The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,92

fault,” Keith said adamantly.

“Whether it is or it isn’t, I’m not there to protect her, and I told her I would. I told her I wanted to take care of her, not just for pleasure, but take care of all her needs. I’ve never imagined such a notion toward a woman, but I do. It’s not that I want to control everything she does or thinks, though I’ve certainly given her reason to think I do. It’s that I want her to know that someone values her, wants her. And in return, they care enough to support her.” Kyle stunned himself by articulating what he’d kept private, even from Keith.

“Do you love her?” Keith asked.

“I’m certain I could. I think I’m falling in love with her.” Kyle nudged his brother’s knee with his own. “My need for her differs from the one I feel toward you, but it’s just as strong.”

Kyle waited for his brother’s hurt or angry retort. He waited for a chasm to form between them. But his words met silence, and it tore at his heart. No one had ever come between them, and he prayed he hadn’t just put Moira there. He wanted her beside him, not against Keith. He nearly fell over when he heard his twin’s reply.

“I hope to find that too someday,” Keith whispered.

“You don’t begrudge me?”

“Never. You’re my brother, my twin. I have never not wanted the best for you. If she makes you happy, if she’s what you need, then I wish you my best. But do you think she returns your feelings? Or is it just physical? I’ve heard how women respond to you. Seen it too,” Keith chuckled.

“I thought it might be the same, but now I have no way to know. She may never forgive me for what I’ve done to her life. Who could blame her?”

“So do you think it would only be the coupling that would bring her back?” Keith wondered.

Kyle snorted. “I’m good, but I don’t know that anyone is good enough for a sound tupping to make up for what she’s endured.”

“Then you’ll know. If she wants to come back to the Lady Charity, to stay with you rather than go to Ruairí and Senga, then it’s because she cares about you.”

“Do you think she could love me?” Kyle’s apprehension made his lungs hurt as he held his breath.

“Undoubtedly,” Keith chortled. “What’s not to love?”

A key grinding in the lock cut the twins’ conversation short. Two matching faces turned expectantly to the door, waiting to see what would come next. They both prayed it wasn’t the gallows.

Moira looked at the dressmaker who cowered in the corner, Snake Eye hovering over her. Stephen stood guard outside, and Tomas stood just within the doorway. Moira had asked if any of the men had coin on them, so she could buy a gown. The men argued this was more efficient.

“Snake Eye, you must let her come and help me. None of these were cut for me, so she’ll need to pin them. I’m too thin for the ones she has. Unless, of course, you want me dressed like a girl with my calves bare.”

Snake Eye’s glare told her he didn’t find her suggestion amusing. Moira was certain Snake Eye feared for his life if Moira showed up before Kyle with her legs bare, just as she had when she strutted across the Lady Charity’s top deck. Learning Kyle was imprisoned made Moira think twice about storming to wherever he was held. As she and the men hurried away from The Leg of Mutton, Moira thought about what she needed to do if they were to free Kyle and Keith. Men from the Lady Grace had caught up to them and relayed what they’d seen when Kyle and Keith attempted to fight their way free.

“Snake Eye,” Moira warned with more authority. With a scowl etched so deeply that Moira feared it would become permanent, he allowed the seamstress past. Moira stepped behind the partition and held up a gown she thought would be the easiest for the woman to fit to her. The poor woman’s hands shook so badly that Moira feared she would become a pincushion. Easing the shears from the seamstress’s grip, Moira made quick work of cutting down the bodice and the skirts. When both women agreed it was the right length and size, Moira slipped out of it, and they sat together. “Snake Eye, Tomas, I’m helping the seamstress sew up the gown. It’ll