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    Windmera: Breaking Out
    Windmera: Breaking Out
    Windmera: Breaking Out
    Ebook267 pages4 hours

    Windmera: Breaking Out

    By Claudy Conn

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    About this ebook

    Against the exotic backdrops of the West Indies, during the war of 1812 with the British, from Mystic, Connecticut to the Cornish countryside. A saga unfolds a tumultuous story of reckless passions and wild adventures. This is Windy’s story. Windy who was a woman who dared to love the stranger in her heart and break out of society’s dictums.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherClaudy Conn
    Release dateAug 30, 2018
    ISBN9780463624012
    Windmera: Breaking Out
    Author

    Claudy Conn

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Claudy Conn is a multi published author who got her start with her bestselling historical/regency romances.She tells us that she fell in love with the fantasy/paranormal genre and created a world of paranormal.She hopes you will read and enjoy and join her on her facebook where she loves to interact with her readers.page.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudy-Conn-Paranormal-Romance-Author/135826686471445

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      Book preview

      Windmera - Claudy Conn

      Windmera-Breaking Out

      By Claudy Conn

      CONTENTS

      Copyright

      Author Note

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Chapter Nineteen

      Chapter Twenty

      Chapter Twenty-One

      Chapter Twenty-Two

      Chapter Twenty-Three

      Chapter Twenty-Four

      Chapter Twenty-Five

      Chapter Twenty-Six

      Chapter Twenty-Seven

      Chapter Twenty-Eight

      Epilogue

      Sneak Peek

      About Claudy

      Copyright Page

      Windmera-Breaking Out

      By Claudy Conn at Smashwords

      http://www.claudyconn.com

      Copyright © 2018 by Claudy Conn

      Edited by: Alicia Carmical

      Cover Artist: Dawn Sullivan

      All rights reserved

      Published in the United States of America

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

      No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

      Author’s Note:

      When we left off with Windmera-Illusion, Captain Lance Landon had captured the merchant ship carrying Windy and Roderick to Cornwall, England.

      As Bermuda was within moderate range, he set the crew and Roderick in a longboat with provisions, but he took Windy onto the Sea Hawk!

      She had been drugged by Roderick with Yohime, which is an aphrodisiac.

      ~ One ~

      DARK INDIGO BLUE ROLLED, DANCED, and played out its contentment, peaking with a white foam. It seemed to tease and hint at its depths. Roderick knew it for what it was—a dangerous, enticing beauty quite able to kill.

      He and the crew of the Southsea huddled against the chill in the air and worried about the scudding clouds. Damn them pirates’ eyes! one of the crewmen grumbled.

      Aye, but it could’ve been worse. Hell, we’re at war with the Americans. Thank merciful God they seen fit to leave us fresh water and food enough for two days.

      Deuce take ye for a dimwit! his friend snapped. Ye think we can reach Bermuda by tomorrow? Listen up, mate, our food will run out long before we hit land.

      Shut yer tallow face, ye twiddle poop! his friend shouted back at him. We been rowing all night. Me arms are near to breaking off. I don’t need ye telling me it’s for nothing.

      Take heart, men, the young skipper tried to buck up their spirits. We are in English waters. I am certain of it. Even if we don’t reach Bermuda by tomorrow, we shall be spotted by an English vessel. Mark me on it.

      The crew made grumbling sounds and Roderick ignored them all. He meant to survive this. By God or by the devil, he would survive, and then he would get his revenge. He rowed harder than all the rest, driven by a deep-seated need for revenge. It was cold, and while the others shared a blanket, he took no relief from any covering. His body was on fire.

      Over and over his mind formed a picture. A picture of Windmera sweetly, so sweetly, succumbing to the spell of Yohime. But not for him—Lance Landon would reap that harvest!

      He would have the man’s blood! Windmera was his. She was Godwin’s daughter and he would bring her home to Godwin. It was his duty. He had given up Clara…the pretty Clara, whom he had believed he loved. It would not allow for his sacrifice to be wasted!

      He had to do this or his father would never forgive him if he did not.

