Free Dusky Duke and the Gypsy Pirate Princess by Kya Lind Page A

defending you from such a nasty lot as this.” He waved the sword toward the boys.
    True tilted his head never taking his eyes off the new threat. “Lieutenant, why wasn’t I informed the enemy had sent for reinforcements?”
    Just snapped to attention, “Sorry, Captain, most likely the information has not reached us yet, because of the blockade, Sir.”
    Val stepped forward through the ten or so boys eyeing the duke. Greyson recognized several of his own nephews and cousins’ children in the bunch. Val barked in a stiff military fashion, “Advise a regrouping to assess and plan, Sir.”
    “Right- o” True agreed. The boys in unison saluted Greyson and turned running toward the sand dunes screaming, “Retreat.”
    “And don’t come back, you yello’- bellied cowards,” squawked Abby from behind Greyson’s legs.
    Honesty’s laughter warmed his soul. She tilted her head to get a better look at him from under the wide floppy brim of her hat. “Good day, Your Grace, and thank you for my timely rescue.”
    Greyson looked down at the young girl hugging his leg. He could tell Abby was genuinely happy to see him. “Hello, Miss Abby,” he greeted her.
    She fluttered her eyelashes at him and smiled, “Hello, You Grey . . .ce,” and then she bobbed a curtsey still clinging to his leg. Greyson loved the fact that the young child still refused to give up the use of his name even with repeated instruction from her sister.
    “We are building sand castles today. Want to help?”
    “Maybe later, right now I thought I would ask your sister to go for a walk down the beach with me. Do you think she will agree?”
    Abby cut her eyes to Honesty, and then in a serious tone informed him, “Maybe, if you ask real nice, and remember to say Pleeeeasssse.” She nodded her head importantly. “When you get ready to help, just come find me. I will be over there.” Abby pointed to where a group of girls were digging in the sand. Abby hugged his leg one more time and sprinted away.
    They stood for a minute watching her go, and then Greyson turned to Honesty, “Would you like to walk with me on the beach, my lady, .Pleeeeaaaasssseee?”
    Honesty smiled and nodded and turned to walk the way he indicated. Greyson watched Blue eyeing him. The baby looked him up and down, sniffed dismissively and firmly planted his head on Honesty’s shoulder never taking his eyes off the tall man. Blue’s thumb popped into his mouth. Greyson smirked. The competition was on.
    They strolled along the beach until lunch was called. Sandwiches and drinks were served to the children and then the younger ones needing naps were loaded into the carriages with nannies and footman. Greyson stood beside Honesty as she waved to the wagons carrying Blue and Maggie away.
    “You promised to make sand castles with me,” demanded Abby. Greyson allowed her to drag him away to dig a moat for the princess-fairy-castle-of-Devonshire. He was then elected by Vickie and Courage to help them find shells along the break wall.
    When Greyson finally called a halt and returned to Honesty. He found her and Abby curled up together on a picnic blanket in the shade of one of the giant boulders. Greyson sat down on the corner of the blanket and watched the two sleeping. Honesty had her arm folded under her head and Abby tucked in close to her body. Their breathing was deep and even, their faces relaxed. Peace flooded through Greyson as he just sat and watched them sleep. This was what he wanted. This was what he needed. He smiled as he thought about having Honesty in his life for the next hundred years at least. He couldn’t remember what his life had been like before he had met her, and he certainly couldn’t imagine his life now without her. He watched as the breeze ruffled Abby’s hair. A blonde strand blew across Honesty’s face causing her mouth to twitch. Greyson reached out and brushed it away; his fingers trailing lightly over the skin of Honesty’s cheek. Honesty smiled