7ha"ter 2ne

New Orleans, 1805

'/ou can0t go on like this, Bliss,' 7laude (ren)ille chided his daughter. '/our child is dead and !uried and $our lo)er is unlikel$ to lea)e the 7ala!oso an$ ti e soon. There is nothing to sto" us now fro o!taining an annul ent of that disastrous arriage $ou ade. /ou were underage and o!)iousl$ coerced into running off with that $oung fortune hunter.'

'I don0t want an annul ent, 3ather,' Bliss said as she conte "late the sun#drenched gardens.

o)ed listlessl$ to the window to

'*e0)e gone o)er this ti e and again, Bliss,' 7laude (ren)ille said with an a""arent lack of "atience. '(erald has full$ reco)ered fro his wound and is still willing to arr$ $ou, des"ite $our reckless alliance with (u$ De/oung. I waited until after the !irth of the child to start annul ent "roceedings, !ecause I didn0t want !astard$ attached to our good na e. ,ow that the i "edi ent of an unwanted child no longer e%ists, I can "etition for an annul ent and $ou can "lan a fall wedding.'

Bliss raised her fan and wa)ed it !efore her "ale face in a desultor$ anner. 6er$ little interested her an$ ore. Her atte "ts to )isit (u$ in the 7ala!oso had failed, foiled, she su""osed, !$ either her father or (erald 3aulk. She knew the$ had used their considera!le influence and high#"laced friends to kee" (u$ fro !eing !rought to trial, and it onl$ ade her ore deter ined than e)er to resist her father0s efforts to ake her arr$ (erald. She would ne)er arr$ while (u$ was still ali)e and languishing so ewhere within the dank stone walls of the 7ala!oso. She knew e%actl$ who was res"onsi!le for the in&ustice against (u$ and she hated the for it.

After the still!orn !irth of her child, Bliss had nearl$ lost the will to li)e. But her strong sur)i)al instincts and the !elief that (u$ would one da$ !e released fro "rison sustained her, instilling in her the s"irit to go on. Being reunited with the an she lo)ed !eca e the dri)ing force within her.

'/ou can "etition for an annul ent if $ou want, 3ather, !ut $ou can0t force e to arr$ (erald 3aulk,' Bliss aintained. 'The$ can0t kee" (u$ in "rison fore)er. *hen he0s released, we will !e together again.'

7laude stared into his daughter0s !elligerent tur>uoise e$es and recognized defeat. He0d &ust !een infor ed that the newl$ a""ointed agistrate had re)iewed (u$0s records and ruled that he had !een i "risoned long enough, since a cri e had ne)er !een "ro)en. The$ were "lanning to release hi )er$ soon. 7laude had sent an urgent essage to (erald 3aulk and e%"ected hi o entaril$.

'E)en if De/oung is released fro "rison, there is no wa$. He can ake a li)ing,' 7laude argued. 'He0s a no!od$. A hotheaded 7a&un with a cri inal record. He ser)ed as $ sta!le aster, for hea)en0s sake. Is that the kind of an $ou want for a hus!and+'

'I lo)e hi ,' Bliss said, raising her "ointed little chin to a defiant angle. '*e0ll go awa$ together, where no one knows hi .'

'(erald 3aulk can gi)e $ou a good life,' 7laude "ersisted. 'He0s "ros"erous and res"ected in the cit$, des"ite !eing an A erican. Unlike so e ,ew 2rleans nati)es, I ha)e learned to li)e with the A ericans who flooded the territor$ after it was sold to the United States. I0)e in)ested hea)il$ in 3aulk0s shi""ing )entures and ho"e to ake a fortune fro $ in)est ent. He has loaned e funds to satisf$ $ de!tors. *hen he asked for $our hand, I saw no reason to den$ hi . E)er$thing would ha)e worked out if $ou hadn0t fancied $ourself in lo)e with $ sta!le aster and run off with hi .'

'(u$ intends to enroll at the uni)ersit$ and !eco e a law$er,' Bliss clai ed.

'He0s a fortune hunter after $our inheritance,' 7laude contended. '3ortunatel$, $ou can0t touch the !ulk of $our funds until $our twent$#fifth !irthda$.'

'I refuse to listen to $our insults, 3ather,' Bliss said, facing hi another an. I0 "re"ared to wait for (u$ fore)er.'

s>uarel$. 'I0ll ne)er lo)e

'A I intruding+' (erald 3aulk asked as he strode into the drawing roo . 'The !utler let e in.'

'7o e in, co e in,' 7laude in)ited as he held his hand out to 3aulk. 'I0)e !een waiting for $ou.'

'E%cuse e,' Bliss said, s"inning on her heel. 'I need to confer with the cook a!out tonight0s dinner.'

(erald 3aulk watched Bliss walk across the roo and felt a tightening in his groin. He0d wanted her since he0d first laid e$es on her, and he would ha)e had her if that da ned De/oung hadn0t stolen her awa$ fro hi . He0d e)en loaned her s"endthrift father one$ in order to ha)e her. He wanted Bliss for an$ reasons. He wanted her in his !ed, he wanted her inheritance, and he wanted her !ecause she would ease his entr$ into 3rench ,ew 2rleans societ$. These 3rench en were a clannish !unch who were leer$ of his A erican heritage. 2nce he arried into the (ren)ille fa il$, 3aulk was confident his shi""ing !usiness would flourish.

'Did $ou s"eak with Bliss a!out our

arriage+' 3aulk asked once Bliss had left the roo .

'2f course I did,' 7laude said, gesturing i "atientl$. 'But the outco e is the sa e as it has !een since De/oung ca e into her life. Annul ent or no, she refuses to arr$ $ou.'

'/ou don0t need her a""ro)al to o!tain an annul ent,' 3aulk re inded hi . '/ou0re her father. /ou can force her to acce"t the arriage. I al ost died !ecause of her. /ou !oth owe e for that. /ou0re $ !usiness "artner. I0)e loaned $ou one$ when $ou needed it. I want Bliss and I ai to ha)e her one wa$ or another.'

7laude hea)ed a "ained sigh. 'I don0t ha)e the heart to force her after; after what I0)e done to her. That0s wh$ I ha)enLt "ushed for the annul ent. Bliss won0t hear of it. E)en if I did a""l$ for an annul ent, Bliss wouldn0t arr$ $ou.'

'/ou0re too lenient with the girl,' 3aulk said with a snort of disgust. '/ou did what had to !e done. *e !oth agreed to it.'

'I know,' 7laude said distractedl$. 'Don0t worr$. That "art of our !argain still holds. A child sired !$ a an who is not her social e>ual would ha)e ruined Bliss0s life. I did what I thought !est. But what0s to !e done now+ De/oung is likel$ to !e released soon, and Bliss still fancies herself in lo)e with hi .'

3aulk0s attention shar"ened. 'Are $ou sure De/oung is to !e released soon+'

'I recei)ed word &ust $esterda$ fro

a source

I "a$ to kee" e infor ed. 2ne of De/oung0s nu erous "etitions for release ust ha)e reached the courts. I don0t know wh$ our influential friends failed to !lock it as the$ did the others, !ut it fell into the newl$ a""ointed agistrate0s hands. He looked into the charges, learned that De/oung had ne)er !een !rought to trial, and ruled for his release. A""arentl$ the agistrate decided De/oung had !een incarcerated long enough.'

'Da nation- So ething ust !e done, and >uickl$. 2!taining an annul ent now isn0t enough if Bliss re ains o""osed to our arriage.'

7laude sent 3aulk a du!ious look. '*hat do $ou "ro"ose+'

3aulk0s light e$es glea ed with sl$ deter ination as he stroked his ustache with a long finger. '<ea)e the "articulars to e. /ou don0t want De/oung to ha)e $our daughter, do $ou+'

Indignant, 7laude stiffened. 'A!solutel$ not- Her other, (od rest her soul, would turn in her gra)e if she knew her daughter0s inheritance would go to a "enniless sta!le hand. 8arie0s ancestors were 3rench aristocrats. /ou aren0t the aristocrat 8arie would ha)e wanted for her daughter, !ut there are few of those left these da$s. At least $ou ha)e the eans to gi)e Bliss a good life.'

'It0s settled, then,' 3aulk said. 'I0ll take care of De/oung. *ith De/oung out of the "icture, Bliss will ha)e no reason to wait for hi . The onl$ wa$ De/oung will lea)e the 7ala!oso is in a wooden !o%.00

7laude !lanched. '*ooden !o%- I don0t want to know the details, (erald. Do what $ou ha)e to do, !ut don0t e%"ect e to hel".'

A!o)e stairs in her roo , Bliss "aced ner)ousl$ until she heard the crunch of 3aulk0s carriage wheels on the co>uina dri)ewa$. She waited until the e>ui"age disa""eared through the "lantation gates !efore rushing downstairs to confront her father. She found hi gazing u" at her other0s "ortrait, hands !ehind his !ack, a "ensi)e e%"ression on his face.

'Did $ou tell hi I wouldn0t arr$ hi +' Bliss !lurted out as he turned to face her. '/ou can get the annul ent, !ut I won0t arr$ (erald as long as (u$ li)es.'

'I told hi ,' 7laude said in a flat )oice that sent chills racing down Bliss0s elegant !ack. She0d ne)er seen her father so distracted. *hat had trans"ired !etween hi and (erald+

'I don0t su""ose there is an$thing I can sa$ to con)ince $ou to e%"edite (u$0s release fro "rison, or to let e )isit hi . He doesn0t e)en know a!out the child.'

(od willing, he ne)er will, 7laude thought. 'I don0t wish to discuss this with $ou now,' he said. 'I ha)e other things on $ ind. /ou0re onl$ eighteen, Bliss, and a great !eaut$. *h$ do $ou "ersist in throwing $our $oung life awa$ on a an who is a known thief+'

'(u$ is no thief- /ou and (erald tru "ed u" that charge. Don0t $ou think I know $ou0)e ke"t (u$ in "rison through "olitical achinations+ I a$ !e onl$ eighteen, !ut I0 old enough to recognize ani"ulation when I see it. I0ll ne)er forgi)e $ou for what $ou0)e done to (u$ and e, 3ather.'

*hirling on her heel, she left the roo with all the dignit$ she could uster. 7laude watched her lea)e, his e%"ression a i%ture of deter ination and sadness. He lo)ed his daughter and didn0t want her to throw her life awa$ on a an far !eneath her in social rank. (u$ De/oung0s "arents had !een i "o)erished sharecro""ers and the son was no !etter. 3urther ore, 7laude0s alliance with (erald 3aulk had to succeed, for he was on the !rink of financial ruin. 7ro"s had failed three $ears in a row, his istress was de anding ore than he could afford, and he0d !orrowed fro the !ank in order to in)est in 3aulk0s !usiness )enture. Bliss wouldn0t recei)e her inheritance until she was twent$#fi)e and 7laude was da ned if he0d let (u$ De/oung ha)e it. 7laude had alread$ ade a deal with 3aulk to share Bliss0s inheritance, and he wasn0t a!out to gi)e it u".

The Cala oso

(u$ De/oung turned "ainfull$ on his left side, careful not to aggra)ate the !roken ri! he0d suffered during his latest !eating. Des"ondent, he gnawed on a hunk of !read and stared into the darkness. During the $ear he0d s"ent incarcerated in the 7ala!oso he0d recei)ed !eatings regularl$, each one ad inistered with the co "li ents of the (ren)illeLs and (erald 3aulk, or so he0d !een told !$ the sadistic guard who had wielded the clu!.

Each "lea for an inter)iew with the agistrate had !een et with $et another !eating. (u$ had no idea whether an$ of his nu erous "etitions had e)er reached the agistrate and he had al ost gi)en u" ho"e. Thin to the "oint of gauntness, (u$ !arel$ e%isted in the dark, dank cell. He was a ere shell of the an he0d once !een. His "ale face s"orted a !eard as thick and !lack as his long, atted hair. His sil)er e$es, once ali)e with the &o$ of li)ing, now seethed with hatred and drea s of re)enge.

His clothing hung on his s"arse fra e in tatters and his leather !oots had long since rotted awa$. Des"ite "ri)ation, !eatings, near star)ation, and harsh treat ent !$ sadistic guards, he had sur)i)ed, ke"t fro co "lete adness !$ drea s of re)enge. *hat hurt ost was the isolation, the feeling of !eing cut off fro the outside world. (u$ knew he had (ren)ille and 3aulk to thank for that. Their "owerful friends had seen to it that his "etitions for a trial ne)er reached the courts. How he wished he had killed (erald 3aulk when he0d had the chance.

(u$ knew for certain that no e)idence e%isted to su!stantiate the false charges of thie)er$ against hi . And he0d learned fro a friendl$ guard that (erald 3aulk still li)ed, so no charge of urder hung o)er his head. /et his ho"es for a >uick ac>uittal had dwindled with each "assing da$, until he des"aired of e)er !eing free again.

(u$ would ha)e re ained co "letel$ ignorant of outside e)ents if not for Andre 7ardette, a childhood friend who was now a guard at the "rison. Andre wasn0t like the other guards. He ne)er "artici"ated in the !eatings. He "ro)ided (u$ with what s all co forts he could without sacrificing his &o!, which he needed to su""ort his large fa il$. During an$ of the !eatings, Andre had "re)ented o)erzealous guards fro turning a !eating into a death. If Andre could ha)e done ore for hi , (u$ knew he would ha)e.

(u$ groaned and changed "ositions again, una!le to find co fort in the "ile of old$ straw that ser)ed as his !ed. He no longer noticed the offensi)e odor e anating fro !oth his !ed and his !od$, !ut he knew others would find his stench intolera!le. Between !eatings he tried to aintain a "rogra of e%ercise, fearing his li !s would wither fro lack of o)e ent if he didn0t ake the effort. His strength was nothing like it used to !e, !ut thanks to his strict adherence to regi en, he was stronger than he looked. But last night0s !eating had !een "articularl$ !rutal. Unfortunatel$, Andre hadn0t !een there to te "er the )iciousness. (u$ didn0t know how uch longer he0d !e a!le to sur)i)e in this hellhole.

Suddenl$ (u$ heard a ke$ scra"e in the lock and he turned his head toward the hea)$ oak door. The door o"ened and he !linked at the sudden flare of light.

'(u$. Are $ou all right+'

!ndre. (u$ allowed hi self to !reathe again. He didn0t think he could sur)i)e another !eating. '/our friends nearl$ did e in last night. Ha)e $ou co e to gloat+' Andre didn0t deser)e that fro hi , !ut he couldn0t hel" the &i!e. He hurt so da n uch that onl$ his raging anger ke"t hi sane.

'I0 sorr$, (u$, there was nothing I could do.' He walked into the cell and closed the door. (u$ flinched awa$ fro the light. 'How !adl$ are $ou hurt+' Andre asked.

'I0ll li)e,' (u$ grunted. 'This ti e it was onl$ a cracked ri!.' He shrugged, then winced and clutched his iddle. 00*ho knows what the ne%t !eating will !ring+ Do $ou !ring news+'

Andre o)ed closer and s>uatted down !eside (u$. '<isten carefull$, mon ami ,' he whis"ered. 'The guards on dut$ tonight ha)e !een "aid !$ $our ene ies to lea)e the ke$ in the lock. /ou ust "re"are $ourself for an unwanted )isitor. An assassin will enter $our cell tonight to kill $ou. /our death certificate will state that $ou died of &ail fe)er, and $ou0ll !e !uried with unco on haste in "au"er0s field.'

(u$ s"it out an oath. 'How did $ou learn of this+'

'I know !ecause I was assigned to disco)er $our !od$ in the orning. .eo"le with one$ can do as the$ "lease, e)en take a an0s life, while the "oor ust suffer. I ha)e done what I could for $ou, (u$, !ecause of our childhood friendshi". I wish it could ha)e !een ore, !ut I ha)e $ fa il$ to think a!out. The$ need what little $ &o! "ro)ides. The !est I can do is warn $ou and gi)e $ou this.'

He "ulled a wicked#looking !lade fro !eneath his unifor &acket and handed it to (u$. 'Take it and use it wisel$. I0 going off dut$ now. I0)e orders to return at dawn with a "ine !o%. It will !e $ sad dut$ to re"ort $our death. If $ou0re still ali)e, "erha"s we can figure out so ething.'

'Andre.' The guard was halfwa$ to the door !efore he turned. 'Thank $ou. If there is a (od, he0ll surel$ !less $ou for this. Unfortunatel$, I0)e lost all faith in Hi .'

Andre nodded, started to sa$ so ething, thought !etter of it, then >uietl$ let hi self out of the cell, locking the door !ehind hi .

(u$0s fingers curled around the handle of the knife. It felt good in his hand. Solid and deadl$. He fle%ed the uscles of his ar , testing his strength. It was definitel$ not what it uses to !e, !ut it was sufficient. Then he la$ down on the straw and waited.

Hours later he heard shuffling outside his door. The etallic click of the ke$ turning in the lock. A uted s>ueak as the door o"ened. Hushed footste"s as a shrouded figure ste""ed through the narrow o"ening.

After long onths of li)ing in the cakelike en)iron ent of !lack and gra$, (u$ was accusto ed to the darkness. He tensed and entall$ "re"ared hi self as the assassin cre"t noiselessl$ toward hi . (u$ willed hi self to rise a!o)e the "ain of his aching ri!s as he gauged the assassin0s a""roach.

(u$ tensed as the assassin cre"t closer. He held his !reath when he sensed the an0s "resence loo ing o)er hi . (u$ knew the e%act o ent the assassin raised his ar 5 swiftl$, he rolled awa$, lea"ing to his feet to face his ene $. The an a""eared sur"rised, which was e%actl$ what (u$ had counted on. (u$ used his o entar$ ad)antage to launch an attack of his own. The an see ed to reco)er hi self as he fended off (u$0s !low, dri)ing (u$ !ack !$ slashing his knife in a wide arc.

The$ circled one another in silent co !at, feinting and retreating, each swi"e of their !lades drawing !lood. (u$ was "anting, nearl$ at the end of his endurance, when suddenl$ he saw an o"ening. He feinted to the right. *hen the assassin "arried, (u$ !uried his knife dee" in the other an0s chest. The assassin0s !lade, alread$ in otion when (u$ had struck, continued its deadl$ "ath, slashing downward across (u$0s right e$e.

.ain. E%cruciating. De!ilitating. Seething o)er hi and through hi . He fell to his knees, clas"ing his hand o)er his e$e to stanch the !lood. His !reath ca e in short, une)en !ursts as he !it his li" clear through to kee" fro screa ing. *ith his good e$e he saw the assassin l$ing otionless, !lood strea ing fro his chest. He forced hi self to "lace an ear to the an0s !reast. The assassin0s lungs were still, his heart silent. He was dead.

(u$ dro""ed to the foul straw, too s"ent to feel, too !itter to think "ast the loss of his e$e. Another tra)est$ to la$ at the door of (erald 3aulk and the (ren)illeLs. So e wa$, so ehow, he )owed to ake the "a$ for the "ain and suffering the$ had cost hi . The lo)e he0d once felt for Bliss no longer e%isted. It had hardened into a knot of intense loathing. The sight of her wailing o)er 3aulk0s !od$ after the duel had !een indeli!l$ engra)ed u"on his ind.

(u$ didn0t know how long he la$ in the filth$ straw holding his in&ured e$e. .ain ade the ti e see endless. He !arel$ roused hi self when the cell door o"ened and Andre entered.

He sensed rather than saw Andre kneel !eside hi . ' "acre leu#Are $ou dead, then+ Ha)e $ou killed one another+'

(u$ raised his head with great effort. 'I a dead.'

ali)e, !ut "erha"s not for long. The assassin is

Andre ga)e an audi!le gas" when he saw !lood strea ing through (u$0s fingers. 'How !adl$ are $ou hurt+'

'It doesn0t

atter. Ha)e $ou !rought the "ine !o%+'

'It0s sitting &ust outside the door. The to carr$ it awa$. *hat do $ou "ro"ose+'

en who deli)ered it are waiting in the guard roo

'Hel" e to e%change $ clothing for the assassin0s. /ou said the guards on dut$ ha)e !een "aid to look the other wa$ while the assassin sli"s in and out of the 7ala!oso. I0 going to take the assassin0s "lace. I0ll need $ou to stuff the assassin0s !od$ in the !o%, close the lid, and su on the en !ack to carr$ it awa$ for a swift !urial.'

'I will do it, mon ami . Are $ou a!le to

anage on $our own+ *hat has he done to $ou+'

'I will anage,' (u$ said gri l$. 'I think I ha)e lost an e$e, !ut I0ll sur)i)e. 8$ thirst for re)enge will kee" e ali)e.'

Andre swiftl$ re o)ed the assassin0s clothing while (u$ cast off his own tattered rags. After the clothing had !een e%changed, Andre dragged the coffin into the cell and du "ed the stiffening !od$ into it. Then he ha ered down the lid with the hilt of his sword.

'I owe $ou $ life, Andre, !ut I would ask one "re"ared to lea)e.

ore thing of $ou,' (u$ said as he

'*hat would $ou ha)e

e do+'

'Breathe not a word of this to an$one. E)er$one igno!le death in the 7ala!oso.'

ust !elie)e that (u$ De/oung died an

Andre nodded. '3or *hat will $ou do+'

$ own sake as well as $ours, I will sa$ nothing. *here will $ou go+

'There is onl$ one "lace I can go. The <afitte !rothers are known to hel" fugiti)es fro the law. I will ask the to take e to their stronghold on Barataria. ,o one will look for e there while I reco)er and regain $ strength.'

'/ou would !eco e a "irate+ 0Tis a well#known fact that the <afitte !rothers, if not actual "irates the sel)es, !roker goods in ,ew 2rleans "ro)ided !$ 7ari!!ean "irates, and that (rande Terre is a "irate0s ha)en. Ru or has it the !rothers ha)e grown fa!ulousl$ rich off stolen erchandise.'

(u$0s

ined face hardened. 'I will do whate)er is necessar$ to sur)i)e. 3arewell, Andre.'

The $renville %lantation

Bliss stared at her father in a!&ect horror. ',o- I refuse to !elie)e it-' Her li"s tre !led, her face was white as a sheet. '(u$ can0t !e dead. I would know in $ heart if he no longer e%isted. /ou lie-'

'I will show $ou the "lace where he is !uried,' 7laude (ren)ille said, 'and take $ou to the 7ala!oso $self so $ou a$ inter)iew the guard who found his !od$. Acce"t it, Bliss. (u$ De/oung succu !ed to a de!ilitating illness while in "rison.'

,one of the tragedies in Bliss0s $oung life had !een as soul#destro$ing as this. (u$0s death fore)er doo ed her drea s of a future with the an she lo)ed. *hile he li)ed, ho"e e%isted. Each night she knelt in "ra$er, !eseeching (od to !ring a!out his release fro "rison. ,ot once did she gi)e u" ho"e, or dou!t that (od would answer her "ra$er. But (u$0s death ended life as she knew it. How could she go on+

'/ou no longer ha)e a reason to den$ (erald 3aulk,' 7laude o!ser)ed. '(u$ De/oung will ne)er return.'

His insensiti)e words "ro)ided Bliss with the s"irit to resist her father0s "lan for her future. She glared at hi , her tur>uoise e$es narrowed with stu!!orn deter ination. 'The onl$ an I0ll e)er lo)e has &ust died. I hold $ou and (erald res"onsi!le for his death, no atter how he died. How can $ou e)en suggest that I arr$ another an+ ,othing $ou can sa$ will "ersuade e to arr$ (erald.'

'*hate)er did I do to deser)e such an ungrateful daughter+' 7laude shouted. '3aulk0s generous loans ha)e "aid for $our gowns and the food $ou eat.'

'Don0t forget $our istress, 3ather,' Bliss returned sarcasticall$. 'That house $ou !ought /)ette on the ra "arts ust ha)e cost a s all fortune.'

7laude, still handso e and )igorous at fort$#fi)e, harru "hed at Bliss0s !ald accusation. 'A an $ age ust ha)e his "leasures, Bliss. It isn0t as if I0 !etra$ing $our other. She died long ago. I de"end u"on 3aulk0s !usiness for $ li)elihood. The least $ou could do is "lease e !$ arr$ing hi . It is what 3aulk wants, and I wish to aintain a good relationshi" with hi for o!)ious reasons.'

'(erald co)ets

$ inheritance. I wish

$ grand"arents had ne)er left

e wealth$.'

'I won0t lie to $ou. /our inheritance is i "ortant to !oth 3aulk and $self, !ut it won0t !e $ours to clai for a long ti e. 8eanwhile, 3aulk will take care of $ou in the anner to which $ou0re accusto ed.'

'And

$ inheritance will !e his when; if I

arr$ hi .'

7laude harru "hed again. 'That0s the usual wa$ it works. *o en aren0t ca"a!le of handling large su s of one$. That0s wh$ the law "ro)ides for hus!ands to anage their wi)es0 affairs. De/oung would ha)e s>uandered $our inheritance.'

Bliss closed her e$es against hot tears as the shock of (u$0s death suddenl$ hit her. She would ne)er see hi again. ,e)er taste his kisses. ,e)er feel his hands gliding o)er her !od$, lo)ing her with his uni>ue !rand of "assion. ,e)er hear hi whis"ering sweet words of lo)e.

(u$ was a an like no other, strong and "owerfull$ !uilt, des"ite his $outh. He was a sensiti)e lo)er who alwa$s "laced her "leasure a!o)e his own. He0d !een !arel$ twent$#one when the$ had et and fallen in lo)e, !ut she0d known i ediatel$ that he was an e%ce"tional an4 kind, co "assionate, unfailingl$ gentle5 she0d ne)er forget hi . Their ti es together had !een achingl$ !rief, al!eit sufficient to ake a child. ,ow (u$ would ne)er know the$0d had a child together and lost hi at !irth.

'Did $ou hear

e, Bliss+ Shall I tell 3aulk $ou0ll

arr$ hi +'

',o, 3ather. I0ll ne)er re arr$.' She eant it. 8arr$ing another e or$ of (u$. 'Tell (erald he0ll ne)er ha)e $ inheritance.'

an would sull$ her

7ha"ter Two

New Orleans, 1811

'/ou ust do this for $ sake, Bliss,' 7laude (ren)ille said as he "aced a well#worn "ath across the car"et. 'I0 !egging $ou to reconsider. It0s no longer a si "le atter. I0 ruined, ruined. And so is (erald 3aulk if $ou don0t arr$ hi and let hi use $our inheritance to recou" his losses. I ha)enLt "ressed $ou !efore, !ecause $ou were still too $oung to collect $our inheritance. /ou know the ter s as well as I. /ou ha)e to !e arried in order to recei)e the !ulk of $our fortune. If $ou are still single when $ou reach twent$#fi)e, $ou are onl$ entitled to a onthl$ allowance.'

Bliss sighed wearil$. '*e0)e gone o)er this !efore, 3ather, and sa e.'

$ answer is still the

'2ur ho e is at stake, daughter. The !ank will own it if I can0t eet the ortgage "a$ ent. ,either 3aulk nor $self antici"ated the incredi!le losses his !usiness has suffered of late. E)er$ one of his shi"s has !een attacked !$ "irates. B$ one "irate in "articular, I ight add. It0s as if that da ned thief has singled hi out for attack. 8onths later his stolen goods turn u" in the cit$, offered to !u$ers !$ those incorrigi!le <afitte !rothers at outrageous "rices.'

'*here is the A erican ,a)$+ *h$ do the$ allow these atrocities to continue+' Bliss wondered.

'The few shi"s the ,a)$ owns are engaged in kee"ing the British fro our shores. The ,a)$ has neither the one$ nor the ti e to chase "irates fro our waters. (as"arilla is the worst of the lot. He0s for ed a Brotherhood of "irates to sail under hi . Their attacks u"on our shi"s are intolera!le. A "irate known as Hunter see s !ent u"on destro$ing 3aulk Shi""ing.'

Bliss shi)ered, recalling the latest gossi" she0d heard in town concerning (as"arilla and the Brotherhood. 'I0)e heard that (as"arilla kee"s wo en hostages on a se"arate island. The wo en on 7a"ti)a Island are luck$ in one res"ect, for the$ usuall$ are ranso ed and sent !ack to their fa ilies.'

'2nl$ (od knows what ha""ens to those "oor wretches while awaiting ranso ,' 7laude contended. 'But I digress. *hat0s i "ortant here is the fact that in si% onths $ou will co e into $our inheritance. If $ou0re still unwed, all $ou0ll recei)e is a onthl$ allowance, so $ou need to arr$. 3aulk is des"erate for funds to "lace additional cannon on his re aining shi"s. The !ank refused his re>uest for a loan and he has nowhere else to turn.00

'There are other heiresses in town, 3ather.'

'/ou0re the one 3aulk wants. It0s alwa$s !een $ou. It0s ti e $ou arried, Bliss. *ho will take care of $ou after I0 gone+ /ou0re going to !e twent$#fi)e soon. 8en want wi)es $oung enough to !ear the se)eral children. 7onsider this. Unless $ou arr$, $ou will ne)er know the &o$s of otherhood.'

Bliss winced. 7laude had hit a sore s"ot. ,earl$ se)en $ears had "assed since she0d lost her child, and si% $ears since (u$0s death. She0d ne)er forgotten either. Her life was a "rogression of e "t$ da$s, filled with drea s of the an she had lo)ed ore than her own life, and of the child the$ had ade together. Did she want another child+ The answer was a resounding $es. Unfortunatel$, the onl$ wa$ to ha)e that des"eratel$ wanted child was to arr$.

'I do want children,' Bliss ad itted with a wistful sigh. 'If

$ son had li)ed'

'But he didn0t,' 7laude cut in harshl$. '/ou0)e ourned long enough. Agree to arr$ (erald 3aulk and $ou could !e holding a child in $our ar s !$ this ti e ne%t $ear. /ou0re nearl$ twent$#fi)e, long "ast the ti e ost girls arr$. I0 des"erate and so is 3aulk. He needs $our inheritance to kee" his shi""ing !usiness afloat. If he goes under, so do I.

'I0)e asked )er$ little of $ou, Bliss. The least $ou could do is co "l$ with $ wishes. I assured 3aulk that $ou would acce"t his "ro"osal this ti e. I won0t let $ou ake a liar out of e.'

Bliss0s gaze turned inward as she "ictured the face of the an she had lo)ed and arried long ago. Se)en $ears was a long ti e and (u$0s !elo)ed features had di ed o)er the $ears, !ut she0d ne)er forget the !rief !ut "assionate lo)e the$ had shared. She had ad ired and lo)ed e)er$thing a!out hi , the softness of his dark, shin$ hair, the lu inous sheen of his sil)er#gra$ e$es, and the solid strength of his uscular !uild.

(u$ De/oung was dead.

Her child was dead.

There would ne)er !e another (u$, !ut she could ha)e another child.

'/ou will o!e$ e in this, daughter,' 7laude re"eated. '(erald has a""lied for a license and the !anns are to !e read in St. <ouis 7athedral this Sunda$. The wedding will take "lace in three weeks.'

'I can hel" "a$ $our de!ts with understand it0s a generous sti"end.'

onthl$ allowance, 3ather,' Bliss offered. 'I

'It0s not enough for our "ur"oses. 3aulk has waited a long ti e for $ou and he0s running out of "atience. He loaned e one$ when I needed it. I ust honor that de!t. He needs su!stantial funds to kee" his !usiness afloat. He ust ar his shi"s.'

'*ith

one$,' Bliss said !itterl$.

'There is no other wa$,' 7laude said, shrugging. 'Since $ou ha)e no hus!and, $ou are ineligi!le to recei)e the !ulk of $our inheritance u"on co ing of age.'

'How can I arr$ (erald when I don0t e)en like hi +' Bliss co "lained !itterl$. '(u$ would still !e ali)e if (erald hadn0t challenged hi and $ou hadn0t used $our influence to kee" hi in &ail until he sickened and died of fe)er.'

'That0s water under the !ridge. The wedding will take "lace in three weeks and that0s final.'

'I0ll agree !ut I don0t ha)e to like it,' Bliss said with ill#grace. 'If arr$ing (erald is the onl$ wa$ to sa)e $ ho e, then so !e it. Ha)ing a child will ake $ sacrifice worthwhile. ?ust ake sure (erald knows I can ne)er lo)e hi . I0 sure he won0t ind since it0s $ one$ he reall$ wants.'

7laude hea)ed a sigh of relief. His greatest fear had !een that his daughter would refuse to arr$ 3aulk. It see ed incredi!le that Bliss would ourn (u$ De/oung si% $ears after his death, and still "ine for the son she had !orne hi . She0d !een so $oung at the ti e, and he0d felt certain she would forget the "ast and acce"t 3aulk0s "ro"osal !efore she turned twent$# fi)e. He0d had no idea his daughter would "ro)e so stu!!orn. Thank (od he had finall$ worn her down.

MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

Bliss "osed !efore the irror in her wedding dress, gazing at the i age she would "resent to all their friends in less than two da$s. She had gained a certain aturit$ since her arriage to (u$ se)en $ears !efore. Her !urnished hair still retained its sheen and her e$es were the sa e !right tur>uoise the$ had alwa$s !een, !ut her figure had ri"ened to lush aturit$ o)er the $ears.

'/ou0ll ake a dazzling !ride, Bliss,' the dress aker sighed as she "laced the last "in in the he . 'The color suits $ou. I0 glad $ou decided on !lue instead of white.'

'It0s a lo)el$ dress, 7laire,' Bliss said, recalling the da$ she had run off with (u$. She0d worn a frill$ white organd$ dress. It was a child0s dress, she realized now, !ut (u$ had lo)ed it.

'Take it off and I0ll do the he wedding.'

in the sho" and ha)e it !ack in "lent$ of ti e for the

Bliss could find little &o$ in either her wedding or the dress she was to wear. After the dress aker left, she sat listlessl$ on the !ed and stared at the ceiling, her thoughts an$thing !ut "lacid. How could she allow (erald to touch her in the sa e wa$ (u$ had+ After their wedding (erald could do an$thing he wanted to her and she0d ha)e to su! it. A shudder of re)ulsion rolled down her s"ine.

She recalled how eager she0d !een to consu ate her arriage to (u$. How his tender words and gentleness had erased her fears and eased her e !arrass ent. There had !een "ain, !ut (u$ had ade it so !eautiful she0d hardl$ noticed. A so! worked its wa$ into her throat and lodged there. Her e$es grew ist$ with tears as her thoughts turned to (u$. After all these $ears, she still couldn0t acce"t (u$0s death. Had she seen his !od$, she ight ha)e !een ore acce"ting, !ut all she0d seen was a gra)esite.

The clock on her dresser chi ed the hour and Bliss forced herself to dress and descend the staircase. She intended to take the carriage to town to "urchase glo)es and sli""ers to atch her dress. In the hallwa$, she et 8and$, the sla)e who had !een like a other to her after her own had died.

'*here $ou going, hone$+'

'To town, 8and$.'

',ot alone, $ou ain0t. *ait here while I get

$ shawl.'

'I0

not a child, 8and$, I don0t need a cha"erone,' Bliss said.

8and$ looked uncon)inced. 'If $ou sa$ so, hone$. Ha)e Henr$ dri)e the carriage. He0ll see that $ou co e to no har .'

'If $ou insist. Ha)e $ou seen

$ father+'

8and$ rolled her e$es. 'He0s in the stud$ with 8r. (erald. Are $ou sure $ore read$ to arr$ that an+ I know $ou well enough to tell $ou ain0t ha""$,' 8and$ confided.

'I ha)enLt !een ha""$ for a long ti e,' Bliss ad itted with a sigh. 'This arriage is necessar$ or I wouldn0t ha)e consented. I0ll tell father I0 lea)ing,' she said as she headed for the stud$.

The stud$ door was a&ar and Bliss started to "ush it o"en when she heard her na e entioned. She went still, her hand "oised on the doorkno!. She knew ea)esdro""ing was unethical, !ut she >uickl$ discarded the thought as she flattened herself against the door to listen.

'The greed$ fool is de anding ore one$,' 7laude said, sla ing his hand down on his desk to e "hasize his words. 'I recei)ed the letter &ust toda$. *ill he ne)er !e satisfied+ If the !o$ wasn0t $ grandson, I0d tell hi to go ahead and a!andon the !rat as he threatened.'

'How uch does he want this ti e+' 3aulk asked, a""arentl$ aware of what 7laude was talking a!out.

'Twice the $earl$ sti"end. He said the !o$ is getting older now and eating

ore.'

'Tell Hol es to ake do, that $ou0ll send hi no ore one$,' 3aulk ad)ised. '8o!ile is a long wa$ off, chances are $ou0ll ne)er encounter either hi or the !o$.'

A tingling sensation cre"t down Bliss0s s"ine. Bo$+ *hat !o$+ *h$ was her father "a$ing so eone to care for a child+ The answer was too "ainful to conte "late. It couldn0t !e. Her father could ne)er !e so cruel, so heartless, could he+ 7laude0s ne%t words sent her world crashing down around her.

'The !o$ is Bliss0s son. I can0t &ust ignore hi , or see hi

istreated.'

'I don0t ha)e one$ to gi)e $ou, 7laude,' wouldn0t waste it on De/oung0s !astard.'

3aulk said with finalit$. 'E)en if I did, I

'I su""ose $ou0re right,' 7laude said uncertainl$.

Bliss0s head !egan to s"in and she had to hold onto the wall to kee" herself fro fainting. &er child wasn't dead# Her father had lied to her. He0d taken her !a!$ fro her when she0d !een too ill to ask >uestions a!out his death. Then her father had sent her son awa$ to !e raised !$ strangers. She recalled now that 8and$ had !een awa$ at the ti e of the !irth, and the colored idwife who had deli)ered her !a!$ had !een sold shortl$ thereafter. She wanted to screa . To rage at the unfairness of life.

She wanted her son. (u$0s son. The child she had ourned all these $ears. (erald and her father had "er"etrated a grie)ous sin against her. She would ne)er forgi)e the .

'.ut that letter awa$ and forget $ou e)er recei)ed it,' 3aulk ad)ised. '7o e to the office with e. I0ll !ring $ou ho e this e)ening when I return to take dinner with $ou and Bliss. *e need to discuss the new shi" I0)e ordered. I "ro ised the shi"!uilder full "a$ ent after Bliss recei)es her inheritance.'

7laude u !led so ething Bliss didn0t hear. Then she heard a drawer sla , followed !$ the sound of footste"s a""roaching the door. (athering her wits, she scooted out of sight around the corner and waited for the to lea)e. The front door sla ed, gal)anizing her into action. ,o one was in sight as she sli""ed into the stud$ and started o"ening drawers until she found the letter. Snatching it u", she e orized the na e and address, then carefull$ re"laced it where she0d found it.

*ithout considering the right or wrong of her act, Bliss went unerringl$ to her father0s cash !o% and e "tied it of all its cash. It wasn0t a great deal, !ut it was sufficient to !u$ "assage to 8o!ile. Rushing u"stairs, she "acked a s all )alise and >uietl$ left the house without !eing seen.

3aulk0s carriage was &ust clearing the front gate as Bliss ade her wa$ to the sta!les. The sta!le !o$ was occu"ied elsewhere, so she saddled her own horse rather than alert an$one to her "lans. After t$ing her )alise to the saddle, she ounted and took off down the road.

After s"ending two da$s in a run#down !oardinghouse close to the le)ee, waiting for her shi" to sail, Bliss !oarded the "all( Butler , a freighter carr$ing sha)es to 8o!ile, Ala!a a. She0d felt no re orse at selling her horse to the hostler and kee"ing the one$. Her father owed her that uch and ore. As for her inheritance, it did her soul good to think that (erald 3aulk would ne)er get his hands on it. She and her son could li)e co forta!l$ on her onthl$ allowance.

But disaster struck on her second da$ out of ,ew 2rleans. A "irate shi" a""eared suddenl$ fro !ehind a s all island and ga)e chase. *hen the$ were within range, the "irates fired a shot across the "all( Butler 0s !ow. The shi" was unar ed and ga)e u" without a fight.

Bliss felt !lood rush to her head as "irates swar ed o)er the shi". Her knees !egan to !uckle when a fierce !uccaneer gras"ed her a!out the waist and dragged her to the railing.

'This one !elongs to

e-' the "irate !ellowed as he tried to kiss her.

Suddenl$ she was torn fro

his gras", onl$ to find herself in another "irate0s ar s.

',o one takes her until I, (as"arilla, decide if she0s worth ranso ing.'

Bliss recognized the na e and felt herself s"inning awa$ into suffocating !lackness.

7ha"ter Three

The Barrier )slands off the Coast of *lorida, 1811 $as+arilla )sland

The "irate called Hunter s"rawled in a wicker chair, waiting for (as"arilla to a""ear fro his !edroo where he dallied with one of his wo en. Hunter0s one#e$ed gaze took in e)er$ as"ect of the o"ulent ansion (as"arilla had !uilt, entall$ co "aring it with his own ho e on .ine Island. (as"arilla "ossessed e)er$ lu%ur$ known to ankind within the s"rawling house. Al ost e)er$thing (as"arilla owned had !een taken as "lunder fro rich S"anish galleons and other shi"s unluck$ enough to cross his "ath.

2)er the $ears (as"arilla had set u" his ela!orate co "le% on se)eral islands in 7harlotte Har!or, kee"ing and na ing the largest for hi self. Because of his regal wa$ of life, fashiona!le clothes, and elegant anners, he was referred to !$ the Brotherhood as 9ing of the .irates. He was fearless in !attle, ruthless and cruel. A fickle lo)er, he ke"t a hare of the ost !eautiful wo en ca"ti)es, using and re"lacing the when the$ fell out of fa)or. 2nl$ those wo en wealth$ and i "ortant enough to !ring ranso were left untouched.

Hunter0s single e$e glea ed like "ure sil)er as his ind ski""ed !ack o)er the "ast si% $ears. He counted his life fro the da$ he had encountered (as"arilla on Barataria. The eeting had "ro)en fortunate as well as "rofita!le. *ounded and near death, Hunter had reached the <afitte !rothers and the$ had taken hi to (rande Terre to reco)er his health after his al ost iraculous esca"e fro "rison. His right e$e had !een totall$ destro$ed, and the e$e#"atch he wore now co)ered the scars. Since real na es were rarel$ used a ong "irates, he0d called hi self Hunter !ecause of his deter ination to hunt down and destro$ e)er$ shi" !elonging to the 3aulk line. As na es went, it wasn0t a !ad one. Since the su""osed death of (u$ De/oung, Hunter had no desire e)er to use that na e again.

Hunter0s thoughts scattered as (as"arilla strutted out of the !edroo . Swarth$ and s all of stature, (as"arilla was of S"anish heritage. It was ru ored that his na e was reall$ ?ose (as"ar, and that he had once !een an ad iral in the S"anish ,a)$ and had fled his countr$ after !eing accused of stealing the >ueen0s &ewels. (as"arilla was not unhandso e, and he definitel$ had a wa$ with wo en, !ut he was greatl$ feared for his cruel nature.

00Sorr$ to kee" $ou waiting, Hunter,' (as"arilla said as he "ulled a daint$ lace handkerchief fro his slee)e and touched it to his forehead. 'A wo an I took fro a shi" se)eral da$s ago caught $ fanc$ and this is the first o""ortunit$ I0)e had to tr$ her out.'

Se)en $ears ago (u$ De/oung would ha)e felt s$ "ath$ for the wo an, !ut Hunter had no conscience, felt no co "assion, no charit$ for an$one weaker than hi self.

'Did she "lease $ou+' Hunter asked con)ersationall$.

(as"arilla sighed. 'I think I a in lo)e. But she s"urns e. I0)e gi)en her "recious ge s, cloth of gold and sil)er, and !au!les that ost wo en would en)$. I do not understand wo en, $ friend.'

'/ou aren0t the onl$ one,' Hunter said gri l$. '*o en can !e treacherous. But that was in another life, another ti e. I was re!orn si% $ears ago and nothing re ains of $ for er self.'

'A wise decision,' (as"arilla agreed.

'I ha)e so ething for $ou fro our agent in Ha)ana. I carried it u" fro said, gesturing toward the s all chest sitting on an ornatel$ car)ed ta!le.

$ shi",' Hunter

(as"arilla strode to the chest and fli""ed o"en the lid. The s"arkle of gold was un istaka!le. 'Ah, ranso . *hich one of $ wo en ca"ti)es has !een li!erated !$ her fa il$+'

Hunter re o)ed a thick 'This should tell $ou.'

issi)e fro

inside his !lack silk shirt and handed it to (as"arilla.

(as"arilla scanned the letter. 'Ah, the co""er#haired wench fro ,ew 2rleans. Her fianc1 has finall$ co e through with the ranso and deli)ered it in "erson to $ agent. He is awaiting her in Ha)ana. I was ho"ing he wouldn0t !e a!le to raise it so I could sa "le that te "ting orsel $self. But $ou know $ "olic$. ,o wo an awaiting ranso is to !e har ed in an$ wa$. 0Tis a "ro ise I ade and one I0)e alwa$s ke"t.'

Hunter laughed. 'A "it$ the Brotherhood doesn0t share $our )iews. Before $ou o)ed the wo en ca"ti)es to a guarded stockade on 7a"ti)a Island, the$ were at the erc$ of $our en, who thought nothing of kidna""ing and using the for their own "leasure.'

'A$e, 0twas a good o)e. But !ack to the (ren)ille wo an. I can0t s"are the ti e to take her to Ha)ana $self. Unfortunatel$, ost of $ ca"tains are either una)aila!le or untrustworth$. I wouldn0t want it said that (as"arilla reneges on his "ro ises. 7an I rel$ on $ou to deli)er her to her fianc1 in good condition+'

Hunter had sto""ed listening when he heard the wo an0s na e. $renville . Surel$ it was a co on enough na e. It couldn0t !e Bliss (ren)ille, the wo an whose na e he hadn0t s"oken in se)en $ears. Bliss (ren)ille would ha)e no reason to !e tra)eling alone on a shi". And her na e would no longer !e (ren)ille. She would ha)e arried 3aulk long ago.

'*ill $ou do this for

e, Hunter+' (as"arilla in>uired.

Hunter entall$ shook hi self, realizing that (as"arilla was s"eaking to hi . 3or a o ent long re"ressed feelings had inundated hi with forgotten e ories. '*hat is it $ou want e to do+'

'Ha)en0t $ou heard a word I0)e said+ Take the (ren)ille wench to Ha)ana for e and I0ll share the ranso with $ou. /ou0ll find her in the stockade on 7a"ti)a Island. The guard can "oint her out to $ou.'

Hunter shrugged. 'I ha)e nothing !etter to do right now.'

'I do. I0 to eet with ?ean <afitte on Sani!el Island to transfer sla)es taken fro a galleon into his kee"ing. He has !u$ers in ,ew 2rleans cla oring for sla)es, and I stand to gain a s all fortune fro their sale.'

'I0ll s"end the night a!oard $ shi" and sail to 7a"ti)a to orrow,' Hunter said, ignoring the warning !ells ringing inside his head. So ething he couldn0t e%"lain told hi that his life was a!out to change.

The ne%t da$ Hunter rowed ashore in his skiff and !eached it u"on the white sand of 7a"ti)a Island. Shells crunched !eneath his !oots as he followed the well#worn "ath through a angro)e forest to the stockade where the wo en ca"ti)es li)ed in closel$ guarded thatched houses !uilt of rough "al etto logs.

Two elderl$ "irates sna""ed to attention when the$ heard Hunter a""roaching. *hen the$ saw it was Hunter, not (as"arilla, the$ rela%ed and greeted hi &o)iall$.

'*hat !rings $ou to 7a"ti)a, Hunter+' one of the old "irates asked.

I0

'2rders fro (as"arilla,' Hunter answered. 'The ranso arri)ed for the (ren)ille wo an. here to take her to Ha)ana. 7an $ou "oint her out to e+'

2ne grizzled "irate flung o"en the gate and cast a!out for the wo an in >uestion. Hunter followed his gaze, ski""ing o)er a dozen or ore wo en engaged in )arious undane chores. So e were !ent o)er cook fires "re"aring food while others were washing clothes in large wooden )ats. A few were engaged in ordinar$ housekee"ing chores. 8ost of the wo en wore tattered re nants of "ast finer$ that e%"osed large "ortions of "ale skin. All were co)ered with angr$ red os>uito !ites.

'There she !e,' the old "irate said, "ointing to a wo an !ending o)er a tu!.

Hunter s"ared a o ent to ad ire her !ackside !efore recalling his ission and striding toward the wo an. The !uzz of con)ersation ca e to an a!ru"t halt as the wo en ca"ti)es followed his "rogress across the co "ound.

He was dressed all in !lack, fro his !lous$ silk shirt o"en at the neck to his tight !lack trousers and thigh#high !oots. The single s"lash of color in his so !er outfit consisted of a !right red neckerchief tied a!out his throat. His hair was long, straight, and !lack as sin. It co)ered !oth his ears, then was swe"t !ack and tied with a cord at his na"e. His tall, uscular !od$ o)ed with graceful "recision, a )isual feast for the wo en ca"ti)es of 7a"ti)a. The !old slash of his e$e!rows, strong features, and handso e face were enhanced instead of di inished !$ the e$e"atch he wore, which intensified his $sti>ue and charis a.

The !older wo en "reened for his !enefit, while the sh$ ones looked at hi fro !eneath lowered lids and s iled ti idl$. Hunter looked neither right nor left, his sil)er#gra$ e$e focused on the wo an !ent o)er the washtu!.

Bliss !eca e aware of the unusual silence a ong her fellow ca"ti)es !ut "aid it little heed. Her ind was on ore i "ortant atters. Such as wh$ 3ate ke"t dealing her one terri!le !low after another. 3irst she0d lost the an she lo)ed. Then her child, or so she0d !een led to !elie)e. *hen she0d learned that her child wasn0t dead after all and had run off to rescue hi , her shi" had !een attacked !$ "irates and she0d !een taken ca"ti)e. She0d !een held "risoner on the isle of ca"ti)e wo en, where she0d had countless hours to worr$ a!out her son. It hurt to think she didn0t e)en know his na e.

The heat, the os>uitoes, the lack of wholeso e food, the stor s, all had co !ined to ake life un!eara!le. She0d !een told she was !eing held for ranso , !ut she seriousl$ dou!ted that either her father or (erald 3aulk could raise funds to ranso her. Her !irthda$ had co e and gone, forgotten in the idst of all her trou!les. She had turned twent$#fi)e and was now eligi!le to collect her onthl$ sti"end. *ere she arried, she0d ha)e full control of her inheritance, !ut arriage was out of the >uestion. She0d ne)er arr$ (erald 3aulk after what he0d done to her.

Hunter halted a few ste"s !ehind Bliss, shocked at the wa$ his heart was &u "ing in his chest. Sweat "o""ed out on his forehead as he stared at the wo an0s !ack. Her dress was in tatters, !aring one delicate shoulder and her sha"el$ legs to her knees. A "rickling sensation !egan at his lower s"ine and continued u"ward. He couldn0t e)er recall feeling like this !efore. As if 3ate had !rought hi to this o ent in ti e.

Bliss s"un around, suddenl$ aware of a "resence !ehind her. The "irate was dressed all in !lack, his tall, i "osing for striking fear in her heart as he stared at her with one !rilliant sil)er e$e. His right e$e was co)ered with a !lack "atch5 Bliss could see the faded white line of a scar !oth a!o)e and !elow the "atch. She shuddered. The in&ur$ ust ha)e !een horri!l$ "ainful, and !riefl$ she wondered if he had sustained the in&ur$ while engaging in !attle with his ha"less )icti s.

All sorts of grueso e atrocities ca e to ind as she e$ed the sword at his side and the !race of "istols "rotruding fro his !elt and the wicked#looking knife stuck in his !oot. He looked hard and !rutal, and she took an in)oluntar$ ste" !ackward.

Hunter stared at the wo an he0d )owed to forget and felt the $ears slide awa$. He recalled the taste and scent of her, her innocent "assion, the softness of her skin, the incredi!le heat and tightness of her as he !rought her to cli a%. Da nation- He0d thought he had cast her fro his heart and ind. .ut her !ehind hi the da$ he was re!orn as Hunter. But seeing her again !rought all those for!idden e ories !ack in a rush of )iolent recollection. 2nce he had lo)ed her fiercel$, with e)er$ fi!er of his !od$ and soul. That lo)e had shri)eled and died when he0d seen her cr$ing o)er 3aulk and !egging hi not to die.

He wasn0t sur"rised that Bliss didn0t recognize hi . He had changed o)er the $ears and so had she, al!eit uch less than he. The color of her hair was darker than he recalled, !ut no less )i!rant. Her figure had ri"ened with age, he noted. She was far ore alluring now than she had !een at se)enteen. 2n the other hand, her tur>uoise e$es had changed little. The$ were still as ca"ti)ating as the$ had !een se)en $ears ago.

'*hat do $ou want+'

Her )oice startled hi . It was slightl$ throat$, with a huskiness to it that ade hi think of sultr$ nights and se%. And it was as dece"ti)e as the na e he now !ore, he thought. He wasn0t the gulli!le fool he0d once !een. He0d lost whate)er goodness he0d "ossessed. He0d co itted heinous acts that an$ an with a heart and soul would de"lore. But he had neither heart nor soul. 7o "assion and senti ent didn0t !elong in the world in which he now li)ed. His sole "ur"ose in life was re)enge.

Hunter had alread$ had a good dose of )engeance. (erald 3aulk and 7laude (ren)ille had cost hi his e$e. An e$e for an e$e was the code he now li)ed !$. He0d ade 3aulk0s shi"s his "articular "re$. 3ew of the got !$ hi intact. The <afitte !rothers had told hi that 3aulk and (ren)ille were tottering on the !rink of total ruin. The news was sweet indeed.

'/our fa il$ has sent the ranso ,' he said in answer to Bliss0s >uestion. '/our fianc1 is waiting for $ou in Ha)ana.'

Bliss started )iolentl$. That )oice- *here had she heard it !efore+ The dee", al ost sensual >ualit$ flowed o)er her like fine wine. She shi)ered and !acked awa$. It was eerie, as if so eone had walked o)er her gra)e. ,o- 8ore as if she had &ust walked o)er so eone else0s gra)e.

'I don0t want to go to Ha)ana,' Bliss said, una!le to turn her gaze awa$ fro fascinating sil)er e$e.

that

Hunter0s dark !row lifted. '*hat ha)e we here, a reluctant !ride+' He looked her u" and down. 'At $our age one would think $ou0d !e eager to arr$.' He ade the words sound like an insult.

Bliss0s gaze slid awa$ fro his face. '/ou don0t understand. I can0t arr$ (erald 3aulk. There is so ething I ha)e to do first. I can0t go to Ha)ana. (as"arilla has $ ranso 5 wh$ can0t I !e taken where I wish to go+'

Hunter0s face hardened into unco "ro ising lines. '(as"arilla "rides hi self on kee"ing his word to the fa ilies of his ca"ti)es. He "ro ised $our fa il$ $ou0d !e taken to 7u!a and released unhar ed.'

'*ho are $ou+' Bliss asked. She had the distinct feeling that she0d et this an !efore. How could it !e+ Surel$ she0d re e !er so eone as i "osing and; $es, as handso e as this fierce "irate.

'7all

e Hunter.'

'8r. Hunter, I'

'?ust Hunter.'

'/ou see ore; refined than the usual lot of cutthroats I0)e encountered around here. 7an0t $ou find it in $our heart to take e to; sa$, 8o!ile, instead of Ha)ana+ I ha)e a s all allowance I can draw u"on. I can ake it worth $our while.'

Hunter sent her an a used look. 'Don0t istake e for a gentle an. I0 the sa e as an$ other e !er of the Brotherhood. I ha)e no heart, and it will do $ou little good to a""eal to $ conscience, for I ha)e none. If it0s co "assion $ou0re seeking, forget it. I lost it long ago.'

'I thought; ' She shook her head and looked awa$.

'*hat is so i "ortant in 8o!ile+' Hunter in>uired. 'Is one of $our lo)ers waiting for $ou there+ Are $ou running awa$ fro $our !etrothed+ Is that wh$ $ou were on a shi" without a cha"erone+'

'I owe $ou no e%"lanation,' Bliss said on a rising note of "anic. She couldn0t return to (erald- ,ot now, not after he0d shown her what a true !astard he was.

'(ather $our !elongings, we0)e tarried long enough.'

'.lease,' Bliss said. 'If $ou won0t take

e to 8o!ile, then release

e in ,ew 2rleans.'

'/ou0re a""ealing to the wrong "erson, Bliss. I0 taking $ou to Ha)ana.'

erel$ doing (as"arilla a fa)or !$

Bliss went still. 'How do $ou know $ na e+' The sa e eerie, haunted feeling she0d e%"erienced u"on eeting the one#e$ed "irate sent a shudder down her s"ine.

Thinking fast, Hunter said, '(as"arilla0s agent in Ha)ana "ro)ided $our full na e and it was rela$ed to e. I su""ose the agent learned it fro $our !etrothed.'

Bliss hesitated !ut a o ent. <ea)ing this stockade of ca"ti)e wo en wasn0t the worst thing that could ha""en to her. E)en if she was returned to (erald, she could alwa$s ski" out again, &ust as she0d done !efore. This ti e she0d do things differentl$. She0d confront (erald and her father with what she knew a!out her son and ake the get her child for her. Had she thought it out ore thoroughl$, instead of running off to 8o!ile herself, that0s what she would ha)e done.

00I0 read$,' Bliss said, raising her chin. 'There is nothing I want to take with e.' She glanced down at her tattered dress and frowned. '*ill I !e gi)en so ething decent to wear when I0 set ashore+' She touched her tangled ass of !urnished curls. 'I0ll also need a co ! and !rush.'

Hunter thought she0d ne)er looked lo)elier, !ut stifled the urge to sa$ it. 'There is an assort ent of clothing and groo ing su""lies for $ou a!oard the %redator . /ou0ll ha)e "lent$ of ti e !efore we reach 7u!a to "ri ". 7o e along now, $ skiff is !eached near!$.'

Bliss had a hard ti e kee"ing u" with Hunter0s long#legged stride. He re inded her of another an whose long legs and lithe !od$ had ne)er reached its full "otential. A an she0d lo)ed ore than herself. But (u$ hadn0t !een as !rawn$ as Hunter. If there was one si ilarit$ !etween her dead hus!and and the infa ous !uccaneer, Bliss decided it was their sil)er e$es. But the rese !lance sto""ed there. *hereas (u$0s e$es had !een windows into his co "assionate and lo)ing soul, Hunter0s )isi!le e$e ga)e elo>uent witness of !rutalit$, !itterness, dissi"ation, and things she couldn0t e)en guess at.

The sun !eat fiercel$ down on Bliss0s !are head5 her face was shin$ with "ers"iration as it ran down her neck and "uddle !etween her !reasts. She tried to concentrate on an$thing !ut the fierce "irate walking in front of her and was )astl$ relie)ed when the$ finall$ arri)ed at the "lace where his !oat was !eached.

Hunter "ulled the skiff out into the surf, scra !led a!oard, and held it in "lace with an oar while Bliss cli !ed inside. 2nce she was settled, he !egan to row. Hunter0s shi" rode at anchor &ust !e$ond the !reakers, and Bliss ad ired it fro afar. It was a !rigantine, two# asted and s>uare#rigged. Hunter had na ed it %redator , and Bliss thought the shi" looked as strong, dangerous, and deadl$ as its ca"tain.

'/ou0ll ha)e to cli ! the ro"e ladder,' Hunter said as the skiff !u "ed against the %redator . 'I0ll !e right !ehind $ou, so don0t worr$ a!out falling.' He tied the skiff to the shi", then gras"ed her around the waist and lifted her u" to the ro"e ladder.

It see ed like a long wa$ u" and Bliss didn0t look down as she !egan the "erilous cli !. Hunter was !ehind her5 she could feel the heat of hi against her legs. She had al ost gained the to" when hands reached down to haul her onto the deck. Hunter lea"ed u" !ehind her, landing agilel$ on his feet.

Bliss e$ed the crew of fierce "irates and shrank !ack against Hunter. The$ were the scur)iest lot Bliss had e)er laid e$es u"on. Dressed in an odd assort ent of finer$ and rags, the$ leered at her as if she were a tast$ orsel to !e de)oured.

'Hea)e to, ates,' Hunter said, "lacing hi self !etween Bliss and his to do for (as"arilla. Hel s an, set a course for 7u!a.'

en. '*e0)e a &o!

Bliss !reathed a sigh of relief as the crew en scra !led to o!e$ Hunter0s orders. She heard the anchor chain creak in "rotest as it slowl$ rose fro the water. 8o ents later, wind caught the !illowing sails and the shi" o)ed forward. The$ were under wa$.

'7o e along,' Hunter said gruffl$. '8$ crew are da ned good at what the$ do, !ut the$ are all un"rinci"led en. 0Tis !est $ou re ain in $ >uarters while $ou0re a!oard.'

'/our >uarters+' Bliss re"eated, e$eing hi

waril$.

'The ca"tain0s ca!in is the onl$ "ri)ate >uarters on the %redator . /ou0ll find the arrange ent co forta!le.'

'*here will $ou slee"+'

He ga)e her an enig atic s ile. 'In $ !ed, of course. I said there is !ut one ca!in a!oard the %redator . The crew en slee" on deck when the weather is good or down !elow when it0s not. An$ other >uestions+'

'?ust a re>uest.'

'/ou are in no "osition to re>uest an$thing. But go ahead, I ha)e a feeling I0ll find it a using.'

7olor flooded Bliss0s face. 2nl$ a an without a heart would find a use ent in her "redica ent. 'Don0t take e to 7u!a,' she "leaded. 'If $ou can0t set e free in 8o!ile, then ,ew 2rleans will do. An$"lace !ut 7u!a.'

Hunter regarded her curiousl$ as he o"ened the door to his ca!in and ushered her inside. He shut the door fir l$ !ehind hi , his gaze roa ing freel$ o)er her ill#clad for as he suddenl$ saw her through the e$es of his crew en. 2ne golden shoulder was co "letel$ !are, and the tattered aterial of her !odice "ro)ided a tantalizing gli "se of a white !reast. Her skirt had !een shorn at the knees and her !are cal)es were the sa e s ooth tan color as her one !are shoulder. Her dishe)eled !eaut$ was ri)eting.

?ust as ri)eting as he re e !ered fro

long ago.

She ust ha)e !een aware of her dishe)eled a""earance, for she tried to co)er the ga"s in her clothing with her hands. Hunter s iled at her futile efforts and asked, '*h$ are $ou running awa$ fro $our !etrothed+ *hat0s so i "ortant in 8o!ile+'

'It0s a long stor$, I0 sure $ou wouldn0t !e interested. I0)e !een a ca"ti)e for se)eral weeks. Ti e a$ !e running out. It0s i "erati)e that I reach 8o!ile as soon as "ossi!le.'

Hunter stared at her askance. *ho was waiting for her in 8o!ile+ He wondered. A lo)er+ Bile rose u" in his throat at the thought of other en touching her. Se)en $ears was a long ti e. He knew 3aulk ust ha)e had her, as well as others, and intense rage !lotted out all reason. 3aulk and (ren)ille were the cause of all his suffering. He0d ha)e two good e$es if not for the assassin the$0d sent to kill hi . Bliss ust ha)e known a!out it, condoned it e)en. He0d thought that attacking 3aulk0s shi"s and ruining hi financiall$ would satisf$ his thirst for re)enge, !ut he0d !een wrong.

The "assing $ears had done nothing to ease his !itterness or erase his hatred. In truth, the$ had increased a thousand fold, aking hi ore deter ined than e)er to find other wa$s to "unish 3aulk and the (ren)illeLs. It suddenl$ occurred to hi that he had in his hands the ulti ate instru ent of re)enge. Bliss (ren)ille. *ith little effort he could use her to hu iliate his ene ies. Suddenl$ life was good.

'/ou0re not e%actl$ a $oung wo an,' Hunter said, curling his li" in derision. '*h$ ha)en0t $ou arried !efore now+'

Bliss0s chin shot u"ward. 'I wasn0t read$,' she said, refusing to di)ulge her inner ost secrets to a heartless "irate who wanted answers to >uestions he had no !usiness asking.

'I0

sur"rised $our fianc1 was willing to wait for $ou. 8ost

en wouldn0t !e so "atient.'

'(erald 3aulk is not like ost words for "raise. '*h$ should it answer+'

en,' Bliss said dr$l$. Hunter frowned, istaking her atter to $ou+ I ade a si "le re>uest. *hat is $our

'I0ll think a!out it,' Hunter said as he let hi self out the door. '8eanwhile, I0ll see that $ou ha)e so ething decent to wear when $ou0re set ashore. *e wouldn0t want $our fa il$ to think $ou0)e !een istreated. (as"arilla is )er$ eticulous a!out following the ranso ter s. He !eco es enraged when the$ are !reached.'

Hunter closed the door !ehind hi and cli !ed the half dozen ste"s to the deck. He !reathed dee"l$ of the tang$ salt air, clearing his nostrils of the scent of wo an. The scent of Bliss; his wife. *as she still his wife+ He wondered. 2r had she o!tained an annul ent after he0d !een thrown in &ail+ 8ost likel$ her father had !een relentless in dissol)ing the short#li)ed arriage !etween (u$ De/oung and his daughter. Hunter had disco)ered that (erald 3aulk hadn0t died of his wounds, !ut he0d learned little else during the $ear he0d !een shut awa$ fro the outside world.

