Rogue

By Elizabeth Jayne

An adventure of love and betrayal on the high seas....

Samantha very much dislikes arrogant men and takes every opportunity to put them in their place. The rogue pirate, Jake Belconnen, is no exception. But when circumstances place them in close proximity on his ship for several weeks, she finds it harder to maintain her dislike.

The last thing Jake needs is a passenger on his cargo ship. When that passenger turns out to be Samantha, the most obnoxious woman he has ever met, a woman who is determined to think the worst of him and uses every opportunity to put him in his place, sparks fly.

But when Samantha's life is placed in peril and it becomes a race against time to save her, Jake soon realises he has another fight on his hands - his growing affection for this spitfire.

Torn between the only life he has ever known and his love for this woman, he must make the biggest decision of his life .... but would it be the right one.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9780987352187

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www.elizabethjaynebooks.com

Chapter 1

His life suited him. He was free to sail the seas, explore the world, live life as he pleased. Trading kept him fed and he was never lonely. At every port there was an abundance of women to choose from to keep him company. At every port there were inns to frequent where he and his fellow shipmates drank the night away, sharing bawdy jokes and songs and wenches.

Yes, life was good.

Jake had grown up an orphan and learned the way of the streets at an early age. Begging and pick pocketing were his livelihood and he was one of the best. He even managed to avoid the old men who preyed on young orphan boys, making them work for them and taking the steals. He had been clever and cunning and managed to live on his own and keep his own spoils. Stowing away on a ship when he was twelve, he was very lucky the captain didn't throw him overboard. Instead, he was put to work scrubbing the decks, working in the galley and hauling cargo at each port. It was damned hard work but he loved every minute. He had found his feet on the sea and revelled in the feel of the fresh air blowing on his face as they sailed along. The captain was pleased with his work and a few years later took him under his wing and began to teach him the ways of the sea and trading. He even learned how to sail the ship and could steer it to within an inch of the narrowest passage, much to the agitation of the captain.

He had been on the sea for more years than he could remember. Now at the age of thirty or thereabouts, he didn't exactly know, he owned his own ship and was a successful trader and cargo carrier. Most people respected him and those that didn't learned the hard way not to cross him. He was strong and determined and nobody was able to get the better of him.

He looked down at the dock as his latest cargo was hauled off the ship. It had been a good voyage and would turn out to be a very prosperous one.

Yes, life was good, indeed.

Samantha swung her basket as she walked down the hill towards the shops. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the sky was a clear and deep blue and life felt good. As she walked near the dock, she saw many ships tied up in the port and sailors unloading and loading their cargo. It was a busy place. Overhead, seagulls circled or perched on the masts of the ships hoping for a morsel of food they could dive on to.

As her gaze landed on one of the larger ships, she saw a man standing on the side rail, one hand holding the rope of a mast as he leaned over the side calling instructions to his men. She slowed her pace. He was so handsome she couldn't help but look at him. His dark, wavy hair almost touched his shoulders and the white shirt left loose over his black pants was open to reveal his tanned chest. He was very muscular and she could sense the strength in him even from this distance. She watched him for a few minutes and then continued on her way, a soft smile on her lips. He was indeed a handsome man. She was sure he was just like most men she knew, however, and would be arrogant and annoying. He held no interest for her and she had forgotten about him moments later as she enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the port town.

The unloading of his cargo was going well. It had been a large order and he would be paid handsomely for this delivery. As the final barrel was unloaded, Jake headed off the ship to speak to the owner of the goods and received the balance of his payment. Business completed, he called to his men who left the ship and headed off to the nearest inn to grab some food and drink. They would spend a few days in this town before sailing off to the next port. His men were in good spirits and he knew they enjoyed the chance to have a few days to go off and do as they pleased. He didn't care what that was as long as they were back on board ship when he was ready to set sail.

Arranging to meet his crew later at the inn, Jake turned towards the shipping office. It took him an hour to make the final arrangements for his next shipment but this done he headed back to the inn. He was famished and looked forward to a hearty meal and some ale with his crew.

