Today he felt entirely healed.
He looked at her sleeping in the crook of his arm. She was truly beautiful with the sun coming in to light her features.
He bent his head and kissed her lips lightly, surprised when she brought her arms around him and kissed him back. He let her deepen the kiss, her tongue delving within his mouth to duel with his, then caressing his head with her hands. He lowered his arm around her shoulders and drew her closer, reveling in the feeling of her soft warm body against his. She smelled so clean and fresh he wanted to bury his face in her hair and just hold her. Everything about her appealed to him and he could barely believe how much he wanted her.
When their kiss ended, she whispered, “Esteban...” and his cock leapt to attention hearing his name come from her sultry lips. He brushed her locks from her face, and bent his head to kiss her once more when her eyes opened, then focused.
"Oh—oh!” she exclaimed and scrambled backward until she fell over the side of the bed with a painful thud. “Ow!"
He looked at her upon the floor. “Are you alright?"
"What do you think you're doing?” she demanded.
"I was kissing you."
She got her feet under her and stood. “You were trying to take advantage of me while I was asleep!"
"I was not! You kissed me back!” he protested.
"Well, I was dreaming.” She looked away.
"You were dreaming of me.” He broke into a broad grin. “Tell me about it.” He looked at her and noticed the swell of her breast through the thin caftan, and a tantalizingly erect nipple was clearly outlined.
"No—and I can't help what I dream.” As she began to straighten her clothes, she noticed his gaze and crossed her arms over her chest. Quickly, she changed the subject. “How's your headache?"
"It is gone. You are a gifted healer."
"No, I'm not. I just get those headaches a lot."
"There was another medicine you did not give me."
"No, there wasn't."
"Yes, yes there was a flat wrapped package,” he held his hands about six inches apart, “perhaps this big."
"Oh! You mean the chocolate.” She laughed. “It's not really medicine. It's candy."
"Candy?"
"A treat, you know ... a sweet?"
"And this helps with headaches?” he asked.
"Sometimes.” She walked out to his desk and picked up the candy bar, unwrapping it as she returned. “Here, try some."
She broke off a piece and bit into it, relishing the sweet flavor and then handed him the rest.
He watched her and did the same. Esteban's eyes widened as he tasted the candy.
She laughed. “It's good, isn't it? Swiss chocolate is the best."
"I have never tasted such a thing.” He ate another piece, then handed it back.
"No, you finish it. It isn't really breakfast food."
He lay back on his bed and placed the candy on his chest, breaking off small pieces and enjoying each one. She laughed at him.
"Hey, is there a bathroom I can use?” she asked.
"A bathroom?"
"I have to ... you know,” she replied awkwardly.
"Oh, you mean the necessary—behind the screen.” He pointed to an ornate screen in the corner of the room. She looked at him doubtfully and then moved in that direction. There was a commode, which was clean, and as badly as she had to go, very inviting.
While she used the limited facilities, he finished the candy and closed his eyes, savoring the flavor of the last piece.
There was a knock on his bedroom door and it opened revealing a large buxom redhead, carrying a tray. “Esteban, darling, Manuel told me you had one of your headaches, and I thought I would come to see if I could help.” She moved to his bedside and sat down.
"That won't be necessary, Rachel. I feel fine,” he replied, sitting up.
"My mother always said a strong tea of onions and boiled pig hearts worked wonders for a headache.” She uncovered a cup with the floating remnants of porcine organs and onion skins. The smell of which wafted to Esteban's nose and made him cringe.
"Truly, Rachel, I feel fine."
"Nonsense."
Kate had heard the entire exchange. She wondered briefly who the woman could be, and what her relationship with Esteban was. At first, she thought maybe the woman was Esteban's wife or girlfriend, but now it didn't sound as though they were anything more than casual acquaintances. She heard the description of the concoction Rachel had brought, registered Esteban's obvious disgust over it, and decided to save the poor guy.
