10

Keira and Olivia went to James’ funeral, knowing Garret had gotten a letter telling him of his brother’s demise. The Duke had done so much for her and her son, it would be an insult not to go. She also knew that since Scarlet never had any children, if Garret didn’t return, Jason would inherit the title and all of Williamshire. Garret never showed, though. The Duke told her he may still come, and her heart wished he did. The Duke had paperwork drawn up for Jason, just in case.

Three days after the funeral, Kiera, Jason, and Olivia had returned to the Williamshire mansion. She sat in the parlor with her friend and son when the butler came in and handed her a small parcel with no note or name. The butler had said a small boy delivered it. Olivia stared at her with wonder.

“An admirer?”

“Hope not.”

She opened it and almost cried. She showed the pendant to Olivia.

“Garret.”

“Father told him about James. Do you think he told him about Jason, too?”

“I wouldn’t doubt it.”

Olivia gave her a tight smile and took Jason up to bed. Kiera sat there fingering the pendant and she noticed it looked the same as when he first gave it to her. He had fixed it and had it cleaned. She clutched it in her hand and then put the necklace on, happy to have it again.

Garret arrived at his father’s estate the day after he delivered the necklace to Kiera. He knew his father would put them in his townhouse. His mother hugged him tenderly and his father brought him to the crypt. They sat on the bench inside and Garret said good-bye to his brother. Garret and his father walked back inside and to his father’s study. They talked for hours and continued for the next four days. Garret had accepted and respected his father’s wishes. He would be titled the next Duke of Williamshire.

“Your son will have the title after you, of course. Have you seen him?”

“No, I haven’t been to…”

“You haven’t been to London?”

“Not to see her.”

“Why not?”

“We didn’t leave on the best of terms.”

“I know. She told us. Even about this Sheila.”

“It’s nothing. I killed her and her father’s crew.”

“You killed a woman?”

“She had been trying to get my bed for months. When Kiera and I grew distant, she thought she saw her chance. When she found out she was pregnant, she tried to have her killed. She was luckily all I did was shoot her.”

“Are you sure the duke will fit you?”

“She told me once she wanted kids with me but thought my life too dangerous to do it. I’m doing this for her.”

“The two of you have always had a deep love for each other.”

“I don’t know if it’s true anymore.”

“It is. She requested to sleep in your room, when she was here, you know.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Garret talked more with his father and signed the documents. His father wanted to retire, and Garret accepted this. They would remain in the large estate while Garret lived in London. He knew he would have to confront Kiera and only hoped to catch her alone. He would leave for London, not knowing his father had sent Keira word ahead of time and told her everything Garret had shared about Shelia and the others. Keira had time to plan, but still had no idea when he would return and hoped Olivia and Jared were home when he did.

He arrived in London two weeks later. He saw Olivia leaving with Jared in the morning and knew Jared had gotten the courage to finally court her. With is new title, the staff had been informed of their new lord. When he came knocking on the door, the butler ushered him in and he went to the study. He sat behind the desk and stared and marveled at the thought that this was all his. He knew he wanted to share it with Kiera, but how to ask her if she would even talk to him. He knew he had to mend things with her and meet his own son. He was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t hear her come in. She was leaning against the door frame when he looked over at the sound of her voice.

“I was wondering when you would be coming.”

“Sorry I’m late.”

“About ten months late.”

“My apologies.”

“You have a son that is almost a year old now.”

“My father told me.”

“Your father told me what you did to Sheila. Is it true?”

“Yes.”

“And that you are the Duke of Willaimshire now.”

“Yes. I want you to be my duchess.”

“Garret, I couldn’t shame you like that.”

“Shame me. How?”

“I’m a divorced wife of a captain.”

“And now you will be a Duchess.”

“Garret.”

Before she could protest any further, he walked to her and gathered her in his arms and claimed her lips in a passionate and longing kiss. It had been over a year since he saw her last and it had been too long. She surrendered to his kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. He let go and walked to the door. He shut and locked it and returned to her and claimed her body and heart once more on his desk. When they were finally dressed again, she led him upstairs. In the cradle laid his son. Jason slept blissfully unaware that his father had come to claim him. He took her by the hand and she tugged him out of the room. She needed more of him and he could tell the look in her eyes. Once inside the Duke’s room, he pinned her up against the wall. He took her lips in a forceful kiss. They both knew they needed this. She gasped as he trailed kisses up and down her neck and proceeded lower. He stopped where her dress started and looked her in her eyes. It hit them both then and they stared at each other. She touched his cheek.

