Capturing the Pirate's Heart (The Emerald Quest Book 1) by Seaton Annie

Author:Seaton, Annie [Seaton, Annie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emerald Romance
Published: 2014-11-13T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Jean-Luc, Sébastien’s less than honest half-brother, came across from the outpost on the provision boat and Sébastien was not pleased to see him. Jean-Luc turned as a sailor called down from the rigging and his eyes narrowed as he stared at the bow of the vessel where the Africans were sitting. His voice was as hard as steel and his eyes like flint as he turned back to Sébastien. “Slaves, brother? That is most unlike you. I thought you abhorred slavery or were they just pretty words to seek favor with your government friends?”

“Don’t pretend to know me. I am aware that you have little care for what I do.” Sébastien curled his fingers into fists and fought the desire to wipe the sneer from Jean-Luc’s face with one well-placed punch. “Just be content with the work I do for you.”

“Now, now, there is no need to feel under-valued. You are my brother, after all.” He slapped Sébastien on the shoulder and Sébastien’s mouth dried as Jean-Luc turned to the hatch.

“You can surely share a brandy with me before you go? I am sure you have a fine bottle or two down in my old cabin.”

Sébastien returned his half-brother’s curious gaze and for a moment he wondered if Jean–Luc had seen Madeleine on deck, but he quickly dismissed that thought. There was no way he could have seen her and the new crewmen who had gone ashore were not aware she was onboard, so they would not have mentioned her presence on the Maiden. No, he was up to something and Sébastien wanted no part of it. As soon as they returned to New Orleans and he reported to Carondelet, he would leave the Maiden at the quay, and tell Mr. Abrahams to let Jean-Luc know he had gone. Then he would be on the first passage he could book to the Hawaiian Islands.

The sky darkened as a huge gust of wind buffeted the vessel and white horses began to whip up on the bay as the wind increased. The two boats were unloaded and Jean-Luc’s oarsman looked anxiously across the bay as a solid sheet of rain approached.

Sébastien held his half-brother’s gaze and lowered his voice. “I am sure you are after something more than the pleasure of my company, so I suggest you tell me now or you will have to wait until my return.”

And if all goes well, you will be waiting a very long time. Sébastien despised his half-brother and had kept his side of the river trade honest and free from corruption. That was more than could be said for Jean-Luc’s dealings. If there was gold to be had, honesty was not a consideration he ever took into account.

Jean-Luc lifted his head and stared toward the squall that was coming in rapidly. “I won’t ask where you are going, just ensure you are back in time to get the cargo delivered up river before the end of the month. There are many new river

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