"Do you have the rings?"
Esteban fumbled two intricate golden bands that he'd purchased in the last port, from his vest pocket and placed them into Collin's hand.
Collin handed them one at a time to both Esteban and Katherine. “Katherine, repeat after me, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment, a perfect unending circle."
Katherine repeated his words and slid the ring over Esteban's ring finger, then gripped his hand tightly.
Collin then turned to Esteban. “Repeat after me, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love and commitment, a perfect unending circle."
Esteban repeated the words then pushed the tiny golden band down over Katherine's knuckle, running his thumb over its shiny surface, swallowing the emotions which had arisen within him as he'd spoken. They both faced Collin now.
"By the power entrusted to me by His Majesty King Samuel of Lyros, and my authority as admiral upon this ship, I pronounce you wed. You may now use the honored titles of husband and wife.” He stood and beamed at the two of them. His smile faltered a bit when he saw they still held identical expressions of anticipation upon their faces. Sanders leaned in and whispered beside his ear.
"Oh!” he exclaimed. “Kiss your bride, you damn fool!"
Esteban gathered her in and kissed her tenderly upon her lips, holding her firmly to his body and enjoying the way she clung to him. His wife.
He broke the kiss, and as she looked up into Esteban's eyes, Collin broke the silence. “Let's eat, I'm starving."
After they signed the papers, which declared them wed and Katherine freed, dinner was served.
The first course of dinner was soup and when all were served they began. It was a thin, but flavorful consommé served with heavy sour cream. Kate had never eaten such soup, but found it delicious.
"So please tell me, where are you from, Lady Katherine?” Collin inquired. “You look somewhat Andalosian or Lyrosian perhaps?"
Kate looked at Esteban, they had discussed this possibility and come up with an explanation. “I'm from a small town along the border of Sakendahl and Andalos,” she said.
"Ah, just so,” he replied with a polite smile upon his face. “Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the interior lands, as you might have guessed."
"No, I would not imagine so.” She smiled back, it was exactly what they'd guessed.
Esteban stepped into the conversation. “Lady Katherine was abducted from Kirn where she was visiting relatives. I was fortunate enough to have discovered her in the care of some very dubious gentlemen in Tartak. She and Aria,” he added.
Collin nodded then looked at Aria. “How fortunate."
When the soup course was cleared, the main dish was served, a huge braised fish with greens and rice, and several other dishes, such as steamed mussels and shrimp.
As dinner progressed, they talked and ate and enjoyed each other's company, but Kate could see Esteban was edgy. She was feeling somewhat dizzy from all the wine and thought perhaps she was mistaken because outwardly, he appeared fine, talking and laughing. But Katherine was so well attuned to him by now that it was obvious to her that he was not feeling as comfortable as he was aboard Viceroy.
"Esteban,” she whispered as Collin was speaking quietly to Aria. He bent his head to her. “I think I'd like some air."
"Of course.” He stood and excused them, then led her abovedeck to the rail.
Kate leaned into him heavily as the enormous ship rocked upon a wave.
"I think I'm a bit drunk,” she said and he smiled. “Maybe I ought to go back. I'm not feeling terribly well."
"I will take you back."
"You don't have to come with me, Esteban, you can stay with your friend."
"Nonsense. Stay here for a moment, and I will give the admiral our apologies."
Esteban returned below to the dining room where he found Collin and Aria entwined in a passionate embrace. He cleared his throat and startled them. “Excuse me."
Collin rose and moved to where he stood, out of Aria's hearing.
"We are returning to Viceroy; Kate is tired. I shall return in two hours to speak with you,” Esteban said.
Collin nodded and looked at Aria. “Make it three."
"All right, three.” Esteban grinned widely.
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Chapter 8
He rejoined Kate above and together they made their way back to his ship. She was a bit drunk, but he knew it wasn't simply the wine that had affected her.
"What is wrong?"