“What is it?”

“The last time I saw your flesh was probably the night Jason was conceived. I just realized that I haven’t seen, touched, or tasted you since before that fight and I left.”

“That was over a year ago, Garret.”

“I know.”

“What’s bothering you?”

“I want to devour and ravish you in ways I have never thought possible in my life.”

“But?”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I want you as my wife first.”

“Are you kidding. Even after what we just did in the study?”

“I know. I just…”

“It’s okay. I’ll leave you to your thoughts, your grace.”

She gave him a formal bow and left him in his chambers. He sat down and rubbed his temples. What the hell was he thinking? He loved Kiera beyond words but had no idea what gave him pause. His body was aching with need and he inwardly cursed himself. After a moment of thinking, he rose and went to find her. He found her in the guest chambers ordering maids and servants to have her things moved to the Duchess’s chambers. When they saw him, they dipped their heads and waited for him to dismiss them. Once they were all out, he shut the door. Just as she was about to ask why he sent them out, she was backed up against the wall. Before she realized what was happening, he had her dress off along with his shirt and trousers. She was pressed up against the wall with his lips branding her as his. She let out a moan as she felt the intrusion of his manhood. They were both consumed by one another in a whirlwind of need and desire. In the study was nothing compared to longing they both felt. She had not been with another since Jason was conceived and he had not touched another woman since their fight. At that moment, she knew nothing else mattered, but the joining of their bodies and she wanted stay in this moment forever. She wrapped her legs around his waist to bring them closer together and he ended up laying them on the bed to bring himself closer and deeper into her. He took her with raw need burning deep within him that he never felt burn so hot for another person before. She moaned and cried out his name as he went faster and harder until she was sure his tip was touching her womb. He constantly held himself deep within her. She cried out as she reached her climax and he saw tears running from the corners of her eyes. He almost stopped until she opened her eyes and he saw love and burning passion there, and it was his undoing as he pressed himself deeper and faster than ever inside her and followed her to a climatic bliss that made his body tremble. He collapsed on top her and then realizing he may be crushing her, rolled to her side. They held each other in a close embrace, gazing in each other’s eyes, searching for the words that need to be spoken until their breathing finally steadied. He ran his fingers through her curls, twisting a few on his finger and she gently touched his face, feeling the stubble playing at his chin.

“What happened to waiting?”

“Decided I couldn’t. Glad I acted impulsively.”

“Me too.”

He kissed her and they both laid there until their peace was broken by the sound of Olivia and Jared shouting in a panic.

“Kiera! Kiera are you here?!”

“Oh no. Did you ever clean the study?”

“No.”

“Kiera! Where are you?!”

“Jared why is the Duke’s chambers opened?”

“Kiera?!”

Kiera quickly dressed and straightened herself as Garret dressed and hid. Kiera came out of the room and scolded the two, acting like she had no clue Garret was there or that they had just made love like never before.

“I know you like playing with Jason, but how about not yelling loud enough to wake him.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I forgot.”

“It’s okay. Now what is with all the yelling?”

“Garret’s back.”

“I knew that. I got his package, remember?”

“No, I mean here in London. Father made him the Duke.”

“We knew that.”

“No, Kiera. Father retired the title and gave it to Garret. He is here in London and more than likely on his way here now.”

“My word, what on earth are we going to do with such short notice? I guess we best see to things before his arrival.”

“I agree.”

“Kiera, the study was trashed.”

“How? No one has been in there and I have been upstairs this whole time.”

They all went to walk down, and she turned and saw Garret poking his head out. He gave a smile and a wink. Playing tricks on everyone like when they were children made him feel like he was home and where he belonged. He climbed out the window to the balcony and down the steps. He went around to the front of the house and approached the door and knocked. Olivia and Jared paled, and Kiera held her breath. Olivia called all the servants, not knowing that they already knew. Kiera gave them all a look not to give anything away. The butler opened the door and they all greeted him accordingly. Jared stepped forward first.

“Your Grace.”

“Please, Jared, no need to be formal.”

