His Pirate Wife

by Marie Hall

  “I could hardly believe when the commodore sent word you’d be coming ashore to take over here. I thought the seas would have to run dry before you left them.” The man laughed as he ushered Mia to one of the seating areas and held the chair for her.

  “Yes. Well it wasn’t completely my idea,” Mia said and reached out to cover the man’s hands with her own. “Papa arranged my marriage, to a navy man no less,” she laughed again at the man’s look of surprise. “And Captain Winthrop will be taking a position at the college when the next term starts. So here I am, run aground.”

  “Ah, but I see that shine on you,” the man said. “You are not unhappy with the arrangement.”

  “Not yet,” Mia said then frowned. “At least not until I have to tell the captain what it will cost to take the house I have found us. Then I might be unhappy as he ties an anchor around my neck and drops me in the drink.”

  They spent some time speaking of what housing was in the area and the soundness of the investment made in taking a good house. They also spoke on matters of business. This aspect of what Mia’s papa did, and what he trained her to do was something Mia was taught but really had little practice with. Anything this man said was invaluable. Though at first she thought she’d have him to run to if she got stuck, when a man stepped up to the window next to where they sat and started to scratch at the paint Mia felt the entire weight of what was about to be hers settle on her.

  “You can’t remove your name, Adam,” Mia said, about to stand and stop the man from erasing words that had been in place nearly thirty years.

  “You’re proprietor now, Mia. Though you must decide how you wish that displayed on this glass.”

  “You’re not staying at all?” she asked then glared at the man. “Papa didn’t sink you did he? I don’t want to be here if you have been shoved off so that I can. I’ll tell Papa—”

  “Mia, no. No love. Not at all.”

  “But you’ve been here thirty years.”

  “Yes. And worked with your papa for almost forty getting this business in the currents and running swift. It’s time to go. It’s time to let someone younger take over. I’ve been waiting for the commodore to toss me a line for more than five years now, but I knew he wanted to hand it to you and you weren’t ready until now.”

  “I don’t know if I’m ready yet,” Mia admitted. There was a good deal more responsibility to this end of what they did than simply sailing to a port, finding a good cargo, and sailing it back.

  “Oh you’re more than ready,” Adam told her with a squeeze to her fingers. “And it hardly matters now, you’ll sink or swim, because when that first ship comes in to port in two weeks it’ll be you at the helm.”

  “Two weeks?” Mia gasped. “You’re not going to stay on? What will you do then?”

  “I’m going to board a ship and start finding out where all of these lovely items I sell everyday come from. I’ve a letter of free and want passage from the commodore and I’m going to make grand use of it.”

  “Well,” Mia huffed, “I like that. I’m run aground and you go out with the tide.” There was a moment of silence then they both burst out laughing. “Where will you go first?”

  “Where do you recommend?”

  They spent some time discussing locations and what to see when one arrived. Mia bid the man farewell as the sun began to sink on the horizon and promised to be back first thing in the morning so she could start taking over the duties for this good man. Before she left she was given a large package of correspondence that arrived from the commodore before Mia made shore. She’d need to go through all of it carefully, but as she entered the inn and felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up again, she knew she needed to focus on getting Devin to agree to the house first. She couldn’t stay here anymore.

  Devin stood outside the home of Mia’s choice and frowned. It was a very good choice, suiting their needs, but it was perhaps a bit large and it was well beyond the budget he’d set for her. He couldn’t afford the more than one hundred pounds a year. What was Mia thinking?

  “Devin please, it’ll suit us well and after a year if you are again sent to sea I can move out and find somewhere… small and… less pleasant to stay.” Mia pleaded. Though he knew if he was put to sea again, she’d not stay on land longer than it took one wave to follow the last to shore.

  “Mia, it’s not even furnished,” Devin said. Another thing he’d not be able to afford.

  “The Merry Lynn will be in port in less than two weeks, Devin. My things are in her hold. Come, you’ve seen the bill. Everything we need will be there.”