      Bermuda was sure to have English banks, which meant he would have money at his disposal. Yes, he would hire as many men as he needed and rescue her. He would run Lance Landon through. It was the only way to cleanse Windmera from the man’s touch, and he was sure, by now…with the Yohime in her, Landon had made her his, damn, bloody damn. He would kill Landon, then he would take Windmera home.

      He would survive this setback. It was as though he was being given a sign, he sighted a yawl in the distance. He stared at its lines, at the flag flapping in the wind. British. Yes, bloody damn, British!

      Straight ahead! he shouted hoarsely at the collection of despondent men. "Straight ahead!"

      * * * * *

      Windy sat on the bed and contemplated her situation. The enormity of it suddenly welled and overflowed. She curled up into a corner of the bed, with a portion of the skirt of her blue day gown gripped in her hand, while silent tears fell down her cheeks.

      A knock sounded, and again a young male voice announced his name. Sorry, ma’am. It’s me, Jack, first mate. I come to take the tray and straighten up for the capt’n.

      Did the captain send you? she asked tremulously.

      Aye, he did…also wanted me to make certain you were not…er…well, that you were comfortable.

      She jumped off the bed and opened the door wide, surprised that it was not locked. Locked? Whatever for? They were at sea, where could she escape to?

      Jack entered and stole a glance towards her. You look real pretty in that shade of blue. He saw the tray was empty. She had eaten the portion he had set for the captain, as well as her own portion. He beamed and said, Ah, I’ll tell cook you liked the meal he put together for you.

      Windy liked him. She stepped up to him and said, Jack…where are we headed for?

      Aw, best be asking the captain, he said, and moved to the cupboard to retrieve fresh bed linens.

      Windy realized the captain had told him to change the bed linens and jumped to take them from him. Oh…I will do that.

      Thankee, miss, but capt’n told me to attend to it, he said, and set them down on a chair as he went to pull off the linens from the bed.

      He paused, and it was obvious he had seen the blood.

      Windy felt the blush burn in her cheeks as young Jack looked from the bed to Windy and then hurriedly away.

      How humiliating.

      Jack, however, shook his head and said quietly, I’m sorry, miss, for your predicament, but I know the capt’n. He is a good man and he will see to you.

      You are very kind…kinder than your captain, that is certain. If only I could settle in my mind just how I am to get home.

      Well, as to that, no easy thing. The war, you know, Jack said doubtfully. He suddenly brightened. But don’t worry your pretty head about it. The capt’n will know what to do. He always does.

      A sharp retort nearly burst from her lips, but just then the door opened.

      She was struck by his presence because, as always, Lance Landon filled all the space he occupied with a bold virility that couldn’t be denied.

      His shirt was opened. His blue eyes seemed to see everything all at once, and for some reason he did not look pleased.

      I see you have found my young first mate pleasant entertainment, Miss Brabant, he said dryly, turning to give Jack a thoughtful glance.

      Jack was quick to scoop up the dirtied sheets and start out, saying as he closed the door, I’ll be back later to finish.

      The captain looked her over and said softly, You look lovely in blue, though I prefer you as you were last night.

      She arched a brow at his cheek but could not think of a retort.

      He grinned and added, However, Jack is a good lad, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t try and seduce him. He won’t help you escape…he won’t. He is loyal to me.

      "Seduce him? How dare you!"

      What am I supposed to think? I sent him in to tidy up and freshen the bed, instead I walk in and find the bed still unmade and the two of you with your heads together!

      "’Tis none of your business, but as it happens, we didn’t have our heads together. I merely said that I only wanted to go home and he replied that the war would make it difficult. There, are you satisfied?"

      He marched closer and took her roughly into his arms. "Only this satisfies me, you in my embrace, your lips beneath and responding to mine…Windy."

      He kissed her then and she felt herself melt to his touch. This was wrong, all wrong. He would use her and then what?

      She closed her eyes for only a moment, wanted to enjoy his kiss for only a moment, and then she called on all her willpower to push off his chest. No, she said. You shall not do this to me.

      She walked to the far end of the cabin and said, May I go on deck and get some fresh air?

      Indeed, you may. In fact, I very much hope you will allow me to escort you. You will get a fine glimpse of the American coastline.

