* * *
Moving out onto the deck, Kira eyes widened at the sight before her. The dock was bustling with activity, sailors coming to and fro, merchants selling their colorful wares further down on the cobbled streets and huge buildings facing out to the sea. A crowd of bystander's seemed to be waiting for The Reliance, with a bustle of excitement.
Kira could see several beautiful women clothed in exquisite, luxurious gowns. They fanned themselves with colorful fans, splayed in front of their faces. Kira felt a slight tinge of jealousy at their elegant perfection.
A few distinguished gentlemen stood by, accompanying the women. Kira watched the scene before her in awe. The crowd seemed to be cheering for the sailors as they clambered off the ship.
She saw Johnson take a flying leap off the side of the ship to embrace a small blonde woman with curly hair. He twirled her around the dock, laughing happily while the more distinguished crowd looked on in disapproval.
Johnson didn't care though and planted a sweet kiss on his lady's lips. She shared his joyous look, holding onto him gleefully. It made Kira feel especially alone.
She looked around frantically for one more glimpse of him, hoping she would get a chance to look into those eyes a final time. She turned to the right, in time to see his magnificent form step out onto the deck.
He looked different today, clothed in a proper Naval Uniform with his hair tied back. She almost gasped at how handsome and regal he appeared. His eyes met hers and Kira felt her insides start to ache. He stared at her unapologetically, his eyes burning. Kira felt the breath catch in her chest and she clutched her throat softly.
It seemed that time had stilled and his gaze bore into her, forceful and unmoving. Kira's heart started to pound and the sound of her blood rushing seemed to drown out every other noise. She willed him to walk over to her. Willed him to kiss her once again like he had that night in her cabin. For a second, she thought it might actually happen. He seemed unable to look away.
Then, from the dock, a feminine voice cried out. “Captain O'Hare...!” At once, the spell was broken and Kira watched Marcus' head whip sharply in the direction of that voice. His handsome figure turned towards the dock, leaving Kira in a moment of confusion.
She stepped forward to see who Marcus was approaching, only to watch him dismount gracefully onto the docks toward a radiant dark-haired beauty.
Kira felt the breath leave her lungs. This woman was glorious, clothed in a resplendent gown of purple and blue silk. She held an umbrella, equally as exquisite, while her self-confident smile made it clear she knew what a sight she made.
Her face was sculpted and perfect, with the highest cheekbones Kira had ever seen. Kira noticed her plump and pouty mouth and felt jealousy tighten around her throat.
She watched the alluring woman bat her dark eyes in the direction of the ship's captain, a faint smirk on her face. The perfection of her curves, shapely in her corseted gown, drew the eye. Everything about this woman was perfect and Kira could feel her heart sinking.
As Kira watched, Marcus approached the lady with a smile. The raven-haired beauty beamed beneath his gaze and promptly took his arm possessively in hers. They spoke quietly for a moment, then turned to leave the docks. Kira watched as the crowd of sophisticated Londoners trickled off the dock, following Marcus and his gorgeous companion.
Kira felt at a loss. Was this the reason he had pushed her away? This gorgeous rogue had turned her world upside down and given no explanation for his reckless, unpredictable behavior.
Now, Kira felt thoroughly unwanted and left behind, wishing for a moment that she had been born into a life of glamorous leisure the way the sparkling women at the docks had.
“Beauty is a little more than shiny gowns and easy smiles,” came a voice. Kira turned deflatedly to look at Malcolm's wise face. He offered a small smile then patted her firmly on the shoulder. “We should get you settled.”
Kira sighed. She'd never felt this way in her whole life. Everything stable and predictable had been ripped away from her. It was only this ship and that man that she had come to rely on. The steady rocking of the sea, his gorgeous, sparkling gaze telling her that someone in this world saw her. Well, now he was no longer looking.
* * *
Kira took a few steps off the dock and onto the cobbled street. It was a wide street, with the hustle and bustle of passing carts and people. A huge brick building with the words Baltic Exchange Company dominated the path. Kira felt her head spinning as she walked with Malcolm into town.
