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aside before he drew her into the waters with him. The stranger watched her. Her body was sleek and muscled, a perfect sculpture in alabaster, he decided as she vanished beneath the water. He observed the lovers' frolic, his lips on her skin, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, his hands striking her most delicate places. His ears caught the soft husky murmurs of their l.u.s.t. Abruptly the man lifted her onto the rocky edge, spread her thighs and entered her swiftly, the pounding rhythm of his body increasing until her cry of delight filtered up to where the stranger stood on the incline.

Bored with the view, Phillip turned away. He'd seen the like far too often since last eve, having observed the pair in their s.e.xual play from across the avenue. The spygla.s.s was truly a handy instrument, he thought as he swung onto the saddle of his horse and began his cautious descent. The tolling of the church bells had sent the curious to the chapel and the less honorable to Phillip. Little coin had left his purse to discover who had wed. His only adversary was here. On his island, Phillip even owned the house Blackwell and his bride occupied. Phillip owned everyone. And what a lark, he thought with a throbbing in his loins, for Dane's bride to be so lovely and young, "You are a b.l.o.o.d.y fool, Blackwell," he whispered. "You have placed your only weakness at my feet."

Phillip hovered on the fringes of darkness, watch- 331.

ing the pair inside the stable. Dane wasted his time currying the beast while that lovely bit of flesh stood patiently near the doors. Phillip moved silently closer, wanting "a better look at the woman, the soft light and her transparent nightrail giving him a display of her shapely a.s.sets. His gaze honed in on the darkness between her thighs, and his groin tightened sharply. His fingers itched to have her beneath him, any way he desired. And to have Dane know of it in glorious detail. Mayhaps even watch, Phillip considered, then quickly stepped back when she abruptly faced the doors. Unknowingly she moved toward him, her step cautious, her head turning left and right, searching. She lifted the gown, walking off to the right. He smiled when Dane catapulted himself out the doors seconds later, looking very much the panicked husband, calling out to her. So - Black well, your weakness has a name. Tess.

The sun spilled its soft radiance into the chamber as Dane loosened the ties to the transparent netting, allowing it to shroud his sleeping wife in a feathery coc.o.o.n. His gaze slowly drifted over her still features, smooth and flawless, to the cloud of black contrasting against the creaminess of her slim, bare back, to the sheet tucked haphazardly around her hips and that sweetly rounded bottom. The most pa.s.sionate creature he'd ever know. Or will know, he thought with a tired grin. He was exhausted, spent like an old pipe, losing count of the times they'd 332.

made love since vows were spoken. The l.u.s.ty witch, he thought, then reluctantly turned away, donning his shirt, then slipping into his boots. He'd worked up a healthy appet.i.te, now ravenous for something more than his bride, and after stealing one last look at her, he quietly left the room.

He rapidly descended the staircase, frowning when he heard noises from below, and quickened his pace. His nostrils caught the aroma of sausage, and he followed the delicious scent, his mouth watering. When he entered the kitchen, he discovered Higa-san shuffling back and forth between the counter and table, ladling porridge into a bowl, then forking sizzling fat brown sausages onto a plate.

The ancient man glanced up and, with an elegant gesture, directed Dane to the chair. He poured steaming Brazilian coffee into a china cup, then pushed it toward the captain. Dane didn't waste a moment and seated himself, snapping out a napkin and grabbing up the utensils. Tess would be appalled at this breakfast, he thought, slicing pork, then shoving the greasy chunk into his mouth, yet it was far better than the meager finds he had managed on their "midniqht grazing," referring as she had to their foraging through the cupboards last eve. He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor with a moan, then devoted his attention to the meal. He was on his third helping when the back door burst open and Duncan barreled inside, his arms laden with sticks of wood.

"Afternoon, sir," he beamed, then looked past 333.

him, his smile faltering a bit. "The lady, sir, she is not with you?"

"Sleeping, old man, and let her be for a s.p.a.ce."