She came out and adjusted the caftan. “That is much better,” she sighed theatrically. “Good morning.” She smiled at the other woman.
Rachel's reaction was immediate, and Kate saw a flush of anger tinge her already overdone cheeks. “Who is that?” she demanded.
Kate approached her and held out a hand. “Katherine Lamb, pleased to meet you."
The woman looked at Kate's hand then back at Esteban. “You did not say you were bringing another girl on board except the whore for Fargut."
"I do not answer to you, Rachel,” Esteban replied, his tone dangerously quiet. “Perhaps you should go back to the women's quarters?"
Rachel threw Kate an evil look. “Ugly and skinny ... your standards are dropping, Esteban.” She stood and turned, leaving the room in a flounce of petticoats.
"Did I come in at a bad time?"
"No, Rachel thinks she has exclusive rights to my time and my bed,” Esteban answered. “Pay her no mind."
Kate picked up the tray and grimaced in disgust at the nasty potion, then dropped the napkin over it again before setting it aside.
"Thank you for helping me.” He held out his hand in invitation to her. She climbed upon the bed beside him and lay down.
"You're welcome.” Laying beside him she felt lazy and comfortable. It was odd, that she'd find any comfort with a man who considered her his slave, but everything had been odd since she'd woken up in the forest alone.
Esteban spoke and broke into her thoughts. “I have been at sea since I was twelve years old, and I have seen many places,” he said. “But where is Pawtucket, Rhode Island?"
She laughed. “Trust me, you wouldn't know where it is."
He nodded, accepting her answer for the time being, happy to have her within his embrace once again.
"You've really been at sea since you were twelve?"
He closed his eyes and relaxed; he knew they would not require his presence upon the decks for a little longer. “Yes."
"But what about your parents?"
"I was orphaned when I was ten. I had a relation in Tartak who thought the sea would be a good education. He signed me onto a packet ship as a cabin boy to the first mate. He was a good man who taught me many things and did not find little boys attractive.” He smiled at her. “I have been at sea ever since."
She moved a little closer to him, enjoying the pocket of warmth he provided around her. “How old are you?"
"I am thirty years old,” he said. “Now it is your turn, since we are answering questions. How old are you?"
"Don't you know you never ask a girl her age?” Katherine smiled.
"No, I did not know that,” he replied seriously, and she laughed.
"I'm only kidding, Esteban. I'm twenty-seven."
"How is it you do not know what an Andalosian is, but you speak the language and were taken in Kirn?” he asked after a moment.
"I'm speaking English, and you are too.” She examined him closely, trying to decide if he was trying to fool her.
"What is this Ing-lish? We are speaking Andalosian.” Esteban knew some of the words she'd been using were strange, but mostly she'd been speaking Andalosian, and he had as well.
"Esteban, what on Earth are you talking about?"
He jerked, surprised at her words. “What do you mean? Explain."
He'd heard the word Earth before.
Again she tried to discern if he w
as joking. “I'm speaking English ... it's a language..."
"No, no ... What is this Earth?"
"Ah, the planet we're on, duh. Jeez, Esteban, it's just an expression.” Kate had a sudden odd chill run down her spine. Even way back in time, thousands of years ago, she knew they called Earth, Earth. “You know, Earth ... third planet from the Sun, Milky Way galaxy ... What we call our world?” She trailed off when she saw nothing even close to comprehension on his face.
He regarded her for a moment, then spoke quietly. “Our world is called Calthraca, not Earth. It is the sixth planet from the sun."
"Yeah, sixth planet, right.” She snorted. She stopped abruptly when she saw that his expression had not changed. He was serious, and looking at her as though she was losing her mind. Maybe she was. “You were joking, weren't you?"
"No. We live on Calthraca, not Earth. Though I have heard of this place."
Kate shook her head, trying to figure out just exactly who was crazier, him or her. “What do you mean you've heard of it?"
