Winds of Change by Lee Rowan

Author:Lee Rowan [Rowan, Lee]
Language: nld
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: erotic MM, Romance MM
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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All the luck that had forsaken Marshall's personal life was heaped in generous measure upon his naval career as the Valiant continued her cruise around the Caribbean. In the course of defending those ships she escorted, she took part in some highly successful actions, which meant commendations and prize money. The officers of the Valiant and Terrier earned several years' pay in the space of a few weeks.

None of it mattered anymore. Will did his duty, moving as though in a dream, making the correct replies when spoken to, receiving orders in a respectful manner, passing them along in a way appropriate to his rank and the station of the man receiving the order.

He was no longer wholly alive. He had been, for those three days he spent with Davy at his cousin's estate. But then duty called him back to sea, and something within him had ceased to live. He looked out on the world as though his eyes were two thick windows, letting through no touch, no scent, no breath of air. He functioned. That was all he could have said for himself.

Will kept himself sane by focusing his entire attention upon his duty—a duty slightly reduced when Captain Smith acquired two additional lieutenants in Kingston. One of them had an earlier service date, so Will was now only a Second Lieutenant. That was all right; it was a lesser demand, one he seemed able to fulfill. He took the opportunity to move his 108

Winds of Change

by Lee Rowan

dunnage into the cabin that had been Davy's, a tiny comfort.

He had long since appropriated Davy's pillow, and had nearly broken down when he found two golden hairs caught on the ticking. He carried them folded in a bit of parchment, next to his heart.

It had been his own fault. He should have stuck by his guns and refused to take part in Humberstone's charade. He should have kept his hands off Davy—not only during this cruise, but from the start. Once they were off that damned pirate's ship, he should have refrained from indulging in the physical aspect of their friendship. If he loved Davy—genuine love, not just carnal desire—perhaps he should end it.

But not immediately. Not until Davy was well and strong again, and able to see that they needed to set limits to their friendship. That would be for the best, wouldn't it? And in the meantime, he had the chance to practice being alone. He didn't remember it being so hard—the terrible emptiness. But he had to be alone in any case, so why not prepare for a lifetime of it?

One thing Will found himself unable to do was sit at table with Thomas Dowling. He had never been on good terms with the man, but now he found ways to be elsewhere when meals were served in the gunroom. Dr. Curran was most sympathetic, and made certain Will ate at least once a day.

Will's odd behavior was easy enough for the old Calypsos to understand; he was mourning.

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