He0d !riefl$ considered returning to ,ew 2rleans !efore he0d &oined the Brotherhood, !ut he0d known nothing good would co e of it. As a result he had se)ered all ties with an$one who had once known the an na ed (u$ De/oung. The onl$ thing left to connect hi to that an was his hunger for )engeance.

Ah, re)enge, how sweet it tasted.

Hunter s iled as he conte "lated the ra ifications of his "lan. 2nce he was considered a char ing fellow. It would !e a si "le atter to use that char on Bliss, to ake her fall in lo)e with hi . She0d lo)ed hi as (u$ De/oung, wh$ not as Hunter+ He would seduce her, !ed tier, oh $es, he looked forward to that with relish, then return her to her fianc1 and father with a "irate0s get in her !ell$.

Hunter laughed aloud, "leased with his "lan. The onl$ thing that could go wrong was ha)ing (as"arilla learn that Bliss hadn0t !een returned to her fa il$ as he had instructed. But Hunter would cross that !ridge when he ca e to it. 8ore than likel$ (as"arilla would ne)er know.

'7hange the course for .ine Island, (reene,' Hunter told his hel s an.

(reene ga)e hi a ga"#toothed look of sur"rise. '.ine Island, Hunter+ Are $e certain sure+ (as"arilla ain0t gonna like it.'

'The en ha)e earned ti e on shore with their wo en and children, and the %redator 0s hull needs scra"ing.'

'But the ca"ti)e'

'She0s her u".'

ine right now. She0ll !e deli)ered to her fa il$ when I0

good and read$ to gi)e

(reene sent hi $ou, 7a"0n.'

a knowing grin. '<ike that, huh+ She0s a co el$ wench, all right. I en)$

Bliss dashed wa$ward tears fro her e$es as she fought the urge to cr$. It see ed there was no wa$ to a)oid !eing taken to 7u!a. Dear (od- It was too far awa$ fro her son.

Bliss walked to the !ack of the ca!in and ste""ed through dou!le doors onto the tin$ !alcon$. The da$ was fine and sunn$5 a !risk !reeze "ro"elled the shi". She stared at the ri""ling wa)es and wondered what would ha""en if she &u "ed o)er!oard and swa to the nearest island. There were so an$ islands and ca$s off 3lorida0s west coast, she dou!ted she0d ha)e trou!le reaching one. But then what+ *ould she trade one "irate0s lair for another+

She sighed dee"l$, her thoughts turning to the an called Hunter. *ho was he reall$+ She wondered. Swathed in unrelie)ed !lack and wearing an e$e"atch, he could !e the De)il hi self. *hen she looked into his sil)er e$e she had the strangest feeling of d1&O+ 6u. His scent, and the wa$ he carried hi self, were hauntingl$ fa iliar. /et, had she et Hunter !efore, she knew she would ne)er ha)e forgotten hi .

',ot thinking of &u "ing o)er!oard, are $ou+'

Bliss started )iolentl$. Hunter had co e u" !ehind her while she0d !een lost in thought.

'It0s so ething to consider,' she re"lied.

'It wouldn0t work. I0

an e%cellent swi

er5 $ou0d not get far.'

'Ha)e $ou decided to honor

$ re>uest+'

'A$e.'

Bliss didn0t like the glint in his e$e, !ut she was so elated she chose to ignore it. '/ou0re going to take e to 8o!ile+'

'I didn0t sa$ that.'

Bliss0s s"irits "lu eted. *hat kind of ga e was he "la$ing+ Did 0!aiting her a use hi + ',ew 2rleans will do if $ou can0t see $our wa$ to taking e to 8o!ile.'

'I ha)e no intention of taking $ou to ,ew 2rleans.'

3ueled !$ anger, dri)en to the li its of her "atience, Bliss ga)e a cr$ of outrage and "ounded her fists against Hunter0s chest. '*hat kind of an are $ou+ Ha)e $ou no co "assion, no heart+ Does $ "redica ent a use $ou+'

A""arentl$ taken !$ sur"rise, Hunter suffered her "ounding for se)eral o ents !efore ca"turing !oth her wrists in one of his "owerful fists and &erking her against hi . 3or a o ent he see ed to sa)or her softness, then he ga)e her a rough shake.

',e)er istake e for an$thing other than what $ou see !efore $ou. 8$ heart was ri""ed fro $ !od$ &ust as $ e$e was destro$ed long ago. I ha)e no conscience, no soul, feel no re orse. I0)e done things, seen things that would ake $ou cringe. So eti es the$ e)en ake me cringe. *hen I see so ething I want, I take it.'

Still holding her wrists in one hand, he caressed her face with the other. His fingers grazed her cheek, her chin, his thu ! ru!!ing her lower li" in a !ack#and#forth otion.

She was aware of his hard, asculine fingers, war and fir against her outh. He was so close she could s ell the salt s"ra$ and sunshine on his clothing, feel the heat e anating fro his !od$, al ost taste his se%ualit$.

His words &olted her. 'I want $ou, Bliss (ren)ille. I want $our !od$. I want $our soul. I want $our heart.'

Bliss nearl$ gagged on her "anic. *hat did he ean+ ',; no- .lease, let go of /ou0re su""osed to return e to $ fianc1 unhar ed, re e !er+'

e.

Hunter0s face was as hard and cold as his )oice. '2h, $ou0ll see 3aulk again, !ut not until I decide it0s ti e.'

Hunter felt Bliss0s soft !od$ stiffen against his and s iled inwardl$. She was frightened, !ut fear was good. 3ear was a start. He couldn0t wait to turn her fear into desire. The sa e desire she0d once felt for (u$ De/oung. Hunter stared into Bliss0s !eautiful face and ade a silent )ow ne)er to fall into the sa e )el)et tra" that had destro$ed (u$ De/oung. This ca"ti)ating wo an in his ar s was a eans to an end, nothing ore.

Roughl$ he "ushed her awa$ fro

hi . 'I0

taking $ou to

$ "ri)ate island.

'Bliss stared at hi . '*h$+'

His sil)er e$e glea ed. 'I ha)e

$ reasons.'

*hate)er his reasons, Bliss knew she wasn0t going to like the .

7ha"ter 3our

The %redator sailed though .ine Island Sound into a lagoon enclosed !$ a natural seawall consisting of la$ers of o$ster#shell de"osits. Bliss stood on the shi"0s s all !alcon$, watching "or"oises and sharks chase fish into the shoals, where hundreds of "elicans, cor orants, and gulls waited to engage in a feeding frenz$. The "oor fish hadn0t a chance, attacked fro !oth the air and the sea. 2n shore, a regal heron lifted its huge wings to &oin the elee.

3ro her )antage "oint on the shi", all Bliss could see of the large island were angro)e thickets and "ine trees. She watched in dis a$ as the shi" sailed toward the shore, as if it eant to !each itself. ?ust when it a""eared the shi" would crash into the angro)e swa ", a ri)er "assage o"ened u", cutting a swath through the swa " large enough to allow a shi" to enter. She held her !reath as the shi" glided effortlessl$ into the ri)er, scra"ing trees on either side as it sailed into the dense interior of the island. A short ti e later the ri)er o"ened into a large lake and the hel s an skillfull$ aneu)ered the shi" toward a stone &ett$.

Bliss

ade her wa$ on deck during the docking "rocess. Hunter was waiting for her.

00*elco e to

$ ho e,' Hunter said. 'I0ll escort $ou ashore.'

As he ushered her down the gang"lank and onto the stone &ett$, Bliss was sur"rised to see a )illage nestled along the shore of the lake. S all cottages constructed of latticed "ine sa"lings chinked with cla$ "laster and thatched with arsh grass were clustered together in disorderl$ rows. 3ishing skiffs lined the shore and racks of dr$ing fish !aked in the afternoon sun. The heat was o""ressi)e and the stench of fish offensi)e to her nose. Bliss followed Hunter down a shell#lined street.

'*hich house is $ours+' Bliss asked, e$eing the huts with

isgi)ing.

The$ walked through grou"s of e%cited wo en hurr$ing to the &ett$ to greet their en. The$ were a rough#looking lot, Bliss thought, as crude in s"eech and unke "t as their en. Their finer$ had "ro!a!l$ !een taken fro "lundered shi"s, !ut the once#rich silks and satins were ri""ed !e$ond re"air and worn u"on dirt$ !odies.

'I !uilt )illage.'

$ house farther inland, awa$ fro

the carousing that usuall$ goes on in the

'And $ou don0t carouse+' Bliss taunted.

'At ti es. But there are ti es I "refer "ri)ac$ and >uiet. 7o e along,' he said, taking her el!ow. '0Tis !ut a short walk.'

The$ "ushed their wa$ through a illing crowd of en and wo en shouting out greetings to Hunter. Bliss shrank awa$ fro gro"ing hands as )ulgar suggestions a!out what Hunter should do with her were freel$ offered. She was )astl$ relie)ed when the$ took a "ath through the forest, lea)ing the )illage !ehind.

The "ath cut a swath through thick under!rush and skirted nu erous shallow !asins lined with crushed shells. Bliss was curious a!out their function and asked Hunter a!out the .

'The$0re used to collect rain water,' he e%"lained. '7o "li ents of the 7laus Indians who once inha!ited these islands !efore their S"anish asters killed ost of the . 2nl$ a few are left now. The island is dotted with Indian !urial ounds and re ains of te "les, dwellings, and storage !uildings of tri!es now e%tinct. I0)e seen re nants of Indian settle ents stretching ore than three#>uarters of a ile along the north shore of the island and one#>uarter of a ile wide.'

Bliss was intrigued. 'Burial

ounds+ Ha)e $ou dug into an$ of the +'

',o, and I don0t intend to. I ha)e no desire to distur! the dead. <et so e future generation disco)er their secrets. As for $self, I0 content to li)e in "eace a ong the li)ing.'

Bliss0s skin was slick with "ers"iration !$ the ti e the$ reached Hunter0s house. But as she stared at Hunter0s ho e she decided it was well worth the walk. It was a "alace co "ared to the s all huts on the !each. The dwelling was !uilt on a grand scale, constructed of sawed !oards instead of rough "ine sa"lings. It sat on a slight rise !eneath an u !rella of "al trees that "ro)ided a!undant shade. A wra"#around "orch allowed the !reeze to waft through the o"en windows. Another !uilding, "ro!a!l$ a kitchen, was connected to the house !$ a co)ered dog run.

Hunter held the door o"en and she ste""ed inside. She ca e to an a!ru"t halt as her startled gaze encountered a roo as lu%uriousl$ furnished as so e of the grandest ho es in ,ew 2rleans. *orks of art hung on the "lastered walls a!o)e richl$ "olished furniture and thick, wo)en car"ets. Daint$ curtains !illowed gentl$ in the tro"ical !reeze, and delicious cooking s ells drifted to her on the hu id air.

'Do $ou like it+' Hunter asked. So ehow it

attered that Bliss should like his ho e.

'It0s; I can0t !elie)e such a ho e e%ists on this re ote island inha!ited !$ "irates and cutthroats.'

'I like to !e co forta!le,' Hunter said as he watched Bliss "ick u" a gold#encrusted )ase and e%a ine it.

'At the e%"ense of other "eo"le+' Bliss challenged as she set the )ase down. 'How shi"s did $ou "lunder to furnish $our house+ How an$ li)es were lost+'

an$

Hunter looked awa$, ignoring her "ro!ing >uestions. Her words unsettled hi ore than he cared to ad it. There had !een too an$ shi"s. Too an$ li)es lost to count. He0d !e a liar if he said the$ hadn0t attered at first. But after so an$ shi"s and so an$ li)es, one tended to forget the nu !ers. Though he usuall$ tried not to take innocent li)es hi self, he0d done nothing to sto" (as"arilla and others like hi fro co itting cold#!looded urder.

7rews taken fro the shi"s he0d "ersonall$ attacked had !een set adrift in !oats, not si "l$ slain for the &o$ of killing. He liked to think that s all kindness set hi a"art fro en like (as"arilla, !ut he knew he was fooling no one !ut hi self. He was no !etter than his fellow "irates. In so e wa$s he considered hi self worse, for he0d once had a conscience. He knew right fro wrong and had learned to ignore his conscience.

'Don0t &udge e, Bliss,' he said harshl$. '*ere $ou to look dee" into $our heart, I0 $ou0d find so ething to regret, too.'

sure

Bliss flinched !eneath his scrutin$. She had the uncann$ feeling that Hunter could see into her soul, read her ind. It was as if he knew things a!out her that not e)en those close to her knew. ,ho was this man-

',o one is "erfect,' she allowed.

'*hat do $ou regret, Bliss+'

Bliss o"ened her outh, then cla "ed it tightl$ shut. The urge to un!urden herself to this an was so co "elling, she0d !een read$ to tell hi a!out the child she0d ne)er e)en held in her ar s.

He ga)e her an enig atic s ile. '9ee" $our secrets. 7o e along, I0ll show $ou to $our roo .'

The$ had &ust started down a long hallwa$ when the$ were et !$ a handso e !lack wo an. She was tall and slender, with e%"ressi)e !rown e$es and a generous outh. She grinned fro ear to ear when she saw Hunter.

'*e weren0t e%"ecting $ou, 7a"0n. How long will $ou sta$ this ti e+' Her dark#e$ed gaze, !right with curiosit$, settled on Bliss.

'I0 long o)erdue for a rest, 7leo,' Hunter said, "lacing a "ro"rietar$ ar around Bliss0s waist. '8$ shi"0s hull is in need of careening and $ en need ti e with their wo en and children.' His gaze fell on Bliss. 'The length of $ sta$ de"ends on Bliss.'

'2n

e- /ou can lea)e to orrow for all I care.'

'Too soon, Bliss. 3ar too soon for $ "ur"oses.' He turned to 7leo, sa$ing, '3ind 7aesar and Ta rah. I wish to introduce all three of $ou to $our new istress.'

Bliss started )iolentl$. 8istress+ *hat kind of ga e was Hunter "la$ing+ He0d ade no o)e thus far to hurt her, !ut she was astute enough to realize he wanted so ething fro her.

) want (our od(. ) want (our soul/ ) want (our heart.

His words hung !etween the like a curtain of choking s oke, stealing her !reath. His se%ual innuendos were too !latant to !e isconstrued. He0d !rought her to his island to ake her his istress. ,othing else ade sense.

7leo left the . Hunter o"ened a door and ushered her inside a sunn$ roo whose two large windows o)erlooked a )egeta!le garden. Be$ond the lush garden Bliss could see the gli er of s"arkling water. Hunter watched her closel$ as she gazed a!out the cheer$ roo . He followed her when she walked to the window and gazed longingl$ toward the sea.

'There are "anthers on the island. /ou wouldn0t get far.' He was so close she could feel his war !reath u"on her neck.

Could he read her mind- "hehad indeed !een thinking a!out esca"e.

'Bliss, turn around and look at

e.'

She turned slowl$.

'Do $ou know wh$ I !rought $ou here+'

'I0

not stu"id. I know e%actl$ what $ou want.'

'I0ll !et $ou do,' he

ocked.

'I won0t do it-' Her chin rose !elligerentl$.

He o)ed closer. She ste""ed !ackward !ut there was nowhere to go. She was he ed in !$ the window !ehind her and Hunter in front of her. The heat fro his !od$ scorched her5 she felt the a""alling urge to elt against hi , to gi)e herself u" to hi in total surrender. His face was so close she could see tin$ s>uint lines fanning out fro the corner of his good e$e. Her gaze fell to his li"s. The$ were slightl$ "arted, full and oist. Her outh went dr$ and she licked oisture onto her li"s with the ti" of her tongue.

'/es, $ou will,' he !reathed against her

outh. '/ou0ll !eg

e for it.'

Before she could for a cutting re"l$, his outh closed o)er hers. His kiss was de anding, $et oddl$ tender. It was e%>uisitel$, un!eara!l$ intense. He ended it !efore she was read$. She could ha)e al ost i agined it, if not for the wa$ her li"s tingled and !urned.

Her fingers flew to her outh. She had the strangest feeling that she had kissed hi !efore, which was utterl$ ridiculous. Then she !eca e aware of a different heat and "ressure. *ith a sudden intake of !reath she realized that Hunter0s hands were on her !reasts. He was caressing the , stroking her ni""les, his sil)er gaze intent u"on her, gauging her reaction.

'Don0t do that-'

'Don0t $ou like it+'

',o-'

'.erha"s $ou "refer (erald 3aulk0s caresses.'

The thought of (erald0s hands u"on her like this she hedged.

ade her shi)er in re)ulsion. '.erha"s,'

'<iar- I !elie)e $ou "refer arrogance.

e and the wa$ I

ake $ou feel,' Hunter said with a hint of

',o- That0s not what I

ean at all. /ou0re confusing

e.'

It was true. Bliss could !arel$ think, let alone s"eak. The sensations Hunter e)oked in her were !eco ing un!eara!le. 2nl$ one an had e)er ade her !urn like this, and that an was dead. Allowing this )ile "irate inti ate li!ert$ with her !od$ was a defile ent of her one true lo)e0s e or$. Ignoring her dangerous "osition, she sla""ed his hands awa$ and retreated into the farthest corner of the roo .

Hunter knew he was deli!eratel$ "ro)oking Bliss, !ut couldn0t see to sto" hi self. The o ent he0d touched her, long forgotten e ories assailed hi . Se)en $ears ago he0d unleashed her se%ualit$. ,ow he intended to de)ote countless hours to e%"loring it, tasting it, sa)oring it. He had se)en $ears to ake u" for.

He re e !ered e)er$ fascinating detail of her !od$. That intriguing little ole !eneath her left !reast that he0d lo)ed to kiss and caress with his tongue. Her tin$ waist. Her long, su""le legs. The a!undance of co""er hair shielding the succulent "ink flesh of her ost secret "lace. Her tin$ gas"ing oans when he suckled her ni""les. He groaned. Hesss0d grown hard as stone. If he didn0t sto" fantasizing, he0d end u" tu""ing her on the !ed with her skirts thrown o)er her head. And that wasn0t the wa$ he0d "lanned it.

After he returned her to 3aulk and her father, he wanted her to re e !er that she had wanted it, !egged for it, !urned for it. *hen he finall$ re)ealed hi self to her, he wanted her to feel the sa e kind of "ain he0d suffered the da$ of the duel when she0d chosen 3aulk o)er hi .

Puelling his se%ual urges, Hunter ga)e Bliss a now,' he added cr$"ticall$.

ocking salute. 'As $ou wish, Bliss. 3or

The tension !etween the was so thick, Bliss nearl$ choked on it. She couldn0t i agine what had co e o)er her. 2r wh$ this "irate aroused feelings in her she0d thought i "ossi!le with an$ an !ut (u$ De/oung.

A discreet knock on the door diffused the tense at os"here. Bliss nearl$ colla"sed with relief when Hunter turned awa$ fro her to answer the door.

'7o e in,' he in)ited, holding the door wide. 'I0)e su $ou to $our new istress.'

oned $ou here to introduce all of

7leo entered the roo , followed !$ a gigantic an whose skin was the sa e shin$ !lack as 7leo0s. The last to enter was a $oung wo an !arel$ out of girlhood. Her flawless coffee# and#crea skin and long !lack hair were a "erfect foil for her e%"ressi)e, al ond#sha"ed e$es. She wore a sarong#like gar ent that left little of her )olu"tuous figure to the i agination.

'/ou0)e alread$ et 7leo,' Hunter said. 'The !ig fellow !ehind her is 7aesar, her hus!and. I arried the $self.'

'Are the$ sla)es+' Bliss asked.

'I found the a!oard a S"anish sla)er and !rought the here. The$ are free, !ut choose to re ain on .ine Island and ser)e e for wages. 7leo is $ housekee"er and cook and 7aesar is caretaker. I couldn0t do without either of the .'

Bliss turned her tur>uoise gaze on the $oung wo an, who was staring at Hunter as if she wanted to de)our hi . Bliss thought she alread$ knew what the wo an was to Hunter and wondered how he would e%"lain the dusk$ !eaut$0s "resence in his ho e.

'This is Ta rah,' Hunter e%"lained. 'She0s one of the few 7alusa Indians re aining on the island. She hel"s 7leo with the chores,' he said, offering no other e%"lanation.

Bliss wasn0t stu"id5 she knew e%actl$ where Ta rah fit into the household.

'Bliss is $our new istress,' Hunter told the ser)ants. '2!e$ her wishes as $ou would ine. Are there an$ >uestions+'

',o, 7a"0n,' 7aesar said, answering for !oth hi self and his wife. He ai ed a wide grin at Bliss, re)ealing straight white teeth. 'Don0t worr$, e and 7leo will take good care of the little iss$. Is she $our wife+'

Though Hunter see ed to hesitate o)er the >uestion, Bliss had no difficult$ answering. ',o, of course I0 not his wife. I0 his ca"ti)e. I0 not here !$ choice.'

Both 7leo and 7aesar "retended the$ hadn0t heard Bliss0s out!urst. 'Is that all, 7a"0n+' 7leo asked.

'A$e, $ou can go now. I &ust wanted to ake $ou aware that Bliss is $ guest and should !e treated res"ectfull$.' 7leo and 7aesar "added fro the roo on !are feet. Ta rah re ained, her e$es dark with alice as the$ settled on Bliss.

00/ou can hel", too, Ta rah,' Hunter continued !lithel$. 'Bliss needs a "ersonal aid. I know $ou ha)en0t !een trained for the &o!, !ut I0 sure Bliss can teach $ou whate)er $ou need to know.'

'.ersonal aid+' Ta rah re"eated in !roken English. 'I a one.' Indignant, she turned and swe"t regall$ fro the roo .

a 7alusa "rincess. I wait on no

'Ta rah tends to !e a little haught$,' Hunter said, chuckling.

'I don0t need a $ou.'

aid,' Bliss returned shortl$. 'I can

anage on

$ own &ust fine, thank

'If $ou need hel", o"en the connecting door o)er there, I0ll !e ha""$ to o!lige.'

'7onnecting door+' Bliss turned her head, noting for the first ti e the door at the o""osite end of the roo .

'8$ roo lies &ust !e$ond that thin "anel,' Hunter said s ugl$. 'I find the arrange ent con)enient at ti es.'

Bliss re e !ered the wa$ her !reasts had tingled and !urned when he0d touched the she su""ressed a shudder. '7on)enient for what+'

and

Hunter ga)e her a s ile la)ish with innuendo. '3igure it out.' Then he strode through the door, dosing it >uietl$ !ehind hi .

Bliss was still staring at the door long after and stuck her head inside.

he0d left. She didn0t

o)e until 7leo ra""ed

'It0s 7leo,

iss$. 7aesar is here with the tu! for $our !ath.'

'Bath+ 2h, do !ring it in,' Bliss called, eager to soak in a real tu! after !eing denied that lu%ur$ for so long.

Soon the tu! was set u" and filled with te"id water. A !ar of &as ine#scented soa" and a thick dr$ing cloth had !een "laced on a !ench !eside it. 7leo lingered !ehind. 'Is there an$thing else $ou wish, iss$+'

',o, thank $ou, unless $ou can find

e so ething decent to wear.'

'The aster has alread$ instructed e to find clothing for $ou. *hile $ou0re soaking, I0ll sort through the trunks in the storeroo . En&o$ $our !ath, iss$.'

Bliss >uickl$ stri""ed and ste""ed into the tu!, sighing contentedl$ as she lowered herself into the water. The te"id water felt wonderful on her o)erheated skin, as she soa"ed her hair and scru!!ed )igorousl$. After washing and rinsing her hair twice, she lathered and rinsed her !od$, !eginning with her face and continuing down to her toes. Then she la$ !ack, closed her e$es, and let the water soothe and rela% her.

A &arring )oice intruded u"on her thoughts. '*h$ are $ou here+'

Bliss hadn0t heard the door o"en !ut she recognized the )oice. Her e$es flew o"en. Ta rah. Bliss turned her head toward the door and saw the e%otic !eaut$ standing &ust a few feet awa$.

in the

'*h$ don0t $ou ask Hunter that >uestion+ This isn0t where I want to !e. I had no choice atter.'

'Hunter has ne)er !rought a wo an here !efore.'

The >uestion that !urned on the ti" of her tongue had to !e asked. '*hat are $ou to Hunter+'

'I !elong to Hunter,' Ta rah declared s ugl$. '3ather ga)e e to hi . 3ather was the last great 7alusa chief left on the island. ,earl$ all our "eo"le, e%ce"t for those li)ing in a s all )illage at the north end of the island, were annihilated !$ the S"anish who ca e to our island an$ $ears ago. 3ather trusted Hunter. Before 3ather died he asked Hunter to find e a suita!le hus!and fro a ong our "eo"le when the ti e ca e. I want no one !ut Hunter,' she said fiercel$.

Bliss didn0t ask, !ut it was o!)ious to her that Ta rah and Hunter had !eco e lo)ers.

'Hunter will kill $ou when he tires of $ou,' Ta rah said with gri satisfaction. 'He has taken wo en !efore, !ut the$ >uickl$ !ore hi and then he returns to e.'

Bliss heard a noise at the connecting door and swung her gaze in that direction. *as she to !e allowed no "ri)ac$+ She wondered as Hunter entered the roo . She scooted as far down into the water as she dared without drowning.

'Ha)e $ou changed $our ind a!out ser)ing as Bliss0s aid, Ta rah+' Hunter asked. 'If not, $ou a$ lea)e now. I0ll see to Bliss $self. And close the door !ehind $ou.'

'I ha)e not changed $ ind,' Ta rah threw o)er her shoulder as she flounced out of the roo , sla ing the door !ehind her.

'/our

istress was &ust regaling

e with stories of $our e%"loits,' Bliss said sarcasticall$.

Hunter ga)e her a lo"sided grin. '/our &ealous$ is char ing. Ta rah fancies herself in lo)e with e, !ut she is not now nor has she e)er !een $ istress. She0s ore like a sister to e.'

'So e sister,' Bliss uttered !eneath her !reath. She was ore inclined to !elie)e Ta rah than she was Hunter. ,ot that it attered. She wanted nothing to do with the heartless "irate, who had not denied co itting )ile cri es u"on the high seas.

'*hat are $ou doing here+ A

I to !e allowed no "ri)ac$+'

'This is $ ho e, I go where I "lease. I returned to tell $ou that I won0t !e a!le to dine with $ou tonight. 8$ en ha)e in)ited e to a cele!ration down in the )illage and I don0t think $ou0d care to attend. Their re)elries tend to get "rett$ rowd$.'

'(o where $ou "leaseQ Bliss shrugged' 0tis no concern of Hunter0s s ug s ile ade her want to !ite her tongue.

ine. Are $ou taking Ta rah+'

',o, Ta rah ne)er attends e)ents in the )illage. She is too good to !e wasted on undisci"lined "irates who des"oil e)er$thing good and "ure.'

'Are $ou not a des"oiler $ourself+' Bliss taunted against her !etter &udg ent.

Hunter ga)e her an enig atic look. 'I su""ose $ou ight sa$ that.' He reached for the dr$ing cloth and held it out. 'Ste" out of the tu!. As long as I0 here, I0ll "ro)ide aid ser)ice.'

',o, thank $ou.'

After what see ed like an eternit$ to Bliss, he dro""ed the cloth. 'Ha)e it $our wa$; for now. But don0t e%"ect it to last.' Then he turned on his heel and strode awa$.

Bliss dined alone in her roo . The worst of the heat had dissi"ated with the setting sun, lea)ing !ehind a soft, starlit e)ening stirred !$ sea#scented !reezes. ,ight sounds wafted through the !al $ air5 concertina usic and loud )oices raised in lust$ cele!ration floated to her on the !reeze.

Bliss had no idea what was taking "lace down on the !each and didn0t want to know. ,e)ertheless, she o)ed to the window, enchanted !$ the al ost agical dis"la$ of dancing shadows and da""led oonlight. Bursts of laughter and noises ade !$ cou"les engaging in se%ual acti)it$ in the under!rush close to the house drifted through her window. *as one of those grunting en Hunter+ She wondered distractedl$.

The night sk$ was !rilliant with s"arkling stars when Bliss finall$ changed into one of the nightgowns 7leo had !rought her, cli !ed into !ed and "ulled the os>uito netting around her. The !ed "ro)ed to !e as co forta!le as it looked and she fell instantl$ aslee".

Bliss was slee"ing dee"l$ when Hunter returned ho e. He0d drunk too uch ru and his head s"un dizzil$. He found his roo with so e difficult$ and stri""ed off his clothing. He struggled with the os>uito netting, then fell onto the attress. It wasn0t until he ha""ened to glance at the connecting door that he recalled the wo an slee"ing on the other side of that door.

&is wife.

He groaned, turned o)er on his sto ach and tried to ignore the erection that had "lagued hi fro the o ent Bliss had clai ed his thoughts. To his dis a$, slee" eluded hi . His nights were slee"less ore often than not, his drea s fraught with terrif$ing e ories of "rison cells and assassins. 2)er the $ears he0d learned to li)e without slee". It was si "ler than reli)ing the sa e night are night after night. And the cause of those night ares la$ &ust !e$ond the connecting door.

Hunter rose slowl$ so as not to &ar his aching head, fought the os>uito netting, found the o"ening, and struggled to his feet. He walked unsteadil$ to the connecting door and turned the kno!. The "anel swung o"en on noiseless hinges and he ste""ed inside. The !ed was !athed in oonlight. Behind the thin )eil of os>uito netting la$ the wo an whose !od$ he had once known as inti atel$ as his own. The wo an he had arried in good faith, the one who had sworn und$ing lo)e, then shattered his life !$ a!andoning hi for another.

The outline of her slight !od$ within the !ed drew hi like a oth to fla e. He "added across the floor and sho)ed aside the netting. She was l$ing on her !ack, one ar cur)ed u"ward o)er her !urnished head like an innocent child. He stared at the stead$ rise and fall of her !reasts, and at the lush outline of her "ink ni""les "ushing against the thin aterial of her nightgown. The !uzzing in his head increased. He had to forci!l$ restrain hi self fro reaching out to touch her. Soon, he thought with gri deter ination, soon he0d ha)e her in his !ed.

Bliss had no idea what had awakened her, !ut a!ru"tl$ she knew she wasn0t alone. Her e$es o"ened slowl$ and she started )iolentl$ when she saw Hunter !ending o)er her. He was as naked as the da$ he was !orn. She was too stunned to s"eak coherentl$. Her throat worked con)ulsi)el$ as she tried without success to swallow the lu " in her throat.

He was !athed in oonlight and shadows, his "owerful !od$ a "erfect !lend of uscles and taut flesh. She s iled groggil$ as ti e s"ed !ackward. She i agined herself with the an she lo)ed ore than her own life. She whis"ered his na e, )aguel$ aware of her istake.

'(u$; 2h, (u$; '

Hunter went still. '*hat did $ou sa$+'

Bliss0s e$es widened and she shook her head, her wits returning as she rose u" on her el!ows and glared at hi . She was full$ awake now and clearl$ aware of what and who he was.

'*hat are $ou doing here+'

'I ca e to !id $ou good night.' The words twisted a!out his tongue and ca e out so ewhat slurred.

'/ou0re drunk- *hat do $ou want+'

'/ou.' The !eds"rings groaned as he lowered hi self to the

attress.

She sho)ed hi

awa$ !ut he wouldn0t !udge. '(o awa$.'

,o answer.

'I0

not going to

ake this eas$ for $ou.'

Still no answer.

'Da n $ou- (o find Ta rah if $ou want so eone in $our !ed.'

This ti e Hunter ade a snorting sound and Bliss realized he0d fallen aslee". She tried to roll awa$ fro hi , !ut her nightgown was stuck !eneath hi . *hen she atte "ted to "ull it out, he turned a!ru"tl$ and threw one leg and an ar o)er her, aking esca"e all !ut i "ossi!le. Bliss had no recourse !ut to re ain "inned !eneath hi until orning and "ra$ that he wouldn0t awaken. She waited until she was certain he was slee"ing soundl$ !efore drifting off to slee" herself.

Hunter groaned and tried to o"en his gritt$ e$e. His outh tasted like $esterda$0s fish and his head felt as if it were !eing "ounded !$ a hundred ha ers. And he was hot. Ri)ers of sweat gathered in "laces where so ething soft and war was "ressed against hi . He was also, he >uickl$ disco)ered, "ainfull$ aroused. So ething !eneath his right hand o)ed and he s>ueezed refle%i)el$. A soft fe inine sigh !rought hi a!ru"tl$ awake. *hose !ed was he in+ He wondered groggil$. *hat wo an had fa)ored hi with her !od$ last night+ The )olu"tuous redhead who was newl$ arri)ed on the island+ The slightl$ aging !ut se%$#as#hell !runette who often ca e to hi when he needed a wo an+ The little !londe with !ig, "illow$ !reasts+ A$e, the !londe, he decided as he ga)e the soft ound another s>ueeze.

Hunter finall$ anaged to o"en his unda aged e$e. Bright sunlight flooded the roo and he closed it again. *hen he found the courage to face the da$, he was stunned to see Bliss l$ing !eside hi . She was still slee"ing soundl$, and he wondered wh$ he couldn0t recall what had ha""ened the night !efore. He didn0t e)en re e !er how he0d ended u" in her !ed. Had he taken her+ He ho"ed not. It wasn0t the wa$ he0d "lanned it. He wanted the !oth awake and aware of e)er$ nuance of his lo)e aking. Then he saw his e$e"atch resting on his "illow where it#had fallen, and he groaned with dis a$. Had Bliss awakened and seen hi without it, she ight ha)e recognized hi .

He rose slowl$ so as not to distur! her slee", retrie)ed his e$e"atch, and ti"toed fro the roo . Then he donned his !reeches and !oots and walked the short distance to the !each for his orning swi . But no atter how dee" he do)e into the "ounding surf, he couldn0t forget how good Bliss0s !reast had felt in his hand. 2r how sweetl$ she had sighed when he0d tested its weight and sha"e within his "al .

Bliss awakened shortl$ after Hunter0s de"arture, sur"rised that she hadn0t wakened when he0d left the !ed. She rose and washed herself fro head to toe, cleaned her teeth with a cloth, and donned a si "le dress of $ellow s"rigged di it$ that 7leo had left for her dra"ed o)er a chair. Then she left the roo to e%"lore the house and grounds. She wanted to learn the la$ of the land in order to "re"are herself for an$ e)entualit$. Each da$ s"ent as Hunter0s ca"ti)e eant one da$ longer awa$ fro her son.

'7an I hel" $ou, iss$+' 7leo asked when she saw Bliss walk out onto the "orch. '7a"0n sa$s $ou should wait for hi . He wants to take !reakfast with $ou. I0 setting a ta!le on the "orch. The ornings here are cool and "leasant co "ared to the afternoon heat.'

'I0ll &ust ha)e a look around while I0 "orch.

waiting, 7leo,' Bliss said, ste""ing down fro

the

'Don0t go far. It0s eas$ to get lost in the &ungle.'

Bliss li ited her orning e%"loration to the grounds surrounding the house. She found ani al sheds holding "igs and chickens, the garden she0d seen fro her window, se)eral storage sheds, a tool shed, and a s all cottage !uilt in a clearing not far fro the ain house. She assu ed it was where 7leo and 7aesar li)ed. She was &ust rounding the corner of the house when she et Hunter co ing fro the !each.

00Did $ou slee" well+' he asked with sur"rising good hu or considering his drunken state the night !efore.

Bliss e$ed hi

narrowl$. 'As well as could !e e%"ected under the circu stances.'

He ga)e her a cock$ grin !ut said nothing a!out slee"ing in her !ed. 'Are $ou read$ for !reakfast+ I0 star)ed. I0 glad $ou waited.' He took her ar and guided her u" the stairs onto the "orch. He held the chair for her as she seated herself at the ta!le.

Bliss wondered wh$ he was !eing so agreea!le. *as he ha)ing second thoughts a!out kee"ing her ca"ti)e+ .erha"s this was a good ti e to re)isit the su!&ect of her release. She waited until 7leo "laced a "latter of fresh fruit on the ta!le and left !efore taking a dee" !reath and sa$ing, 'Are we lea)ing toda$+ Ha)e $ou decided to set e free+ I0d "refer to !e released in 8o!ile, if it isn0t too uch trou!le.'

Hunter0s fork "aused in got here.'

idair. '*hat

akes $ou think I0

taking $ou an$where+ *e &ust

'/ou were !eing so nice, I thought $ou0d had a change of heart.'

He ga)e her a look that sent shi)ers clear down to her toes. 'I0 onl$ nice when it suits $ "ur"oses. I find lo)e aking far ore "leasura!le when there is0 no ani osit$ !etween !ed "artners. I intend to !e nice to $ou, Bliss. 0er( nice,' he e "hasized. 'And there will !e "leasure. 8ore "leasure than $ou0)e known with an$ other an.'

*hat he didn0t sa$ was that he full$ e%"ected his lo)e aking to result in "regnanc$. He intended to return her to 3aulk and her father, all right, !ut not until she >uickened with his child.

A niggling little )oice in his head whis"ered that he ho"ed she wouldn0t !eco e "regnant too soon. He was going to en&o$ ha)ing her in his !ed.

7ha"ter 3i)e

Under an$ other circu stances Bliss would ha)e lo)ed the island. The afternoon heat was te "ered !$ ocean !reezes and the nights were soft and sultr$. 8ornings were "ure "leasure and she tended to rise earl$ si "l$ to en&o$ the "ine#scented coolness that "receded the stifling afternoon heat.

Since her arri)al on .ine Island three da$s !efore, Bliss had !een on edge, wondering a!out Hunter0s "lans for her. He see ed to en&o$ kee"ing her in sus"ense. Each night she listened for his footste"s in the hall and ended u" falling aslee" !efore he returned to his roo . She0d e)en !egun to look forward to the ti es she would see hi again. He nor all$ s"ent long hours on the !each with his crew, o)erseeing the careening of his shi"5 then he would &oin her for dinner and afterward acco "an$ her for a walk on the !each, until the os>uitoes dro)e the inside.

Bliss stood !efore her irror, gi)ing her hair a final "at !efore eeting Hunter for lunch. Her ind ski""ed along a "ath that e)entuall$ led to thoughts of her son. Her e$es grew ist$ as a ental i age of hi for ed in her ind. She "ictured a iniature (u$ and s iled drea il$.

'I trust that s ile is for

e.'

Bliss0s e$es widened in her sur"rise to see Hunter0s reflection &oin hers in the irror. His face was striking des"ite, or "erha"s !ecause of, the e$e"atch he wore. His well#honed features were fra ed !$ ink$ dark hair clu!!ed at the na"e with a leather thong. She started to whirl around to face hi , !ut he gras"ed her shoulders and held her in "lace, forcing her to )iew the two of the in the irror.

'Tell e what $ou were thinking.' His )oice was a husk$ "urr that sent chills down her s"ine. '*ere $ou "ining for $our !etrothed+'

Bliss gazed at his reflection, "uzzled !$ his sudden tenseness. Since there was no answer she was co forta!le sharing, she ga)e hi none.

His hands tightened on her shoulders. 'Answer 3aulk+ *as $our s ile for hi +'

e, Bliss. *ere $ou drea ing of (erald

'/ou0re hurting

e- I was

erel$ s iling at

$ own i age5 does that satisf$ $ou+'

His gri" eased, !ut he didn0t let go. She could feel his hard !od$ "ressed against her, his !reath hot u"on her neck.

'3or the ti e !eing.'

His callused "al s slid down her ar s. She held her !reath as the$ ski ed her waist, lingered, then o)ed ine%ora!l$ u"ward to caress the sides of her !reasts. She shi)ered and closed her e$es. She o"ened the a!ru"tl$ when she felt his hands cu""ing the full ounds. The crests i ediatel$ tautened in auto atic res"onse.

'Don0t.'

His thu !s ru!!ed o)er her ni""les through the aterial of her dress, causing a wildl$ erotic friction that ade Bliss want to elt against hi . She offered half#hearted resistance.

'I know $ou like this, Bliss. /our !reasts ha)e alwa$s !een sensiti)e.'

It took Bliss a o ent to realize what he0d said. How could he "ossi!l$ know that+ 2nl$ one an had e)er touched her !reasts in such an inti ate anner. 2h, (od, she was going ad. Hunter was nothing like her !elo)ed (u$.

'<ook in the

irror, Bliss. *atch

e lo)e $ou.'

Bliss shook her head, !ut ne)ertheless her gaze was drawn to their reflection in the irror. She saw a wo an whose e$es were glazed, her outh slightl$ o"en. She had the look of a wanton. She couldn0t look awa$.

She felt his fingers on the !ack of her gown. 8o ents later her !odice fell awa$, re)ealing the "eaked crests of her !reasts !eneath her sheer shift. He caressed the through the fli s$ cloth, and her gaze fused to that "lace where his large hands fondled her. She hated herself for wanting hi to tear awa$ the thin aterial and touch her !are flesh.

She felt his li"s on her neck, and a s all, so!!ing oan esca"ed her throat. She closed her e$es again, and when she o"ened the she saw that he had unfastened her shift, "ushed the edges aside and !ared her !reasts. The contrast !etween his dark, tanned hands and her white flesh was startling. Erotic. Arousing. Her head fell !ack against his shoulder5 she was lost in that ti eless "lace where sensual "leasure ruled.

She ga)e a gurgling cr$ of "rotest when Hunter0s hands left her !reasts so he could work her gown down her hi"s. The cr$ died in her throat when she felt his hands on her thinl$ clad !od$ again, one of the tra)eling downward to "ress inti atel$ !etween her legs. The sensation was ore arousing than an$thing she could i agine. *hen he !egan to assage gentl$, she couldn0t sto" herself fro grinding her !uttocks against his loins. It had !een so long since she0d e%"erienced genuine arousal that her !od$ acted inde"endentl$ of her ind.

Hunter returned the courtes$ !$ !racing his legs and thrusting forward, gi)ing her the full !enefit of his erection. Bliss knew she was courting trou!le !$ res"onding so !latantl$, !ut she had neither the will nor the inclination to free herself fro his seducti)e "ower. And it seduction. He0d alread$ announced his intention to seduce her.

$od hel+ her, for it was wor1in2.

'It0s ti e,' Hunter whis"ered as he kissed and ni!!led her ear. 'Do $ou want

e, Bliss+'

'I; ' If she said $es she feared she would lose that "art4 of herself she0d held in reser)e for her dead hus!and0s e or$.

'Tell

e, Bliss.'

She felt hi gras" the skirt of her shift and raise it. *ithout )olition her gaze returned to the irror. She saw long "ale legs, di "led knees, and white thighs against a !ackdro" "ro)ided !$ Hunter0s !lack#clad !od$. An inch higher and the co""er curls concealing her wo anhood would !e full$ e%"osed. She "re"ared herself for Hunter0s reaction to all her secrets re)ealed in the irror.

That o ent ne)er arri)ed. A!ru"tl$ Hunter released his hold on her shift and turned her to face hi . He wedged his "owerful thigh !etween her own and lowered his head to her !reasts. The ti"s of his fingers stroked her !ack and !uttocks as he "ressed the hard length of his erection into the cradle of her thighs and lowered his head to suckle one of her "ink ni""les.

How uch could she take !efore she surrendered to the sensual we! he was wea)ing around her+ Bliss wondered distractedl$ as he continued to draw on her, tugging on the sweet ti" with his white teeth.

Hunter0s control was >uickl$ eroding. He knew fro e%"erience that Bliss was a "assionate wo an, and her res"onse was e)er$thing he re e !ered. He had to kee" a tight rein u"on his e otions, he told hi self. <osing control now would cost hi e)er$thing he0d gained in the last se)en $ears. 3ortunatel$, he wasn0t worried a!out engaging his heart, for nothing !ut a hole e%isted where it had !een ri""ed fro his !od$.

Hunter had to kee" re inding hi self, howe)er, that his "ri e o!&ecti)e was to seduce Bliss, ake her "regnant, and return her to her fianc1. In order to acco "lish that he had !ut to kee" a cool head, ha)e se% with Bliss as often as "ossi!le, and re ain far re o)ed fro e)er$ e otion. He was deter ined not to think of what he and Bliss were a!out to do as aking lo)e. 7alling it lo)e aking would !e a ocker$ and a !latant contradiction of his "ur"ose.

Hunter !acked Bliss against the wall, intending to little ewling sounds of "rotest, he kissed her sweet ar s. Unwittingl$, the uni>ue taste of her &ogged his of "assion the$ had shared in another life, another ti enough of her.

take her standing u". *hen she ade li"s until she !eca e >uiescent in his e or$, !ringing to ind those nights e, and suddenl$ he was una!le to get

Hunter wasn0t the onl$ one "lagued !$ intensel$ "rofound recollections. Hunter0s kisses sent Bliss s"inning !ack to the "ast. To the an who had taught her "assion. Hunter0s kisses, his scent, his ade"tness, were so re iniscent of (u$0s that for a o ent she forgot she was kissing an unci)ilized "irate. She i agined she was in (u$0s ar s5 it was (u$0s li"s aking her dizz$, (u$ e%"loring her outh with hot, thrusting strokes of his tongue. He e)en tasted like (u$.

But he wasn0t (u$. (u$ was dead. This an was her ca"tor, her seducer. He intended to use her !od$ for his own "leasure, then kill her when he tired of her. She0d heard too an$ stories a!out (as"arilla and the Brotherhood to !elie)e otherwise.

Bliss fought for control of her senses. *hen she felt the wall "ressing against her !ack, she found the strength to launch a )igorous "rotest.

',o- I don0t want this.'

A""arentl$ Hunter was too far stee"ed in lust to sto" as he fu !led with the fastenings on his !reeches. 'I want $ou, Bliss, and I alwa$s get what I want.' He groaned in o!)ious frustration when the strings on the "lacket of his !reeches knotted. He s"it out an oath and reached for his knife.

,either occu"ant of the roo heard the door o"en, or saw the unin)ited guest ste" inside. Suddenl$ a s>ueal of outrage rent the air, destro$ing the o ent. His face white with rage, Hunter whirled to face the intruder.

'Don0t $ou e)er knock, Ta rah+' he snarled. '(et out. 7an0t $ou see I0

!us$+'

'I can see )er$ well what $ou0re doing,' Ta rah s"at, sending Bliss a )eno ous look. '7leo sent e to fetch Bliss for lunch. /ou ust not ha)e heard e knock. *h$ did $ou !ring her here, Hunter+ I could !e all the wo an $ou want if $ou0d let e.'

'/ou0re still a child, Ta rah. How old are $ou+ 3ourteen+ 3ifteen+ I0 a grown an. I ha)e done an$ des"ica!le things in $ life, !ut I0 not a des"oiler of children. *hen it0s ti e I will find $ou a hus!and fro a ong $our own kind.'

'I0 no child. I0 si%teen,' Ta rah infor ed hi haughtil$. 'I can wait until $ou tire of Bliss.' Her dark e$es glea ed with alice. '*ill $ou kill her when $ou finish with her+'

Bliss !lanched.

',a$. In due ti e Bliss will !e returned to her fianc1. After'

'After what+' Bliss !lurted out. '*hat do $ou want fro

e+'

Ta rah ga)e a snort of disgust. 'E)en I know what he wants fro $ou. *hat I don0t understand is wh$. Hunter has had wo en ore !eautiful than $ou. /ou are not e)en $oung.'

I0

'Enough-' Hunter roared. 'Don0t tr$ $ "atience, Ta rah. (o hel" 7leo in the kitchen. sure she can find so ething for $ou to do.'

Ta rah left in a huff. Hunter turned !ack to Bliss, !ut the o ent had !een lost. She was staring at hi waril$. The "assion he0d aroused in her was now re"laced !$ fear.

'/ou lied to Ta rah,' she accused. '/ou0re going to kill $ou want.'

e after $ou; after $ou get what

'8$ "lans for $ou don0t include $our death,' Hunter assured her. 00/ou0ll !e returned to $our fianc1 when I0 good and read$ to let $ou go.'

'*h$ don0t $ou return e now+ *hat "ossi!le reason could $ou ha)e for kee"ing e here+' She s>uared her shoulders and regarded hi sole nl$. 'Bed e, if that is $our intention. I0ll not fight $ou if $ou "ro ise to take e to 8o!ile afterward. The sooner $ou ha)e what $ou want fro e, the sooner I can lea)e here.'

'/ou re ind e of a art$r a!out to face the lions,' Hunter said. 'That0s not the wa$ I want $ou. I want $ou hot and willing. Soft and gi)ing. The wa$ $ou were with; (erald 3aulk.' He al ost said (u$ De/oung !ut caught hi self in ti e.

'I full$ intend to !ed $ou, Bliss, in $ own good ti e. If $ou think $ou can get awa$ with l$ing !eneath e like a !oard, forget it. I0ll ha)e $our "assion and e)er$thing else $ou0re ca"a!le of gi)ing.'

'I0 ca"a!le of gi)ing nothing to $ou,' Bliss retorted. She stared into s"ace, her tur>uoise e$es ist$ with unshed tears. 'There was a an once' Her )oice !roke on a so! and she turned awa$. A o ent later she regained her co "osure and said, 'Didn0t Ta rah sa$ lunch was read$+ *e shouldn0t kee" 7leo waiting.'

Hunter hel"ed her to dress. She thought his fingers re arka!l$ ni !le and decided it was !ecause he had inti ate knowledge of wo en0s !odies. *hen she was decentl$ clothed, he offered his ar and escorted her to the sunn$ "orch, where 7leo had set out food for their lunch.

Bliss ate heartil$ of fresh fruit, !oiled shri ", cra!, and s"ic$ gu !o. The eal ended with a dessert ade fro "lantains. *hen 7leo returned to clear awa$ the "lates, a worried frown arred her !row.

'Is so ething wrong, 7leo+' Hunter asked. '/ou look "ertur!ed.'

'I can0t find Ta rah,' 7leo said. 'I sent 7aesar to look for her.' She shook her head. 'Sill$ girl, I don0t know where she gets her ideas. She is &ust turned si%teen and has decided she is old enough to !eco e $our wo an. But I0)e told her she is still too $oung for $ou.'

'I told her the sa e thing. *here do $ou think she went+ It0s a large island.'

7leo didn0t a""ear o)erl$ concerned. '7aesar will find her. .erha"s she went to )isit her "eo"le at the north end of the island. (ood riddance, I sa$5 it0s where she !elongs.'

Hunter had intended to find Ta rah a ate fro a ong the 7alusa when she was old enough. ,ow it see ed as if she0d taken the atter into her own hands. ,e)ertheless, after lunch he went in search of the headstrong girl.

Ta rah was not in the 7alusa )illage. Hunter s"ent an hour or so in "ri)ate con)ersation with a $oung warrior who had e%"ressed a desire to s"eak to hi . Afterward he s"ent the re ainder of the da$ and far into the night searching the "ine forests for her. *hen he failed to find her, he feared that she0d either gotten lost in the angro)e thickets or stu !led into >uicksand. .oisonous snakes, "anthers, and wild "igs inha!ited the forest. An$ nu !er of things could ha)e ha""ened to the girl.

E)en Bliss was worried a!out Ta rah, though the girl hadn0t !een the least !it friendl$ to her. 7leo had alread$ retired to the cottage she shared with 7aesar, lea)ing Bliss alone in the house. 3ar into the night. Bliss waited in the "arlor for Hunter to return with news of Ta rah. 3inall$ she heard a footfall u"on the wooden "orch and looked e%"ectantl$ toward the door, e%"ecting to see Hunter. Instead, three "irates she recognized fro the shi" !urst into the roo . Ta rah was with the .

'There she is,' Ta rah said, "ointing to Bliss. 'She0s $ours. Hunter is !ored with her and has gi)en "er ission for other e !ers of the Brotherhood to en&o$ her.'

2ne of the "irates leered at Bliss, una!le to !elie)e his good fortune. 'Are $e sure+' he asked Ta rah. '*here is Hunter+'

'He left so he wouldn0t ha)e to deal with her when $ou took her awa$.'

Stunned, Bliss finall$ found her )oice. '/ou lie- Hunter is out looking for (ou . *h$ did $ou run awa$+'

Ta rah ga)e her an innocent s ile. 'I don0t know what $ou0re talking a!out.' She turned to the "irates, who were staring at Bliss with greed$ antici"ation. 'Do $ou want her or not+

Better take her now, !efore the others get wind of Hunter0s generosit$ and de and that $ou share her. Take her into the forest where her cries can0t !e heard.'

'I get her first,' an ugl$ "irate with s"ik$ red hair said.

'Aw, Red, $e alwa$s go first. Ain0t

uch left after $ou get through.'

'It0s

$ turn to !e first, Salt$,' the third "irate argued.

'*ho sa$s, Butch+' Salt$ challenged, scowling.

Red drew his knife. 'This sa$s I0

first.'

'Are $ou all ad+' Bliss cried. She felt as if she were li)ing a night are. '(et out of hereIf Hunter learns of this, he0ll kill $ou.' She started to !ack awa$.

All three "irates returned their attention to Bliss. Then as if on signal the$ lunged at her. Bliss turned to flee, !ut was !rought u" short. The$ gra!!ed her and "assed her fro an to an, "awing her with their filth$ hands.

'Ta rah- 8ake the

sto". /ou can0t do this.'

'I0 onl$ sa)ing Hunter the trou!le of doing it hi self,' she said s ugl$. 'Hunter tires of wo en >uickl$. He likes )ariet$. ?ust !ecause he !rought $ou to the island doesn0t ean he intends to kee" $ou.'

Bliss resisted )iolentl$ as Red !egan to drag her toward the door. Salt$ and Butch added their strength, and !etween the three of the the$ hauled Bliss uncere oniousl$ through the front door and down the ste"s. 3ollowing Ta rah0s ad)ice, the$ "lunged into the dark forest.

Bliss decided it was a good ti e to screa . If she was luck$, 7aesar would hear her and co e to her aid. Red ust ha)e read her ind, for he "laced a gru!!$ hand o)er her outh. The darkness was o""ressi)e, !ut the$ see ed to know "recisel$ where the$ were going. *hen the$ ca e to a s all clearing, the$ tossed Bliss down u"on the arsh grass and !egan to argue o)er who would ha)e her first.

Taking full ad)antage of the distraction, Bliss gathered her wits and lea"t to her feet. She ran !lindl$ through the thick under!rush, tri""ing o)er roots and dodging trees whose li !s "ulled at her hair and left scratches on her tender skin. Behind her she heard a roar of rage, the harsh ras"ing of !reath, and knew the$ were al ost u"on her. .anic#stricken, she glanced o)er her shoulder to confir her worst fears and ran headlong into an un o)a!le o!&ect. It was too soft to !e a tree and too solid to !e a !ush. It was;

Hunter.

She colla"sed against hi , so!!ing into his chest as his ar s surrounded her. She had no idea if she was racing fro the fire into the fr$ing "an, !ut she "referred the de)il she knew to those she didn0t know.

Hunter focused his good e$e on the three "irates, who had sto""ed dead in their tracks when the$ saw hi .

'*hat0s going on+' Hunter asked, "inning the '*ho ga)e $ou the right to take $ wo an+'

"irates with the intensit$ of his gaze.

'*e was &ust following $er orders, 7a"0n,' Red said, glancing ner)ousl$ fro Bliss.

Hunter to

'*hat orders+' he asked tightl$.

'/e ga)e the wo an to us, !ut she didn0t take kindl$ to it.'

Hunter went still. He lifted Bliss0s chin and stared into her frightened e$es. 'Did the$ hurt $ou+'

She shook her head, una!le to s"eak "ast the lu " in her throat. Hunter regarded her sole nl$, then nodded, a""arentl$ acce"ting her answer. It was the "irates on who he )ented his rage.

'*ho told $ou I no longer wanted this wo an+' he roared. 'I should kill $ou for touching $ "ro"ert$.'

7arefull$ he set Bliss aside and drew his sword. '*ho0s first+'

The "irates e$ed hi waril$, aware that Hunter could send the without working u" a sweat.

all to hell and !ack

'Aw, 7a"0n, 0twere a istake. That little In&un wench ca e to the )illage and said $ou were tired of the wo an. She told us to co e and get her.'

'Ta rah said that+'

'A$e, Ta rah, that0s her na e. *e wouldn0t ha)e taken $er wo an if we thought $e still wanted her.'

Hunter0s hand tightened around the hilt of his sword. The thought of what these !rutal sa)ages had eant to do to Bliss ade his !lood run cold. /et the situation was not uch different fro what he0d seen and e%"erienced on countless other occasions, so wh$ should he act outraged now+ He wondered. He0d seen so an$ wo en ra)aged that he0d learned not to cringe an$ ore, to acce"t it, e)en though he took no "art in those !ar!arous orgies. But this was different. This ti e Bliss was the wo an the en were anhandling.

'Bliss, is Red telling the truth+' Hunter asked. 'Did Ta rah tell the and wanted to !e rid of $ou+'

I was tired of $ou

'I; $es. She !rought the !ored with e.'

to the house and told the

to take

e awa$, that $ou were

'I ne)er thought to look for Ta rah down in the )illage,' he uttered. He returned his attention to the "irates. '(et the hell out of here. .ass the word around. If I see an$ of $ou or $our ates sniffing around $ wo an again, I won0t !e as lenient the ne%t ti e.'

Red !elligerentl$ stood his ground, glaring at Hunter as if he eant to challenge Hunter0s authorit$. But he ust ha)e realized he was no atch for Hunter0s su"erior skill, for he turned a!ru"tl$ and followed his ates !ack the wa$ the$ had co e.

Hunter sheathed his sword and drew Bliss !ack into his ar s. 'Are $ou all right+'

'I0

fine.'

'/ou don0t look fine.'

'If $ou hadn0t arri)ed when $ou did; ' A tre or "assed through her !od$.

'<et0s get !ack to the house. I ha)e !usiness to conduct with Ta rah.'

'*hat are $ou going to do+ She0s $oung. She didn0t know what she was doing.'

'She knew e%actl$ what she was doing.' His )oice was hard, i "laca!le.

'/ou0re not going to hurt her, are $ou+'

He su""osed he deser)ed that. ',o. Her father would haunt e if I har ed her. I had "lanned to find her a ate, !ut not until she was older. ,ow I think it !est to do so i ediatel$. She alread$ has a suitor. A $oung 7alusa warrior has asked for her, and I0 of a ind to send her to hi .' He searched her face. '7an $ou walk+'

'2f course.' She took a ste" forward and tottered. Her wo!!l$ knees !elied her words, and Hunter swe"t her u" into his ar s and strode through the forest, rel$ing on the stars and oon to guide his ste"s.

'I can walk.'

He ignored her.

'Hunter,

a$ I ask $ou a >uestion+'

'If $ou

ust.'

'How

an$ wo en ha)e $ou gi)en to $our

en after $ou tired of the +'

The "la$ of shadows and light u"on his face all !ut concealed his e%"ression. Bliss thought she saw hi gri ace, i agined a shadow "ass o)er his good e$e, !ut couldn0t !e sure. *hen he finall$ answered, his )oice was flat and hard, de)oid of all e otion.

'I0)e seen and done an$ things I0 not "roud of. At first the$ !othered e, !ut after a ti e, what was left of $ conscience ceased to e%it. I can s"eak onl$ for $self when I sa$ I0)e ne)er knowingl$ caused the death of a wo an. 8ost of $ fe ale ca"ti)es were ranso ed to their fa ilies. ,e)ertheless, I0ll "ro!a!l$ !urn in hell for ha)ing knowledge of the things that (as"arilla and e !ers of the Brotherhood did to wo en.'

Bliss ulled that o)er and decided to acce"t it as the truth. But that didn0t ake hi an$ less a cri inal. Hunter and his kind had ade "au"ers of her father and others who tried to ake an honest li)ing fro shi""ing. She knew she should fear hi , !ut, incredi!l$, all she feared was the co and he had o)er her senses. Before she could for another >uestion the$ had reached the house. Hunter carried her through the dark, silent roo s, !$"assing her !edroo as he took her to his.

His !oots echoed hollowl$ on the wooden floor, solid and deter ined. Bliss knew what was going to ha""en, and a delicious shudder slid down her s"ine.

The flickering light fro a single candle guided hi to his !ed. As he "ulled aside the os>uito netting, a sweet )oice said, 'Hunter, $ou0)e co e at last. Hurr$, I0)e !een waiting for $ou.'

Hunter sto""ed dead in his tracks. He !it out el!ows and !eckoned to hi .

an oath when Ta rah rose u" on her

'*hat in !lood$ hell are $ou doing here+'

Ta rah saw Bliss in Hunter0s ar s and !lanched. '*hat is she doing here+'

Hunter carefull$ set Bliss down on her feet, then reached inside the netting and "ulled Ta rah out. She was naked, her satin skin shining like anti>ue gold in the candlelight. 'I ought to !eat $ou for what $ou did to Bliss. /ou0re no longer welco e in $ ho e, Ta rah.'

'/ou don0t

ean that. *here will I go+' Ta rah wailed.

'*here $ou !elong. *ith $our own "eo"le. I looked for $ou in the 7alusa )illage toda$, thinking $ou ight ha)e sought $our own kind. /ou re e !er To as, don0t $ou+ The $oung warrior e%"ressed his desire to take $ou as his ate. I told hi I0d think a!out it. Thanks to $our achinations, I0)e reached a decision. I0 sending $ou to hi to orrow. It0s either that or risk ha)ing $ou corru"ted !$ one of the en fro the )illage. I don0t think $ou0d en&o$ &oining the "rostitutes down there.'

'I don0t want To as,' Ta rah said sulkil$.

Bliss decided to add her o"inion, whether or not it was a""reciated.

'.erha"s $ou0re !eing hast$, Hunter.'

Hunter shot her a >uelling look. '9ee" out of this, Bliss. How can $ou defend her after what she did to $ou+'

'She0s $oung. And she fancies herself in lo)e with $ou.'

00To as is a fine $oung warrior,' Hunter clai ed. 'Better than she deser)es. To orrow 7aesar will take her to hi .'

Ta rah wasn0t reall$ all that disa""ointed. She knew To as and thought hi handso e. Her "unish ent could ha)e !een far worse. Hunter could ha)e !eaten her to within an inch of her life had he wanted to. /oung as she was, she now realized so ething a!out Hunter he did not e)en know a!out hi self. His "rotecti)eness and unco on kindness toward his fe ale ca"ti)e were totall$ contradictor$ to his usual !eha)ior. It s"oke )olu es a!out the an known for his un$ielding nature and his lack of co "assion. This wo an was so eone s"ecial to Hunter, Ta rah realized. He ight not know it, !ut Ta rah did and finall$ acce"ted it as the S"irit (od0s will.

'(o to $our roo ,' Hunter ordered harshl$.

Ta rah sent a sidelong glance at Bliss as she sidled "ast and glor$ fro the roo . Hunter followed her to the door.

arched in all her naked

'Don0t atte "t to run awa$ again, for there is no "lace $ou can go where I won0t find $ou.' So sa$ing, he sla ed the door !ehind her.

Bliss thought it a good ti e to return to her own roo door.

and started toward the connecting

'*here do $ou think $ou0re going+'

'To

$ roo .'

'3ro now on, this is $our roo .' He sent her a look so charged with se%ual energ$, Bliss felt o)erwhel ed !$ it.'

Hunter, I; '

She gazed into his e$e. It was narrowed and haz$ with "assion. '7o e here, Bliss.'

His )oice was a "otent !lend of erotic "ro ise and se%ual innuendo. <ow and seducti)e and e%tre el$ "ro)ocati)e. And Bliss had the strangest feeling she had heard it !efore. So ewhere. So e"lace. She racked her !rain !ut e or$ failed her. His allure was so co "elling that she couldn0t think !e$ond this roo , this an, and what he wanted of her. She a""roached hi with slow, dragging ste"s.

'It0s ti e, Bliss,' he whis"ered when she was close enough to feel the scorching heat of his !od$. 'I0)e waited "atientl$ for this o ent. /ou0re not going to fight e, are $ou+'

Ti e hung sus"ended as Bliss considered his words. 3ight hi + She hadn0t the strength to !reathe, uch less fight hi . She watched in a daze as his wea"ons clattered to the floor. 3irst his sca!!ard and sword, then his knife and "istols.

'I0 sorr$ for what ha""ened tonight,' he continued as he un!uttoned his silk shirt. 'It was ne)er $ intention to gi)e $ou to $ en. I alwa$s eant to return $ou to $our fianc1 once $ou >uickened with $' He sto""ed a!ru"tl$, as if he0d realized what he was going to sa$ and decided against it. 'After I0 read$ to let $ou go,' he >uickl$ a ended.

Bliss hadn0t caught his sli". Both her gaze and her ind were focused on his !are chest. *hen he sat down on the !ed to re o)e his !oots, she swallowed con)ulsi)el$, aware that in a few o ents he0d !e nude. The !oots hit the floor and he stood, his hands on the waist!and of his !reeches. Her cheeks fla ed and she looked awa$. 8o ents later she heard the rustle of cloth.

'<ook at

e, Bliss.'

',o. I0

not read$ for this.' But she turned her head an$wa$.

He was agnificent. All taut skin and sleek uscles. Her gaze tra)eled down his !od$; and skidded to a halt when it reached his loins. He was full$ aroused. His se% was thick and long, rising at full ast fro !lack curls.

'I0ll

ake $ou want

e,' he "ro ised confidentl$. 'Touch

e, Bliss.'

*hen she hesitated, he reached out and took her s all hand, "ulling it to the scalding heat of his loins and wra""ing her fingers around hi .

