Page 27 of Hired by Pirates

“You did a wonderful job of distracting him with conversation,” I said. “Thank you for that.”

He beamed with pride. Realizing that I was positively ravenous, I hoped the Captain would forgive me for devouring breakfast in an unladylike fashion.

“You’re very welcome, lass. Captain Searcy and I have known each other for many years. I must say, he has softened a bit with age. I was relieved that he was polite to you.”

“Most people are polite to someone who’s helping them,” I said.

“True, but often rough men need to show off in front of a lady.”

Setting down my empty teacup, I wanted to r

each for his hand, and was happy when he took it for me.

“But you told him right away that I was your lady,” I said softly, feeling my cheeks turning pink. “And in a way, you also told the crew here.”

“I’m fairly certain they already knew,” he said with a grimace. “You’ll find it’s very hard to keep a secret on any ship.”

The Captain’s fingers squeezed mine, as his other hand reached out to trail his thumb along the side of my cheek. “Do you mind that I told them?” he asked.

“No, not at all.”

“Good. I know I haven’t been as forthright with my feelings as I should have been. I find myself flustered, and not certain what sort of words you want to hear.”

“Any words you share with me are the right ones,” I practically whispered. The curiosity of what he might say had my belly tied in knots.

“Astor, I already feel more for you than I have for anyone else. Ever.” His eyes dropped to stare at our hands as his thumb ran in circles along my skin. “The feelings are so large that they are…confusing.”

“Confusing?” A flutter of nerves prickled through the backs of my shoulders as I wondered what he was trying to say.

“You see, from all of the stories I’ve heard about couples falling in love, it always seemed to take months of courtship. Yet I felt absolutely everything for you since the moment my eyes first met yours.”

I would have gasped, but he darted forward, meeting my lips in a brief but meaningful kiss that ended far too soon.

Setting the tray on the other bed, he kicked off his boots and lay down beside me. “Astor, I know that it’s too early to share yourself with me. I would hate myself if I felt like I rushed you along with that. But it’s almost killing me to keep my hands off you.”

“Then don’t,” I said quickly, as my hand snaked around the back of his neck, pulling him in for another kiss.

We rolled so that I was on my back, with him above me.

His warmth had been so comforting and cozy while we were sleeping. But now I could feel his intentions. The heat turned to a sultry temperature as his hands began to slide over my nightgown.

A thought popped into my head that made me giggle. “You must have helped me change last night. I’m sorry I was so exhausted.”

The Captain’s odd smirk made me laugh louder. “I will always do everything I can to care for you properly, Astor. But yes, I must admit that sneaking a peek pretty much knocked the air clean out of me.”

His steel eyes darkened as he asked, “May I take a better look at you in the daylight?”

My chin tipped up and down before my nervousness could take hold. I had never been undressed for a man before. As he slipped my nightgown off, his sharp inhale as he stared made me feel strangely tingly.

It was interesting. I didn’t feel exposed so much as...admired.

“So beautiful,” he murmured, as he lay beside me, his mouth wandering along my cleavage. It was so intimate to feel his kisses circle my breasts, as his hands caressed me everywhere.

I had obviously read all about the physical act of procreation in the medical textbooks. And there were a few rumors and giggled whispers from school friends. Nothing had prepared me for the absolutely enormous range of feelings that rose up inside me.

His lips wrapped around the tightened peak of my nipple, alternating between licking and sucking motions that made me feel like flames were slithering around my thighs and hips. My hands meandered across the back of his shoulders, holding him against me.

Then that beautiful mouth moved upward, skimming across my throat to meet my lips. I couldn’t control the soft moan that escaped me.

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