Page 126 of Crossbones
James’ fingers twist into my hair the way I love. I run my hand up his thigh, feeling the muscles bunch.
“You’re wrong. We have all the time in the world.”
“Oh yeah?” I can’t help the stupid smile that slides across my features. I move so I’m straddling his lap, knees digging into the sand at his sides.
He nods and his fingers tighten. “I have all the time in the world—to speak all the words you deserve.” He sits up, his other hand coming up to join the first, gripping me like I’m both something he wants to ruin and cherish.
His thumb runs along my jaw. “I am the fool who would chase lightning into the arms of a tempest and call it love,” he says. He smiles softly and his eyes glitter in the sun, shifting from black to blue and back again. “But aye—we have time. I plan on having forever, actually.” One hand slides down and stops over my heart. “Because this is mine and I’m not letting go.”
“That’s a lot better than just saying I love you,” I tease.
“Always so bratty,” he growls.
I laugh. “You love it.”
James grins and tugs me closer. “I do, because it’s part of the real you.”
I reverently let my fingers trace his jaw before gripping it firmly. “You’ve certainly always demanded my truths. You’re like the sea; I can’t help but get swept up in your tide,” I say, my words dripping with fervent meaning. I lean in closer. “But if I drown, I want to drown in the madness of you—my greatest rebellion.” I brush my lips against his and pull back, placing my hand over his heart, I smile and his eyes drop to my dimples. “And there’s no way I’m letting you go either.”
“So many pretty words, and yet still missing three simple ones,” James teases with a smirk.
Another laugh escapes me. “There’s nothing simple about those three words when it comes to you, baby. But if you insist—” I tighten my grip. “I love you.”
His breath brushes my lips as he laughs. “I love you too—now, shut up and kiss me.”
It’s a good thing we have forever, because that’s how long I’ll be chasing his laugh. The sound is a balm for my soul, and the love I feel for him overwhelms me. There’s no more hiding, I’ve found where I belong—with him—my pirate, my love, my devil sent to ruin me. I fall into his kiss, no longer lost, and holding the only treasure I’ll ever need.
EPILOGUE
JAMES
ONE MONTH LATER
“Land ho!”
The call comes from my barrelman and I raise my spyglass to my eye although it’s not needed. I can see clear as day the shoreline of De’Vero coming into view.
Or Draevorn I should say. I’ll have to get used to that.
Carter’s coronation is tomorrow and he sent a ship to Foxhollow to bring back anyone who wanted to attend. I’d volunteered, mostly so I could see May and the kids again. I was surprised when they eagerly decided to come along on the journey back with me.
“Let me see! Let me see!”
I look down to see little Gabrielle bouncing on the balls of her feet, reaching for the spyglass. I lift her up into my arms and hand it to her.
“Look just there,” I point.
She holds it up to her eye but doesn’t close her other one, and I chuckle.
“I see it! Is that where Uncle Fox is?”
“Aye, he had to stay behind to help Uncle Carter get ready for the party.”
“Do we get to go to the party, Uncle?”
“Of course,” I nod. “Everyone is invited. You’ll have to be on your best behavior though—”
“Oh, I’m always good,” Gabrielle interrupts.