Bliss tried to withdraw her hand, !ut he wouldn0t let her. Then she heard hi looked u" at hi . His face was contorted and he a""eared to !e in "ain.

gas" and

'Did I hurt $ou+'

',a$, I was !eginning to en&o$ it too down on it. ',ow 0tis $our turn.'

uch.' He "laced one knee on the

attress and sank

7ha"ter Si%

Bliss inhaled a tre ulous wis" of air. Her chest was so tight she could !arel$ !reathe. Did she want this+ Did she trul$ want this+ Did she ha)e an$ choice+ Hunter was deter ined to ha)e her, and there was little she could do to sto" hi . She tried to think of so ething to sa$ that would dela$ the ine)ita!le, !ut all she could think of was, 'Take off $our e$e"atch.'

He reached for her. 'I don0t want to frighten $ou.'

'/ou won0t frighten

e.'

His hands undid the to" two !uttons on the front of her gown. '<et that.'

e !e the &udge of

'I can0t let $ou do this.'

Two

ore !uttons sli""ed fro

their o"enings. '/ou can0t sto"

e.'

'I; I0)e ne)er !een with a

an !efore,' she lied.

He freed the re aining !uttons and chuckled, as if )astl$ entertained !$ her words. '/ou0re twent$#fi)e $ears old. A I e%"ected to !elie)e $ou0re still a )irgin+'

'I' Suddenl$ she realized what he0d said. 'How do $ou know

$ age+'

He $anked her !odice down "ast her ar s to her waist. 'A luck$ guess.'

'Do $ou ra"e all $our wo en ca"ti)es+'

His hesitation cheered her5 then he unlaced the ties holding her shift together and her ho"es colla"sed. 'If I wanted to ra"e $ou,' he said, 'it would ha)e ha""ened long ago. This won0t !e ra"e, Bliss.'

He "ushed her skirts down "ast her hi"s and lifted her out of the . Then he knelt to re o)e her shoes and stockings. She wore onl$ her knee#length shift now, and she feared she wouldn0t ha)e that for long.

'How long ha)e $ou !een a "irate+' she asked in an atte "t to di)ert his attention elsewhere. It didn0t work.

Still on his knees, he ski ed his hands u"ward !eneath her shift, slowl$ raising the thin cloth to her sli waist. Suddenl$ he stood and $anked the shift o)er her head, !aring her to the li>uid heat of his gaze. *ith a swift intake of !reath, she !rought one hand across her !reasts while the other o)ed down to shield her se%.

'It see s as if I0)e !een a "irate fore)er.' He gras"ed her hands and "ulled the down to her sides. ',o, don0t hide fro e. <et e look at $ou. I want to see if $ou look the sa e as $ou did'

'As I did when+' Bliss whis"ered, !lushing furiousl$. ,o one !ut (u$ had e)er seen her nude. *ith hi it had see ed natural and right, and she had en&o$ed his honest a""reciation of her $outhful innocence.

'/esterda$, when Ta rah interru"ted us,' he hedged. He !rought his hands to her !reasts, caressing the .

Bliss flinched awa$ fro his touch. She felt the strangest longing e)er$ ti e he "laced his hands on her and was !oth "uzzled and worried a!out it. '*h$ are $ou looking at e like that+ I0 sure $ou0)e seen hundreds of naked wo en !efore.' She ho"ed that aintaining a false !ra)ado would see her through this ordeal.

'At least hundreds,' he concurred.

There was an edge to his )oice she hadn0t noticed !efore. She offered a silent "ra$er for courage, then said cris"l$, '6er$ well, let0s get this o)er with. I0)e i "ortant atters to attend to and ha)e alread$ !een ke"t awa$ fro the too long.'

He ga)e her a look of astonish ent. 'This isn0t going to !e a >uick cou"ling. *hen I ake lo)e; er; take $our !od$,' he a ended, 'I want $our senses full$ engaged. /ou will !e aware of e)er$thing I do.'

'*h$+ *h$ is it i "ortant that I res"ond+'

'I ha)e

$ reasons.' He ga)e her an a used s ile. 'It0s not going to work.'

'*hat isn0t going to work+' Could he read her mind +

'I won0t !e di)erted fro

$ "ur"ose. I0

deter ined to ha)e $ou, Bliss.'

Bliss thought his words confusing and so ewhat threatening. '*hat is $our "ur"ose, Hunter+'

He stared at her, this wo an he had once lo)ed ore than his own life. She had let hi rot in "rison, doing nothing when her fianc1 and father hired an assassin to kill hi . The ti e had co e to seek retri!ution for all the in&ustices done to hi . .utting a "irate0s !a!e in Bliss0s !ell$ would !e a fitting "unish ent for the destruction of (u$ De/oung. Because of Bliss he had !een turned into a an he neither recognized nor liked. Re)enge would taste all the sweeter if he could ake Bliss fall in lo)e with hi , he thought, i agining the "leasure her seduction would afford hi .

'8$ "ur"ose,' he said with a careless shrug of his !are shoulder, 'wouldn0t interest $ou.'

He traced a finger along her cheek!one in a tender caress, finding sur"rising en&o$ ent in the satin s oothness of her flesh. Tenderness was an e otion totall$ foreign to hi , one he0d forsworn se)en $ears ago, and it had no "lace in a relationshi" "ro)oked !$ )engeance. His hand fell awa$ fro her face.

'7o e,' he said, urging her to the !ed with a light touch u"on her el!ow.

MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

Bliss felt hel"less against the seduction he was wea)ing around her senses. Her ind wanted to re&ect hi , !ut her !od$ refused to o!e$. So ething fa iliar and right stirred within her. So ething long forgotten and utterl$ desira!le. She ade a oaning sound when Hunter lifted her into his strong ar s and carried her to his !ed. Still holding her against hi , he followed her down u"on the attress.

Bliss0s resistance s"lintered when Hunter0s outh !rushed hers, sweetl$ tracing the lush contours with the ti" of his tongue, then gliding along the oistened sea !efore he dee"ened the kiss. Strange e ories added a uni>ue fla)or to his kisses, and a feeling of ha)ing !een with Hunter !efore, "erha"s in another life, added an ele ent of rightness. Then her thoughts scattered as he "lunged his tongue inside to ra)ish her. *ith a will of its own her outh o"ened to hi , wanting ore of his drugging kisses.

His outh was hot, hungr$, his tongue thorough and wildl$ arousing. She ewled in "rotest as his outh left hers, then "urred when it o)ed down the slender colu n of her throat to kiss and ni!!le the "ulsing )ein at its !ase. Bliss0s heart thu "ed a wild tattoo as his hands ski ed her flesh, lea)ing a trail of fire in their wake. She swallowed a oan, unwilling for Hunter to see how "rofoundl$ his touch was affecting her. But he would not allow her to "retend coldness as his tongue licked a scorching "ath to her !reasts.

She felt the soft ounds swell !eneath the wet heat of his outh, felt her ni""les harden into taut !uds as he suckled and "ulled u"on the . Ti e and "lace faded as Bliss i agined herself in (u$ De/oung0s ar s, drea ed he was the an lo)ing her instead of an unci)ilized, one#e$ed "irate. In her aroused ind Hunter !eca e (u$, and it was (u$ to who she was eagerl$ res"onding.

Reckless, des"erate, wild, she clung to hi , seeking so ething she hadn0t e%"erienced in se)en $ears with an$ an. A""arentl$ Hunter knew e%actl$ what she wanted, what she liked, as his hands "la$ed u"on her flesh and sifted down through the !urnished curls !etween her thighs. He found her slick cleft and stroked her with the rough "ads of his fingers.

'Is this what $ou want+' he whis"ered against her !reast.

She &erked )iolentl$ u"ward into his cu""ed "al when he found the tin$ !utton of her fe ininit$ with his thu !. '2h, (od- I can0t; I don0t; ' *ords stuck in her throat.

'/ou can,' Hunter urged. 'And $ou will.'

Though dazed !$ "assion, Bliss still had the "resence of ind to wonder how he knew what she was ca"a!le of. *ith (u$ she had gi)en her all, holding !ack nothing. But this an wasn0t (u$, would ne)er !e her !elo)ed (u$. 2h (od, she was d$ing-

'<et it co e, Bliss,' Hunter co

anded. 'Don0t hold !ack.'

He sensed her resistance and refused to allow it. His own heart was "u "ing so loudl$ he feared she would hear it and know how dee"l$ he was affected !$ her res"onse to hi . He couldn0t sto" desire fro carr$ing hi awa$, unwelco e though it was. He feared that losing hi self in se%ual gratification would ele)ate the deed, aking the se%ual act ore co "le% than a si "le act of "rocreation, which was what he intended it to !e. ,either aking lo)e to Bliss (ren)ille nor engaging his heart was his "ur"ose. 2h, there would !e "leasure, there alwa$s was, !ut he wouldn0t allow it to !eco e necessar$ to his well#!eing. He ne)er wanted to !e that )ulnera!le to a wo an again,

Bliss0s !od$ thru ed with sensations long forgotten. Her !reasts felt swollen, her ni""les tender and distended. That sensiti)e "lace where Hunter0s fingers stroked was slick with dew$ oisture and thro!!ing. She felt tre ors !egin dee" within her core and arched against hi , aking ewling sounds of des"erate need. Her cli a% was sudden and e%"losi)e. *a)e after wa)e of "ure ecstas$ ke"t her tre !ling with little aftershocks as he rose u" a!o)e her and nudged her o"ening with the )el)et ti" of his staff.

Hunter "ushed his hi"s forward and slid &ust "ast the entrance. She was so hot and tight he could !arel$ contain his e%cite ent5 he took slow, deli!erate !reaths in order to slow the >uick acceleration of his heart!eat. He "ushed dee"er, nearl$ o)erco e !$ "leasura!le sensations he hadn0t !een "re"ared for. He shook his head to clear his ind, tr$ing to re ain focused on the act and not the wo an. Disregarding the wa)es of "leasure coursing through hi , he fle%ed his hi"s and thrust hi self to the hilt.

He heard Bliss cr$ out as if in "ain, and the sound rocked the foundations of his soul. He hadn0t intended to !e touched on an e otional le)el !ut he was, and he da ned hi self to hell for it. Then he !eca e aware of so ething else. So ething "uzzling $et thrilling. Bliss was narrow and )er$ tight. Al ost )irgin tight. Though he knew she was no aiden, her "assage fit hi so snugl$, he would ha)e sworn she0d not had a an since; (u$ De/oung.

Then the need to thrust, to "ush hi self in and out, to create a friction that would ulti atel$ lead to !linding "leasure, seized hi and his thinking "rocess ga)e o)er to instincts older than ti e. *ith a cr$ of surrender he !egan to thrust wildl$, rotating his hi"s in a frenz$ of otion that would !ring hi to his ulti ate goal.

Bliss lifted her hi"s to eet his thrusts, learning his te "o and i itating it as she !eca e ho"elessl$ ensnared in the sensual we! he had wo)en around her. She was lost in confusion and &olted !$ e ories. Her e$es told her this wasn0t her !elo)ed (u$, !ut !$ so e odd >uirk she had disco)ered si ilarities !etween (u$ and Hunter that ca"ti)ated her senses. His !reathing was harsh and grating, e%"loding like thunder against her neck, and without her knowledge her hands !uried the sel)es in the silk$ softness of his hair.

She thought she heard hi whis"er her na e, !ut the thundering of her heart was so loud she couldn0t !e sure. She did hear hi when he said, 00.ut $our legs around $ waist.'

She o!e$ed !lindl$ and cried out when she felt hi "enetrating her ore dee"l$. The delicious friction was al ost ore than she could !ear. She felt her !od$ start to disintegrate again and coherent thought fled.

'7o e with e, Bliss,' she heard hi sa$ scant seconds !efore she !roke a"art and scattered into a illion "ieces. 8o ents later, as if fro a great distance, she heard Hunter shout, felt his !od$ tense and release a strea of thick, hot li>uid dee" inside her.

Bliss stared at the !ea of oonlight dancing u"on the ceiling. The !itter taste of re orse was shar" u"on her tongue. She had res"onded wantonl$ to Hunter and she felt as if she had !etra$ed (u$0s treasured e or$. She turned her head to look at Hunter. He la$ on his !ack, one ar !ent u"ward o)er his head. 8oonlight cascaded o)er his shoulders and glinted through his dark hair. He looked "eaceful, and $ounger than she had originall$ thought. But Bliss knew that a soul as !lack as Hunter0s would ne)er !e at "eace.

Her gaze was drawn to the s ooth, cur)ed arch of his !row, the elegant line of his nose, the "roud tilt of his &aw. Di i ages stirred her e or$ !ut were >uickl$ lost. She sighed and turned awa$. She thought a!out returning to her own !ed, !ut Hunter turned a!ru"tl$ and !rought her into the cur)e of his !od$.

'Sta$,' he whis"ered slee"il$. 'This is where $ou0ll !e slee"ing fro

now on.'

Bliss searched for a stinging retort, !ut the e)en cadence of his !reathing told her he had fallen aslee". She sighed and closed her e$es, tr$ing to ake sense out of what had &ust ha""ened !etween the . She knew wh( it had ha""ened. Hunter0s e%traordinar$ "ower of seduction had wo)en a agic s"ell u"on her senses. So ehow, so ewa$, he had ade her !elie)e she was actuall$ aking lo)e with her dead hus!and. That shocking a!ilit$ ade hi ore dangerous than an$thing she had e)er faced !efore.

Slee" finall$ ca e, and with it )i)id drea s. Bliss wasn0t e)en aware she had cried out in her slee" until Hunter shook her awake.

'*ake u", Bliss, $ou0re ha)ing a night are.'

Two fat tears sli""ed fro

the corners of her e$es. 'It wasn0t a night are.'

'Do $ou want to tell

e a!out it+'

',o. (o !ack to slee".'

His war hand caressed the cur)e of her hi" and !otto , then slid !etween her legs. 'I0 wide awake now and read$ for $ou again.' He turned her to face hi , found her hand, and "laced it on his erection.

She drew in a startled !reath. He was s ooth as )el)et and hard as stone.

'Again+'

'And again and again. As long as it takes.'

Bliss frowned. 'As long as it takes for what+'

'3or $ou to ad it that $ou want

e, that $ou lo)e

e !etween $our legs,' he hedged.

'That will ne)er ha""en.'

He thrust a finger inside her. 'I think it will. And sooner than $ou think.'

Bliss stifled a oan as his fingers worked industriousl$ inside her. '*h$ do $ou e)en care+ There are hundreds of wo en who would welco e $our attentions. I don0t understand this insatia!le need of $ours to ha)e e in $our !ed.'

His e$e glinted in the oonlight, a flash of sil)er that sent shi)ers down her s"ine. 'I "ro ise $ou, Bliss (ren)ille, one da$ $ou will know e)er$thing there is to know a!out e.'

Before she could >uestion his !affling state ent, he "ulled her on to" of hi , s"read her legs, and thrust u"ward. ,either uttered an$thing !e$ond unintelligi!le gas"s and groans as "assion s"oke to the in words that needed no inter"reting.

Hunter awoke to !right sunshine "la$ing against his e$elid. He untangled hi self fro Bliss and sat at the edge of the !ed, sur"rised that he had sle"t so late and so soundl$. Too an$ unco forta!le nights in "rison had ade hi a "oor slee"er, !ut a""arentl$ Bliss had cured hi in one night. He al ost laughed aloud at that incongruous thought.

He straightened his e$e"atch and turned to watch Bliss slee". She sle"t dee"l$ and innocentl$, her face s ooth and guileless. He recalled their "assion of the night !efore and s iled. He had en&o$ed Bliss i ensel$, and he was astute enough to know she had en&o$ed hi . If there was a (od of 6engeance, then his seed was alread$ growing inside her. ,e)ertheless, he would !ed her regularl$, until she >uickened with his child.

*ithout )olition his ind tra)eled !ackward in ti e, recalling the "ure, unco "licated &o$ of their innocent $oung "assion. Then it had !een e%"losi)e and all#consu ing. ,ow it was ri)eting. Suddenl$ he recalled how tight she felt, al ost )irginal, and he wondered a!out it. Surel$ she hadn0t re ained celi!ate for se)en $ears, had she+ He certainl$ hadn0t.

?ust thinking a!out their torrid cou"ling had ade his loins swell and his head s"in, !ut he knew he couldn0t sta$ in !ed with Bliss all da$, no atter how uch he wished it. Sighing ruefull$, he "ulled on his !reeches and !oots. It was ti e for his orning swi in the lagoon.

Bliss awoke long after Hunter had left. She stretched lazil$, wincing when she felt an unaccusto ed twinge !etween her thighs. .ain wasn0t all she e%"erienced. She suffered fro guilt and re orse. During those "assion#filled hours last night, she0d gi)en her !od$ freel$ to a conscienceless "irate, a an who intended to use her, discard her, and o)e on to another ha"less fe ale. How could she ha)e !een so gulli!le as to fall )icti to his seduction+

A discreet knock on the door interru"ted her glu thoughts. 7leo stuck her head inside and announced that 7aesar was in the hall, waiting to !ring in the tu! for her !ath. Bliss "ulled the sheet to her neck and told the to enter. Then she recalled she was in Hunter0s !ed and wanted to sink into the woodwork. *hat ust 7leo and 7aesar think of her+

'/ou0)e sle"t awa$ the orning, chocolate and a tra$ of fresh fruit.

istress,' 7leo said, !ustling into the roo

with a "ot of

A streak of red crawled u" Bliss0s neck. 7leo see ed to e%"ect no answer, so she ga)e none. 7aesar entered !ehind 7leo, rolling in a large !rass tu!.

'I0ll ha)e this filled in no ti e,

iss$,' 7aesar said, gi)ing her a cheek$ grin.

'Ha)e either of $ou seen Hunter+' Bliss asked. The o ent she asked the >uestion, she wanted to call it !ack. She didn0t care where Hunter had gone.

'The ca"0n went down to the lagoon to !athe,' 7aesar said. 'B$ now he0s "ro!a!l$ gi)ing his en a hand with the shi".' His grin see ed to grow wider. 00I can get hi for $ou if $ou want hi for so ething s"ecial.'

',o-' She didn0t want hi

at all. 'I was &ust; curious.'

<ater, after the tu! had !een filled and the ser)ants had gone a!out their chores, Bliss la$ !ack in the water with her head resting on the ri of the tu! and felt herself !lushing again at 7leo0s suggestion that she stri" the !ed of the soiled sheets !efore she left the roo . The scent of se% ust ha)e !een o)erwhel ing indeed for 7leo to suggest changing the sheets when Bliss knew for a fact that 7leo had "ut fresh ones on $esterda$.

Bliss washed >uickl$ and ste""ed fro the tu!, wra""ing the linen dr$ing cloth a!out her as she searched for her discarded dress and shift. The$ were gone. 7leo ust ha)e carried the off with the soiled sheets, she decided as she entered her own roo through the connecting door. She found 7leo inside, gathering u" her !elongings.

'*hat are $ou doing+' Bliss asked. .erha"s that one night was enough for Hunter and he was sending her ho e. She "ra$ed it was so.

'8o)ing $our things into the ca"0n0s roo ,' 7leo said as she carried an ar ful of clothing toward the connecting door.

Bliss !lanched. '*ait- I wish to re ain in

$ own roo .'

'7a"0n0s orders, followed.

istress,' 7leo said as she strode !riskl$ into Hunter0s roo . Bliss

'*ear this dress, istress,' 7leo said, holding u" a lo)el$ tur>uoise !lue gown. 'The color is "erfect for $ou. I found it and se)eral others that will suit $ou in the storeroo .'

'*hat0s going on+'

Bliss glanced u" and saw Hunter leaning against the door&a !, ar s folded across his chest, legs crossed at the ankles.

'I want 7leo to take

$ things !ack into

$ roo .'

He sho)ed hi self awa$ fro the door. 'This is $our roo .' He wa)ed 7leo awa$ and she ade a discreet e%it, closing the door >uietl$ !ehind her. 2nce she was gone, Hunter gras"ed the linen dr$ing cloth and whi""ed it awa$ fro her !od$.

Bliss ga)e a s>uawk of "rotest and tried to tug it fro his hands. It wouldn0t !udge. '*h$ did $ou do that+' she de anded. '/ou had what $ou wanted fro e, wh$ can0t $ou lea)e e alone now+'

Hunter0s sil)er e$e narrowed as he o"ened his fingers and let the linen cloth fall to the floor. 'I ha)e co "lete "ower o)er $ou. I intend to know $our !od$ as inti atel$ as I know $ own. I will !are it and take $ou whene)er it "leases e to do so. And $ou0ll know when I0)e !eco e !ored with $ou,' he said in a husk$ )oice tinged with "assion. 'I dou!t it will !e an$ ti e soon.'

Bliss snatched the cloth fro share this roo with $ou.'

the floor and wra""ed it around herself. '7leo said I was to

'That0s right. I ga)e those orders

$self.'

'I "refer to slee" in

$ own roo ,' Bliss argued.

'And I "refer $ou in

$ !ed.'

She was a ca"ti)e, Bliss thought with resent ent. She could argue all da$ with Hunter and get nowhere. ,othing a!out his a""arent fascination with her ade sense. ,ot Hunter0s strange o!session with !edding her, nor his desire to kee" her with hi . If she li)ed to !e one hundred she0d ne)er figure out how Hunter had wrung such a "assionate res"onse fro her. She had thought no an would e)er engage her e otions as her dead hus!and had.

7o "licating Bliss0s distress was concern for her son. She had no idea what was ha""ening to her child while she was a ca"ti)e on Hunter0s island.

'This is $our roo fro now on,' Hunter said fir l$. '(et dressed. I0)e so e s"are ti e toda$. *ould $ou like to take a tour of this end of the island+'

'2h, $es,' Bliss said with alacrit$. She wanted to learn an$thing that de)ise an esca"e "lan.

ight hel" her to

Two hours later Bliss had lost all ho"e of esca"e. The island was a tro"ical &ungle suited onl$ for wild ani als, insects, and "irates. The thick tangle of angro)e and "ine forests was all !ut i "enetra!le. Hunter "ointed out se)eral dece"ti)e#looking "atches of >uicksand on either side of the winding "ath the$ had !een following. /et des"ite her dour ood, she couldn0t hel" ad iring the natural !eaut$ of the island.

7olorful tro"ical !irds flitted in the trees while eagles and os"re$s soared high a!o)e the in a cloudless !lue sk$. The nu erous Indian ounds were !oth $sterious and intriguing, to""ed with shells that had !lackened with age. The !eaches were "ristine crescents of white sand, arred onl$ !$ gulls, "elicans, and egrets searching for their dinner in the shallows.

Hunter led Bliss to the edge of the water on a deserted stretch of !each and "ulled her down !eside hi on a s all hillock of sand.

'*hat do $ou think of

$ island+' he asked con)ersationall$.

'It0s !eautiful,' she said wistfull$, wishing she were here in an$ ca"acit$ !ut a "irate0s ca"ti)e. '*here is the Indian )illage+'

'At the north end of the island. *e rarel$ distur! the . 8$ en ha)e learned to lea)e the alone. The 7alusa are re nants of an ancient warlike tri!e who allow us to share their island. The chief and I were on )er$ friendl$ ter s !efore he died. /ounger warriors are in charge now, !ut the$ still honor their old chief0s "act with e. I "ro)ide the tri!e with uch# needed su""lies in e%change for the "ri)ilege of li)ing here in "eaceful coe%istence. It works to e)er$one0s ad)antage.'

A!ru"tl$ Hunter rose and stri""ed off his silk shirt.

'*hat are $ou doing+' Bliss asked, staring at his ri""ling difficult to !reathe.

uscles and suddenl$ finding it

'(oing for a swi . I0 hot and sweat$ fro our walk. 2nce winter arri)es we0ll lose this stifling hu idit$,' he said. '*inter is a "leasant ti e of $ear in the islands.' He sat to "ull off his !oots. '*ill $ou &oin e+'

',o, thank $ou,' she said "ri l$.

He "ulled her to her feet and turned her around so he could reach the !uttons on the !ack of her dress.

'Sto"-'

'*h$+ I don0t like to swi alone.' He worked her dress down her ar s and "ushed it and her single "etticoat o)er her hi"s to the ground. '/ou can kee" on $our shift if $ou0re so concerned a!out odest$. /ou0)e nothing to worr$ a!out, though5 we0re >uite secluded here.'

A""arentl$ Hunter didn0t gi)e a fig a!out his own odest$ for he "ro "tl$ shed his !reeches and reached for her hand. She held !ack !ut a o ent !efore "lacing her hand in his. He was right. Their walk had worked u" an unlad$like sweat and the water looked in)iting. Together the$ raced into the surf, allowing the cooling wa)es to wash o)er the .

Bliss ho"ed he ight take off his e$e"atch, !ut he erel$ tugged it ore snugl$ in "lace !efore ducking !eneath the surface. He ca e u" s"uttering and "ulled her with hi into dee"er water.

'7an $ou swi +' he asked.

'I swi

)er$ well,' Bliss said "roudl$.

'See that rock &ust this side of the !reakers+ I0ll race $ou there,' Hunter challenged.

'*ill $ou free

e if I win+'

swi

He stared at her, his sil)er e$e narrowing. 'Do $ou think $ou0re good enough to out e+'

'I think so. I0

an e%cellent swi

er.'

'6er$ well. But if I reach the rock first, I de and a forfeit.' She cocked an e$e!row !ut said nothing, waiting. 'If I win I intend to ha)e $ wa$ with $ou on the !each.'

She ga)e hi a s ug s ile. '/ou won0t win.' Then she was off like a shot. A""arentl$ her strong showing sur"rised hi , for it took hi se)eral inutes to catch u" with her. The$ swa a"ace for a ti e, and when Bliss "ulled ahead, Hunter unleashed his reser)ed strength and easil$ outdistanced her. To Bliss0s chagrin, he reached the rock first, treading water as he waited for her.

His unrestrained !urst of laughter startled her. It was the first ti e she0d e)er heard hi laugh. A distant e or$ nudged her !rain !ut >uickl$ disintegrated when Hunter said, 'It a""ears $ou won0t !e going an$"lace an$ti e soon.' He caught her against hi . ',ow it0s ti e to "a$ the forfeit.' .lacing an ar around her waist, he towed her !ack to shore.

He sto""ed to catch his !reath and to rest in the shallows, anchoring his feet in the sand$ !otto and holding Bliss in "lace within the cradle of his legs. *ater la""ed around their waists as Hunter lowered his face and touched her wet outh with his.

'/ou taste of salt,' he whis"ered, licking her li"s with a !old swee" of his tongue. '2"en $our outh.'

',o.' Des"ite her refusal, her outh o"ened !eneath the hot de and of his "ro!ing tongue. His groan of "leasure was all !ut o!scured !$ the cr$ of a soaring seagull as his tongue thoroughl$ e%"lored the oist sweetness of her outh.

The heat of his kiss war ed the water around her as Bliss surrendered to the torrid seduction of his hands and outh. The kiss went on so long her legs !uckled !eneath her and she would ha)e fallen if Hunter hadn0t gras"ed her !otto in !oth hands and cradled her snugl$ !etween his strong thighs.

'.ut $our legs around

$ waist,' he

ur ured against her

outh.

'/ou0ll fall.'

'I won0t. Do it, Bliss, I want $ou; now.'

'Do $ou alwa$s get what $ou want+'

'I do where $ou0re concerned.'

He raised her slightl$ and she wra""ed her legs around hi . Then he fle%ed his hi"s and slid s oothl$ inside her wet "assage. She felt herself stretch and fill with hi , the sensation so e%>uisite she could not "re)ent herself fro cr$ing out at the "ure "leasure of it. His strength was incredi!le. She could feel the "owerful uscles of his legs contract as he su""orted her weight and !egan the sliding in#and#out o)e ent !oth their !odies cra)ed.

Bliss couldn0t hold !ack. Her !od$ knew what it wanted and de anded no less than total satisfaction. She thrashed wildl$ against hi , eeting his thrusts with sa)age enthusias and fierce a!andon. Then she was there, !reaking a"art as !rilliant lights e%"loded around her. Her cli a% was so )iolent she !arel$ heard Hunter0s shout of co "letion, or felt the hot s"lash of his seed inside her.

She was still lost in the throes of "assion when Hunter carried her to the !each and laid her down in the shade of a swa$ing "al tree. She was &ust returning fro the loft$ "lace where Hunter had taken her when she heard hi whis"er, 'This ti e I know it ha""ened.'

His startling words !rought her drugged senses into focus. Her e$es shot o"en and she stared at hi . '*hat are $ou talking a!out+ *hat ha""ened+'

Hunter went still. He hadn0t realized he had s"oken aloud. His At length he said, '*e could ha)e &ust ade a child.'

outh worked wordlessl$.

All the color drained fro Bliss0s face. 'A child+ *hat a horri!le thing to sa$- I0d rather !ear (erald 3aulk ten children than !ear $ou one. At least (erald doesn0t ha)e a "rice on his head.'

It was definitel$ the wrong thing to sa$.

7ha"ter Se)en

Hunter lea"t to his feet. The thought that Bliss would "refer to !ear 3aulk0s children ade hi craz$. It would ne)er ha""en if he had an$thing to sa$ a!out it. If he had his wa$, Bliss would ne)er see her !etrothed again. She0d re ain his ca"ti)e, !ear his children, and li)e here with hi on his island.

3ortunatel$, his good sense returned and he realized how i "ractical that arrange ent would !e. Bliss was here for one "ur"ose. Re)enge. He would kee" her until she >uickened with his child, then return her to 3aulk and (ren)ille. That was his "lan and that was the wa$ it had to !e.

Deli!eratel$ he reined in his te "er. It wouldn0t do to let Bliss know how dee"l$ her words had affected hi . He was su""osed to !e stirring her "assion, not her anger. He wanted her to fall in lo)e with hi . *hen he re)ealed his identit$, he wanted her to feel the sa e kind of des"eration he0d felt when she had a!andoned hi for 3aulk.

00A child is the last thing I want fro an$ wo an,' he lied cooll$. He held his hand out to her. '7o e. It0s ti e we returned to the house.'

'I0 glad we0re in agree ent,' Bliss uttered, wondering what would ha""en to her if she actuall$ did !eco e "regnant. The thought occurred that she wouldn0t ha)e to worr$ a!out (erald 3aulk still wanting her should she concei)e Hunter0s child.

'Do $ou need hel" dressing+' Hunter asked.

'?ust with the !uttons.'

The$ dressed >uickl$ and started !ack to the house. The sun was high o)erhead and the heat stifling. Bliss was eager to rela% on the wide "orch with a cool drink and the ocean !reezes fanning her heated flesh.

*ith the "assing of the da$s Bliss ca e to the realization that she no longer feared Hunter. He had !eco e as fa iliar to her as her dead hus!and had !een. During her idle o ents she found herself co "aring the two en. 2utwardl$ there were few si ilarities. But so eti es, in wa$s she couldn0t e%"lain, the rese !lance was uncann$. The wa$ Hunter cocked his head. The color of his e$es. The fa iliar ring of his laughter. ,o atter how long she "ondered the "uzzling "arallels !etween the two en, no "lausi!le e%"lanation was forthco ing. Des"ite the knowledge that Hunter was a "irate with who she had nothing in co on, she !egan to look forward to the ti es the$ s"ent together.

Her growing fascination with the "irate did nothing to di inish her concern for her son. Her heart would ne)er !e healed until (u$0s son was with his other, where he !elonged.

2ne night after aking lo)e, Hunter there so ething $ou wish to tell e+'

ust ha)e noticed her "reoccu"ation, for he asked, 'Is

',o, wh$ do $ou ask+'

'/ou see

"ensi)e. Is so ething !othering $ou+ /ou0re not ill, are $ou+'

'I0

fine. It0s &ust; '

'?ust what+' *as she going to tell hi she was "regnant+ He wondered as he stroked her hair, sa)oring the feel of the silk$ strands sli""ing !etween his fingers.

Bliss stared at hi , longing to confide in this "irate she knew inti atel$ $et didn0t actuall$ know at all. She wondered if he ight agree to hel" her if she e%"lained her dile a to hi . At ti es he see ed >uite taken with her, which "uzzled her. She understood nothing a!out this strange relationshi" e%ce"t that it would !e )er$ eas$ to care for Hunter. Es"eciall$ when !izarre o ents of recollection &ogged her e or$ of another an, who so ehow !eca e Hunter in the confused cha !ers of her ind.

'Do $ou reall$ want to know what0s !othering her intros"ection.

e+' Bliss asked, rousing herself fro

'I asked, didn0t I+'

She searched his face. '*ho are $ou, reall$+ Ha)e we e)er et !efore+ So eti es $ou act as though $ou know e. I0 not stu"id. I know $ou0re kee"ing e here for a reason. I0 constantl$ "lagued !$ >uestions whose answers def$ logic.'

'Is that all that0s !othering $ou+ 2ne da$ I0ll tell $ou e)er$thing $ou need to know,' he said o!li>uel$. His hands ade a leisurel$ &ourne$ down her !od$, as fa iliar to hi now as his own. 'I can ake $ou forget $our "ro!le s,' he whis"ered huskil$.

She stiffened. '/ou see an$wa$.'

to think se% is the answer to e)er$thing. *ell, it isn0t, not for

e,

Hunter sighed and fli""ed o)er on his !ack, staling at the ceiling. 'How can I hel" if $ou don0t tell e what0s wrong+'

'I can0t sta$ here. I ha)e to reach 8o!ile as soon as "ossi!le.'

'I told $ou, $ou0ll lea)e when I0 read$ to release $ou and not !efore. *hat0s so i "ortant in 8o!ile+ .erha"s if I knew, I could hel" with $our "ro!le .'

.lagued !$ indecision, Bliss conte "lated her situation. She had no reason to trust this unscru"ulous "irate. B$ all accounts he had urdered countless innocent en and wo en and !roken e)er$ law known to ankind. /et he had done nothing to hurt her e%ce"t to hold her ca"ti)e against her will. If she were truthful, she0d ad it to !eing grateful to Hunter for "ro)ing she wasn0t dead e otionall$ or "h$sicall$. Since (u$0s death she0d e%isted in an e otionless )oid, without lo)e and affection. She didn0t know whether to thank or curse hi for teaching her how to feel again.

'Bliss, I0)e done "ro!le .'

an$ things I0

not "roud of, !ut I trul$ do want to hel" $ou if there0s a

His sincerit$ sur"rised hi . In the last se)en $ears he0d found little to ad ire in hi self, and his sudden desire to hel" Bliss returned a s all "iece of his soul he had thought irre)oca!l$ lost. He was aware that he was using Bliss as an instru ent of his re)enge, and that he was going to a!andon her when she >uickened with his child, !ut there e%isted a tin$ "art of hi that re e !ered the "owerful lo)e the$ had once shared. If onl$ she hadn0t !etra$ed hi . She had rushed to see to 3aulk0s in&uries on the dueling field instead of e%hi!iting concern for her own hus!and.

The e or$ re ained, though the "h$sical "ain had receded into a dull ache. *hat hurt the worst was Bliss0s failure to )isit hi in "rison. If there had !een an e%"lanation for her actions, she should ha)e confided in hi , !ut he0d heard nothing fro her during the entire $ear of his i "rison ent.

Had her father "oisoned her against hi + He wondered. Had she suddenl$ decided she lo)ed 3aulk and wanted to esca"e their arriage+ She didn0t see o)erl$ an%ious now to arr$ (erald 3aulk. If she lo)ed 3aulk, wh$ hadn0t she arried hi long ago+ There were so an$ unanswered >uestions, he was as confused as Bliss a""eared to !e.

'/ou can hel" will.'

e,' Bliss finall$ said, ca"turing Hunter0s attention. 'But I don0t think $ou

'Tr$

e.'

'I don0t know where to start.'

'3ro

the !eginning.'

'The !eginning is "ainful. It !egan with

arriage se)en $ears ago.'

'/ou were

arried+' Hunter asked, feigning sur"rise.

'His na e was (u$ De/oung. I lo)ed hi with $ whole heart. He was e)er$thing to e. *e ran off and arried without $ father0s "er ission. I was se)enteen. *e were !oth so $oung.'

'*h$ did $our father refuse "er ission+ Se)enteen isn0t too $oung to

arr$.'

'It is when one0s father is ada antl$ o""osed to the atch. 3ather had "ro ised e to (erald 3aulk, his !usiness "artner. (u$ was working in 3ather0s sta!les at the ti e. He had no one$ or "osition in societ$. But that didn0t !other e. *e lo)ed one another and wanted to !e together.'

Hunter stiffened with resent ent. How dare she s"out words she didn0t ha""ened+' he asked through clenched teeth.

ean- '*hat

'There was a duel. (erald challenged (u$ and was seriousl$ wounded. Then 3ather arri)ed and accused (u$ of stealing a )alua!le horse. (u$ was taken to the 7ala!oso to await trial. He had seriousl$ wounded a "ro inent citizen and, according to $ father, had stolen a horse.' She "aused, the e or$ "ainfull$ )i)id e)en after all these $ears. '3ather and (erald used their influence to dela$ (u$0s trial indefinitel$. I tried to see hi countless ti es, !ut was turned awa$.'

'Are $ou sa$ing $our hus!and is still in "rison+ Didn0t $our father ha)e $our arriage annulled+ *h$ ha)en0t $ou arried 3aulk !efore now+ See s unlikel$ that he would wait $ears for a wo an.' His )oice was ri"e with accusation, !ut in her des"air, Bliss failed to notice.

'(u$ died !efore he could !e !rought to trial. The$ told e he died fro "rison fe)er. 3ather wanted to ha)e the arriage annulled i ediatel$ after the duel, !ut I disco)ered I was carr$ing (u$0s child and the annul ent was "ost"oned.'

Hunter started )iolentl$. '/ou ha)e a child+' The words sounded as if the$ had !een ri""ed fro so e "ri)ate hell inside hi .

'This "art is going to !e difficult to understand, so !ear with e,' Bliss said. 'Since I was "regnant, an annul ent was out of the >uestion. The fa il$ honor, $ou know. Then (u$ died in "rison, ending the arriage legall$, and it was no longer necessar$ to o!tain an annul ent.'

'*here is $our child now+' Hunter asked shar"l$. He had a child- He and Bliss had a child together. 'Is it a !o$ or girl+'

'A !o$,' Bliss said. 'A son I ne)er knew was ali)e until &ust recentl$. 3ather told e he had died at !irth, and I had no reason to dou!t hi . I was reco)ering fro a difficult !irth and )er$ ill at the ti e. 3or $ears I ourned the child. But in truth $ son had !een gi)en to distant relati)es to raise. I had no inkling $ son was ali)e until shortl$ !efore I took a shi" for 8o!ile and was ca"tured !$ (as"arilla.

'3ather finall$ con)inced e to arr$ 3aulk shortl$ !efore $ twent$#fifth !irthda$. I0 an heiress, $ou see, and due to inherit a fortune u"on turning twent$#fi)e. (erald needed $ inheritance to sa)e his shi""ing !usiness. .irates had destro$ed his shi"s and stolen his cargos. 3ather was his "artner, so he was as des"erate for $ one$ as (erald was. There was a catch, though. I could onl$ collect a onthl$ allowance if I re ained un arried after I reached twent$#fi)e. I needed to arr$ to gain access to the entire su . I couldn0t !ear to see $ father e)icted fro his ho e, so I agreed to arr$ (erald for 3ather0s sake.'

'How did $ou learn a!out $our child+' Hunter asked.

'I ea)esdro""ed on a con)ersation !etween 3ather and (erald. A letter fro the an who is raising $ son had arri)ed. The$ were discussing the contents. That was the first I knew that $ child was ali)e. <ater, I found and read the letter. That was when I learned that $ child was !eing raised !$ a an na ed Enos Hol es. I e orized the address. He li)es on *ater Street in 8o!ile. His letter de anded additional one$ for $ child0s u"kee". If the funds failed to arri)e, he was going to a!andon $ son. I was so des"erate to rescue hi , I wasn0t thinking clearl$. I stole one$ fro 3ather0s strong!o% and !ooked "assage on the first shi" to 8o!ile. The shi" was attacked !$ (as"arilla, and $ou know the rest.'

Her narration was

et with "rofound silence.

'Hunter+ Did $ou hear nothing of what I said+'

'I heard,' he said in a strangled )oice. He had a son. A son- The word re)er!erated in his !rain. A !o$ a!andoned !$ his other at !irth and raised without lo)e !$ uncaring strangers. Da nation- 6er$ few things had touched hi e otionall$ since his resurrection as Hunter, !ut Bliss0s re)elation affected hi "rofoundl$. And with good cause. His own flesh and !lood could !e out on the streets this )er$ inute !egging for food. He was so angr$, he couldn0t s"eak. Da n Bliss and da n her father-

'*ill $ou take

e to 8o!ile to find

$ son+'

'I; I need to think.' His feet hit the floor. She heard hi !reeches.

ru

aging around for his

'*here are $ou going+'

'I0 think.

going to take the skiff out for a while.' He needed ti e awa$ fro

Bliss. Ti e to

'/ou0re lea)ing now + It0s dark outside.'

'It will !e light soon. Don0t worr$ if I don0t return right awa$.' The door sla lea)ing a !ewildered Bliss staring after hi .

ed,

Hunter "ulled the skiff out into the water and gra!!ed the oars. The wind "icked u" a short ti e later and Hunter a!andoned the oars and set the sail, heading west toward Sani!el Island with the wind at his !ack. He needed to )isit the island an$wa$ to check on the "lunder he had left there under guard for the <afitte !rothers to "ick u". All his !usiness with the <afittes was conducted on Sani!el. After the "lunder was transferred a!oard <afitte0s shi", it was taken to ,ew 2rleans to !e offered at e%or!itant "rices to wealth$ citizens. The arrange ent had "ro)en "rofita!le for all concerned.

As the skiff ski ed across the water, Hunter0s ind wandered !ack to all he had &ust learned fro Bliss. He had a son and he still had a wife. Since (u$ De/oung was )er$ uch ali)e, he and Bliss were still legall$ arried. 3aulk couldn0t ha)e her, he thought fiercel$. According to Bliss, 3aulk wanted her for her one$. 8one$ was so ething Hunter had no need of. He had "lent$ of gold and s"ecie !uried in )arious sites around his island. He was an e%tre el$ wealth$ an.

B$ the ti e the shores of Sani!el ca e into )iew, Hunter had reached a decision. He was going to take Bliss to 8o!ile to rescue their son. He had no idea what the future held for hi and Bliss, or if there was a future, !ut he ho"ed he would ha)e a clearer "icture when his son was with his fa il$ again.

The sun was high in the sk$ when he !eached the skiff and greeted the en he had left on Sani!el to guard his goods. He intended to head !ack to .ine Island after a short rest, !ut his "lans were dela$ed when ?ean <afitte arri)ed to "ick u" the "lunder and trans"ort it to ,ew 2rleans. Though eager to !e off, Hunter was o!liged to re ain an e%tra da$, until all the goods had !een transferred a!oard <afitte0s shi" and "aid for in gold.

The e)ening after Hunter0s de"arture, Bliss sat on the "orch fanning herself. 7leo was !us$ in the kitchen and 7aesar had gone to the )illage to hel" the crew float the newl$ careened %redator into the lake on the e)ening tide. Bliss was still "uzzled and hurt o)er Hunter0s a!ru"t de"arture. He had see ed stunned after she0d !roken down and told hi a!out her arriage and her issing son. And he had disa""eared !efore telling her whether or not he0d take her to 8o!ile.

Hunter was a thoroughl$ confusing an, Bliss reflected. His reason for kee"ing her on his island was still a $ster$, and that ade her ner)ous. He hadn0t hurt her or threatened her in an$ wa$. He ade lo)e to her as if he trul$ cared, !ut she was astute enough to know there was a "ur"ose !ehind his seduction. 3or the life of her, she couldn0t i agine what that "ur"ose could !e.

E)en ore "uzzling was the haunting fa iliarit$ of Hunter0s kisses. She no longer felt crushing guilt for wanting hi . It was such a natural thing now that all she felt was the raw ache of needing hi .

Bliss0s ind wandered along a sensual "ath, unaware of the dra a taking "lace on the !each !elow the )illage. It wasn0t until 7aesar !urst through the angro)e trees that she !eca e aware of trou!le !rewing on the island. She lea"t to her feet, fear racing through her.

007aesar- *hat is it+ Has so ething ha""ened to Hunter+'

'(as"arilla-' 7aesar gas"ed, "anting fro his run through the forest. 'He0s on his wa$ u" here, iss$. He0s ad. Real ad at Hunter for !ringing $ou to .ine Island instead of taking $ou to 7u!a.'

The words were no sooner s"oken than (as"arilla and se)eral of the e !ers of the Brotherhood strode u" to the house.

ore disre"uta!le

'*here is Hunter+' (as"arilla !arked.

3or all his s all stature, (as"arilla was an i "osing an. Though he dressed like a dand$ in red coat and silk shirt with lace cuffs, he was known to !e ruthless and )engeful when crossed.

Bliss swallowed "ast the lu " of fear lodged in her throat. 'He0s not here.'

'So his en were telling e the truth,' (as"arilla said with a disdainful sniff. He looked Bliss u" and down and dis issed her with a wa)e of his hand. 'I0)e seen wo en ore !eautiful than $ou5 $ou ust ha)e somethin2 to co end $ou, else Hunter would not ha)e co "ro ised his lo$alt$ to e. I would ha)e trusted hi with $ life. *hat did $ou do to hi , wo an+' he roared. 'He would not ha)e !etra$ed e had $ou not enchanted hi . /ou ust ha)e "owerful agic !etween $our thighs.'

Bliss !lanched, shocked !$ his crude words. 'I did nothing.'

'I a eticulous a!out kee"ing $ word where $ ca"ti)es are concerned. I "ro ised $our !etrothed $ou would !e "ro "tl$ returned u"on recei"t of $our ranso . Hunter ade a liar of e. I was li)id when $ agent infor ed e $ou had failed to arri)e in 7u!a. /our ranso was alread$ in $ hands. I had no recourse !ut to co e here $self to find out wh$ Hunter failed to take $ou to 7u!a as he "ro ised. *hen do $ou e%"ect hi to return+'

'I; I don0t know,' Bliss lied. 'He didn0t tell

e.'

(as"arilla scowled, his dark face growing e)en darker. 'I can0t wait. 8$ honor is at stake. 2thers will !e reluctant to send ranso the ne%t ti e I de and it once word is s"read that $ou weren0t returned as I "ro ised. (ather $our !elongings, I0ll take $ou to 7u!a a!oard $ own 3ona Rosalia . I0ll deal with Hunter when I return.'

',o- I0d rather wait for Hunter.'

no

(as"arilla gras"ed her wrist and $anked her off the "orch. 'Do as I sa$, wench- It difference to e whether I take $ou to 7u!a with or without $our !elongings.'

akes

'I will hel" $ou,

istress,' 7leo offered fro

the doorwa$.

(as"arilla released Bliss0s wrist and ga)e her a sho)e toward 7leo. 'Hurr$, wench. I don0t want to lose the tide.'

Brisk winds and fair weather !rought the 3ona Rosalia to 7u!a fi)e da$s later. 3l$ing the S"anish flag, the shi" entered Ha)ana har!or !eneath the threatening guns of El 8oro 7astle. Bliss0s ood was as !lack as her thoughts as she watched the docking "rocess.

The last "erson on earth she wanted to see was (erald 3aulk. She hated hi . *hat he and her own father had done to her was des"ica!le. The$ had taken her child fro her and told her he had died. The$ had cons"ired together to kee" (u$ in "rison until he was stricken with "rison fe)er and died of his ail ent. The$ had ade a co "lete sha !les of her life to satisf$ their need of one$. She silentl$ )owed that neither (erald nor her father would e)er see a "enn$ of her inheritance.

The gang"lank was run out, and Bliss stiffened when (as"arilla ca e for her. '*here are $ou taking e+'

'I0 not taking $ou an$where. I0 too well known and ha)e attacked too an$ S"anish shi"s to show $ face in Ha)ana. 2ne of $ en will take $ou to $ agent. Don Alizar will handle the reunion with $our !etrothed. I0)e sent a runner ahead so he0ll know to e%"ect $ou.'

As she tra)ersed the crowded streets of Ha)ana, Bliss considered fleeing fro her "irate escort, !ut soon discarded the idea. She had no one$ and no friends here to hel" her. She dreaded the reunion with (erald, !ut at this "oint there was nothing she could do to "re)ent it. She would rather sta$ with Hunter than !e reunited with (erald and her father. The length$ )o$age fro .ine Island to 7u!a had gi)en her an$ idle hours in which to think a!out Hunter and the curious connection that see ed to link her to the one#e$ed "irate.

The !ond was so strong that at ti es she felt as if she0d known hi fore)er. ,o atter how hard she tried, she couldn0t e%"lain the affinit$ that e%isted !etween the . *hen he ade lo)e to her, the aching fa iliarit$ of his lo)e aking !rought tears to her e$es. And as uch as he tried to den$ it, she knew Hunter shared those feelings.

'Here we are, wench,' said the rough "irate who had escorted her through the streets. '3eli% Alizar0s office is on the second floor. 2"en the door.'

The door was set in a cru !ling stucco !uilding in a less than res"ecta!le neigh!orhood. Bliss "ulled it o"en and saw a narrow dark stairwa$ rising u"ward to the second floor.

'(o on,' the "irate said, urging her u" the e%"ecting $ou.'

stairs and following close !ehind. 'Alizar is

Bliss hesitated on the u""er landing and stared at the closed door. Her legs had turned to stone. If (erald was !ehind that door, she feared she0d ha)e a terri!le ti e controlling her rage. The "irate o"ened the door and sho)ed Bliss inside. A s all S"aniard sat !ehind a desk, "erusing a sheaf of "a"ers. He looked u", saw Bliss, and s iled.

'Ah, at last. $racias , Ra on. Tell (as"arilla I e%"ect word on Don 7o!re0s wife soon. *hen the ranso arri)es, I0ll send it !$ the usual route.'

' "-, Don Alizar, I will tell hi . (as"arilla is an%ious to take his lea)e !efore the authorities recognize the 3ona Rosalia . *e aren0t e%actl$ welco e in S"anish territor$. (as"arilla sends his a"ologies to (erald 3aulk for the dela$. It was not his doing.' He "laced the !undle of Bliss0s clothing on the desk and took his lea)e.

Alone now with the agent, Bliss turned her attention to the an who had arranged for her ranso . He was short and thin, his thick !lack hair and ustache slicked down with "o ade. His s ile ade her think of a weasel, and she shi)ered in re)ulsion.

'So $ou0re the wo an who dro)e Hunter to def$ (as"arilla,' he said, looking her o)er with a critical e$e. '/ou0re !eautiful, !ut I don0t know if ) would ha)e o""osed (as"arilla to ha)e $ou.' He shrugged. 'I do not en)$ Hunter. (as"arilla is not an eas$ an to "lacate. But $ou are here now and a""ear unhar ed,' he said cheerfull$. 'I took the li!ert$ of notif$ing $our !etrothed5 he should arri)e shortl$.'

Bliss0s re"l$ was forestalled when the door o"ened and (erald 3aulk ste""ed inside. He ga)e Bliss a look of utter conte "t, >uickl$ re"lacing it with a false s ile.

'Ah, $ dear, I was craz$ with worr$ for $ou. I0)e !een waiting weeks for $our arri)al in Ha)ana. I0 an%ious to take $ou ho e so we can !e wed. *h$ did $ou run awa$+ If there was a "ro!le , $ou should ha)e sought $ hel".'

As if sensing that his "resence was not needed, Alizar rose a!ru"tl$. 'I will lea)e $ou two alone. I0 sure $ou0d like to greet one another "ri)atel$.'

'Thank $ou for all $ou ha)e done to reunite s oothl$.

e with

$ fianc1e, Don Alizar,' 3aulk said

'It is nothing,' Alizar said. Then he ste""ed out the door and closed it !ehind hi .

3aulk turned !ack to Bliss, his light e$es narrowing on her with insulting intensit$. '*ell, $ou don0t look an$ the worse for wear. 7an I at least assu e $ou0re not with child+'

Bliss0s chin rose slightl$. 'Assu e what $ou like. It will !e a cold da$ in hell !efore I arr$ $ou.'

'*h$ did $ou run awa$+' 3aulk asked with re arka!le control.

E !ers of resent ent glowed !rightl$ in Bliss0s tur>uoise e$es. '/ou and 3ather took $ child fro e and ga)e hi awa$-' She al ost screa ed the words at hi . 'He isn0t dead. He0s )er$ uch ali)e and li)ing in 8o!ile. I will ne)er forgi)e either of $ou for what $ou0)e done to e.'

3aulk staggered !ackward !eneath the !last of Bliss0s en it$. He had had no idea Bliss knew a!out the !o$, and it took a o ent for hi to reco)er fro the shock. After a long "ause his a"lo ! returned and he sought to "lacate Bliss.

'*e did it for $our own good,' he said defensi)el$. '/ou were too $oung to raise a child. He was "laced in a foster ho e where he could !e looked after "ro"erl$. I knew we would arr$ one da$ and didn0t want another an0s child underfoot. *e0ll ha)e our own children. /ou should !e grateful to e for allowing $ou sufficient ti e to grie)e and !eco e accusto ed to the loss. I ha)en0t "ressed $ou for arriage these "ast si% $ears, ha)e I+'

'/ou didn0t "ress for Bliss charged.

arriage !ecause I was still too $oung to collect

$ inheritance,'

'I0)e alwa$s wanted $ou, Bliss. Unfortunatel$, $ou wanted a an totall$ unsuita!le. *hat ha""ened was for the !est. /our father is an%iousl$ awaiting $our return. *e0ll !e arried i ediatel$ u"on reaching ,ew 2rleans. I ha)e the license5 all is in readiness.'

'2)er

$ dead !od$- I0ll never

arr$ $ou, (erald.'

'/ou don0t ean that,' 3aulk ca&oled. '/ou0re tired. /ou0)e !een under a great strain. These "ast weeks couldn0t ha)e !een "leasant for $ou.

,o one in ,ew 2rleans need e)er know $ou were a "irate0s ca"ti)e. I0 taking $ou !ack to $ shi", where $ou0ll ha)e ti e to rest and reco)er. I0 sure $ou0ll co e to $our senses once $ou0)e thought this o)er.'

'I0)e ne)er lost $ senses, onl$ $ !lindfold. I see $ou clearl$ for what $ou are now. I ne)er liked $ou, !ut now I hate $ou. /ou can take e !ack to ,ew 2rleans, !ut I won0t sta$ there. As soon as I can, I0ll !ook "assage to 8o!ile.'

'/ou0re understanda!l$ u"set, $ dear. *e0ll talk further after $ou0)e eaten and rested. *e0re stuck here for at least another da$. I0)e found a cargo of ru to fill $ hold and it won0t !e loaded until to orrow.' He took her ar . '7o e along. *e can discuss our wedding "lans later. .erha"s we can agree on so ething that will "lease $ou.'

Bliss seriousl$ dou!ted it, !ut she was too wear$ to !ela!or the "oint.

%ine )sland

An%iet$ "ricked Hunter as .ine Island rose u" !efore hi . He ai ed the skiff toward the shore !elow the )illage, aneu)ered the !reakers successfull$, and !eached the skiff on a stretch of "ristine white sand. The o ent he ste""ed ashore, he knew so ething was wrong. ,othing a""eared distur!ed, !ut the feeling "ersisted. Then he saw 7aesar walking down the !each to eet hi and his heart!eat accelerated.

'Is Bliss all right+' he asked as 7aesar drew a!reast of hi . Da nation- If so ething had ha""ened to Bliss, he0d ne)er forgi)e hi self. That thought ga)e hi "ause. *hen had Bliss co e to ean so uch to hi +

'(as"arilla took her, 7a"0n,' 7aesar said. 'He found out she ne)er reached Ha)ana and ca e here to in)estigate. He sure was ad. I0 glad $ou weren0t ho e when he arri)ed. Don0t know what would ha)e ha""ened had he found $ou on the island. His en were ar ed to the teeth and itching for a fight. *hen he found $ou gone, he said he was gonna take the little iss$ to Ha)ana, and then co e !ack and take care of $ou for !etra$ing his trust.'

hi

'*hen did all this ha""en+' Hunter asked. The thought of Bliss and 3aulk together ade "h$sicall$ ill. She didn0t !elong to 3aulk, she would alwa$s !elong to (u$ De/oung.

'The 3ona Rosalia sailed fro our shores on $estere)e0s tide. /ou can catch the , 7a"0n. I knew $ou0d want to go after the , so I ordered the crew to "re"are the %redator for a )o$age to 7u!a. .ro)isions ha)e alread$ !een carried a!oard and stored in the hold.'

Hunter ga)e hi a grateful "at on the shoulder. '/ou0re a good e%actl$ right. How soon will she !e read$ to sail+'

an, 7aesar. /ou did

'She0s read$ now.'

'Alert the crew. I0ll get

$ wea"ons fro

the house and

eet the

on the !each.'

7aesar ga)e hi a white#toothed grin. ',o need, 7a"0n. E)er$thing $ou need is alread$ a!oard. 8e and 7leo seen to it. The tide0s co ing in. /ou0d !est go now. ?ust !ring the little iss$ !ack safe and sound.'

Hunter hurried off. He intended to do whate)er it took to find Bliss and his son.

Hunter reached 7u!a scant hours !ehind (as"arilla. His heart sank when he noted that (as"arilla0s shi" was neither docked !eside one of the stone "iers nor anchored out in the har!or. Then he recognized a shi" of the 3aulk line oored at the far end of the >ua$ and his ood lightened considera!l$. 7hances were good that Bliss had !een taken a!oard the "outhern "tar . There was onl$ one wa$ to find out and he had to do it !efore the "outhern "tar left "ort.

Hunter waited for full darkness to arri)e, then he ordered all lights doused and the %redator anchored &ust off shore !ehind the "outhern "tar . The night was so !lack the %redator a""eared as a dark shadow against the ink$ sk$. Dressed all in !lack, Hunter cli !ed down the ladder and sli""ed into the urk$ water.

7ha"ter Eight

Bliss sat in the tin$ ca!in a!oard the "outhern "tar , listening to (erald harangue her a!out their arriage. The ca!in !o$ had &ust carried awa$ the re nants of a late su""er and (erald showed no signs of lea)ing des"ite the lateness of the hour.

Bliss had refused food earlier and fallen aslee" shortl$ after !oarding. It was dark when she awoke. B$ then she was ra)enous and had welco ed the tra$ of food (erald had carried into her ca!in. *hat she did o!&ect to was sharing her eal with a an she des"ised. And now, long after the eal had !een consu ed, (erald re ained to discuss their arriage des"ite Bliss0s stoic refusal to wed hi .

00I0)e co e all this wa$ to rescue $ou, $ dear,' (erald said, "acing !ack and forth !efore her. 'The least $ou can do is show $our a""reciation. It wasn0t eas$ to co e u" with $our ranso . I ortgaged $ ho e to o!tain the one$. /ou owe e an enor ous de!t. I still want $ou, e)en though I0 full$ aware that $ou were that "irate0s do%$,' he said !rashl$. 'I0ll ne)er forgi)e $our ca"tor for taking what was rightfull$ ine. Did he ra"e $ou+ Don Alizar told e the "irate took $ou fro (as"arilla and ke"t $ou on his island.'

A streak of red cre"t u" Bliss0s neck. It was true that Hunter had seduced her, !ut she hadn0t !een unwilling, though she0d ne)er ad it it to a )illain like (erald 3aulk. 'Belie)e what $ou want, $ou will an$wa$. I0ll re"a$ $ de!t fro $ onthl$ allowance,' she "ro ised. 'It0s late, (erald, I suggest $ou lea)e. I ha)e nothing ore to sa$ to $ou.'

'/our onthl$ allowance, !ah- At that rate it will take $ears to re"a$ the one$ I !orrowed. *hen we arr$, $our entire inheritance will co "ensate nicel$ for e)er$thing $ou ha)e "ut e through. I0ll e)en forgi)e $our transgressions. 8ost en would hold $our colorful "ast against $ou. 3ew en would !e willing to wed a "irate0s lea)ings. Acce"t it, Bliss. I0 $our onl$ ho"e for a nor al arriage.'

Dots of rage e%"loded !ehind Bliss0s e$es. 'How dare $ou s"eak to e like that- ,othing will con)ince e to arr$ $ou,' she declared fir l$. '/ou and 3ather deser)e e)er$ ad)ersit$ )isited u"on $ou. 3or si% $ears $ou let e !elie)e $ son was dead. I0ll ne)er forgi)e either of $ou for de"ri)ing e of $ "recious !a!$.'

'The child was (u$ De/oung0s,' 3aulk said, as if that si "le fact e%cused his des"ica!le !eha)ior.

'He0s all I ha)e left of (u$,' Bliss can0t sto" e.'

aintained. 'I0

going to find hi , $ou know. /ou

3aulk stared at her thoughtfull$. He knew fro "ast e%"erience how stu!!orn Bliss could !e. If she said she wouldn0t arr$ hi , she eant it. His ind worked furiousl$. There had to !e so e wa$ to change her ind. Suddenl$ he seized u"on an idea, and after ulling it o)er, he knew e%actl$ how to !ring Bliss to heel.

'How !adl$ do $ou want $our son,

$ dear+' 3aulk asked s oothl$.

'He0s the ost i "ortant thing in $ life right now.' She realized she s"oke the truth des"ite her "owerful attach ent to Hunter. Their relationshi" was all "assion and no su!stance. 2ne that had no "lace in the real world. Her feelings for Hunter were strong, !ut not as strong as the ties that !ound her to her child.

'Then heed e well, Bliss,' 3aulk said, "ausing !efore her and "ulling her to her feet. 'I will take $ou to 8o!ile to get $our son in e%change for $our "ro ise to arr$ e u"on our return to ,ew 2rleans.'

'*h$ should I !elie)e $ou+' Bliss asked waril$. '/ou0)e lied to idea of arr$ing $ou a""alls e.'

e !efore. Besides, the

I0

'I0ll not "ressure $ou to sincere.'

arr$

e until I0)e ke"t

$ !argain with $ou. That should "ro)e

'How a

I to know $ou will ne)er atte "t to se"arate

e fro

$ son again+'

<ies lea"t easil$ to 3aulk0s li"s. 'I wouldn0t drea

of doing such a thing.'

'/ou would "ro ise to treat hi "ro)en false in the "ast.

kindl$+' Bliss said, unwilling to !elie)e a

an who had

'I swear it,' 3aulk )owed, reaching for and finding the "erfect !lend of sincerit$ and contriteness. 'I will do $ ut ost to reunite $ou with $our son.' And to se"arate $ou the o ent $ou !eco e $ wife, he thought. ,o wo an was going to tell hi what to do. As soon as he had his hands on Bliss0s inheritance, he would teach her to o!e$ hi .

Bliss searched his face, struggling with indecision. She did ha)e one thing in her fa)or, howe)er. She wouldn0t ha)e to arr$ (erald if he didn0t kee" his word. And once her son was with her, she could do as she "leased, and arr$ing 3aulk didn0t "lease her. So ehow she0d find a wa$ to fend hi off until he !eca e !ored with waiting for her. But first the$ had to find her son.

'There will !e no

arriage until

$ son is returned to

e,' Bliss insisted.

'So I ha)e said.'

3aulk !owed his head in angr$ ac>uiescence. He needed the one$5 he had no choice. 2nce the$ were wed, he0d ake her understand that she couldn0t dictate to hi . *hat Bliss (ren)ille needed was a "ro"er !eating, and he was &ust the an to do it. But first things first. 7on)incing her of his sincerit$ was his first "riorit$.

'See how agreea!le I a + *e will set a course for 8o!ile as soon as the cargo is loaded to orrow.'

Satisfied, Bliss turned awa$, e%"ecting hi (erald ade her "h$sicall$ ill.

to lea)e. Re aining in the sa e roo

with

3aulk wasn0t so easil$ dis issed. His hands tightened on her shoulders and he "ulled her against hi , his e$es flaring with desire. ',ot so fast, $ dear. I0)e waited a long ti e for $ou. The least $ou can do is seal our !argain with a kiss.'

,either Bliss nor 3aulk was aware of the dark#clad an who had scaled the ro"es as the$ s"oke and >uietl$ cli !ed a!oard the "outhern "tar . ,or did the$ know he had sli""ed "ast the night watch and was s"$ing on the through the o"en "orthole. He had arri)ed in ti e to hear 3aulk sa$ he wanted to seal their !argain with a kiss.

*hat kind of a !argain+ Hunter wondered. He didn0t ha)e long to wonder. 3aulk0s ne%t words sent hot rage seething through hi .

I0

'After we0re arried we0ll !e doing ore than kissing. If the "irate taught $ou !ed s"ort not aware of, I want $ou to show e. 3irst I0ll take $ou to 8o!ile, then we0ll !e arried.'

Before Bliss could "rotest, 3aulk wound his fingers through her long hair and "ulled her face close to his. Then he kissed her, using his tongue to "ush "ast her teeth and into her outh. Bliss ade a gagging sound !ut couldn0t esca"e the a!o ination of his kiss.

