The Sea's Rough Magic Page 15

  He originally had every intention of talking with Captain Johnson but he found himself babbling about the journey, his time in Havana, and every other damn thing he could think up rather than hear that voice again. Worse, he knew the next time Johnson spoke, it would be to tell him how soon he was leaving. The very idea was more painful than salt in a wound. When he looked over at Aaron, the former pirate was listening with a certain amount of intensity though there was a distracted look about him. Maybe he wants to discuss the situation even less than I do, James prayed.

  Eventually, though, the food was gone. The liquid levels in the bottles and ewer on the table drifted lower. When James could eat no more and recognized for himself that he had mentioned what fine weather they had for the journey for the sixth time, he knew it was time. There was only one last thing to do.

  “Shall we adjourn to the salon, Captain?” James asked, rising to offer Aaron his arm. He only partially withdrew it, though, when the thought crossed his mind that Johnson, pirate captain and debaucher of countless, might not appreciate being treated like a lady.

  For a moment, Johnson stared at his offered arm then placed his hand around it to gain his own feet. He seized the rum bottle then gave James a sly smile. “Need t’ keep me pipes workin’, eh?”

  James grinned. “Of course, Cap—.“

  “Call me Johnson, love,” Aaron muttered then his eyes grew troubled. “Unless ye don’t want to.”

  James glanced down into those very blue eyes and wanted to kiss him. He refrained by turning to retrieve his wine-glass and the claret from the table. With a nod of his head toward the foyer, he led his guest to the salon. James placed the claret bottle on a side table then waved his free hand for Johnson to take a seat. Aaron did, perching uneasily on the love seat as if he was afraid he could stain the piece merely by touching it. James started to take one of the reading chairs then thought better of it. He ended up sitting awkwardly toward the front of the davenport, almost exactly as Aaron was sitting. He set his glass down and spoke.

  “I have a confession to make,” Dunbar said with a slight smile. “When you refused to tell me your name all those years ago, I gave you one. I decided you were ‘Raven.’ Ever since then, that’s how I’ve thought about you. I know it’s foolish. My apologies.”

  He heard a strange sound and looked up to see Johnson was chuckling and shaking his head. “Not the worst thing I been called, I suppose. I thank ye fer helpin’ us get free, me an’ the lad. Knew his father, ye know. Good man, jus’ not able t’ settle down like some of ‘em. We-We were close.”

  James said nothing for a while, waiting to see if Johnson would elaborate. Finally, he spoke. “I apologize for what happened all those years ago. I’ve thought it over almost every night and I see no other way that I could have--.”

  Johnson put a hand on his arm and he fell silent, watching him for his response. “No apologies. It’s done and in the past. I- Truth be told, love, ye were far an’ away the kindest t’ me of any that-that McSwain forced into it. I thank ye fer that.”

  For a moment, James stared at him in disbelief. Johnson was thanking him for raping him in a gentler way? It made his skin crawl at the same time that his guts twisted with distaste. Finally, he said, “How-How’s Ike? He was in a bad way when I saw him last.”

  Aaron set his rum aside and rose, walking over to the fire. James followed and set his wine-glass on the mantle. “As well as ye can expect, I s’pose.”

  “And what does that mean?” James couldn’t shake the strange feeling that Aaron was bothered by Ike’s presence.

  Johnson’s eyes grew troubled and he looked away. “He’s not himself no more. Ye should ha’ seen him when they brought him aboard. Proud, strong, as handsome as his father or more. He fought ‘em with ever’thing he had but it wasn’t enough. I should have done somethin’ but--.”

  Johnson turned away, his sudden silence making Dunbar suspect he needed comfort. He rested hands on the shorter man’s shoulders, feeling him tremble violently. “There was nothing you could do. You must not blame yourself. He’s alive, thanks to you. Where there’s life, there’s hope?”

  Aaron turned back to face him, not stepping away, and James grew aware they were close enough to embrace, to kiss. He wanted to move away, to avoid frightening Johnson, but he couldn’t. “Depends on the kind of life. He wants me t’ join him back in Tortuga, ye know.”

  “But what do you want?” James managed to mutter, his throat painfully tight. He grabbed his wine glass and took a large gulp.