      Oh! She was excited in spite of her determination not to allow him to get to her. I should like that.

      He smiled and offered her his arm. She took it with some enthusiasm. He patted her hand and said, Do you know your smile ignites a pleasure button inside of me? Why do you think that is?

      She eyed him but said nothing to this as he led her onto the deck and into the sweet salt air.

      ~ Two ~

      January, 1813—Norfolk, Virginia

      THE FIRST THING WINDMERA NOTICED about her new environment was the water. Leaving Barbados through pools of lime, minty blues, and aqua shades had not prepared her for the dark blue of the deep Atlantic. She oohed and aahed for a moment, then, as they approached the coastline, she was amazed at how very different it was from the Barbados coastline.

      No welcoming emerald isle, this new land. It was so large…and the air so cold. She held the shawl about her shoulders and shivered against the wind.

      The captain left her there at the bulwarks and hurried off without a word, but returned a moment later with a dark blue coat. He draped it around her and whispered at her ear, Put it on, moonflower. I’ll have the men get your trunk with your other things once we are docked.

      Thank you, she answered, surprised to find him so solicitous. She had a few warm cloaks she had their seamstress make up for her trip to England…England, would she ever get there? What had happened to Roderick and the other men? Had they reached Bermuda safely? And Roderick? She was supposed to marry him…but he had given her an illicit drug. How could she ever trust him again?

      In spite of the starkness when compared to Barbados, she found the Virginia coast absolutely beautiful, and could not look away from the rolling landscape. She had read about the vastness of the United States and had imagined it would be enthralling, and it was…it certainly was. No lush greens, yellows, or aqua to tantalize the eye, but something more.

      As the ship closed in on the harbor, she could see that it was teaming with life. Boats of all sizes were anchored everywhere. Some larger vessels than the Sea Hawk were docked, others littered the bay.

      Windmera couldn’t look away. All the sights and sounds were fascinating and she forgot about her personal predicament as she looked out on a thriving town.

      Lance went off to call orders to his men and she turned to look at him. He was a mountain of a man, self-assured, yet she saw no arrogance except, and she smiled to herself, when he was angered. What would he do with her? What did she honestly want him to do with her?

      She knew now Roderick had purchased her plantation out from under her, only to force her into marriage. He was not trustworthy and she had been saved a marriage with him.

      He had proven himself dishonest.

      She sighed and pushed her concerns off. She could do nothing about her present predicament but wait it out and see.

      * * * * *

      Lance couldn’t look away from her while he worked with his men. Her black hair blew about her lovely face, and her face was drawn in pleasure as she surveyed a new land. Oh, he more than wanted her, but with each passing moment he found he liked her a great deal. Here was the spirited lass he had first met in Barbados.

      He had to remind himself she was also the lass who had betrayed him. Yet she had not lied to him about being a virgin, so in turn, had Roderick lied when he said she was the one who had given him over to the authorities?

      He still didn’t know how Roderick got his information. In the meantime, why was she on that ship with Roderick? She was a virgin, so again, why was she with Roderick…and why were they headed for Cornwall together? He needed to find the answers to those questions.

      Another question plagued him. What was he now supposed to do with her? They were divided by fissures he could not see a clear way to repair.

      He had acted on a whim, or perhaps it was more, when he took her on board. He had not given any thought to the future. When he saw her on the Southsea, all he knew was that he couldn’t walk away from her again. Besides that, he couldn’t very well put her in the longboat with all those men to brave the sea. That would have been villainess.

      It pinched him that she thought he would keep her and use her against her will. It went against the grain that she believed that to be true.

      Damn, he was in a bloody mess. He was, after all, a man, and it was, even though his mother and sister often showed him otherwise, his job to protect, pet, admire, and hell…make love to women. Windy had gotten under his skin and…and what?

      He had thought when he first saw her again that here was the woman who had betrayed him, and he meant to exact a price. He had thought she was easy of virtue. He had thought…and he had been wrong, that she had lost her virginity long ago.

      He still didn’t know if she had betrayed him, but she was not a fallen woman, not until he had made her so. That was on him, and he was sick about it.