"Nothing ... not really. I just realized Collin wished to be alone with Aria, and I wanted to be alone with you, seeing as it's our wedding night and all.” She smiled up at him.
Esteban grinned. “So it is like that."
"Mmhmm."
He led her up the gangway and spoke briefly to Manuel before continuing belowdecks.
Katherine had gone ahead and opened the door to their quarters, setting her small bag upon his desk.
Esteban entered a moment later and closed the door with a quiet click.
She felt his hands encircle her waist and she leaned back into his strong chest, closing her eyes. Those hands slid upward to cup her breasts through the tight bodice of her gown, kneading her softly. She made a breathless sound and he bent his head to her, kissing down her neck.
"You are so beautiful, my wife,” he murmured. His voice rumbled through her, making her shudder.
"You're going to spoil me with all the compliments,” she said in a smile.
"No, I won't. It's the truth."
He had worked his way back up her neck and nuzzled her ear. His tongue snaked out and slowly circled the delicate shell, then dipped to pull her lobe between his teeth in a soft bite.
She sighed and found she could breathe much easier. His hand slid slowly down her side, pulling gently at her laces, releasing the restraining bodice of her gown.
Kate turned in his arms and kissed him deeply as his other hand released her left side. He rested his forehead against hers. “I love the way it makes you look, but I do not understand why women tolerate such bondage.” He took her mouth again in a deep kiss.
"I think ... “she breathed when he let her up for air, “it's the release."
He grinned devilishly. “It is always the release, cariña."
Still holding her gaze he pulled the last tie holding her skirt, stepping back slightly as it fell to the floor with a soft swish, and she stood before him, wearing only her garters and hose.
He made a low growl and swore softly at the sight of her, a thoroughly lustful and masculine sound, which made Kate's insides quake in anticipation. Curling a strong arm around her waist, Esteban pulled her forward into his embrace a bit more forcefully.
She brought her hands up his broad chest, pressing his shirt back from his shoulders, needing the contact of skin upon skin. She began tracing a line of soft kisses down his chest.
Esteban shrugged the shirt off and stood enjoying the warm press of her lips upon him. He lifted her, carrying her the few steps to their bed where he laid her back and positioned himself directly above her, balancing his weight upon his hands.
She smiled up at him and he grinned, then slowly lowered his head and kissed her softly.
She brought her arms up and encircled his neck, drawing him down.
With a quiet groan, he rolled over onto his back, pulling her with him until she was lying stretched along his body, her weight slight and pleasant upon him.
Katherine grinned wickedly, feeling his solid length pressing against her belly. She wiggled a bit, causing him to suck in a sharp breath.
"Holy God!"
She moved up and then down slowly, stroking him through his breeches, watching his face and enjoying the power she had over him. His eyes, which had closed when she moved, came open a little and a brief gleam of blue showed through.
"Katherine...” he breathed. “Please..."
She moved to unfasten his breeches, pulling them down until h
e could kick them off. She stroked his erect cock, licking the head slowly, knowing it would drive him wild. While she was considering all the delicious things she wanted to do, or have done to her, she felt his strong hands upon her waist, and he lifted her easily, pulling her above him. She opened her thighs and lowered herself upon him and both of them groaned in unison as her tight sheath enveloped him, gripping his rigid cock firmly.
"Oh yeah...” she whispered.
He held her waist and thrust up within her. “You are perfection.” He lost his words and uttered something entirely guttural and foreign. Katherine didn't know what he said, but the lustful tone made her insides churn excitedly.
Esteban reached up as she found her own rhythm upon him, crushing her breasts softly, teasing her sensitive nipples, and then tugging her forward so he could suckle her.
She sighed when his hot mouth touched her, and he made an appreciative sound which further fueled the building climax within her. When he removed his hand from her other breast and began to fondle her sex, she moaned heatedly and then went rigid. She grasped his chest with her hands, and a small grunt escaped her lips as her hips bucked forward.
