Read Online Carried Home by Heather Manning - Free Book Online Page B

took the babe from her arms. He kissed the little girl on the cheek. She stared up at him with wide blue eyes. Lady Shaw stared at him in a much similar way, her beautiful eyes looking deep in his. How on earth could he upset such a wonderful woman? It wasn’t as if she were asking him to sail through a hurricane out of selfish reasons. No, she wanted to get back to her poor defenseless brother. There was no way he could deny her that. Besides, he wanted to get to his sister soon. Surely his crew could handle sailing through this storm.
    He leaned his forehead against the baby’s and shut his eyes. “I will try, miss. I will try.”
    ****
    â€œAll hands on deck!”
    Gage stood on the main deck of the Siren’s Call, his fists planted on his hips. He grimaced as he gazed at the horizon. The stormy sea mist drenched him. What was he doing, sailing through what promised to be such a violent storm? To begin with, he was concerned about whether or not he had the strength in him to command a crew all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. Now, he was making himself responsible for the safety of his entire crew, and a lady. And a baby.
    He had only been in several storms at sea before, and none had been as severe as a hurricane. So now, Gage silently petitioned his Heavenly Father for the strength to get him through the coming hardship. Lightning cracked the black backdrop of sky. A moment later thunder groaned from above, shaking the ship.
    Boots scuffled on the deck, and some men grunted. Gage whirled around to find most of his crew gathered on the main deck, as he had requested moments ago.
    Adam nudged his way to the front of the crowd and spoke for them. “Captain, what is it you called us up here for?” He cast a nervous glance over Gage’s shoulder at the dark storm clouds.
    Gage grinned, hoping it would either have a calming effect on the crew or himself. It did not seem to succeed either way. He took a deep, steady breath. “We are approaching a violent storm, possibly a hurricane, as you can obviously see.” He scanned the men’s faces, but gauged no reaction. “I see no adequate option but to sail through it.”
    A few men grumbled, but no one made any grand protest as Gage had feared they might. His stomach fluttered. He’d thought maybe, if the men complained enough, he would not have to do it. But whenever he closed his eyes, he could see Lady Shaw’s eyes pleading with him.
    Rain showered down on them, and a wave crashed over the rail. The ship rocked from side to side. Gage forced a smile on his face before they could see through to the seed of fear growing inside him.

Chapter Seven
    Â 
    Captain Caspian Archer kept an arm around Eden’s waist in a possessive gesture and held Reed’s hand in his other one as they strolled down the streets of Nassau. Both Eden and Reed flinched at what they saw as they walked through town. Scantily clad women draped themselves over balconies and porches, their faces painted unnaturally. Although Caspian and his family walked under the full light of day, almost every building they passed reeked of alcohol and foul body odors. A man leered at Eden, and she tucked herself tighter against Caspian’s side.
    Port Royal had been a rather vile town, especially for Eden, who had grown accustomed to the quant cities of England, but Nassau was practically overrun by pirates and privateers. This was no place at all for a lady. Or a child. Caspian squeezed his wife tight and willed Reed to ignore the prostitutes and violence around him. Why again was he taking his innocent family here?
    Because as long as he could protect them, Eden’s happiness was worth it. If she wanted to find her long-lost brother, then he would go to the ends of the earth to help her do so.
    Eden nudged him, shock evident in her eyes at what she witnessed. Only months ago, there may have been unbridled fear in her eyes, but today there was a quiet