Duncan chuckled, dropping the wood into a bin. "Tired the la.s.s out, did you?" he teased good-naturedly, dusting his hands on the seat of his breeches.

Dane grunted a noncommittal response, knowing nary a soul would give him peace for staying abed with his bride for more than a day before showing himself. Twould shock the b.l.o.o.d.y lot of them, he decided, if they knew 'twas she who had exhausted him.

Soon after, word went out that the captain wanted his officers a.s.sembled and crewmen accounted for. Unnoticed, Higa-san shuffled in and out with buckets and trays, and as the day progressed, the house gradually filled with men, most holding their heads in their hands, shushing anyone that spoke above a whisper.

"And the location of Captain O'Keefe?" Dane queried, hovering over a sketch of the warehouse as he covered a yawn.

When his question received no response, he glanced up. Men exchanged cautious looks between themselves, their reluctance to offer an answer evident. Dane tossed the graphite on the table, relaxing into his chair. Only his eyes shifted to the Triton's first mate.

"Been holed up in his cabin, sir, since you wed Lady Ren-ah-Mistress Blackwell." The red-haired officer said it as if he was betraying his captain.

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Dane's expression didn't change. Was Ram's heart still bleeding for Tess? he wondered, then quickly cast aside the notion. Ramsey O'Keefe's loyalties with the gentler s.e.x shifted more frequently than the currents of the sea.

"Did not one of you loggerheads bother to see if the man was alive?"

"Aye, Capt'n. Dumped 'im in 'is rack meself," the c.o.xswain answered, his mammoth arms blocking Dane's view as he leaned across the table and s.n.a.t.c.hed a sweet pastry from the platter. "Proved himself a buck of the first 'ead 'afore he winked out tho'," the sailor chuckled as he examined the confection, deciding where to bite first.

Dane groaned. "I suppose I should consider myself fortunate he failed to start another row," he muttered into his coffee.

The room went instantly silent.

Dane cursed viciously, slowly setting down the fragile porcelain, grinding his teeth. "d.a.m.n! 'Tis vital we not bring attention to ourselves. Get me O'Keefe. NOW!" he roared. Men scattered. "And those involved in the brawl are held by the code, confined to the ship and docked a week's pay! Blast!"

His temper had not cooled when the sound of horse hooves thundered outside the house over an hour later. Officers filed inside, expressionless when they saw the look on the captain's face. Dane remained in his chair, toying with the cup handle as Ramsey entered, a huge package wrapped in white cloth firmly in his hands. Grinning from ear to ear, 335.

Ram carefully set the flat parcel aside, then dropped into a chair, slapping Dane on the shoulder.

"Ahh, Blackwell, you've the look of a man well-loved."

Dane turned his head slowly, his expression carved in stone as he said, " "I would take a century to be loved enough by Tess."

"Where is the la.s.s? Don't tell me you've exhausted h - "

"Enough, Ram," Dane gnashed. The man's debauchery would cost them their lives. "My wife's state of wellness is none of your affair."

"Someone mention me?"

Heads swiveled around at the feminine voice, mates leaping to their feet.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," she responded to the greetings, yet her eyes focused on her husband. Her smile was for him alone as she swept into the ma.s.sive kitchen, her command to sit down dropping sailors like obedient puppies onto their seats.

Dane felt a goodly measure of pride as Tess strolled toward him. She took his breath away and, if he calculated correctly, that of every man in the room. Her skin glowed from her bath; her hair, a ma.s.s of smooth onyx, was caught simply off her neck by a thin ribbon. Burgundy satin and heavy lace rustled as she walked, the enticing sound competing with the pounding of his heart.

Dane held out his arm, and she flew to him, kissing him firmly on the mouth, uncaring of the spectators. Her fragrance, of spice and wildflowers, 336.

filled his head, her nearness alone easing the rage that boiled in him.

"I love you," she whispered, yet all heard. "And I you, my sweet," he replied freely, tucking her close to his side.