  “Mia it’s nearly twice what I said I wanted to pay,” Devin said, needing to actually work to remain firm with her on the matter.

  “Well it’ll be my home too, can’t we split the cost? This once, Devin? Please? It’s a good investment for me to have a home in England. Even if I’m not in it I can rent it to someone. That is what I do now with my home in Cartagena. Devin, please. I’m so tired of the inn and there is so little here to choose from.”

  “Mia,” Devin started then sighed. This was how it started. This was how she’d tie the anchor to his neck and sink him to the ocean floor. With the pleading look in those beautiful pale green eyes. “Why this house, Mia?” It wasn’t just she who was uncomfortable at the inn, he was as well. While there was little to choose from that was between the two points they needed to keep in mind, it was something else about this home. She could look elsewhere if she really wanted. He didn’t think it was the modern convenience of having water pipes. “What is it that draws you to this house?”

  He watched her drop her head and knew she was thinking over what factor to use to convince him. “The sea, Captain. The sea is just beyond the back steps. I can hear it from the balcony off the bedroom. Please, Captain.”

  “Say my name, Mia.” He’d been sure that was it. They might find another house, but it wouldn’t have such access to the water. Mia needed to have at least access to the waves.

  “Please, Devin. Please we can share the cost. Fifty-fifty, is only sixty to each of us and that’s less than the most you set as budget. Even if only half my things are on the ship they’ll fill this house well enough.”

  Devin looked over the house again. It was a good choice, something he once dreamed of living in as a child before he’d discovered life at sea. And if they were to have children, the house was large enough to accommodate that. But how to concede without giving Mia the impression she’d have the same success each time she discounted his preferences? “This house makes you happy?” he asked and saw her nod and grow more hopeful. “And you think it a good investment of your money?” Again, she nodded and her smile grew. “Then I suppose we should return to the inn and pack our things.”

  “Oh, Devin,” she squealed and threw her arms around him. “You won’t be sorry. I’ll make it a fine home. I will.”

  “You’d better as some of the price comes out of your pay,” Devin said and hugged her close. It was a lost cause. Now, he completely understood the commodore’s dilemma in dealing with Mia.

  “Half, aye. I understand.” Mia said as she leaned against him and looked at the house they just bought.

  “Not half, you’ll be responsible for only thirty-five percent. I’ll pay the rest,” Devin told her setting her back.

  “Wait,” she said and scowled at him. “No, that isn’t fair.”

  “Mia,” Devin said then laughed not understanding why she’d protest the arrangement.

  “No, then the house will be more yours than mine. It wouldn’t be worse were we still on the ship that was completely yours. Fifty-fifty, Devin. Equal partners.”

  The business side of Mia was showing. As was her wont to captain the ship. He hardly needed to control her in such a manner; they were with sure winds in their relationship. Each knew their duties. But he could give her something in this. It was after all in a home a woman shone. Every skill from setting course to holding it through a storm was a woman’
s job in a home, men… they simply existed there for the most part. Still, “Let’s agree to fifty-five/forty-five. Captain.” He pointed to himself. “First mate.” He pointed to her.

  “Pax,” she said holding out her hand.

  “Pax,” Devin said shaking it before she again jumped against him.

  When Mia’s belongs arrived ten days later he gave thanks he’d not forced her to take something smaller. They had a good deal of fun setting up house and even more christening each room with their wild love making. How he managed not to fall asleep each day in his office at the college he could only guess. Between home and work and their social obligations, it took very little time for both of them to tire of it all. When they’d walk down to the beach each night and stare at the water, Devin knew it wasn’t only he who was finding life on land harder than they first thought it would be. And after a few uncomfortable parties more, he knew he’d need to remove Mia from at least their social obligations before too much of her fire was doused.

