Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords #1)(66)

Once they had transferred to Costa’s boat and sailed through the opening, Hestia caught her breath at the beautiful scene.

The protected and almost hidden small bay was surrounded in rock, except for a small sandy beach on the far right. They anchored in the calm, clear blue water in the afternoon, and just before dusk they gathered trunks and rowed ashore.

Costa’s family and friends greeted Alex as if he was the returning messiah. The two men hugged each other for a long moment.

Costa looked to be the same age as Alex, but he was over a head shorter. His face was tanned from the sun, but his dark eyes sparkled when he smiled.

When he looked in Hestia’s direction, Costa gave a surprised second look. Her male clothing obviously didn’t work this close up. He dug Alex in the ribs. “Your crew is much more attractive than usual.”

Alex’s smile disappeared and he shook his head before saying quietly, “Perhaps we should take our conversation inside your abode.” Costa immediately dropped the topic and merely looked at her strangely as he bid them to follow.

They made their way up a white cobblestone path that weaved through a small olive grove. Up ahead was a collection of bright whitewashed cottages, and as they drew close they saw the far terraces were awash with lemon, lime, and fig trees.

Costa led them toward a large house in the center of the village. Hestia had tried not to notice how David’s eyes followed her every move, and she dreaded the conversation she would have to have with him. Over the last few days she’d noticed an almost possessive heat to his gaze.

Costa ensured Ned and the other men of the Angelica who had helped with the luggage were shown to another cottage further along the path.

Finally they arrived at Costa’s residence. Hestia stood to one side as Costa spoke in Greek to the women who were there to welcome them into the home. He issued some commands, and soon she was being shown to her room. She didn’t even have time to say goodbye to Alex or David.

At least she didn’t have to face David tonight.

As soon as the women had escorted Hestia to her room, Costa showed the men into a large room with open doors onto a courtyard, where a cooling breeze thankfully tempered the warm humid air. Costa opened a bottle and poured them a glass of ouzo. Jacob, David, and Alex all took a glass and raised them for a toast. “To our health,” they said, and drank a shot of the anise-flavored liqueur.

“I’m hoping you have good news for me,” Alex said as he paced the room.

Costa and the other men sank into chairs by the open doors.

“The earl is safely ensconced at the home of the British lord high commissioner in Corfu Town. He’s well guarded and is aware of his cousin’s nefarious plans.”

“Bugger. It’s good he’s safe, but Corfu Town is the other side of the island.”

Alex had to agree with Jacob. “What of Murad?” His stomach cramped and he downed the rest of the strong ouzo.

Costa sat forward in his chair. “Rumor has it he has not been well. He’s not been seen near Corfu for over two years.”

“I hope the bastard is suffering,” Jacob muttered.

Costa flashed Jacob a glance and shook his head. “I have my ships’ men out asking questions. So far it does not look as if he is sailing north at all.”

“If he sets sail, how long would we have?” Alex asked.

“A week at best. However, if he is ill, perhaps there is too much infighting among his men as to who will take over leadership of his pirate gang to bother with you. You are not their concern.”

Alex hoped and prayed that was the case. Until he heard Murad was in his grave he was still going after him.

David cleared his throat. “I think I should take Hestia to Corfu Town and back to England with her father.”

Costa raised an eyebrow. “The girl is Lord Pembroke’s daughter?”

“Yes. With her father safe, Murad not in pursuit, then all this is over,” David said.

Jacob slammed his glass on the table. “No. It’s not over. She’s not safe yet. Fredrick will be desperate. He cannot let Hestia or Lord Pembroke reach London and expose his treachery. Fredrick will be at his most dangerous as he begins to panic. Worse, we have no idea what sloop he is on or where it is.”

Alex’s muscles tightened. Jacob was right. Alex needed to marry her before sending her home with Jacob. He had not told Jacob of his plan to send him with her, but he needed her well guarded, and Jacob was the best. His friend would want to sail with Alex after Murad, but he needed to know Hestia was safe so he could concentrate on destroying Murad.

Alex stared at Jacob and David. “Good night, gentlemen. If you don’t mind I would like a private word with Costa.” Jacob frowned and made to protest but Alex uttered, “I’ll speak to you later, but give me a moment.”

David was already on his feet. “I’ll go and ensure that Lady Hestia has settled in.”

Once the two men had left, Costa rose and fetched another bottle of ouzo. “You look like you may need this,” he said as he refilled Alex’s glass. Costa raised his glass. “Yamas,” he said, offering the Greek equivalent of cheers.

“Yamas,” Alex replied before downing the glass in one shot. His eyes watered as he held out his glass to be refilled.

“That bad?” Costa said.

Alex ran a hand over his face. God, he was tired. Tired of wondering what the right thing to do was.