Page 18 of Hired by Pirates

“It wasn’t easy,” I said, finding it easier to open up while whispering in the night. “There were many times I had to sneak out his huge medical textbooks in my shopping basket so that I could read them at night.”

His right hand tugged on my hair very gently to tilt my chin up, as the left reached up to cup my face in his palm.

“Sneaking. Thieving. Doing what you wanted no matter what the rules were.”

His thumb brushed my cheek, and it felt like he was staring into my very soul. “In your own gentle way, sweet Astor, you’re already a pirate.”

I might have giggled, but before I could, he leaned in, placing his lips gently on mine.

It was a test, to see if I wanted more. My body answered for me, my arm gripping his shoulder, pulling him closer.

I had no idea that such a simple gesture could cause a tornado of emotions. His feelings surged straight through our kiss. His mouth burned against mine, telling me quite clearly that he had been yearning for this moment as much as I had.

My hand slipped to the center of his chest, so that I could feel his heart pounding. I’d never felt so wanted by a man before. So treasured. It was absolutely unlike anything I’d ever known.

My lips parted as he deepened our kiss, our bodies melting into each other. I heard myself moan softly, as I realized I was losing complete control of my mind. My hips were shifting, as my ankle latched around his calf. His tongue slipped into my mouth, tasting every part of me.

I could feel warmth blossoming through my core, making me feel hot and prickly. Needy, in a very desperate new way. My breasts pressed against his chest through my thin nightgown, as I felt my nipples become firm.

I moaned again when he broke off the kiss, as he smiled sweetly.

“My beautiful Astor, I want absolutely everything that I feel you do. But as it’s our very first night together, and we don’t know each other very well yet, I think the best thing we could do is try to sleep now.”

Those thick arms rocked me gently in a cuddle, making me smile. “I suppose if that’s a direct order from the Captain, I have no choice but to obey.”

“No, actually, you don’t,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

I loved that he was so playful. “Aye, Captain,” I said in a teasing tone, which brought his hand down on my bottom in a feather light tap.

“Saucy girl,” he grinned.

He kissed me once more, making my head spin through the softness of his lips. It was unbelievable that such a simple touch could be felt throughout every single inch of my body.

In the comfort of the Captain’s embrace, the strange creaking noises no longer sounded ominous. The gentle rocking of the ship was peaceful.

I was soon lulled to sleep with the Captain’s heartbeat against my ear, and his hand stroking my hair with a tenderness that I’m fairly certain surprised even himself.

~ Chapter 8 ~ The Captain ~

* Fresh Bread & Plans *

I woke several times in the night simply to revel in the feeling of Astor’s delicate body next to mine. It was a great relief that she enjoyed my touch, because if I had tried to hold back any longer, I might have erupted, like one of Simon’s tiny door-destroying explosives.

I woke up to a faint tapping at my door. Sitting up with a start, I looked around, but Astor was gone.

“I’ll be out in a minute,” I called to whichever of the boys was on the other side of the door.

“Aye, breakfast, Captain.”

Dressing quickly, I ran my fingers through my hair then rushed out to check our course. Luckily, we were pretty much back on schedule to make it to Acreton in time after our unexpected stop at Toburg yesterday.

By the time I got down to the galley, most of the crew was there stuffing their faces with some sort of bread.

“Try this,” Astor said, handing me what looked like a fresh dinner roll.

“This looks like it came from a proper bakery,” I said, absolutely incredulous.

Pulling it apart with my thumbs, the fluffy bread was steaming. I took a few careful bites, then sunk into my seat with an appreciative moan. “How did you do this?” I asked with my mouth full.

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