Free Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel) by Cynthia Luhrs Page B

sleep at night. Be off with ye now.” The little lad scampered out of Robert’s room, off to tell Ian to remove the bath from the dining room.
    ‘Twas well past midnight and Robert was hungry again. A soft knock on the door drew his attention. Ian came in laden with a tray. It smelled delicious.
    “Thought ye might want a bite to eat, Cap’n.”
    His stomach rumbled in reply. “Aye Ian, thank ye, kindly,” The lad left the victuals, closing the door behind him. Robert barely tasted the food, he shoved it in his mouth so quickly. Normally Shadow Walkers didn’t need to eat except during their death anniversary when they were powerless. Food tasted so much better, his taste buds seemed increased tenfold. Each bite burst with flavor. And the ale and wine, oh, he could sing an ode to those who first created the beverages. But tonight the meal was tasteless. His thoughts consumed with worry for his guest. Taking his plate to the galley, Robert returned to his cabin.
    Stripping off his clothing, Robert sauntered nude down the narrow hallway to the bathroom. It barely contained a shower, toilet and sink but was large enough for his needs. He showered, letting the hot water sluice over tired muscles, standing there until the water ran cold.
    Thinking about her .
    Opening the door softly so as not to disturb her, he pulled on soft faded jeans and a V-neck navy blue cashmere sweater. He never bothered with underwear, didn’t really see the point. Leaning down, Robert placed a hand on her brow. She was fevered but not as hot as when she first arrived. The bandage was seeping so he changed it. The wound still an angry red but the salve seemed to be working and it was no longer bleeding. The injured hand looked good. It would heal with only a faint scar as a reminder. Content she was cared for, he dragged the chair from the fire over to the bed, sank down, put his feet up, leaned back in the chair, and watched his lady.
    Firelight played off her skin, shadows dancing along, casting eerie images on the walls and ceiling. As the fire crackled, his body sore, throat raw, he drank a cup of tea and honey Ian must have brought when he straightened the room. It was liberally laced with whisky, and after a few minutes, the ship lulled him into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 11

     
     
    Friday, November 3 rd
     
    Robert woke with a start. Ian had built up the fire sometime during the night. He stood, and stretched, working the kinks out of his back, absently rubbing his throat. Padding over to the bed, he checked on his guest. Fever still held her in its hold. She murmured but didn’t wake. He changed the bandage; the wound looked a bit better. Satisfied, he left his cabin to clean up and shave. A hot shower would help him face the day. Then he grabbed a quick bite. It was a terrible annoyance not to be able to dematerialize to Colin and Emily’s.
    “Ian.”
    “Yes, Captain?” The boy seemed to appear out of nowhere. “Stand guard over our lady. If she wakes, give her some water and broth but she needs stay abed.”
    “I’ll take care of her, Cap’n.”
    “I know ye will lad. Now, let’s gather a few of the boys to take me ashore.”
    Rowing the short distance to the pier where a car was waiting to whisk him to Ravensmore; he made a quick call. “Oy, Monroe. How goes it? Listen, you’ll never believe the missing lady I told you about? She turned up on my bloody ship. Hidden away. What are the odds? You can call off the search.” He paused, listening. “I’ve taken care of her injuries. She’ll be okay with rest and time. Once she’s coherent, I’ll let you know what I find out. Take care, mate.” Technology was a wondrous thing. He loved mobile phones and modern transportation though sometimes it was nice to enjoy the old ways. He settled back into the plush leather seat of the Mercedes and thought about his guest. The trip was uneventful. When he arrived Worthington met him at the door.
    “I was told I’d find you