Heart's Compass, page 54
She cut him a piece of bread and a small piece of cheese then took them to him. After he picked up his hat, he sat at her table and picked at them both.
Most people already know because no one here knows how to keep their mouth shut.
“I will be okay, Elonne. I can do this. I am happy, and while I love you and your kids, I am so excited to be on my own.” She reached over and pinched off a piece of bread, popping it in her mouth.
“I am going to check on you every day. Nothing you can do to stop that.”
“I expect nothing but that from you. You are my big brother. You cannot help but want to protect me.”
“Always, Fyre. I will always protect you.”
“Just as I will always love you for it. Even if you are a bit overbearing at times.”
He flicked the end of her nose just as he had when they were kids and he’d tried to get her to think about anything other than her empty stomach or the fact that they were on their own.
“How does your schedule look for the month?”
She held up a finger before pushing away from the table and heading off to get her papers. When she walked back in, she couldn’t help but notice her brother had inhaled the rest of his food. Without slowing, she went to get him more bread and cheese to partake of.
“My schedule is full. I took off the accounts that you typically do so those are all yours again.”
“Are you going to have enough work?”
“More than. I have the stores I also work at as well as Albie, and I have Lord Edais on the schedule.”
Her brother stilled. “He continues to want you to do his books? And I thought I told you to tell Mr. Caulfield no.”
“Yes. And you cannot tell me who I can and cannot work for.”
Elonne shook his head. “No. That is not safe. Mr. Caulfield will not respect you.”
“I was not asking you for permission, brother. Lord Edais asked me to continue working for him and I intend to do just that.”
“I have seen the way he looks at you. No, I forbid it.”
She yanked the bread and cheese away from him. “You forbid it? Like I am a child in need of discipline?” Honestly, she wasn’t sure which of the two men he was going on about, maybe both. Didn’t matter, she wasn’t giving up her livelihood.
His dark gaze shot sparks as he glared across the small space at her. “I. Forbid. It. No more discussion on the matter. I will speak with him and inform him you have other obligations.”
“You will do no such thing. I was with him yesterday and we just went over the dates and times for me to come do the work. Do not make this any more unpleasant, Elonne. I am living on my own and will survive, but I cannot do that if I turn down work.”
“So move back home.”
“That is your home, not mine. Besides, I do not like your wife. Cara and I do not get along and we both know you see it.”
He grimaced and skimmed his hands over his head. “She is the mother of my children.”
Opinions differed on that between them for sure, but she kept hers private. Unable to comment politely on his statement, she shrugged.
He frowned.
“It is not safe for you here.”
“Elonne, I love you, but I do not need your permission to live here. I have work and I have a home to call my own. You are always welcome to swing by and check on me but you should focus on your family.”
He stepped closer and gripped both her wrists. “You, you, are my family.”
Her anger vanished. After all, who was she to be mad that her only living relative was showing concern for her?
Giving him a smile, she nodded. “I love you too, Elonne. I want to do this. I can do this and I will be safe. As I said previously, Marta and Georges will keep an eye on me also.”
His frown told her everything. He didn’t trust them. But then, Elonne didn’t trust anyone outside of a very small circle. Some of the men he worked the fields with. But the few people he did books for, they were strictly business.
“I worry.” He stepped back and crossed his arms.
“Nothing has changed other than where I lay my head at night. I have the same work, will be around the same people.”
“It was fine until that earl started showing interest in you.” A deeper scowl. “And you agreed to work for Mr. Caulfield.”
Fyre struggled not to expose her brother to how just thinking about the earl affected her—a most difficult feat to be sure. Her body responded like she was close to Phillip.
I should not think of him in such a familiar manner. It is not proper.
Didn’t stop her thoughts or dreams. Perhaps fantasies would be a better description.
“You wish for me to tell an earl no, that I will not continue doing for him what I have been doing for months? And because my brother sees it as an issue? When it was not one before?”
Elonne flatted his lips in displeasure. “You are getting impertinent.”
“Reprimands aside, brother, it would be foolish for me to turn down money. If that is your concern, I am happy to tell him that my brother needs to take over. But I will not allow you to put me in a difficult financial place purely because you want to control me.”
“You are a lone female.”
“I am aware of that.” She shook her head and held up her hands in silent surrender. “My life, Elonne. Mine.”
He narrowed his eyes at her then stomped out of her place, slamming the door behind himself.
Waiting to make sure he wouldn’t just fly back in, she finally cleaned up the food from the table then got back to what she’d been doing—making this place her own.
As she unfolded the quilt for her bed, she smiled and thought about Phillip. Would he like it?
Better yet, would he be gentle as a lover or would he push her to the edge until she cried out for release? Her body trembled and she bit her lower lip as she realized she desperately wanted to find out.
Chapter Five
Phillip rode through the town on his way to one of the numerous places to get a drink. No carriage today, just him and a horse.