When she came down from her peak, she shuddered and lifted her head to look at him.
"You are breathtaking when you come.” He could still feel her muscles rippling, spasming upon him and he inhaled deeply at the sensation.
Kate didn't answer. She dropped her head weakly again. She was helpless to resist him and he knew it. He felt her sheath contract once more, just slightly as though begging for another release.
While she was still regaining her breath, he lifted her and sat up, pulling her to her feet with him. He stood facing her and bent his head to kiss her; his lips and tongue nibbling her lips teasingly.
Kate clung to him, still unsure of why he'd put her on her feet.
He reached up to trace the length of her arm with his fingers, tickling her a bit, then took her wrist, turned her to face the bed, and pushed her slightly so she fell onto it with a startled gasp.
"Esteban?"
He positioned her now so her body was bent at the waist with her feet upon the floor, facing the windows and the open ocean. Esteban slid his foot between hers and moved her legs farther apart.
He stepped in close and she could feel him rock-solid against her thigh.
Bending, he whispered heatedly in her ear, “Watch the sea ... See how she moves, arching to meet her lover the shore ... Her cries of completion echoing upon the voices of the gulls..."
Katherine watched the hypnotic movement of the sea and sighed heavily.
"I'm going to take you from behind,” he breathed. “I cannot wait to hear you cry out again.” He curled a strong arm around her waist and grasped his cock with his right hand, tracing it along her soaking cleft. Kate squirmed in his grasp and he tightened his hold, leaning into her, pinning her with his weight.
Kate was an amazing lover, constantly thrilling him with her freshness and eagerness and he enjoyed nothing more than making passionate love to her for hours, but she also had a strong independent streak. Often she would balk at letting him lead her, even when his intention was to enhance her pleasure.
"Do not move,” he growled in her ear, nipping at her neck as he bent over her back, his voice deep and masculine and so powerfully sexy. A small whimper escaped her lips and she closed her eyes against the shudder that rolled through her.
Esteban resumed pressing his cock slowly into her body, inch by inch, in an agonizingly slow process. He brought his other hand down to tease at her clit, but never long enough to make her come. He'd tease then stop, then tease a bit more.
Kate wriggled back, trying to force him further within her. He stopped moving and stood still, making her groan in frustration. “Esteban, please. You're killing me."
"Yes, but only with passion.” He remained unmoving, only slightly stroking her throbbing center. “What a delightful way to die.” He uncurled his arm from her waist and placed his free hand upon her hip loosely.
Kate could feel him still just slightly within her, nowhere near as deep as she needed. He bent over her again, his breath soft upon her face, and she moaned.
"Patience..."
She could feel his bigness stretching her, feel his pulse throbbing through him and into her, and wondered how he could keep his composure so well. She pressed into him again and once more he stopped moving.
"Will you stop fighting me?"
"Yes ... anything ... yes. Please,” she groaned. She had raised herself up on her hands, leveling her back. He lifted his hand from her hip and pressed her flat to the bed once more.
"I like you submissive,” he growled, then brought his hand up to her shoulder. He plunged forward all the way, pulling back and burying himself in her soft heat again, reveling in the sensation.
"Oh my God!” she cried, her voice muffled by the bedding.
He thrust into her body in long smooth movements. His teasing and her heightened arousal had combined to slicken her tight sheath, making his strokes deep and long and wet. He moved over her slowly, taking his time and extending their pleasure further than either of them thought possible.
"Esteban...” she breathed, turning her head to speak. Her long blonde hair fell across her face and he reached to brush it aside, revealing her flushed cheeks and half closed eyes.
Kate's mouth was partially open and her breath exited in soft pants which accentuated his thrusting rhythm.
"I love you so much,” she finally managed to get out.
Her words made him burn white-hot and he made a low growl deep within his chest. He removed his hand from her cleft where he had continued teasing her, and gripped both of her hips tightly now, thrusting forcefully, driving her body higher. Kate gasped as she began to peak. “Yes ... Yes!"