      Yes, she had wantonly given herself to him, but only because Roderick had drugged her. How could he know that when she was so pliable in his arms? Ah, but it left him in the same quandary. What to do now?

      He left his men to finish up and stepped up to Windy, not sure what he was going to say. Miss Brabant?

      She turned up her chin. Yes?

      I should like a word with you, now, in my cabin…before we are docked.

      If you insist, she said, and as he gave her his arm, she placed her dainty hand on it, and some of his resolve to be done with her vanished.

      He closed the cabin door and turned back to her. Damn, but those violet eyes of hers, so warm, and still, even after all their lovemaking, so innocent. What was it he wanted to say?

      Please, sit.

      I prefer to stand, she answered.

      Very well, he said on an exasperated sigh. As it happens, I like looking at you standing there in front of my bed.

      She blushed, furiously blushed, and he felt sorry for so discomforting her, but it accomplished what he wanted and she took up a chair and sat. She was, and it made him hold back a smile, quite contrary—at least with him.

      What do you want? she asked.

      He smiled broadly. "You, as a matter of fact."

      Uh…what can you mean?

      Listen to me, please, woman. I propose a bargain, he said carefully.

      A bargain? She raised a pretty brow and he suddenly felt a cad.

      Indeed. I have brought you here against your wishes, but at the time, I had no choice. It was either here with me or out there on the open sea. He raised a hand to stall her. I know you will say you would have preferred it to my company, but you are forgetting your escort drugged you with something that caused you to feel amorous. You would not have been comfortable on the longboat.

      She looked down at her dainty feet and all he wanted to do was take her into his arms and reassure her, but she waved off what he said and asked, What are you proposing?

      So be it, I understand. I offer now a solution to our quandary.

      Which is? she asked, meeting his eyes.

      "You are destitute. At least, I am sure you have some coins in your trunk, but not enough to survive a new land for long. You could say that everything we took from the Southsea, even the gown you are wearing…is now mine."

      She pulled his coat tighter around her shoulders. You are being unkind, Captain.

      He sighed. This was not going the way he wanted it to. Windy…you are quite an exceptional beauty, and as I have already possessed you, I should like to continue and give you safe harbor in that regard. As my mistress, I will protect you, care for you, and at the end of the war, if you so desire, return you to your plantation.

      "Mistress? You want me to become your mistress? Don’t you realize you have interrupted my life? I am a Brabant. I was on my way to Cornwall to be married to Roderick…" A sob escaped her lips.

      He found this hard to take, but he said earnestly, "I am sorry for him, and if you love him, for you."

      Love him? Who are you to question me? You escaped Savannah. I was happy for it, but you were devilishly cruel to me during that escape, and then you went on your merry way. Roderick was there… She shook her head. You have no idea what we at Brabant suffered afterwards. You have no idea what… She looked away.

      I know I am sorry for it and if I could turn my ship around and return you to Barbados, I would, but we are at war with England and it isn’t possible. You are no longer in Roderick’s questionable care, but in mine…

      * * * * *

      No less questionable! she interrupted on a shout.

      Indeed, I won’t disagree with you. If my terms are not suitable, you may take your things and disembark in Norfolk. I will help you, of course, find a place for you to stay, and even give you a purse to tide you over for a time. However, I feel it necessary to warn you regarding the dangers of such a move. A woman alone and unprotected in a place as large as Norfolk, teaming with seamen…is not, I hope, what you will choose.

      She knew what the dangers would be with no chaperone, and she wouldn’t take his filthy money! How dare he ask her to be his mistress! There was a war and Roderick would not be able to affect a rescue. Alone in this new world? She would have all sorts of despicable men to contend with. Still, she gave him a look of disdain. How generous and thoughtful of you.

      Ah, moonflower, if you decide to leave me and wait it out in Norfolk ’til the end of the war, I would, of course, frank you. You must know that.

      Frank me? I don’t want your money! I did not sell myself to you…and if you did, it would tell all the world I was your mistress, whether I was or not! She felt the tears burn down her cheeks.

      Don’t cry, Windy…you must know…if you remain with me, I will protect you. He sighed. In either case, your choice, but you have to make up your mind. He stood rigid, his hands clasped

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