Page 28 of Hired by Pirates

“I feel it too, my beauty,” he murmured, as his large, rough hand glided down my ribs to settle against the center of my stomach. “May I touch you everywhere?”

I nodded, somehow whispering, “Yes.”

His hand slipped between my legs, as my thighs parted of their own accord. A halting gasp rattled through me as I felt his thick fingertips explore my most intimate flesh.

“You feel beautiful. Tell me, my darling, am I the first man to touch you?”

“Yes,” I managed to breathe between odd, uneven pants.

His fingers found a wildly sensitive spot. It felt like everything was becoming soft and open and wet when he touched me there.

Closing my eyes, I reveled in the perfect pressure of his hand. I knew that he wanted to take me. Wanted to plunge himself inside me. Could I actually allow that? Was I ready for it?

“Just relax, sweet girl,” he murmured. “All I want is to pleasure you. I need to feel your release against my hand. Can you do that for me?”

I couldn’t speak, only nodded, my breath a humming moan between our lips. I wasn’t sure whether I was disappointed or relieved that he wanted to take things so slowly.

It was as if he could feel the heat growing within me, the pressure becoming almost fearsome.

My hips began to shift restlessly, as I moved with him, my body taking over. I was helpless to the tension coiling inside me. It was too much, yet I needed even more.

His constant kisses were delicious and deep, making us both breathless.

Just as I was certain I was about to faint dead away, his hand shifted, bringing his thick middle finger to circle my opening as his thumb moved against that sensitive button.

“That’s it,” he growled against my lips. “Let go. Let me feel you, Astor. Give yourself to me.”

It honestly did feel like I was giving a part of myself to him, as the dam broke, heat and warmth washing through every part of me as I squealed against his lips.

I appreciated that he seemed as exhilarated as I was. I loved that he was so determined to bring me pleasure. And I absolutely adored how his care and attention made me feel like the most special, precious, girl in the world.

That was something I’d always secretly dreamed of. Being special, by any account, in any way. Feeling like the Captain’s girl was like having a wonderful little secret.

While my breathing returned to normal, the Captain simply stroked my hair, snuggling me against him.

I would have expected him to want something in return, but instead he sat up, tucking me back into bed.

“You had a very tiring night, my darling. Now that you’ve eaten, and relaxed a bit more, why don’t you take a nap? Don’t do any work today. Just get your strength back.”

“I’m actually fine. And won’t the rest of the men think that I’m a weak little girl if I don’t pull my weight?”

He shook his head as he pulled his boots on. “My beauty, you were ready for sleep last night when we received word from the Black Stag . It took us nearly an hour to reach that port, then you worked for several hours on another ship. Any of the men would be entitled to taking the morning off.”

“But–”

His finger darted out to rest over my lips. “Please, my beautiful angel. It would make me feel better to know that I’m not overworking the newest member of the crew.”

I pushed his finger away by sticking out my bottom lip, making us both laugh. “Fine, if it makes you happy, I’ll obey the Captain’s orders.”

“Good. If you feel up to it, join us for lunch.”

He gave me a kiss on the forehead before leaving, then I felt myself sinking into another tiny cat nap. With the splash of the waves against the hull, and the knowledge that my incredible man was so strict in caring for me, I felt like a spoiled princess in a story book.

~ Chapter 12 ~ The Captain ~

* The Ledfords and The Strouds *

I certainly hoped that Astor didn’t think I was treating her like a child. I had been serious when I said that after a night like she had, any crew member would deserve a lie-in the next morning free from chores.

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