As he crossed the street, a woman came out of the shop in front of him and they almost collided. Putting out a hand to prevent the collision, he said, Excuse me, ma'am.

She looked at him and responded, Oh, I am sorry. I didn't see you.

My fault entirely, he said gallantly. She was a pretty thing with long dark hair and honey coloured eyes. He gave her his most charming smile. Instead of the usual swooning response, he received a look of disinterest.

His smile faded.

Samantha recognised him as the man she had seen on the deck of the ship. Up close he was just as handsome but his attempt to charm her made her dislike him. When would these arrogant men ever learn? She saw his smile fade and was pleased to have put a damper on his supposed charm. With a quick Thank you, she continued on her way. She always enjoyed the look on men's faces when their charm didn't work on her and she smiled to herself as she walked back home.

Jake watched her walk away, a slight frown between his brows. He couldn't remember the last time a woman had looked at him with disinterest as she had done. Perhaps he had a spot on his face. Rubbing his hand along his cheeks, he felt nothing. He looked at himself in the shop window but could see no obvious blemishes. He looked down at his clothes. All appeared to be in order, no tears or stains that he could see.

Obviously she was unwell, he decided, and putting thoughts of her aside he went to the inn to fill his grumbling stomach.

As he entered, he was met with great cheers from his men. They had already eaten and were downing tankards of ale as he approached. A few already had wenches on their laps and would no doubt be with them most of their time on land.

Jake! Come and join us. Good food, good ale, good women! laughed his right hand man, Roy. He took a gulp of his drink and planted a kiss on the wench sitting in his lap.

As Jake sat down at the table, the innkeeper came over with a large bowl of stew and a tankard of ale. The meal was good and filled his belly.

By evening the men were quite merry and inclined to stay on at the inn and enjoy the company of the women who were already encouraging their kisses and caresses. They were a rowdy bunch and Jake smiled as he stood up from the table.

Captain, where are you going? slurred one of his crew. Plenty to go around, he added as he looked drunkenly at the woman on his lap. She laughed and kissed him and the man's attention left the captain instantly.

Jake told them, I need some fresh air. Make sure you are all back on deck before it's time to set sail or you will be left behind! The crew all laughed, knowing he would never leave without every man accounted for on deck, but promised to see him in a few days' time.

The air was crisp and fresh as he strolled along the street. It wasn't quite dark yet and he could clearly see his ship as it slowly moved up and down on the waves at the dock. He had worked hard to buy that ship and it was his pride and joy. Standing there watching it he could admit to himself that it really was a beauty. Sleek lines, strong masts, full hull. He sighed with contentment. He had certainly come a long way since his pickpocketing days. Now he was one of the most respected businessmen of the sea, some even feared him. He had never given them reason to fear him but word had been spread that he was not to be crossed because he was as strong as ten men and mean as a pirate. Jake had laughed at the stories but they had suited his purpose so he didn't make any effort to stop them. He knew some of his business was because the men he spoke to about hauling their cargo were afraid to say no. He didn't care. It meant business so if he got it because of fear, so be it.

Night rolled in as he walked up the gangplank onto the deck of his ship. He sat down on a step and watched as the stars began to show themselves in the black velvet of the sky. In the distance he could hear the sound of men revelling. For a moment he considered joining them and finding a woman for the night but changed his mind. While he enjoyed the company of a good woman he didn't need to spend his free time with them. Most of the time he preferred the solitary life aboard his ship. He had never met a woman yet who could change his mind about that. Relationships were complications he could well do without.

He had been watching the stars for a long time when he realised he needed some dinner. Time had slipped away and if it weren't for his growling stomach he would still be sitting there. Not wanting to join the rowdy men and women in the inn, he walked towards the outskirts of the town where he knew he could find a quieter place to enjoy his meal.