Did he have an ulterior motive for coming in today? Absolutely. He wanted to catch a glimpse of the woman he’d been unable to get out of his mind.
I have not even been away from her for more than a full day and I am craving the knowledge of her well-being.
It was more than that. This woman, Fyre, had become his obsession. Since the moment he’d found out she was the one who had kept his books with such precision. Sure, others could do the job, but not with her joy.
He’d watched her while she was at his place the last time. While she’d been concentrating on the papers before her, he had been doing the same thing, but on her.
Phillip had cataloged every nuance he could to play later in his mind. When she wasn’t there any longer, and nor was her scent.
He’d memorized the way her thick lashes curved up from her eyes, framing them in a sultry manner. How she grabbed the lower left corner of her lip in her teeth as she concentrated. All of it, including the tiny mole below the outside edge of her right eye. There were scars on her and he wanted to know what had happened.
Slowing his mount as he came upon more people milling around the street, he tipped his hat and responded to those calling out to him. Once he reached the tavern, he hopped from the saddle and handed off his mount to a small boy waiting to take him.
Before the kid could go far, he flipped him a coin. Then he strode inside. Definitely not White’s back in London. But also not the dingiest place he’d ever gotten a drink.
Once he’d claimed a table and had a mug before him, he stretched out his legs and took a look at the people around him. Mostly white men, but there were some of darker skin tone. All of the women in there flirted with everyone in hopes of more money or perhaps a trip upstairs for even more blunt.
He had no intention of taking any of them up on it and waved away any and all advances.
“Lord Edais.”
He glanced up to see Albie Caulfield walking toward him, a smile that was as real as any snake’s plastered on his face.
“Mr. Caulfield.” He gestured at the chair across from him.
“Thank you, my lord.” Albie took the seat and pulled off his gloves.
Phillip didn’t rush any conversation. He’d learned a long time ago if you sit there quietly and wait, people will show their hand. Eventually.
And he’d learned to be patient.
Albie licked his lips and took a large drink before clasping his hands on the table. “Forgive me, my lord, if this comes across as impertinent, for I mean no disrespect.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Typically any statement starting as such is going to be impertinent.”
“It is a delicate matter I wish to speak to you on.”
“Delicate matter that you insist on speaking about inside a tavern? Where you can be assured there are any number of people listening?”
“I was not sure I would be welcome to your home.”
The barmaid returned but Phillip waved her off. He was intrigued and wanted to know what this ass was up to.
“Most are welcome to my home.”
“This is about Fyre.”
Look at that. He was capable of jealousy. Funny thing though, it wasn’t the kind he had felt when he was the outside man looking in at his friend and his relationship. This was bone-deep, primitive and proprietary. Phillip despised hearing that man speak Fyre’s name.
But one didn’t grow up in the society he had without learning to retain his composure. Giving a nod, he encouraged him to keep speaking even without saying a thing himself.
Caulfield took the silence as permission to keep running his mouth.
“I know she is working on your books and you are on her schedule. I was hoping that”—he cleared his throat—“you would be okay with an earlier time.”
Hell no!
Phillip leaned forward and pressed the tips of his fingers together. “Let me make sure I understand what you are requesting of me. You wish for me, the Earl of Edais, to change my prearranged times with the one who keeps my books because you, what, want to be her last customer of the day?”
The color of the man’s skin deepened as he flushed.
“Yes, my lord. I was hoping to be walking her home.”
His thoughts flashed to seeing the two of them in the shop. The way this man had been so close to Fyre and how she hadn’t been receptive. Yeah, he was keeping his times.
“I would not be able to help you with that, Mr. Caulfield. Perhaps you will have to find time to court her outside of working hours.”
Anger flashed in the man’s gaze but his smile never slipped. “I figured I would ask. Perhaps I will change the dates.”
Over my dead body. Or is that going to be over yours?
He shrugged like he didn’t have a care in the world. After all, what could this man, not even close to his personal status, offer her that Phillip himself couldn’t? Plus, he knew she was attracted to him, not Albie.
Does not change a thing. I still want to punch him in the face.
Phillip finished off his drink and rose. “Was there anything else?”
The man shook his head. “No, my lord. Thank you for your time.”
Without responding, Phillip walked out and waited for his mount to be brought back.
“Thanks, kid.”
He flipped him another coin. It wasn’t going to hurt his coffers any but could mean so much to him. A brilliant grin shone from the darker-skinned child before he touched an imaginary hat.
Hands on the reins, he spun back to the boy. “Kid.”
“Yes, my lord?”
He bent closer to the kid. “Do you know Fyre?”
A vigorous nod was his response.
“Good. Where is she right now?”
“I can show you.”
Phillip grinned. “Okay, lead the way. Do you have a name, kid?”
“James.”
“Strong name. Get a move on now.”
