[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
left the body when its time on earth was finished. Apparently, Roger s was. Stede s,
however, was not and Gwen was grateful he d come to her.
But then, what about Blackbeard s spirit? And Mama Zulie s dire prediction that
she wasn t rid of him?
She shuddered. He was gone. Stede was back. You re safe now, she told herself.
160
Watchkeeper
And with Stede, she knew she was safe in so many ways protection from physical
harm and more importantly, she knew her heart was safe.
* * * * *
When Stede was released from the hospital two days later, Gwen picked him up in
a comfortable van to take him back to her home in Franklin. They had discussed flying
and although Stede wasn t afraid of the prospect of getting on a plane, they decided
airport security would prevent them from getting the fortune in treasure safely home by
air. Driving would be their best bet.
Well stocked with pain meds, Stede slept most of the way. Gwen considered
stopping at a hotel for the night but the trip was only a little over eight hours and with
him blissfully asleep, she drove on.
She glanced at him as he lay back against a pillow in the reclined seat. He d left his
home and wife to become a pirate when he was alive. A man like him yearned for
adventure. How could he ever take over Roger s position at the record company?
She felt as if she were trying to cage a wild bird and it seemed very wrong.
When she pulled into her own driveway in Franklin, Tennessee, and switched off
the ignition, she breathed a heavy sigh of relief and patted Stede on the thigh. We re
home.
Stede opened his eyes and took in the sprawling three-story brick structure. This is
where& you live? he asked sleepily.
She chuckled. This is where we live. Somehow, that statement didn t ring true to
her as she got out and went around to the passenger side to help him out of the van.
He could walk unaided but Gwen slipped her arm around him anyway and guided
him to the front door.
But Gwen s heart skipped a beat when she noticed the door was open a few inches.
Someone s in the house, she whispered, exchanging a quick glance with Stede.
Mama Zulie s prediction about Blackbeard surged in Gwen s thoughts.
The door suddenly opened wide and despite Stede s injuries, he had Gwen behind
him in a second. A woman s scream echoed from inside the house.
Realization flooded Gwen.
Daphne!
You scared the hell out of me! Daphne McKissack yelled and then smiled her
relief. Two deep dimples appeared in her cheeks.
Gwen blew out a sigh. Daphne had no idea how much she d frightened her.
Where s you car?
I walked over to water the plants. I wasn t expecting you home until tomorrow,
Daph said and tucked a strand of her shoulder-length brown hair behind her ear.
161
Debra Glass
I drove straight through, Gwen said. As Daphne s brown-eyed gaze swiveled to
Stede, trepidation welled within Gwen that didn t have anything to do with Mama
Zulie s foresight about Blackbeard.
How re you feeling, Rog? Daphne asked him. You look a little pale.
I Stede began but Gwen quickly cut him off.
He s had a bout of food poisoning. I need to get him upstairs and in bed.
Daphne s perspicacious gaze moved from Stede to Gwen and back again. You look
different.
Stede shrugged. Holiday, he muttered and then flashed her smile.
Gwen put her arm around Stede s waist. Daphne practically gaped and Gwen
realized her young friend had never seen her be affectionate with Roger. Daph would
be calling to grill her later. Right now, Gwen couldn t think quickly enough on her feet
to explain. She urged Stede inside past Daphne s prying eyes.
Thanks for taking care of the plants, Gwen said, looking back over her shoulder
at her friend. Let s do lunch soon.
Sounds great, Daphne said. I hope you get better soon, Roger.
Stede glanced back and gave her a nod.
Daphne stepped out the open door but before she closed it, she flashed Gwen a
thumbs-up and whispered loudly, He s like a new man!
Sister, you have no idea. Gwen nodded and sighed her relief as Daphne closed the
door behind her and left.
That was close, she said.
But Stede was unconcerned. His gaze scanned the foyer with its massive chandelier
and winding staircase with a leopard-print runner, the marble-tiled floor and the
expensively furnished rooms on either side. Amazing, he muttered. But it s not what
I would have pictured for you.
Gwen waved her hand in dismissal. Roger had this all done by a decorator. I hate
it. But that s neither here nor there. Can you make it up the stairs? I ll put you to bed.
That gorgeous sideways grin claimed his lips and he growled his approval. Gwen
hit him playfully on the arm. You re in no shape for that.
My prick tells me otherwise, he argued as he carefully ascended the stairs.
Gwen s gaze couldn t help dropping to his crotch where his glaringly obvious
arousal strained against the jeans. No wonder he was having trouble walking. Desire
heated in her stomach and spiraled downward.
But he still had a nasty row of stitches in his side which didn t need to be ripped
open. Gwen flinched at the memory of the sight of it. You re not well, she said as they
reached the top step. She took his hand and guided him down the upstairs hall to her
bedroom suite. See, you can hardly walk.
That s because I have a cockstand that s aching to be inside you.
162
Watchkeeper
Gwen giggled. Goddess, she wanted him. She drew back the goose down comforter
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]