Hunter continued to watch the unfolding scene, dri)en nearl$ wild with &ealous$. Until now he0d !een read$ to forgi)e Bliss an$thing. He0d "lanned to take her to 8o!ile to find their child. But this was too uch. He couldn0t find it in his heart to forgi)e her eas$ ac>uiescence to 3aulk, and he des"ised her a""arent willingness to allow 3aulk to raise (u$0s child. 2nce Bliss and 3aulk were arried, 3aulk would !eco e his son0s legal guardian. ,o-

Hunter knew his shi" was fast. Un!urdened !$ cargo, it could outrun an$thing afloat. He would sail to 8o!ile hi self and rescue his son !efore the "outhern "tar arri)ed. As for Bliss, she could s"end the rest of her life with 3aulk for all he cared. 2r so he tried to tell hi self.

$od, it hurt. He had thought he0d lost the a!ilit$ to care, !ut seeing Bliss in 3aulk0s ar s "ro)ed he was still )ulnera!le, still ca"a!le of !eing hurt !$ this wo an, and the realization angered hi . Silentl$ he )owed to "urge hi self of the tin$ scra" of caring he0d disco)ered within hi self.

Hunter returned his attention to the scene inside the ca!in, saw the lo)ers !reak a"art, and realized 3aulk was "re"aring to take his lea)e. Hunter was ore than a little sur"rised. He had thought Bliss would take 3aulk to her !ed, !ut a""arentl$ she was turning hi awa$. His outh cur)ed u"ward in a gri "arod$ of a s ile as he !acked into the shadows and waited for 3aulk to clear the "assagewa$. He allowed enough ti e for 3aulk to reach his ca!in !efore entering the "assagewa$ and aking his wa$ to Bliss0s ca!in. Then he o"ened the door and ste""ed inside.

She was standing !efore the "orthole, staring out into the dark night. She ust ha)e sensed his "resence, for she turned, searching the shadows for hi . He heard her sudden intake of !reath as he ste""ed into the halo of light "ro)ided !$ a hanging lantern.

'Hunter.' His na e tre !led fro

her li"s on a sigh.

'A$e. 0Tis

e.'

'How did $ou get here+ /ou

ust lea)e !efore (erald finds $ou.'

He ad)anced slowl$ toward her, his u""er li" curled into a ocking s ile. 'I ha)e e)er$ intention of lea)ing. I was a fool to consider rescuing $ou when $ou don0t need rescuing.'

'Rescue

e+'

,as he 4estin2-B$ rescuing her he eant he would take her straight !ack to his island, where the$ would continue on as the$ had !een !efore she left. At least (erald had "ro ised to take her to 8o!ile to find her son. That was ore than Hunter had done. *hen she0d told hi a!out her son and asked for his hel", he had reacted !$ running off.

'/ou0re right. I don0t need rescuing.' (od forgi)e her for l$ing. If not for her son, she would ha)e !een genuinel$ ha""$ to go an$where with Hunter. Her life had !een so )er$ e "t$ for so )er$ long.

'I shouldn0t ha)e co e.' He turned to lea)e.

'Hunter- *ait.'

He turned !ack to her, his face starkl$ outlined !$ flickering light and shadow. 2nl$ the flash of his sil)er e$e ga)e an$ hint of his roiling e otions. '*hat is it+'

'I; 2h, (od, I don0t know. ?ust go.'

Her unfeigned anguish touched a "lace inside hi he didn0t want to acknowledge. He o)ed toward her with weighted ste"s, his ind utterl$ re&ecting what his !od$ was de anding. He wanted her. He wanted his wife with e)er$ fi!er of his !eing. He reached for her, !ringing her hard against hi . She raised her e$es to hi . He searched her !eautiful face, sa)oring those "erfect features he had fallen in lo)e with a lifeti e ago. Her hands ca e u" !etween the , "ushing at first, then gras"ing the silk of his shirt to !ring hi closer. Hunter groaned in surrender and co)ered her outh with his.

He felt her heart thundering in the sa e staccato !eat as his own as he "lundered her outh with his tongue. He drank the throat$ oans fro her li"s as he swe"t her u" into his ar s and carried her to the narrow !ed, cursing his weakness for Bliss. He couldn0t lea)e without tasting her sweet "assion one last ti e. She was like an addiction. He knew she wasn0t good for hi , !ut the ecstas$ he found within her ar s was a "owerful induce ent.

Bliss felt herself !eing lowered onto the !ed, felt Hunter0s hard !od$ co)er hers, and suddenl$ she wanted this as uch as he did, des"ite the niggling )oice warning her that she was unlikel$ to e erge fro the encounter with her heart intact. Then a frightening thought occurred to her. If Hunter was caught with her, it could ean his death.

'Hunter, we can0t. (o now, !efore $ou0re caught.'

'Tell

e so ething first, Bliss. Are $ou carr$ing

$ child+'

Bliss gas"ed, shocked !$ his startling >uestion. *h$ did he want to know+ It was "ossi!le, though highl$ i "ro!a!le. 'I don0t know.'

'Too !ad,' he

u !led.

She was a!out to ask what he eant when she felt a cool da "ness against her lower !od$ and realized that Hunter had worked her skirts u" to her waist. His clothing was still wet fro his swi and she shi)ered. Then she felt the !lunt ti" of his se% "rodding !etween her legs.

'I thought $ou were going to lea)e.'

',ot $et. ,ot until I finish what I ca e to do. 2"en for legs a"art with his knee.

e,' he whis"ered, nudging her

There was a harsh edge to his )oice that she recognized as des"eration, and when she looked u" at hi she was sur"rised to see that his face wore a haunted look that had little to do with "leasure. Then he thrust into her and her thoughts scattered.

7radling her hi"s in his !ig hands, he ad&usted her !od$ to fit his and !egan to inside her. 'Take e dee"er,' he groaned against her li"s.

o)e

She arched her !ack and felt hi slide dee"er, creating a cla oring inside her that accelerated with each swift, sure stroke. She could feel her !od$ stretching taut as a !owstring as his se% reached dee" inside her core, touching her soul. Higher and higher she cli !ed, until shards of !rilliant lightning s"lintered through her, scorching her with dazzling s"arks of "leasure.

Hunter !lazed hotter with each thrust5 the need to "our hi self inside her was so intense he had to grit his teeth to kee" fro s"illing his seed !efore Bliss attained her own "leasure. His outh seized hers, his tongue del)ing and retreating, i icking the thrusting of his se%. *hen the churning inside hi grew un!eara!le, he !rought his hand !etween the and found her ost sensiti)e "lace.

Still aintaining the frantic te "o of his thrusting loins, he assaged the tin$ nu!, flinging Bliss to the shar" edge of cli a%. Then he "ushed her o)er with a thrust so dee" that the "leasure of it sent hi tu !ling after her as wa)e after wa)e of lu inous ecstas$ rushed through hi .

He heard Bliss cr$ out, felt her tre !le !eneath hi , and knew she had found her own "leasure. He re ained e !edded dee"l$ within her until her contractions di inished and her legs released their hold on hi . Then he rose fro the !ed and straightened his clothing. He couldn0t resist turning !ack to look at Bliss one last ti e and i ediatel$ regretted it. She looked adora!l$ wanton, l$ing there with her li"s swollen fro his kisses and her thighs wet and glistening with his seed. He turned awa$.

00I don0t see to ha)e alread$ know that.'

uch control where $ou0re concerned,' he said harshl$, '!ut $ou

'*here are $ou going now+'

'Back to doing what I do !est.' He ga)e her a co e with e+ *e can take u" where we left off.'

ocking grin. 'Are $ou sure $ou won0t

'I; ,o, I can0t. (erald has "ro ised to take u". I0)e co e too far.'

e to 8o!ile to find

$ son. I can0t gi)e hi

'*hen $ou with a snarl.

arr$, 3aulk will !eco e $our son0s ste"father and guardian,' Hunter said

'That0s how it usuall$ works,' Bliss res"onded tartl$.

But that0s not how it0s going to !e, she thought to herself. She had no intention of (erald 3aulk, not now, not e)er.

arr$ing

'Heed 3aulk.'

e well,' Hunter ad)ised. '8ake da n sure $our hus!and is dead !efore $ou

arr$

Bliss lea"t fro

the !ed, her face drained of all color. '*hat do $ou

ean+'

'3igure it out for $ourself.'

He o"ened the door and "eered into the "assagewa$.

'/ou can0t sa$ so ething like that and &ust lea)e-' Bliss charged. He ga)e her an o!li>ue s ile that stirred the de"ths of her e or$ and left her shaken.

The click of the latch gal)anized her into action and she rushed to the door to sto" hi fro lea)ing, !ut he was gone, disa""earing as silentl$ and $steriousl$ as he had co e. His startling words hung in the air like a dark cloud. *hat did Hunter know a!out (u$ that she did not+

Hunter left the shi" as silentl$ as he had arri)ed. He sli""ed into the water and swa to the %redator without !eing detected.

!ack

He was deter ined to find his child !efore Bliss and 3aulk reached 8o!ile. Until he0d seen Bliss and 3aulk kissing, he0d intended to re)eal his identit$ to Bliss, re o)e her fro 3aulk0s shi", and sail with her to 8o!ile to rescue their son. He tried to tell hi self that he had followed Bliss to 7u!a for his son0s sake, !ut he knew he was l$ing.

Don0t lie to $ourself, a little )oice inside hi whis"ered. /ou were willing to o)e hea)en and hell to get Bliss !ack !ecause she0s $our wife and $ou still want her. /ou seduced $our own wife and treated her like $our whore- /ou tried to ake her "regnant as "art of $our re)enge. How strange, Hunter thought as he cli !ed a!oard the %redator , that he still had a s all !it of conscience left. He would ha)e to do so ething a!out it.

MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

The %redator , newl$ na ed the Boston 5ueen , sailed into 8o!ile Ba$ a week later. She flew the A erican flag, one of an$ flags fro )arious countries that Hunter ke"t on hand and used u"on occasion.

Hunter donned his !est !lack silk shirt, !lack !reeches, and !lack &acket !efore going ashore. He wore his sword !ut left all !ut one "istol a!oard the 5ueen . He also carried a heft$ sack of gold coins !eneath his &acket. 2stensi!l$ he was looking for a cargo to fill his hold, !ut a cargo was the furthest thing fro his ind as he sought directions to *ater Street fro a longshore an.

Hunter located *ater Street in a seed$ neigh!orhood not far fro the waterfront. <ow# class !rothels and saloons e%isted side#!$#side with "ri)ate dwellings and roo ing houses. The !uildings were ostl$ nondescri"t and rundown. Hunter in>uired after the Hol es fa il$ at )arious !usinesses, and a few allowed that the na e sounded fa iliar, though none offered an address. Hunter assu ed the locals were leer$ of the $sterious stranger dressed in !lack and wearing an e$e"atch.

Des"erate to locate his son, Hunter decided to knock on e)er$ door until he found Enos Hol es. It was a long street, !ut he had no other recourse.

?ust then he saw a s all !o$ e%it a saloon lugging a "ail of !eer. He looked "atheticall$ thin, and Hunter felt a &olt of unaccusto ed "it$. He a""eared to !e a!out the sa e age as his own son. So ething a!out the child was a""ealing, and Hunter called out to hi . The !o$ sto""ed and turned around, his e$es widening when he saw the !lack#clad stranger hailing hi . He turned to run.

'*ait- Don0t run. I0 ight hel" e.'

not going to hurt $ou. I0

looking for so eone and I thought $ou

The lad slowed down !ut did not sto".

Hunter caught u" with hi

and "laced a hand on his shoulder. 'I won0t kee" $ou long.'

'*ha; what do $ou want, ister+' The lad raised his head and stared at Hunter des"ite his fear. 'If I don0t get ho e with this !eer, Enos will !eat e.'

Hunter !arel$ heard the lad0s words. The o ent he saw the !o$0s )i)id tur>uoise e$es, his heart !egan to "ound. The$ were the e%act color of Bliss0s. He knelt on one knee !efore the gru!!$ child. His hand shook as he reached out and ruffled his dark hair.

He was so choked with e otion he could scarcel$ s"eak, !ut so ehow he '*hat is $our na e, son+'

anaged to ask,

'Br$an.'

'Do $ou ha)e a last na e+'

The lad shook his head. 'Enos and 8eg said I was a !astard. The$ said no one wanted 8eg wanted e, !ut then she got sick and died. There0s no one !ut e and Enos now.'

e.

The o ent Hunter had touched the lad, the sense of kinshi" was so "ronounced, he knew the child was his son without further "roof. And the !o$ was no !astard, no atter what he0d !een told. He was legiti atel$ !orn !ut had !een de"ri)ed of !oth his "arents !$ a "air of re"rehensi!le scoundrels who &ustified their act with twisted logic that suited their indi)idual "ur"oses.

'7an I go now,

ister+ Enos is gonna skin

e ali)e if I don0t get !ack with this !eer.'

'(i)e Enos.'

e the "ail, son, I0ll carr$ it for $ou while $ou lead the wa$. I ha)e !usiness with

'/ou do+ ,o one e)er )isits hi .' A""arentl$ intrigued !$ the "ro ise of co "an$, Br$an ski""ed down the street, glancing !ack e)er$ so often to ake sure Hunter was following. He sto""ed !efore a dila"idated two#stor$ roo ing house. '*e li)e on the second floor. Are $ou sure $ou want to co e u"+'

'.ositi)e,' Hunter said. '<ead the wa$.'

The hallwa$ was narrow and ding$, with a strong s ell of urine and rotted wood. The stairs "rotested Hunter0s weight as he followed Br$an to the second#floor landing. At one "lace an entire ste" was issing, and "art of the railing had fallen awa$. The thought that his son had !een raised in such s>ualor sent rage coursing through hi .

Br$an sto""ed !efore a scarred door and turned the kno!. He looked !ack once to sure Hunter was !ehind hi !efore entering.

ake

Harsh words greeted Br$an0s entrance. 'It0s a!out ti e, $ou little !astard. /ou0d !etter not ha)e s"illed an$ of that !eer if $ou know what0s good for $ou.'

The )oice elded with the an as Enos Hol es a""eared in the doorwa$. He was a tall, skinn$ an with thinning hair and narrow li"s. He wi"ed the end of his reddened nose on his dirt$ slee)e and regarded Br$an through a !lurr$ haze. He didn0t see Hunter standing in the shadows as he gras"ed Br$an !$ the na"e and ga)e hi a )icious shake. '*here0s $ !eer+ If $ou lost $ one$, there will !e hell to "a$. That "inch"enn$ (ren)ille !arel$ sends enough !lunt to "a$ the rent and kee" e in !eer.'

Hunter had heard enough. B$ now he was read$ to skewer Enos Hol es. He ste""ed forward, "lacing the "ail of !eer on a ricket$ ta!le.

Enos0s e$es widened and he swallowed fearfull$ when he saw Hunter. '*ho in the hell are $ou+'

'/our worst ene $,' Hunter said with >uiet

enace.

Enos turned on Br$an, a""arentl$ !la ing the !o$ for !ringing the terrif$ing stranger into his ho e. He raised his fist as if to strike the lad. '/ou0re gonna get it now, !o$- How an$ ti es ha)e I told $ou not to talk to strangers+'

Before his hand reached Br$an, Hunter gras"ed his wrist and sho)ed hi hand on the !o$ and $ou0re a dead an.'

awa$. '<a$ one

Enos0s e$es !ugged out. '*ho are $ou+ *hat and $ son+'

akes $ou think $ou can interfere with

'The !o$ is not $ours and $ou know it.'

Hunter wanted to !eat Enos to a "ul". But not in front of the !o$. 'Br$an, wh$ don0t $ou take the !eer into the kitchen and sta$ there while I s"eak with Enos.'

Enos0s fear was "al"a!le. 'Sta$ right here, kid.'

'Do as I sa$, Br$an.' Hunter0s )oice !rooked no argu ent and Br$an ga)e none as he "icked u" the !ucket and trudged into the kitchen.

'/ou0re gonna "a$ for that,' Enos called after hi .

'I don0t think so,' Hunter said, hanging on to his te "er with ad ira!le restraint. He glanced a!out the s"arsel$ furnished roo , taking note of the thread!are furniture and the la$er of dust co)ering e)er$thing, and wrinkled his nose in disgust. 'I ha)e a "ro"osition for $ou, Hol es. 2ne I guarantee $ou won0t turn down.'

'*hat kind of "ro"osition+' Enos asked curiousl$.

'As $ou ha)e "ro!a!l$ guessed !$ now, 7laude (ren)ille isn0t going to send the e%tra one$ $ou asked for. In fact, he0s sto""ing "a$ ents altogether.'

'Did (ren)ille send $ou+'

',ot e%actl$.'

'Then who are $ou and what in the hell do $ou want+'

'I want the !o$. I0

willing to "a$ for $our $ears of care, such as the$ were.'

'/ou0re gonna "a$ uch+'

e for taking the kid off

$ hands+' Enos asked eagerl$. 'How

'Is this enough+' Hunter asked, re)olted !$ the gold coins and s"illed so e into his "al .

an0s a)arice. He !rought forth a sack of

Enos was nearl$ sali)ating as Hunter returned the coins to the sack and &angled it !efore his nose. '*hat do $ou want the kid for+' he asked.

'That0s treated.'

$ !usiness. All $ou need to know is that he0ll ha)e a good ho e and !e well

'8eg and I raised the lad since he was a !a!e. 8eg would haunt ha""ened to hi ,' Enos said, "retending concern.

e if so ething !ad

'/ou ha)e $ word. The !o$ will !e treated kindl$. And $ou0ll ha)e enough gold to o)e fro this ho)el and ake a new life for $ourself. /ou won0t ha)e to de"end u"on (ren)ille0s largess for $our li)elihood.'

'I alwa$s wanted to go to Boston,' Enos clai ed. '(ot a sister#in#law there. A widow wo an. She alwa$s did fanc$ e.' He ru!!ed his stu!!l$ chin, a""arentl$ ulling o)er Hunter0s offer.

'*ell, now0s $our chance. *hat do $ou sa$+'

'I don0t know. I0 know a!out Br$an+'

curious, though. How do $ou know 7laude (ren)ille+ *hat do $ou

'I know e)er$thing there is to know. /ou see,' he said, 'Br$an is

$ son.'

'But; 7laude told

e Br$an0s father was dead and his

other didn0t want hi .'

'*rong on !oth counts. (i)e

e $our answer, Hol es.'

'Take hi . *ithout (ren)ille0s

one$ I ain0t got no wa$ to su""ort the kid.'

'I thought $ou0d agree,' Hunter said gri l$. 'There is a condition, though.'

'*hat condition+' Hol es asked "ugnaciousl$. '/ou ne)er said nothing a!out a condition.'

'I want $ou out of this house toda$.'

Hol es scratched the !ack of his neck. 'Toda$, $ou sa$+ Don0t know, that0s >uick.'

ight$

'That0s the wa$ it has to !e.' He &ingled the sack of coins in front of Hol es. 'There0s a king0s ranso here.'

Hol es licked his thin li"s. 'There0s a shi" due to sail to Boston da$ after to orrow. I alread$ checked !ecause I0d ho"ed (ren)ille0s one$ would arri)e in ti e for e to !ook "assage.'

'*hat were $ou going to do with Br$an+' Hunter asked with >uiet

enace.

'*ell, I'

'/ou were going to a!andon hi , weren0t $ou+'

'It ain0t as if the kid0s ine,' Hol es whined. '8eg took care of the !o$ when she was ali)e, !ut the fe)er took her two $ears ago.'

'I0 )er$ close to killing $ou, Hol es,' Hunter said, gri""ing the hilt of his sword. 'Don0t sa$ another word. ?ust "ack $our things; now.'

',ow+'

',ow. /ou can rent a roo near the waterfront for a night or two, till $our shi" de"arts. I0ll e)en acco "an$ $ou down there to ake sure $ou kee" $our "art of the !argain.'

,either Hunter nor Hol es knew that Br$an had !een listening to their con)ersation. He ste""ed forward now, his e%"ression one of war$ o"ti is .

'Are $ou taking

e with $ou,

ister+'

Another crack a""eared in Hunter0s tough e%terior as the !o$0s tur>uoise gaze settled on hi . '/ou heard+'

Br$an nodded &erkil$. '/ou said $ou0re $ "a"a. Enos and 8eg told e I didn0t ha)e a "a"a and that $ a a didn0t lo)e e. The$ said $ grand"a ga)e e awa$ !ecause I was a !ad !o$.'

Hunter groaned in dis a$. If 7laude (ren)ille were here now, Hunter would ha)e a de)il of a ti e controlling hi self. 'The$ were all wrong, son. /ou do ha)e a "a"a. 2ne who wants $ou )er$ uch. I &ust didn0t know a!out $ou until )er$ recentl$.'

B$ran regarded Hunter through e$es far too sole n for one so $oung. '*h$ didn0t a a want e+ Are $ou going to take e to her+'

'She didn0t know a!out $ou, either. She was told $ou were dead. *e0ll talk a!out her later,' he hedged. 'I0 taking $ou a!oard $ shi". /ou0ll like the Boston 5ueen .'

'Should I call $ou .a"a+' Br$an asked sh$l$. 'I0)e ne)er called an$one that !efore.'

Hunter scoo"ed the thin little !o$ into his ar s and hugged hi tightl$. It felt good, da n good. A tingling war th radiated fro the )oid where his heart had once !een. He0d felt it with Bliss and now with his son. 7ould it !e lo)e+

00I0d like it if $ou called

e .a"a.'

7ha"ter ,ine

The "outhern "tar sailed into 8o!ile Ba$ with the tide and aneu)ered into an e "t$ slot !eside one of the long "iers &utting out into the water. Bliss "aced the deck i "atientl$ as she waited for the gang"lank to !e lowered, eager to lea)e the shi" and !egin her search for her son. 3aulk &oined her while the docking was in "rogress.

'How long !efore we can lea)e the shi"+' Bliss asked an%iousl$.

',ot long. The gang"lank will !e run out in a few

inutes.'

'.erha"s so eone on the docks can gi)e us directions to *ater Street,' Bliss suggested.

'I hate for $ou to get $our ho"es u",' 3aulk said. '/ou ha)e no idea what $ou0ll find. The !o$ could !e dead. 2r the child0s u"!ringing so co on that $ou won0t wish to clai hi . /ou ight decide it0s !etter to lea)e hi where he is if his coarse s"eech and crude anners "ro)e to !e an e !arrass ent.'

Bliss rounded on hi . ',ot clai $ own child+ Are $ou ad+ I don0t care a!out his u"!ringing. He0s $ son and I0ll want hi no atter what I find. He0s all I ha)e left of (u$.'

'Ha)e it $our wa$,' 3aulk said sourl$. 'The gang"lank is in "lace. Shall we lea)e+'

The har!or aster was a!le to "ro)ide the with directions to *ater Street. Bliss had e orized the address. ,u !er EAG. The street was &ust a few !locks fro the har!or, and Bliss decided to walk rather than wait for 3aulk to hire a con)e$ance. As the$ a""roached *ater Street, Bliss0s fears for her son ounted. She thought the seed$ neigh!orhood no "ro"er "lace in which to raise a s all child. (rog#sho"s and !rothels a!ounded, and the houses were in des"erate need of re"air.

'There0s the "lace,' 3aulk said, "ointing to a two#stor$ cla"!oard roo ing house. 'Shall I in>uire inside for $ou+'

',o, I0ll do it $self,' Bliss said, girding herself for her first eeting with her son. She wondered what the !o$ had !een told a!out his "arents, and. how he would react to the knowledge that she was his other.

Heart racing, she started u" the front ste"s. ?ust as she reached the landing, an elderl$ wo an wearing a gri $ white a"ron and carr$ing a !roo o"ened the door and ste""ed outside.

'Are $ou looking for so eone+' the wo an asked. She looked Bliss u" and down, then ga)e 3aulk a knowing grin. 'If $ou0re wanting a lo)e nest for $ou and $our; er; lad$, $ou0)e co e to the right "lace. I0 not nos$ like so e landladies.'

Bliss wanted to gi)e the "resu "tuous wo an the shar" edge of her tongue !ut decided to let the re ark "ass. '*e0re looking for one of $our tenants,' she e%"lained. 'Enos Hol es. Is he ho e+'

'The

ister ain0t here.'

'*hen do $ou e%"ect 8r. Hol es+' Bliss asked, cursing the !ad luck that had dela$ed her arri)al.

The landlad$ shrugged her "lu " shoulders. 'He won0t !e co ing !ack.'

'*hat do $ou

ean+ I0

willing to "a$ for infor ation.'

'And I0d sell it if I had an$. Enos "aid the !ack rent he owed said he was going awa$ and wouldn0t !e !ack.'

e da$ !efore $esterda$ and

'*here did he go+' Bliss asked franticall$. 'Did he take the !o$ with hi +'

'Don0t rightl$ know. I told $ou I0 not nos$. *hat $ tenants do is their own !usiness as long as the$ "a$ the rent on ti e. I recollect he said so ething a!out re arr$ing.'

Bliss staggered !ackward as if struck. *hat could ha)e ha""ened to send Enos Hol es fleeing !efore their arri)al+ 'Do $ou know the na e of the lad$ he was seeing+'

',ow that $ou ention it, I don0t recall hi seeing or entioning an$ lad$. 2h well, tenants co e, tenants go.' 7onsidering the su!&ect closed, she !egan to wield the !roo with ore )igor than was necessar$, nearl$ swee"ing Bliss off the landing.

'There has to !e so ething ore $ou can tell for $ou. Did $ou see the !o$+ Is he well+'

e,' Bliss "leaded. 'There0s a gold coin in it

'*here0s the coin+' the landlad$ asked sl$l$.

Bliss held out her "al to 3aulk and he reluctantl$ "laced a gold coin in it. She offered it to the wo an. 'Here it is. *hat else do $ou re e !er+'

The wo an snatched the coin fro Bliss0s hand and tucked it !etween her a "le !reasts. 'I didn0t see the !o$ when Enos left, !ut I su""ose he0s well enough. He was hardl$ e)er sick. The$ weren0t a lo)ing fa il$, if $ou take $ eaning. 8eg Hol es was good to the !o$ while she li)ed, !ut she died and left hi to Enos. Things went downhill for the !o$ after 8eg died.

'E)er$ $ear the$ recei)ed a su of one$,' she continued. 'I got the i "ression the$ were !eing "aid to kee" the !o$. That0s all I can tell $ou.'

'/ou ha)e no idea where Enos went+'

',o idea at all. I ho"e $our !usiness ain0t i "ortant, !ecause it sounded like Enos was lea)ing these "arts for good.'

'.erha"s he was taking the !o$ to $our father in ,ew 2rleans,' 3aulk offered. 'I suggest we lea)e i ediatel$. If Enos has !een raising the !o$ on his own, he "ro!a!l$ wanted to get rid of hi !efore re arr$ing.'

Bliss0s ho"es soared. (erald0s words ade sense. But a niggling dou!t re ained. 'Is there an or"hanage in town where Enos ight ha)e left the !o$ !efore de"arting+' she asked the landlad$.

',one that I know of.' She returned to her swee"ing.

'*e0ll learn nothing ore here,' 3aulk said, urging her down the ste"s. 'I0 we0ll find the !o$ in ,ew 2rleans. ,othing else akes sense.'

con)inced

'Enos could ha)e a!andoned

$ son.'

'I don0t think he would. 2!)iousl$ he needs one$, and $our father is his !est chance to o!tain the funds he needs. 7o e awa$. If we hurr$ we can sail on the e)ening tide.'

',ot until I ake a thorough search of the cit$,' Bliss said, tilting her chin at a stu!!orn angle. '8$ son could !e li)ing on the streets and !egging for his food.'

Bliss could al ost hear (erald0s "atience sna""ing !ut she didn0t care.

'6er$ well,' he groused. 'If this good wo an will gi)e crew en scour the cit$ for hi .'

e a descri"tion, I0ll ha)e

Bliss listened eagerl$ as the landlad$ ga)e a sketch$ "ortrait of an acti)e si%#$ear#old, so ewhat thin for his age !ut otherwise health$.

Thick !lack hair and tur>uoise e$es were the onl$ distincti)e characteristics that ake hi stand out in a crowd.

ight

Her heart hea)$, Bliss returned to the "outhern "tar with 3aulk. <ater that da$ an e%hausti)e search was launched. Bliss &oined 3aulk0s crew en as the$ searched the cit$ streets for a ho eless urchin with !lack hair and tur>uoise !lue e$es. The hunt continued for se)en frustrating da$s !efore Bliss was willing to ad it defeat. Discouraged and heart!roken, she retired to her ca!in as the shi" sli""ed her oorings and charted a course for ,ew 2rleans. Though her disa""oint ent was keen, Bliss still har!ored ho"es that she0d find her son in ,ew 2rleans with her father.

Suddenl$ she realized that she hadn0t asked the !o$0s na e, nor had it !een gi)en. ,ot that it attered. He didn0t need a na e. The s"ecial !ond !etween other and son would ena!le her to recognize hi an$where.

Hunter learned an$ things a!out his son during the &ourne$ fro 8o!ile to .ine Island. Through casual con)ersation he0d disco)ered what the !o$0s life had !een like. 2ne fact ca e shining through. The !o$ was a sur)i)or, dauntless and courageous in the face of ad)ersit$. He "ossessed a strong character and an in>uisiti)e nature. He had withstood $ears of neglect des"ite his foster other0s ha"hazard caring, and after 8eg0s death he0d suffered !oth "h$sical and )er!al a!use fro Enos.

3ood had co e into the house s"oradicall$. If there was one$ left after Enos s"ent the !ulk of it in grog#sho"s, 8eg had !een allowed to stock the cu"!oards. *hen that food was gone the$ didn0t eat. After 8eg died, Br$an0s life had deteriorated. He had !een reduced to "icking u" refuse !ehind grog#sho"s.

Hunter was sur"rised at the tre endous a ount of lo)e he found within hi self for his son. He didn0t e)en ha)e to search to find it. He felt re)italized, $et uncertain of the fragile e otions he0d fought long and hard to "urge fro his heart. He found hi self dwelling on the "ast. Had fate not interfered se)en $ears ago, he and Bliss would still !e together, en&o$ing their son as a fa il$. .erha"s there would ha)e !een other children after Br$an.

He i agined Bliss as he had left her in the !unk a!oard the "outhern "tar . <i"s swollen fro his kisses, legs s"rawled in wanton a!andon, and her e$es haz$ with "assion. The sudden wanting the )ision e)oked sent heat coursing through his !od$. His loins hardened with "ainful need as he recalled the sweet scent of her skin, the taste of her outh, the wa$ she cried out his na e at the "eak of her "leasure.

(od, how could he let 3aulk ha)e her+ She was his wife, da it- But the onl$ wa$ he could clai Bliss was to re)eal his identit$ and risk !eing sent !ack to "rison. And if the authorities learned he was a "irate, he was likel$ to end u" swinging at the end of a ro"e. .irac$ on the high seas was a ca"ital offense. Hunter0s thoughts scattered when he saw Br$an cli !ing the ladder to the >uarterdeck to &oin hi . He grinned at the !o$, noting how ro!ust he looked after en&o$ing su!stantial eals and carefree da$s of "la$ing !eneath the hot sun. Sunshine and fresh sea air had gi)en hi a health$ glow he hadn0t had while li)ing in s>ualor in the cit$.

'Are we al ost there, .a"a+' Br$an asked, returning Hunter0s grin.

'9ee" watching and $ou0ll see the outline of the island soon.'

'I0)e ne)er !een on an island !efore. *ill we sta$ there fore)er+'

'I don0t know,' Hunter hedged. He still hadn0t a""ed out their future. Raising his son in a "irate0s world didn0t a""eal to hi . ,or did lea)ing hi to Bliss and 3aulk to raise. Hunter had enough one$ to li)e an$where he "leased for the rest of his life and he would still !e a!le to lea)e a siza!le inheritance to Br$an. He could go north to St. <ouis or east to Boston. He could go to <ondon or .aris. .laces where his "ast wouldn0t follow hi .

'Do $ou think so eda$+'

other will want

e now+' the !o$ asked wistfull$. '*ill I see her

'If it0s at all "ossi!le, son,' Hunter "ro ised. 'There are things standing in our wa$. Things $ou0re too $oung to understand.'

Things like Bliss "referring 3aulk to Hunter, Hunter thought gri l$. Things like Bliss wanting 3aulk to !e his son0s ste"father and guardian. All these o!stacles and ore had to !e resol)ed !efore Br$an could know his other.

And Hunter had to learn to conduct hi self in societ$ again, if and when he decided to return.

'<ook, .a"a, there0s the island-' Br$an cried e%citedl$.

Hunter &oined Br$an at the railing, watching his island grow larger as the shi" drew closer.

'So ething0s a iss, 7a"0n,' the into the lake.

an in the crow0s nest shouted as the$ negotiated the ri)er

The first ate, T$ (reene, handed Hunter a s"$glass. Hunter scanned the a""roaching shoreline, his face gri . Suddenl$ he stiffened, cursing !eneath his !reath as he handed the glass !ack to (reene.

'Hell and da nation-' (reene swore. '*e0)e !een attacked. The )illage is gone; !urnt to the ground.'

'(as"arilla,' Hunter said through clenched teeth. '(i)e

e the glass.'

(reene returned the s"$glass to Hunter. Hunter "ut it to his e$e and searched the !each for sur)i)ors. B$ now the destruction was )isi!le to the naked e$e and a great cr$ rose u" fro the crew. So e "irates had fa ilies on the island, others had wo en the$ had grown fond of.

'Do $ou see an$one, 7a"0n+' (reene asked an%iousl$.

',o one. *e0ll "ut a !oat ashore and search the island for the wo en and children. The$ "ro!a!l$ took to the forest when (as"arilla fired the first shot.00

Hunter asked (reene to choose a dozen crew en to acco "an$ hi ashore and went to !reak out the ar s. A""arentl$ forgotten in the confusion, Br$an tagged along !ehind Hunter.

'Is so ething wrong, .a"a+' he asked when he caught u" with his father.

Hunter had all !ut forgotten the !o$ in the seriousness of the o ent. He turned to reassure hi . ',othing to concern $ou, son. I ha)e to go ashore for a while !ut I0ll !e !ack. /ou0re to wait here for e.'

Br$an wa)ed fro the deck as Hunter and his en cli !ed down the ro"es to the skiff, which had alread$ !een lowered into the gentl$ rolling surf.

The en rowed the short distance to shore in silence. The charred re ains of the )illage were clearl$ )isi!le now, and it was o!)ious that (as"arilla had !een thorough. ,ot one hut or cottage re ained standing. 8ost had !een reduced to charred ru!!le.

The en !eached the skiff and swar ed through the ruins, searching for sur)i)ors. So e of the de!ris was still s oldering, which led Hunter to !elie)e that the attack had occurred >uite recentl$.

',o !odies, 7a"0n,' one of the

en re"orted when the search had !een co "leted.

'<et0s go on to

$ house,' Hunter said. '.erha"s we0ll find so eone there.'

E)en !efore he reached the ru!!le of his own house, the acrid stench of charred wood hit Hunter forci!l$. The sight that et his e$es was night arish. The house was gone. All his treasures had !een !urned !e$ond recognition. Tall "ine trees wearing green oss !eards stood guard o)er the charred re ains, ocking hi . A lu " for ed in his throat, and he looked awa$.

'S"read out and search the angro)e thickets,' Hunter ordered as the en looked to hi for instructions. 'It wouldn0t sur"rise e if (as"arilla took all the inha!itants off the island and sold the into sla)er$,' he u !led to (reene. A""arentl$ his en were of the sa e ind, for he could see des"air and anger in their gri e%"ressions.

Suddenl$ a an !urst through the forest. Hunter gri""ed the hilt of his sword !ut released it when he recognized 7aesar.

'I0)e !een waiting for $ou, 7a"0n,' 7aesar said as he stu !led u" to greet Hunter. '*e all "ra$ed (as"arilla hadn0t found $ou.'

'/ou0re safe-' Hunter cried, o)erco e !$ relief. '*here are the others+'

'At the north end of the island with the Indians. 7leo and I sus"ected that (as"arilla would return after his first )isit and we !egan to "re"are after $ou left. *e warned the )illagers to flee at the first sign of the 3ona Rosalia . Then we organized the wo en and carried all $our )alua!les to the Indian )illage. The Indians offered to hel" after we told the what had ha""ened. 8ost of $our )alua!les were hidden in the )illage long !efore (as"arilla ca e with his !ig guns.'

Hunter was s"eechless. '/ou did that for

e+'

'A$e, 7a"0n, $ou0)e !een

ore than fair to all of us.'

'/ou sa$ our wo en and fa ilies are safe+' one

an asked.

'The$ all got awa$,' 7aesar said. 'I watched as (as"arilla and his en co e ashore and torched what re ained of the )illage. Then the$ set fire to the ca"0n0s house. (as"arilla was in a rage !ecause Hunter wasn0t here. I heard hi )ow to hunt Hunter down and !low hi fro the water. So e of his en wanted to search the forest for the wo en, !ut (as"arilla for!ade it. He didn0t want to stir u" the 7alusa. He knew the$ were friendl$ to the ca"0n.'

Hunter was stunned. It was inconcei)a!le that 7aesar, 7leo, and the others had done this for hi . He didn0t deser)e such lo$alt$. 3or the first ti e in se)en $ears he felt gratitude toward another hu an !eing. His soul had !een so e "t$ for so long, he0d thought hi self !ereft of e)er$ e otion !ut hatred and !itterness.

'<et0s get !ack to the shi",' he said in a choked )oice. '*e0ll sail around the island to the Indian )illage and "ick u" the sur)i)ors. 2nce e)er$one is safel$ a!oard, we0ll decide what0s to !e done. (as"arilla is a )indicti)e an5 he won0t rest until he0s e%acted his "ound of flesh for $ !etra$al.'

'*e0re with $ou all the wa$, 7a"0n,' a !earded "irate e%clai ed. This re ark !rought forth a !e)$ of cheers.

7aesar "ulled Hunter aside as the others trekked !ack to the !each. '*hat a!out the "lunder $ou0)e !uried on the island+'

'I intend to take ost, !ut not all of it, a!oard $ shi". So e I want to share with $ crew. The rest will kee" until I return for it. I0)e $et to decide the course of $ future. I ha)e a son to think of now. 7o e on, let0s go !ack to the shi" for a cou"le of sho)els.'

Three hours later, four large chests filled with treasure had !een dug u" fro )arious "laces around the island and "laced a!oard the skiff. 2nl$ two re ained, and Hunter decided to lea)e the where the$ were for the ti e !eing. 2nce the chests had !een stored safel$ in the hold of the Boston 5ueen , Hunter took the wheel hi self and set a course for the north end of the island.

Ta rah and To as greeted the on the !each as the$ ste""ed ashore. There was re&oicing as the "irates and their wo en were reunited.

uch

'There will !e a great feast tonight in honor of $our return,' Ta rah said sh$l$.

'I thank $ou for all the hel" $our "eo"le ha)e gi)en

ine,' Hunter said.

'I owe $ou

uch for gi)ing

e Ta rah,' To as said in halting English.

'I ho"e I ade the right decision, To as,' Hunter said, searching Ta rah0s face as he s"oke to the $oung an.

'It was the right choice,' Ta rah said. 'I a ha""$ with To as. I !eg $our forgi)eness for what I did to $our wo an. It was wrong of e to think I could !e ore to $ou than a friend or a sister. I !elong here with $ "eo"le, I know that now.'

'/ou0re forgi)en,' Hunter said. '/our father asked ,ow it0s u" to To as to kee" $ou safe.'

e to "rotect $ou and I did

$ !est.

'*here is Bliss+' Ta rah asked. '7leo said $ou were going to !ring her !ack. 0Tis sad what (as"arilla did to $our ho e.'

Before Hunter could for to &oin Hunter.

an answer, Br$an, who had co e ashore in another !oat, ran u"

'*hose child is this+' 7leo asked curiousl$.

Hunter lifted Br$an into his ar s so e)er$one could see hi . 'This is Br$an.'

$ son. His na e is

'/our son; !ut' 7leo0s words ca e to an a!ru"t halt as she took a good look at the !o$. Serious tur>uoise e$es stared !ack at her. She ga)e a gas" of sur"rise and looked askance at Hunter.

'A$e, 0tis true what $ou0re thinking, !ut I ask that $ou not s"eak her na e in front of the !o$.'

'Ha)e $ou known all along+' 7leo asked once she reco)ered fro

her sur"rise.

Hunter set Br$an on his feet and asked Ta rah to find hi so ething to eat. Br$an ski""ed off with Ta rah, unaware of the tur oil surrounding hi .

'I didn0t know I had a son until the da$ I left in the skiff to go to Sani!el. It ca e as such a shock that I went off !$ $self to think.'

'I didn0t know $ou and Bliss were ac>uainted !efore $ou !rought her to $our island.'

'I ne)er re)ealed $ identit$ to Bliss. She still doesn0t know that I0 the hus!and she thought had died si% $ears ago. I0)e changed a great deal o)er the $ears. Her child was taken fro her at !irth. Her father told her the !a!e had !een still!orn, and she !elie)ed hi . She &ust recentl$ learned he was ali)e and was on her wa$ to reclai hi when (as"arilla attacked her shi" and took her to 7a"ti)a.'

'*h$ isn0t Bliss here with $ou and her son+'

'It0s a long stor$, 7leo,' Hunter said wearil$. '2ne I don0t wish to di)ulge right now. Suffice it to sa$ Bliss still doesn0t know I0 (u$ De/oung, the an she arried se)en $ears ago. She0s "resentl$ with her !etrothed.'

'Her !etrothed-' 7leo said, aghast. 'How can she hus!and+ I thought it was not allowed.'

arr$ another when she alread$ has a

'Bliss !elie)es her hus!and lies !eneath a to !stone in a "au"er0s gra)e$ard.'

'*hat are $ou going to do+ (as"arilla has )owed to kill $ou. If $ou re ain a "irate, $our son0s life will alwa$s !e in gra)e danger. Is that what $ou want for hi +'

',a$. I want a !etter life for hi than I had. I want hi to en&o$ the one$ I0)e accu ulated.' A frown settled !etween his !rows. 'I know ost of $ wealth was gotten illegall$ !ut I can0t undo the "ast. 0Tis the future I0 ost concerned a!out now.'

The feast that night was a welco e relief fro worr$. The "irates had their wo en and children !ack and the ru flowed freel$. Hunter "ut Br$an to !ed in one of the grass and log huts and &oined hi a short while later, a!andoning the cele!ration still in "rogress. Hunter had a lot of thinking to do.

.irac$ was neither a "ractical nor a safe li)elihood for hi to follow. He now had a son to "rotect. Hunter knew how (as"arilla0s de)ious ind worked. He was like a dog after a !one when he "ut his ind to so ething. Should Hunter re ain in the Brotherhood, (as"arilla would hound hi into eternit$. (as"arilla was now his ene $, no atter what the$ had !een to one another in the "ast.

Hunter had !een aware of the dangerous conse>uences !efore he0d taken Bliss to .ine Island, !ut he had chosen to ignore the . At the ti e he couldn0t think !e$ond the wo an who had !een his wife. He0d "lanned to seduce her, to ake her lo)e hi again, then a!andon her after he0d "ut his !a!e in her !ell$. *hen he re)isited his oti)es, he wasn0t too sur"rised to realize that he had !een l$ing to hi self a!out his feelings for Bliss. *ith "ainful insight he realized that he0d wanted Bliss !ecause he had issed her, !ecause he needed her. Because he still lo)ed her no atter how des"eratel$ he0d tried to "urge her e or$ fro his ind and heart.

Hunter had learned a great deal a!out hi self since Bliss had returned to his life. He0d learned that he was still )ulnera!le. Still a!le to !e hurt. That he was still married to Bliss and that the( had a son . His ind searched for answers and he found the . So eti e during the wee hours of orning Hunter a""ed out his future. 2ne that ight or ight not include Bliss.

The %redator , !earing its rightful na e again and fl$ing the !lack flag, raised anchor and sailed north fro .ine Island. 2n !oard were the inha!itants of the "irate )illage and the treasures that had !een rescued fro Hunter0s ho e !efore it was destro$ed. Hunter charted a course for Barataria, ?ean <afitte0s stronghold.

The %redator entered 7harlotte Har!or, skirted 7a$o .elau, and ade a wide !erth around (as"arilla Island, thus a)oiding a confrontation with Hunter0s ene $. The$ anchored off Barataria on a ild fall da$ a week after the$ had set sail. ?ean <afitte hi self welco ed Hunter as he walked down the gang"lank onto the stone &ett$.

'*elco e to Barataria,' ?ean said e%"ansi)el$. '*hat !rings $ou to $ ho e, mon ami + Do $ou ha)e ore wonderful "lunder for $ greed$ custo ers+ 2r is the ru or true+ *ord has it that (as"arilla is out to destro$ $ou.'

'The ru or is true, ?ean,' Hunter allowed. '(as"arilla has destro$ed the )illage and $ ho e on .ine Island.' He "aused for effect. '/ou0)e hel"ed e !efore, ?ean, and I0 a""ealing to $ou again. But if $ou fear (as"arilla, I will not trou!le $ou with $ "ro!le s.'

?ean tilted his handso e face u"ward and laughed u"roariousl$. '?ean <afitte fears no an. ,ot e)en (as"arilla. 7o e to the house, where we can s"eak "ri)atel$.'

'8$ son is with

e. Is there so eone who can look after hi

while we talk+'

?ean raised an elegant e$e!row. '/our son+ /ou ust tell look after hi . She has se)eral children he can "la$ with.'

e a!out hi . .ierre0s wife can

?ean ade his wishes known to an attracti)e wo an standing near!$, and Br$an was taken off to &oin a grou" of children "la$ing tag.

A short ti e later Hunter &oined <afitte in his elegantl$ a""ointed stud$, a roo whose four walls were lined with !ookshel)es cra ed with rare co"ies of leather#!ound !ooks. ?ean "oured three fingers of 3rench !rand$ into two cr$stal snifters and handed one to Hunter.

He swirled the a !er li>uid in his glass and said, ',ow, for $ou.'

$ friend, tell

e what I can do

'/ou can allow $ en and their wo en to &oin $our co ra "age, it0s not safe to re!uild the )illage on .ine Island.'

unit$. *ith (as"arilla on the

'Do $ou and $our son not wish to &oin

$ co

unit$ also+'

',a$. I0 taking $ son to ,ew 2rleans. I don0t want hi e%"osed to the dangerous life I0)e led these "ast si% $ears. E)er$thing has changed since I learned a!out Br$an. I want to gi)e hi all that his life has !een lacking. He0s suffered enough for the sins of others.'

'*here is the !o$0s

other+'

' 0Tis a long stor$.'

'I0)e "lent$ of ti e.'

Hunter decided to ake a clean !reast of it. <afitte knew so ething of his stor$, for he0d rescued (u$ De/oung fro death0s door si% $ears !efore. Taking a dee" !reath, Hunter launched into his stirring tale. *hen he finished, <afitte sat !ack and stared at hi .

fro

'That0s >uite a stor$, mon ami . So now $ou are "unishing the her.'

other !$ kee"ing her son

'His other is arr$ing another an, the sa e an who is res"onsi!le for the loss of e$e and sending $ son awa$ to !e raised !$ strangers,' Hunter said "ugnaciousl$.

'The

other cannot

arr$ another when she is alread$ wed,' <afitte re inded hi .

'She is

arried to (u$ De/oung, and he died si% $ears ago.'

'But we !oth know he0s )er$

uch ali)e,' <afitte o!ser)ed. '*hat do $ou intend to do+'

'Esta!lish $self and $ son in ,ew 2rleans. 8$ fortune and the English title I "urchased $ears ago fro a destitute )iscount who !ore the na e of Hunter will !e $ entr$ into societ$. If $ou recall, I took the )iscount ca"ti)e and !eca e intrigued when I learned we shared the sa e na e. I !ought the title on a whi , and now it will stand e in good stead. Be$ond that I ha)e no "lans. 8$ en and $ shi" need a ho e. That0s wh$ I0 a""ealing to $ou to allow the into $our co unit$. The$ can kee" the %redator and choose a ca"a!le ca"tain fro a ong the sel)es.

00I would also ask for trans"ortation for $ son and continued. '/ou0re still welco e in the cit$, aren0t $ou+'

$self to ,ew 2rleans,' Hunter

'At the o ent, !ut I don0t know how long $ welco e will last. (o)ernor 7lai!orne chooses to !e difficult. I hate to see $ou gi)e u" "irac$, !ut that is $our choice,' ?ean continued. '2ur association has !een a "rofita!le one, mon ami . The da$ I !rought $ou to Barataria was a fortunate one for e. I will do all that $ou ask. If e)er $ou find $ourself in trou!le, $ou know where to find e. If not at (rande Terre, I can !e found at 0The Te "le0 conducting auctions, or at the A!sinthe House. I do not re ain in the cit$ long these da$s. Baratarians are !eco ing e%ceedingl$ unwelco e in ,ew 2rleans.'

'I0ll re e !er, ?ean,' Hunter said gratefull$. '/ou snatched e fro once. I ho"e it won0t !e necessar$ to seek $our hel" a second ti e.'

the &aws of death

Hunter re ained on Barataria a week, during which ti e he ac>uired a wardro!e suita!le for a an of wealth and "osition. Unfortunatel$, there was little he could do to disguise his e$e#"atch. All he could do was de)ise a "lausi!le e%"lanation for his in&ur$ and ho"e no one would identif$ hi as Hunter the "irate.

7ha"ter Ten

Bliss wanted to rush out to the "lantation as soon as she landed in ,ew 2rleans. (erald hired a carriage and the$ left together. Bliss was on "ins and needles during the short &ourne$, ha""il$ antici"ating a reunion with her son. She still har!ored a wealth of anger at her father and she didn0t look forward to their confrontation.

(erald 3aulk had sulked all the wa$ to the "lantation, o!)iousl$ enraged o)er Bliss0s refusal to arr$ hi . A""arentl$ he felt their arriage was to !e his reward for "a)ing her ranso . Bliss didn0t see it that wa$. She would ne)er forgi)e hi for &oining her father in aking her life a li)ing hell.

The "lantation had &ust co e into )iew when 3aulk !roke his !rooding silence. 'I0)e done e)er$thing $ou0)e asked of e, Bliss,' he all !ut shouted. '/ou owe e for rescuing $ou, whether or not $ou find $our son with $our father. 2ur arriage will take "lace. And soon. The !ank is !reathing down $ neck. I0 des"eratel$ in need of one$.'

'I don0t owe $ou a thing, (erald,' Bliss said e)enl$. '/ou and 3ather are res"onsi!le for (u$0s death. *e would !e ha""il$ arried now and raising our son together if not for $our interference.' E)en after all these $ears she !led inside when she thought of (u$. '3ind another heiress and lea)e e alone.'

'/our father and I ha)e an understanding. I allowed hi to in)est and share in the "rofits fro $ shi""ing !usiness in return for $our hand in arriage. I0)e waited a long ti e for $ou. There is no other wo an I want. 7all it an o!session, call it stu!!ornness, I0ll ha)e no other. I0)e ade do with istresses too long, !ut now I want a wife.'

'*hat ha""ened to all those "rofits+' Bliss asked. '3ather clai s $ou0re !oth on the !rink of ruination.'

'2ur "rofits were su!stantial until "irates !egan singling out $ shi"s for attack.' He shook his head. 'I &ust don0t understand wh$ $ shi"s were raided and sunk when others got through. ,ow our creditors are hounding us and our su!stantial "rofits ha)e all !ut disa""eared. /our father and I stand to lose e)er$thing. I0 a "atient an. I didn0t "ress for arriage !efore now !ecause I knew $ou were against it.'

'And $ou knew I couldn0t collect re inded hi .

$ inheritance until I turned twent$#fi)e,' Bliss

'I wasn0t des"erate for $our one$ !efore now,' 3aulk sna""ed. '/ou0re twent$#fi)e, Bliss, I0ll da n well ha)e what I0)e waited all these $ears for.'

Bliss withheld her re"l$ as 3aulk halted the carriage in front of the house and ste""ed clown to hel" her alight. Rather than let hi touch her, she ho""ed down herself and strode !riskl$ u" the ste"s. 8and$, the elderl$ sla)e who had !een like a second other to Bliss, o"ened the door, tears filling her e$es when she saw Bliss standing on the threshold.

'2h, hone$, we0s all !een so worried a!out $ou-' 8and$ cried. She gathered Bliss to her a "le !reast. '/ore dadd$ was !eside hi self with worr$ when he got that ranso de and.'

'I0 fine, 8and$,' Bliss said, gentl$ re o)ing herself fro son here+'

her old nann$0s ar s. 'Is

8and$ ga)e Bliss a !lank look. 'Are $ou all right, hone$+ There ain0t no !o$ here. /ou know $ore son died si% $ears ago.'

&e's not here#Bliss felt her world colla"sing around her. She had so ho"ed; But now she knew her son was gone fore)er. She swallowed the lu " in her throat and said, ',o, 8and$, $ son isn0t dead. He0s )er$ uch ali)e. 3ather ga)e hi awa$ after his !irth and told e he0d !een still!orn.' Her )oice rose on a note of challenge. '*ere $ou there+ Did $ou know what 3ather had done+'

'<ord$, lord$, lord$,' 8and$ crooned. '/ou know I wasn0t there, hone$. I was sent awa$ to 8ister (erald0s house to tend to a sick sla)e when $ou went into la!or. 2ld 8a $ Adele attended the !irth. 8ister 7laude sold her soon afterward. He said it was her fault $ore !a!e died.'

'<ies, 8and$, all lies. *here is

$ father+'

'In his stud$.'

'<et

e go first,' 3aulk said, "ushing her aside.

',o- This is so ething I ha)e to do

$self.'

,e)ertheless, 3aulk followed her to 7laude0s stud$. He was right !ehind her when she !urst into the roo without knocking. 7laude looked u" fro the "a"ers he was "erusing and lea"t to his feet.

'Daughter- Thank (od $ou0re safe.' He walked around his desk and tried to take her into his ar s, !ut Bliss resisted. '*hate)er ade $ou run off like that+ *here were $ou going+ *as arriage to (erald so re"ugnant that $ou had to go awa$+'

'She knows,' 3aulk said flatl$. 'She was going after him .'

7laude !lanched. '/ou

ean'

'E%actl$, 3ather. I know a!out $ son. I read the letter fro Enos Hol es. All those wasted $ears,' she la ented !itterl$. 'How could $ou let e go on thinking $ son was dead when $ou knew he was ali)e+'

'I0)e alwa$s had $our !est interests at heart, Bliss,' 7laude ca&oled. '/ou were too $oung to !e tied down !$ a child. ,o one outside this "lantation knew a!out $our secret arriage to (u$ De/oung. ,o one e)er saw $ou "regnant. I was careful to tell e)er$one who asked that $ou were )isiting relati)es in 6irginia. I wanted nothing to da age $our re"utation. /ou were to !eco e (erald 3aulk0s wife. I wanted ,ew 2rleans societ$ to welco e $ou. Surel$ $ou can understand a father0s concern for his daughter0s re"utation.'

'*hat good did it do, 3ather+ I0)e !een a "irate0s ca"ti)e. I no longer ha)e a re"utation to guard.'

',o one knows a!out $our unfortunate association with "irates. (erald and I told all our friends that the wedding had !een called off !ecause $ou were ailing. ,ow that $ou0re ho e, $ou0re going to ake a iraculous reco)er$. /ou and (erald will attend all the social e)ents of the season. Being seen together will s>uelch an$ gossi" that ight !e circulating a!out $ou.'

'I0 sorr$ to disa""oint $ou, 3ather, !ut I don0t intend to a""ear an$where with (erald. ,or do I intend to li)e at ho e. I0 no longer de"endent u"on $ou for su""ort. I can start collecting $ inheritance and li)e >uite well on $ allowance without $ou. /ou ha)e taken so ething "recious fro e and I0ll ne)er forgi)e $ou.' She s"un on her heel. 'I0 going u"stairs to "ack $ things5 then I0 going to )isit the !ank and ake arrange ents to collect $ allowance. I0 lea)ing as soon as I find a "lace of $ own.'

8outh aga"e, 7laude stared after her as she headed for the door. Then he directed his anger at 3aulk. '/ou0)e s"ent weeks in her co "an$. 7ouldn0t $ou change her ind+ *hat0s going to ha""en to us now+'

'Don0t worr$,' 3aulk said with false !ra)ado. 'Bliss is angr$ now !ut she0ll co e around. I ha)e an idea that will ake her see things our wa$.'

So sa$ing, he hurried after Bliss. He caught u" with her at the to" of the stairs.

'(o awa$, (erald,' Bliss shouted.

'?ust hear

e out, Bliss.'

'I0)e heard all I care to fro

$ou.'

'*hat do $ou su""ose will ha""en when ,ew 2rleans societ$ learns a!out $our; er; !rush with "irates+'

'I don0t care what societ$ thinks.' That wasn0t entirel$ true !ut Bliss wasn0t going to ad it it to (erald. She wanted to li)e a ong "eo"le who res"ected her, !ut she wasn0t going to arr$ (erald to acco "lish it. 'Besides, 3ather said no one knows a!out $; ordeal.'

'True, no one does know. But that can change.' She heard a hint of and knew it was !orn of des"eration.

enace in his )oice

'Are $ou threatening

e, (erald+'

'If that0s what $ou want to call it. Think a!out it a while. (o ahead and o)e to town, if that0s what $ou want. But don0t e%"ect e to acce"t defeat easil$. If $ou don0t co e around to $ wa$ of thinking within a fortnight, I0ll see that $our disgrace is ade "u!lic. /our na e will !eco e grist for the gossi" ill.'

Bliss stared at hi with so ething akin to loathing. She knew (erald would ake good on his threat, !ut at this "oint she didn0t care. If she could gi)e (erald and her father her one$, she would. Unfortunatel$, she had to !e arried to recei)e ore than a onthl$ sti"end.

'Do what $ou to do.'

ust, (erald,' she said tiredl$. '?ust lea)e

e alone. There are things I ha)e

'6er$ well. But I0ll !e !ack. /ou ha)e a fortnight to decide if $ou want to !eco e the su!&ect of alicious gossi" or the wife of a res"ected !usiness an.'

Bliss said nothing as 3aulk descended the stairs, !ut if looks could kill, 3aulk would !e a dead an.

Bliss0s a""oint ent with the !anker in charge of her inheritance went s oothl$. After signing se)eral docu ents, she recei)ed not onl$ her generous allowance for the current onth !ut for the four "re)ious onths that had "assed since her twent$#fifth !irthda$. Then she went house hunting. Though she lo)ed the "lantation dearl$, she intended to o)e out of her father0s house without dela$.

Two da$s later Bliss signed the lease on a odest house on St. .eter Street. The neigh!orhood was good and the ho e !oasted a !eautiful court$ard with a s"iral stairwa$ leading u" to the li)ing >uarters. A !edroo !alcon$ surrounded !$ ironwork ga)e an unrestricted )iew of the gardens, and another !alcon$ along the front of the house faced the street. She was "articularl$ grateful for the "ri)ac$ the walled court$ard afforded her.

The onl$ !ad o ent ca e when Bliss ste""ed out onto the !alcon$ facing the street and disco)ered that she could see the iron gates of the 7ala!oso, where (u$ had died an igno inious death. ,e)ertheless, the house ser)ed her needs ade>uatel$, and she o)ed in the )er$ ne%t da$. Her father offered no o!&ection when she took 8and$ with her. She "laced the old wo an in charge of hiring a aid and cook and was "leased when two free wo en of color arri)ed the following da$ to take u" their duties. The$ were hired as da$ hel", arri)ing earl$ in the orning and returning to their fa ilies after the e)ening eal.

Shortl$ after her o)e, Bliss !egan renewing ac>uaintances with friends fro the Acade $ for /oung *o en, which she had attended until the age of si%teen. 8ost were arried, and though the$ had e%"ressed ha""iness to see her full$ reco)ered fro her su""osed illness, Bliss soon realized she had nothing in co on with her for er friends. *hen in)itations !egan arri)ing, Bliss sent regrets to ost of the , aking onl$ !rief a""earances at those she felt she couldn0t ignore.

At one such affair, an afternoon new arri)al in ,ew 2rleans.

usicale, Bliss ea)esdro""ed as two

atrons discussed a

00He0s a!solutel$ Stunning, confided.

$ dear,' an elderl$ wo an with two

arriagea!le daughters

'8ore i "ortantl$, Es eralda, I hear he0s as rich as 8idas.'

'Richer, 3ann$,' Es eralda crowed. 'He0s an English )iscount, !$ all accounts. And so eligi!le. Ru or has it he0s a widower. Ha)e $ou seen hi +'

',o, !ut $ A anda saw hi and wa%ed "oetic a!out hi for hours on end. Dark and $sterious, as she "ut it. I0ll tell $ou, he0ll !e the catch of the season for so e luck$, wo an.'

'*ell, $ dear, I saw hi and I agree wholeheartedl$ with A anda. Though he a""ears far too dangerous for our nai)e daughters, that won0t sto" the fro )$ing for his attention. It will !e interesting to see who gets hi .'

3ann$ lowered her )oice. 'He0s so wonder whate)er ha""ened to his; '

$sterious, so uni>ue.' She ga)e a delicate shudder. 'I

,o atter how hard Bliss strained her ears, she couldn0t ake out what ade the an so $sterious or uni>ue. 2r which one of his delicious attri!utes caused 3ann$ to shudder so delightedl$. Then she saw (erald 3aulk enter the roo and she turned and fled. A)oiding hi since she0d taken u" residence in ,ew 2rleans had taken considera!le skill on her "art. The two weeks he had allowed her were nearl$ u", and she knew he was going to raise a fuss when she refused to arr$ hi again. She wondered if he would actuall$ s"read gossi" a!out her, and realized i ediatel$ that he was full$ ca"a!le of carr$ing out his threat to sull$ her na e.

Bliss left the usicale in a rush, "ursued !$ lingering strains of a haunting, !ittersweet elod$ that !rought !ack wa)e after wa)e of unwanted e ories;

Hunter.

She re e !ered his kisses. She touched her li"s and felt the thro! at the )i)id e or$. She recalled the hardness of his !od$, taut skin stretched o)er fir uscles. Her own skin !urned to feel his hands war ing her and his outh e%"loring hers.

Did he iss her as uch as she issed hi + Did he iss her at all+ During her so&ourn on his island, he had consistentl$ refused to release her. It was al ost as if he were waiting for so ething to ha""en, as if he had an agenda that ust !e fulfilled !efore he would consider her release.

Bliss found her hired coach waiting at the cur! and allowed the coach an to hand her u". She ignored the "assing scener$ as she co "ared Hunter to (u$, the an she0d ne)er forget. 6isi!l$ there was little rese !lance, e%ce"t for their height and coloring.

But des"ite the glaring differences !etween the two en, the feeling that she0d known Hunter !efore "ersisted. The inflection of his )oice. The wa$ his head tilted to one side when he s"oke. His kisses; Dear (od- After all these $ears did she still long for (u$ so des"eratel$ that she found si ilarities in two en who were as different as night and da$+

Her distur!ing ru inations ca e to an a!ru"t halt when the coach sto""ed in front of her house. She ste""ed out, "aid the dri)er, and went inside. Silence greeted her. The cook and aid were gone for the da$ and 8and$ had "ro!a!l$ retired for the night. The stillness of the e "t$ house ade her achingl$ aware of the endless )oid within her heart.

Hunter had &ust arri)ed at the usicale when he saw Bliss fleeing the "art$. He thought to follow, then changed his ind. It wasn0t ti e $et to ake his "resence known to her, he decided. He wanted to ake a ark in ,ew 2rleans societ$ !efore confronting Bliss. He was still undecided whether or not to reunite Bliss with her son. It all de"ended on Bliss0s current relationshi" to (erald 3aulk. As for his i ediate "lans, Hunter was content to li)e one da$ at a ti e.

U"on his arri)al in the cit$, Hunter had leased an elegant ho e on Toulouse Street, not far fro the (o)ernor0s ansion. He ade hi self known to the citizens of ,ew 2rleans as 6iscount (u$ Hunter. He had returned the original 6iscount Hunter to England $ears ago and ade his "urchase of the title legal through the courts. Hunter ne)er i agined he0d ha)e an$ use for the title until &ust recentl$. How ironic that he should !e ad ired !$ the sa e "eo"le who had scorned his low standing and identit$ as (u$ De/oung.

Since (u$ De/oung had ne)er tra)eled in societ$ circles, Hunter knew that no one would recognize hi . Besides, (u$ De/oung was legall$ dead and !e$ond an$one0s reach. 6iscount (u$ Hunter0s first act was to de"osit a siza!le fortune in the !ank. He had &ust gotten settled in the elegant townhouse when in)itations !egan arri)ing.

(u$ had forgotten how fast news tra)eled in the cit$. He "ro!a!l$ hadn0t e)en left the !ank !efore word of his arri)al and gossi" a!out the size of his fortune had s"read. He0d snu! his nose at the entire social scene if it weren0t for his son. (u$ was deter ined that Br$an would ne)er !e ade to suffer for his father0s "ast, or that an$ hint of scandal would !e attached to his na e.

His ind consu ed with thoughts of Bliss, (u$ s iled his wa$ through !oring s all talk at the usicale. E)er$ wo an he et "aled in co "arison to Bliss. The si "ering isses who sought his attention were dull and colorless, with nothing to their credit !ut )acuous !eaut$. Their inane con)ersation wearied hi !e$ond !earing.