Jared nodded his head and stepped back. Olivia threw herself in his arms and Garret hugged his sister. Then he looked at Kiera. She held a pensive gaze as she stared at him, making everyone think they still had many unresolved issues. She dipped her in respect head as he came forward.

“Your Grace.”

“Please don’t.”

She looked up and he held her gaze with a painful look. Everyone was frozen as it seemed the tension grew. Olivia and Jared stared at the two, wondering what would happen next. After what seemed like hours, neither one could hold back any longer as the looked at the servants and their siblings and they both started laughing. Garret waved the servants to finish and Kiera nodded her head to the ones she was speaking with earlier. Once the servants had cleared the hall and went back to their duties, Garret put his arm around Kiera’s shoulder and looked at Jared and Olivia as they looked at them in confusion.

“What did we miss?”

“I’ve been here all morning.”

“Oh. And the study?”

“Our mess we forgot about.”

“Ah, I see. Not waiting?”

“Clearly, since I have Jason.”

“Right. Well, I leave you two to it then. Olivia?”

Jared held out his hand and he led them into the parlor, leaving Kiera and Garret in the hall together. They stood for a moment while the hall was cleared and walked into the study. They began cleaning papers and other items that had fallen on the floor. Once the study was cleaned, she sat in the armchair across from the desk while he sat in the chair behind it. They sat there for a long moment, not sure what to say. Finally, Garret broke the silence.

“My question.”

“About?”

“Being my Duchess?”

“I thought that was clear when I had my stuff moved to the Duchess’s chambers.”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

They both smiled, and he began sorting the paper on the desk. After a moment, she stood up and kissed him.

“I’ll leave you to it, your grace.”

He watched her walk out and finally started going through the documents and bills on his desk. He knew about running a ship and handling the books for everything brought on board and his father said running the estate was very similar. He knew details needed to be seen to the wedding but knew once he wrote his mother, the women would handle that. For now, he needed to buy a few log books. It’s what he knew, and he decided until he got used to running things properly, he would run the estate like a ship. Once the study was squared away, he went to find Kiera to let her know he was going out. He found her upstairs in the library.

“Something wrong?”

“No. I need to go out and purchase a few things. Get my ship settled with Andy and let the crew know.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Ask them if they want to be in my employ. Pay them double for it.”

“Do you think they will?”

“I hope so.”

“Be careful. Some won’t know who you are.”

“I’m still a feared pirate and that’s all that matters.”

“Authorities?”

“I won’t be gone long.”

He kissed her and left the house. Not long after, Kiera had Jared catch up with him. Garret laughed at the notion and he and Jared walked on. Meanwhile, Keira and Olivia went into town to do some wedding shopping. By the time they got back, Lady Candice was there. The three of them went into the library where Kiera had her writing desk.

“Dear, where do you keep spare paper?”

“In the second drawer, Lady Candice.”

“Please. Just Candice, Kiera.”

“Of course.”

Inside, Lady Candice saw letters addressed to Garret from Keira. All dated from the past year, but never sent.

“Keira? What are these?”

“Letters. I wrote them to Garret, but never had the heart to send them. I meant to burn them the other day.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know what would happen if he read them.”

“That bad?”

“Some of them.”

“I won’t tell him.”

“Thank you.”

Candice pulled out the paper and began writing plans down. Mainly names of people who would be invited. They were still discussing the nature of her letters when Garret came in. No one heard him, so they continued talking. Candice cleared her throat and changed the subject.

“Do you think we should send invites to Garret’s old crew?”

“I’m sure they would be hurt if they didn’t receive one.”

“Garret?”

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough. Mother, Olivia, can I speak to Keira alone please.”

“Of course.”

Kiera stayed in her seat as she watched the two women leave. Garret shut the door and sat down next to her.

“Letters?”

“Garret, it’s nothing. I…”

“Please.”

She looked down as she got up and went to the desk and pulled out a stack of letters. He took them and read each of them.

                Garret,

                                I left impulsively. I’ve been on Choi’s ship for three days now. I keep thinking about you, but only because I can feel the baby kicking again. I feel I have acted in my best interest. I do not belong in your world. You believing Sheila over me proved that. I’m so sorry.