  “Me?” Johnson shrugged. “Don’t know, mate. And that’s the problem.”

  “Would you like to try your hand at a trade of some sort?” James felt a tiny prick of hope. “I could perhaps provide you with funds to start a dry-goods. We could consider it an investment and you could pay me back--.”

  Aaron shook his head. “No, Captain, ‘twouldn’t work. Ye saw how I reacted t’ all those people on the dock. Ain’t no better now, despite all yer physic’s hard work.”

  “Perhaps you could write your adventures down and sell the work to a publisher? There are many people who would enjoy reading tales of the high seas. I happen to know the Governor’s daughter here is quite taken with such things.”

  Again, Aaron shook his head. “Not sure my story is one what proper ladies an’ gents ought t’ be readin’. To be honest with ye, James, I didn’t come down here jus’ t’ talk of the future or t’ speak of Mr. Stern. I came here t’ ask ye ought.”

  “Ask,” James whispered, afraid that he would be unable to speak.

  “When ye-ye took me, on the Maid, ye were very good t’ me. I,” Johnson had to swallow hard and the eyes that met James’s were full of fear with a touch of hope. “I don’t suppose ye had some-some feelin’s fer me? Like ye might want t’-t’ be with me again?”

  For James, the words were manna from heaven. He had wondered ever since they rescued Johnson how he would broach the subject. He had hesitated primarily because he didn’t know if Johnson would be in any way interested. For over half a decade the man had been the victim of a madman’s cruelty. It would not have been unreasonable for him to want nothing to do with other men or even humans in general, plus he seemed so devoted to Ike Stern.

  “I’m glad you asked,” James began, his voice still hushed. “It’s been over five years since that happened. I’ve been promoted to Captain and may soon be raised even higher. I’ve had a number of encounters with lovely women and a few with handsome men. I’ve even thought about marriage with a young woman of my acquaintance. But every night, when I fall asleep, there is only one face that comes to my dreams. And that face belongs to the one I only knew as Raven, for his raven-dark hair. He showed me kindness and sympathy, decency and humanity even in the midst of what must have been an agony for him. I have dreamed of the day when I could make up to him for what transpired and prayed I could have his forgiveness if not his affection in return. So, my answer is ‘yes,’ but only on the condition that this is mutual. If you have no regard for me, if you do not want my affection, then please say so.”

  Briefly, James saw Aaron grow wary when he mentioned that his response was dependent upon “one condition.” He’d seen him act that way before under similar circumstances and he wondered what previous “one condition” had affected him so deeply. Aaron shook himself out of it, though, and pulled himself up so he could kiss James, his body pressing hard into the Captain’s. The trembling was even worse now and James felt sobs pouring forth from Johnson. It dismayed him and he tried to draw away. Instead, Aaron shoved himself harder against Dunbar, his hands gripping his uniform until the knuckles were white. Bewildered a bit but grateful, James held Aaron and waited for the flood of emotion to subside. He pressed a kiss to Aaron’s hair, moving a hand up to stroke the nape of his neck under the black locks. The touch seemed to release something inside Aaron and his sobs, which had slowed, resumed with a new vigor. James drew them both back to sit on the love-seat, allowing himself the r
eluctant pleasure of bestowing more kisses and caresses upon Johnson. Patience, he counseled himself. We have a lifetime to come to terms with this. One night won’t matter.

  )O(

  Chapter 18:

  All Hallow’s Eve, 1718

  Aaron managed to gather his composure after a while. Despite the fact that he wanted James and that James wanted him, he knew tonight was not the night for such a thing. He was drained of all energy from the grieving he’d done. James held him tenderly and said nothing. He let his breathing fall into a rhythm with James’, listening to the steady, strong heartbeat. He didn’t know how he would ever repay Dunbar now. The comfort the younger man afforded him by letting him stay in his embrace was worth more to Aaron at the moment than ten ships like the Maid. He was warm, well-fed, and safe—as was Henry’s son, which compounded the debt. He heard the wind moan outside the mansion and James finally spoke.

  “I would hope no one is out tonight. That wind sounds cold.”

  Aaron hesitated then added, “Not t’ mention ‘tis All Hallow’s Eve. The night the dead come back.”