The onl$ wo an with the "ower to enthrall hi was Bliss, the wo an he had arried se)en $ears ago and had ne)er forgotten. 2riginall$, his seduction of Bliss had !een intended as "unish ent, !ut all thought of re)enge had )anished when he had found "ure ra"ture in her ar s. He0d wanted to "lant his seed inside her, to hu iliate her !efore societ$ and her fa il$. He0d thought it would !e a fitting "unish ent for the agon$ he0d suffered. *hat a fool he0d !een-

How was he to know he0d fall under Bliss0s s"ell again after all he0d !een through, that those "owerful e otions he and Bliss had once shared had ne)er co "letel$ died+ (u$ had ne)er e%"ected to encounter Bliss again in this life, uch less e%"erience the thrill of lo)ing her. Encountering her on 7a"ti)a Island had !een a shock. <earning that she was still arried to (u$ De/oung was an e)en !igger one.

3or an$ $ears (u$ had held Bliss res"onsi!le for the suffering he0d endured, !ut he0d finall$ co e to realize that Bliss had !een an innocent )icti of 3aulk and her father. He knew now that she had suffered &ust as he had. She had lost a child, and he had lost his identit$ and his drea of the future with Bliss.

The o ent Bliss lifted her head fro the "illow the orning after the usicale, she knew her life was a!out to change. She had no solid "roof, &ust a feeling dee" inside her. She knew it the inute she o"ened her e$es, and the urge to s"ew out her guts sent her fl$ing fro !ed in search of the cha !er "ot. She found it not a inute too soon as her sto ach e "tied forcefull$. *eak and shaking, she rinsed out her outh and eased !ack into !ed until the roo sto""ed s"inning.

.regnant-

There was no other e%"lanation. She0d e%"erienced orning sickness !efore. 7ounting !ack, she realized she had issed two onthl$ c$cles. She ust ha)e !eco e "regnant that last night with Hunter in 7u!a. She hugged her sto ach "rotecti)el$ and let the "ure &o$ of her disco)er$ o)ertake her. She wanted this child fiercel$. But the fact that he or she would !e !rought into the world in disgrace and ust li)e in sha e di inished the &o$ and !rought tears to her e$es.

She had alread$ cut the ties with her father and e%"ected no hel" there. She was fiercel$ deter ined to kee" Hunter0s child. This child would !e hers to lo)e and hold and kee" fore)er. ,o one would e)er take hi awa$ fro her. But how could she anage all that on her own, without !eing &udged and conde ned !$ societ$+ *as she destined to raise her child in secrec$ and sha e+

The solution she arri)ed at was si "le, no acce"ting it.

atter how des"eratel$ she fought against

She had to

arr$.

She had to

arr$ >uickl$.

(erald 3aulk arri)ed on Bliss0s doorste" the following da$. The aid ushered hi into the coz$ dining roo , where Bliss was en&o$ing a cu" of strong tea and considering her future.

'(ood orning,' (erald said cheeril$ as he seated hi self without waiting for an in)itation. '/our two weeks are u", Bliss. Ha)e $ou set the date for our wedding+ I0 tottering on the !rink of ruin and will not stand for another senseless dela$.'

'Sit down, (erald,' Bliss in)ited with a hint of sarcas .

'I0 alread$ sitting,' (erald said, a""arentl$ o!li)ious to her ood as he "oured hi self a cu" of tea. 'I0 here to discuss arrange ents for our wedding. It will !e a large affair, of course. The e)ent of the season.'

Bliss had known this o ent would arri)e, had !een antici"ating it with dread, in fact. She0d thought of nothing else since she0d realized she was "regnant. She had e%a ined all her choices, !oth rational and irrational, and had arri)ed at a difficult decision.

She ai ed a sidelong glance at (erald, saw that he was watching her, and decided to face her "ro!le s>uarel$. Des"ite her resol)e, howe)er, her heart and ind utterl$ re&ected the distasteful decision she had ade. But what other choice did she ha)e+ *hat she was a!out to "ro"ose was necessar$ to "rotect her child0s future.

S>uaring her narrow shoulders, Bliss steeled herself for (erald0s conte "t and said, 'I0 "regnant, (erald.'

The cu" sli""ed fro 3aulk0s hand, s"illing hot tea into his la". He $el"ed and lea"ed to his feet, knocking his chair o)er in the "rocess.

'/ou0re what+'

'.regnant,' Bliss said co "lacentl$.

'/ou can0t !e-'

'*ell, I a .'

He let loose a string of curses that fouled the air. 'How dare $ou do this to us- *hat kind of wo an are $ou+ /ou0)e alread$ gi)en !irth to one !astard.'

The color drained fro Bliss0s face, and ore than an$thing she wanted to sla" the s irk fro (erald0s face. '(u$0s child is not now nor has he e)er !een a !astard,' she enunciated slowl$. She touched her sto ach. 'I freel$ ad it the child I carr$ !elongs to a "irate, !ut I want hi as fiercel$ as I wanted $ first child. Sit down, (erald. I ha)e a "ro"osition for $ou, one $ou can0t afford to refuse.'

(erald sat down stiffl$. His face was red, his e$es !ulging. 'I alwa$s knew $ou were a wh'

'Sa$ it, (erald, and $ou0ll ne)er get $our hands on

$ fortune,' Bliss warned.

'I wouldn0t ha)e $ou on a sil)er "latter now,' (erald taunted. '(i)e e some credit. I refuse to acknowledge a "irate0s !astard.' He !rushed his slee)e, as if !rushing awa$ so ething distasteful.

'I i agine, howe)er, $ou0ll acce"t $ inheritance,' Bliss retorted. 'I har!or no fondness for $ou. *hat I0 "ro"osing is a !usiness deal. /ou lend e $our na e in return for control of $ inheritance. I0 referring, of course, to a arriage in na e onl$. I don0t want $ child !orn a !astard. /ou and I won0t e)en li)e together. I intend to aintain se"arate >uarters, to li)e a solitar$ e%istence in this house with $ child.

'/ou a$ take a istress, of course, since there will !e no arital rights allowed,' she continued !riskl$. 'And I0ll need ade>uate funds to aintain $ wa$ of life in the cit$. 2nce we settle on the a ount I0ll re>uire, $ou0ll !e free to use $ inheritance in an$ wa$ $ou dee necessar$.'

3aulk0s e$es narrowed as he considered Bliss0s generous offer. '/ou0re gi)ing inheritance in e%change for $ na e+'

e $our

'If $ou agree to

$ ter s.'

He ga)e her a nast$ s ile. 'So $ou do need

e after all.'

'?ust $our na e. It0s a fair trade. /our na e for

$ inheritance.'

He laughed irthlessl$. '/ou sur"rise calculating !itch.'

e,

$ dear. I didn0t know $ou could !e such a

Her chin rose aggressi)el$. 'I ha)e a child to "rotect. Had I !een ore "rotecti)e of $ first child, he would !e with e toda$. *hat ha""ened to hi will never ha""en again. The nai)e girl of $ $outh no longer e%ists. I will fight tooth and nail for $self and $ child.'

'Had I known it would take a "regnanc$ to con)ince $ou to arr$ e, I could ha)e acco "lished it long ago, with a great deal of "leasure. The thought of taking $ou now, howe)er, sickens e. But as long as $our inheritance will !e ade a)aila!le to e, I don0t see how I can refuse $our 2enerous offer.

'/ou and $our child a$ ha)e sto ach. 'Better ake it soon.'

$ na e. Set the date,

$ dear.' He stared "ointedl$ at her

'Two weeks fro

Saturda$,' Bliss said, feeling as if her world were suddenl$ off !alance.

3or $ears she0d fought against arr$ing (erald 3aulk. Though she knew (u$ would ne)er walk this earth again, she0d ne)er !een a!le to acce"t his death. It was as if all these $ears she0d !een waiting; But in two weeks she would ha)e to la$ the "ast to rest and ake a life for herself and her child, Hunter0s child. She had lost (u$0s child and was deter ined to "rotect Hunter0s at all cost.

3aulk "re"ared to take his lea)e. 'I0ll ake the arrange ents and alert the !ank to our arriage so the$ can "re"are the docu ents transferring $our inheritance to e.'

'*hile $ou0re at it,' Bliss said, 'see that an agree ent is drawn u" addressing $ de ands. <ea)e the a ount of $ onthl$ allowance !lank and I0ll fill it in when I0)e decided how uch I0ll re>uire to li)e co forta!l$.'

Though his e$es were dark with su""ressed anger, Bliss was relie)ed when he didn0t argue the ter s.

'To kee" u" a""earances, 0tis !est that we a""ear together often during the ne%t two weeks,' Bliss continued. '.arties, !alls, usicales, whate)er it takes to con)ince societ$ that we are a cou"le. I don0t want $ child0s "aternit$ >uestioned.'

'I su""ose I can

ake

$self a)aila!le,'

3aulk allowed. 00I ho"e $ou ha)e the good sense to go into seclusion !efore "eo"le !eco e aware of $our condition.'

'8$ !a!$ will arri)e two onths "re aturel$. ,ot an unco $ condition can !e easil$ hidden for se)eral weeks $et.'

on occurrence. 3ortunatel$,

'3ortunate, indeed,' 3aulk sneered.

'I recei)ed an in)itation to this e)ening0s !all at the Du!ois ansion,' Bliss said, ignoring his surliness. She hated hi for what he had done to her and (u$ and their child and wondered how she was going to !ear his co "an$ during the ne%t two weeks. 'The !all tonight will !e a "erfect ti e to announce our wedding "lans.'

'I0ll "ick $ou u" at "recisel$ nine this e)ening,' 3aulk said cooll$. 'I0)e gone through hell for $our one$ and I won0t !e denied now. I ho"e I can con)ince $ creditors to wait two ore weeks. The$0re threatening to take $ ho e and !usiness.'

Bliss didn0t !other seeing 3aulk to the door. She wished there had !een another solution to her dile a. The thought of !eco ing (erald 3aulk0s wife ade her "h$sicall$ ill. So ill, in fact, that she felt !ile rising in her throat. She held her hand o)er her outh and rushed fro the roo .

8and$ found her !ending o)er the cha !er "ot in her !edroo , disgorging her eager !reakfast. The old wo an clucked s$ "atheticall$ and "ro "tl$ "ut Bliss to !ed. Then she stood !ack, hands on a "le hi"s, and stared at her, her e$es dark and knowing.

'/ore increasing, ain0t $ou, hone$+'

'2h, 8and$, I didn0t want $ou to find out $et.'

8and$ "atted her hand. 'It ain0t $ore fault, hone$. /ou ha)e no cause to feel guilt$. That "irate, he forced $ou, $ou had no choice. I ho"e the$ find hi and hang hi ,' she said fiercel$.

Bliss started to cr$ and couldn0t sto". The thought of Hunter hanging onl$ increased her distress. Her !a!$0s father was too ali)e, too )ital to die an igno inious death. /et what other fate was there for a an who li)ed outside the law+

7ha"ter Ele)en

The Du!ois !all was attended !$ a ad crush of "eo"le that Bliss would ha)e !een >uite ha""$ to a)oid. Unfortunatel$, !eing seen with (erald was necessar$ if the$ were to "resent the i age of a contented cou"le.

(erald had arri)ed at her door "ro "tl$ at nine, dressed in i "ecca!le e)ening attire. Though he looked successful and distinguished, Bliss realized that (erald was no longer a $oung an. The hair at his te "les had started to sil)er, and his slight "aunch was clearl$ )isi!le !eneath the close cut of his &acket.

Bliss had chosen an e erald green silk dress with a high e "ire waist, short "uff slee)es, and a daringl$ low neckline that was all the rage these da$s. So e wo en went so far as to e ulate ,a"oleon0s wife !$ wetting their gowns !efore donning the , aking the fa!ric al ost trans"arent. It was not a fashion Bliss cared to follow.

Bliss "asted a !rittle s ile on her face as she strolled through the !allroo on (erald0s ar , greeting friends and ac>uaintances as the$ ade their wa$ toward the host and hostess.

'It0s so good to see $ou two together again,' <il$ Du!ois said enthusiasticall$. '*e were distressed to hear a!out $our recent illness, Bliss. /ou0)e ade a re arka!le reco)er$. Dare we ho"e for a wedding announce ent now that $ou0)e reco)ered+'

'/ou0re the first to know, 8rs. Du!ois,' (erald confided, forestalling Bliss0s answer. 'Bliss and I ha)e set a wedding date for two weeks fro Saturda$. /our in)itation will !e hand deli)ered shortl$. The cere on$ will take "lace at the 7athedral, of course. I ho"e $ou will !e free to attend.'

'*ouldn0t iss it,' (eorge Du!ois said, sla""ing (erald0s !ack e%u!erantl$. '*ould it !e "resu "tuous of e to announce the ha""$ occasion tonight+'

',ot at all,' (erald said. '*e0d !e honored to ha)e $ou ake the announce ent.' He ga)e Bliss a s ile that didn0t >uite reach his e$es. '*ouldn0t we, $ dear+'

'That0s )et kind of $ou,' Bliss would !e wonderful.'

ur ured, swallowing the sickness rising within her. 'That

The$ o)ed on then, unaware that a an wearing a satin "atch o)er one e$e was intentl$ watching the fro his "osition !ehind a large "illar.

(u$ had seen Bliss and (erald enter the !allroo and he0d had to swallow the rage he felt u"on seeing the together. He0d caught gli "ses of Bliss alone at )arious functions and a!out town, !ut this was the first ti e he0d seen her with 3aulk, and his )iolent reaction sur"rised hi . Before his ind full$ gras"ed the significance of seeing the together, he was surrounded !$ a grou" of in>uisiti)e en and wo en and lost sight of Bliss.

Bliss e%cused herself and went to the ladies retiring roo to rest her &angled ner)es and re"air her hair st$le. She was so tired of s iling and aking s all talk, she felt as if her face would crack. But e)en ore unner)ing had !een the strange feeling of !eing stared at. 2f course that was ridiculous, !ut the feeling lingered.

The retiring roo was occu"ied. Two $oung wo en Bliss was ac>uainted with were discussing the $sterious stranger who Bliss had $et to eet. The$ greeted her enthusiasticall$.

'It0s good to see $ou out and a!out again after $our long illness,' a "erk$ !londe said. '/ou look wonderful. I understand $ou and 8r. 3aulk are still a cou"le. Ha)e $ou set a new wedding date $et+'

'I0 full$ reco)ered, Beck$, thank $ou,' Bliss said war l$. Beck$ Dur!in was at least fi)e $ears $ounger than Bliss !ut she had alwa$s liked the $oung wo an. '*e0)e set a date for two weeks fro Saturda$. I ho"e $ou0ll attend.'

'A

I in)ited, too+' the second wo an asked.

Bliss turned her s ile on the $oung redhead, who was e)en $ounger than Beck$. '2f course, A anda, $our whole fa il$ is in)ited.'

'.erha"s I0ll !e the ne%t to

arr$,' Beck$ said.

'2h, I didn0t know $ou had a !eau,' Bliss said. 'Do I know hi +'

A dull red cre"t u" Beck$0s neck. 'I ha)e "lent$ of !eaus, !ut none as attracti)e as 6iscount Hunter.' She ga)e a delicate shudder. 'Ha)e $ou seen hi , Bliss+ He0s a!solutel$ stunning.'

Bliss went still. 'Hunter+' The $sterious an0s na e was Hunter+ ,o, she thought, it couldn0t !e- &er Hunter wouldn0t !e here. It was too dangerous. And he certainl$ wasn0t a )iscount.

'Do $ou know hi +' A anda asked curiousl$. 'He looks dangerous, and sooo ro antic. In a delicious, naught$ kind of wa$, of course. E)er$ un arried girl in the cit$ has set her ca" for hi .'

'I0)e not had the "leasure of

eeting the )iscount,' Bliss said.

'All the arried wo en are aking sha eless hussies of the sel)es o)er hi ,' Beck$ said huffil$. 'But I0 going to catch hi , &ust $ou wait and see. He asked e for a dance,' she said s ugl$.

'He did not-' A anda contradicted. 'Don0t lie, Beck$. He ne)er dances with an$one. He &ust talks !usiness with the en and flirts with the wo en.'

'*ell,' Beck$ said indignantl$, 'I0

going to change all that. ?ust see if I don0t.'

Bliss watched Beck$ "reen !efore the looking glass, curious a!out this 6iscount Hunter. *hat was there a!out hi that ade all the wo en swoon with delight+ She was still ulling o)er the coincidence of the )iscount and Hunter sharing the sa e na e when it suddenl$ occurred to her to ask, 'Does 6iscount Hunter wear a "atch o)er his right e$e+'

'I thought $ou hadn0t

et hi ,' Beck$ said.

The !lood rushed fro Bliss0s face and she had to cling to the !ack of a chair when she felt her knees !egin to !uckle. '/ou0re sa$ing I0 right+ That 6iscount Hunter wears a "atch o)er one e$e+ Does he ha)e !lack hair and gra$ e$es+'

A anda snorted indignantl$. '/ou0)e !een "utting us on, Bliss. /ou know darn good and well what (u$ Hunter looks like. 7o e on, Beck$, let0s see if we can distract hi fro !usiness.'

The$ took their lea)e, unaware of the de)astation the$ left in their wake.

(u$+ (u$ Hunter+ 2h, (od, it had to !e. ,o, it couldn0t !e- Bliss could understand the Hunter "art of his na e, !ut wh$ $u( + Had he used it deli!eratel$ to hurt her+ *h$ was Hunter here, if indeed the )iscount was her Hunter+ It didn0t ake sense. But then nothing Hunter had e)er done ade sense. Realizing that all the con&ecture in the world wasn0t going to answer her >uestions, Bliss left the retiring roo .

3aulk was waiting for her. 'Bliss, there $ou are. I was !eginning to worr$ that $ou0d left without telling e.' He looked "ointedl$ at her sto ach. 'Are $ou ill+'

',o, &ust tired. .erha"s we should ake our regrets to the host and hostess and take our lea)e. The crush of "eo"le is a""alling.'

'*e can0t lea)e now. Du!ois is a!out to $ou wanted, isn0t it+'

ake the announce ent. 7o e along, it0s what

It was e%actl$ what Bliss had wanted, !ut not now, not with Hunter in the !allroo to ock her. But (erald couldn0t know a!out Hunter. If 6iscount Hunter was her Hunter, then no one could know his real identit$. '/es, it0s what I want.'

The$ reached the "odiu , where the orchestra had !een "la$ing. Du!ois waited for the attention of his guests. All e$es were focused on Bliss and 3aulk as Du!ois announced the ha""$ occasion of their i "ending nu"tials. A cla or of congratulations and "olite a""lause filled the roo . Then the usic !egan again and cou"les drifted awa$ to the dance floor.

'Do $ou want to dance+' 3aulk asked.

'I0d like to lea)e,' Bliss re"lied. 'I0)e had all of this I can take.'

'*e0ll lea)e in a few inutes. There is so eone I want to eet first.' He tucked her ar under his. 'There he is, o)er !$ that colu n. He0s new in town5 one ne)er knows when a new ac>uaintance ight "ro)e !eneficial. Es"eciall$ a wealth$ one.'

Bliss looked franticall$ in the direction 3aulk had indicated, seeing nothing !ut a cluster of en and wo en. Suddenl$ she knew- But it was too late to turn and ran, for 3aulk was "ulling her through the crowd, which had "arted to allow the into the inner circle.

Then she saw hi . Elegantl$ clad in !lack e)ening wear and "ristine white linen, he e%uded the kind of dark $ster$ and energ$ that could onl$ !e descri!ed as dangerous. He ust ha)e s"otted her at the sa e ti e she saw hi , for his gaze settled disconcertingl$ on her.

Bliss heard 3aulk sa$ so ething a!out a !uzzing !egan in her head, and the roo !lack.

aking his ac>uaintance !efore her )ision di ed, started to s"in around her. Then e)er$thing went

(u$ had !een talking to Banker Sanders when Du!ois called the roo to attention and announced Bliss0s i "ending arriage to (erald 3aulk. He0d tried his !est to contain his rage and knew he0d failed isera!l$ when Sanders e$ed hi strangel$.

'Are $ou all right, 6iscount+' Sanders asked with concern. '/ou look like $ou0)e &ust eaten so ething distasteful.'

'Sorr$, Sanders, didn0t think it showed. So eti es $ wound acts u" and I can0t control $ reaction to the "ain.' His lie recei)ed s$ "athetic ur urs of distress.

'I heard $ou lost an e$e fighting against ,a"oleon,' Sanders said, re"eating unfounded gossi".

'So ething like that,' (u$ said, thinking it as good an e%"lanation as an$. '/ou were sa$ing+'

He !arel$ listened to what Sanders was sa$ing. Until he0d heard the announce ent, he0d !een undecided a!out how, or e)en if, he should reunite Bliss with her son. The announce ent had ade the decision for hi . There was no wa$ in hell he was going to allow 3aulk to raise his son. (u$ had grown to lo)e the !o$ and would ne)er gi)e hi u" to a wo an arried to a an like 3aulk.

*hat was wrong with Bliss+ He wondered. If she hated 3aulk as uch as she had clai ed, wh$ was she arr$ing hi + There was ore to this than et the e$e, and he )owed to learn what it was.

3ro the corner of his e$e he saw 3aulk a""roaching with a so ewhat reluctant Bliss in tow. (u$ hadn0t intended for his first eeting with Bliss to !eco e a "u!lic s"ectacle, !ut it looked as if 3aulk had taken the atter out of his hands. He !roke off his con)ersation with the !anker with an a!ru"tness !ordering on rudeness as 3aulk el!owed his wa$ through the cluster of "eo"le surrounding hi .

Then she was there, standing scant inches awa$, as dazzling as e)er. He !reathed dee"l$5 her scent scattered his senses and dredged u" e ories of stea $ tro"ical nights and heated se%. He lifted his gaze to hers, saw her e$es widen and her nostrils flare. He heard 3aulk s"eaking to hi !ut he didn0t listen. All his senses were attuned to the wo an standing !efore hi . The wo an whose lo)el$ tur>uoise e$es were closing as she !egan a slow s"iral to the floor.

Sho)ing 3aulk aside, (u$ ade a ad lunge for Bliss, snatching her u" !efore she reached the floor, long !efore an$one was aware of her "redica ent. E)en 3aulk a""eared sur"rised when he saw Bliss hanging li "l$ in (u$0s ar s. 3ortunatel$, 8rs. Du!ois a""eared and took charge.

003ollow e,' she ordered cris"l$ as she cleared the wa$ for (u$. The$ left the !allroo and entered a s all sitting roo . '.ut her down on the sofa while I fetch s elling salts.' She !ustled fro the roo , fir l$ closing the door on the curious onlookers who had followed the .

'The heat and crush of "eo"le ust ha)e !een too uch for her,' 3aulk said to Hunter. '8$ fianc1e has a delicate constitution. I0 (erald 3aulk, !$ the wa$. I0)e !een wanting to eet $ou.'

He stuck out his hand. (u$ ignored it. 'Does $our fianc1e usuall$ faint in crowds+' He0d ne)er known Bliss to !e afflicted !$ weakness of an$ sort. This was all )er$ strange. Unless had she finall$ recognized hi as (u$ De#/oung+'

'3orget Bliss,' 3aulk said with !latant disregard. 'She0ll co e around. 7ould we s"eak in "ri)ate so e ti e+ I0d like to ac>uaint $ou with $ !usiness )entures. .erha"s $ou0d consider !eco ing an in)estor.'

'This isn0t the ti e,' (u$ said !luntl$. 'I0 ore concerned a!out $our fianc1e right now than I a in in)esting in a !usiness of which I know nothing.'

<il$ Du!ois returned with a )ial of s elling salts. 'This should !ring her around,' she said, unca""ing the !ottle and wa)ing it !eneath Bliss0s nose.

(u$ was gratified when Bliss gas"ed and turned awa$ fro

the offending odor.

'*hat ha""ened+' Bliss asked groggil$ as she "ushed the s elling salts awa$.

'/ou fainted,' 3aulk said.

'How are $ou feeling,

$ dear+' 8rs. Du!ois asked.

'Better, thank $ou,' Bliss re"lied, lifting herself to a sitting "osition. 'I don0t know what got into e. I ne)er faint.'

'The heat, it ha""ens all the ti e,' 8rs. Du!ois clai ed airil$. '.erha"s $ou ha)en0t full$ reco)ered fro $our "re)ious illness. If $ou0re sure $ou0re all right, I0ll go infor $ guests of $our reco)er$.'

'I0

fine. B$ all

eans, return to $our guests.'

'/es, well, I0 the roo .

sure $our fianc1 will take good

care of $ou,' 8rs. Du!ois said as she left

'*h$ don0t $ou return to the !allroo told 3aulk.

to

ake our e%cuses to the host and hostess+' Bliss

'(ood idea. Rest here until $ou0re full$ reco)ered, $ dear,' 3aulk said. 'I0ll ake our e%cuses, !id farewell to a few friends, and return for $ou in sa$; twent$ inutes. *ill that !e satisfactor$+'

'/es,' Bliss whis"ered, achingl$ aware of Hunter0s daunting "resence. *h$ didn0t he lea)e+

'Are $ou co ing, Hunter+' 3aulk asked when (u$ ga)e no indication of lea)ing.

'/es, of course,' (u$ said as he followed 3aulk out the door.

Bliss ga)e an audi!le sigh as the door closed !ehind Hunter. She was in no condition for a confrontation. She had ne)er fainted !efore and !la ed it on her "regnanc$ and her une%"ected confrontation with Hunter. *h$ was he here+ She wondered. And "osing as English no!ilit$, no less. She was a""alled at the danger in which he was "lacing hi self and couldn0t fatho his reason for doing so. *as he here !ecause of her+ Did she dare ho"e he trul$ cared a!out her welfare+

2h, (od, she was so confused.

Suddenl$ her attention was ca"tured !$ a whis"er of sound and she directed her gaze toward the closed door. Her !reath caught in her throat when she saw Hunter standing &ust in side the roo , leaning against the closed door. She watched in tre"idation as he "ushed hi self awa$ and ca e toward her. He re inded her of the "anthers that "rowled through the angro)es of .ine Island with careless arrogance and su"re e confidence.

'*hat are $ou doing here+' Bliss said, finall$ finding her )oice. 'Are $ou $ou0re aware that $ou0re deli!eratel$ courting danger.'

ad+ I0

sure

'Are $ou going to !etra$ $ identit$+' (u$ asked. She shook her head. 'Then I ha)e nothing to fear, do I+' His e%"ression turned gri . '*h$ did $ou faint+'

She ga)e a careless shrug. 'The shock of seeing $ou in ,ew 2rleans, I su""ose. There0s !ound to !e so eone in a town this size who can identif$ $ou. *hat a!out the en a!oard all those shi"s $ou0)e "lundered+ And how did $ou co e !$ that tru "ed#u" title+'

'The title is legall$ ine. So is the na e I go !$. I "urchased !oth $ears ago. I0 "leased that $ou0re worried a!out e, !ut I don0t think $ou ha)e an$thing to !e concerned a!out.' His glittering gra$ e$e settled disconcertingl$ on her. His )oice held a note of conte "t. '7ongratulations on $our i "ending arriage.'

'Don0t

ock so ething $ou don0t understand, Hunter.'

'7all

e (u$. I0

known as (u$, 6iscount Hunter now.'

She dragged in a shuddering !reath. '/ou took that na e to hurt e,' she charged. '/ou knew (u$ was the na e of a an I lo)ed )er$ uch. *h$+ *hat do $ou want fro e+'

'*hat I want fro

$ou is a little honest$.'

'I0)e ne)er lied to $ou.'

'/ou told e the ost i "ortant thing in $our life was $our long#lost son. /et here $ou are, arr$ing one of the en res"onsi!le for taking $our son awa$ fro $ou. Do $ou call that honest$+'

'(erald took e to 8o!ile to find $ son, !ut we arri)ed too late. He had disa""eared along with Enos Hol es. I was de)astated. I refused to lea)e 8o!ile until an e%tensi)e search was launched, !ut no trace of hi was found. I had no choice !ut to return ho e without hi . But that doesn0t ean I0)e forgotten hi .'

(u$ stared at her, as if tr$ing to arr$ing 3aulk+'

ake u" his

ind a!out so ething. '*h$ are $ou

'*h$ do $ou care+' she sna""ed with as"erit$. 'If not for $ou and (as"arilla, I would ha)e reached 8o!ile !efore $ son disa""eared. I0ll ne)er forgi)e $ou for aking e lose the single ost "recious thing in $ life.'

'/ou reco)ered >uickl$ enough,' he shot !ack sarcasticall$. He searched her face. '/ou look; glowing,' he said la el$.

She ignored the co "li ent. ',ow it0s $ turn to ask >uestions. *h$ are $ou in ,ew 2rleans+ Did $ou know $ou0re the talk of the town+ /our wealth is the su!&ect of uch con&ecture, and wo en swoon at the )er$ ention of $our na e.'

He ga)e her a lo"sided s ile that set her heart to racing. 'That0s their "ro!le . I0)e decided to gi)e u" "irating. An era is co ing to an end, e)en though (as"arilla refuses to recognize it. The United States ,a)$ is set u"on ridding the (ulf of "irates. I realized that "l$ing $ trade in dangerous waters could onl$ end tragicall$, and I0)e grown rather fond of $ neck.'

Bliss0s s"irits "lu eted. She0d ho"ed that (u$ (od, how could she call hi (u$ when the na e !rought !ack so an$ "ainful e ories+ *as here !ecause of her. Because he issed her and wanted her.

Because he cared a!out her.

But that had ne)er !een the case, had it+ She seriousl$ dou!ted she0d e)er learn the reason Hunter had held her ca"ti)e on his island.

'*hat are $our "lans+' Bliss asked.

'I0 looking into "urchasing a "lantation. I ha)e this unaccounta!le urge to !eco e a "lanter.' He ga)e her a slow s ile fraught with i "lications she didn0t want to consider. 'I0 sure we0ll eet again, since we see to !e in)ited to the sa e e)ents.' He ga)e her a hard look. '3or $our sake, I suggest $ou take care of $our health. It wouldn0t do to faint at e)er$ function $ou attend.'

At a loss for words, Bliss stared utel$ at Hunter0s !ack as he took his lea)e. Did he sus"ect+ She wondered. His single gra$ e$e had stared at her so intentl$ she had the feeling he could read her thoughts, see into her )er$ soul. After seeing and s"eaking with hi , she decided it would !e foll$ to tell hi a!out the !a!$. His )er$ "resence ocked her. The na e he0d assu ed "ro)ed his disregard for her. She would ne)er call hi (u$-

(u$ left the !all soon after his confrontation with Bliss, uch to the disa""oint ent of the ladies who had sought his attention. (u$ didn0t gi)e a fig a!out giggling $oung girls seeking hus!ands, or danger#seeking older arried wo en searching for an affair. He was still reeling o)er the "u!lic announce ent of Bliss0s arriage to (erald 3aulk.

*hat was she thinking+ He asked hi self. How could she hold 3aulk res"onsi!le for the loss of her son and then turn around and arr$ hi + It &ust didn0t ake sense. There was uch here that needed e%"lanation. Bitterness rode hi ercilessl$. He thought he knew Bliss. He0d e)en grown to care for her again. He no longer held her res"onsi!le for the loss of his e$e and his identit$, or for the indignities he0d suffered in "rison !efore his esca"e. But learning that Bliss was arr$ing his a)owed ene $ was too uch to swallow.

(u$ reached ho e &ust as the hour struck twel)e and went straight to !ed. He had !riefl$ considered )isiting a high#class !ordello !ut had discarded the idea al ost i ediatel$. He hadn0t had a wo an since Bliss, and the thought of !edding an$one else didn0t a""eal to hi . 3inall$ he fell aslee", "lunging headlong into an erotic drea in which he and Bliss ade "assionate lo)e on a tro"ical sand$ !each !eneath a full oon.

Bliss couldn0t see to esca"e Hunter during the da$s that followed. He a""eared e)er$where she did5 e)er$ "art$, each usicale, and e)en while strolling in the .lace d0Ar es on (erald0s ar . He ne)er failed to offer a friendl$ greeting whene)er the$ et, !ut his taunting s ile co "letel$ destro$ed the facade of "olite interest. His ocking "resence so distur!ed her "eace of ind that she !egan to dread their ne%t eeting. E)en (erald re arked u"on her edginess at the rout the$ attended one night.

'Ah, look, there0s 6iscount Hunter,' (erald said as the$ left the dance floor. 'I don0t !elie)e I know the stunning !runette with hi . <et us "a$ our res"ects.'

'I0d "refer not to,' Bliss said, struggling to kee" the tre or fro her )oice. Hunter was with another wo an, and it nearl$ killed her to think of the together; inti atel$. *hen would she e)er get o)er hi +

(erald ga)e her a strange look. '*hene)er we encounter the )iscount $ou !eco e green around the gills. /ou0re not going to faint again, are $ou+'

'Don0t !e ridiculous. *h$

ust $ou toad$ u" to the

an+'

'Because5 he is rich and it0s to need to !orrow again.'

$ ad)antage to culti)ate wealth$ friends. 2ne da$ I

a$

'*hen $ou go through

$ inheritance, $ou

ean,' Bliss retorted.

(erald didn0t ha)e ti e to for

a scathing retort, for it see ed as if (u$ had found them .

'(ood e)ening,' (u$ said. 'Are $ou en&o$ing the "art$+'

'I0)e attended !etter,' 3aulk said, stifling a $awn.

'Ha)e either of $ou

et

$ co "anion+' (u$ asked, staring intentl$ at Bliss.

'I don0t !elie)e we0)e had the "leasure,' 3aulk said, "utting on his

ost char ing s ile.

'This is 8iss 7ar en Delgado, a )isitor fro 7u!a. She0s sta$ing with her aunt and uncle and was gracious enough to dance with e. 8iss Delgado, a$ I "resent 8iss Bliss (ren)ille and her fianc1, 8r. (erald 3aulk+'

After a o ent of "olite s all talk, (u$ said, 'E%cuse us, we were on our wa$ to the garden. 8iss Delgado e%"ressed a desire for a !reath of air.'

Bliss stared after the

as the$ walked awa$.

'That wasn0t so difficult, was it+ I don0t know wh$ the !een nothing !ut "leasant to $ou.'

an see s to u"set $ou. He has

'I want to go ho e,' Bliss said.

'*e &ust got here.'

'I0

not feeling well.'

He gri aced, his e$es carr$ing trou!ling $ou+'

o)ing insultingl$ o)er her sto ach. 'Is that !astard $ou0re

Red dots of rage !urst inside Bliss0s head. 'Don0t e)er call $ child a !astard-' she hissed fro !etween clenched teeth. Then she whirled and headed out the dou!le doors into the garden, lea)ing 3aulk standing alone to face the gossi"s. He didn0t atte "t to follow, for which she was "rofoundl$ grateful.

7heeks !urning, Bliss walked to a secluded !ench in the far corner of the court$ard and sat down to cool off. If it wasn0t for her i "ending otherhood, she0d ne)er go through with this farce. *h$, oh wh$, did Hunter ha)e to co e to ,ew 2rleans+ Hadn0t he alread$ co "licated her life enough without tor enting her with his daunting "resence+

'*hat ha""ened in there+'

Bliss started )iolentl$ at the sound of Hunter0s )oice. ',othing. *here is 8iss Delgado+'

'Inside with her ad irers.'

'I thought $ou and she; that is, I thought she was $our'

'/ou were wrong. *hat did 3aulk do to u"set $ou+'

',othing, he did nothing.'

'*hat did he sa$+'

He sat down !eside her and tilted her face u" to his, his thu !s resting u"on her cheek!ones. He ust ha)e felt the wetness there, for he s"it out a curse and wi"ed awa$ her tears.

'*h$ are $ou !adgering

e+' Bliss cried. '*hat do $ou want fro

e+'

'The truth. *h$ are $ou arr$ing 3aulk+ /ou can !arel$ stand the an. 8a$!e it0s not as o!)ious to others, !ut I know $ou !etter than an$one. /ou were cr$ing.'

She tried to turn her head aside, !ut Hunter held her fast. 00Hunter, "lease, let

e go.'

'Is it so difficult to call

e (u$+'

'/es, oh (od, $es.'

'Do $ou know how de)astated I was to find $ou gone when I returned fro

Sani!el+'

'I; $ou were de)astated+' She could hardl$ credit it.

'There was

uch left unsaid !etween us.'

'I asked $ou to take e to 8o!ile, and like a coward $ou ran off. I had no idea what $ou were thinking, what $ou intended. Then (as"arilla arri)ed and it was too late for us.'

His e$e glowed a dull sil)er, drawing Bliss into its heated center. She couldn0t look awa$. His features were shar" with desire, taut with an e otion she couldn0t identif$. She closed her e$es, aware that he was going to kiss her e)en !efore his outh ca e down hard o)er hers. His kiss was not gentle5 it was a hard re inder of the "assion the$ once shared, of the hunger still )i!rantl$ ali)e within the . He held her so tightl$ and kissed her with such sa)ager$, her whole !od$ felt co !usti!le.

His li"s o)ed o)er hers forcefull$ as his hands slid down her throat to her dee" neckline. He ga)e a tug and her !reasts "o""ed free. His outh found a "uckered ni""le. He licked the aching "eak with the roughness of his tongue until Bliss oaned in "rotest and tried to "ush hi awa$.

'Don0t-' she "leaded on a shak$ sigh. '/ou ha)e no right. So eone could co e along and see us. IL 5 a!out to !e arried.'

'/ou0re right, this is not the "lace.' He rose a!ru"tl$, "ulled her u" with hi , and straightened her clothing. She didn0t resist until he !egan "ulling her toward the court$ard gate.

'*ait- *here are $ou taking

e+'

'*hate)er ha""ened !etween $ou and 3aulk ust not ha)e u"set hi , for he effort to follow and set things right. I0 assu ing $ou don0t want to go !ack inside.'

ade no

',o, I don0t want to go inside. I0

sick and tired of s iling and "retending'

'.retending what+'

',othing. 3orget I said that.'

'I0ll take $ou ho e in to.'

$ carriage. /ou don0t ha)e to go !ack in there if $ou don0t want

Bliss had little choice as her "irate dragged her through the gate to his waiting carriage. He hauled her inside and cli !ed in !ehind her.

'*here do $ou li)e+'

She ga)e hi her address on St. .eter Street and he in turn ga)e it to the coach an. It wasn0t far, &ust around the corner, actuall$5 she could ha)e walked the distance easil$. The carriage ground to a halt. (u$ &u "ed down and reached for her.

',o need to walk carriage.

e to the door,' Bliss said when he

ade no effort to reenter his

He a""eared a used. 'Are $ou tr$ing to get rid of

e+'

Her

outh went dr$ at the thought of !eing alone with hi . '/ou can0t co e in.'

'6er$ well.'

2h (od, it wasn0t like hi Hunter.'

to gi)e in so easil$. *hat was he "lanning+ '(ood night,

'(u$,

$ na e is (u$.'

She couldn0t !ear it. Turning a!ru"tl$, she ran to the door and let herself in. Racing u"stairs to the !edroo , she ran out to the !alcon$ and looked down, !reathing a sigh of relief when she saw that his carriage had de"arted. Seeing Hunter again, !eing with hi , had taken a toll on her. She felt ore )ulnera!le than she e)er had in her life. She could not resist Hunter and feared for her sanit$ should he decide to re ain in ,ew 2rleans.

8o)ing echanicall$, she undressed without 8and$0s hel" and donned a thin lawn nightgown. Then she let her hair down, se"arating the strands with her fingers as it tu !led o)er her shoulders and down her !ack. She was a!out to crawl into !ed when a uffled sound on the !alcon$ caught her attention. She turned toward the sound and saw the shrouded figure of a an huddled in the shadows. A shudder ri""led through her when she recognized the figure that sli""ed through the o"en door.

'Hunter-'

'/ou didn0t think I0d gi)e u" so easil$, did $ou+'

'*hat do $ou want+'

'To

ake lo)e to $ou. It0s ine)ita!le, $ou know.'

7ha"ter Twel)e

He stalked into the roo , looking "ositi)el$ lethal. His face re ained hidden in the shadows, !ut flickering candlelight re)ealed the taut set of his shoulders, his deter ined stance. Bliss !acked awa$, intending to flee; where+ She was in her nightclothes, the onl$ other "erson in the house was 8and$, and it would !e heartless of her to frighten the old wo an.

'I0

not going to hurt $ou, Bliss,' he said in a hushed )oice. 'I0d ne)er hurt $ou.'

'*h$ are $ou here+ *ith all the cities in the world, wh$ did $ou "ick ,ew 2rleans to settle+ I0 no longer $our ca"ti)e, Hunter. I0 tr$ing to get on with $ life. .lease lea)e.'

'I0ll lea)e when I get so e answers and not !efore.'

Suddenl$ he was !eside her, his hands on her shoulders, "ulling her against hi . Her chest constricted, aking !reathing difficult. She felt e%"osed and )ulnera!le, e)en though she knew there was no wa$ he could "ossi!l$ tell she was "regnant. There was a fa iliar charged tension in the roo , a heat that surrounded her and ade her !urn with antici"ation.

She !linked u" at hi as he caught her chin !etween his thu ! and forefinger and raised her face for his kiss. She tried to twist awa$ !ut her strength had suddenl$ deserted her. His outh co)ered hers, hot, hard, de anding, his tongue "lundering her outh, creating a tur!ulence within her that left her reeling. In the o ent of sanit$ left to her, Bliss wholeheartedl$ agreed with the wo en who thought Hunter dangerous. ,o one understood that !etter than she. A an who could render her hel"less with one kiss had to !e the ost dangerous an ali)e.

He kissed her soft, tre !ling outh until she was >ui)ering all o)er, until she kissed hi !ack and circled his neck with her ar s. Until her "liant !od$ elted against hi in unwilling ac>uiescence. She sighed softl$ when he released the !ows at the neck of her gown and "ulled the gar ent u" and awa$ fro her. She whi "ered a weak "rotest when his ar s went !eneath her knees and lifted her against hi . 7oherent thought left her when he laid her on the !ed and followed her down, "ressing her into the attress with his hard !od$.

His hands tangled in the silken strands of her hair as his outh e%"lored hers, kissing her thoroughl$ !efore sli""ing down to her throat to tease the erraticall$ !eating "ulse at its !ase. His outh o)ed lower, tasting and ni""ing her !reasts with tin$ lo)e !ites, la)ing the sweet fullness with his tongue until she was writhing and oaning and clutching hi with outrageous urgenc$. Then his outh slid lower, o)er the taut swell of her s ooth !ell$ to the !urnished curls !etween her thighs.

He !rought his hand !etween her legs, caressing her inner thighs, his fingers "ressing inside her in arousing strokes that ade her cr$ out and arch )iolentl$ u"ward. She heard her own so!!ing oans as he lowered his head and tasted her, his tongue "arting and thrusting into her tender "ink flesh as his hands lifted her u" to his outh.

Bliss couldn0t !reathe, couldn0t think, could onl$ feel. She was lost. <ost to fe)erish "assion and uns"eaka!le $earning. Rational thought fled as the hunger Hunter had su oned with his hands and outh and !od$ e%"loded into an inferno of fierce ecstas$. Bliss thought she had died and gone to hea)en. Di l$ she heard Hunter chuckle and glanced at hi .

*hile she had !een lost in a haze of "leasure, he had so ehow anaged to di)est hi self of his clothing. His !od$ glowed a dull gold in the candlelight. The light shining !ehind hi o!scured his face, !ut instincti)el$ she knew he was s iling, a used !$ her swift ca"itulation.

She started to rise, !ut he

o)ed with "anther like grace to co)er her !od$.

'*hat0s $our hurr$, sweetheart+' he ur ured against her ear. 'Dawn is hours awa$.' He searched her face, his gaze intent, his )oice harsh when he s"oke again. 00Ha)e $ou allowed 3aulk in $our !ed $et+'

'Bastard-' she hissed fro

!etween clenched teeth. '*h$

ust $ou s"oil e)er$thing+'

He snarled, a feral sound that should ha)e frightened her, !ut didn0t. 'I don0t !elie)e he0s shared $our !ed $et,' (u$ said, answering his own >uestion. '/ou couldn0t ha)e res"onded to e as $ou &ust did if $ou0d !een ha)ing se% regularl$.'

He fle%ed his hi"s5 she felt the hard ridge of his se% "ressing !etween her thighs. She knew he hadn0t !een satisfied $et, and the thought that he would soon !e inside her ade her heart !egin to "ound erraticall$. *hen she ade an incoherent "rotest, he kissed her, again and $et again, shutting down her thought "rocesses.

Then his outh left hers and he raised hi self u" on his el!ows, watching her face as he fle%ed his hi"s and thrust inside her. 2"en and unshielded, his unta ed hunger reached across the charged at os"here !etween the , his face re)ealing the fierce intensit$ of his need. She cried out and arched u" to recei)e hi , closing around hi as she took hi inside her. Her face glowed ra"turousl$ as he filled the aching e "tiness with hi self.

He lifted her legs around his waist and she felt hi sink e)en dee"er into her "assage. His hi"s o)ed s oothl$, thrusting and withdrawing, dee"er each ti e, increasing the rh$th of his o)e ents and swee"ing her into sweet o!li)ion. Then she knew no ore.

Bliss o"ened her e$es, found Hunter staring at her, and frowned. The last thing she recalled was Hunter stiffening and shouting out her na e scant seconds after she0d reached her own shattering cli a%.

'*hat ha""ened+' she asked !reathlessl$.

'I think it0s called la +etite morte . The little death. Did $ou die a little for for $ou.'

e, Bliss+ I died

Bliss looked awa$, too e !arrassed to answer.

',e)er ind,' he said with a shrug. '?ust answer e this. Do $ou think $ou0d ha)e with 3aulk what we &ust shared+ I can0t !elie)e $ou0d arr$ that !astard.'

'It0s $ life and $ decision, Hunter. All $ou know a!out (erald is what I0)e told $ou. /ou0re acting as if $ou hold a "ersonal grudge against hi .'

'.erha"s I do,' Hunter

uttered.

Bliss frowned, not understanding. 'Tell

e what it is.'

'.erha"s one da$, !ut not now. Do $ou still intend to

arr$ 3aulk+'

Bliss thought of Hunter0s child growing !eneath her heart and felt an aching sadness. ,ot once had he entioned lo)e or arriage to her.

If onl$ he0d; But no, drea ing i "ossi!le drea s was dangerous. She waited so long for hi to tell her he lo)ed her, that he wanted to arr$ her hi self, that the silence grew o""ressi)e. 3inall$ Bliss sighed and ga)e the onl$ answer "ossi!le. '8$ "lans ha)en0t changed.'

*hat else could she do+ She0d gi)en Hunter e)er$ o""ortunit$ to declare hi self, !ut the words hadn0t co e. All he did was )ent his anger at her for arr$ing (erald 3aulk. She wanted to !lurt out that all she wanted fro 3aulk was his na e. He could ha)e her one$, she didn0t need it as long as her child was !orn legiti atel$.

(u$ was too angr$ to sa$ the words that would sto" Bliss fro arr$ing 3aulk. He couldn0t understand wh$ she was so ada ant a!out !eco ing 3aulk0s wife. She didn0t e)en like the an. How could he tell her a!out Br$an when he knew she would want to raise the child in the sa e house with the an res"onsi!le for all their "ro!le s+ He didn0t want 3aulk an$where near his son.

(u$ considered the alternati)e. He could re)eal his identit$ to Bliss and tell her a!out their son. The$ were still arried, after all. *ould she welco e hi !ack as her hus!and+ 2r would she e%"ose hi as a "irate and watch hi hang+ Bliss had !een his ca"ti)e, held against her will and seduced !$ hi 5 how could she not want retri!ution+

'*hat are $ou thinking+' Bliss asked, distur!ing his re)erie.

He couldn0t tell her. ,ot $et, not until he had ti e to think this through, to decide u"on his ne%t o)e. He didn0t know if he was read$ to trust Bliss with the two ost "recious things in his life5 his son and his heart. .erha"s, he considered, he should &ust let Bliss arr$ 3aulk and li)e in iser$ the rest of her life. Then all thought ceased as his !od$ ade hi aware of other things, like Bliss l$ing in his ar s, her nakedness "ressed inti atel$ against his.

'I0 thinking there is still enough night left to '/ou want to, don0t $ou, Bliss+'

ake lo)e again,' he whis"ered huskil$.

He heard her sigh, heard the tin$ catch in her )oice when she said, '2h (od, Hunter, $es. /es- Don0t $ou know !$ now how uch I; ,e)er ind, &ust kiss e. If we0re ne)er going to !e together again, I want this night to last a lifeti e.'

He wanted to sa$ the words she wanted to hear, !ut old dou!ts and fears rose u" to taunt hi . His )oice was rough when he said, 'A$e, re e !er this night when $ou0re l$ing in 3aulk0s ar s, knowing that he0s the an res"onsi!le for gi)ing $our son awa$.'

His words were like a dash of cold water. Bliss had !een on the )erge of telling hi a!out the !a!$ she carried when he s"oiled the o ent with his ocker$. It was utterl$ heartless of hi to re ind her a!out her lost son. ,ot a da$ went !$ that she did not think a!out her child and his dead father, !oth lost to her fore)er. It would !e a cold da$ in hell !efore she0d tell Hunter a!out the child he had "ut inside her.

'Da n $ou- (et out of here- <ea)e and assault e.'

e alone. /ou ha)e no right to !reak into

$ ho e

'I did nothing to $ou that $ou didn0t want done.'

'/ou0re wrong. Dead wrong. I thought I; ne)er ind, I ust ha)e !een ad to i agine I had feelings for $ou. (i)e e one good reason wh$ I0d welco e $ou in $ !ed.'

(u$ o"ened his

outh and closed it again, shaking his head.

'?ust as I thought,' Bliss said. '.lease lea)e, Hunter. I0 too tired to argue with $ou. Unless $ou can gi)e e a reason wh$ I shouldn0t, I0 going to arr$ (erald in less than a week.'

Sa$ it, Hunter, "lease sa$ it, Bliss "leaded silentl$. How can I tell $ou a!out the !a!$ if $ou don0t tell e $ou lo)e e+ If she told hi a!out the child now, she0d ne)er know if he wanted her for herself or for the !a!e. 2h (od, her life was a sha !les and there was nothing she could do to ake it !etter without Hunter0s hel". And he see ed disinclined to do an$thing !ut ake lo)e to her, then taunt her for her weakness.

'6er$ well, I0ll lea)e,' (u$ said, 'on one condition. I want $ou to call

e (u$.'

'/ou ask too

uch of

e. That na e is reser)ed for the

an I lo)ed with all

$ heart.'

'/our aid is going to !e ight$ shocked to orrow when she finds us in !ed together,' he said co "lacentl$. '(ossi" tra)els. Think what that could do to $our wedding "lans.'

'/ou wouldn0t-'

'I would. I0

a "irate, re e !er+ Sa$ it.'

Bliss !it her li" in consternation. *hat kind of ga e was he "la$ing+ She wondered. If the onl$ wa$ she could get rid of hi was to call hi (u$, then she0d &ust grit her teeth and do it.

'6er$ well; (u$. *ould $ou "lease lea)e now+'

'Again. Sa$ it again. Don0t e)er call last na e.'

e Hunter again. Unless $ou0re referring to

e !$

'(u$. There, does that satisf$ $ou+ Do $ou en&o$ tor enting $ (u$ was.'

e+ /ou0ll ne)er !e the

an

He stood a!ru"tl$ and stared down at her. His face was set in gri lines, his !eautiful sil)er e$e glea ing with secret knowledge. '/ou think not+ /ou a$ !e sur"rised.'

She watched utel$ as he dressed, struggling to ake sense out of his "uzzling words. He left the wa$ he had entered, through the )eranda doors and o)er the railing. Before he ste""ed out into the night, he "aused and glanced !ack at her. He said nothing, not one word of farewell. He &ust stood there for a o ent, his e%"ression unreada!le, !efore !lending into the shadows and disa""earing.

Bliss felt the terri!le weight of disa""oint ent. Her !reath ca e in tin$ "ants as she gas"ed for air to fill her lungs. Hunter0s; no, (u$0s last re ark had sent her senses s"inning out of control as she floundered for an e%"lanation. 6isions floated !efore her closed e$es. I ages of her dead hus!and. (u$ De/oung had !een so $oung when death had clai ed hi . Barel$ twent$#one. His !elo)ed features had di ed o)er the $ears, !ut not her e or$ of hi . She tried to i agine how he would look toda$ had he li)ed.

She saw Hunter0s face instead.

She recalled instances when Hunter had see ed so fa iliar to her. The wa$ he cocked his head, his laugh, that certain inflection in his )oice. His drugging kisses;

Bliss dragged in a shuddering sigh, letting her i agination wander. Then she shook herself, aware that what she was thinking was "re"osterous. But the ludicrous thought "ersisted.

2h (od, she had to !e ad e)en to consider such a thing- Her (u$ wouldn0t "la$ a cruel trick like that on her. Two se"arate faces danced !efore her e$es. 8o ents !efore she fell aslee", the two i ages erged into one.

The following orning Bliss was lethargic and una!le to focus on the wedding "lans (erald had co e to discuss.

'Honestl$, Bliss, this arriage is $our idea,' (erald chided. 'The least $ou could do is "a$ attention. /our father is an%ious to talk with $ou. *h$ ha)en0t $ou gone out to the "lantation to )isit hi +'

'I ha)e no desire to see 3ather,' Bliss returned shortl$. '/ou !oth know how I feel and wh$ I feel that wa$. After $ou and I are arried I intend to see $ou &ust enough to kee" the gossi" ongers satisfied.'

'7laude wants to know if $ou0re going to allow hi

to walk $ou down the aisle.'

Bliss assaged her te "les. She was in no condition to ake decisions. Her head was "ounding fro lack of slee", and her ind was awhirl with )i)id e ories and i "ro!a!le drea s.

'I can0t think now, (erald, I ha)e a terri!le headache.'

(erald sent her a shar" look. 'Don0t tr$ to !ack out of this now, Bliss. /our father and I are counting on $our inheritance to "ut us !ack in !usiness. I0 doing e)er$thing the wa$ $ou want it, so don0t e)en think of changing $our ind. 8$ creditors ha)e agreed to wait until after our arriage for their one$, and I will do whate)er is necessar$ to assure $our coo"eration.'

'?ust lea)e e alone, (erald. 7o e !ack to orrow, when I0 he can co e here if he wants to see e.'

in a !etter

ood. Tell 3ather

(erald rose huffil$. '6er$ well, if that0s what $ou want. I intended to s"end the afternoon with $ou, !ut the ti e can !e !etter s"ent with $ new istress. (ood da$, Bliss.'

Bliss said nothing as he let hi self out the door. It was getting so that Bliss could !arel$ stand the sight of (erald. ?ust looking at hi re inded her of how he and her father had cons"ired together against her and (u$. How $oung and nai)e she0d !een to trust their word a!out her !a!$.

The thro!!ing in Bliss0s head increased5 the walls see ed to close in on her. If she didn0t get out in the air to clear her head soon, she feared she0d e%"lode. She found 8and$ in the kitchen, told her she was going out, gra!!ed her !onnet, and left the house in a flurr$ of whirling skirts.

Bliss walked ai lessl$ toward the .lace d0Ar es. 3all was in the air. The da$s were growing cooler, and the air entering her lungs was sur"risingl$ refreshing. She !reathed dee"l$, grateful when she found the "ounding in her head su!siding into a dull ache. She strolled around the "laza, nodding at ac>uaintances she et along the wa$. 3eeling uch !etter now, Bliss decided to return ho e.

Then she saw hi .

He was sitting on a !ench !eneath the !alcon$ of the 7a!ildo. He wasn0t alone. A s all !o$ sat !eside hi , listening a)idl$ to what (u$ Hunter was sa$ing. The child see ed to !e a!out si% or se)en $ears old and rese !led (u$ so closel$ it was uncann$. She sto""ed to stare at the .

'The$ sa$ the )iscount is a widower and the !o$ is his son.'

Startled, Bliss s"un around to identif$ the s"eaker. It was A anda. Bliss and A anda had et often at societ$ e)ents, and it was no secret that !oth A anda and her friend Beck$ had set their ca"s for (u$.

'2ut for a stroll+' A anda asked, her gaze intent u"on (u$ Hunter.

'*hat were $ou sa$ing a!out the )iscount+' Bliss asked. 'I had no idea he had a son.'

'6er$ few "eo"le know a!out the !o$,' A anda confided. '6iscount Hunter asked $ "arents for the na e of a good tutor for his son, and occasionall$ the )iscount is seen on outings with the !o$. I atte "ted to find out e)er$thing there is to know a!out 6iscount Hunter, !utQ she ga)e a harru "h of disgustQ a""arentl$ little is known a!out the an0s "ast, e%ce"t that he0s e%tre el$ wealth$. ,o one see s to know where he ca e fro or how he earned his wealth. ,or how he lost his e$e.00

Bliss0s gaze re ained ri)eted on the lad with Hunter. His hair was dark like his father0s, !ut she wasn0t close enough to ascertain the color of his e$es. He was a handso e !o$, with a s ile that re inded her of;

The color drained fro

her face and she staggered !eneath the weight of her disco)er$.

'Bliss, are $ou all right+' A anda asked, catching Bliss0s ar /our old sickness isn0t returning, is it+'

to stead$ her. '/ou look ill.

'He0s

ine,' Bliss gas"ed !reathlessl$.

'*ho0s $ours+' A anda asked curiousl$. '/ou can0t !e talking a!out the )iscount, not with $our wedding to (erald 3aulk &ust da$s awa$.'

'*hat+ ,o, not hi . I0 sorr$, A anda, I ha)e to go now. I0 hurried off, lea)ing A anda to "uzzle o)er her strange !eha)ior.

not feeling well.' She

How dare he- How dare Hunter clai her son as his+ *hat could the an !e thinking+ *hat was his "ur"ose+ Bliss considered confronting Hunter i ediatel$ with her knowledge, !ut decided against aking a scene in a "u!lic "lace. Besides, he was alread$ lea)ing the "laza and she needed ti e to gather her wits !efore facing (u$.

*h$ would he do such a thing to her+ She fu ed in silent rage. She saw e)er$thing clearl$ now. Hunter had reached 8o!ile !efore she and (erald did and had taken her son, "ro!a!l$ e)en "aid Enos Hol es to disa""ear. And he0d done it out of "ure alice !ecause she0d refused to lea)e 7u!a with hi . Suddenl$ she recalled Hunter0s last words !efore lea)ing her in Ha)ana that night. He0d told her to ake sure her hus!and was dead !efore arr$ing 3aulk.

That e or$ !rought her to a staggering halt. She wanted to !elie)e, she trul$ did, !ut iracles didn0t e%ist. ,o, Hunter0s oti)e was "ure s"ite. He0d stolen her son and was introducing hi to societ$ as his own for s"iteful reasons. There could !e no other answer. Unless; The nagging dou!t still re ained.

The si ilarities.

,o, the differences were too striking.

The su!tle innuendos.

,o, he was !ut to$ing with her

ind.

(u$ De/oung was dead, she0d !e a fool to think otherwise. He0d died si% $ears ago and was !uried in a "au"er0s gra)e. If !$ so e iracle he were still ali)e, he would ha)e found a wa$ to let her know.

8and$ et Bliss at the door. 'I was getting worried, hone$. /ou !een gone a long ti e.' Her dark e$es lingered on Bliss, as if she could see into the tur!ulence of Bliss0s soul. 'So ething ha""ened. /ou0re "ale as a ghost. Sit down, hone$, and tell ole 8and$ what ha""ened.'

Bliss shook her head. 'I can0t, 8and$, not $et. ,ot until I know the truth !e alone to think this through !efore I can confront; $ "ast.'

$self. I need to

'I0ll fi% $ou a cu" of tea and so ething to eat. /ou rushed out this "ro"er eal. /ou gotta think of that !a!$ growing inside $ou now.'

orning without a

Bliss0s hand flattened o)er her sto ach. She had al ost forgotten this new child after her startling disco)er$. But nothing had changed. This new !a!e was hers, &ust like Hunter0s child was hers, and she lo)ed !oth of the unconditionall$. After a short rest, she decided to arch straight to 6iscount Hunter0s house and confront the de)il in his den.

Hunter0s townhouse was in a uch !etter neigh!orhood than hers, Bliss thought as she stood outside the i "osing stone structure. Her heart was !eating like a tri" ha er, the !lood was "ounding through her )eins, and her outh was dr$ as cotton. If she was correct, and she had good reason to !elie)e she was, she was a!out to co e face to face with the child she had gi)en !irth to ore than si% $ears ago, and until recentl$ !elie)ed was dead.

Bliss had to know the truth. A!out Hunter and a!out her son. Uncertaint$ was eating her u" inside. Slowl$ she ounted the front ste"s, her deter ination to confront Hunter unflagging. *ith shaking hands she lifted the !rass knocker and !rought it down hard on the wood door. 2nce, twice, a third ti e. Then she waited.

The door was o"ened !$ an elderl$ wo an of color wearing a tignon o)er her gra$ing hair. '8a$ I hel" $ou+' she asked, "eering at Bliss with !right curiosit$.

'I0d like to s"eak to 6iscount Hunter,' Bliss said in a )oice fir

with resol)e.

'He isn0t in,

iss. 7an I take a

essage+'

'Are $ou the housekee"er+'

'I0

<izz$, the $oung

aster0s nann$. Is the )iscount e%"ecting $ou+'

',o.' Undaunted, she ste""ed around <izz$. 'I0ll wait.'

<izz$ !linked u" at Bliss, her sur"rise a""arent5 then she re e !ered her said, 'I0ll show $ou where $ou can wait.'

anners and

She ushered Bliss into a s all "arlor and left. Bliss was too e%cited to sit. It took all the will"ower she "ossessed to sta$ in the roo when what she reall$ wanted to do was to tear the house a"art until she found her son, hold hi tight, and ne)er let hi go.

<ong inutes "assed. 8inutes that see ed like hours. Bliss had no idea how long she0d !een "acing the "arlor when she sensed she wasn0t alone. She whirled toward the doorwa$, and the !reath caught in her throat. His e$es are tur>uoise, she thought, searching the newco er0s face hungril$. The sa e )i!rant color as hers.

The lad studied Bliss with a co !ination of honest curiosit$ and caution. He ust ha)e decided she wasn0t a threat, for he a""roached her !oldl$. 'Are $ou waiting to see $ "a"a+'

A long o ent "assed !efore Bliss could s"eak !e$ond the large lu " in her throat. 'Is 6iscount Hunter $our "a"a+' She wanted to take the !o$ in her ar s so !adl$, she ached fro it.

'/es, do $ou know hi +'

'I know hi

)er$ well. Do $ou know when he0ll return+'

'He said he wasn0t going to !e gone long.' He ga)e her a long, thoughtful look. '/ou0re )er$ "rett$.'

Bliss couldn0t hel" herself. She dro""ed to her knees !efore hi . 'And $ou0re )er$ handso e. *hat is $our na e+'

'8$ na e is Br$an. Do $ou know

a a+ .a"a sa$s she0s "rett$, too.'

Tears !lurred Bliss0s )ision. *hat in (od0s good na e had (u$ told the !o$+ '*here is $our a a+'

Br$an looked confused. 'I don0t know. .a"a said we were co ing to ,ew 2rleans to look for her, !ut I guess he0s ha)ing a hard ti e finding her.'

His sad little face undid Bliss. She wanted to wee", to sing, to &u " with &o$, !ut all she could do was stare at Br$an.

Her child.

Her son.

She knew Br$an was hers with e)er fi!er of her !eing. She felt it in her soul, in her heart, in her ind. And she hated Hunter for kee"ing hi fro her. He was no !etter than (erald 3aulk and her father, who had taken Br$an fro her at !irth.

Her hand e%tended toward hi to caress his cheek, fearing she0d frighten hi if she o)ed too >uickl$. He see ed to understand her need, for he "laced his s all hand trustingl$ into hers. Then she drew hi toward her, her gaze ne)er lea)ing his face. She didn0t know how it ha""ened, !ut suddenl$ he was in her ar s, e%u!erantl$ returning her fierce hugs. Tears strea ed down her cheeks in unrestrained &o$ as she rose to her feet, taking Br$an u" with her. She was dancing around the roo with Br$an in her ar s when she saw Hunter; no, (u$, standing in the doorwa$, looking "ositi)el$ thunderstruck. Br$an saw hi too.

'.a"a,' Br$an s>uealed ha""il$. '<ook at

e- I0

dancing with the "rett$ lad$.'

'.ut

$ son down, Bliss,' (u$ enunciated slowl$.

Unwilling to

ake a scene in front of her son, Bliss did as she was told.

'(o find <izz$, Br$an. Tell her to gi)e $ou so e cookies and lad$ in "ri)ate.'

ilk. I want to talk to the

'Do I ha)e to+' Br$an asked, clearl$ reluctant to lea)e.

'A$e, $ou ha)e to.'

'7an I sa$ good#!$e to the "rett$ lad$ !efore she lea)es+'

Bliss dro""ed down !eside the !o$ and ga)e hi a "arting hug. 'I "ro ise $ou0ll see e again )er$ soon, Br$an. /ou see, $ou0re )er$ i "ortant to e. I0 ne)er going to lose sight of $ou again.'

Br$an s>ueezed Bliss0s hand and grinned u" at (u$. 'I like her, .a"a. I ho"e she co es again soon.' Then he ski""ed out of the roo . (u$ closed the door !ehind hi and slowl$ turned to face Bliss.