  Chapter 7

  Mia waited in the shelter of the doorway as the coach rolled up. It wasn’t one like she expected. This larger vehicle wasn’t like the small cozy one she and Devin drove out in. Though the more room she’d have for what she’d planned for the trip home would be nice.

  This gathering had been horrific. It couldn’t have been worse if Lady Mallory had attended. She could only give thanks for that, and that Devin wasn’t as good at listening to what was said around him. Hearing how many men questioned his manhood because he supported her in her sailing abilities did more than sting, they shamed her. Her abilities on ship, and his praise of them, shouldn’t take anything from him in anyone’s opinion.

  Devin wasn’t just a great captain, he was a great man, a wonderful husband. And while he took no slight from the looks given when he publicly praised and admitted to loving her, Mia did. What was wrong with society that they should discredit a man for behaving exactly as they all stated they should.

  It seemed to Mia lubbers were more talk than anything. Loyalty and faithfulness as well as holding the line to a shipmate weren’t truly qualities they aspired to. She’d like to see any of them survive with such attitudes aboard a working ship. Most, she was certain, would never make it back to shore.

  “It’s the last coach, Mrs. Winthrop,” Mr. Brinks said, stepping up before the footman could to open the door for her. “I fear it’s going to be crowded. I’m going to sit topside, if you like?”

  Mia ground her teeth, and shook her head. Exactly what she didn’t want. She’d yet to get the chance to see what it felt like with Devin in her channel while they rocked inside a carriage. She’d a plan to find out tonight as the ride was more than an hour just back to the academy. With a sigh she stepped inside and was barely able to move her skirts aside before four others piled in. A good number of them men she’d heard disparaging Devin. Mocking him as being mate in his home and not captain.

  “What are you thinking, Mrs. Winthrop?” Devin’s voice startled her as he waited for a man to slide over so that he could sit next to her.

  “Pardon, Captain?” she asked as she leaned against him even as two more men climbed inside, and she could hear several settling in the space outside.

  “I saw that smile on your face. Have you some mutiny planned I should know about?” Devin asked, putting his arm around her and pulling her closer to make more room.

  “Mutiny?” Mia gasped then smiled up at him. “I don’t mutiny.”

  Devin laughed and kissed her temple as the coach lurched forward. “Of course you don’t. What was I thinking?” Mia was the only one who understood the sarcasm in his reply. That was confirmed when she heard a man whisper she didn’t need to mutiny if she captained the ship. If Devin heard, he didn’t react. “So, what were you thinking with your wicked little smile, pirate?” he said in her ear so only she could hear.

  With a sigh Mia set her hand on his thigh and said rather clear and loud. “I’m just sad we don’t have a private carriage yet.”

  Devin laughed. “Still struggling to get Grim in the public ones?”

  “Well, that and…” She looked up to see how many were listening in. All of them were. “I hate the wasted time. After all this ride will be an hour or more.”

  “It would be the same no matter the carriage,” Devin said and she heard his confusion and saw the smugness on the faces of the others joining them.

  “Aye, Captain,” Mia said then snuggled close and drew her hand up his thigh to his groin. “But I could spend the time in a private coach… more to your liking.”

  “My liking?” Devin said and tried discreetly to remove her hand from his crotch.

  “I do like to please you,” she said again, checking to make sure the men not only listened but watched as she reached to place a small kiss on his chin. “And in a private coach I’d have room to get down on my knees and swallow your cock while we drove home.”

  “Mrs. Winthrop,” Devin growled but not like he did when he was upset with her. “Some decorum if you will.”

  “Didn’t you tell me decorum is overrated?” Mia said and nipped at his neck.

  “Below boards,” Devin chuckled. “It’s over rated for below board activities.”

  “Ah, well. It’s hard to keep these things straight on shore, Captain. After all, we’re mostly always sheltered.” She sighed and shifted to rest her head on his chest. “Even if the quarters are closed I can’t even lift my dress and straddle your stem, being inside so often makes me want to.” She used the space she had to roll so she was cradled more against him, then cast a sideways glance at the nearest man. For sure that man was now looking at them both with a bit of awe. Perhaps maybe seeing that a man loyal and loving to his wife is rewarded with far better things than control of the helm.