He passed many houses and the smell of cooking wafting out to him made his mouth water. He quickened his pace. The sooner he found an inn the happier he would be. Near the top of the hill he happened to glance in the window of a small cottage and saw a young woman. He recognised her as the one he had almost collided with in the town. She didn't see him and he kept walking, wondering about her. There must be a reason why she didn't react to his charm. He had learnt at a young age that he could charm women and it had never failed. Until now, that is. It's a pity he was only in town for a few days. It would have been interesting to change her mind. He smiled at the thought but then put it aside. He really had no time for that right now. He had some big prospects ahead with work and that was his main focus.

A short time later he came to a small inn with only a few people inside. This suited him perfectly and he sat down and ordered some food. The other people in the inn looked at him curiously. Firstly, because he was such a striking looking male and, secondly, because he was alone and not inclined to even nod hello to anyone. The waitress tried to flirt with him and he ignored her. One of the patrons recognised him and whispered to his fellow diners that he was the rogue pirate and would kill them as soon as look at them! A man at the table scoffed at the idea thinking Jake looked fairly harmless. His friend was serious, though, and they all agreed it was best to ignore the stranger incase the stories were true. None of them wanted to find themselves at the wrong end of his sword.

Jake ate in peace and enjoyed the solitary meal. The inn wasn't very big and he could hear the whispers going on at the nearby table. Their stories made him laugh to himself and he wondered, as he often did, what it was about him that made people believe in such stories. He knew he was tall and muscular but surely he didn't look mean. No matter. If it kept people from bothering him he wasn't going to complain.

After the meal, he moved to sit near the fire. It wasn't a big fire but it kept the chill out of the air. He liked the feel of this place. Nobody bothered him, he could sit and relax after the long voyage.

The door creaked as someone entered, letting in the cool  night air. Jake glanced in the direction of the door and noticed a young woman had entered wearing a long brown cloak. As she pushed the hood back from her head, he recognised the young woman from his earlier encounters. He watched her as she walked to the innkeeper and gave him a hug. She removed her cloak and went behind the bar into a room in the back. When she returned she had put an apron over her blue dress and began clearing the tables and talking to the few diners who were left in the inn.

Some of the younger men tried to flirt with her but Jake noticed she practically ignored them and they soon stopped and just smiled. It must be a nightly ritual for them to try to win her knowing she wasn't the least bit interested. Jake went back to watching the fire and planning his journey.

The woman saw him sitting by the fire and recognised him as the man from the town. She was curious as to why he was in this inn and not in the ones near the port. She went to walk over to him when one of the diners grabbed her arm.

Don't go near him. He is a pirate! he warned in a whisper.

She just laughed softly and said, He doesn't look much like a pirate to me, and walked towards him.

Excuse me, sir, would you like another tankard? she asked him.

He glanced up at the sound of her voice. She had moved so quietly he barely heard her approach. The look she gave him was friendly and enquiring but there was no gleam of interest in her eyes. No, he replied. This one will suit me fine.

Good. Then perhaps when you have finished that one you wouldn't mind leaving. We would like to close up early tonight, she told him with a smile.

He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. Am I keeping you from something?

Yes, as a matter of fact you are. So, if you could hurry up I would really appreciate it. With that she walked away.

He was startled by her words. What kind of place was this? And what kind of a woman was she to speak to their patrons like that, almost kicking them out before they had even finished eating. He looked around and the rest of the people were leaving the inn, wishing the innkeeper and the young woman a good night. With a shrug he decided he might as well leave, too. 

Rising from his chair, he threw some coins on the table for his food and moved towards the door. Oh, good, you are leaving, said the woman as she saw him move. She sounded pleased to see the back of him and he was even more puzzled. What did she have against him? 

Well, I wouldn't want to keep you from anything. Heaven forbid you are made to work and look after patrons, he said sarcastically. 

She ignored his tone and replied, I am so glad you understand. Enjoy your night, she told him and closed the door behind him. 

He turned and looked at the inn. Maybe he wouldn't come back here after all. Who ever heard of an inn turning away customers and who on earth was that woman who couldn't stand the sight of him! 