Little dirt-smudged children ran along the street, some playfully laughing, others begging strangers for money. There were rough-looking sailors and docksmen, buttoned-up men in polished clothing and simple girls just like Kira, wearing plain dresses and plaintive looks on their faces. Kira felt like an ant in the midst of so much bustle. What was she compared to the beauty and sophistication of the upper class London woman? She felt insignificant and silly for thinking that maybe she could be more.
They passed endless storefronts that called out to potential customers with their fancy wares and window displays. Kira felt herself gasp at the sight of a stunning green gown, trimmed with gold accents.
Its brilliant colors and alluring shape stood out among the various window displays. Kira was frozen in place, imagining how the soft lace would feel, until she heard Malcolm's prompting whistle.
She turned and continued walking when she saw Malcolm twenty feet ahead. Perhaps, she would have time to return to the store window later and imagine herself in that perfect gown.
As they made their way through the busy streets, Kira noticed the glances of several gentlemen. She could feel her cheeks flushing at the attention, realizing that she must have looked a sight in her tattered dress and wild hair. She hoped that she would have a chance to bathe and clean herself up when she arrived at her temporary home.
“Where is it I'm staying exactly, Malcolm?” Malcolm passed a sideways glance in her direction and then continued navigating his way through the street. “Captain O'Hare has arranged for you to stay with a close acquaintance of his. You will be well taken care of there; the Captain has ensured it.”
Kira nodded, still unsure what any of this meant. How long would she have a place to stay? And what kind of people would she be counting on for such hospitality?
Soon, Kira felt her question had been answered as they entered a more distinguished part of town. The crowd had dissipated and the tidy brick streets were lined with exquisite homes. Kira was in awe of the mansions, noting their extravagant size and the ornately decorated entrances of each.
When Malcolm began making his way up the front steps of a very stately house, Kira felt a wave of anxiety. She was in no condition to meet the owners of this estate.
Not dressed in her dirty gown that she'd worn to mop the deck of The Reliance. Kira sighed, she'd become cozy in her little bunk, confident that the Captain would keep any lurkers from her door. Now she faced a different kind of danger, being alone in a world she was never asked to be a part of.
* * *
Marcus looked out the large window in the sitting room where he stood. An abundance of light streamed into the magnificent room, highlighting the elegant furniture and vaulted ceilings of the space.
It felt strange to be on land again and Marcus knew he must brace himself for a very different world of challenges. Still, the beauty of this world, the world of the affluent and beautiful, had its allure. He'd felt like a fish out of water when he'd first been invited into these circles. But now he knew better. His charm and heroics had made him a celebrity of sorts, a beacon of masculinity amidst proper, buttoned-up English gentlemen.
“Darling...” came a sensual voice from behind him. Luciana sauntered slowly across the room, waiting patiently for Marcus' gaze to meet her. She was a self-assured woman, confident of her ability to manipulate men with her dazzling looks and seductive manner.
She'd spent her life in the lap of luxury
, her family's wealth and name making her a desirable match for any man in her circles. Ah Luciana, he thought. Always such a dazzling temptress.
Marcus turned with a distracted look on his face. His potent gaze swept over Luciana's radiant, flawless features and he found himself arrested by her perfection. She had slipped into a new gown, a dazzling pearl and gold number that accentuated her tiny waist and sensuous curves.
He could feel a tightness in his throat, as Luciana leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “I've missed you so, darling. The months you were at sea passed so slowly; I could hardly wait for you to return to me.” Marcus felt his confusion and frustration build. His powerful arms tensed, then he gave into the temptation, kissing Luciana hard on the mouth.
Luciana pushed him away breathlessly, flashing him a coy smile. “I knew you missed me too, darling.” She walked her fingers slowly up the front of his blue jacket, throwing him flirtatious glances. Marcus felt a struggle within him, but fought to dismiss it.
“I've missed you,” he admitted, unsure of the veracity of his statement. This was right. Everyone knew Luciana and Marcus were the perfect match. Taking her by the waist, Marcus kissed her thoroughly once more, lingering softly.