Bliss didn0t wait for (u$0s e%"lanation5 she lit into hi with all the )eno she could uster. 'How dare $ou- /ou0re a cruel !astard, (u$ Hunter. /ou reached 8o!ile first, took $ son, and had the un itigated gall to call hi (our son. How could $ou+ *h$ would $ou want to hurt e like this+'

'I didn0t deli!eratel$ set out to hurt $ou, Bliss,' (u$ said. '*h$ do $ou think I !rought Br$an to ,ew 2rleans+ I wanted to reunite hi with his other, that0s wh$. *hile I was deciding how !est to !reak the news, I learned a!out $our i "ending arriage to (erald 3aulk. There was no wa$ in hell I0d allow a !astard like 3aulk to raise $ son.'

Bliss !linked at hi . 'Br$an is m( son, a fact $ou0)e con)enientl$ forgotten,' she countered. '*hen, if e)er, were $ou going to tell e+'

'Sit down, Bliss, it0s ti e $ou knew the truth.'

'I0ll stand, thank $ou. And when I lea)e here, I0

taking

$ son with

e.'

' 6(son isn0t lea)ing this house,' (u$ said with deadl$ cal . He searched her face, aware that what he was a!out to tell her would shock her, !ut it was ti e. 'I reall$ a Br$an0s father, Bliss. I think $ou0)e alread$ guessed the truth, !ut $ou0re afraid to acknowledge it.'

Her e$es grew wide with dis!elief, then narrowed in "erfect understanding. Suddenl$ she launched herself at hi , attacking hi in a flurr$ of "ounding fists and flailing feet. He allowed her to )ent her rage until she was so!!ing >uietl$ against his chest.

'I know this has co e as a shock,' he contended. 'I0 De/oung, and )er$ uch ali)e.'

not dead, Bliss. I0

trul$ (u$

She !acked awa$ fro hi , her e$es dark with conde nation, her )oice !itter with resent ent. '*h$ didn0t $ou tell e onths ago+ /our cruelt$ a azes e. Did $ou know there were ti es $ou see ed so fa iliar, so achingl$ like (u$ that I hurt inside to look at $ou+ I thought I was losing $ ind. I was too old to !elie)e in iracles.'

'I tried to hate $ou,' he e%"lained. 'I !la ed $ou for e)er$ indignit$, e)er$ !eating I endured in the 7ala!oso. I couldn0t forget the wa$ $ou cried o)er 3aulk on the dueling field, !egging hi not to die. I thought $our father had con)inced $ou that I wasn0t good enough for $ou. *hen I was taken to the 7ala!oso $ou ne)er once )isited or in>uired a!out $ well# !eing. *hat was I to think e%ce"t that $ou had a!andoned e to a fate worse than death+

'2ne da$ I learned that an assassin was !eing sent to end $ life. I !elie)ed $ou knew a!out it and did nothing to sto" it. I !elie)ed $ou had alread$ gotten an annul ent and wanted e dead out of s"ite for wounding 3aulk.'

Bliss "aled. 'An assassin+ I don0t know what $ou0re talking a!out. And it wasn0t concern for (erald that ade e act as I did the da$ of the duel. I didn0t want (erald to die !ecause I feared what would ha""en to $ou.'

'I realize that now !ut I wasn0t thinking clearl$ then,' (u$ said.

'*hat ha""ened to the assassin+' she asked.

'I killed the assassin !ut lost an e$e to his !lade. He was !uried in De/oung did die that da$.'

$ stead. In a wa$, (u$

'So $ou forgot all a!out e and took u" "irating,' Bliss charged angril$. '*hat a fool I0)e !een. All these $ears I0)e ourned a an who cared nothing for e, who hated e, e)en. ,ow I know wh$ $ou held e ca"ti)e. Re)enge. /ou wanted $our "ound of flesh.'

Bliss0s anger s"arked his own. All he could think of was that horri!le $ear he0d s"ent in the 7ala!oso awaiting trial, !arel$ e%isting !etween !eatings, half star)ed and sick. 'I wanted to send $ou !ack to $our father and 3aulk with $ child growing in $our !ell$-' he shouted. 'I wanted to seduce $ou and ake $ou care for Hunter the "irate. I wanted $ou to know how it felt to !e a!andoned.'

He hadn0t eant to !e so !rutall$ honest, !ut Bliss0s words had riled hi . I ediatel$ he wished he could call the !ack. He watched in horror as Bliss turned whiter than his linen. Her e$es rolled u" and her legs !egan to wo!!le dangerousl$. He shot forward to catch her seconds !efore she colla"sed into his ar s.

7ha"ter Thirteen

7radling Bliss in his ar s, (u$ took the stairs two at a ti e, $elling at a stunned aid to su on a doctor. He carried Bliss into his !edroo and "laced her gentl$ on the !ed, regarding her with concern. This was the second ti e she had fainted in his "resence. How an$ other e"isodes had there !een when he hadn0t !een around+ He wondered. The thought was a frightening one.

It wasn0t i "ossi!le for Bliss to ha)e contracted so e dread disease on his tro"ical island, he reflected. He0d seen !rawn$ en felled !$ $sterious tro"ical diseases. He would ne)er forgi)e hi self if he had inad)ertentl$ caused her illness.

<izz$ carne "uffing into the roo

with a !asin of cool water and a cloth.

00*hat ha""ened to the "oor chile+' she asked, clucking her tongue s$ "atheticall$.

fro

'*e0ll ha)e to wait for the doctor to tell us that,' (u$ said shortl$. He stri""ed the cloth the housekee"er0s hand. 'I0ll do that, <izz$. /ou a$ go and wait for the doctor.'

<izz$ ga)e hi an indignant look. 'I0ll sta$. It ain0t "ro"er for a $oung lad$ to !e alone in a !edroo with a an.'

(u$ gentl$ a""lied the wet cloth to Bliss0s forehead, "a$ing little heed to the housekee"er, until he realized what she had said. 'It0s all right, <izz$. This lad$ is going to !e $ wife.'

<izz$ a""eared ske"tical. 'If0n $ou sa$ so, 8ister (u$.'

'Thank $ou. And don0t forget to send the doctor u" as soon as he arri)es.'

(u$ turned !ack to Bliss as <izz$ >uietl$ let herself out of the roo . Bliss0s color was returning and she was !eginning to stir.

Her e$es !linked o"en. '*hat ha""ened+'

'/ou fainted. /ou0)e !een doing that a lot latel$.' His !row furrowed. 'Is there so ething $ou0re not telling e, Bliss+ Are $ou ill+'

As if suddenl$ recalling wh$ she had fainted, Bliss reared u" on her el!ows and ga)e (u$ a !listering look. 'There0s nothing wrong with e that ridding $self of $our co "an$ won0t cure, (u$ De/oung- How could $ou kee" $our identit$ fro e all this ti e+ /ou ust ha)e hated e a great deal. Did it a use $ou to see how uch $ou could hurt e+' Her )oice rose on a note of anger. '/ou e)en stole $ son-'

'I had to,' (u$ said. '/ou were going to arr$ 3aulk. That an$thing to kee" $ son fro !eing raised in 3aulk0s ho e.'

an is a !astard. I0d do

'But wh$ didn0t $ou tell e onths ago who $ou were+ I lo)ed $ou, (u$- I "assing for si% long $ears, li)ing like a nun and refusing to see other en.'

ourned $our

'I thought it !est to let e)er$one think I had died,' (u$ e%"lained. 'I was consu ed !$ !itterness. I was treated like an ani al in the 7ala!oso and I !la ed $ou, $our father, and 3aulk for $ suffering. I0)e changed. I0 not that !o$ $ou arried. (u$ De/oung was kind and considerate and caring, a decent hu an !eing. Hunter is a hardhearted, )indicti)e, !itter an. In the na e of "irac$ Hunter has co itted shocking acts $ou0d neither understand nor condone.

'I li)ed for re)enge. Did $ou e)er wonder wh$ 3aulk0s shi"s were singled out for attack when other shi"s were left )irtuall$ unscathed+ That was $ doing, Bliss. I deli!eratel$ set out to ruin 3aulk, and took great "leasure in $ success. Then $ou fell into $ hands and I "lanned a re)enge far sweeter than an$thing I0d drea ed of.'

'/ou willfull$ set out to seduce e,' Bliss charged, recalling their earlier con)ersation. '/ou wanted e to concei)e $our child. ,othing would satisf$ $ou !ut $ co "lete hu iliation. /ou wanted to "unish e for so ething $ father and (erald did without $ knowledge. 8$ (od- /ou have changed. /ou0re a cruel, )indicti)e an, (u$ De/oung.'

Before (u$ could defend hi self, a discreet knock interru"ted the con)ersation.

'Dr. <afarge is here, sir.'

(u$ rose instantl$ and o"ened the door to a distinguished#looking gentle an with kind e$es, and gra$ side!urns that atched the color of the s"arse hair on his head.

'7o e in, Doctor,' (u$ in)ited. '/our "atient a""ears to ha)e reco)ered !ut I think $ou should take a look at her an$wa$. This is the second ti e she0s fainted in a short "eriod of ti e and I0 concerned.'

The doctor !ustled through the door, all efficienc$ as he set down his !ag and regarded Bliss through slightl$ $o"ic e$es. 'If the $oung lad$ is ill, I0ll find the cause, 6iscount Hunter,' he said confidentl$. '9indl$ ste" out of the roo so I can e%a ine $ "atient.'

'/ou called a doctor+' Bliss asked with as"erit$. '*h$ didn0t $ou consult started to rise. 'I don0t need a doctor.'

e first+' She

'Rela%, Bliss,' (u$ said. 'Hu or e. /ou could !e seriousl$ ill without knowing it. I0 not going to let $ou lea)e this !ed until $ou0re e%a ined, so $ou a$ as well resign $ourself to it. She0s all $ours, Doctor,' (u$ said as he let hi self out of the roo . 'I0ll !e waiting out in the hallwa$.'

(u$ "aced ner)ousl$, consu ed with worr$. He0d thought hi self i that were eating hi ali)e, !ut the "ossi!ilit$ of

une to the feelings

Bliss !eing seriousl$ ill ade hi !reak out in a cold sweat. (od, what was ha""ening to hi + He couldn0t !ear to lose Bliss a second ti e. He0d !een a fool to think he could forget her, an e)en !igger one to !elie)e he hated her.

He had a son to think a!out now. A son he0d co e to lo)e dearl$. The !o$ needed a father and a other, and he needed his wife. If it took the rest of his life, (u$ )owed to rise a!o)e the re"utation he0d so richl$ earned as a "irate and to lead a res"ecta!le life for the sake of his son.

A half hour later the !edroo door o"ened and (u$ turned as the doctor ste""ed through the o"ening and closed the door !ehind hi . He was s iling, and (u$ allowed hi self to !reathe again.

'Is she going to !e all right, Doctor+' (u$ asked an%iousl$.

'*hat is that $oung wo an to $ou+' Dr. <afarge asked. 'She see ed reluctant to answer $ >uestions.'

'Bliss is;

$ wife,' (u$ said after a slight hesitation.

The doctor )isi!l$ rela%ed. 'Ah, that e%"lains things.'

.anic shi e+'

ered through (u$. 'E%"lains what+ How ill is Bliss+ *hat aren0t $ou telling

'E)er$thing is as it should !e,' the doctor e%"lained cal l$. '/our wife0s "regnanc$ is "rogressing s"lendidl$. See that she takes !etter care of herself. She a""ears to !e under a great deal of stress5 fainting is her !od$0s reaction to it. I0ll lea)e so e strengthening edicine for her. Tr$ not to u"set her5 this is a fragile ti e in her "regnanc$. If all goes well, $ou0ll ha)e a health$ child in si% onths.'

(u$ couldn0t s"eak, could !arel$ think as the doctor ra !led on a!out Bliss0s "regnanc$. He should ha)e known. The$ had ade lo)e often enough to guarantee "regnanc$. In the !eginning, his intention had !een to i "regnate Bliss and then a!andon her. He0d ne)er considered her feelings, onl$ his need for re)enge. Instead, aking lo)e to Bliss had gi)en hi uns"eaka!le "leasure, and that soon !eca e an o!sessi)e need. He had realized too late that he wanted her !ecause he cared for her, not !ecause he wanted to "unish her. It had !een difficult to ad it, e)en to hi self, that he had ne)er sto""ed lo)ing her.

/ears of e%isting for re)enge had changed a carefree $oung an into an unci)ilized "irate, !ut he had ne)er forgotten the wo an he had lo)ed in his $outh. And (od hel" hi , he still lo)ed her, still wanted her. ,ow she was going to ha)e his child. A !rother or sister for Br$an.

'I !elie)e I0 no longer needed here,' the doctor said, sensing (u$0s distraction. 'I0ll !e ost ha""$ to deli)er the child when the ti e co es, unless, of course, $our wife "refers a idwife. /ou know where to reach e.'

(u$ acknowledged the doctor with a nod, scarcel$ aware of what he0d said. 'Send the !ill in care of $ solicitor, 7harles Branson, on Ro$ale Street. I0ll see $ou out.'

',o need. (o to $our wife, she needs $ou

ore than I do right now.'

(u$ didn0t o)e i ediatel$ after the doctor descended the stairs. He stood a long ti e !efore the closed !edroo door, struggling to control his rising anger. How could he not !e angr$ when Bliss had intended to arr$ (erald 3aulk, knowing she carried (u$0s child+ *as she ad+ *h$ didn0t she tell him she was "regnant instead of agreeing to arr$ a an she didn0t e)en like+ 2)er his dead !od$, (u$ )owed. 3aulk was ne)er going to get his hands on Bliss or his children.

7ur!ing his rage, (u$ o"ened the !edroo door and ste""ed inside. The !ed was e "t$. He suffered a o ent0s "anic until he saw her standing !$ the window, looking sad and forlorn.

'I su""ose $ou know,' she said, refusing to look at hi .

'*h$ didn0t $ou tell

e+ <ord knows $ou had sufficient o""ortunit$.'

She whirled around, her chin &utting "ugnaciousl$. '*h$ didn0t $ou tell son+' she challenged.

e a!out

(u$ sighed. This was so da n co "licated. 'I was going to !ut; How in the hell could $ou arr$ 3aulk+ /ou knew $ou carried $ child.'

'/ou didn0t want e,' Bliss charged. 'I had no idea $ou would show u" in ,ew 2rleans. 2r that I0d e)er see $ou again. There0s a "rice on $our head, in case $ou0)e forgotten. I didn0t know what to do. I didn0t want $ child to go through life la!eled a !astard, so I told (erald a!out the !a!$ and struck a !argain with hi . I offered hi $ inheritance in e%change for his na e. It was to !e a arriage in na e onl$. He didn0t like it, !ut a""arentl$ $ one$ was too attracti)e to turn down. He agreed to $ ter s.'

'I0

still $our hus!and, Bliss,' (u$ said, reaching out to her.

She sla""ed his hands aside. '8$ hus!and died si% $ears ago. I don0t e)en know the who has taken his "lace.'

an

He ignored her re ark. 'I can0t re)eal $ true identit$ for o!)ious reasons, !ut the fact re ains that $ou0re carr$ing $ child. /ou0re not going to arr$ 3aulk and that0s final.'

'*hat do $ou "ro"ose+' Bliss asked sarcasticall$. '*ould $ou "refer that I !ring a !astard into the world+ 2r "erha"s $ou want e to gi)e the !a!$ awa$ and "retend it doesn0t e%ist.'

He s"it out a string of curses that ade Bliss0s ears !urn. '*hat ha""ened to Br$an will ne)er ha""en to this child. I0 going to !e right here when it0s !orn. I0 going to catch it in $ hands and see it take its first !reath. I would ne)er !e du"ed into !elie)ing the child was dead like; ' He left the accusation hanging in the air.

Bliss rounded on hi . '(o on, sa$ it- I know $ou !la e e for losing Br$an. Don0t $ou think I !la e $self+ But $ou weren0t there. It was a difficult !irth. I was weak and ill afterward, and still ourning $ dead hus!and.'

'I0 not !la ing an$one, Bliss. *hat0s done is done. *hat0s i "ortant now is Br$an, and the new life growing inside $ou. Both children are ine and I intend to clai the .'

Bliss "anicked. '/ou0re not going to take $ children awa$ fro e- 2h (od, I can0t !ear it. 8$ life has !een e "t$ so longQ Her hand flew to her sto ach. ',ow I ha)e so ething to li)e for. I ha)e Br$an, and this new !a!e.'

'*hat a!out

e, Bliss+'

'*hat a!out $ou+'

'Do $ou care for

e at all+'

'Ha- That fro a an who cares for nothing and no one. A "irate whose de"ra)ities are legend. I can0t, e)en !ring $self to think of $ou as (u$, for (u$ was a lo)ing, kind, and co "assionate an.'

'I could tell $ou what changed e, !ut I fear the details would sicken $ou. 2utside scars heal4 it0s the inner scars that change a an. I lost $ soul in the 7ala!oso. (u$ De/oung died that da$ he esca"ed the assassin0s !lade. 3ro his ashes4 rose Hunter the "irate. A ai ed, one#e$ed an, !ent on re)enge. Ruining (erald 3aulk and $our father !eca e $ ission in life, and I succeeded !e$ond $ wildest ho"es.

'Then $ou ca e into $ life again and re nants of (u$ De/oung slowl$ !egan to e erge fro that "lace where I had !uried hi . I intended to use $ou, then discard $ou, !ut feelings I thought were !anished fore)er see"ed through the hard shell I0d !uilt around $ heart. After a while re)enge no longer attered. It was (ou I wanted. I disco)ered I still had a heart5 it was &ust rust$ fro disuse.'

Throughout (u$0s startling confession, Bliss searched his face for the truth. She was startled to realize he was tr$ing to tell her he cared for her. But caring wasn0t enough. She wanted ore.

'*here is all this leading, (u$+'

'/ou0re not arr$ing 3aulk, and $ou0re not taking $ children awa$ fro arried to orrow, as soon as I can ake the arrange ents.'

e. *e0ll !e

'*e0re alread$

arried,' Bliss re inded hi .

'/ou were arried to (u$ De/oung, a an who no longer e%ists in the e$es of the law. I ha)e another legal na e. It0s 6iscount (u$ Hunter. The na e was ade legal through the courts of <ondon. The legalit$ of the child $ou carr$ will ne)er !e in dou!t.'

'*hat a!out $our "rofession+ Do $ou still "lan to "re$ on unsus"ecting shi"s+'

'I0 done with "irac$ for good. It0s !eco e too dangerous. 0Tis onl$ a atter of ti e !efore the United States ,a)$ rids the (ulf of "irates. Though (as"arilla and the Brotherhood refuse to acce"t it, the glor$ da$s of "irating are o)er. I0)e decided to !eco e a "lanter. I0)e alread$ ade a !id on a "lantation, and the offer has !een acce"ted. I ha)e onl$ to sign the "a"ers to ake it legal. It will ake a fine legac$ for our children.'

Des"ite the fact that (u$ wasn0t the sa e an she had known and lo)ed se)en $ears !efore, she offered no o!&ection. Dee" inside her was the ho"e that in ti e Hunter the "irate would !eco e a distant e or$, that one da$ the real (u$ De/oung would e erge and lo)e her again.

'Do I ha)e a choice+' Bliss asked.

',one whatsoe)er,' (u$ said tersel$. 'I know that ight sound hard and unco "ro ising, !ut $ou can0t e%"ect e to change o)ernight. 7ircu stances ha)e ade e the an I a toda$ and I can0t alter what I0)e !eco e. I suggest that $ou forget (u$ De/oung. I can ne)er !eco e that an again.'

'I0ll ne)er forget (u$ De/oung,' Bliss said thoughtfull$. 'I0 not sure I0d want the old (u$ De/oung !ack, howe)er. /ou0re; ore interesting now. Se)en $ears ago we were !oth children "la$ing at !eing arried. Toda$ we are adults who ha)e suffered and gained fro our e%"erience. *e ha)e one child and another on the wa$, and we ha)e to go on for their sakes. I0ll acce"t the an $ou are now if $ou allow e a gli "se of the old (u$ once in a while.'

'Does that ean $ou0ll take e as I a +' (u$ asked with a hint of a use ent. 'It0s not as if we don0t care for one another, !ecause we do. 8aking lo)e to $ou has !eco e one of $ greatest "leasures.'

'I0ll arr$ $ou, (u$, !ecause I want $ son. And there0s our un!orn child to consider. /ou are the father, which is a "owerful argu ent for our arriage.00

'2urs won0t !e a arriage in na e onl$ like $ou offered 3aulk,' (u$ warned. '8ake no istake, ours will !e a true arriage in e)er$ sense of the word. *hen we a""ear in "u!lic I want e)er$one to think ours was a lo)e atch, that we arried >uickl$ !ecause we couldn0t wait.'

Bliss went still. 'Is it, (u$+ Is ours a lo)e

atch+'

(u$ hesitated, choosing his words carefull$. 'I ne)er reall$ sto""ed lo)ing $ou, Bliss, not e)en when I hated $ou.'

He ade a tentati)e gesture toward her and suddenl$ she was in his ar s. '/ou know I0)e ne)er sto""ed lo)ing (u$ De/oung,' Bliss said on a sigh. 'But it0s going to !e difficult "retending Hunter and (u$ are the sa e an. /ou0)e changed, $et des"ite e)er$thing, I learned to care for Hunter. But lo)e is a strong e otion. I lo)ed (u$ De/oung with all $ heart and I0)e finall$ acce"ted that he0s dead to e. I0 not sure I can lo)e the an $ou are now with the sa e intensit$.'

(u$ ga)e an e%as"erated snort. 'How can $ou sa$ that when (u$ De/oung is standing in front of $ou+ I0 not dead. I erel$ changed identities.'

'It0s difficult to acce"t what $ou0)e !eco e, (u$, and I0 still angr$ at $ou for stealing Br$an. 3urther ore, letting e think $ou were dead all these $ears was conte "ti!le. It0s going to take ti e to learn to trust $ou again.'

His ar s tightened around her. 'But $ou do lo)e in lo)e with e all o)er again as Hunter.'

e, don0t $ou+ Ad it it, Bliss. /ou fell

Bliss wanted to den$ it !ut couldn0t. 'I fell in lo)e with the "art of Hunter that was good and kind and co "assionate.'

He ga)e a harsh laugh. 'There was nothing a!out Hunter that was good and kind and co "assionate.'

'There was, $ou &ust refused to acknowledge those >ualities in $ourself. I0ll alwa$s lo)e those things in $ou I ad ire.'

'Shall we seal our engage ent with a kiss+' (u$ whis"ered softl$. 2"en desire darkened his sil)er gaze and flushed his skin.

He was so near, Bliss could s ell the clean, usk$ scent of his skin and feel the oist stirring of his !reath against her face. His ar s were around her, holding her tightl$ against hi , as if he feared to let her go lest she disa""ear. She raised her li"s, offering hi her outh. She heard hi groan, then closed her e$es as his outh took hers in a searing kiss that !randed her his. The kiss went on and on, his tongue e%"loring the oist insides of her outh until Bliss felt al ost gidd$ fro lack of air. *hen he finall$ !roke off the kiss, she had to hang onto hi to kee" herself u"right.

'I want $ou, Bliss, !ut it isn0t the right ti e. Br$an could co e !ursting in at an$ o ent, and all the ser)ants know we0re alone u" here. I told <izz$ $ou0re $ !etrothed, !ut no one else knows. I want to tell Br$an first. Are $ou strong enough to face hi now+'

'I0 fine,' Bliss said, taking a dee", stead$ing !reath. '8ore than an$thing in the world, I want Br$an to know I0 his other. It "ains e to think he had no one to lo)e hi until now. I want to ake u" for all the loneliness and hardshi" he0s endured his first si% $ears of life.'

He took her hand. '<et0s go find hi .'

The$ found Br$an in the court$ard, atte "ting to float a s all !oat in the fish "ond. Br$an s iled u" at the as the$ knelt !eside hi in the grass. Then his little face turned serious as his gaze settled on Bliss.

'<izz$ said $ou weren0t feeling well. I saw the doctor lea)ing. I ho"e $ou0re all !etter now.'

Bliss forced herself to re ain cal . She wanted des"eratel$ to take the !o$ in her ar s and ne)er let hi go. Being with hi e)er$ da$, !eing a other to hi , was going to !e "ure hea)en.

'I0

fine now,' Bliss assured hi .

'Do $ou ha)e to lea)e+' He sounded so sad, Bliss0s heart went out to hi .

'*e0)e co e to tell $ou so ething, Br$an,' (u$ said, forestalling Bliss0s answer. '7o e sit on the !ench where we can talk.'

'Re e !er how we s"oke a!out finding $our other+' (u$ !egan once the$ were settled. Br$an nodded enthusiasticall$. 'I0)e finall$ found her. I ho"e that akes $ou ha""$.'

His face lit u". '*here is she, .a"a+ .lease, can I see her now+'

'She0s sitting !eside $ou, son. Her na e is Bliss and she0s $our

a a.'

He looked as if he didn0t >uite !elie)e (u$. 'She is+' *hen (u$ nodded, Br$an sent Bliss a look that could onl$ !e descri!ed as "ugnacious. '*h$ did $ou gi)e e awa$+ Didn0t $ou lo)e e+'

Bliss felt the o)erwhel ing "ain of re&ection. Her son hated her. How could she !ear it+ She was too choked with e otion to s"eak. 3ortunatel$, (u$ offered an e%"lanation.

'/our other didn0t gi)e $ou awa$, son. She was sick after $our !irth and was told $ou had died. She had no reason to !elie)e that $ou had !een taken fro her and gi)en awa$. It wasn0t until $ears later that she disco)ered $ou were ali)e.'

'*h$ didn0t (ou know a!out it, .a"a+' Br$an asked.

'I; I0d !een sent awa$,' he e%"lained. 'I didn0t see $our other again until &ust recentl$. She told e $ou were ali)e, and I set out to find $ou. ,ow we0re together again and that0s how we0re going to re ain.'

'I0)e newer sto""ed lo)ing $ou, Br$an,' Bliss said, s iling through a )eil of tears. 'E)en when I thought $ou were dead I lo)ed $ou. /ou0re &ust as I alwa$s i agined $ou0d !e. I want so uch to !e a other to $ou. *ill $ou allow it+'

'I0)e ne)er had a real awa$, !ut it0s so hard.'

other,' Br$an said wistfull$. 'I want to understand wh$ I was taken

'Telling $ou e)er$thing would onl$ confuse $ou,' (u$ said. 'But I "ro ise to e%"lain when $ou0re old enough to understand.'

'Do $ou "ro ise to kee"

e with $ou alwa$s+'

fro

'2h (od,' Bliss oaned. She was filled with so uch anguish she couldn0t sto" the tears s"illing down her cheeks. ',o one will e)er se"arate us again. I swear it.'

'Don0t cr$, 8a a,' Br$an said, "atting her ar . 'I !elie)e $ou. I ne)er did !elie)e Enos when he said $ a a and "a"a didn0t want e.'

'/ou called e 8a a,' Bliss whis"ered, thinking it the sweetest word she0d e)er heard. '/ou don0t know how ha""$ that akes e. 8a$ I hug $ou+'

She o"ened her ar s and Br$an flew into the . The$ hugged one another fiercel$, until (u$ cleared his throat and said, 'I ha)e to lea)e for a while !ut $our a a will !e here with $ou. I0ll !e !ack in ti e to &oin $ou !oth for dinner.'

'/ou "ro ise+' Br$an said, o!)iousl$ reluctant to let either of his "arents out of his sight.

'*e !oth "ro ise,' (u$ re"lied. ',ow gi)e for $our tutor to show u" for lessons.'

e a hug and go find <izz$. It0s a!out ti e

'Aw, do I ha)e to+'

'A$e, $ou ha)e to. 2ff with $ou now.'

Br$an ga)e his father a hug and sca "ered off. Bliss watched hi with tears. '/ou0re )er$ good with hi ,' she co "li ented. '/ou deal.'

lea)e, her e$es !right ust lo)e hi a great

'8ore than $ own life,' (u$ said. 'It enrages e when I think a!out the kind of life he endured with the Hol es fa il$. If onl$ $ou0d !een ore alert and less trusting when he was !orn.'

'Don0t $ou think I ha)en0t said that to $self a hundred ti es since learning that Br$an was ali)e+' Bliss cried. '/ou0ll alwa$s hold that against e, won0t $ou+'

(u$ sighed wearil$. 'Bla ing $ou won0t gi)e e !ack the last se)en $ears. 2ur son is with us now and our life together will !egin with our re arriage. I0ll "ut a notice in the news"a"ers. To orrow e)er$one will know a!out it. I0ll return after I0)e ade arrange ents and attended to so e "ressing !usiness.'

Suddenl$ an alar ing thought occurred to Bliss. '*hat a!out (erald+ He0s going to !e li)id when he finds out.'

'He won0t know until it0s too late.'

'8and$ will worr$ if I don0t return ho e. She0s the closest thing to a relati)e I ha)e.'

'I0ll take care of e)er$thing. *e0ll li)e in $ house until I co "lete the "urchase of the "lantation. /our staff can &oin ine5 this house is large enough to a!sor! the .'

'There0s &ust 8and$. The others are da$ hel", !ut I0d like the se)erance allowance if the$ don0t choose to follow e here.'

to ha)e a generous

'I0ll see that $our wishes are followed. 8and$ can !egin "acking. Is there an$one else $ou wish to notif$+'

',o one. I ha)e no close friends in ,ew 2rleans. *hat do $ou intend to do a!out (erald+'

'I0ll handle 3aulk. The less he knows, the !etter.'

Bliss couldn0t hel" worr$ing. (erald was des"erate for one$ and had counted on her inheritance to "a$ off his creditors and re)italize his !usiness. De"ri)ing hi of her inheritance now ight send hi o)er the edge.

'<et0s go inside. /ou can s"end ti e with Br$an after his lessons are finished,' (u$ said, taking her ar .

'This is all ha""ening so fast,' Bliss said on a sigh.

',ot nearl$ fast enough,' (u$ re"lied. 'There0s !ound to !e talk when our child arri)es earl$. Don0t worr$,' he said when Bliss sent hi a worried frown. '2ur child will !e legiti ate in the e$es of the law, and that0s all that counts.'

He "ulled her into his ar s and ga)e her a reassuring s ile. 'It0s going to !e all right, sweetheart. I can0t "ro ise $ou the sa e an $ou arried se)en $ears ago, nor the sa e kind of arriage $ou drea ed a!out with (u$ De/oung, !ut what we ha)e now is far ore e%citing and a thousand ti es ore "assionate.'

He !rushed his li"s against hers, a tender touching of hearts and lo)ed e. *ere $ou l$ing+'

inds. '/ou said $ou

She shook her head, as if to dislodge her dou!ts. She did lo)e (u$. The difficult$ la$ in reconciling the differences !etween two en who were actuall$ the sa e an. *ho did she lo)e+ (u$ or Hunter+

The argu ent with herself ended a!ru"tl$. The answer was si "le. She lo)ed the

!oth.

'I wasn0t l$ing, (u$. I lo)ed $ou as (u$ De/oung and I lo)e $ou as Hunter. There are an$ things a!out Hunter I don0t like. But I su""ose in ti e I would ha)e found a fault or two with (u$ De/oung. /ou0re the father of $ children5 how can I not lo)e $ou+'

'Then there is nothing to !e concerned a!out, !ecause I ne)er sto""ed lo)ing $ou. Sto" tr$ing to rationalize our situation. Didn0t I sa$ I0d take care of e)er$thing+'

Des"ite (u$0s o"ti is , Bliss felt a nagging fear she couldn0t shake. The "ossi!ilit$ e%isted that so eone would recognize (u$ as Hunter the "irate and e%"ose hi for the reward. She seriousl$ dou!ted that societ$ would allow the to li)e in "eace if his )iolent "ast was e%"osed.

7ha"ter 3ourteen

The !rief cere on$ uniting (u$ and Bliss was "erfor ed at the 7athedral !$ 3ather .ierre. (u$0s solicitor acted as their onl$ witness. Bliss felt odd standing !efore 3ather .ierre, the sa e "riest who was to ha)e officiated at her wedding to (erald 3aulk on Saturda$. She had no idea what (u$ had told 3ather .ierre to get hi to agree to arr$ the and trul$ didn0t want to know. It was !ad enough ha)ing to endure the curious glances the good 3ather sent her fro !eneath his shagg$ !rows. (u$ see ed not to notice, or if he did, he si "l$ ignored the .

The$ left the church as an and wife a!out the sa e ti e the news"a"er hit the streets announcing their arriage. (u$ had &ust handed Bliss into his carriage and was cli !ing in !eside her when A anda ca e rushing toward the , ha)ing seen the e erge fro the church as she strolled along the .lace d0Ar es. Her friend Beck$ was hard "ut to kee" u" with her.

'Is it true+' A anda asked !reathlessl$. 'I ran into 8ada e <ange a said she saw the announce ent in the news"a"er.'

o ent ago. She

'If $ou0re referring to the article announcing $ arriage to Bliss (ren)ille, 8iss A anda, 0tis indeed true,' (u$ declared. He "laced his hand o)er his heart and looked adoringl$ at Bliss. '*hat can I sa$+ It was lo)e at first sight.'

'But; !ut,' A anda sta ered, 'Bliss was engaged to arr$ (erald 3aulk. 2ur in)itation was deli)ered $esterda$ and our whole fa il$ "lanned to attend.'

'*e !ought new dresses for the occasion,' Beck$ said, "outing.

'As $ou can see, those "lans will ha)e to !e changed. If $ou0ll e%cuse us, ladies, and I are eager to !egin our hone$ oon.'

$ wife

Bliss would ha)e disa""eared into thin air had she had the a!ilit$ to do so. She could feel her cheeks !urning as (u$ nodded to the coach an. Al ost i ediatel$ the carriage lurched forward.

'Bliss,' A anda called after the , 'wh$ couldn0t $ou !e satisfied with 8r. 3aulk and lea)e the )iscount to us+'

'.a$ the

no heed,' (u$ ad)ised. 'I wouldn0t gi)e a shilling for the lot of the .'

'I0ll !e the talk of the town,' Bliss la ented.

00Until so e &uicier gossi" co es along. Do $ou care+'

She shook her head. ',ot reall$. I ha)en0t cared a!out societ$ for a )er$ long ti e. I rarel$ left the "lantation after (u$ died.' As if suddenl$ realizing what she0d said, she >uickl$ a ended, 'I ean, after; ' E%"lanation defied her. '/ou know what I ean.'

'It0s all right, sweetheart. E)er$thing is going to !e fine. ?ust concentrate on gi)ing health$ daughter or son and forget e)er$thing else. Shall we go ho e to Br$an now+'

ea

'I0d like that. I can0t !elie)e he0s finall$

ine.'

The coach an left the off in front of the house, then dro)e the carriage down the side alle$ and into the carriage house. As the$ strode u" the front ste"s, a an e erged fro the shru!!er$ !eside the house, !locking their "ath.

'(erald-' Bliss gas"ed as (u$0s ar s ca e "rotecti)el$ around her.

'/ou l$ing little !itch-' 3aulk s"at. '*hat did $ou ha)e to do to get the )iscount to arr$ $ou+ /ou !egged e to arr$ $ou, to gi)e that little !astard in $our !ell$ a na e.' He shot (u$ a alicious glance. 'Does $our new hus!and know $ou0re increasing+ That a filth$ "irate "ut his !a!$ in $our !ell$+'

(u$ ste""ed in front of Bliss, shielding her fro 3aulk0s fur$. If he didn0t ha)e a fa il$ to "rotect, he would slit the !astard0s throat and feel no guilt o)er the deed.

'/ou0)e said >uite enough, 3aulk. Bliss is $ wife now and I "rotect what is ine. If $ou wish to challenge e, the choice, of course, is $ours. But I warn $ou, I0 deadl$ with a ra"ier, and des"ite ha)ing !ut one e$e, I shoot straight and true.'

'I wouldn0t lower $self to dueling o)er a whore,' 3aulk said disdainfull$. 'All I e)er wanted was her one$. Although !edding her would ha)e gi)en e great "leasure,' he added with sl$ innuendo. 'I alwa$s considered Bliss ine.'

It was definitel$ the wrong thing to sa$. Seconds later 3aulk found hi self l$ing on the ground, staring u" at the sk$ and nursing a !roken nose. *hen 3aulk ade no atte "t to retaliate, (u$ erel$ ste""ed o)er hi as if he were a "iece of offal.

'/ou0ll "a$ for this- Both of $ou,' 3aulk "ro ised, shaking his fist at the . 'I ho"e $ou0re ha""$, Bliss. /ou0)e ade "au"ers of $our father and e.'

3aulk0s "arting shot was deadl$. Bliss felt as if she0d co itted a terri!le cri e !$ arr$ing (u$. (u$ ust ha)e sensed her confusion, for he said, '/ou ha)e onl$ to re e !er what $our father did to $ou to &ustif$ $our actions. He and 3aulk deser)e e)er$thing that0s co ing to the .'

'II know,' Bliss said on a so!. 'It0s &ust that; he is

$ father.'

'8en like 7laude (ren)ille alwa$s end u" on their feet,' (u$ said cr$"ticall$ as he o"ened the front door and ushered her inside.

Br$an ran u" to eet the , gi)ing the such an enthusiastic greeting that Bliss >uickl$ forgot all a!out 3aulk and his threats. There was nothing he could do to hurt her or (u$, she told herself. 3aulk had no inkling that (u$ was an$thing other than an English )iscount, e%actl$ what he clai ed to !e. As long as (u$0s )iolent "ast re ained secret, Bliss !elie)ed he would !e safe.

The cook "re"ared a s"ecial feast that night for the newl$weds. (u$ ordered it to !e ser)ed at ten o0clock in the "ri)ac$ of their !edroo , after Br$an had !een told a!out their arriage and was allowed to share in an earl$ cele!ration.

Bliss went to their roo shortl$ after nine to "re"are herself for her wedding night, while (u$ re ained downstairs, si""ing a !rand$. 8and$ had arri)ed with her clothing earlier and was waiting for her in her !edroo . Bliss hadn0t had ti e to s"eak "ri)atel$ with 8and$ and now she steeled herself for the >uestions she knew were sure to co e.

'*hat ha)e $ou gone and done now, hone$+' 8and$ de anded to know. 'That )iscount looks dangerous to e. Agreeing to arr$ 8r. (erald was !ad enough. *h$ did $ou ha)e to go and do so ething foolish like arr$ing a an $ou don0t e)en know+ <and sakes, chile, $ou done &u "ed fro the fr$ing "an into the fire. *hat0s the )iscount gonna do when he learns $ore with child+'

'Sit down, 8and$,' Bliss said with a sigh. '/ou0re $ closest friend and I owe $ou an e%"lanation. This is going to !e difficult for $ou to understand <ord knows I don0t understand it $self !ut I swear it0s the truth.'

8and$ lowered herself into the nearest chair. '<ord$, lord$, chile, $ou got now. *hat ha)e $ou gone and done+'

e worried

Bliss dro""ed to her knees !eside the elderl$ wo an and gri""ed her hands. 'Ha)e $ou et Br$an, 8and$+'

8and$ nodded, her e$es war$. '/ou ean the )iscount0s son+ The !o$ said $ou were his a a. The "ore chile ust sorel$ iss his own a a to take to $ou like that. Is that wh$ $ou arried the )iscount, !ecause of the !o$+'

'.artl$. /ou see, Br$an trul$ is awa$.'

$ son. He0s the !o$ .a"a took fro

e at !irth and ga)e

The look on 8and$0s face was one of total confusion. 'I don0t understand, hone$. *h$ is the )iscount "assing hi off as his own son if he0s $ores+'

'I know this is difficult, 8and$, !ut !ear with e. Do $ou re e !er (u$ De/oung, the $oung an I arried se)en $ears ago against .a"a0s wishes+'

'2f course I do, hone$. He was $ore son0s dadd$. A "it$ he died so $oung.'

'(u$ De/oung didn0t die, 8and$. /ou can ne)er !reathe a word of this, for the knowledge will !ring irre"ara!le har to those I lo)e. (u$ esca"ed fro "rison and another an was !uried in his "lace. He lost an e$e to an assassin0s knife while he was in the 7ala!oso. The assassin had !een hired !$ (erald 3aulk. I0 not certain how in)ol)ed 3ather was in all this, !ut I intend to find out. (u$ turned to "irac$ after his esca"e.

'*e found each other when (as"arilla asked (u$ to take e to 7u!a after $ ranso had !een "aid. I didn0t recognize (u$ as the an I had once arried. He was known to e !ers of the Brotherhood as Hunter, and that0s the na e I knew hi !$.'

'It0s no wonder $ou didn0t recognize hi ,' 8and$ )entured. ',ot e)en his own a a would know hi . But I still don0t understand a!out Br$an. How did he learn a!out the !o$+'

Bliss then ga)e a sketch$ e%"lanation of the e)ents that had taken "lace fro was ca"tured until her release.

the ti e she

During the telling, 8and$0s dark e$es grew as wide as saucers. '<and sakes, hone$, that0s so e tale. /ore sa$ing that the )iscount is reall$ Hunter the "irate, who is reall$ (u$ De/oung. The )iscount0s son is $ore )er$ own chile, and $ore arried to the sa e an $ou arried se)en $ears ago against $ore "a"a0s wishes. That0s all ight$ "er"le%ing to an old wo an like e. That eans' She shook her fuzz$ white head in dis a$. '2h, lord$, the chile $ore carr$ing !elongs to the )iscount. I ean Hunter. ,o, (u$ De/oung. *hich is it, hone$+'

Bliss "atted 8and$0s hand. 'I don0t !la e $ou, 8and$. I0 confused $self. All I know is that I0 carr$ing $ hus!and0s child, and our first son is !ack with us where he !elongs.'

'*hat a!out 8r. (erald+ He ain0t gonna like this. ,either will $ore "a"a. I !een in $ore "a"a0s house long enough to know he0s counting on $ore inheritance to "a$ the !ack ta%es and the one$ he !orrowed fro the !ank. ,o, sir, he ain0t gonna like this at all. I wouldn0t want to !e in $ore shoes, hone$. /ou tell 8r. (u$ to watch his !ack.'

'I0ll tell hi , !ut I dou!t it0s necessar$. Re e !er, what I told $ou is confidential. There0s a "rice on (u$0s head. If an$one recognizes hi as Hunter, there will !e hell to "a$.'

'/ore like $ own child, hone$,' 8and$ said, clearl$ affronted. 'I0d ne)er do an$thing to hurt $ou.' She lifted her !ulk fro the chair. 'Turn around and let e hel" $ou outta that dress and into $ore nightgown. 8ister (u$ don0t look like a an long in "atience.'

'Thank $ou, 8and$,' Bliss said, gi)ing her a >uick hug. '*ith $ou and <izz$ looking after $ son and the new !a!$, I ha)e nothing to worr$ a!out.'

Dinner had alread$ !een set u" on a ta!le in the !edroo when (u$ entered a short ti e later. The delicious arra$ of food didn0t te "t hi in the least as his gaze found Bliss. She was wearing the lac$ white nightgown he had "urchased for her the da$ !efore. At first glance (u$ thought she looked de ure and innocent. U"on closer ins"ection he realized that its odest$ was dece"ti)e. The gown was slee)eless, cut low in front, and closel$ hugged the elegant line of her lush figure. The odiste had told hi he wouldn0t !e disa""ointed with his "urchase and he wasn0t.

The nightgown had !een s"eciall$ constructed to re)eal enticing gli "ses of glowing "ink flesh through the sheer lac$ "anels. (u$ groaned aloud and felt hi self harden at the sight of all those luscious fe inine cur)es. His gaze settled on the shadow$ ound at the a"e% of her thighs.

'(od, $ou0re !eautiful.'

His gaze rose inch !$ deli!erate inch o)er her long, sha"el$ legs, her hi"s, her !ell$, to her ri"e !reasts, uch larger now than he re e !ered. 2nl$ a )er$ slight !ulge indicated her "regnanc$. A wash of heat flushed his sun#darkened skin as his erection grew and swelled !eneath the tight cut of his trousers.

His !reath caught in his throat as she walked slowl$ toward hi , affording hi gli "se of inti ate flesh as the lace "anels shifted re)ealingl$.

an alluring

'Are $ou hungr$+' Bliss asked, indicating the food laid out on the ta!le.

',ot for food.' He stared at her. 'Do $ou re e !er our first wedding night+'

She nodded &erkil$. 'How could I forget+ *e ran off at dawn and were arried in a s all countr$ church in another "arish. *e ade lo)e in a ha$stack that night. *e were so $oung,' she said, sighing wistfull$. '*e didn0t gi)e a fig for the conse>uences, and learned the hard wa$ how cruel the world can !e for star#crossed lo)ers. *e were !etra$ed in the worst "ossi!le wa$ !$ those we trusted ost.'

'3orget the , Bliss. The$0re not worth another thought.'

He reached for her and !rought her into his ar s, una!le to kee" his hands off her a o ent longer. 'Do $ou want so ething to eat+ I0 not hungr$ $self, !ut if $ou'

',o, I couldn0t eat a !ite.'

He searched her face. 'So ething is wrong. *hat is it, lo)e+ Are $ou ha)ing second thoughts a!out arr$ing e+'

Bliss lowered her gaze, and (u$ was astute enough to realize that she was trou!led. In one graceful o)e he lifted her into his ar s and carried her to the !ed. He "laced her in the center of it and followed her down.

'Tell $ou.'

e what0s !othering $ou, sweetheart. I want this out of the wa$ !efore I

ake lo)e to

The ti" of her s all "ink tongue flicked out to lick oisture onto her li"s. (u$ groaned, fighting hard to control the hunger gnawing at hi . His need for her was like an o!session that intensified each ti e he was with her.

'I0 afraid I0 drea ing, or that so ething will ha""en to take all this awa$. I0 still in a state of shock. 3inding Br$an, learning $ou0re (u$ De/oung, getting arried. I know the$ should !e &o$ous occasions, and the$ are, !ut $our reasons for decei)ing e are difficult to understand and acce"t.'

'I thought I e%"lained

$ reasons to $ou.'

'/ou did, !ut $ ind still sees $ou as two different know either of the . /ou0re un"redicta!le, (u$.'

en, and so eti es I feel I don0t

'Ha)e I e)er hurt $ou+'

',ot "h$sicall$. But kee"ing knowledge of Br$an fro And kee"ing $our identit$ a secret rates a close second.'

e hurt worse than "h$sical "ain.

'*e0)e !een o)er this !efore, Bliss. I thought $ou understood wh$ I did those things. It0s a little too late for recri inations or second thoughts. *e0re hus!and and wife, arried twice to "ro)e it. This is our wedding night, for (od0s sake-'

'I know. I0 sorr$. I guess I0 &ust u"set after that confrontation with (erald. I know what he0s ca"a!le of doing to us. He was counting on $ inheritance, and $ou0)e de"ri)ed hi of it. I know he0s going to retaliate and it worries e.'

'3orget 3aulk. I0ll handle hi

when the ti e co es, if it e)er does.'

She started to re"l$ !ut (u$ "laced a finger o)er her li"s, ',a$, don0t sa$ an$thing. <et lo)e $ou. It0s !een too long and I ache to !e inside $ou again.'

He kissed her then, tr$ing to show her !$ action rather than word how des"eratel$ he needed her. He didn0t !la e Bliss for dou!ting hi . <ord knows he0d gi)en her "lent$ of reasons to feel a""rehensi)e. His )iolent "ast was going to !e difficult to li)e down.

Bliss hadn0t realized how uch she0d issed (u$0s kisses until his outh took hers, hot and de anding as he coa%ed her li"s a"art with the rough ti" of his tongue. She0d ne)er !een a!le to resist the sweet lure of seduction he wo)e around her, and tonight was no different. 3ro the first ti e he0d seduced her as Hunter, she0d !een a willing "artici"ant. *anting hi was as essential to her as eating and !reathing. And at long last she knew wh$. Her heart ust ha)e known hi e)en as her ind re&ected the notion that (u$ De/oung li)ed.

She oaned against his outh as he reached for the he of her nightgown and slowl$ lifted it to her waist. She felt his hands on her !are flesh, ski ing o)er her thighs to the oist delta !etween her legs. Her thighs shifted a"art, allowing hi dee"er access.

'/ou0re wet and hot for e, sweetheart,' (u$ whis"ered against her li"s. He tugged at her nightgown. 'Take this off. I want $ou naked in $ ar s.'

Her gown ca e off easil$5 all she had to do was lift her shoulders and ar s and let (u$ stri" it awa$. (u$0s clothing took a little longer as the$ !oth struggled with !uttons and ties. *hen the$ were !oth naked he !egan to kiss and e%"lore her !od$ with his hands and outh as she arched u" in a silent in)itation to hi to take her. He licked and suckled her tender ni""les, creating an aching need that left her !reathless and eager for a dee"er union. But (u$ a""eared in no hurr$ to satisf$ that need &ust $et.

She stifled a oan as his outh tra)eled downward fro her !reasts to adore her sto ach. But he didn0t sto" there. She was nearl$ insensate with "leasure when he took his lo)ing to a higher le)el of intensit$. Her !od$ !owed shar"l$ u"ward as he dragged her legs a"art and "laced his outh on her.

00(u$- I can0t !ear this. 7o e inside

e.'

',a$, sweetheart, not $et. <et

e lo)e $ou with

outh.'

The heat of his outh found the )el)et$ softness of her se%, sucking and licking, his tongue working addeningl$ around the tin$ !utton where ecstas$ !egan. She screa ed aloud as his outh slid o)er her slick, fragrant folds, the wet roughness of his tongue teasing her, del)ing inside her, "ushing her close to the edge !ut not letting her dro" o)er. She gras"ed a handful of dark hair, holding hi in "lace, fearing he0d lea)e her. But she needn0t ha)e worried. (u$ see ed disinclined to lea)e her an$ ti e soon.

Then he !rought his fingers into "la$, thrusting first one, then another inside her while he diligentl$ "lied his tongue to her sensiti)e nu!. She !urned. She tingled. Her !od$ writhed. All her ner)e endings screa ed for release as ti e hung sus"ended. Her head thrashed fro side to side and her !od$ was !owed. The titillation of fingers and tongue working together "roduced a cla oring inside her that sent her reeling with "leasure so shar" she died a little. Then she shuddered and so!!ed, her soft, guttural sounds of ecstas$ filling the roo .

She !arel$ had ti e to catch her !reath !efore (u$ slid u"ward, thrusting inside her hot, wet !od$ in a heated slide that ade the !oth shudder. '7o e with e again,' he urged raggedl$.

She didn0t see how that was "ossi!le. She couldn0t do it again. 'I don0t think' Then his hi"s !egan to &erk wildl$, "ounding in and out of her, his !reath ras"ing harshl$ in her ears, and Bliss disco)ered she0d !een wrong. She could do it.

Suddenl$ she was there, reaching for ecstas$ as her !od$ con)ulsed with the sweet lassitude of "leasure. *ith a cr$ of gladness, she &oined (u$ in a frenzied ride to o!li)ion as she felt his !od$ stiffen and his seed "u " into her.

After a !rief rest, the$ ate s"aringl$ of the food "re"ared !$ the cook and ade lo)e again. This ti e Bliss !eca e the aggressor, e%"loring and arousing (u$0s !od$ in the sa e wa$ he had hers, kissing and nuzzling, following the "ath of his !od$ hair until she reached the to" of his thighs. He could feel her hands on hi , her hair !rushing his thighs as she !ent o)er hi . He &erked )iolentl$ and nearl$ e%"loded when she took hi into her outh.

Sweat !eaded his !row and his &aw clenched, aking the tendons in his neck "rotrude. She could feel his se% grow and e%"and as she sa)ored the salt$ taste and usk$ scent of hi . *hen she increased the "ressure of her li"s, o)ing u" and down the hard length of his staff, he "ut an a!ru"t halt to the erotic "la$.

',o

ore- I0

read$ to'

<ifting her u" and astride hi , he i "aled her with the hard thrust of his shaft. She took hi inside her and !egan to o)e u" and down, dri)ing hi so dee" she felt as if he had touched her soul.

The$ cli a%ed together and Bliss thought nothing had e)er felt so right. The an aking lo)e to her ight not !e the an she re e !ered fro her $outh, !ut he still had the a!ilit$ to take her to .aradise.

Resting in the sweet after ath of co "letion, Bliss turned to look at (u$. His e$e was closed !ut she could tell !$ his !reathing that he was awake. She stared at hi , wanting des"eratel$ to see his face, all of it, without the e$e"atch.

'Do $ou ne)er re o)e $our e$e"atch+' she asked, lightl$ touching the silken cloth co)ering his e$e.

He caught her wrist, "re)enting her fro when I0 alone.'

aking a

ore detailed in)estigation. '2nl$

'I0

$our wife, (u$. I want to see what $ou look like.'

'/ou wouldn0t like it. It0s not a "rett$ sight. The assassin0s !lade did a thorough &o! of disfiguring e.'

'2ne da$, I )ow, $ou0ll not hide fro

e.'

',ot in this lifeti e,' he said gri l$. Bliss didn0t "ursue the su!&ect. 2!)iousl$ it stirred u" e ories !etter left forgotten. 8o ents later she heard the cadence of his !reathing change and knew he had fallen aslee". As she reached for that sa e !lissful res"ite, she s"ared a !rief o ent to ask (od to grant her and (u$ ha""iness, and a life free fro ene ies and danger.

2ne of the ene ies Bliss worried a!out sat with two scruff$ "irates in one of the nu erous grog sho"s lining the waterfront. The$ were con)ersing in low )oices in the s oke#filled roo , which reeked of chea" ru and sweat, S"ittle#strewn sawdust on the floor reflected the slo)enl$ ha!its of its rough#and#tu !le custo ers. But (erald 3aulk and his coarse co "anions see ed o!li)ious to their surroundings.

'How do we know $a got the !lunt to "a$ for our infor ation, 3aulk+' asked a s>uint# e$ed, !earded sea an wearing a knit ca".

'8e and S>uint heard that 3aulk Shi""ing is in a hea" of trou!le,' the second an charged. He was s aller than his co "anion, and uglier, with !lackened teeth and shar" features. ' 0Tis no secret that "irates sent ost of $er shi"s to the !otto of the sea.'

'Don0t worr$ a!out the !lunt,' 3aulk argued. 'And don0t call e !$ na e. The fewer "eo"le who recognize e, the !etter. I0 onl$ here !ecause $ou0)e indicated through a essenger that $ou ha)e infor ation a!out a an who calls hi self 6iscount (u$ Hunter. 2)er a week ago I "ut the word out on the streets that I would "a$ for infor ation. I ha)en0t changed $ ind.'

S>uint scratched his chest and s"at on the floor. 'I don0t know, don0t co e chea". *hat do $a think, 8ont$+'

ister. 2ur infor ation

8ont$ rolled his e$es. 'Talking could endanger our health, if $a get Hunter learns who told on hi , we0re dead eat.'

eaning. If

3aulk0s attention shar"ened. 'Hunter+ Are $ou referring to 6iscount (u$ Hunter+' Alar !ells went off in his head. '*hat a!out hi + It &ust occurred to e that there0s a "irate na ed Hunter. /ou ight as well tell e what $ou know. /ou0)e got e da n curious now.'

'<et0s see $et !lunt first,' 8ont$ insisted.

3aulk was "re"ared. Earlier that week he had called on 7laude (ren)ille to infor hi a!out Bliss0s arriage to a wealth$ English an and to )ent his s"leen at what he "ercei)ed as Bliss0s !etra$al. *hen 3aulk de anded one$, 7laude had reluctantl$ gi)en 3aulk his last )alua!le "ainting as consolation for losing Bliss. 3aulk had i ediatel$ turned it into cash and s"read the word that he would "a$ handso el$ for infor ation a!out a an known as 6iscount (u$ Hunter.

,othing could con)ince 3aulk that (u$ Hunter was the an he clai ed to !e. <ittle was known a!out the stranger who had a""eared out of nowhere clai ing to !e a titled English an. Had the )iscount not stolen Bliss fro hi , he wouldn0t ha)e cared who or what the an clai ed to !e. But e)er$thing had changed with the )iscount0s arriage to Bliss, and 3aulk intended to get to the !otto of it.

3aulk re o)ed a s all sack of gold coins fro his hand. 'Is this enough+'

his )est "ocket and s"illed the contents into

S>uint gra!!ed for the coins !ut 3aulk snatched the

awa$. '/our infor ation first.'

The "irates e$ed the gold resting in 3aulk0s "al , co agree ent.

unicated silentl$, then nodded in

'6er$ well, $our infor ation first,' 3aulk reiterated, leaning close enough to the sailors to get an unwelco e whiff of their ru #soaked !reath.

'8e and 8ont$ was down on the le)ee the da$ the )iscount arri)ed in ,ew 2rleans on ?ean <afitte0s shi",' S>uint confided. '*e didn0t know what he was calling hi self then, !ut we recognized hi right off. It were the e$e"atch what ga)e hi awa$.'

'*e got curious,' 8ont$ continued where S>uint left off. '*e asked around and learned he called hi self 6iscount (u$ Hunter. *e knew it weren0t his real na e. A!out a $ear ago we was crew en a!oard Hunter0s shi". The %redator , it were. *e onl$ took what was owed us, !ut we was accused of stealing fro the treasure tro)e a!oard the shi". There are certain articles "irates a!ide !$, and we !roke the rules. Hunter set us ashore on a deserted island and left us there to die.'

3aulk0s e$es s"arkled with e%cite ent. 'Are $ou sa$ing the )iscount is a "irate+'

'A$e,' S>uint said, 'that0s e%actl$ what we0re sa$ing. Hunter, (as"arilla, and the <afitte !rothers are all e !ers of the Brotherhood. Their shi"s terrorize unsus"ecting erchant en, sending the to the !otto of the sea without their cargoes. The$ kee" their wo en "risoners on 7a"ti)a Island until ranso can !e arranged.'

'Ru or has it that Hunter !etra$ed (as"arilla and disa""eared shortl$ afterward,' 8ont$ confided. 'So e sa$ Hunter is dead. 2thers sa$ he0s li)ing like a king off his ill#gotten gains.'

He "oked S>uint in the ri!s. 'But we know !etter, don0t we, S>uint+ Hunter is right here in ,ew 2rleans, hiding !ehind an English title.'

'*h$ ha)en0t $ou notified the authorities+' 3aulk wanted to know. 'There0s a "rice on Hunter0s head.'

'Hell and da nation, we can0t "ro)e he0s Hunter, the infa ous !uccaneer,' S>uint contended. 'It ain0t like we0re law#a!iding citizens oursel)es. *e ain0t e%actl$ welco e in ,ew 2rleans. A an with a title has clout. And "lent$ of !lunt. An u"standing citizen like $ourself would stand a !etter chance of !eing !elie)ed than the likes of us.'

3aulk sat !ack to conte "late e)er$thing he0d &ust learned. He0d al ost ade the istake of hiring these en to kill (u$ Hunter. ,ow he was considering wa$s to use this da ning infor ation to !etter ad)antage. It didn0t take 3aulk long to figure out that Hunter was "ro!a!l$ the an who had sunk his erchant shi"s and ade a "au"er of hi , the an who had held Bliss ca"ti)e and "ut his !a!$ in her !ell$. Rage ade hi !lind to e)er$thing !ut aking Hunter "a$ for the huge losses he0d incurred o)er the $ears.

9illing Hunter outright was too eas$ a death, 3aulk decided. He wanted Hunter to suffer for stealing Bliss0s inheritance fro under his nose. And he wanted Bliss to suffer for the ental anguish she0d caused hi . But ost of all he wanted one$. He alread$ had an idea a!out how to o!tain e)er$thing he had co ing to hi .

'*e want our !lunt,' 8ont$ said, intruding u"on 3aulk0s re)erie.

3aulk tossed the !ag of gold across the ta!le. 8ont$ snatched it u" and stuffed it into the "ocket of his dirt$ &acket. '*e0ll !e on our wa$ now.'

'/ou don0t "lan on lea)ing town, do $ou+' 3aulk asked.

8ont$0s !ead$ e$es narrowed. '*h$ do $a ask+'

'I

a$ ha)e another &o! for $ou. *here can $ou !e reached if I need $ou+'

'*e don0t co e chea",' S>uint asserted.

'I0

willing to "a$ for $our ser)ices.'

'/a can find us here ost nights. *e rent a roo a!o)e stairs when we ha)e !lunt. If we don0t find a likel$ su!&ect to ro!, we !ed down in the nearest doorwa$.'

'I0ll find $ou,' 3aulk said, rising. '8uch o!liged for the infor ation. It was enlightening.'

ost

8ore than enlightening, 3aulk thought as he cli !ed into his carriage and "icked u" the reins. Ri)eting would !etter descri!e it. He needed ti e now to decide how !est to use the infor ation and to e%"lore the )arious wa$s in which he could !enefit fro it.

7ha"ter 3ifteen

Two weeks after the wedding, Bliss was !eginning to !elie)e that all her fears a!out her future with (u$ had !een unfounded. (u$ see ed deter ined to ake her and Br$an ha""$ and didn0t a""ear to iss his old life. It hel"ed that (erald 3aulk hadn0t !een !ack to "lague the since the confrontation on her wedding da$.

Their sur"rise arriage was still the talk of the town. The$0d !een in)ited to se)eral social functions, howe)er. Bliss su""osed the in)itations were due entirel$ to curiosit$, and "erha"s (u$0s title. The$ had attended onl$ two of those affairs, a usicale and a rece"tion for the new A erican go)ernor. Both affairs had "ro)en e !arrassing. Their arriage was a &uic$ scandal and the$ were often >uizzed for inti ate details of their courtshi" and hast$ arriage. As a result, the$ acce"ted )er$ few in)itations.

(u$ s"ent his da$s locked in eetings with "ro inent en who wanted hi to in)est in their enter"rises. In addition to his !usiness dealings, Bliss knew (u$ et occasionall$ with his old friends ?ean and .ierre <afitte at the A!sinthe House. Then there were eetings to finalize the "urchase of the "lantation (u$ had !ought. He0d told her the$ would !e o)ing soon. *hen she0d asked which "ro"ert$ he had "urchased, he had erel$ s iled and said it was a sur"rise.

Toda$ (u$ had left earl$ to eet the <afitte !rothers. <izz$ had taken Br$an to the "ark and 8and$ had gone to the arket. E%ce"t for the cook and two "arlor aids, Bliss was alone and taking ad)antage of the >uiet to co "ose a letter to her father to infor hi of her arriage. Unfortunatel$, her ind ke"t drifting !ack to the night !efore, when she and (u$ had ade lo)e.

8aking lo)e with (u$ &ust got !etter and !etter. Bliss recalled how frightened she0d !een the first ti e she0d et hi as Hunter. He0d looked so fierce, so utterl$ ruthless. /et she0d !een attracted to hi fro the !eginning. E)en as his ca"ti)e she had known there was so ething uni>ue a!out hi , des"ite her knowledge of his "rofession and the unlawful acts he0d co itted. She "ra$ed those acts wouldn0t co e !ack to haunt hi now, that societ$ would let (u$ !eco e the kind of an he was eant to !e.

Bliss sighed and returned to her letter. She su""osed that in ti e she0d ake "eace with her father, !ut it wasn0t going to !e eas$, nor would it ha""en o)ernight. She was still agonizing o)er the letter when one of the aids knocked on the li!rar$ door to announce a )isitor. Before she could ask who it was, (erald 3aulk a""eared in the doorwa$.

00I think $ou0ll see e, Bliss,' he said s ugl$ as he walked into the roo , shut the door !ehind hi , and flo""ed into a co forta!le leather chair without waiting for an in)itation.

'8$ hus!and isn0t ho e, though I e%"ect hi

o entaril$.'

'*e !oth know the )iscount is who I wish to s"eak.'

eeting with his "irate friends, don0t we+ It0s $ou with

Taken a!ack, Bliss tried to "retend she didn0t understand his re ark a!out "irates. '/ou and I ha)e nothing to talk a!out.'

'I thought we

ight discuss

one$. /ou ha)e it, I don0t.'

'There0s nothing to discuss. /ou ha)e no clai hus!and.'

on

$ inheritance. It !elongs to

Technicall$, that wasn0t true. (u$ had insisted that he didn0t want her one$ and had "laced the funds in the !ank in her na e. It was hers to do with as she "leased.

3aulk rose a!ru"tl$ and stood o)er the chair know e)er$thing.'

in which she was sitting. 'I know, Bliss. I

Bliss felt her sto ach lurch "ainfull$. 3aulk0s cr$"tic words needed little e%"lanation, !ut Bliss decided to !razen it out. 'I ha)e no idea what $ou0re talking a!out.'

His "leasant features twisted into an ugl$ ask. 'I think $ou do. ,e)ertheless, let e enlighten $ou. /our hus!and is no ore )iscount than I a . A ong the Brotherhood he0s known as Hunter. He0s one of the )icious "irates who "l$ their trade in the 7ari!!ean, cri""ling shi""ing and terrorizing ha"less )icti s. I0 well aware of his na e and )ile re"utation. I !elie)e he0s res"onsi!le for ruining $our father and e financiall$. There0s a "rice on his head, $ou know. /ou, $ dear, will !eco e a widow for the second ti e if the authorities are ade aware of the )iscount0s real identit$.'

Bliss was glad she was sitting, for she dou!ted her knees would ha)e held her u"right had she !een standing. *ith as uch !ra)ado as she could uster, she retorted, '/ou0)e got the wrong an, (erald. (u$ has "a"ers to su!stantiate his title.'