"I met a man once, he was a large fellow; his name was Morgan, I believe. We shared a drink at a tavern in Bellad. He was riding the ferry to his home in Adjiban. At the time I thought perhaps he was merely telling tales, but he said his master was a powerful sorcerer. One who could travel between worlds and that he had been to Earth."
She looked at him as though he were telling her a story. “Are you lying to me?"
"No, Katherine, I am not."
"Can you take me to him? Maybe I can get home,” she said.
"Get home?"
"Yes, back to my own world!"
"This is your home,” he said slowly. Unease was creeping up on him.
"No, you don't understand. I don't belong here,” she said desperately.
"You belong wherever I decide you belong."
"Please ... Esteban ... I...” Her throat tightened and the tears, which never seemed very far from the surface, filled her eyes. “Is it sex? Is that what you want? I'll do whatever you want. Just take me to him; I must get back.” She moved to take off her caftan.
"No, Katherine. It is not sex, it's ... no.” He picked up his shirt and boots and left the room hastily, locking the door behind him, then leaned against it and closed his eyes.
She threw herself at the door and slid to the floor crying. “Please! Esteban, please, don't keep me here!"
He could hear her on the other side sobbing.
When she had suggested leaving a wave of sheer panic had arisen within him and made him take flight. He couldn't defend himself from her pleas, yet he did not want to lose her. Not yet. She stirred something within him he didn't understand. He couldn't release her until he understood, until she showed him. He pushed off the door and left the sitting room, pulling his boots and shirt on in the corridor, unable to listen to her sorrow.
Kate sat upon the floor in his room, rocking and crying. All the fear she had held within her for so long, the homesickness, the sorrow and worry came forth in a terrifying flood of emotion.
She'd hoped he would understand and take her to the person who might get her back to Earth, but she should have known he was just a pirate, a man with no conscience. He owned her and that was all he cared about.
"Fine,” she muttered weakly, sitting up and wiping her nose and eyes. “Fine. I'll just have to get there myself."
She began to plot her escape.
Later in the day, Esteban sent one of his mates to her with food and drink, and the girl Aria to keep her company. Kate had composed herself and vowed she would not allow him to see any more emotion from her.
When he returned late that night, she heard him enter the wardroom, but didn't bother to get up.
Esteban opened the door to his bedroom and looked in. She was lying on his bed, apparently asleep.
He turned and got himself another glass of wine, steeling himself to speak to her. He had already consumed two bottles. He was drunk, tired and his muscles ached. He longed to have her soothe them for him, but didn't dare to ask her. It was true she belonged to him, but really she wasn't the type of a woman who was owned by anyone.
He finished his wine and moved to his bed where he sat and pulled his boots off, and then his long shirt. “Are you awake?” he asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Roll over."
She did and looked up at him.
"I want you,” he said gruffly.
"Then take me,” she remarked dispassionately. “I belong to you, remember?"
"I can't do that. It would be wrong.” He sounded vaguely insulted.
"Why would that stop you? Keeping me as your slave is wrong, too. You're a pirate; you rob and rape and kill. ‘Yo-ho-ho and bottle of rum'.” She felt herself gearing up for a good argument, and wasn't about to let his hurt feelings get in the way.
"I could beat you and bind you.” His voice hardened.
"Then do it.” She rolled back over, ignoring him.
He leaned over her back and pressed his lips to her temple. “I would have your love, Katherine,” he whispered in her ear.
A tiny spark ignited within her as his words caressed her face.
"Forget it. Get off of me.” She squelched that fire.
"We have a long trip ahead of us,” he said. “Perhaps you will reconsider?"
"I really doubt it."
Roughly he turned her onto her back and lay over her body once again, balancing himself on his hands.
"Tell me what you dreamed."
"No."
He bent his head and kissed her, sliding his tongue into her mouth, then pulling back when he felt her teeth. “Don't you dare bite me,” he slurred.
"You're drunk."