                Garret,

                                We were out at sea for almost a month when we ran into Jared. Choi’s crew was paid handsomely. Jared is taking Barb to London and father insists I go to live with him. Jared locked Dominic up on our return.

                Garret,

                                I’ve been at the fort with father for two weeks now. Father forced Dominic into the divorce, so I am a single woman again. It’s dreadful and dull here. I miss you.

                Garret,

                                I know it has been a while since I last wrote. My pregnancy has been rough. The doctor says I am in the last few weeks. Your father and mother and Olivia are going to be here for the birth. Your father insists it will have the Bradford name. Crazy, right?

                Garret,

                                I am happy to tell you that I gave birth to a boy. His name is Jason Bradford and your father beamed with pride. The unhappiness I feel occasionally is bad. Mostly because my thoughts are filled with if you would even like your son. Or if you may be expecting one. It seems lately all I can think of is you with Shelia and makes me want to take my own life sometimes. Father says my mood will improve, but how can it when I never seen the sun.

                Garret,

                                The last few weeks have been slow, but father tells me he is sending me back to London. Your mother has me going to the Willaimshire estate first. Should be fun. I haven’t been there since we were kids.

Garret,

                I have been at the estate for four days now. Jason and I are staying in your old room. My mood has improved since I last wrote. It just felt right to stay in your room. Makes me feel closer to you. Sometimes, when I wrapped in the covers, I pretend it is you holding me. I’m a sad case, aren’t I?

Garret,

                I am leaving the estate today. Your mother hates to see us go. Your father says Jason and I just have to stay at the mansion in London. Olivia will be going with us. It’s nice to be with her again. A friend I confide everything to.

Garret,

                Being back in London is amazing. I never knew how much I missed the city. One of the guest bedrooms has been turned into a room for Jason. I am staying in the guest room opposite him. Olivia says I can have any room, but even though I live here, it doesn’t feel like home. Although, I could never really go home. All I would remember is what Dominic did to me. Reentering society as a divorced woman is not so bad. Miss you more and more each day.

Garret,

                Your brother and his wife had a terrible accident. Unfortunately, one they didn’t survive. The funeral will be in a week and Olivia and I and Jason will be there for two weeks. I am so sorry. I know how close the two of you were when you were children.

Garret,

                Thought I would see you at the funeral but didn’t. Your father says he wrote to you. If you don’t accept, Jason will be given the title of duke. Your brother never had any children. Maybe we will see you again.

Garret,

                I got your gift today. I have missed having this around my neck. I’m assuming since this showed up, you have not been to see your father. Good luck out there. Hope to see you in London.

When Garret finished the last letter, he put them all down on the seat next to him and got up. He went to the window and stared out.

“Garret?”

After he didn’t answer, she stood up and walked out. Once downstairs, Candice approached Kiera.

“My dear?”

“I have to go. I need to get out.”

“And go where?”

Before they got an answer, she walked out. Olivia went up stairs and checked on Jason, who was sound asleep in his bed.

Keira went to her father’s house two blocks over. She went in and straight to her room. She sat on her bed and began to cry. Penny came up and sat next to her.

“Are you okay?”

“Remember those letters I wrote but never sent?”

“Yes.”

“Garret heard me talking about them.”

“Oh no.”

“He read them, and he ignored me. I left.”

“Want some tea?”

“Please.”

Penny went downstairs and saw Garret standing inside the door.

“Penny.”

“Your grace?”

“Is she in her room?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

She watched him walk up stairs and hoped they could work things out.

Garret got to her door and without looking up, Kiera spoke.

“That was fast, Penny.”

“I agree she is good, but not that good.”

“Garret.”

“Look, I am sorry that I ignored you.”

“I…”

“I remember the last time we were in this room. I fixed Dominic’s mistake. It was the first time I touched you and tasted you.”

Her breath quickened as he walked closer to her.

She backed up to get away from him but found herself against the wall. He pressed himself against her frame and began moving his hands over her body. She put her hands on his and begged him.

“You are upset. Don’t do it like this. I can’t have Dominic’s memory of when he was upset and you.”

Garret stepped back and she darted from the room. Once back with Olivia, she asked if she would watch Jason.

“I have some things I need to do. I need to them before His Grace gets back.”

“What happened?”

“Another time.”

“Be careful.”