Tess turned to the group, zeroing in on the man at the opposite side of the table. "Ramsey O'Keefe! Well, I thought I'd find you sprawled on the floor by now." She glanced at Dane. "Your voice carries quite well," she pointed out.

Dane bent his head close. "I apologize, love. Did I wake you?" he whispered into her ear.

Her hand rested on his chest, smoothing the fabric. "No, I missed you lying beside me," she murmured just as softly, and Dane groaned, his grip at her waist tightening.

Unaware of the exchange, Ramsey shifted around the table edge. "Good day to you, la.s.s." He grasped her hand, lightly placing a kiss to the back. "Marriage becomes you." He enjoyed the gentle flush of her cheeks.

"I definitely agree," she said, glancing up at Dane. The smoldering look that pa.s.sed between the couple made men squirm in their seats. "So -what do you have to say for yourself, O'Keefe? This time?" she stressed.

Ram laced his fingers behind his back, looking at the floor. "I fear I've no defense, la.s.s."

"Forget it, Ram. The little-boy act doesn't cut it. Fess up."

Ram grinned, adoring her honest retorts. "If you must know, I've a wedding gift-for Dane." Ramsey 337.

braced the package on the chair, carefully removing the strings.

"If you believe this will soften my anger, O'Keefe-"

She dug her elbow into Dane's side. "Be nice. It's our first wedding gift. And I'll soften your anger," she promised out of the side of her mouth, her gaze on the present.

Ramsey drew the cloth away.

Tess sucked in her breath and stumbled back against Dane, an icy chill snapping down her spine.

Propped on the rustic chair before her was the sole reason she was in this century.

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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN.

The portrait. The same painting she saw in the Rothmere Building, Tess realized, the night she stole the diamonds. And the woman in green was her!

"Ahh, Ramsey. Tis beautiful," Dane said, unaware of her reaction. "The likeness is amazing." Men shuffled, craning their necks for a better look.

As if in a trance, Tess stepped closer, extending a hand.

"Nay, Tess," Ramsey said, gently blocking her touch. " 'Tis still wet."

Her arm fell slowly to her side, her eyes scanning the portrait. She'd forgotten all about it.

" 'Tis a first, I believe, gentlemen," Ramsey laughingly addressed the group. "The la.s.s is utterly speechless."

No response from Tess.

Dane and Ram exchanged puzzled looks.

"Tess?"

Dane's hand touched her shoulder, and she flinched violently, whirling about. She looked like a startled animal, gray eyes round, blank, staring straight through him. Then slowly she focused, her features softening as she was, it seemed, drawn 339.

back into the room with him.

Dane glanced briefly past her to the roomful of men, then said, "What ails you, love?" and gently pulled her from earshot.

"I've seen that painting before, Dane." She gripped his biceps. "In my time. The night I stole the diamonds."

Dane's skin p.r.i.c.kled with cold, his features pulling taut. His gaze shot to the painting as if trying to see beyond the heavy oils, then to Tess and back again to the canvas. His eyes went sharp and narrow; Tess could see his mind clicking the facts into place. His smile nearly lit the room when he returned his gaze to her.

"Did I not say you were destined to be here?" he whispered, slipping his arms about her and pressing her soft curves to his body.

"That sounds suspiciously like an I told you so.'" A black brow rose slowly, his clear pale eyes daring her to contradict him. G.o.d, he was male arrogance supreme. And she decided it was best to ignore it. "You know, I was just as shocked then." She rubbed the fabric covering his arms, wondering how a gift from Ramsey to Dane ended up in the hands of a jacka.s.s like Phalon Rothmere. "That" she nodded to the painting-"is the only reason I was seen and forced to run."

"To me." His smile broadened.

She sighed with mock tiredness. "Have it your way, Blackwell."

"Be most a.s.sured, Blackwell, I usually do." He kissed her, a hard press of his mouth and tongue, 340.

swift and full of possession, then looked over the top of her head. "Thank you, Ram," he said sincerely. " 'Tis a gift I will cherish."

"My pleasure." Ram bowed slightly to his friend.

