She belonged here with him on his island, and every message from Abelard had been a warning that eventually Catherine would leave here. Leave him unless —
He sat up staring at the deep blue sea, the brilliant yellow sun that hovered in the clear sky and the seabirds that squawked before diving into the water to claim their food.
This was home and he loved it. He wanted to live out his life here, raise a family here, and marry Catherine here.
He stood, his decision made. It was time to bury the past and move on. He would clear her father's name and then offer Catherine marriage. His proposal would be made without restrictions. Except one.
He would hear Catherine once again saying "I love you." He smiled and walked to the water's edge eager to wash the sand from his body and shed the last remnant of his past.
Lucian returned to the house to find another letter from Abelard waiting for him.
Santos followed him into his study after handing it to him.
"Catherine?" he asked, breaking the seal on the letter.
"Zeena has seen to her. She gave her a special blend of teas that will help ease her stomach and allow her to sleep comfortable."
Lucian nodded. "Good, I was concerned she was taking ill."
"Zeena thinks it's just a mild upset stomach."
Lucian's expression changed from concern to anger. His lips tightened, his jaw grew rigid and his eyelids flared with fury. "Abelard has discovered that I privateer for England. He correctly assumes that was how I was able to provide false evidence to the Crown concerning his so-called illegal activities. He suggests that for whatever reason I seek to destroy him, to do so and be done with it. But he implores me to spare Catherine. He writes eloquently of her innocence, her love for people, for life, for simple pleasures. He begs that I don't rob her of her innocence."
"He's willing to give his life for hers, exchange Catherine for him. They appear to care deeply for each other," Santos said, watching the play of mixed emotions cross Lucian's face.
Lucian dropped the letter to his desk. "He emphasizes that there isn't anything he wouldn't give to have his daughter returned safely."
"This is a man who loves his child deeply and is suffering over her absence," Santos said sadly.
Lucian pounded his fist on his desk, startling Santos. "You think he speaks the truth?"
"He's offered you his life for his daughter's," Santos argued.
Lucian rubbed his head, the thought disturbing him. Abelard would willingly trade his life for Catherine's, this he didn't understand. He had thought Abelard a cold, hard man who thought only of himself and his position in society. He had never expected such an unselfish offer like this from him, the man who had condemned him to rot in hell.
"What will you do?" Santos asked.
He answered swiftly. "I'll not return Catherine."
"Abelard has no recourse if you don't unless . . ."
Lucian moved to the bright red liquor cabinet, throwing open the doors and snatching a crystal decanter and two matching goblets off the shelf. "Explain 'unless,'" he ordered, and placed the two goblets on the desk, filling them with rum.
"Unless Abelard approaches the Crown for help."
Lucian shook his head. "Unlikely. His credibility is damaged and until repaired no one would dare side with him. Besides I don't think he wants Catherine's capture made common knowledge. He'll deal discreetly with me for now."
Santos took the goblet Lucian offered him. "And what of Catherine?"
"What of her?"
"She must wonder if her father has contacted you."
"She knows her father has, but I have refused her any information."
"And she has accepted this?"
Lucian shrugged negligently. "She has no choice."
"She may not remain agreeable with your decision for long."
"She may not have to," Lucian said, and raised his goblet in salute. "Wish me luck, I intend to ask Catherine to be my wife."
o0o
Sleep evaded Catherine while Lucian slumbered soundly beside her. Her jumbled thoughts kept her from a peaceful night's sleep. She worried over what course of action to pursue. All alternatives to her problems appeared, in the end, unacceptable.
She couldn't neglect her father's safety and well-being. She couldn't leave Lucian alone and full of bitterness. And she certainly couldn't ignore the love she shared for both men.
She shifted to her side attempting to find a more comfortable position. Her thoughts plagued her even more. Lord, but she loved her father. In all the years growing up she had never once thought of him as her stepfather. When she was young, she had imagined him her real father who had come to rescue her from a wicked family. And he truly had rescued her, rescued her from people who had made her feel inferior and worthless. He was her knight in shining armor who did battle for her whenever she required defending.