'Titles are easil$ !ought and sold,' 3aulk scoffed. 'So are identities. Den$ awa$, $ dear, !ut I know the truth. ,ow I know wh$ the )iscount so readil$ acce"ted $our "regnanc$. He0s the "irate who held $ou ca"ti)e, isn0t he+ He0s the an who "ut the !rat in $our !ell$. It all akes sense now.'

Bliss felt her world cru !ling around her, !ut she was astute enough to refrain fro )er!all$ acknowledging (u$0s guilt. '*hat do $ou want, (erald+'

3aulk ga)e her a irthless s ile and returned to the chair he had occu"ied o ents !efore. ',ow we0re getting so ewhere. I0 glad $ou decided to coo"erate. 8$ de ands are si "le enough. I want $our inheritance. All of it.'

'And if I refuse+' Bliss asked.

'Then $ou can watch $our hus!and hang. I hear it0s not a "leasant sight. His face will turn "ur"le, then !lack. His tongue will swell and'

'Sto"-' Bile rose u" in her throat and she cla""ed her hands o)er her ears.

'Ha)e $ou heard enough+'

Bliss nodded &erkil$. She knew 3aulk to !e a )indicti)e and cruel wouldn0t hesitate to e%"ose (u$.

an when crossed. He

'(ood. 7an $ou get to $our inheritance without going through $our hus!and+'

'I; $es, the

one$ is in

$ na e. (u$ didn0t want it.'

3aulk ga)e a !itter laugh. '2f course he didn0t want it. *h$ should he when he0s grown rich on "lunder and sla)es he0s taken off $ shi"s and sold to the <afitte !rothers+ How soon can $ou get the one$+'

'It0s going to take a few da$s. (u$ will ha)e to know and'

',o- /ou0re not to sa$ a word to $our hus!and. I know what he0s ca"a!le of. He0d kill e in cold !lood and laugh a!out it later. I0 not alone in this, $ dear. I0)e instructed $ two acco "lices to kill Hunter should he har e in an$ wa$. And if $ou fail to co "l$, I0ll go to the authorities with what I know. Is that clear+'

'How can I kee" so ething like this fro

(u$+' Bliss argued.

'I don0t care how $ou do it as long as $ instructions are followed i "licitl$. If I learn $ou0)e told Hunter, I0ll e%"ose hi to the authorities. /ou ha)e a week to get the one$. I0ll !e waiting in a carriage in the alle$ !ehind $our house a week fro toda$. 8idnight. Bring the one$ with $ou.'

'I don0t know if I can get out of the house without (u$ knowing.'

'If $ou fail to eet e, e%"ect the 7it$ (uard to knock on $our door and drag $our hus!and to the 7ala!oso.'

'I; I0ll !e there,' Bliss said.

'I thought $ou0d sa$ that,' 3aulk said with a s irk. He rose and walked to the door. 'This is uch !etter than !eing leg#shackled to a wife who is unwilling to share $ !ed. I0ll see $ou in one week, $ dear.'

let

Suddenl$ the door swung inward and Br$an !urst into the roo . '8a a- I0 e feed the !irds in the .lace d0Ar es.'

ho e. <izz$

'*ell, well, well, who do we ha)e here+' 3aulk asked, his ind con&uring u" all anner of "ossi!ilities in)ol)ing the !o$. 'Those tur>uoise e$es look fa iliar. Is this $our son, Bliss+ How did $ou find hi +'

'Br$an, hone$, go to the kitchen and tell <izz$ to gi)e $ou so e cookies and tutor will arri)e soon for lessons.'

ilk. /our

A""arentl$ unaware of the tension !etween his hug and ski""ed fro the roo .

other and her )isitor, Br$an ga)e Bliss a

'I0 !eginning to understand, though I0 ore than a little confused,' 3aulk said. 'The !o$ is $our son, isn0t he+ The reason we didn0t find hi in 8o!ile is !ecause Hunter got to hi first. Did Hunter use the !o$ to coerce $ou into arriage+ I0 a azed that Hunter willingl$ ga)e u" "irac$ to arr$ $ou, $ dear.' Suddenl$ he ga)e a shout of laughter. '7an it !e that the !loodthirst$ !astard actuall$ lo)es $ou+00

'I don0t ha)e to e%"lain an$thing to $ou,' Bliss aintained. '?ust lea)e Br$an out of this. /ou0ll get $our one$5 then I ne)er want to see or hear fro $ou again.'

'I0 ha""$ to know a!out the !o$, $ dear. *hat a stroke of luck. I can see $ou0re a "rotecti)e a a. It would !e a terri!le traged$ if $ou lost the !o$ after so short a reunion.'

Bliss went utterl$ still. '/ou0re threatening

$ son+'

'Take it an$ wa$ $ou want. ?ust re e !er what I told $ou. Hunter isn0t to know a!out our little arrange ent. /ou ha)e too uch to lose !$ diso!e$ing $ wishes. (ood da$, $ dear. It0s !een "leasant talking to $ou.'

Swa "ed !$ "anic, Bliss re ained rooted to the s"ot long after 3aulk had left. A ruthless an like 3aulk wouldn0t hesitate to use her son as le)erage to get what he wanted. ,or would he !alk at ordering (u$0s death, or e%"osing his "ast.

It wasn0t going to !e eas$ taking the one$ out of the !ank without (u$0s knowledge, Bliss realized, !ut she ho"ed it could !e acco "lished !efore (u$ checked on her account.

Dinner that night was a >uiet affair. As the e)ening "rogressed, (u$ "uzzled o)er Bliss0s uncharacteristic lack of interest in the con)ersation. 3inall$ his fork hit the "late with a rattle, ca"turing Bliss0s attention.

'*hat in the hell is wrong with $ou tonight+ Did so ething ha""en toda$+ Did so eone u"set $ou+'

(u$ wasn0t fooled !$ her wo!!l$ s ile. ',othing is wrong,' she said !rightl$.

'/ou0)e hardl$ touched $our food, or heard a word I0)e said.'

'I0 not )er$ hungr$. .regnant wo en are often was !orn and weren0t su!&ected to $ !ad hu or.'

ood$. /ou weren0t around when Br$an

He stared at her. This was the first sign of '!ad hu or' he0d noticed, and he thought her "regnanc$ a la e e%cuse for her "reoccu"ation. ,e)ertheless he decided to gi)e her the !enefit of the dou!t, since he knew da n little a!out "regnant wo en.

'*h$ don0t $ou go on u" to !ed, sweetheart, $ou look tired. I0ll &oin $ou later. There are so e "a"ers I need to look through first.'

Bliss didn0t need a second in)itation. <ooking so ewhat rattled and distracted, she e%cused herself and hurried off.

(u$ stared thoughtfull$ after her. So ething was definitel$ wrong, !ut he didn0t know what. ,o one had re"orted an$thing unusual or out of the ordinar$ ha""ening at the house toda$ to e%"lain Bliss0s odd !eha)ior.

Suddenl$ a dreadful thought occurred to hi . 7ould Bliss !e ha)ing second thoughts a!out arr$ing hi + He knew he0d acted like a t$rant !$ insisting that the$ wed, !ut he had !een deter ined not to let her walk out of his life.

He wandered into the li!rar$ and s"read out the contract for the "lantation he was !u$ing. After "oring o)er the "a"ers for se)eral inutes, he signed !oth the contract na ing the su that was to !e "aid to the owner and an agree ent to "a$ off the e%isting ortgage. (u$ knew he could !u$ a "lantation for far less one$, !ut he wanted this one !ecause it was a "lace where he knew Bliss would !e ha""$.

Setting the "a"ers aside, (u$ rose, stretched, and thought of Bliss waiting in !ed for hi . In his ind0s e$e he "ictured her as she had !een last night, her li"s swollen fro his kisses, her lithe !od$ writhing !eneath hi , the roo filled with her soft oans of "leasure. A shaft of heat s"eared through his !od$, gathering !elow the !elt and causing a "ainful tightening in his groin.

He started toward the stairs, as eager as a green lad a!out to

ake lo)e to his first wo an.

He wanted to feel her soft li"s o"ening for his kisses. *anted to set her lush !od$ afire with his hands and outh, until her hunger was as great as his. *anted to watch her face as she shattered for hi .

He took the stairs two at a ti e, literall$ shaking with need, his erection swollen and "ainful. Des"ite his eagerness, he forced hi self to ake a dignified entrance instead of !ursting into the roo as he wanted to do, lea"ing into !ed and thrusting into her hot, welco ing center.

She a""eared to !e slee"ing, and disa""oint ent s"eared through hi . He a""roached the !ed, aking as uch noise as he dared without rousing the entire household. She didn0t stir. (u$ frowned. He hadn0t realized she was so tired. Then he saw her e$elids flutter and wondered if she was onl$ "retending. He watched the rise and fall of her chest and realized it was too erratic, not at all what one would e%"ect fro so eone in a dee" state of slee". *h$ did Bliss need to "retend with hi + He wondered. He didn0t like the answer.

'I know $ou0re awake, Bliss,' he said as he sat on the edge of the !ed to re o)e his shoes and stockings. 'Are $ou going to tell e what0s !othering $ou+ .retense isn0t necessar$ with e. If $ou didn0t feel like aking lo)e, all $ou had to do was tell e. I0 not the ogre $ou see to think. I0d do nothing to hurt $ou or our child.'

Bliss0s e$es fluttered o"en. The last thing she wanted was to hurt (u$. She was so confused.

8aking lo)e with (u$ while she har!ored a secret would !e dishonest, as dishonest as not telling hi a!out her con)ersation with 3aulk. She had alwa$s gi)en unstintingl$ of herself and she knew (u$ would know she was holding !ack and de and to know the reason. 3aulk0s instructions had !een s"ecific. If (u$ was told a!out their deal, 3aulk would seek i ediate retri!ution. Either (u$ or Br$an would suffer for her lack of discretion and she couldn0t allow that to ha""en. She knew what 3aulk was ca"a!le of.

'I0

sorr$. I didn0t

ean; that is; I0

not in the

ood tonight. Do $ou

ind+'

'Are $ou ill+ Because so ething sure as hell is wrong with $ou. /ou &ust aren0t $ourself. .erha"s I should send for the doctor.'

',o- I0

fine. ?ust tired. I0

sure I0ll feel !etter to orrow.'

He ste""ed out of his trousers and cli !ed into !ed !eside her. She didn0t resist when he took her into his ar s. She could feel his erection thro!!ing against her thigh and felt like a traitor, !ut she &ust couldn0t "retend that e)er$thing was fine when it wasn0t. She could lose her son, her hus!and, e)er$thing she lo)ed in the world if (u$ had the slightest inkling she was dealing with a an like 3aulk. The (u$ she knew would i ediatel$ retaliate, and that could set off e)ents that would result in disastrous conse>uences. Too uch was at risk.

'(o to slee", Bliss,' (u$ said. '.erha"s $ou0ll tell e to orrow what0s !othering $ou.' He was silent a long ti e, then he asked, 'Are $ou sorr$ $ou arried e+ I0 not e%actl$ the kind of an $ou deser)e.'

'/ou0re e)er$thing I want, (u$, ne)er forget that.'

It was the wa$ she said it that worried (u$.

Bliss anaged to sneak awa$ fro the house twice during the following week without an$one asking >uestions a!out her destination. The )isits to the !ank were necessar$ since there were all kinds of difficulties in)ol)ed in re o)ing so large a su of one$ fro her account. There were "a"ers to sign and accounts to close. 3ortunatel$, no one had to a""ro)e the withdrawal, for the one$ had !een under her control since her arriage. She !rought a car"et!ag along the da$ she "icked u" the one$ and hid it !eneath the !ed when she returned ho e.

This entire week has !een a li)ing hell, Bliss thought as she checked !eneath the !ed to ake sure the car"et!ag was still there. Decei)ing (u$ hadn0t !een eas$, !ut telling hi was not an o"tion. She could tell he was "uzzled and resentful of her odd !eha)ior5 she would !e relie)ed when this was all o)er and she could get on with her life. She "ra$ed the one$ would satisf$ 3aulk, that he would kee" his word not to e%"ose (u$ to the authorities. She didn0t trust hi . ,ot at all.

That night, the night she was to deli)er the one$ to 3aulk, (u$ didn0t atte "t to ake lo)e to her. Bliss was ore distraught than usual and she a""reciated his sensiti)it$ to her ood, e)en though she knew he sensed her distress and had countless uns"oken >uestions a!out the cause. She la$ !eside hi , stiff and un$ielding, as he "ulled her into the cur)e of his !od$.

fro

'How long is this coldness !etween us going to last+' he asked as he "ushed hi self awa$ her. 'Is there so ething $ou wish to tell e+'

He sounded anno$ed, as if he e%"ected an answer fro her. Bliss wanted des"eratel$ to tell hi what was trou!ling her, !ut the conse>uences frightened her. 'There0s no coldness, (u$. It0s &ust; I0 "regnant.'

'I0 the one who ade $ou that wa$. Is that the "ro!le + I0 $ou resent e for getting $ou "regnant+'

at

$ wit0s end, Bliss. Do

',o- (od, no- I want this child. I0)e alwa$s wanted it.'

'Then it0s

e $ou don0t want.'

'I lo)e $ou, (u$. /ou0re &ust going to ha)e to trust

e.'

'*ill $ou e)er tell

e what0s !othering $ou+'

He sounded offended, and with good reason. 'I don0t know. Soon. *hen I can.'

He ga)e a ragged sigh. 'I don0t like this, Bliss, !ut I su""ose I0ll &ust ha)e to !e "atient until $ou0re read$. Don0t wait too long,' he warned, 'I0 not a "atient an. I want $ wife !ack. I want her soft and $ielding !eneath e. I want to hear her sweet oans, watch her face when I !ring her to "leasure. I iss that, sweetheart.'

'I

iss it, too,' Bliss said on a sigh. '*e0ll !e close again, I "ro ise. ?ust gi)e

e ti e.'

'<et

e fi% what0s !othering $ou.'

2h (od, did she dare+ 3aulk0s threat ca e !ack to haunt her. If she )alued (u$0s life, she had to hold her tongue. 'There0s nothing for $ou to fi%,' she said !rightl$. '(o to slee", (u$. I0 sure things will look !etter to orrow.'

To orrow 3aulk would ha)e his one$, and she wouldn0t ha)e to e%"lain until (u$ found out a!out her de"leted !ank account. She ho"ed that !$ then 3aulk0s greed would !e satisfied and he0d forget all a!out re)ealing (u$0s "ast.

Bliss la$ awake, waiting for the clock to strike twel)e. She could tell !$ (u$0s dee", e)en !reathing and rela%ed !od$ that he was slee"ing soundl$, and her relief was i ense. If all went well, she0d !e a!le to eet 3aulk and return to !ed !efore (u$ realized she0d !een gone. 8o ents later the clock struck twel)e and she eased out of !ed.

(u$ felt the attress shift and awoke instantl$. <ong $ears of li)ing with danger had conditioned hi to re ain alert e)en in slee". Then he felt Bliss lea)e the !ed and he o"ened his e$es. 8oonlight strea ed through the window, "ro)iding sufficient light for hi to see Bliss o)ing noiselessl$ a!out the roo .

He watched with growing alar as she "ulled a dress o)er her nightgown, threw a shawl o)er her shoulders, and ste""ed into her shoes. He thought she ight !e ill and was a!out to ask if he could hel" when he saw her "ull a s all car"et!ag fro !eneath the !ed.

Alert now, (u$ could think of no use Bliss would ha)e for a car"et!ag in the iddle of the night unless; ,a$, the answer didn0t !ear consideration. Bliss would ne)er lea)e hi and Br$an. Then a horri!le thought occurred to hi . *hat if Bliss left hi and took Br$an with her+ She had her own one$ and could do &ust a!out an$thing she wanted. Anger churned through hi .

(u$ wanted to lea" out of !ed, to sto" her fro doing so ething she0d regret, !ut he !ided his ti e, waiting, wondering. Struggling to control his rage, (u$ i agined the worst when he saw Bliss hug the car"et!ag to her chest and let herself out of the roo . Seconds later he was out of !ed and "ulling on his "ants and !oots. Then he left the !edroo as >uietl$ as she had.

(u$0s first sur"rise was Bliss0s destination. It wasn0t Br$an0s roo . He couldn0t concei)e of Bliss lea)ing without Br$an after she0d gone through hell to find hi . He hugged the walls as he trailed her downstairs and through the kitchen to the !ack door. He clung to the shadows and watched as she cast a furti)e glance !ehind her and o"ened the door. She ste""ed outside. He waited a o ent, then >uickl$ followed. She see ed to know e%actl$ where she was going as she hurried down the "ath to the gate that o"ened into the alle$.

(u$ sli""ed out the gate !ehind her and darted !ehind a clu " of shru!!er$ when he saw a carriage waiting in the alle$. Shock and dis!elief warred within hi when he saw Bliss walk straight for the carriage.

It was true- He told hi self. Bliss was lea)ing hi . But for who + Suddenl$ a an ste""ed out of the carriage and otioned to Bliss. (u$0s hands clenched into fists when he recognized (erald 3aulk. How could Bliss do this to hi + Had she decei)ed hi fro the )er$ !eginning+ *hat kind of sick relationshi" did she ha)e with 3aulk+ He sidled closer, ho"ing to hear their con)ersation, !ut the$ s"oke too >uietl$ to !e heard. *hen he saw Bliss hand the car"et!ag to 3aulk, e)er$thing !eca e )er$ clear to (u$. The !ag held Bliss0s clothing and she was indeed lea)ing hi .

Black, gut#wrenching fur$ raged through hi . ,e)er had he felt so !etra$ed. ,ot e)en when he0d held Bliss res"onsi!le for his isfortune $ears ago. He didn0t want to !elie)e it of her, !ut the "roof was there !efore hi . 3aulk took the car"et!ag fro her hands and turned to "lace it in the carriage.

,ow (u$ knew the reason wh$ Bliss had !een so distraught latel$. 2!)iousl$ she0d !een conni)ing !ehind his !ack with 3aulk e)er since (u$ had forced her into an unwanted arriage. It hurt to know that she couldn0t !ear the thought of aking lo)e with hi an$ ore. (od- How could he ha)e !een so stu"id+

After the initial shock "assed, (u$ felt a )iolent urge to kill 3aulk. Hunter the "irate would ha)e snuffed out the re"ulsi)e !astard0s life without a second thought, !ut 6iscount Hunter had too uch at stake to kill indiscri inatel$. He had an innocent child to "rotect. ,o, he would not kill 3aulk, !ut he could still confront his ene $.

He ste""ed out of the shadows, >uickl$ closing the distance !etween hi self and 3aulk. 3aulk saw hi a""roaching and tried to enter the carriage, !ut (u$ was too fast for hi . (ras"ing 3aulk0s ar , he "ulled hi out and awa$, at the sa e ti e stri""ing the car"et!ag fro 3aulk0s hands and throwing it into the !ushes !ehind hi . 3ro the corner of his e$e he saw Bliss gas" and ste" awa$, and with good reason, he thought di l$. She had ne)er seen hi in a rage !efore.

(ras"ing 3aulk !$ the la"els, he dragged hi forward roughl$ until the$ stood nose to nose. 00Did $ou think I wouldn0t find out+' he said in a )oice that would ha)e done the De)il &ustice.

'Bliss swore she wouldn0t tell $ou,' 3aulk gas"ed through chattering teeth.

'I0 not stu"id, 3aulk. I knew Bliss was u" to so ething. I &ust ne)er i agined $ou were in)ol)ed.'

He sho)ed 3aulk !ackward, "ressing hi against the carriage. He wanted to knock 3aulk senseless !ut settled for a hard "unch to the gut, satisfied when 3aulk grunted and dou!led o)er.

'I0 "ro!a!l$ aking a istake !$ not killing $ou, !ut I don0t want $ son to suffer for $ sins. (et out of here, 3aulk. If $ou e)er sniff around $ wife again, I won0t !e so lenient the ne%t ti e.'

'/our threats don0t frighten e, Hunter,' 3aulk gas"ed, o!)iousl$ still in "ain. 'I0ll get e)en. /ou0re going to !e sorr$ $ou interfered.'

'(o ahead and do $our worst, 3aulk,' (u$ challenged. '/our threats don0t scare

e.'

'/ou0re a fool,' 3aulk sneered. Before (u$ had a chance to react, he lea"ed into the carriage, sla""ed the reins against the horse0s. Ru " and raced off. (u$ watched hi disa""ear down the alle$, fearing he0d ade a terri!le istake !$ letting the !astard li)e.

'*h$ did $ou do that+' Bliss cried on a note of "anic. '/ou don0t know what (erald is ca"a!le of.' Her )oice !eca e shriller and shriller. '/ou0)e ruined e)er$thing-'

(u$ rounded on her. '/ou0re $ wife, Bliss. Did $ou think I0d &ust stand !$ and watch $ou lea)e with the !astard+ Do $ou care nothing for our son+'

Bliss stared at hi

as if he0d &ust lost his

ind. 'Did $ou think I was going to lea)e $ou+'

'Dro" the "retense, Bliss,' he sneered. 'I saw $ou $self. I watched $ou lea)e our !ed with a car"et!ag $ou0d a""arentl$ "acked earlier in antici"ation of $our rendez)ous with $our lo)er.'

'<o)er- 2h, (od. .lease listen to

e, (u$. /ou don0t understand.'

'I don0t want to hear it, Bliss. I0

tired of $our lies.'

'/ou have to listen.'

Her )oice had !eco e so loud (u$ knew he had to get her !ack to the house !efore she !eca e h$sterical and awakened the neigh!ors. Swee"ing her u" into his ar s, he carried her into the house, sto""ing !riefl$ to retrie)e the car"et!ag fro the !ushes. He negotiated the stairs and entered their !edroo , refusing to listen to her "leas. Then he set her on her feet, struck a light to the !ranch of candles, and sho)ed the car"et!ag into her ar s.

'Here. Un"ack $our clothing. /ou0re not going an$where. At least not until our child is !orn. Then $ou can go where)er $ou "lease, without the !a!$, of course. /our inheritance will "ro)ide $ou and 3aulk with a nice li)ing.'

Du !founded, she stared at the !ag. '7lothing+ Are $ou I0d ne)er lea)e $ !a!$.'

ad+ I don0t want (erald 3aulk.

'/ou could ha)e fooled e,' he sneered. 'I &ust don0t understand how $ou can want 3aulk after what he did to $ou, to our son, to us. He0s a sickness inside $ou, one that has no cure.'

'<et

e e%"lain,' Bliss "leaded. 'It0s not what $ou think.'

',a$. Don0t sa$ an$thing. I can0t !ear it.'

He re o)ed a clean shirt fro

the drawer and !egan to dress.

'*here are $ou going+ It0s the

iddle of the night.'

'I ha)e to get out of here. I won0t !e res"onsi!le for $ actions if I re ain. /ou don0t want to see e when $ te "er e%"lodes, and I0 so da n close right now I0 afraid I0ll hurt $ou.'

His face took on a hard#edged re oteness. He felt as if nothing she could sa$ would e)er ake it right !etween the again. The ache inside hi grew into a churning, grinding "ain that he would carr$ with hi the rest of his life. He couldn0t look at Bliss, couldn0t s"eak for fear of e%"loding into )iolence. He started to walk awa$, knowing that no atter the conte "t in which he held Bliss, he would ne)er hurt her or risk har ing his !a!e.

'*here are $ou going+' Bliss re"eated shrill$.

'I don0t know. I can0t sta$ here tonight. Do I need to hire a guard to trot off with 3aulk the o ent I0 gone+'

ake sure $ou don0t

Bliss reeled !eneath his harsh words. 'I told $ou, it0s not what $ou think. Don0t go. <et e%"lain. Then $ou0ll understand wh$'

'Answer

$ >uestion, Bliss. Do I need to hire a guard+'

',o- I0

not going an$where. I ne)er intended to lea)e.'

He nodded curtl$. '6er$ well. I0ll lea)e $ou to $our cold !ed.'

'*ait- *hen will $ou return+'

'*hen $ou see

e.'

*ithout a !ackward glance, he strode fro

the roo .

7ha"ter Si%teen

3acing the ste )isage of the ca"tain of the 7it$ (uards, (erald 3aulk "ounded his fist on the desk, tr$ing to ake his "oint and a""arentl$ not succeeding.

' 0Tis the truth, I tell $ou-' he s"uttered. '6iscount (u$ Hunter is the !uccaneer known as Hunter. He0s hand in glo)e with ?ean <afitte and the Brotherhood.'

'That0s a rather infla ator$ re ark, 8r. 3aulk,' the ca"tain re"lied. '*hat "roof do $ou ha)e to su!stantiate $our clai +'

'He was recognized !$ two sailors and identified as the infa ous "irate. The !uccaneer is alleged to ha)e sent countless shi"s to the !otto of the sea. Belie)e e, 7a"tain 3argo, 6iscount Hunter and the "irate are the sa e an.'

'*here are $our two witnesses+' 3argo asked with o!)ious ske"ticis .

'The$; er; that is, the$ declined to a""ear in "erson. But an$ of Hunter0s )icti s ha)e re"orted that he wears an e$e"atch o)er his right e$e. So does the )iscount. *hat ore "roof do $ou need+'

' 0Tis a war in&ur$, I hear,' 3argo aintained. 'See here, 8r. 3aulk, I can0t arrest a an for "irac$ without solid "roof. 8an$ en wear an e$e"atch. The an is a )iscount and I ha)e no reason to dou!t hi . He has ade so e "owerful friends since his arri)al and is in)ol)ed in !usiness dealings with an$ of the . I could get into a lot of trou!le for accusing an innocent an un&ustl$. Bring e "roof and I0ll !e ore than ha""$ to arrest hi .'

'/ou0re aking a !ig istake,' 3aulk !lasted, furious. 'Ha)e $ou checked his credentials to see if he0s who he clai s to !e+'

'There was no reason to dou!t hi . I re"eat, unless $ou !ring are tied. If $ou0ll e%cuse e, I ha)e work to do.'

e "ositi)e "roof,

$ hands

3aulk fu ed in silent indignation. There had to !e so e wa$ to "ro)e his clai . '2ne ore thing,' he said, earning a frown fro the ca"tain. '*hat kind of "roof would $ou re>uire+'

'A signed confession,' 3argo suggested facetiousl$.

'6er$ well,' 3aulk said, '$ou0ll ha)e it.'

His face set in deter ined lines, 3aulk sto "ed awa$, lea)ing an a used 7a"tain 3argo in his wake.

MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

Bliss hadn0t seen (u$ since he0d left in a rage two da$s !efore. She was worried sick and was running out of e%cuses to tell Br$an when he asked a!out his issing "a"a. She hadn0t e%"ected (u$ to !e gone so long. She didn0t think he0d !e a!le to sta$ awa$ fro his son. *hen he returned, she )owed to ake hi sit down and listen to her, e)en if it eant she had to sit on hi to hold hi still.

It hurt to think that (u$ trusted her so little. Hotheaded to a fault, (u$ had &u "ed to conclusions and refused to hear her e%"lanation. She couldn0t i agine where he had sle"t the "ast two nights and didn0t want to think a!out the "laces a an could s"end a "leasant night. The cit$ was filled with high#class !rothels. 3or all she knew, (u$ was kee"ing a !eautiful >uadroon istress on Ra "art Street.

(erald 3aulk hadn0t returned after (u$ had threatened hi , !ut Bliss0s greatest fear was that he had carried out his threat to e%"ose (u$. She knew 3aulk ust !e furious and that he "ro!a!l$ hadn0t wasted an$ ti e s"illing his guts to the authorities. Her ner)es were frazzled5 e)er$ ti e she heard a noise on the street, she was sure it was the 7it$ (uard co ing to arrest (u$.

It wasn0t long !efore 8and$ grew sus"icious and confronted Bliss a!out (u$0s continued a!sence. '*hat ha)e $ou gone and done now, hone$+' the old wo an asked. '<ook at $ou, $ore a sight. I ain0t ne)er seen $ou so u"set.

*here is that

an of $ores+ He0s !een gone a

ight$ long ti e.'

'I don0t know where (u$ is, 8and$. *e had a terri!le isunderstanding. (u$ ne)er ga)e e a chance to e%"lain. I don0t think I0)e e)er seen hi so angr$.'

8and$ took Bliss0s hand and led her to a chair. 'Sit down, hone$. I0ll fetch $ou a nice cu" of tea and $ou can tell ole 8and$ all a!out it.'

Bliss co "osed her thoughts while 8and$ went to fetch the tea. *hen she returned, she "oured two cu"s of tea, sat down across fro Bliss, and "laced her feet on the footstool. ',ow talk, Bliss.'

Bliss related e)er$thing !etween si"s of tea, until the whole ess was "laced !efore 8and$. *hen she finished, 8and$ shook her head and clucked s$ "atheticall$. '/ou done wrong not telling $ore hus!and. That an looks like he can take care of hi self. /ou gotta e%"lain the inute he ste"s foot in the house. Don0t let hi go on thinking $ou !etra$ed hi a inute longer than necessar$. If he lo)es $ou like I think he does, he0ll listen. Then e)er$thing will !e fine again.'

'That0s good ad)ice, 8and$, !ut (u$ has to return !efore I can e%"lain. And I ha)e no idea where he is.'

'He0ll return, hone$, trust

e. That

an lo)es $ou.'

At the end of three hellish da$s, (u$0s te "er had cooled enough to allow hi to face Bliss without !lowing u". He had s"ent the first night following his a!ru"t de"arture in the carriage house. The ne%t da$ he0d gone to )isit the <afitte !rothers, ho"ing to find a "lace to sta$ with the . His search "ro)ed futile. The <afittes were not at the A!sinthe House, nor at their !lacks ith sho", nor at .ierre0s house. He learned fro .ierre0s istress that the !rothers had returned to Barataria to ake read$ for their weekl$ illegal auction held dee" in the swa "s at a "lace called 'The Te "le.'

Since the <afittes weren0t a)aila!le, (u$ had rented a roo at the .ontal!a Ar s and s"ent the following two nights tr$ing to ake sense out of Bliss0s !eha)ior. After a ti e, he0d !egun to regret lea)ing without listening to Bliss0s e%"lanation. ,othing a!out the strange affair ade sense.

2nce his initial anger ga)e wa$ to clearer thinking, (u$ !egun to sus"ect there was ore to the idnight tr$st !etween 3aulk and Bliss than he0d su""osed. He0d !een a "irate too long to change o)ernight, and had reacted )iolentl$. At one ti e he would ha)e heedlessl$ hacked down a an he considered his ene $. He0d !een ad)ersel$ affected !$ $ears of sinful li)ing and had s"illed a sea of !lood, !ut he saw his willingness to let 3aulk li)e as a "ositi)e ste" toward gi)ing u" his old wa$ of life and e !racing the new one.

Then he0d &u "ed to conclusions, &udging Bliss without gi)ing her a chance to e%"lain. She0d !egged hi to hear her out, !ut his foul te "er and distrustful nature had sent hi into a rage. It was ti e now to return ho e and do what he should ha)e done in the !eginning. <isten and "ass final &udg ent after he0d heard all the facts.

(ra""ling with his thoughts, "articularl$ a!out the irre"ara!le da age he ight ha)e done to his relationshi" with Bliss, (u$ failed to notice the two seed$#looking en trailing hi on the o""osite side of the street. ,or did he see the cross the street and duck into an alle$ when he sto""ed to ad ire an attracti)e car)ing of a wooden horse in the ercantile window and ducked inside to !u$ it for Br$an.

(u$ was s iling a few inutes later when he left the sho" with the horse safel$ tucked under his ar . The last thing he e%"ected was to !e "ulled into the alle$ and struck o)er the head with a stout cudgel. The "ackage fell to the ground, he dro""ed to his knees, then fell flat on his face.

Bliss "aced the drawing roo like a ner)ous tigress. 8and$ had !een wrong, she silentl$ la ented. Three da$s had "assed without a word fro (u$. She didn0t know where to look or what to do. Her one consu ing fear was that (u$ had ade his wa$ to Barataria and returned to "irac$, e)en though he0d )owed ne)er to return to his for er "rofession.

Bliss knew (u$ lo)ed Br$an5 she couldn0t concei)e of hi lea)ing the !o$ !ehind. 2r a!andoning the new !a!e she carried inside her. In fact, (u$ was so "ossessi)e of his fa il$, she couldn0t i agine hi gi)ing u" an$thing he considered his "ro"ert$. The onl$ conclusion she could reach was that his isconce"tion a!out her eeting with (erald had sent hi fleeing !ack to his for er life.

(u$ had !een hurt so !adl$, she i agined it was difficult for hi to trust again, !ut she ho"ed that once his te "er cooled he would realize she wasn0t ca"a!le of !etra$al. The idea that she would take u" with (erald 3aulk, a an she des"ised, was ludicrous.

(od, where was he+ Bliss wondered des"airingl$. Br$an had asked for his father so often she was running out of e%cuses. At first she0d !een resentful of (u$0s a!andon ent, !ut when she0d cal ed down and considered his )iolent "ast, she !la ed his !eha)ior on those undisci"lined $ears he0d s"ent engaged in "irac$ and seeking re)enge for the in&ustices done hi . She sighed wearil$. She0d wait fore)er if that was how long it took for (u$ to co e to his senses and realize she lo)ed hi and no one else.

(u$ regained consciousness slowl$, "ainfull$ aware of his aching head and unco forta!le "osition. His !ack was to the wall and his wrists were !ound, stretched a!o)e his head and attached to a hook. His feet !arel$ touched the floor. Di i ages !egan to for !efore his good e$e, and what he saw did little to cheer hi .

00*here a

I+' he asked hoarsel$.

'In

$ warehouse,' (erald 3aulk said, ste""ing into (u$0s line of )ision.

Still grogg$, (u$ shook his head and was i te "le to te "le. '*hat ha""ened+'

ediatel$ sorr$ as "ain "ierced hi

fro

'/ou0re

$ guest for the ti e !eing.'

(u$ $anked on the ro"es !inding hi . '*h$ a

I fettered+ *hat0s going on, 3aulk+'

'/ou don0t know, do $ou+ Did Bliss tell $ou nothing+'

'Da it, 3aulk, I0)e had enough of this foolishness. Tell e down. This is da n unco forta!le.'

e what0s going on. But first, cut

(u$ heard so eone snicker and glanced in the direction of the sound. He i recognized two for er crew en.

ediatel$

'Are those two cutthroats $our hirelings, 3aulk+' (u$ asked dis"aragingl$. 'I take it the$ did $our dirt$ work for $ou. I su""ose the$ told $ou who I was. I wouldn0t trust the if I were $ou.'

'See here, Hunter, we ain0t no cutthroats,' 8ont$ clai ed. '/ou had no right to "unish us. All we wanted was our fair share of the "lunder.'

'I can see $ou0re wondering how $ association with these two ca e a!out,' 3aulk said. 'I had a strong sus"icion $ou weren0t who $ou "retended !ut couldn0t "ro)e it. I "ut word out on the streets that I was "a$ing for infor ation a!out a an calling hi self 6iscount (u$ Hunter. These two ca e forward.'

'*h$ didn0t $ou go to the authorities+' (u$ s"at.

3aulk shifted unco forta!l$, and (u$ could tell he was anno$ed a!out so ething. 'I did, !ut the$ wanted ore "roof than I could gi)e the ,' 3aulk groused. '/our title fooled the , !ut I0 not so gulli!le. If $ou hadn0t interfered the other night, this wouldn0t !e necessar$.'

'I ha)e no idea what $ou0re talking a!out,' (u$ said as he tested the ro"es !inding his wrists to the hook. *hoe)er had tied hi had done a good &o!.

'I )isited Bliss the other da$ and told her I knew who $ou were. I threatened to e%"ose $ou if she didn0t turn o)er her inheritance to e.'

'Bastard-' (u$ snarled, "ulling futilel$ on the ro"es. 'How dare $ou frighten wife+'

$ "regnant

3aulk laughed. 'It worked. She got the one$ fro the !ank and would ha)e deli)ered it to e if $ou hadn0t co e charging after her like a &ealous hus!and. /ou shouldn0t ha)e interfered, Hunter. /ou forced e into this, $ou know.'

(u$ a!sor!ed e)er$thing 3aulk had &ust told hi and ca e to a horrif$ing disco)er$. He0d wrongl$ accused Bliss of !etra$ing hi with 3aulk. He0d !een too hotheaded to listen to her e%"lanation and had left in a fit of anger. 2h, (od, he0d ne)er forgi)e hi self for hurting her. He "ra$ed she would forgi)e hi for acting the &ealous fool and accusing her un&ustl$.

'So $our little "lo$ was foiled and the authorities wanted solid "roof of taunted. '*hat now+ How do $ou "ro"ose to o!tain the "roof $ou need+'

$ identit$,' (u$

'/ou0re going to sign a full confession,' 3aulk said s ugl$. '/ou0)e taken e)er$thing fro e and I de and retri!ution. /ou0re not lea)ing this roo until I ha)e what I want. /ou will acknowledge $our identit$ and confess to the cri e of "irac$ on the high seas. /ou will also acknowledge guilt for the "lunder $ou0)e stolen and the li)es $ou0)e taken. *hen I take $ou !efore the 7it$ (uards, I0ll ha)e all the "roof I need to esta!lish $our identit$. I0ll !e a hero.'

(u$ laughed, which see ed to enrage 3aulk. 'Don0t hold $our !reath. I0 a da n thing.'

not going to sign

'<augh all $ou want, Hunter. After ates+'

$ !o$s finish with $ou, $ou0ll !eg to sign, won0t he,

'A$e,' 8ont$ and S>uint said in unison. 'Hunter left us to die on that island. And we nearl$ did !efore we were "icked u" !$ another shi".'

'It0s going to take ore than a cou"le of scur)$ water rats to want to do,' (u$ said stu!!ornl$.

ake

e do so ething I don0t

'*e0ll see a!out that,' 3aulk sneered. 'S>uint, $ou first. See what $ou can do to guest tracta!le. I want that confession signed.'

ake our

S>uint0s ugl$ features contorted into a grotes>ue s ile. 'Sure thing, 8r. 3aulk. <ea)e Hunter to e. I0ll ha)e hi willing to sign in no ti e.'

He swaggered forward, taking a "osition !efore (u$. 3aulk retreated out of har 0s wa$, licking his li"s in a)id antici"ation as S>uint hauled his ar !ack and "unched (u$ in the gut. (u$ !arel$ had ti e to reco)er !efore S>uint landed a fist in his face. After that it was all a !lur as S>uint ai ed !low after !low to )arious "arts of (u$0s anato $. Ti e hung sus"ended as the a!use continued, until (u$ finall$ lost consciousness.

'Enough,' 3aulk said, ste""ing forward with a !ucket of water. '8o)e awa$ so I can douse hi with water. 8a$!e he0ll !e read$ to sign when he co es to.'

(u$ struggled u"ward though an ocean of water, una!le to !reathe, una!le to o)e his ar s so he could swi to the surface. He was drowning5 his life was racing !efore hi . Then he felt stinging !lows to his face and realized he could !reathe again. He o"ened his e$es and knew he was in hell. There wasn0t a "lace on his !od$ that didn0t hurt.

'Ah, $ou0re awake, good,' 3aulk said, gloating. 'Ha)e $ou had enough+ Are $ou read$ to sign now+'

'(ot to hell-' (u$ s"at.

3aulk0s e$es darkened with fur$. '6er$ well, "erha"s 8ont$ can "ersuade $ou.' He otioned the second "irate forward. 'He0s all $ours, 8ont$. I ho"e $ou0re !etter at "ersuasion than $our friend.'

8ont$ ga)e (u$ a trul$ e)il grin. 'I got so ething here that0s guaranteed to ake Hunter agreea!le,' he said, sla""ing a riding cro" against his "al . 'Turn hi around, S>uint.'

3aulk o)ed to hel" S>uint. The$ loosened the ro"e &ust enough to ena!le the to turn (u$ around to face the wall. Though (u$ struggled )aliantl$, he was too weak fro the "re)ious !eating he0d recei)ed to "re)ent the ro"es fro !eing tightened and reattached to the hook. He stiffened when he felt so eone cut through his coat and ri" a"art his shirt.

'Should I !egin+' 8ont$ asked with an eagerness that

ade (u$ !egin to sweat.

'*ait-' 3aulk said, ste""ing closer to "eer at (u$0s !ack. 'This isn0t the first ti e the !astard0s !een whi""ed. <ook here. See those white lines crisscrossing his !ack+ *ant to tell us how that ha""ened, Hunter+'

'Use $our i agination,' (u$ said through clenched teeth.

'(o ahead, 8ont$, use the cro". It doesn0t look like Hunter wants to coo"erate.'

(u$ steeled hi self for the first !low. It ca e swift and hard, followed closel$ !$ another, then another, until the$ were co ing so fast he lost count.

'Are $ou read$ to sign+' 3aulk asked, a""arentl$ underesti ating (u$0s stu!!ornness.

'(o to hell,' (u$ grunted, nearl$ insensate with "ain !ut deter ined to sign nothing.

The !eating continued se)eral inutes ore, until (u$ slu "ed against the ro"es, o!li)ious to the !rutal "unish ent he0d endured.

'7ease,' 3aulk ordered. ',o sense continuing when he can0t feel "ain.'

'/ou want

e to douse hi

with water, 8r. 3aulk+' S>uint asked, reaching for the !ucket.

',a$, he0s i une to !eatings. There0s got to !e so e other wa$ to get what I want.' Suddenl$ his e%"ression !rightened. 'I know- Hunter is inordinatel$ fond of his wife and her !rat. If I can get the here, it would !e &ust the kind of le)erage I need to "ersuade Hunter to sign the confession.'

'/ou want us to get the e and 8ont$ are willing.'

for $a, 8r. 3aulk+' S>uint asked. 'That will cost $a

ore, !ut

'I need so e ti e to think this through,' 3aulk used. 'I0ll !e in $ office if $ou need Sta$ here and watch Hunter. Don0t do an$thing further until I tell $ou.'

e.

3aulk sat in his office at the front of the warehouse, "ondering his "ro!le . Hunter was "ro)ing to !e uncoo"erati)e and o!stinate, ore so than he had antici"ated. The "irate see ed inured to "ain. 3aulk wasn0t thrilled with the "ros"ect of killing Hunter, for that would "ro)e nothing and could e)en land hi in the 7ala!oso, a daunting "ros"ect. ,a$, his intent was to "ro)e that 6iscount (u$ Hunter was an i "ostor, that he was Hunter the "irate, a an with a "rice on his head. The reward for Hunter0s ca"ture was !ound to !e a su!stantial one.

But Hunter0s stu!!ornness and threshold of "ain were "ro)ing ore trou!leso e than he0d antici"ated. There had to !e a solution to his dile a, and 3aulk sus"ected the answer la$ with Bliss and her son. If he was correct in his thinking, Hunter would !e willing to do an$thing to kee" the safe.

Then it ca e to hi . There was !ut one "erson who could !ring Bliss and the !o$ here. Taking "a"er and ink fro the drawer, he scri!!led a note, then returned to the warehouse and ga)e it to 8ont$ to deli)er.

It was al ost dark when 8ont$ returned with 7laude (ren)ille.

'7laude, I0

glad $ou ca e so >uickl$,' 3aulk said affa!l$. '*e need to talk.'

(ren)ille a""eared haggard, as if he had aged ten $ears in the "ast few weeks. '*hat0s this all a!out, 3aulk+ /our note said it concerned Bliss. Ha)e $ou seen her recentl$+ She clai s she doesn0t want to see e again.'

'As a

atter of fact, I ha)e,' 3aulk said.

'How is she+' 7laude asked. '*hat do $ou know a!out this 6iscount Hunter+ Does Bliss lo)e hi +'

3aulk chose his words carefull$, aware that 7laude was too soft when it ca e to his daughter. If it wasn0t for his urging, 7laude would ha)e let Bliss kee" that !rat she0d had with (u$ De/oung. His thoughts skidded to a halt, thinking it odd that Hunter and De/oung shared the sa e na e. Then he shrugged and turned his attention to the "ro!le at hand.

'<isten carefull$, 7laude, I asked $ou to co e here !ecause I need $our hel". The an who calls hi self 6iscount Hunter isn0t who he "retends to !e. He0s the "irate known as Hunter. The sa e "irate who singled out our shi"s for attack and caused our financial ruin. He0s the sa e an who held Bliss ca"ti)e and is ost "ro!a!l$ the father of the child she0s carr$ing.'

7laude0s e%"ression was one of shock. 'Bliss is "regnant+ /ou knew that and were still willing to arr$ her+'

'<et e e%"lain, 7laude,' 3aulk said, sitting !ack in his chair with his fingers stee"led !efore hi . Then he "roceeded to e%"lain a!out the deal he had struck with Bliss and how Hunter had ruined his "lans.

'8$ daughter

ust lo)e this "irate,' 7laude

used thoughtfull$.

'To her isfortune,' 3aulk said with derision. 'Hunter is a wanted an. He wouldn0t ha)e co e to ,ew 2rleans if not for Bliss. He e)en went to 8o!ile and got her son fro Enos Hol es. The !o$ is with Bliss now.'

7laude a""eared stunned. 'Bliss 6iscount0s son.'

entioned the !o$ in her letter, !ut I assu ed he was the

',o one !ut Hunter, Bliss, and $self know the child is actuall$ Bliss0s son !$ that fellow who died in the 7ala!oso si% $ears ago.'

'The fellow $ou had killed, $ou

ean,' 7laude contended. 'That wasn0t

$ idea.'

'Don0t go soft on e now, 7laude,' 3aulk said. '*e0re still going to co e out of this with sufficient funds to reesta!lish our !usiness.'

'How do $ou "ro"ose to do that+ I refuse to hurt Bliss again. I lost a daughter when I ga)e awa$ $ own flesh and !lood. I co itted a gra)e error in &udg ent5 $ daughter will ne)er forgi)e e. If I had it to do o)er, I wouldn0t ha)e listened to $ou.'

'It0s too late for regrets now. I need $our hel". I0)e alread$ gone to the authorities and e%"osed Hunter, !ut the fools re>uire solid "roof of his identit$. The word of $ two witnesses won0t hold u" against that of a )iscount, so I0 deter ined to get a confession fro Hunter. Unfortunatel$, the !astard is !eing o!stinate.'

7laude0s e$es widened. '/ou can0t

ean; /ou ha)en0t; '

'But I ha)e,' 3aulk said, laughing at 7laude0s a""arent shock. 'Hunter is in $ warehouse right now, tied u" like a 7hrist as goose. In fact, he0s in no condition to go an$"lace an$ti e soon.'

'/ou

ean; torture+'

3aulk shrugged. 'He has !ut to sign the confession and $ en will sto". As I said !efore, he0s !eing o!stinate and no a ount of; er; "ersuasion has changed his ind.'

'*hat do $ou e%"ect

e to do+'

'Hunter needs a su!tle nudge to ake hi a ena!le. If he thought har ight co e to Bliss or the !o$, I0 sure he0d see things $ wa$. /ou are the onl$ one who can !ring Bliss to e without using force.'

7laude lea"ed to his feet. 'See here, 3aulk, I refuse to "lace $ daughter and her son in danger. I a$ not !e the !est of fathers !ut I lo)e $ daughter. I refuse to let $ou use her to get to Hunter.00

'Sit down, 7laude,' 3aulk ca&oled. 'I don0t intend to hurt Bliss. Bringing her and the !o$ here is erel$ a "lo$ to show Hunter I ean !usiness. 2nce he signs the confession, all we ha)e to do is take hi to the authorities and collect the reward. Afterward, $ou can "ress to ha)e the arriage annulled and I can arr$ Bliss and clai her inheritance. It0s the onl$ wa$ to sa)e !oth of us fro total ruination.'

7laude a""eared to !e ulling o)er 3aulk0s "ro"osition. 'I want to see hus!and !efore I ake u" $ ind.'

$ daughter0s

'*h$+' 3aulk asked sus"iciousl$.

'I want to !e a!le to tell Bliss her hus!and is ali)e and well. If she lo)es this "irate, she0ll want to know he0s ali)e, else $ou can kiss her fortune good#!$e.'

3aulk shrugged and stood u". 'I don0t su""ose it will hurt. 3ollow

e.'

7laude was close on 3aulk0s heels as the$ left the front office and entered the $awning darkness of the e "t$ warehouse. 3aulk led hi directl$ to a "lace sheltered !$ crates. 7laude sto""ed a!ru"tl$ when he saw two seed$ characters !eside a an hanging li "l$ fro a hook.

'Is he dead+' 7laude asked in a hushed )oice. '*hat in (od0s na e ha)e $ou done to hi +'

',aw, he ain0t dead,' 8ont$ grunted. 'He0s ule.'

got a thick hide and the stu!!ornness of a

'He0s a close# outhed !astard, all right,' S>uint agreed.

7laude a""roached (u$ cautiousl$, his e$es drawn to the !lood$ stri"es '/ou had hi whi""ed.'

arring his !ack.

'He0s a !loodthirst$ "irate,' 3aulk said. 'He0s ruined us, 7laude. /ou can0t "it$ a that.'

an like

'He0s

$ daughter0s hus!and.'

'So was that De/oung fellow we got rid of.'

'I didn0t order his assassination,' 7laude argued. 'That was $our doing.'

'That0s water under the !ridge,' 3aulk said, growing tired of 7laude0s whining. (u$ chose that o ent to groan and o)e his head. 'As $ou can see, Hunter is still ali)e and !reathing. I0 con)inced that further "unish ent isn0t going to loosen his tongue. *e need Bliss and the !o$, 7laude. /ou0re in too dee" to "ull out now. I suggest $ou coo"erate.'

'Are $ou sure $ou won0t hurt the +'

'/ou ha)e

$ word.'

'I0ll !ring the

on one condition. Don0t inflict an$

ore torture on Hunter.'

'It wouldn0t do an$ good if I did,' 3aulk said disgustedl$. 'The How soon can $ou ha)e the here+'

an is i

une to "ain.

'I don0t know. It0s too late to see her tonight. It0s not going to !e eas$ to con)ince her to co e with e and !ring the !o$. (i)e e a cou"le of da$s.'

'That0s "re"osterous-' 3aulk s"uttered.

'/ou want Bliss, don0t $ou+' 7laude contended. 'I0ll need ti e to con)ince her to trust e. She doesn0t think uch of e now. And it will gi)e Hunter ti e to heal so ewhat, so she won0t !e shocked when she sees hi . 8$ daughter is no fool.'

'6er$ well,' 3aulk gru !led sourl$. 'Don0t let

e down.'

'I won0t. 8eanwhile, cut hi

down and gi)e hi

food and water.'

'I0ll take it into consideration. /ou0d !etter go now. Bring Bliss and the !o$ here as soon as $ou can anage it.'

7laude hurried off. There was allowed hi .

uch to !e acco "lished in the little ti e 3aulk had

Bliss felt the crushing weight of disa""oint ent when (u$ failed to return. She didn0t e)en ha)e friends or fa il$ to turn to for hel". Earlier toda$ she and 8and$ had gone to the office (u$ had rented on Ro$ale Street, !ut he wasn0t there. 3urther ore, his secretar$ told her (u$ hadn0t !een to his office in two da$s. He0d e)en issed an i "ortant eeting that orning.

Bliss !egan to sus"ect that so ething other than anger was detaining hi . She i agined all kinds of dire circu stances that could ha)e ke"t hi awa$. She feared that 3aulk had gone to the authorities, and that (u$ had !een taken to the 7ala!oso, !ut since she0d heard nothing a!out his arrest, she decided that wasn0t the case. ,e)ertheless, Bliss had a frightening "re onition that 3aulk was !ehind (u$0s "rolonged a!sence.

'/ore gonna ake $oreself sick, hone$,' 8and$ said when she found Bliss "acing the drawing roo . '*h$ don0t $ou get so e slee"+ /ou gotta think a!out the !a!e.'

'I couldn0t slee", 8and$. I know so ething terri!le has ha""ened to (u$. After his te "er cooled he would ha)e seen reason and co e ho e to listen to $ e%"lanation. I don0t know what to do or who to turn to for hel".'

'I wish there was so ething' Her sentence was a!ru"tl$ cut short !$ the sound of so eone ra""ing furiousl$ on the door. '*ho would !e calling at this ti e of night+'

'(u$-' Bliss cried, fl$ing across the roo . She reached the door, flung it o"en, and nearl$ colla"sed in disa""oint ent when she saw her father standing on the doorste".

'3ather, what are $ou doing here at this ti e of night+ I thought it was'

'/ou thought I was $our hus!and,' 7laude said, "ushing "ast her into the house. '*e need to talk; in "ri)ate.'

8and$ !ristled indignantl$. 'I ain0t gonna lea)e her alone, 8r. 7laude.'

'It0s all right, 8and$,' Bliss sighed wearil$. 'I0ll s"eak with 3ather in the li!rar$. See that we0re not distur!ed.'

'I ain0t going far,' 8and$ said tartl$. 'I0ll !e &ust outside the door.'

'I don0t !la e $ou for not trusting

e, 8and$, !ut I0

here to hel" Bliss, not har

her.'

8and$ ga)e a loud harru "h, a""arentl$ uni "ressed.

'*hat is it $ou wish to sa$ to e, 3ather+' Bliss asked once the$ had gained the "ri)ac$ of the li!rar$. 'I0)e got a lot on $ ind right now.'

'I know,' 7laude said, 'and I0 to hel" now.'

sorr$. I0)e not !een a )er$ good father to $ou. But I0

here

'Hel"+' Bliss asked cautiousl$. '*hat

akes $ou think I need hel"+'

'I0)e &ust seen (erald 3aulk. He sent for e, insisting that I co e to the cit$ i He wants e to !ring $ou and the !o$ to his warehouse.'

ediatel$.

'*hate)er for+' Bliss asked, thoroughl$ confused.

'Sit down, Bliss.'

'I0ll stand.' Bliss knew she wasn0t going to like what her father had to sa$. 'Does this concern $ hus!and+'

'3aulk is holding a

an he insists is Hunter the "irate in his warehouse.'

Bliss "aled and staggered !ackward. 7laude su""orted her weight as he guided her to a chair.

'*hat does he ho"e to gain !$ holding (u$ "risoner+' Bliss asked shakil$. '3aulk threatened to e%"ose (u$ to the 7it$ (uard. *h$ didn0t he+'

'I understand 3aulk did go to the 7it$ (uard, !ut the authorities wanted "roof !efore arresting a e !er of English no!ilit$. Since he had no "roof, 3aulk had Hunter kidna""ed, ho"ing to force hi to sign a confession.'

'3orce hi +' Bliss whis"ered, gri l$ aware of what her father i "lied. 'Is (u$;+ Is he'

'He0s ali)e, Bliss, !ut we ha)e to work fast if he0s to re ain that wa$. I0)e co e to hel" $ou.'

'Hel"

e+ *h$ would $ou do that+'

After a long "ause, 7laude said, '*hether $ou !elie)e it or not, I lo)e $ou.'

7ha"ter Se)enteen

'/ou lo)e e+' Bliss re"eated. Her )oice was thick with scorn. '/ou ha)e a funn$ wa$ of showing it, 3ather.'

'I don0t !la e $ou for hating e, daughter. I0)e done nothing to earn $our forgi)eness or $our trust. I cons"ired to se"arate $ou and the an $ou lo)ed, and then I took $our child fro $ou. /ou were so $oung. I wanted the !est for $ou and thought (erald 3aulk would !e the "ro"er choice.'

'/ou0)e ne)er listened to e, 3ather. /ou0)e alwa$s thought of $our own greed$ needs. /ou took $ hus!and and then $ son fro e. /ou and (erald "aid an assassin to kill (u$ De/oung.'

7laude started )iolentl$. '*ho told $ou that+ ,a$, Bliss, that was none of $ doing. All I did was use $ influence to kee" De/oung fro !eing !rought to trial. 3aulk was the one who had De/oung killed. He knew $ou0d ne)er arr$ hi while De/oung li)ed. But I won0t a!sol)e $self of guilt, for I realize what I did was re"rehensi!le.'

'And $et $ou sa$ $ou lo)e

e,' Bliss scoffed.

'It0s !ecause I lo)e $ou that I onl$ "retended to agree to 3aulk0s "lan to !ring $ou and the !o$ to the warehouse. He intends to use $ou to coerce Hunter into signing the confession. I don0t trust 3aulk. He0s !eco e o!sessed with one$ and !la es $our hus!and for !ankru"ting 3aulk Shi""ing. I refuse to hurt $ou again, Bliss5 that0s wh$ I0 here.'

Bliss wanted to !elie)e her father, !ut it was so difficult after the "ain he0d caused her. 'How do $ou "ro"ose to hel"+ Ha)e $ou seen (u$+ Is he well+'

'There0s no eas$ wa$ to tell $ou, and I won0t lie to $ou. /our hus!and has !een se)erel$ !eaten. But the !eatings ha)e sto""ed !ecause 3aulk thinks ore des"erate easures are necessar$ to get hi to sign.'

A choking so! rose u" fro sto" it+'

Bliss0s throat. '2h, (od, he0s !een hurt enough. How can I

'I0)e !ought $ou so e ti e, daughter. .erha"s together we can find a wa$ to free $our hus!and. Do $ou lo)e hi so uch+'

'2h, $es, with all

$ heart.'

7laude s iled. 'I0 glad. 0Tis ti e $ou sto""ed ourning the $oung an $ou wed against $ wishes. I0 ha""$ $ou0)e found $our son. I understand Hunter hel"ed. I' He hesitated. 'Do $ou su""ose I ight eet hi +'

Bliss stiffened, recalling all those e "t$ $ears she0d thought !oth (u$ and Br$an lost to her. Her father was to !la e for all her anguish. Her father and (erald 3aulk. But he was still her father, so she searched her heart for a tin$ s"ark of forgi)eness; and found it. 3aulk was not so luck$. She found nothing inside herself !ut conte "t and hatred for (erald 3aulk.

'Do $ou reall$ e%"ect ske"ticall$.

e to !elie)e $ou wish to hel"

e and (u$+' Bliss asked

'I ho"ed $ou would. Does Hunter ha)e friends in town who would !e willing to hel" hi + If not, we could a""eal to the 7it$ (uard for hel".'

'Enlisting hel" fro the 7it$ (uard is too risk$. There is still a !ount$ on (u$0s head. I0d hate for the to launch an in)estigation into his !ackground.'

'(u$,' 7laude

used thoughtfull$. 'That was De/oung0s gi)en na e.'

Bliss0s chin lifted defiantl$. '/es, it was.' She said nothing ore and 7laude didn0t ask. 'To answer $our first >uestion, (u$ has no close friends in ,ew 2rleans. He has !usiness ac>uaintances, !ut no friends who would !e willing to risk their li)es for hi . Unless; 2f course,' she cried, her e$es s"arkling. 00The <afitte !rothers- The$ would hel" if the$ were ade aware of (u$0s "redica ent.'

'A$e, I0 sure of it,' 7laude concurred. 'I0)e heard the Brotherhood takes care of its own. Do $ou know where to find the <afittes+'

'Hand!ills ha)e !een "osted all o)er town ad)ertising an auction to !e held at 0The Te "le0 to orrow. It was signed !$ !oth the <afittes. 8an$ "eo"le will !e flocking to the site. 8erchants, sla)e traders, all those interested in o!taining a !argain. I0ll go to the and ask for their hel". I onl$ "ra$ it won0t !e too late.'

'I0ll co e with $ou.'

'6er$ well, !ut I won0t lea)e Br$an !ehind. (erald ight grow i "atient and send his hench en for hi in $ a!sence. I don0t want Br$an to !eco e their "awn.'

'*e0ll lea)e first thing to orrow,' 7laude said. 'Shall we go !$ "irogue or carriage+ .irogue will !e faster.'

'Br$an will !e with us5 carriage is safer. .ra$ (od the <afittes will !e there.'

After 7laude ate a late eal, the$ sought their se"arate !eds. Bliss had no idea what had !rought a!out her father0s change of heart, !ut with (u$0s life at stake, she had no other choice !ut to trust hi .

The narrow, rutted road took the through arshland and ancient c$"ress trees whose gnarled roots "rotruded fro the urk$ !rown water like kno!!$ knees. Theirs wasn0t the onl$ carriage on the narrow road, !ut one of a long line of an$. Eerie fingers of ist lifted u"ward fro the swa ", swirling through the trees and gilding the sil)er$ S"anish oss hanging fro their !ranches. Shadows and sunlight flirted with the ist, dancing fro tree to tree in a !reathtaking dis"la$ of $stical !eaut$.

The road ended a!ru"tl$ at a "ath co "osed of white shells. 7arriages were "arked ha"hazardl$ on whate)er dr$ "iece of land their dri)ers could find here at the edge of the arsh. Those who ca e on horse!ack had tethered their horses to tree li !s5 alread$ the "ath was crowded with "eo"le who had arri)ed earl$ for the sale.

Br$an regarded the outing as a great ad)enture and danced e%citedl$ around Bliss and 7laude as the$ left the carriage and started down the "ath. Br$an had et his grandfather &ust this orning and a""arentl$ still hadn0t reached a decision concerning his feelings for the older an, for he0d s"oken hardl$ at all to 7laude.

'Sta$ close to $our grandfather and

e,' Bliss warned as Br$an ski""ed ahead of the .

Br$an ga)e 7laude a considering look as he waited for the grandfather, 8a a+'

to catch u". 'Is he reall$

'He is indeed, Br$an.'

'*h$ ha)en0t I

et hi

!efore+ Didn0t he want to see

e+'

Bliss sighed. 'It0s a long stor$, son. I0ll tell $ou when $ou0re old enough to understand.'

Br$an stared u" at 7laude, his e%"ression utinous. '.a"a said (randfather ga)e when I was a !a!$. I don0t think I like hi )er$ uch.'

e awa$

7laude winced as if in "ain.

'I deser)e $our scorn, Br$an,' 7laude conceded. '*hat I did was wrong, and I0ll understand if $ou ne)er forgi)e e. But I want $ou to know I regret what I did. I want to ake a ends, e)en if it takes the rest of $ life.'

'It0s going to take ti e, 3ather,' Bliss said, s"eaking for !oth herself and Br$an. She couldn0t s"eak for (u$. (u$ had suffered intense "h$sical "ain and ental anguish !ecause of her father.

The shell "ath led the dee"er into the swa ", to an ancient Indian ound co "osed of white shells surrounded !$ li)e oak trees. The site was !elie)ed to ha)e !een the scene of hu an sacrifice when Indians gathered there in !$gone $ears for cere onies.

,ow it was used !$ the <afitte !rothers as a storehouse and auction "lace for their illicit goods. A wide "latfor that e%tended o)er the shallow waters of the arshland had !een !uilt5 and here the "ri)ateers unloaded their !oats and s"read out the contra!and erchandise taken fro "rize shi"s and !rought to (rande Terre for dis"osal. Standing to one side of the "latfor , a large grou" of ale and fe ale sla)es waited for the auction to !egin.

'Do $ou see ?ean <afitte+' 7laude asked.

',o, not $et. He

a$ still !e on one of the !oats,' Bliss guessed.

'I0)e ne)er !een to one of these auctions !efore,' 7laude said, e$eing the large arra$ of )alua!le erchandise on dis"la$. 'I had no idea the$ were so well attended.'

'.irac$ "a$s )er$ well,' Bliss said gri l$, recalling the chests of "late and s"ecie (u$ had shown her. At first she0d !een disconcerted to realize the$ would !e li)ing off his ill#gotten gains, !ut when she recalled how (u$ had !een treated !$ (erald and her father and ore or less forced to &oin the Brotherhood, it no longer attered.

'There0s <afitte now-' 7laude said, "ointing to a satin#and#!rocade#clad through the throng of "eo"le gathered for the auction.

an swaggering

Bliss had ne)er seen ?ean <afitte u" close and thought hi handso e in a dandified sort of wa$. But she knew !etter than to &udge hi !$ his a""earance. (u$ had told her <afitte could !e )indicti)e and cruel toward those he considered ene ies. Beneath ?ean0s handso e face and "eacock#!right attire la$ a dangerous, ruthless an. She ho"ed he considered (u$ a friend.

the

'Sta$ here with Br$an while I go s"eak with 8r. <afitte,' Bliss said, steeling herself for eeting.

<afitte was s"eaking with a "ortl$ gentle an and his elegantl$ clad wife when Bliss a""roached. <afitte ust ha)e seen her fro the corner of his e$e, for he e%cused hi self and turned toward her.

'8r. <afitte,' Bliss said hesitantl$, ' a$ I s"eak with $ou+'

<afitte swe"t off his hat and e%ecuted a courtl$ !ow. '8ost certainl$, ade oiselle. I ne)er turn awa$ a !eautiful lad$. *hat can ?ean <afitte do for $ou+ Is there so e ite $ou co)et and can0t afford+ 2r a sla)e $ou fanc$+ .erha"s we can strike a !argain, eh+'

Des"ite <afitte0s uns"ectacular height, he was i "osing. His elegant attire wasn0t the onl$ thing a!out hi that was i "ressi)e. S"arkling dark e$es, shoulder#length !lack hair, and neatl$ tri ed ustache co !ined to ake his darkl$ handso e features e ora!le. The cruelt$ &ust !elow the surface was clearl$ discerni!le, howe)er, in the sardonic curl of his full u""er li".