A loud coughing noise came from the doorway, ending the moment. A befuddled Malcolm stood in the hallway, next to a startled and flushed Kira. Marcus straightened awkwardly, feeling the heat rise in his face. Damnit, Marcus thought, his whole body tightening. She wasn't supposed to see that. Kira averted her eyes, looking pained, her body frozen in place. Mortification overcame her as she realized what a fool she'd been.
Luciana noted the awkward silence, watching Kira's blushing face and feeling the tension emanating from Marcus' body. She adjusted her hair elegantly and put on a confident smile. “Helloo there, dear. You must be Marcus' little ward.” Luciana made her way gracefully toward her newly arrived guests. Running her hands lightly over her regal neck, Luciana smiled haughtily.
“When Marcus told me he'd rescued a young girl, I had no idea you'd be almost fully grown. Marcus, dear, you really must get better at observation. You made it sound as if poor Kira here was just a helpless child.”
“Don't worry, darling,” Luciana pouted, approaching Kira to brush an errant strand of hair from her face. “Eventually, your body will change and men will come to see you as a woman.” Her lips parted over perfectly straight teeth and she patted Kira on the arm in a condescending manner. Marcus stared at the floor, willing it to open up and swallow him whole.
Kira felt the heat intensify on her face. She couldn't look up; she couldn't even look at him for she felt such a fool. Was he toying with her all along? Laughing at her simple inexperience and modest ways? Kira stared silently at the carpet, begging internally for someone to show her to her room.
“Oh dear...” Luciana carried on. “Oh goodness, don't tell me! Marcus, you didn't let her...!” Luciana let out a tinkly laugh. “Oh darling, don't be so embarrassed. It happens all the time, poor girls, can't help themselves around a man like Captain O'Hare.”
Marcus could feel himself sweating. His mortification at the situation continued to grow. He tried anxiously to loosen his collar, fighting the feeling of suffocation that filled the room. Luciana threw him a backwards glance, still smilingly away.
“Come here...darling,” she said, dragging out her words. Marcus crossed the room to stand beside her, glancing furtively in Kira's direction. He felt the disapproving eyes of The Reliance's cook peering at him, but he could not meet them.
“We will all be so delighted to have such a lovely child join us here. I'm sure my father will be very interested to hear your stories of life on the docks. God knows, I could never survive in such a world, but I suppose some people were made for that sort of thing.”
Luciana stared icily at Kira, while continuing her high-pitched welcome. When Kira glanced up at her momentarily, Luciana flashed a frighteningly soothing smile.
“And darling, we had been waiting for The Reliance to return before announcing our news, but I want you to be the first to know. You are Marcus' ward, after all.” Luciana threw her dainty hand into the air, commanding the attention of the room. “We're engaged!”
Luciana smiled delightedly, with a look of expectation at the room's occupants. “Isn't it wonderful?” she cooed, flashing a large pink diamond on her left hand. She seemed so enamored with the ring that the stiffness that filled the rest of the room seemed to escape her.
“Darling,” Marcus started, a tight look on his masculine face, “Perhaps we should let our guest settle in. Malcolm does need to be on his way.” The two sailors exchanged a glance. Marcus felt a cold pain in his chest at the look of disappointment he saw in Malcolm's eyes. He could not bear to look at Kira.
Luciana kept up her attempt at smoothing over the atmosphere by calling a maid to show Kira to her room. Kira followed the timid servant up the grand staircase that stood in the entryway. She felt her heart sinking as she imagined staying in this majestic home with O'Hare's fiance. Fiance?
Kira had been right all along about this reckless rogue and she could feel the anger rising within her. Everyone seemed so certain Kira would play along, timid little Kira, Marcus O'Hare's young ward. She felt her mouth tighten. She wanted to punch him square in the face, that's what she wanted to do.
As Kira fumed, the mousy-haired maid led the way down a long hall on the second floor. When they reached the door at the end, the quiet servant showed Kira in. She felt herself gasp in awe.
The room was extravagant, with vaulted ceilings and several tall windows. The draperies were a lovely green color that shimmered softly and accented the intricate design of the white and lilac rug. What really caught her eye, though, was the majestic bed that leaned against the left wall.
