Read Online Hart's Desire (Pirates & Petticoats Book 1) by Chloe Flowers - Free Book Online Page B

“Conal’s uncle ran the trade routes from Cartagena to Boston and back for years. Carthaginian pirates and privateers are thick along the southern route, especially in the gulf region. It’s not unusual to encounter them.”  
    “It’s Gampo, that bloody second of Lafitte’s who will see the broad side of my fist one day,” Conal said in a low voice. “Or the sharp end of my saber.” He suddenly seemed to remember where he was and hastened to apologize once more. “I beg your pardon again for my language. But I mean to avenge my uncle's death. It’s no less than he deserves.”
    “It sounds as if you have quite a history with him,” Uncle Jared observed.
    Landon chuckled. “Because we have slipped through their fingers so many times, I think we’ve become as much of a crumb in their craw to them as they are in ours.”
    “That’s why Uncle Fynn taught Landon and me how to captain our own vessels. We covered his flanks so the pirates were outnumbered at the onset,” Conal said, a hint of pride in his voice.
    “Pity you couldn’t have simply taken possession of his ship,” Keelan said. When Captain Hart glanced at her, the hunger in his eyes told her he would relish the opportunity to take such a plan of action. A cold quiver skittered down her spine, making her wonder exactly how dangerous Captain Landon Hart could actually be.  
    “Without a letter of marque from a friendly government naming us as a privateer, an action such as that would have been…illegal,” Landon answered with a stiff shrug.  
    “Why didn’t you plow a hole in her hull and sink her?” Dr. Garrison asked, matter-of-factly.
    Conal cocked his head. “Well, that would have made us murderers rather than merchants, wouldn’t it?”
    “Murderers? But it would have been justified,” Dr. Garrison argued. “An eye for an eye.” He reached over and stabbed a piece of ham. “He should pay for it,” he murmured.
    “It would have made them pirates ,” Keelan added, as she placed a scone on her plate. Hart glanced up and caught her gaze. A mischievous glint in his eye told her she wasn’t far from the truth. She couldn’t help wondering how Hart could deal with LaFitte’s second in command and still maintain his code of ethics. A conundrum to be sure.  
    “There are other ways to mete out justice,” Landon said, as if reading her thoughts.
    What other ways were there? Perhaps Hart’s code of ethics merely stopped short of murder. Maybe all else was fair game.
    “Their captain was a pirate to be certain,” Conal agreed. “But often times, pirates take prisoners and slaves and force them to do their bidding. You can never be certain all hands are willing.”
    “Sometimes the right choice isn’t always the easiest.” Aunt Sarah nodded, as she passed a plate of brandied fruit.
    Ruth bustled in, placed a fresh pot of tea on the sideboard, and removed the empty pot and meat platter, tossing Simon a quick smile.  
    Aunt Sarah spoke to Ruth, her brow furrowed. “Ruth, how is Joseph doing? I heard he had a fright this morning.”
    Keelan froze. Afraid her expression would betray her unsettled nerves, she toyed with the food on her plate and surreptitiously watched Ruth’s reaction.
    Ruth dipped her head. “He doing fine now, ma’am.” She glanced at Keelan then gestured at Hart. “I’m grateful for dis kind gentleman’s help.”
    “I’m glad I was there to assist,” Hart said.
    Conal swallowed a bite of fruit and nodded. “From the study window, I saw the knife strike the creature. It was a very good throw.”
    Thank goodness! It wasn’t Uncle Jared at the window; it was Mr. O'Brien.  
    Dr. Garrison cleared his throat and folded his napkin into a precise rectangle and placed it on his lap. “I examined the boy prior to breakfast, to make sure he wasn’t bitten.”
    “Thank you, Dr. Garrison,” Aunt Sarah said smiling. “We’re so lucky to have you with us today.”
    Simon took the hot pot and filled