  He couldn’t fight the tremor that ran down his spine at the thought. At one time he would have laughed at that but he’d seen the dead walk among the living. He’d felt the touch of a ghoul’s hand and been violated by deadly cold flesh. He pressed himself harder against James to help drive the memories away.

  “He is dead, well and truly dead. I saw it with my own eyes, Johnson. He cannot come back to harm you,” James whispered.

  Aaron swallowed hard to try to keep the tears from falling again. “I hope ye’re right, love. I jus’ hope Henry don’t decide t’ come take me away.”

  “Henry?” James sounded confused briefly then, “Oh, Mr. Stern’s father. He’s gone too, I’m certain of that. You are safe here.”

  When the wind howled again, Aaron decided he needed to sleep. “Cap-er, James, I’d be obliged if ye would see me t’ my room?”

  He glanced up to see Dunbar’s reaction. The Navy officer smiled gently at him. “My pleasure. Would you like me to sit with you for a while tonight?”

  Aaron blinked at him for a long moment, not sure what he wanted. Then he gave Dunbar a slight, crooked smile. “If ye don’t mind?”

  James nodded and stood, offering his hand to help Aaron gain his feet. As they left the salon, James slid his arm around Aaron to support him. With James’ help, it didn’t take them long to reach Aaron’s room. Once inside, James turned away while Aaron stripped off his shirt and trousers. He replaced them with the linen nightshirt—one of James’ own if the JD monogrammed on the breast was to be believed—and slid between the sheets. James turned back after a few more seconds. The green eyes crinkled nicely at the corners when he smiled.

  “Better?” James asked.

  Aaron nodded, his throat hurting desperately now. When James started to draw up the chair, Aaron shook his head and patted his hand meaningfully on the bed beside him. At that, James nodded and came around to join Aaron on the bed, though he remained atop the blankets. Aaron smiled up at James. Such a good lad, he thought then drew James against him as a child would a ragged but much beloved toy. He managed to sleep when he felt James’ hand stroking his hair. Once he was asleep, he never realized when James left him.

  )O(

  The clock in the entryway was just chiming three a.m. when Ike stepped into Aaron’s room. He still felt a little light-headed from being abed for so long but the fire in his belly for Aaron had finally convinced him to do something. He could tell that Aaron was dreaming by the sounds that he made. Dunbar was asleep just across the hall so he had to keep things as quiet as possible. He drew closer to the bed to see Aaron in the faint light from the window. He looked alive and, unaccountably, happy, which made Ike want him more than ever. Ike knelt beside Aaron on the bed and leaned over him, his lips grazing Aaron’s tenderly.

  “Aaron?” Ike’s voice was soft, lower than usual.

  At the sensation of his lips on Aaron’s, the pirate captain stirred, a frown replacing the sweet smile. Something about the sound of Ike’s voice, though, must have reached Aaron and his eyes opened. Still half in dreams, the sight of Ike must have brought the Lash to mind. Expecting “The Lash” to turn into Angus and the pain to begin, Johnson cried out.

  “No!!”

  Across the hall, James was snapped alert by the sound of Aaron’s call. He threw on his robe and was nearly at the door when another outcry reached him. This one was muffled but the fear it contained was no less apparent.

  He slammed open the door to Aaron’s room and saw Stern standing in the corner restraining Aaron, one hand at the nape of Aaron’s neck, the other across his mouth, muttering quietly to him.

  “No, Aaron, please, don’t do that. I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to be with you, that’s all. Please be quiet--.”

  “Release him immediately,” James snarled.

  At the words, Stern looked up, stunned. “No, you don’t understand. It’s-It’s all right.”

  “No,” James said, lowering his voice despite the fact that they were the only people in the house. “It is not all right. Let him go.”

  Briefly, James thought Ike would protest more or refuse to obey. Instead the young man dropped his hands from Aaron and stepped back. To James’s amazement, Aaron staggered past Stern to stumble up to himself, taking refuge against his chest. Cautiously, James wrapped his arms around Johnson, feeling him shiver with a sinking sensation.

  “I didn’t mean t’ scare him,” Stern groused. “I just wanted to-.”