Carved of a rich mahogany wood, the bed looked fit for a queen. It was larger than any bed Kira had ever seen and covered in the most beautiful cream silk duvet. There were pillows covered in cream and the same shimmery light green of the drapes.
“Oh goodness!” Kira exclaimed. For a moment, the beauty of the room overtook her other concerns. “Isn't it lovely, ma'am?” The girl said softly.
Kira noted that the maid was very young, about her own age, and seemed nervous. Her soft brown hair and large gray eyes made her appear as a vulnerable animal. “Yes, thank you.” Kira tried hard to smile, unsure if her anger at O'Hare had been misinterpreted by the girl.
“I've always thought this guest room was particularly fine, ma'am,” she said with a curtsy, making her way to the door. “Oh, excuse me, miss, I nearly forgot. Gowns, in the wardrobe. I believe they were brought here just for you.” The shy servant nodded slightly and slipped out the door, closing it behind her.
Kira rushed to the wardrobe on the far wall. Pulling open the doors, she was shocked to find three beautiful dresses hanging there. Kira felt her stomach tighten with excitement and confusion.
She saw a lovely gown made of a shimmery bronze color, with pink accents around the collar and skirt. She especially loved the intricate pattern of the bronze fabric, lending allure to what she felt was a very sophisticated gown.
The second dress was a light mint green design with white lace around the collar and sleeves. She looked at it adoringly and held it to her frame, finding a tall standing mirror in the corner.
It struck her that the green color was just right and accented her red hair perfectly. How on earth had Luciana known what colors to pick? Kira felt shocked that the haughty socialite would have bothered to pick anything for her to wear at all.
The final gown was a deep purple dress with a very majestic train. There were accents of emerald green throughout the design, and Kira felt sure she would look like royalty in it. She sighed at her reflection in the mirror.
The gowns were perfect, which accented the unkempt state of her thick hair. Even her face had a smudge of dirt that had gone unnoticed. She tried to fight the notion that she was completely out of place
here.
Kira looked around the room as emotional exhaustion began to set in. She sunk onto the soft bed, wishing she didn't feel so anxious and alone in this intimidating mansion. Her mind traced over the events of the last hour, watching Luciana proudly flaunt her beautiful engagement ring and relationship with Marcus.
Kira almost choked on the feelings of frustration and pain that rose up in her. How could she be such a fool? And how could he be so utterly heartless?
She allowed her body to collapse tiredly on the luxurious bed, feeling a weariness overcome her. Kira couldn't stand the thought of living here, couldn't handle watching him with her. So close and yet so out of reach. She felt sleep begin to overtake her, closing her eyes to blink away a few rebellious tears that would not be quelled.
* * *
Marcus escorted Malcolm out, walking into the cobbled street with the cook. Malcolm planted his feet squarely and gave his captain a long, tired stare. “It's not my place, sir,” he started with a fatherly air.
“But...” Marcus continued for him.
“She's a lovely girl, Captain. Really she is.”
“I know, Malcolm. That's why I'm marrying her.”
Malcolm cleared his throat with a small smile. “Ahem...no sir, I mean Kira.”
Marcus felt his face flame. Was his attraction to her that obvious? He was doing everything he could to get her out of his head and still everyone seemed to be determined to keep him from succeeding.
“Kira is of no interest to me. I'm a man. Like any man, it was tempting to have a woman on board. Spending so much time away can be difficult. But that's all it was. A distraction.” Marcus practically growled through his teeth.
“Of course, sir. Who am I to argue with that?”
Marcus wanted to strangle the portly fellow. He knew Malcolm had an opinion on the matter.
“What is it?” Marcus said, dragging out his words with a slight air of contempt.
“Well, if I may, Captain...” Malcolm started with caution, knowing he was treading on thin ice. “I've never seen you distracted before. Never. In all my years as your cook, you've been the picture of focus, determination, a forceful will that doesn't waver. But now...”
Marcus ears burned; he wanted to explode with anger. He was being criticized and he wouldn't stand for it.