He leaned low over her back. “Katherine, my love. I cannot live without you. I must have you always,” he whispered quickly in her ear. In the heat of the moment, he unconsciously spoke Silanian, his native tongue.
Esteban reveled in the soft clenching of her hot sheath upon him as she came. He'd never experienced the sensation as clearly with any other woman as he did with her.
Somewhere, back in the recesses of her mind where the sensations she felt were secondary, Kate marveled at Esteban's talented lovemaking. His unerring mastery of her body and her incredible passion for him always seemed to combine explosively. He knew exactly what she desired, and flawlessly provided for that desire, never making demands upon her he knew she wouldn't or couldn't meet, but he always unwaveringly gave her what she sought.
She realized she wished to please him just as much as he pleased her.
Abruptly, she moved away from him and he groaned aloud as his still fully engorged member slipped from her body.
"Katherine, what is it?” he said quickly. He was unprepared for her movement and had been nearly at his own climax.
She turned, going on all fours upon the bed. “Come here."
Her voice was low and sultry, and he moved closer to the bed almost without thought, as though his body was responding to her of its own volition.
Her eyes were huge as she moved toward him, like a feline. She rose up on her knees and embraced him, pulling his head forward in a long heated kiss while he kneaded her breasts roughly, his desire almost unbearable. She brought her hands to his shoulders and began to push him downward, and he complied, suckling her breasts and laying her back.
"Lower,” she said quietly and he proceeded farther down her body, dropping a trail of kisses down her breast to her abdomen and across her belly.
He reached the soft golden triangle between her thighs and nuzzled her until her legs parted and she placed a delicate foot over each of his shoulders.
Esteban took possession of her then. He could see the moisture upon her soft pink folds, and flicked his tongue out, tasting her honey.
"Oh...” she whispered.
"Oh yes,” he answered, his voice nearly a growl.
His hand came up to spread her lips farther apart and teased at her clit while he moved closer and began to lick her slowly. She writhed under him, moaning softly, then more loudly as his tongue penetrated her, thrusting within her as deeply as he could. He continued licking and thrusting back and forth as she squirmed deliciously beneath him.
"I'm ... Ahhh.” she exhaled and her back arched. He felt her hands twine in his hair, pull just briefly then release. They moved to the bedding and gripped it tightly. “Oh my God ... Yes!"
Esteban chuckled and continued licking at her slick passage. He could hear her breath, hitching and jagged above him, and he knew he could continue holding her this way indefinitely. Instead he had another idea. He moved over her body so his stiff cock was above her face.
She immediately opened her mouth and took him deeply within and began to suck.
He shuddered and placed his hand gently upon her thigh. “God, Katherine...” he groaned as she began to move up and down the length of his great shaft. She circled the head with her tongue then began to lick his heavy sac, making him moan. He moved his hips slowly when she took him fully within her mouth once more, thrusting gently. He could feel her lips and tongue and occasionally her teeth along his rigid member and realized after too short a time he would not be able to take much more when he paused. He heard her whisper, “Don't stop."
He bent his head to her one last time and took her pulsing clit between his teeth, gently pulling upon her until she moaned softly around his throbbing cock. He sucked hard and slipped one long digit within her sheath. She made a muffled scream, shuddering into another orgasm.
He withdrew from her mouth then and moved quickly above her. He wanted to enter her quivering pussy while she came. Esteban thrust himself deeply into her body and pulled her up in a crushing embrace. Her sheath contracted hard, welcoming him as she moaned and brought her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a deep kiss.
In only a few powerful thrusts he reached his peak and inhaled deeply, pouring forth within her body, then collapsed weakly beside her, all his nerves tingling with satisfied passion.
His eyes closed, Esteban felt her move to rest her head upon his chest. She liked to listen to his heartbeat after they made love, and he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, holding her.
Calthraca: Secrets And The Sea [A Calthraca Novel] Page 11
