Rapture's Tempest by Bobbi Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

night from Faith.”
    “Not Joe!?”
    “No…he’s not dead.”
    “Thank God.”
    “He has been wounded, though, and Faith wanted Delight to come stay with the children so she can go to be with Joe.”
    “Good,” Clara sighed. “I’m glad she went. Faith needs her more than I do. I have you….”
    “Yes, you do,” Martin agreed, hiding the bitterness in his voice.
    As Sue entered the room with the broth, Martin excused himself, telling her that he was going to get some sleep. Once alone in his room, he was more furious than ever with Delight. Now he was condemned to a life alone with Clara. Before he’d met Delight he could have managed it…maybe even enjoyed it. But now…
    How could his carefully laid plans have been ruined? He had hoped to keep Delight with him. He had been confident that she would stay and never tell her mother of their intimacies. But what if she returned and she did tell Clara? Where would he be then? If Delight came back, bent on revenge, his only hope was that Clara loved him enough to think that her daughter was jealous. It was a long shot, but right now it was the only positive thought he had. And, while he didn’t relish spending the rest of his life tied to Clara, the alternative at this time was decidedly more unattractive. His rich wife had provided him with a comfortable lifestyle, and she had to be placated if he wanted it to continue.
    Stretching out on his bed, he tried to rest, knowing that at any moment Delight could show up and destroy his existence. Tense and frustrated, he lay unmoving, wondering what the future held for him.

Chapter Seven
    Delight was nervous as she followed Ollie down the texas deck. Hunching her shoulders against the cold, she waited tensely as he knocked at the captain’s cabin door.
    “Come in,” Jim called, and Ollie quickly did as he bid.
    “We’re ready to get Murphy’s bed set up, if you don’t mind, Captain,” Ollie said, explaining the interruption.
    “No. Go ahead.” Jim waved them on about their duties.
    Turning his attention back to the books spread out before him on his massive desk, Jim went on with his figuring, totally ignoring the presence of the older man and his new cabin boy. He had put off the work too long, and, although he was more than tired, the final entries had to be made this afternoon.
    Ollie, anxious not to disturb his captain while he was busy with the books, quickly took Delight into the small room that would be her quarters.
    “Well, this is it,” he told her in quiet tones.
    “Thanks, Ollie.” Delight was surprised and pleased by the little cubbyhole, for it would afford her some much-needed privacy.
    He nodded. “We’ll be leaving port later tonight, so plan on getting to bed early. You’ll be working more closely with the captain tomorrow, and he can be very demanding.”
    “I know,” she grinned at him in what she hoped was a boyish fashion. “I heard him today.”
    “Well then, you’ve got an idea of what to expect.”
    She nodded, “I’ll be fine, Ollie. Really.” The female in her wanted to hug the dear, sweet man. He’d been very kind to her all day, and at this point in her life that kindness had meant everything.
    “All right. I need to speak with the captain for a minute.” He started out the door and then stopped. “I’ll see you later.”
    With that, Ollie was gone, and Delight was alone in a safe place for the first time since she’d awakened that morning. She longed to undress and bathe and snuggle under soft, comfortable covers, but there was no chance of that. When she heard Ollie leave the cabin, she opened the door and looked out at Jim Westlake, who was working diligently at his desk.
    “Captain?” she asked timidly.
    “What is it?” he growled, aggravated by the intrusion.
    “Is there anything I can do for you?”
    He looked up, rubbing his neck wearily. “Yes, please. Coffee might be just the thing.”
    “Right away, sir.”
    Since she still was wearing her