  “Aye, you’ve an appetite for such things, my love,” Devin said leaning his head back and closing his eyes. “Perhaps a private carriage should be your next purchase. I shouldn’t want to discourage you from pleasing me.”

  “Little pleases me more, Captain, than pleasing you,” Mia said causing Devin to chuckle softly.

  “Then a coach, wife. So I might have more opportunities to have you on your knees,” Devin said almost like he might have forgotten others were there with him. “Perhaps one with hooks or rings. For proper tying down of… cargo or such,” he muttered and Mia pressed her lips together so she didn’t laugh.

  Why she thought Devin wouldn’t figure out exactly what she was playing at she didn’t know, but she was never so grateful he played along, even if it cost her later it’d be well worth it. Again she shifted so she could measure these people’s reaction.

  A few gaping mouths, a few faces red enough to see even in the dim lights and much uncomfortable shifting about. Then the same man who’d commented about her mutiny had his companion lean over to him and say, “I could hand the helm if that is the ship being sailed.”

  Mia spent the rest of the ride lazily caressing Devin and taking note of the envious looks passed his way. None of which he was much aware of as he kept his head tipped back and his eyes closed, though he didn’t sleep. When the coach pulled to a stop before the long row of terrace homes where most of these men lived, Devin sat up straight wished the men well and before they all exited the vehicle looked down at Mia resting in his arms. “We still have at least twenty minutes my love, perhaps you might start pleasing me now?”

  “Aye, aye, Captain,” Mia said with a laugh as the last man nearly fell out of the coach.

  “Naughty, little pirate,” Devin scolded when the coach again pulled away with only them. He adjusted them around until she was sitting straddling his lap. “You shouldn’t let what they say about me, or you, put holes in your hull.”

  “I know, but I don’t like that they look down on you because you are good to me,” Mia said, working the front of his coat open so she could feel his warmth.

  “I’ll always be good to you, Mia,” Devin said then moaned softly when her hands
slid back down to his groin. “What I should have from you is… was that you chewing the fat or have you some course you plan to sail?”

  “Ah, Captain,” Mia said sliding back until she was kneeling on the floor. “Raise sail, I have a bearing and a port of call.”

  “Then take the helm, my love,” Devin said then groaned again as she did that very thing.

  Devin let Mia pull him to a stop in front of the jewelry shop. He’d taken her out today to select a few small items they needed to finish their home. Though Mia’s extensive dowry came with more than he could ever imagine, there were a few things that didn’t quite match their combined tastes. And she still needed to purchase more stockings as she was down to the pair she wore.

  He felt his cock twitch thinking about how she looked tied to their bed. Knots were never so fun or useful on a ship as they were in a bedroom. The way Mia would try and wiggle away from his touches only to find she couldn’t. He saw the thrill flare in her eyes knowing he could do anything he wanted and she couldn’t stop him.

  And he did do what he wanted. Even now, he knew the underside of Mia’s fine breasts were marked from their rough play the other night. If he wanted, he could make her moan again just by pressing against her in what to everyone else would appear to be a loving embrace. And he knew if he did, he’d be able to reach between her legs and find her wet and ready for him again.

  He had a mind this morning, as he watched her dressing, to place the short stout wooden phallus he’d received as a wedding gift back in her ass and have her wear it while they were out. But damn if he hadn’t known as soon as the thought crossed his mind they’d never leave the house if he did. After that shot she sent over the bows of those cadets in the coach a few weeks ago, she was even less resistant to more public displays of affection. And he was quite often the recipient of looks of admiration. And while he’d had to work a bit to dodge questions when the rumors of the events in the coach reached the ears of the command, it was still worth it. Again, his cock nudged at the front of his pants and he found he was more than done with shopping.