  James glared at him. “I’m well aware of what you ‘wanted to’ do. Perhaps you don’t understand the gravity of what has happened to Aaron.”

  That caused the golden eyes to spark unpleasantly. “I understand—better’n you, I’ll wager! I was in that bloody bastard’s clutches fer months with Aaron. He used us ‘gainst each other near every day. I so feared he’d kill Aaron.”

  Stern fell silent and let his gaze move to Aaron, who still trembled in James’s arms. “Aaron, ‘tis time. We need t’ be on our way, Captain. Let’s take our leave, hmm?”

  Ike reached for Johnson but he couldn’t look up at him, let alone move out of James’s embrace. After a moment, Dunbar spoke, his voice firm but sympathetic. “Ike, you need your rest. Return to your room and let me get Aaron settled in. We can discuss the situation in the morning when we are all less emotional. Please.”

  For a few seconds, he thought that Stern was going to object. Instead, the youth wilted visibly, his eyes growing distant. He turned and wandered back to his own room, shaking his head dispiritedly. Dunbar started to lead Aaron back to the bed when Johnson stiffened suddenly and pulled away.

  “No, not there,” His horrified eyes met James’. “Not now.”

  James was at a loss. After a few seconds’ thought, he led Aaron to his own room. He tried to dislodge Aaron from his chest but the former pirate would have none of it. Finally, fearing in some measure that Ike would appear in the doorway to see what was transpiring, he helped Aaron into his bed. Aaron refused to let him go so James slid under the blankets with him. He stroked Aaron’s hair and felt him tremble harder.

  “You mustn’t be afraid. I apologize for leaving you. I should never have done so," Hesitant, James lowered his head and brushed his lips across the top of Aaron's head.

  In his arms, Aaron sighed heavily. James closed his eyes and hoped for sleep to visit soon. Instead his eyes opened at the pain in his chest when he heard the soft moans of a former pirate weeping.

  )O(

  “What are ye thinkin'?” The voice was so familiar, he couldn't help but turn to see a fog-shrouded figure.

  “What are you meaning?” He asked, suddenly sensing exactly what the figure was talking about.

  “What ye did t' Aaron, o' course. He never did anythin' t' harm you, so why would you try t' do such a thing t' him?!” The figure moved closer and he knew he had to get away as fast as possible. “Fer shame.”

>   “I didn't do anythin' t' Aaron!” He protested though his voice came out just above a whisper. “I just wanted t'--.”

  “Ye wanted t' have yer way with 'im, din't ye?” The voice was more distinct now and inspired a crawling sensation along his spine. “What were ye thinkin', son?”

  “I love him,” The words came out a little louder than his previous outcry but they were still very quiet. “I just want t' be with 'im.”

  And suddenly, he was in the captain's bunk aboard the Maid. Pleasure spilled through his veins as he repeatedly forced himself into the warm body beneath him. He heard the voice, rough and broken.

  “Please, stop. If ye feel anythin', please let me go!” Aaron sobbed but he couldn't stop.

  “Can't,” That word came out of his mouth loud and clear as he felt the climax coming closer. One more, he thought, just one more.

  It was at that instant that the hand fell upon his shoulder as the familiar voice said, “So pleased t' see ye're takin' after yer ever-lovin' Da, whelp.”

  He looked up, now only aware that Aaron was silent and still beneath him. Rheumy green eyes set in a gray face like fog made him gasp as if punched. “Ye're not my father!”

  McSwain laughed. At that moment, the Lash stepped forward, Aaron cradled in his arms. “Well, ye're no son o' mine! Takin' yer pleasure by hurtin' my Captain—Ye're a vile snake jus' like him! May ye burn in hell.”

  “Wait! Papa, it ain't like what--,” He felt McSwain's hand clamp across his mouth and he was being dragged away, the sight of Aaron and his father fading into blackness.

  He tried to fight but none of his muscles would respond. It didn't stop him from feeling McSwain's member rip up into him again. He tried to scream but his voice was gone again. When he heard McSwain's voice in his ear, he could no longer breathe. “There, there, son, ye're a good lad. Thanks t' you, I got the final revenge on the Lash an' Aaron. Even if Henry could come back, Aaron could never love him because o' what you done, eh?”