Pure Enchantment by Auria Jourdain

Author:Auria Jourdain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency, New Orleans, Pirate, Creole, Voodoo
Publisher: Auria Jourdain Books
Published: 2017-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“Guadeloupe, straight ahead! We’ll moor by sundown, Cap’n.”

As his navigator called their location out from the crow’s nest, Alex leaned against the quarterdeck rail with Marcus. Smiling, he pointed to the mulattos on the pier that caught the ropes of the big ships and pulled them to anchor. “Basse-Terre. She’s changed since you were here last, oui?”

Marcus whistled low. “Lawd, yes! This port has grown, fo’ sho’!”

“Do you remember that voyage? You were just a boy.”

With a chuckle, Marcus nodded. “It be hard to forget. Papa Talon and I stayed at ‘dat run down hotel off the main road. Mama Talia left with you an’ sailed to New Orleans, an’ Papa got stinkin’ drunk. He was madder than sin, Massa Alex.”

“Talon had every reason to be angry. Talia hadn’t told me she was pregnant with Boden. He was right to look out for Talia and his son.”

“He didn’ know ‘bout Bo yet. Papa sho’ was shocked. But I’s never seen a man so proud. The day Bo was born, Papa cried. He loves Mama Talia somethin’ fierce.”

Alex grinned. Bo had been a big surprise—to all of them. And, the lad was certainly a handful. Suddenly remembering his recent escapades with Zaria, Alex drew in a breath. In the wake of their passion, he hadn’t thought about the possibility of conceiving a child. Removing his hat, he stabbed his fingers through his hair. Mon dieu that won’t do at all.

Not that he didn’t want a family. A smile curved at his lips as he pictured a strapping son with coppery eyes and skin or a little girl with chestnut curls and a dimpled smile as inquisitive as Zaria’s. They would have beautiful children.

Nothing will ever come of it if she leaves, you gamin! Since meeting Zaria, his life had changed dramatically. In four short weeks, she had taught Alex to read passably. And, most nights, he showered Zaria with love. Unlike him, she was a quick learner, and she could curl his toes with a simple touch of her hand. But he still hadn’t professed his love for her, nor had they made plans for a future together. In a sennight, they would dock at St. Pierre. Would she go to Taylor’s plantation with Marcus? Alex didn’t want to think about the lonely nights he would be forced to endure if she did.

“Massa Alex, you hear me? Where’s the Lady goin’ next?”

Alex shook himself as Marcus interrupted his thoughts. “We’ll head back to Havana first. Taylor always has shipments for us, especially with his rum facility in full operation.”

Marcus straightened with a smile. “I’s gonna help dem with the horses, jus’ like Papa taught me. I’s be a good horseman.”

Alex cocked his head. “Reece couldn’t convince you to stay with us?”

Pursing his lips, Marcus shook his head vehemently. “No disrespect, Massa Alex, but I’s not sho’ I can be a sailor for the rest o’ my life. It brings back bad memories for me. ‘Sides, I’s be lookin’ forward to ‘dis.

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