'I0 not here for the auction, 8r. <afitte,' Bliss !egan ner)ousl$. '/ou don0t know $ou do know $ hus!and. (u$ s"eaks of $ou often.'

e, !ut

<afitte0s dark !rows drew together. '/our hus!and+ I do not !elie)e I know an$one na ed (u$. .lease ela!orate, ada e.'

Bliss cast a furti)e glance at the "eo"le illing around the , and <afitte correctl$ inter"reted her need for "ri)ac$. '*alk with e toward the !oats, ada e, where we can s"eak without interru"tion.'

Bliss ga)e hi

a grateful s ile. 'Thank $ou. I0d "refer to kee" our con)ersation "ri)ate.'

'And so it shall !e.' He led her off to the !oats, awa$ fro the crowd ins"ecting the erchandise. ',ow, what can I do for $ou and $our hus!and+ /ou said I know hi .'

Bliss nodded eagerl$. '/ou know hi

as Hunter.'

<afitte0s e%"ressi)e face registered sur"rise. 'Indeed I do know Hunter.' He looked "ast Bliss to where Br$an and her father stood waiting. 'Ah, $ou0)e !rought Br$an with $ou, I see. I carried !oth Br$an and his father to ,ew 2rleans a!oard $ shi". And $ou ust !e the wo an he told e a!out. *hat kind of trou!le has Hunter gotten hi self into now+'

A delicate "ink stained Bliss0s cheeks. She wondered what (u$ had told <afitte a!out her. But she couldn0t worr$ a!out that now5 she had ore i "ortant atters to deal with.

'I understand (u$ has confided in $ou a!out his "ast.' <afitte nodded. 'Do $ou recall his entioning a an na ed (erald 3aulk+'

' Oui, I re e !er. 3aulk hired an assassin to kill Hunter. If I didn0t ha)e a skilled surgeon on (rande Terre, Hunter would ha)e died. Unfortunatel$ the doctor wasn0t a!le to sa)e Hunter0s e$e. *hat has 3aulk done now+'

'He has a!ducted (u$ and is holding hi

"risoner in his warehouse.'

'3or what "ur"ose+'

'He wants (u$ to confess to !eing a "irate and has used torture to ake hi co "l$. ,ot onl$ does he want to collect the !ount$ on (u$0s head, !ut he intends to arr$ e after (u$ is hanged for his cri es. He will use $ inheritance to re!uild his !usiness. I dare not a""eal to the 7it$ (uard. So eone ight get sus"icious and in)estigate (u$0s "ast.'

'So $ou ca e to

e for hel",' <afitte said, stroking his

ustache.

'There was no one else,' Bliss choked out. 'I can0t lose (u$ again. He0s !een se)erel$ !eaten5 (od knows what condition he0s in. He0s a stu!!orn an, he0ll ne)er sign a confession.'

'How do $ou know all this+' <afitte asked, a""arentl$ unwilling to co he knew all the facts.

it hi self until

'3aulk sent for $ father. 3ather was su""osed to !ring Br$an and e to the warehouse. 3aulk intended to use us to ake (u$ sign the confession. <ord knows what 3aulk would ha)e done to us if 3ather hadn0t had a change of heart and told e what 3aulk intended.'

'H , sounds sus"icious to e,' <afitte used. 'Hunter told e $our father was against $our arriage, that !oth (ren)ille and 3aulk "lanned his de ise. Are $ou sure $ou can trust $our father+'

'It was difficult at first, !ut I; I !elie)e hi ,' Bliss said, ho"ing she hadn0t trust. 'He sa$s he0s sorr$ for hurting e and wants to ake a ends.'

is"laced her

'*hat is it $ou wish of

e+' <afitte asked.

'I need $our hel" to rescue (u$. *ithout a confession, 3aulk can do nothing to hurt (u$, and (u$ will ne)er sign such a da ning docu ent. He0d die !efore !ringing sha e u"on his fa il$. The torture will continue and (u$ could die. *ill $ou hel" us+'

'/our (u$ still !elongs to the Brotherhood, des"ite the fact that he no longer "lies his trade.

I will endea)or to rescue hi !ecause I hold a s"ecial fondness for $our hus!and and son, ada e. Do $ou ha)e a "lan+'

Bliss was so grateful, she wanted to fall on her knees and thank hi !ut knew it would e !arrass !oth of the . 'I ha)en0t "lanned !e$ond the fact that I want (u$ rescued !efore it0s too late,' Bliss said.

'<et e find .ierre and e%"lain things to hi ,' <afitte said. 'He can handle things here while I return to (rande Terre for $ shi". /ou will acco "an$ e, of course. *e can discuss "lans as we tra)el down the canal to Barataria.'

'*hat a!out 3ather and Br$an+'

'Bring Br$an. 0Tis !est he0s not left in the cit$ where 3aulk can find hi . *e don0t know to what lengths 3aulk is willing to go to ake Hunter sign the confession.'

'And

$ father+' Bliss asked.

'Does 3aulk still !elie)e $our father is doing his !idding+'

'3ather thinks so. There is so ething else that ight !e hel"ful. 3aulk thinks (u$ and I had a; isunderstanding shortl$ !efore (u$ was a!ducted.'

<afitte thought a o ent, then said, 'Send $our father !ack to the warehouse. Tell hi to sa$ that $ou refused to acco "an$ hi to the warehouse !ecause $ou0re angr$ and don0t care what ha""ens to $our hus!and. That "lo$ ight confuse 3aulk, or send hi searching for another wa$ to force (u$ to sign.'

'3aulk will resort to ore torture,' Bliss whis"ered shakil$. 'I don0t want (u$ to suffer an$ ore than he alread$ has.'

'It0s a chance we0ll ha)e to take.'

'6er$ well,' Bliss agreed worriedl$. 'I0ll s"eak to 3ather.'

'8eet e !ack here with Br$an. *e0ll take one of the "irogues !ack to (rande Terre for $ shi". B$ to orrow night $ou0ll ha)e $our hus!and !ack or $ na e isn0t ?ean <afitte. I assu e $ou know where 3aulk0s warehouse is located.'

'/es, !ut I0ll ask 3ather for directions &ust to

ake sure.'

'Ah, there0s .ierre,' <afitte said, raising his hand to hail his !rother. '(o and s"eak to $our father, ada e.'

Bliss allowed Br$an to ins"ect a ta!le laden with aside to s"eak with hi in "ri)ate.

erchandise while she "ulled her father

'8r. <afitte is going to hel" us, 3ather,' Bliss said in a hushed )oice. 'Br$an and I will acco "an$ hi to (rande Terre and sail a!oard his shi" to ,ew 2rleans. I don0t know how he intends to rescue (u$, !ut he see s confident.'

'He can do it if an$one can,' 7laude said sagel$. '*hat a I acco "an$ $ou to (rande Terre+'

I to do in the

eanti e+ Shall

',o, 8r. <afitte wants $ou to return to the warehouse and tell 3aulk $ou couldn0t "ersuade e to acco "an$ $ou. He knows (u$ and I had a isunderstanding a few da$s ago. Tr$ to con)ince 3aulk that I don0t care what ha""ens to (u$. <afitte thinks that "lo$ will throw 3aulk0s "lans into disarra$. But I0 afraid, 3ather. *hat if he resu es his torture of (u$+00

'/our hus!and is a strong rescue atte "t.'

an. He0ll sur)i)e. 8eanwhile, I0ll atte "t to alert hi

to the

'That0s what 8r. <afitte had in uch.'

ind. 2h, 3ather, don0t let the

kill (u$. I lo)e hi

so

'8ore than (u$ De/oung+'

'/es,

ore than (u$ De/oung.'

It was true, she realized. She0d lo)ed the $outhful (u$ De/oung with the !udding lo)e of an i ature girl. *hat she had with (u$ Hunter was a dee", enduring lo)e, a lo)e with none of the giddiness or uncertaint$ of $outh.

'I0ll do what I can, Bliss,' 7laude "ro ised. 'Trust

e.'

Bliss kissed hi on the cheek. 'Thank $ou, 3ather. Tell !efore I collect Br$an and &oin 8r. <afitte.'

e e%actl$ where to find (u$

7laude ga)e Bliss s"ecific directions and watched as she and Br$an cli !ed a!oard the "irogue. Then he returned to the carriage for his tri" !ack to the cit$.

(u$ felt as if his !ack were on fire. His gut ached and he knew his face ust look a !lood$, swollen ess. His e$e"atch had !eco e dislodged and with his hands tied !ehind hi , he hadn0t !een a!le to "ush it !ack into "lace.

(u$ re e !ered little of what had ha""ened after he0d "assed out, e%ce"t that he could ha)e sworn he0d heard 7laude (ren)ille0s )oice. ?ust what I need, he thought as he shifted unco forta!l$ on the cold da " floor, another of $ ene ies &oining the ga e.

(u$ shifted again, groaning when his raw !ack scra"ed against the wall u"on which he was leaning. He saw S>uint and 8ont$ watching hi as the$ ate the food 3aulk had !rought the . His outh watered hungril$ !ut he wouldn0t gi)e the the satisfaction of asking for so ething to eat.

3aulk had !een in earlier, de anding that he sign the confession, and had left in a rage when (u$ once again refused to sign. But (u$ e%"ected hi !ack, for he ne)er sta$ed awa$ long. As if that thought had con&ured u" his i age, 3aulk stalked into the warehouse fro his office. He wasn0t alone. 7laude (ren)ille was with hi , and the$ a""eared to !e arguing a!out so ething.

(u$ listened intentl$ to the angr$ words fl$ing !ack and forth !etween his ca"tors. His attention shar"ened when he heard Bliss0s na e entioned.

'Da n $ou, 7laude- I can0t trust $ou to do an$thing. *hat in the hell a I going to do now+ *ithout Bliss and the !o$, Hunter will ne)er agree to sign the confession. *e0re "au"ers, 7laude- I ho"e $ou like the feeling.'

'/ou a$ !e a "au"er, (erald, !ut I0 not,' 7laude asserted. 'I0)e found a !u$er for $ "lantation. I sold it lock, stock, and !arrel. The new owner wanted it so !adl$ that he "aid off the note at the !ank and ga)e e enough one$ to !u$ a s all "lace in town.'

'Bastard,' 3aulk hissed. 'There is no ho"e of finding a !u$er for $ ho e, it was re"ossessed !$ the !ank $esterda$. I was allowed to take nothing !ut $ clothing and a few "ersonal ite s. I0)e !een reduced to li)ing in a single roo at the .ontal!a Ar s.'

'I0

sorr$, (erald,' 7laude said.

',ot sorr$ enough, a""arentl$. I0 without funds, ruined, and it0s all that !astard0s fault,' he raged, sta!!ing a finger at (u$. 'I asked one little thing of $ou, 7laude, and $ou failed e. Didn0t $ou i "ress u"on Bliss the i "ortance of acco "an$ing $ou here+ Did $ou tell her that her hus!and0s life de"ended u"on her coo"eration+'

'A""arentl$ the$ had a falling out. Bliss doesn0t see 7laude clai ed.

to care what ha""ens to hi ,'

'A I going to ha)e to stor threatened.

Bliss0s house and take her and that !rat !$ force+' 3aulk

(u$ ca e to life when he heard the threat. 'Touch one hair on their heads and $ou0re a dead an, 3aulk-'

3aulk ai ed a )icious kick at (u$0s ri!s, laughing when (u$ grunted in "ain and dou!led o)er. '/ou0re in no "osition to ake threats, Hunter. I0 des"erate. The !ount$ I collect for $ou will ena!le e to reclai $ "lantation fro the !ank. I0 going to en&o$ seeing $ou hang for $our cri es. Bliss will !e a widow, and I0ll clai !oth Bliss and her inheritance after $ou0re dead.'

(u$ ga)e a wo!!l$ s ile. '/ou ha)e to ha)e "roof first, and I0 confession.'

not in the

ood to sign a

'/ou will !e when I return with Bliss and her son. I think $ou0d do an$thing to "rotect the ,' he said sl$l$. 'I0d hate to ha)e to hurt the , !ut $ou0re gi)ing e no choice.'

(u$ tried to surge to his feet, !ut 3aulk "ushed hi !ack down. 'Da n $ou- How dare $ou threaten $ fa il$+' He directed a ale)olent glare at 7laude. '*hat kind of father are $ou+'

'7laude will do as I sa$, Hunter,' 3aulk clai ed. 'Don0t e%"ect hel" fro

hi .'

7laude flushed !ut said nothing.

'8ont$ and I should encounter no trou!le gaining entrance to the house. /ou can !e da n sure I0ll ha)e Bliss and her son with e when I return. /ou wouldn0t like to see the hurt, would $ou+ I "redict $ou0ll !e eager to sign that confession.'

'*hat do $ou want

e to do+' 7laude asked.

'Sta$ here and kee" S>uint 7o "an$. /ou can hel" hi guard Hunter. If I0 tonight, $ou and S>uint can !ed down on the "allets I0)e "ro)ided.'

not !ack

'I0 sick of this warehouse,' S>uint gru !led after 3aulk de"arted. 'I ain0t had a drink in three da$s, or a wo an in longer than that. And I ain0t seen an$ of that !lunt 3aulk "ro ised.'

Suddenl$ 7laude saw a chance to redee hi self in his daughter0s e$es. '*h$ don0t $ou go out and ha)e a little fun, S>uint+ I0ll take care of things here while $ou0re gone.'

7laude allowed hi self to ho"e as S>uint considered his suggestion. But S>uint thought !etter of it, for he shook his head, shattering 7laude0s ho"es.

ust ha)e

',aw, 3aulk wouldn0t like it. *hen the wo an and kid gets here, Hunter will sign >uickl$ enough, and I0ll ha)e one$ in $ "ocket again.'

7laude0s the wa$.

ind worked furiousl$. There had to !e so e wa$ to let (u$ know hel" was on

(u$ listened to the con)ersation in gri silence. He0d !een &u!ilant when 7laude had returned without Bliss and Br$an and was "roud of her gu "tion. Refusing to acco "an$ her father to the warehouse had !een a guts$ o)e on her "art. He didn0t e)en care that Bliss hadn0t co e to his aide !ecause she was angr$ with hi . He a""lauded her stu!!ornness e)en though it eant she hadn0t forgi)en hi .

(u$ saw 7laude rise and a""roach hi , !racing hi self for further a!use. Since his ca"ture he0d !een kicked, "unched, and whi""ed. He sus"ected 7laude wanted his turn.

'*hat are $a gonna do+' S>uint asked when he saw 7laude crouch down !efore (u$.

'S"it in his face,' 7laude said, "retending anger.

'Be

$ guest,' S>uint guffawed as he turned !ack to the

eal.

7laude hawked u" a wad of s"ittle and ade a noise with his outh, "retending to let it fl$ into (u$0s face. (u$ flinched, !ut his e$e narrowed in sur"rise when his face re ained undefiled.

Then he saw 7laude stiffen and stare at his face as if he0d &ust seen a ghost. *hat 7laude did ne%t utterl$ !affled (u$. He !ent low and whis"ered, 'Be "re"ared. Hel" is on the wa$.'

'*hat+'

'Bliss and Br$an are safe. ?ean <afitte is'

His sentence ended a!ru"tl$ as S>uint lurched to his feet and stalked o)er to the . '*hat are $ou two &a!!ering a!out+ (et awa$ fro hi , (ren)ille.'

'I was cursing hi ,' 7laude i "ro)ised.

'Didn0t sound like no cursing to

e,' S>uint

uttered.

7laude rose reluctantl$, tr$ing to con)e$ a silent

essage to (u$ with his e$es.

The look (u$ returned ga)e no indication that he had understood 7laude0s co Actuall$, (u$ had heard e)er$ word.

unication.

(u$ had distinctl$ heard 7laude ention <afitte !efore his words had !een a!ru"tl$ cut off !$ S>uint. *here did <afitte fit into the sche e of things+ ,othing ade sense.

'(ren)ille,' (u$ called out to the older life was in danger+'

an. '*hat did Bliss sa$ when $ou told her

'She said she didn0t care what ha""ened to daughter to ake her so angr$+'

$ou,' 7laude re"lied. '*hat did $ou do to

'It was a s all

isunderstanding,' (u$ e%"lained.

(u$ found it i "ossi!le to !elie)e Bliss cared so little for hi . ,a$, that didn0t ake sense at all. Bliss lo)ed hi , he had to !elie)e that. He had hurt her, he knew, !ut he "ra$ed that Bliss realized he0d !een s"eaking fro anger and &ealous$ the night the$ had argued.

That thought ga)e hi s all co fort as he fretted o)er the "ossi!ilit$ that 3aulk ight actuall$ hurt Bliss and Br$an should he refuse to sign the confession. He felt so da n hel"less.

*ithout Bliss and his son, life wouldn0t !e worth li)ing.

7ha"ter Eighteen

3aulk !urst into the warehouse the following da$ in a rage. 8ont$ followed close on his heels, looking as disgruntled as 3aulk. 3aulk arched directl$ to (u$ and ga)e hi a )icious kick in the ri!s.

(u$ groaned as he heard a loud crack, and "ain e%"loded through hi . He knew that at least one and a$!e two ri!s had fractured !eneath 3aulk0s !ooted foot. But the "ain wasn0t nearl$ as great as his relief. He0d fretted ost of the night, fearing that 3aulk0s "lan to a!duct Bliss and Br$an would succeed. Seeing 3aulk arri)e without either of the ade hi &u!ilant, des"ite the "unish ent he knew he0d ha)e to endure !ecause of it.

'She0s gone-' 3aulk ranted. '*e !roke into the house after all the lights went out and found the fa il$ !edroo s e "t$. *e waited outside the house for Bliss to return, !ut she ne)er showed u". *e re ained until it !eca e o!)ious that she wasn0t co ing !ack.'

'I0 glad,' 7laude contended, thankful that Bliss and Br$an were with <afitte. 'I can0t !ear the thought of ha)ing $ daughter hurt again.'

3aulk turned on 7laude, his face ugl$ in his rage. 'This is $our fault, 7laude- /ou should ha)e forced Bliss and the !o$ to acco "an$ $ou here. Instead, $ou let her sli" out of our hands. How in the hell a I su""osed to con)ince Hunter to sign the confession without "ro"er induce ent+ He would ha)e agreed to an$thing to kee" Bliss and the !o$ safe. /ou0re &ust a audlin old an who can0t control his own daughter.'

'.erha"s $ou should let Hunter go,' 7laude suggested.

'<et hi go- Are $ou craz$+ He0d kill e without the slightest hesitation.' A ner)e twitched in 3aulk0s &aw and his e$es !urned with rage. 'Either Hunter signs the confession and dances at the end of a ro"e or he dies right here in $ warehouse.'

He glowered at (u$. '*hat0s it to !e, Hunter+' he asked, his )oice raising shrill$. 'Are $ou going to sign or shall we co ence with the flogging+'

'(o to hell-' (u$ gas"ed. 'I0ll ne)er sign that da ning "iece of "a"er.'

'String hi

u", !o$s,' 3aulk ordered.

',ow $er talking, 8r. 3aulk,' 8ont$ said as !oth he and S>uint hastened to o!e$. The$ hefted (u$ to his feet and attached his !ound wrists to the hook, turning hi to face the wall. Then 8ont$ s iled and reached for the riding cro", sla""ing it against his "al with resounding enace.

7laude ste""ed forward in a last#ditch effort to sto" the . 'The /ou0)e alread$ "ro)ed that torture isn0t going to change his ind.'

an has suffered enough.

'He hasn0t suffered nearl$ enough,' 3aulk snarled. 'He0s sunk $ shi"s, stolen $ cargoes, and "ut e out of !usiness. I still don0t know wh$ he singled $ shi"s out for attack when shi"s fro other lines got through unscathed.'

'Don0t $ou+' 7laude asked cr$"ticall$.

(u$ listened to all this through a haze of "ain. His ar s were leaden, his !ack was on fire, and his ri!s were a constant ache within his chest. But he was lucid enough to hear and wonder a!out (ren)ille0s state ent. It sounded as if (ren)ille was actuall$ arguing for his life5 strange !eha)ior for so eone who had once wanted nothing ore than to !e rid of hi .

'*e0re read$, 8r. 3aulk,' 8ont$ said, swishing the riding cro" !ack and forth through the stagnant air.

3aulk sent a threatening glance at 7laude. 'I0ll take care of $ou later. .roceed, 8ont$,' he ordered, turning !ack to (u$ with a ale)olent s ile.

(u$ sucked in his !reath, waiting, wondering how long he could endure another flogging without "assing out. His teeth and fists were clenched, his e$es tightl$ closed when the first stroke whistled through the air and landed on his !ack. He !it his !otto li" nearl$ through to kee" fro cr$ing out. The ne%t stroke dragged a groan fro hi , and after that he lost count.

The "ain;

His !od$ was a thro!!ing "illar of agon$, no longer hu an, not $et dead. Then the !eating sto""ed and he was swallowed !$ !lessed darkness.

,ight had fallen when the Carolina sli""ed into a !erth !eside the >ua$. ?ean <afitte was at the hel , aneu)ering the shi" into "lace. Bliss stood on the "row with Br$an, watching an%iousl$ as the shi" co "leted the docking "rocess. She had argued that she should acco "an$ <afitte to 3aulk0s warehouse, !ut <afitte had flatl$ refused, insisting that she re ain safel$ a!oard his shi" with Br$an. Bliss didn0t know how she would !ear the waiting, !ut for Br$an0s sake she knew she ust.

*hen the docking was co "lete, <afitte aterialized at her side. He no longer a""eared the dand$. He looked deadl$ and dangerous5 ar ed to the teeth with sword and "istols.

00I0 taking two en,' <afitte said. '8ore than that will !ring the 7it$ (uard out. The go)ernor has !anned Baratarians fro the cit$. Unfortunate deaths ha)e occurred during free# for#all fights with 8ississi""i flat!oat en and 9aintucks. Ro!!eries and fires ha)e !een !la ed on $ en whether or not the$ are res"onsi!le, and the citizens of ,ew 2rleans ha)e asked the go)ernor to !ar Baratarians fro entering the cit$.'

He ga)e a snort of disgust. 'The citizens !u$ our goods, $et cla or to ha)e us declared outlaws. .ierre and- Are still welco e in so e of the !est ho es, !ut we cannot enter the cit$ without an outcr$ !eing raised. 0Tis !est to kee" $ nocturnal )isit as >uiet as "ossi!le.'

'I wish I were going with $ou,' Bliss sighed. 'I0 !een se)erel$ !eaten !$ 3aulk0s hench en.'

so worried a!out (u$. 3ather said he0s

'3ear not, ada e, $our hus!and will !e with $ou soon. If he is not in good health, I will "ersonall$ see to (erald 3aulk0s "unish ent.'

Bliss watched in ho"eful antici"ation as two stalwart "irates &oined <afitte and descended the gang"lank. 8o ents later the$ reached the le)ee and !lended into the shadows. 3aulk0s warehouse was !uilt o""osite the le)ee, and Bliss knew it wouldn0t take long for <afitte to locate it. And e)en less ti e for the "irate to rescue (u$ fro the three en holding hi "risoner.

'Do $ou think 8r. <afitte can find .a"a+' Br$an asked after the night.

en had

elted into the

'I0

sure of it,' Bliss said, tr$ing to re ain cheerful for Br$an0s sake.

'I ho"e .a"a is all right.'

'I0

sure he is, lo)e.'

'*h$ would an$one want to hurt .a"a+' Br$an wondered.

'There are !ad en all o)er the world,' Bliss said for lack of a !etter e%"lanation. 'Think good thoughts. .a"a will !e !ack with us soon.'

Bliss wanted to "rotect her son fro an$ ugliness that ight occur and thought it !est to send hi !elow to the ca!in until e)er$thing was resol)ed and (u$ was !ack safel$. She s"otted Do!!s, <afitte0s $oung ca!in !o$, and called to hi .

Do!!s hastened forward. '*hat can I do for $ou,

a0a +'

'.lease take Br$an !elow, Do!!s. There occu"ied.'

ust !e so ething down there to kee" hi

'A$e, "rotests.

a0a ,' Do!!s said, taking Br$an0s hand and leading hi

off des"ite the !o$0s

2nce Br$an was gone, Bliss turned her gaze toward the shore, worr$ etching her s ooth !row. B$ now <afitte and his en would !e at the warehouse, and she uttered a "ra$er for their success.

(u$ had regained consciousness !ut re ained still. He0d !een released fro the hook and was now l$ing on the floor. He o"ened his good e$e. It was night. He knew it !ecause of the !lackness reflected against the high windows and the circle of candlelight s"illing o)er the en seated on the floor with their !acks resting against a stack of crates.

He saw 8ont$ and S>uint and 7laude, !ut not 3aulk. He turned his head slightl$, felt the a!used uscles of his neck and shoulders "rotest, and stifled a groan as "ain e%"loded through hi . His hands felt like chunks of raw eat attached to his ar s. He la$ otionless, resting and regaining his strength, "ainfull$ aware that the !eatings would !egin again when 3aulk returned.

Ti e "assed slowl$. His e$e half closed, (u$ watched the three en, waiting for so eone to ake a o)e. He was sur"rised when he saw 7laude rise cautiousl$ and o)e toward hi . (u$ waited with !ated !reath, e%"ecting 8ont$ or S>uint to interfere, and was grateful when the$ didn0t.

'The$0re slee"ing,' 7laude whis"ered, s>uatting down !eside (u$. *hen he !randished a !lade !efore (u$0s face, (u$ feared his da$s on earth were a!out to end. He released a long# drawn#out sigh when 7laude erel$ slit the ro"es !inding his wrists together.

Blood rushed to his ar s and hands. The "ain was e%cruciating, !ut (u$ gritted his teeth and fle%ed his fingers until the "ain su!sided so ewhat.

'*h$ are $ou doing this+' (u$ asked hoarsel$.

'3or $ daughter. To atone for all the "ain and heartache I0)e caused. 0Tis onl$ right that $ou and Bliss should !e allowed to raise $our son together.'

The !reath sla

ed fro

(u$0s lungs. '/ou know+'

'A""arentl$ 3aulk didn0t 0recognize (u$ De/oung, !ut I did,' 7laude confided. '2h, not ediatel$. It wasn0t until $our e$e"atch sli""ed that I recognized $ou.'

(u$ was stunned5 then he !eca e angr$. 'A I to !elie)e that $ou suddenl$ regret what $ou did se)en $ears ago+' he asked sardonicall$. 'I find that hard to credit. /ou wanted e dead !adl$ enough to hire an assassin to kill e. *h$ the sudden change of heart+'

'I had nothing to do with the assassin,' 7laude clai ed. '<eft to e, I would ha)e had the arriage annulled right after the child was !orn and forgotten a!out $ou. But 3aulk wasn0t satisfied with that. He wanted $ou "er anentl$ done awa$ with so Bliss would !e free to turn her affection elsewhere.'

'/ou ga)e our son awa$,' (u$ hissed.

'A$e, I0 guilt$ of that and dee"l$ regret hurting !oth Bliss and the !o$. I0)e et Br$an. He0s a fine lad des"ite the difficulties he0s encountered during his $oung life. Br$an knows what I0)e done to hi , and I ho"e one da$ he0ll find it in his heart to forgi)e e.'

(u$ sat u" gingerl$, fle%ing his hands, heartened when he felt

o!ilit$ returning.

'/ou0re free. 7an $ou walk+'

'I think so. Do $ou ha)e a wea"on+'

',a$, &ust the !lade I used to free $ou.'

'(i)e it to

e. I

ight need it.'

'/ou0re in no condition to ake it out of here on $our own. <isten,' 7laude said5 leaning close, 'there0s a "lan afoot. Hel" is on its wa$.'

in

(u$ ga)e hi a "uzzled look. 'Hel"+ *hat are $ou talking a!out+ *ho would risk his life $ !ehalf+ Hel" e u"5 3aulk ight return at an$ ti e.'

'.lease, (u$, listen to

e for once.'

'There0s no ti e. ?ust "ro ise ake it.'

e $ou0ll kee" Bliss and Br$an safe fro

3aulk if I don0t

'/ou ha)e

$ "ro ise,' 7laude said, '!ut there0s no need'

The sound of a""roaching footste"s !rought 7laude0s words to an a!ru"t halt. Both turned in the direction of 3aulk0s office.

en

'Da nation-' (u$ hissed as he returned to his "osition on the floor and thrust his ar s !ehind his !ack as if the$ were still !ound. 'It0s 3aulk. Puick. (et !ack to $our "lace.'

'*hat are $ou doing there, 7laude+' 3aulk roared as he stor ed into )iew.

'?ust wanted to see if he was still ali)e,' 7laude said, scuttling awa$.

'*ha; *hat0s the

atter+' 8ont$ asked, !linking awake.

'I thought I told $ou to sta$ awake,' 3aulk groused. 'I0

not "a$ing $ou to slee".'

'*e gotta slee" so eti e, 8r. 3aulk,' S>uint

uttered, ru!!ing slee" fro

his e$es.

3aulk0s attention turned to (u$. 'An$ trou!le fro

Hunter+'

',aw, he ain0t flog hi again+'

o)ed a

uscle. *e ain0t !een slee"ing long, I swear it. /a want us to

3aulk didn0t answer. Instead, he walked o)er to (u$ and "oked hi with his foot. '*ake u", Hunter. Shall S>uint !egin the flogging again+ 2r are $ou finall$ read$ to coo"erate+'

Hunter "ushed hi self u", resting his !ack against the wall as he glared u" at 3aulk. 'Do $our worst, 3aulk, I0 not signing a da n thing.'

(u$ grew a""rehensi)e when 3aulk leaned closer to stare at his face. He knew his e$e"atch was no longer in "lace. 3aulk said nothing for a )er$ long ti e. Then (u$ saw 3aulk0s e$es narrow in sudden co "rehension, and he realized that 3aulk had finall$ guessed his secret. 3aulk0s hand streaked aggressi)el$ forward and (u$ flinched, assu ing that 3aulk eant to strike hi . But 3aulk had other intentions. *ith a flick of his wrist, 3aulk ri""ed off (u$0s e$e"atch and flung it awa$.

'(ood (od- I know who $ou are-' 3aulk shouted. '/ou should !e dead. How in hell did $ou esca"e the assassin+ *ho is !uried in $our gra)e+'

'The assassin $ou sent to kill e,' (u$ said, s iling des"ite the twinge of "ain it caused. 'A fitting end for hi , wouldn0t $ou sa$+'

'It will gi)e e great "leasure to finall$ "ut $ou in that gra)e where $ou !elong,' 3aulk said, drawing a "istol fro his "ocket and ai ing it at (u$0s heart. 'Sa$ $our "ra$ers, (u$ De/oung. /ou0re a hard an to kill.'

fro

Two things ha""ened at the sa e ti e. The gun discharged into the air as (u$ kicked it 3aulk0s hand, and three ar ed en !urst into the warehouse.

'*here are $ou, mon ami +' called a )oice that (u$ recognized instantl$.

'<afitte-' (u$ called out. So that was what 7laude had !een tr$ing to tell hi .

3aulk, stunned !$ <afitte0s une%"ected )isit and deter ined to end (u$0s life, gras"ed the hilt of his sword and "ulled it free fro the sca!!ard stra""ed to his waist. (u$ !arel$ had ti e to fend off 3aulk0s initial attack as he rolled sidewa$s, causing 3aulk0s !lade to thud into the floor scant inches fro his head. Then he !rought his ar s fro !ehind his !ack, wielding the short !lade 7laude had gi)en hi . It was woefull$ inade>uate co "ared to 3aulk0s ore su!stantial sword, !ut it was all (u$ had.

3aulk raised the sword and launched another attack. (u$ dodged and slashed forward with his own !lade, groaning when his cracked ri!s "rotested the sudden o)e ent.

'How in the hell did $ou get loose+' 3aulk hissed. ',a$, don0t tell wasn0t it+ As soon as I0 finished with $ou, I0ll take care of hi .'

e. 0Twas 7laude,

(u$ was far too occu"ied to answer. But he wasn0t the onl$ one fighting for his life. 3ro the corner of his e$e he saw S>uint and 8ont$ lea" to their feet to defend the sel)es against

<afitte and his en. The$ fought a losing !attle. *ithin down and la$ on the floor in a widening circle of !lood.

inutes the two had !een cut

'I0

co ing, mon ami , hang on,' <afitte cried as he rushed to (u$0s defense.

',a$, stand !ack-' (u$ warned as he lea"ed aside to "arr$ 3aulk0s ne%t !low. 'I0)e waited too long for this o ent. 3aulk is ine.'

'Be careful, mon ami ,' <afitte cautioned. '/ou look as if $ou0)e gone through hell. Here,' he said, tossing (u$ his own trust$ !lade, 'use this.'

(u$ caught the sword handil$, then s"un around to deflect 3aulk0s u"ward thrust. The sudden "ain caused !$ the shar" o)e ent !rought a gri ace to his face, !ut he gritted his teeth and concentrated on 3aulk0s ne%t o)e. (u$ knew he was courting death !$ taking on 3aulk in the condition he was in, !ut the thought of so eone other than hi self killing 3aulk was o!&ectiona!le.

(u$ could tell that 3aulk was growing des"erate. His o)e ents were &erk$, his e%"ression one of unrestrained hatred. And he looked frightened.

(u$ felt hi self tiring, !ut he refused to gi)e u". He was weak and hurting and hungr$ enough to eat sawdust, !ut he knew that so ewhere inside hi self he0d find the strength to defeat his a)owed ene $. He0d waited se)en long $ears for this da$, and now re)enge was his. That thought e "owered hi as nothing else could.

(u$0s good e$e followed the erratic "ath of 3aulk0s !lade, waiting for the o ent 3aulk lowered his guard so he could deli)er the lethal !low. The o""ortunit$ ca e a!ru"tl$ when 3aulk crouched and feinted, "re"aring to sink a killing thrust into (u$0s gut.

'Die, $ou one#e$ed !astard-' 3aulk screa ed as he lunged forward for the kill.

(u$ saw it co ing, "re"ared for it, and retaliated with deadl$ accurac$. He danced sidewa$s and sucked in his gut as 3aulk0s !lade issed hi !$ scant inches. *hile 3aulk was still in a forward lunge, (u$ !rought his sword around and u"ward, sinking it into 3aulk0s left shoulder, &ust a!o)e his heart. He0d ai ed for 3aulk0s heart, !ut 3aulk0s o entu had carried his !od$ lower than (u$ had antici"ated and he0d issed his ark. 3aulk0s !lade clattered to the floor as he clutched his shoulder and staggered !ackward.

'*ill $ou finish hi

off, mon ami ,' <afitte asked in a !ored )oice, 'or shall I+'

(u$ stared down at 3aulk. He had fallen to his knees, head !owed, !lood running through his fingers onto the floor, and suddenl$ 3aulk0s death no longer see ed i "ortant. All (u$ wanted was to find Bliss and Br$an, take the ho e and s"end the rest of his life with his fa il$. Since gi)ing u" "irac$ he0d not taken a life, nor done an$thing else that would sha e his children. And now, after $ears of "atience, of "la$ing cat and ouse with 3aulk0s shi"s, he couldn0t kill the an in cold !lood and still e%"ect Bliss and Br$an to res"ect hi .

I0

00I0 finished with killing, ?ean,' (u$ said wearil$. '3aulk0s death will !ring e no honor. free now. <ook at hi . He0s a defeated an. He a$ e)en die of his wounds.'

'Are $ou sure+' <afitte asked. 'It would take little effort to end his

isera!le life.'

'I0 sure. Thank $ou for co ing to $ rescue. E)en if I had slain 3aulk, 8ont$ and S>uint wouldn0t ha)e allowed e to li)e. /ou arri)ed in the nick of ti e. How did $ou know where to find e+'

Suddenl$ 7laude ste""ed out fro !ehind a crate, where he had watched the one#sided !attle fro a safe distance. 'Bliss and I tra)eled to 'The Te "le0 to find <afitte,' he e%"lained. '*e had no one else to turn to.'

'This was Bliss0s doing+' (u$ said, stunned. 'After the wa$ I treated her, I didn0t think she0d e)er want to see e again.'

'Bliss ne)er sto""ed lo)ing $ou, (u$ De/oung,' 7laude said. 'I0 glad $ou found one another again. I want $ daughter to !e ha""$, and if $ou0re the an she wants, I0ll not interfere this ti e. There ha)e !een too an$ lies, too uch sadness in her short life.'

'<et0s get out of here,' <afitte said. '/our wife is waiting for $ou a!oard $ shi". She has "ro!a!l$ chewed her fingernails to the >uick !$ now.' He "laced an ar around (u$0s shoulder.

'<et

e hel" $ou, mon ami . /ou don0t look too well.'

'Truth to tell, ?ean, I feel like hell.' The sword"la$ with 3aulk had e%hausted hi . His entire !od$ was a ass of "ain, and he didn0t e)en re e !er ha)ing lost his e$e"atch when 3aulk had ri""ed it awa$.

'<et0s go,' <afitte said, su""orting a staggering (u$ as the$ left the carnage !ehind.

Still )er$ uch ali)e, 3aulk lifted his head, his e$es glittering with rage as he watched the en walk awa$, lea)ing hi to die. But he wasn0t going to die, he )owed. His wound was serious, not fatal. He rose, swa$ed unsteadil$, then see ed to rall$. All his woes had !egun and ended with (u$ De/oung, and this ti e he intended to "ut (u$ De/oung !ack in the gra)e where he !elonged.

3aulk had ore on his ind than Bliss or one$. ,othing less than De/oung0s death would satisf$ hi now. This ti e he0d ake da n certain the an et his aker. But first he needed to tend to his wound !efore he !led to death. He re o)ed his coat and shirt with difficult$, ade a "ad of his shirt, and "ressed it against the wound a!o)e his heart. Then he "ulled on his &acket and !uttoned it. The tight gar ent held the co "ress fir l$ in "lace, effecti)el$ stanching the !leeding. Satisfied with his handiwork, 3aulk found his sword on the floor and staggered out of the warehouse.

MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN MN

Bliss "aced the deck, "eering into the ist$ darkness for a gli "se of <afitte and (u$, "ra$ing unceasingl$ for (u$0s well#!eing. An%iet$ gnawed at her as long, fretful inutes "assed, turning into a half hour, then an hour. Suddenl$ the watch ga)e a shout and Bliss0s heart nearl$ thudded to a sto" when she saw fi)e dark figures e erge fro the dark shadows and a""roach the shi".

She recognized (u$ i ediatel$. He was leaning hea)il$ u"on <afitte, their ste"s slow and deli!erate. She watched with tre"idation as <afitte gentl$ lowered (u$ to a crate while the others, sa)e for her father who re ained !ehind, continued on to the shi". Bliss ran to the gang"lank4 to await the arri)als, !lood roaring in her ears, her heart !eating a wild tattoo.

The two "irates who had acco "anied <afitte ashore hit the deck first. <afitte followed close !ehind. Bliss would ha)e flown down the gang"lank to (u$ if <afitte hadn0t gras"ed her ar to sto" her.

'A word first, ada e,' <afitte said. '/our father is with Hunter, or (u$, if $ou will. He0s in no danger of d$ing !ut he0s in need of a doctor0s care. .erha"s $ou should consider returning to Barataria with e and letting $ surgeon see to hi . The choice is $ours. I didn0t want to !ring hi a!oard until I knew $our "reference.'

Bliss swallowed "ast the lu " growing in her throat. 'How !adl$ is he hurt+'

<afitte shrugged. 'His !ack will need attention. 3aulk !eca e o)erzealous with the whi".'

'There0s

ore,' Bliss guessed, reading !etween the lines.

'He a$ ha)e a cracked ri! or two. And don0t !e shocked !$ the swelling around his e$es and cheek!ones. There0s nothing that won0t heal with ti e.'

'I don0t know how to thank $ou,' Bliss said tearfull$. '*hat a!out (erald 3aulk+ Is he;+'

'He was still ali)e when we left the warehouse. I would ha)e run hi through, !ut $our hus!and wouldn0t let e. *hen we left, he was !leeding rather "rofusel$ fro a wound deli)ered !$ $our hus!and. I don0t know where Hunter found the strength, !ut he "erfor ed agnificentl$.'

'I should like to return ho e, 8r. <afitte,' Bliss decided. '8and$ has considera!le knowledge of healing, and since (u$ has no serious wounds, we will trou!le $ou no further.'

'As $ou wish. Do $ou need hel"+'

I0

'I0ll send 3ather for a hackne$. 2ur ho e isn0t far fro here5 we can e)en walk if need !e. going down to (u$ now. *ould $ou send Br$an to us+ *e0ll wait for hi on the le)ee.'

'I0ll send hi down with Do!!s,' <afitte said. 'Adieu, ho"e it will !e under ha""ier circu stances.'

ada e. Should we

eet again, I

He kissed her hand and went !elow for Br$an. Bliss "aused at the to" of the gang"lank and gazed down at (u$. He saw her and rose slowl$, as if o)e ent "ained hi . Then he started forward to eet her. 7laude ade as if to follow, !ut (u$ said so ething to hi , and he turned and walked down 8arket Street. To hail a hackne$, Bliss su""osed.

Bliss0s heart sang with &o$ as each ste" carried her closer to (u$. (u$ a""eared to gain strength and his ste"s see ed to drag less as he walked u" the gang"lank to eet her. The$ et in the center, and suddenl$ she was in (u$0s ar s, cr$ing and laughing at the sa e ti e.

'Are $ou all right+' Bliss asked, tears strea ing down her cheeks.

'I a now,' (u$ said on a ragged !reath. 'I0 sorr$, Bliss. 7an $ou e)er forgi)e e+ I was a &ealous fool for not trusting $ou. I would ha)e returned and told $ou sooner, !ut I !eca e careless and let $self !e taken !$ 3aulk0s en.'

'Don0t e%"lain, (u$, it0s not necessar$. I know $ou lo)e

e as

uch as I lo)e $ou.'

'/ou0re a wise wo an, Bliss De/oung. Shall we get our son and go ho e+'

He hugged her again, as if loath to let her go. Bliss hugged hi !ack, too choked for coherent s"eech. Through a )eil of tears, she ha""ened to glance o)er (u$0s shoulder and saw a figure detach itself fro the shadows and walk toward the . At first she thought her father had found trans"ortation and was co ing to tell the . She looked awa$ a o ent as she disengaged herself fro (u$0s ar s.

'I think 3ather has returned,' she said, glancing !ack at the a""roaching figure.

'(ood, and I see Br$an at the to" of the gang"lank with Do!!s.'

<afitte0s cr$ ca e without warning. He had !een standing on the >uarterdeck, watching the touching reunion.

' 6on ami, look out-'

(lancing once again o)er (u$0s shoulder, Bliss saw (erald 3aulk "ounding u" the gang"lank, wielding a sword. Rational thought fled, and Bliss reacted s"ontaneousl$.

Scant seconds !efore 3aulk0s !lade would ha)e e !edded itself in (u$0s )ulnera!le !ack, Bliss ga)e her hus!and a hard sho)e. (u$ dro""ed hea)il$, grunted in "ain, and rolled down the gang"lank, tri""ing 3aulk on his wa$ to the !otto . 8o entu carried 3aulk forward, toward Bliss, his !lade thrust out in front of hi . It all ha""ened so fast Bliss had nowhere to go. 3aulk0s sword "ierced her thigh cleanl$. She screa ed and staggered !ackward, right into the ar s of ?ean <afitte, who had left the >uarterdeck at a run when he realized the danger.

Bliss didn0t re ain long in <afitte0s ar s. <afitte handed her to one of his crew en, who had followed hi down the gang"lank, and turned his attention on 3aulk, who had regained his feet and was starting down the gang"lank to finish (u$ off.

His li"s curling into a snarl, <afitte shouted a challenge to 3aulk. '/ou0ll not find lenient as $ good friend. En garde-'

e as

Bliss watched the unfolding dra a in a haze of "ain and dis!elief as the crew an "laced her on her feet. Her thigh thro!!ed. She could feel wet, stick$ !lood dri""ing down her leg and her head s"un dizzil$, !ut she wouldn0t allow herself to "ass out until she knew (u$ was safe. She wasn0t worried a!out <afitte5 he could take care of hi self. All her fears were for (u$, who la$ still as death at the foot of the gang"lank. All her en it$ was for 3aulk, the an who had "ut her through se)en $ears of hell. She ho"ed (od would forgi)e her, !ut she wanted 3aulk dead.

Her sight was di ing now, !ut she clung to the sailor like a lifeline, a!sor!ing his strength, refusing to faint. Her stu!!ornness was rewarded when she saw <afitte feint to the right and !ur$ his !lade in 3aulk0s heart. 3aulk stu !led sidewa$s, then tu !led o)er the edge of the gang"lank into the roiling ri)er,

That was the last thing Bliss re e !ered.

7ha"ter ,ineteen

A "ersistent ra$ of sunlight sta!!ed at Bliss0s closed e$elids. In an effort to esca"e the anno$ing distur!ance, she turned her !od$ awa$ fro the light and groaned when she felt a shar" &a! of "ain.

'<ie still, sweetheart.'

Bliss recognized (u$0s )oice and forced her e$es o"en. It took se)eral inutes for her )ision to clear !efore she saw his !elo)ed face. His !row was creased into a worried frown, and she noted with sur"rise that his e$e"atch was issing. She raised her hand and gingerl$ touched a fingerti" to the "uckered scar that ran diagonall$ fro a!o)e his !row to &ust !elow his e "t$ e$e socket.

(u$ gentl$ gras"ed her wrist and "ulled her hand awa$. Bliss sensed his e !arrass ent and didn0t "ersist. 'How do $ou feel+' (u$ asked.

'I hurt. *hat ha""ened+' Her gaze left his swollen face and tra)eled down his !od$. 'I re e !er now. (erald tried to kill $ou again. I saw $ou l$ing at the foot of the gang"lank and thought $ou were dead.' Her !row furrowed in concentration. 'How was I hurt+ Is Br$an all right+'

She tried to sit u", felt a sta!!ing "ain in her u""er right leg, and touched the thick !andage swathing her thigh.

'Br$an is fine,' (u$ assured her. 'He0s "la$ing on the !each with the other children.'

'.la$ing on the !each+ 7hildren+' She sounded confused.

'*e0re on (rande Terre, in <afitte0s house. <afitte took us a!oard the Carolina and !rought us here to recu"erate. His doctor is skilled in treating wounds.'

'How was I wounded+ I don0t re e !er

uch a!out it.'

'I didn0t see it $self, !ut ?ean told e it ha""ened )er$ fast. /ou sa)ed $ life when $ou "ushed e out of the wa$ of 3aulk0s sword. Unfortunatel$, $ou took the wound 3aulk intended for e. His !lade "ierced the flesh$ "art of $our thigh.'

Bliss0s hands flew to her sto ach, e%"elling a ragged sigh when she felt the s all !ulge !eneath her shift.

'The !a!e is fine,' (u$ assured her. 'The doctor said he was ne)er in an$ danger.'

'Thank (od. Is 3ather here+'

',a$, he returned to our townhouse to reassure the ser)ants and infor !usiness ac>uaintances that we0re on an e%tended hone$ oon.'

our friends and

'3ather trul$ is sorr$ for all the heartache he caused us,' Bliss confided. 'He told e that $ou were (erald0s "risoner and ad)ised e to flee with Br$an. If not for 3ather, (erald0s "lan to !ring e and Br$an to the warehouse would ha)e succeeded. /ou would ha)e signed the confession to sa)e our li)es, !ut that wouldn0t ha)e sa)ed $our life. /ou would ha)e !een hanged.'

',ow we trul$ ha)e a second chance to find ha""iness together. It0s not going to !e eas$ to turn $ life around, !ut I0 willing to tr$ for the sake of $ou and our children. I lo)e $ou, Bliss. The o ent $ou walked into $ life again, I knew $ lo)e for $ou had ne)er died, des"ite se)en $ears of den$ing $ feelings. I con)inced $self that aking $ou $ ca"ti)e was a fitting retri!ution. I intended to "ut $ !a!e in $our !ell$ and send $ou !ack ho e in disgrace.'

'/ou ust ha)e hated e a great deal,' Bliss said. She could readil$ i agine the "ain he0d suffered o)er the $ears to ake hi the hard, )indicti)e "erson he0d !eco e. 'I0)e seen the scars on $our !ack. I know how !adl$ $ou were hurt.'

'I su""ose I did hate $ou, until I saw $ou again. Then it was ine)ita!le that I would fall in lo)e with $ou all o)er again. It was as certain as the sun rising and setting, and I was swe"t u" !$ the forces of destin$.00

He took in a fortif$ing !reath and continued. 'I should ha)e told $ou who I was in the !eginning. I0)e hurt $ou in countless wa$s. I ho"e $ou can find it in $our heart to forgi)e e.'

'How can I not+ E)en when I knew $ou as Hunter, I lo)ed $ou. There were so an$ si ilarities !etween $ou and the an I thought I0d lost fore)er that I !egan to >uestion $ own sanit$. /our laugh, the wa$ $our e$e turned fro gra$ to "ure sil)er when $ou ade lo)e to e, the wa$ $ou tilted $our head when $ou s iled, the dee" resonance of $our )oice. 8$ heart recognized $ou long !efore $ ind dared to ho"e.'

'I ha)e uch to ake u" to $ou and our son,' (u$ said. 'Br$an is an e%ce"tional child. He turned out re arka!l$ well for a child whose for ati)e $ears were controlled !$ Enos Hol es. I swear to $ou that fro now on Br$an and our future children will ha)e a ho e and sta!ilit$ and all the lo)e the$ need.'

'*hat a!out

e+' Bliss asked teasingl$.

'That goes without sa$ing. /ou0re $ lo)e, $ life, $ future. There isn0t a an ali)e who lo)es a wo an ore than I lo)e $ou. I0)e done so ething I ho"e will ake $ou ha""$.'

'*hat ha)e $ou done+' Bliss asked curiousl$.

'How would $ou like to li)e in the "lace where $ou grew u"+'

Bliss0s heart constricted. '*hat are $ou talking a!out+'

'I disco)ered that $our father had "laced his "lantation on the arket. *hen his !usiness dealings with 3aulk failed, he o!tained a second ortgage on his land. It was in danger of !eing re"ossessed if he couldn0t sell it. I instructed $ agent to offer $our father a deal he couldn0t refuse. It was a fair offer, lo)e.'

Bliss was stunned. 'I don0t know what to sa$. I lo)e the "lantation and all its "eo"le, and I know Br$an will too. Does 3ather know $ou0re the !u$er+'

'He does now. I told hi !efore we left the cit$, and he0s acce"ted that it0s no longer his. He0s sta$ing at our townhouse during our a!sence.'

'That was )er$ generous of $ou,' Bliss said, !linking !ack tea . 'I0)e ne)er lo)ed $ou ore than I do right now.'

Bliss0s gaze returned to (u$0s sightless e$e, her e%"ression gra)e as she studied the da age done !$ the assassin0s !lade. (u$ turned his face, a""arentl$ una!le to !ear what he ust ha)e considered Bliss0s "it$.

',o, don0t turn awa$ fro

e, lo)e,' Bliss "leaded as she turned his face toward her.

'It0s hideous,' (u$ res"onded. 'I0 sorr$ $ou ha)e to see e like this. 2ne of <afitte0s wo en is aking another "atch to re"lace the one 3aulk tore awa$ in the warehouse. I shouldn0t ha)e let $ou see e like this, !ut I wanted to !e here when $ou awakened.'

'It0s not hideous,' Bliss huffed indignantl$. She raised herself u" slightl$ and kissed his closed lid. 'It0s "art of $ou and I lo)e e)er$thing a!out $ou.'

'Dr. Rochet re o)ed the da aged e$e and sewed the lids together when <afitte !rought e to Barataria. I was se)erel$ in&ured and !arel$ ali)e. So eone fashioned a "atch for e and I0)e worn it e)er since. It0s a "art of e now, I0ll ne)er a""ear in "u!lic without it.'

'Then wear it if $ou ust, !ut know that it isn0t for $ sake. *ith or without the "atch, $ou0re still the an I lo)e.' She searched his swollen face, concern irrored in the de"ths of her tur>uoise e$es. 'How !adl$ did (erald hurt $ou+'

(u$ shrugged her concern awa$. 'A cou"le of cracked ri!s, a lacerated !ack, a few !ruises. ,othing that won0t heal. /ou didn0t ask e a!out 3aulk. *ould $ou like to know what ha""ened to hi +'

Bliss sighed. 'I was sa)ing that for last. ?ust thinking a!out hi dead. I saw <afitte skewer hi and watched hi fall in the ri)er.'

akes

e ill. I know he0s

'<afitte killed hi . His !od$ ne)er rose to the surface. (ood riddance, I sa$.'

'It0s sad in a wa$,' Bliss said. ',one of this would ha)e ha""ened if (erald and 3ather hadn0t o!&ected to our arriage. /ou wouldn0t ha)e turned to "irac$, (erald would still ha)e a "ros"erous !usiness, and Br$an would ha)e !een raised !$ "arents who lo)ed hi .'

'*e can0t change the "ast, sweetheart,' (u$ contended. 'But we can control our future. ,o one will e)er hurt $ou again, I swear it.'

'*hen can we go ho e+' Bliss wondered.

'I thought we ight go on a short cruise !efore returning ho e. <afitte has generousl$ offered to loan us one of the "rize shi"s he kee"s hidden in the Back Ba$. *e !oth need ti e to heal, and I want to return to .ine Island for the chests I left !ehind when I de"arted.'

'I0d lo)e to return to .ine Island,' Bliss said drea il$. 'Are $ou certain it0s safe+ (as"arilla is still out there.'

'B$ all accounts, (as"arilla is "la$ing hide and seek with the A erican ,a)$,' (u$ said. '.irac$ no longer e%ists as we once knew it. I saw the end co ing and was s art enough to get out with $ skin intact. (as"arilla won0t gi)e u" without a fight. He0ll continue to terrorize the (ulf and die a )iolent death for his o!stinac$. It ight not !e this onth or this $ear, !ut it0s co ing.'

'Thank (od $ou0re no longer in)ol)ed,' Bliss !reathed gratefull$. 'How soon can we lea)e+'

'A few da$s. As soon as the doctor sa$s $ou can tra)el. That will gi)e e ti e to get a crew together. *e0ll sail under the A erican flag5 that should gain us a easure of safet$.'

'Br$an will lo)e the island.'

'I want to ake lo)e to $ou on the !each, !eneath the full oon, with the stars reflected in $our e$es and the sun#war ed sand heating $our skin. It0s !een a long ti e, sweetheart, and I need $ou des"eratel$.'

Her e$es s"arkled with ha""iness. '<ie down !eside

e.'

He shook his head. 'I don0t dare. /ou0re still too sore and I0 &ustice. But soon, lo)e, )er$ soon.'

too weak to do either of us

He !ent his head and !rushed her li"s with his. Though the touch was feather#light, Bliss felt her li"s tingle and !urn, and wanted ore. She gras"ed his head !etween her "al s and drew it !ack down toward her li"s. (u$ chuckled and gladl$ o!liged, dee"ening the kiss as he half reclined on the !ed and drew her into his ar s.

She felt a shudder go through hi as he disengaged her ar s fro around his neck. 'This is e%actl$ what I was tr$ing to a)oid,' he said in a )oice raw with need. '*hen $ou0re full$ recu"erated, I "ro ise $ou0ll ha)e no co "laints concerning $ ardor. I intend to kee" $ou in $ !ed and in $ ar s until $ou !eg e to lea)e $ou alone.'

'Is that a "ro ise+' Bliss asked archl$.

'I gi)e $ou

$ word on it.'

%ine )sland

Bliss sat on a tuft of grass with her !are feet !uried in the war , sugar#white sand, watching the sun set o)er .ine Sound. She watched, enthralled, as the huge red !all di""ed !elow the horizon, scattering dia onds o)er the s"arkling water.

Since the shi" had arri)ed at .ine Island se)en da$s ago, Bliss0s reco)er$ had !een nothing short of iraculous. (u$0s swollen face had returned to its nor al contours and he s"orted a new e$e"atch. His ri!s weren0t co "letel$ healed $et, !ut he e%"erienced onl$ inor twinges of disco fort fro ti e to ti e. As for Br$an, he was deliriousl$ ha""$ e%"loring the island.

Bliss sighed contentedl$ as she watched the sun all !ut disa""ear, creating a !reathtaking can)as of !lood#red s"lashes on a "ur"le !ackground. She felt as if she were sitting on the edge of the world as a shi ering oon re"laced the sun. The sound of footste"s crunching in the sand distur!ed her intros"ection, and she s iled as (u$ dro""ed down !eside her.

'I thought I0d find $ou here,' (u$ said.

'But for the trill of night !irds, the !uzz of insects, and the sound of the sea, it0s so >uiet I can actuall$ hear $self think,' Bliss said. '/ou and I could !e the onl$ "eo"le in the world right now.'

'Ta rah was here,' (u$ said con)ersationall$.

Bliss nodded. *hen the$0d arri)ed, she0d !een sur"rised to see Ta rah waiting on the deserted stretch of !each that had once held a !ustling )illage.

'*as she alone+'

',a$, To as was with her.'

'The$0)e reall$ taken a shine to Br$an,' Bliss said. 'B$ the wa$, where is the little sca "+ I thought he was on the shi" with $ou.'

'Ta rah wanted to take hi ho e with her to eet her "eo"le, and I consented. She0ll !ring hi !ack to orrow.' His ar s went around her, "ulling her against hi .

'Re e !er what I said a!out

aking lo)e !eneath the

oon and the stars+'

Bliss0s !reath lodged in her throat. The$ hadn0t ade lo)e for weeks. She was all healed now, and so was (u$. She couldn0t i agine wh$ he was holding !ack. She0d thought it was !ecause of her e%"anding girth and ho"ed he wasn0t the kind of an who didn0t en&o$ aking lo)e to a "regnant wo an. She didn0t want to !elie)e it of hi !ut could think of no other reason wh$ he hadn0t touched her, though the$0d sle"t in the sa e !ed e)er$ night.

'I re e !er. I was wondering if $ou did.'

I0

'I0)e forgotten nothing I0)e e)er said to $ou. I0)e !een waiting a long ti e for this going to ake lo)e to $ou now. Here. In our own "ri)ate "aradise.'

o ent.

He undressed her slowl$, then laid her down on the war sand. 8oonlight reflected against her skin, aking it as lu inescent as a 3lorida "earl. Her )i!rant hair ri)aled the sunset. Her sto ach was gentl$ rounded with her "regnanc$, and her slender legs were long and sha"el$. Her !reasts were ri"e and full and ti""ed with large, dark ni""les. E)er$thing a!out her e%cited hi , and he thro!!ed with antici"ation as his gaze flowed o)er her like war hone$.

3ierce, hot desire "ounded through hi as he ade lo)e to her with his e$es. His outh literall$ watered for a taste of her as he leaned forward and trailed tin$ ni""ing kisses down her throat and across her !reasts. He inhaled her sweet aro a as his tongue lingered lo)ingl$ on her ni""les, tracing wet circles o)er the "rotruding !uds, sa)oring her taste, her scent, finding her delicious.

He felt her shudder, heard her ake unintelligi!le noises dee" in her throat as he took a full, ri"e ni""le into his outh and suckled. She arched her !ack, as if offering herself u"on the altar of his adoration as his hands "la$ed u"on her heated flesh.

Her uted cries and churning hi"s created a fe)er inside (u$ as he slid his hand o)er her sto ach to the a"e% of her legs, co ing to rest on the oist li"s of her se%. She called out his na e when he slid one finger along the outer sea , o"ening her to his inti ate caress. Then he thrust a thick finger inside her, setting off )i!rations within her that nearl$ !rought hi to cul ination.

Desire hot and des"erate !urst through Bliss. She was wet with it, nearl$ need to feel hi e !edded dee" inside her.

ad with the

'(u$, "lease-' The hunger, the urgenc$, was al ost ore than she could !ear. She clawed at his clothing, wanting to feel hi against her, hot flesh to hot flesh.

'A$e, sweetheart, 0tis ti e,' he grated, sounding nearl$ as des"erate as she.

Together the$ tore off his clothing until he was gloriousl$ nude, his hard, wildl$ aroused erection "rodding against her thigh. She was >ui)ering uncontrolla!l$ as he la$ full length u"on her, her !reasts against his chest, her legs against his. She o"ened her thighs to hi and raised her hi"s, in)iting hi without words to enter her heated center.

',a$, not this wa$,' he "anted hoarsel$ as he got to his knees and eased her onto her sto ach.

7onfused, Bliss s>uir ed and ur ured a "rotest when he lifted her !otto folded her legs !eneath her and "ositioned hi self !ehind her.

in the air,

'Don0t !e afraid, lo)e,' he whis"ered raggedl$. 'There are "leasure. ,othing is wrong !etween hus!and and wife.'

an$ "ositions in which to find

*hen he did nothing !ut stare at the dew$ "etals of her se%, she wiggled i "atientl$ and "ushed herself !ackward against hi . She heard hi groan, then felt his shaft o"ening her fe inine "assage. She cried out, "leasure "ounding through her as he thrust his erection dee" inside her )el)et softness, sheathing hi self co "letel$. Then he gras"ed her hi"s and rocked her gentl$ !ack and forth on her knees, each thrust !ringing hi dee"er, tighter, until ra)aging "leasure filled her e)er$ "ore, consu ed her e)er$ thought.

He !egan slowl$, then >uickl$ gained s"eed, "lu !ing her dee"l$, his te "o !eco ing hard and fast and frenzied. Bliss felt a tu ultuous !egin inside her, e%"anding to a wild crescendo as her cries rose to a high, sweet wail. The tightness inside her grew, !eco ing so intense Bliss could no longer contain it within her !od$. A wild, keening cr$ e%"loded fro her lungs as she shattered and soared to sweet o!li)ion.

8o ents later she heard (u$0s hoarse cr$, felt his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her !uttocks, rocking her against his groin. His shaft thro!!ed dee" within her, and then she felt the hot s"urt of his seed filling her.

,either of the o)ed for se)eral long inutes as the sound of hea)$ !reathing stirred the air around the and "leasure undulated through the , drenching the in the heat of their lo)e. She was still dazed when (u$ withdrew fro her, gentl$ turned her, and laid her u"on the war sand. Then he stretched out !eside her and took her into his ar s, holding her close as she floated !ack to realit$. She o"ened her e$es and s iled at hi .

'I lo)e $ou, Bliss,' he whis"ered against her li"s. 'I0 going to de)ote the rest of $ life to "ro)ing I0 worth$ of $ou and our children. I know $ou don0t a""ro)e of $ ill#gotten gains, !ut it wouldn0t !e "ractical to lea)e $ re aining wealth !uried on this island. I0)e ade a decision I ho"e will "lease $ou. *hat do $ou think a!out gi)ing a "ortion of the one$ I0)e accu ulated to the <ittle Sisters 2f 7harit$ to start an or"hanage+ I don0t e)er want our children to feel sha e for what I0)e done in the "ast.00

'I won0t tell the if $ou won0t,' Bliss ur ured contentedl$ as she snuggled dee"er into the cur)e of his !od$. 'I think an or"hanage is a wonderful idea.'

'7onsider it done. ,ow, in our !ed+'

$ sweet !ride, shall we go !ack to the shi" and

ake lo)e again

'The night is war , the oon is !right, and I don0t want to wait that long. <o)e e now, $ !old "irate. But first, re o)e $our e$e"atch. There is no need to hide $ourself fro e. E)er$thing a!out $ou is "erfect.'

He sli""ed his e$e"atch o)er his head and tossed it onto the sand. Bliss stared at hi and !linked, con)inced that the oonlight was "la$ing tricks on her. She no longer saw (u$0s terri!le scars. The$ had disa""eared as if !$ agic, and !oth of his !eautiful sil)er e$es were o"en and regarding her with heartrending tenderness.

She s iled drea il$. In the e$es of lo)e, an$thing was "ossi!le.

E"ilogue

(u$ "ushed the doctor aside at the last o ent and caught his child as it slid fro Bliss0s !od$. He knew such !eha)ior was frowned u"on !ut he didn0t care. He0d issed Br$an0s !irth and uch of his childhood and was deter ined to !e on hand e)er$ !lessed o ent of this new child0s life. He hugged the s>uir ing !a!e to his chest, so filled with raw e otion, he felt tears rolling down his cheeks.

A$e, tears fro a refor ed "irate who had once !een so feared that "eo"le shuddered in terror at the )er$ ention of his na e.

'.ut the child down, 6iscount,' the doctor ordered curtl$. '0Tis ti e to tie off the cord and deli)er the after!irth. This is highl$ irregular. 8ost en are content to re ain well awa$ fro the !irthing roo until it0s all o)er.'

'I0 not ost her sto ach.

en,' (u$ said as he knelt at Bliss0s side and reluctantl$ "laced the !a!e on

'Do I ha)e a son or daughter+' Bliss asked groggil$.

'A son, lo)e. A !eautiful !o$ with hair the color of !urnished gold.' ?ust then the !a!e let out a loud wail, his little fists flailing and his legs churning. (u$ ga)e a laugh of "ure &o$. 'It looks as if he0s going to !e as feist$ as his other.'

'Is he health$+ Did $ou count his fingers and toes+'

'He0s !eautiful. All his fingers and toes are intact, and &udging !$ the noise he0s his lungs are strong and health$. *hat shall we na e hi +'

aking,

'H

+' Her e$es were closing as slee" threatened to clai

her.

'A na e, lo)e, what shall we call our son+'

Her lids fluttered o"en and she ga)e hi in the fa il$ is enough.'

a drows$ s ile. 'An$thing !ut Hunter. 2ne "irate