She went upstairs and changed into different clothes. She went out through the servant’s quarters and threw her hood up. She got into a hired hack and left, not knowing Garret saw her leave. He saddled his horse and followed her from a safe distance.

His first fear was that she had a lover. His fears were all but confirmed when they got to the bad side of town near the docks and she went up to a brothel. He was shocked and confused when she went around the side. He stayed in the shadows as she knocked once then twice in a musical pattern. An eye slot opened. A man on the other side spoke in a fierce voice.

“Password?”

“I have a red star.”

To his amazement, the man opened the door. Once the door was locked, he got close to hear what was being said. He heard Kiera’s voice and another woman that he couldn’t place.

“Far from home, little bird?”

“The nest has been bothered.”

“A cat?”

“Pirate.”

“Yours?”

“Yes.”

“She’s waiting for you.”

He didn’t understand the transfer and heard her go into another room. Before the door shut, all he could hear was Kiera voice.

“The Captain is now the Duke.”

He knew she was talking about him, but to who. He wrote everything down to sort it out and rode home. He locked himself in his study with Andy and tried to piece it together.

Meanwhile, Kiera was with Barb. Since coming to London, she had become a brothel madame and called herself Red. They were still friends and Kiera needed her.

“He’s back and his father made him the Duke. He wants me to be his Duchess, but so much has changed.”

“You love him still, right?”

“Of course, I do.”

“Then I see no problem. The two of you just need to meet the people you have become.”

“He read the letters.”

“And?”

“He almost took me in the same room Dominic did all those years ago in the same mood.”

“That’s why you are here.”

“I’m confused on what to do.”

“Talk to him. Sit him down and tell him what’s what or walk out on him. I know your father would set you nice.”

“Yes, or Ben would take me and Jason in.”

“Does he know?”

“Of course. You think he could see his mother and not find out. Jason hasn’t seen him yet.”

“Go home, Kiera. Come back tomorrow after you talk with him. Be careful, though. And…”

“I won’t tell him. Don’t need anyone finding out about you.”

Both women stood and hugged each other. The man, Tony, checked to make sure it was safe to leave. Once it was, she climbed back into the hired hack and went home. Going back through the servant’s quarters and went to take a bath. Once she was dressed, she went to check on Jason. Olivia stopped her in the hall.

“Garret has been locked in his study with Andy since he got back. I’m worried.”

“I’ll go check on him.”

She walked down stairs and knocked on the study door.

“I’m busy.”

“Open the door.”

Andy appeared next and she walked in. Once she was inside, Andy locked the door back. She sat on the chair across from him. She was amazed to see papers scattered across his desk. He looked at her with hurt in his eyes.

“Where were you tonight?”

“Visiting a friend.”

“Who?”

“No one you need to be worried with.”

“Andy, give us a minute.”

Andy walked out and Garret got up to lock the door. He came over and knelt in front of her chair.

“Do you have a lover? Is that why you won’t tell me.”

“No. I don’t have a lover.”

“Then why were you at a brothel?”

“You followed me?”

“Please.”

“I am friends with the brothel madame, Red.”

“You have to tell me the things you said. What did they mean?”

“What things?”

“Your password: I have a red star.”

“Red being her name and star being the cat I left.”

“Far from home, little bird?”

“From when I lived at the fort. I sent Red letters.”

“The nest has been bothered by a pirate?”

“You were home.”

“She’s waiting for you?”

“Red and I talk in a sound proof room.”

“The Captain is now the Duke?”

“Telling her the reason for my visit.”

“Who is she?”

“I can’t tell you. I promised her I wouldn’t. I need you to respect that.”

“What did you two talk about.”

“You. What I should do about you?”

“And?”

“We need to meet the people we have become before we do anything. We are both different from when we lost saw each other.”

“It’s just us. Door is locked.”

He sat down on the chair next to her and they talked for five hours, locked in the study. By the time they came out, the house was dark. Andy had left and most everyone was asleep.

“I’m hungry, what about you?”

“I could do with a bite, but I don’t want to wake the cook.”

“I’m sure you and I could come up with something.”

The couple of days, everyone noticed the change in Kiera and Garret. They were much more relaxed and looked like they did when they were children, hopelessly in love. Candice became excited as they wanted to move forward with the wedding and wanted things done in a hurry. They both knew it would take some time.