Tess turned in Dane's arms, leaning back against her husband. "Thanks, Ramsey." She examined the painting. The^image had a sensual quality, soft and mysterious, her gown molded to her by the breeze, the ocean's mist surrounding her bare feet. "Aside from being truly flattered, you'll never know how much this - " Her gaze dropped to the signature. "You painted this?" she burst incredulously.

"I am offended, Tess," he said, straightening his waistcoat and lifting his chin with an injured air. "One would a.s.sume by your tone you believe all my talents lie in - "

"Your breeches," she finished with a c.o.c.ky grin. Masculine laughter filled the kitchen.

"Ann, the sharp tongue of a wife," Ram chuckled, settling his rear against the table ledge and folding his arms. " 'Tis most fortunate 'tis you who must suffer the barbs, Dane, and not I." His smile was sad, a touch envious, and no matter what he spoke, Ram's eyes mirrored his emotions. Dane recognized the hollow ache, for he'd seen it in his own reflection these past years.

The danger and adventure were losing their appeal, the constant defense to the death robbing a man of his more tender feelings. Ram thirsted for something closer to the heart and was fain to forgo his rakeh.e.l.l existence to discover women-beyond the pleasures of his bed. After five and thirty years, 341.

that the secret to capture this still escaped Ramsey's grasp was eating him alive. Dane looked to the canvas. The man had rele'ased his heart in the work; it showed in the tender strokes of the brush. Dane had been ready to love when Tess swept into his life, and now 'twas Ramsey's turn. He need only find a la.s.s willing to endure that l.u.s.ty arrogance. Or, Dane thought with a half smile, gently set it in its place.

" Twas b.l.o.o.d.y near br.i.m.m.i.n.g, Dane, every frig-gin' crate bearing the markings of French, Spanish, English, and American imports. Christ, even the Portuguese have been attacked!"

"Calm down, Ram, we'll get him." Tess patted his shoulder, then leaned over to pour him some more rum. "There's no use in getting your garters in a twist over things you can't change," He made a face at her theory. "Yet."

Dane followed the gentle sway of her hips as she moved toward the kitchen to check on something she called a "pizza." She was certain they'd all love it, yet swore each officer to secrecy. Dane understood 'twas not a family secret, but that Tess had no desire to change history. All Dane knew was that the aroma wafting from the kitchen was heavenly.

"Chow's on," she called out as she entered the parlor, Higa-san and Duncan trailing behind her, each carrying a platter. She set the trays on the table, then arranged napkins and flatware. The officers stared at the red mess on bread dough, cautiously glancing at Dane. It looked repulsive, Dane had to admit, but would not dream of insulting her.

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Her flour-dusted appearance spoke the difficulty she'd undergone to prepare the-the-pie?

"Ohh, Jeez, you big babies," she said when no one made a move. She s.n.a.t.c.hed up a slice and slid it onto a plate. Then, to Dane's horror, she picked it up with her* fingers - something she never did- and chomped into it. Her eyes closed, and she smiled, cheeks bulging. "You don't know what you're missing," she said around the pizza, then chewed. Dane followed suit. His brows shot high into his forehead at the first sample.

"I thought you said you could not cook?" he reminded her after swallowing the first bite.

"I said without electricity," she whispered behind a napkin. "I lived alone, Dane, for over nine years. I had to learn for myself."

Tess served up another slice, then held the plate out to Ramsey. The dare was clear.

He groaned, settling into a chair and obediently taking a bite. His eyes widened, his tongue snaking out to catch the sauce.

" Tis utterly sinful, la.s.s," he mumbled.

"Well, you ought to know all about that," she returned tartly, and he winked at her.

Gaelan moved forward, the remaining men following their captain, a.s.suming if he were still standing, 'twas fine enough.

Tess nodded to the fountaining praise as men devoured slice after slice. She'd worked hard all afternoon, peeling tomatoes for sauce, begging Higa-san for spices, slicing vegetables, pounding the h.e.l.l out of dough, and even conceding to adding sausage to 343.