Leading his horse as he trailed the boy who was moving fast down the street, he stopped and swung up in the saddle to more easily keep an eye on him. When the child stopped before a mercantile shop, he dismounted.
“There?”
“Yes, milord.”
“Want to make some extra money?”
That head bobbed so fast Phillip almost smiled.
“I need you to keep an eye on her if I am not with her.”
The eagerness faded and worry filled his expression, accompanied by suspicion.
Phillip held out his hand, paused for a moment, then settled it on James’ shoulder. “Listen, James. I think she may be in danger and I am only trying to keep her safe.”
“Her brother thinks so too, ever since she moved out on her own.”
His heart stuttered. She was living on her own?
“You know where her new place is?”
“No. I can find out though.”
“Good. This is between us only, no one else. If they ask, tell them you are working for me and if they have questions, to come to me.”
“I have a job? With you?”
It was a struggle for Phillip not to smile at his enthusiasm. “Yes. I will pay you every day, okay?” The boy’s grin was blinding. “Do you know where my estate is?”
“Yes, milord.”
“Any sign of trouble for her, or you, head there. Do you understand?”
He nodded. “I have to go back to my other job now. I will see you tomorrow.”
James vanished in a flash.
Tying his horse off, Phillip walked up to the door and entered the mercantile. There were so many different items on the shelves he slowed to look at them all.
“May I help you?”
Lord, just the sound of her voice had his breeches tightening.
He watched her walk out of the back, eyes widening as she realized who he was. She recovered quickly though. A small curtsey.
“Lord Edais.”
“Afternoon, Fyre.”
Her eyes adopted a softer look at the use of that name.
“Is there something I can assist you with, my lord?”
God, he longed to kiss her. Just pull her right into his arms and indulge.
“I am looking for some children’s toys. I have not sent my nieces and nephews gifts in a while.”
The suspicion in her gaze didn’t vanish completely but it faded. She walked around the corner of the counter and his eyes snapped to the faded blue muslin of her dress as it clung to her. A simple cloth covered her head, protecting part of her hair.
“We have toys in this section over here.”
As he followed her, he adjusted his hardness, even while his gaze locked on her ass.
This was foolish. I do not know if I can control my urge to touch her.
Not that it mattered. The moment he’d seen her again, he’d known he wouldn’t leave until he’d spent as much time with her as he could.
He is here. Again. Why is he here?
Fyre gestured once more to the section he’d asked her about. Then she stepped back, needing to get to her other tasks. Away from this man.
She didn’t want to. Fyre longed to stay by him. There was something about him that called to her. But she wasn’t a fool, she knew that this man could not just hurt her on an emotional level, he could also ruin her.
A woman of her station in life had no reason to be thinking she could ever mean anything to a man who carried a title. Hell, most men thought women were beneath them anyway, why would this one be any different?
And yet, she couldn’t help thinking he was by the way he treated her.
As well as the way he looks at me.
She enjoyed those nearly hidden looks of heated passion.
However, she hadn’t grown up where she had without knowing how to keep herself safe, so she backed away, even though she had no desire to do so.
“If you have any questions, Lord Edais, please let me know.”
She bit the inside of her lower lip as she left him there to look for gifts for a niece and nephew. Straightening up on the other side of the mercantile, she returned to the counter when another person came in.
This time it was Mrs. Collier. Not the most pleasant woman in the world. She had definite opinions on where people like Fyre should be.
“Good morning, Mrs. Collier.”
The woman sniffed, lifted her nose in the air and looked down at Fyre as if she were shit on the bottom of a foot.
“Where is your boss?”
“Mr. Holmes has stepped out for a while. I would be happy to pass along a message if you would like.”
She glared and stepped closer. “If I wanted you to try and give him a message I would have told you to do so. I sure as hell do not need any n—”
“I think I have what I want to get.” Phillip interrupted the discussion by striding up to the counter and placing down the few things he’d picked up.
The woman couldn’t change her disposition fast enough. She blushed and primped right there, even though the man stood beside her.
“Lord Edais,” she cooed. “I did not know you were here. How have you come to find our lovely island?”
Fyre wanted to back away. She hated when people near her talked around her as if she didn’t even exist. Was she used to it? Of course, but it didn’t mean she particularly enjoyed that aspect of having darker skin here.
His expression was nothing like when he looked at Fyre and she took pleasure in that. He flicked a dismissive gaze over Mrs. Collier before bringing those gray eyes back to her.
“I would like all of these.”
“Yes, my lord.” It didn’t take her long to put them in a box for him. Then she pulled out a book and marked his purchase down.
“I have come to find your island, Mrs. Collier, nice for the most part. There are some behaviors that I find disgusting.” His tone grew cold. “I mean, I am the only one on the island who holds rank, and yet there are others”—he pinned her with his gaze—“who still are of the misconception they are better than other people.”
Mrs. Collier flushed an angry red. “There are proper places for people in the world, my lord.”