As she closed the door, the innkeeper admonished her. Samantha, my dear, you really shouldn't be so rude to the customers. 

Oh, Uncle Walter, but it is so much fun putting these men in their place. Did you see his face when I told him he had to leave? she laughed.

Walter just shook his head. One of these days you will find a man who will not be so easily moved. 

They are all so arrogant, uncle, that they can't believe any woman would fail to succumb to their charms. They think they are so important and I enjoy letting them know they are not. It gives me pleasure to bring them down a peg or two. She smiled as she tidied the inn and helped Walter finish up for the night. He just shook his head and prepared to lock up. One day she would meet her match he was sure.

Jake couldn't sleep. That woman was certainly a blow to his ego. Not that he cared what she thought of him. He wasn't the least bit interested. He rolled over, trying to find a comfortable position. He remembered the way she had looked at him in the town and then her attitude at the inn. Had he done something to upset her? Maybe he had rejected her on an earlier voyage and that was why she was so against him. No, he couldn't remember ever seeing her before. She had the kind of looks he doubted he would forget. It was a mystery.

He swung his legs off the side of the bed and stood up. Enough of this. So she didn't like him, didn't find him charming. So what? She was an unpleasant, rude woman anyway and there were plenty of others he could spend his time with if he wanted to. Besides, he wasn't even interested in her!

He went on deck to get some fresh air and clear his head. It was a clear night and the stars were so bright he could easily recognise the different constellations. He stood for a while leaning against the side of the ship looking out towards the open sea. He couldn't wait to set sail again. Out there, that was his life, that was where he longed to be. That woman was insignificant and thoughts of her drifted away as he realised it didn't matter one bit. He was heading out into the vastness of the ocean and that was all that was important to him. He smiled to himself. He was excited to weigh anchor and get back out there.

Chapter 2

The noises on the busy dock woke him the next morning. Some of the ships were setting sail on the next tide and for a few of them it was a last minute rush to be ready on time.

Stretching, he raised himself from the bed and went to freshen up for the day. He needed to make sure all their supplies were ready and stored for the next voyage and had arranged for two of his men to meet him in the town. Quickly dressing, he left the ship and went to the inn where he would meet his men for breakfast.

As he walked up to them he laughed. I see you both had a long night.

The two men looked at him with bleary eyes and cursed his cheery attitude. Jake smiled and ordered breakfast for them. Some good food would get them moving again.

When they had finished eating, they headed to the produce stores to arrange their supplies. It didn't take long to finalise everything and the men were free to enjoy the rest of their stay in the port. As they wandered off, Jake smiled to himself. He knew they would be spending most of their time with women and drink and as long as they were back on deck and ready to sail on time he didn't care.

He was left to decide how to spend the rest of his time. The thought of spending it along the same lines as his men didn't appeal to him. He was restless to get sailing again. More restless than usual. A thought made him smile. Perhaps he would visit that inn again tonight and see if he could get the better of that young woman. He was up for a good challenge.

Jake made his way back to the ship to spend some time with his maps to work out the best possible route to take on his next voyage.  As he stepped onto the deck and looked across at the open sea he felt it drawing him. Only two more days and he would be out there, sailing free. He couldn’t wait.

He had been looking over the maps in his cabin for over an hour when he heard someone call out from the dock below. Carefully folding his maps and storing them away, he went out on deck in time to see Tom from the shipping office walking up the gangplank. He was a short, balding man with a round belly.

Good morning, Jake, he greeted.

Tom. What brings you here? he asked.

Tom stepped onto the deck and took a good look around. Nice ship, he commented. He slowly walked around the deck, taking his time inspecting everything he saw, delaying the inevitable talk with Jake.

Tom? Jake queried again.

Looking up from his inspection of the mast ropes, he turned to Jake. Oh, all looks very good, I would say, Tom told him, avoiding the question.

Jake frowned. Is there a problem with my next shipment? He hoped there weren’t any delays.

"No, no, the shipment is still right to