"Yes, I am, isn't that what we pirates do? What was it you said? Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum?” He chuckled at throwing her own words back at her.
"Yeah, right.” She looked away from him.
He lowered himself to his left elbow, until he was lying beside her with his chest almost atop hers. Esteban slid his hand down her body, stroking her through the sheer silk pantaloons and she gasped, arching under his hand, trying to push him away.
"Don't..."
"You do not like it?” He cocked his head.
"Just leave me alone, okay? You want me to serve you, then fine, I'll wash your socks or whatever, but you don't get me. It doesn't work that way."
He brought his hand up and held her chin. “I get it all, Katherine. That is the way it works.” Low and dangerous, that voice caught her attention like nothing else could have.
He ground his lips down upon hers until she moaned and gasped, opening her mouth for air. He took possession of her then, sweeping his tongue into her mouth, kissing her hard. She groaned as his hands roamed over her, touching her between her legs again, then moving up to cup a breast and stroke a nipple. An unexpected surge of desire flared up within her at his touch, and she groaned once more. The hand she'd brought up to strike with, hovered over his back for a moment, longing to caress him as well, before she bunched it into a frustrated fist and dropped it back to the bed beside her.
Esteban could feel her heart hammering in her chest. She was terrified and he relaxed; he didn't want her to fear him and he wasn't about to rape her.
He laid his head beside hers, sliding his hand back between her legs to continue stroking her softly. He only wished to ... touch her.
Soon his movements slowed and finally ceased as he fell asleep. She heard him snoring softly and she picked up his wrist, removing it from her crotch.
She exhaled a long pent-up breath. “Terrific. Now I'm all heated up, and you pass out."
She dropped his hand and rolled over to her side, nestling her backside into his belly. At least he'd keep her warm.
Again, she could have moved away and gone to sleep on the divan, but something about him cried out to her, despite his actions earlier.
He was a strong man, a self-assured man, but there was a vulnerability to him that she sensed immediately. Somethi
ng she was sure no one else picked up on, and to her amazement, she found she liked him a little.
She knew why he wouldn't let her leave. He needed her. The things she'd instinctively felt about him, the compassion, the gentleness ... she brought them out in him, and she suspected it was something he didn't understand yet.
"Ain't it great to be needed?” She sighed.
For now, something needed to be done about the tingle of desire she still felt. Slowly she let her hand trail down between her legs and began stroking, circling her now rigid clit, and inhaling softly as she recalled her dream.
She had dreamed of him making love to her, his broad chest above her, running her hands over his firm muscles. She'd imagined how it would feel as he placed soft kisses upon her mouth and breast, and then lower ... Kate brought herself to a quick climax, moaning softly, finishing what he'd started, and then relaxed into sleep.
Behind her, Esteban closed his eyes and smiled.
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Chapter 4
The next morning when she awoke, Esteban was gone. Quima sat staring at her from the chair in his room, a small dark slave girl behind her. A large oaken tub sat steaming invitingly.
"Is that a bath?” she asked.
"Well, I don't plan to cook you, so I suppose it must be,” Quima said in a surprisingly high voice.
Katherine laughed out loud.
"Captain Esteban ordered it for you. Come along, get in."
Katherine scrambled out of bed and peeled off her caftan, handing it to Quima. The older woman handed to the girl to wash as Katherine climbed into the hot water.
"Oh, dear God, this feels good,” she breathed.
Quima smiled and then moved to begin washing her back and her hair and then handed her the soap, letting her wash herself for a few moments. “You are a deep sleeper,” she remarked.
"It's not something I'm particularly proud of,” Katherine admitted sheepishly. She'd always slept like the dead.
When Kate was finished with her bath, Quima helped her from the tub and led her back to the bed. She opened the windows letting in the warm air and sunlight. “Sit here until Tika returns with your clothing. I'll have the men come and remove this,” she said.
Calthraca: Secrets And The Sea [A Calthraca Novel] Page 5
