by ML Guida
“No, she was never his. She was always our destiny.”
William ignored Drakon. Ronan deserved better than to have his dreams shattered, but he refused to lose Mariah. Dragon’s essence or not, she was his.
Mariah’s sweet breath rushed over his back. He had to get her out of the cabin without hurting Ronan. He frowned. What other gifts did Drakon possess? He closed his eyes.
Ronan glared. “Answer, me, O’Brien. Is this some kind of dragon black magic? Did ye defile the poor lass?”
William chewed on his cheek.
Mariah leaned her head on his back, her curvy body driving him mad.
Concentrate.
He inhaled again and ignored Mariah and Ronan. Energy followed through him, and the blue-green scaled dragon appeared, his eyes burning gold, black smoke swirling out of his nostrils.
“Kill him,” Drakon demanded.
“No.”
“He wants what’s ours.”
“He’s my friend, and I will not kill him.”
“You’ll be sorry.”
“You must have other powers rather than invisibility. Or do you only possess this one ability?”
“Don’t be a fool,” Drakon snarled.
“I’ll skin your worthless hide, O’Brien,” Ronan said.
Drakon lifted his tail, and it crashed onto the ground. “If you don’t want me to kill your rude friend, do as I say.”
“Meaning?”
“Exhale.”
“Why?”
“Either exhale, or I’ll kill him.”
Not wanting Ronan to be ripped to pieces, William did as Drakon bade. He inhaled deeply and exhaled. Power tingled inside his chest.
Ronan whipped his sword. “What the hell is this?”
Mariah gasped and stopped rubbing his back. Drakon sighed.
“Mariah? Is that you?”
A ball of guilt formed in William’s gut at Ronan’s worried voice.
William opened his eyes and exhaled again. A black fog swirled out of his mouth and jetted toward Ronan, circling and blanketing him.
“What the hell is this? I canna see.” Ronan rushed around the cabin, slicing the shifting black smoke with his sword.
William edged backward, reached behind him, and grabbed Mariah’s hand. He pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arm around her waist, ready to dart her out of harm’s way if Ronan blindly ran into him.
Through the smoke, Ronan yelled, “Mariah? Stay where you are. I’ll find you.”
The smoke only covered Ronan, who ran around Mariah’s cabin. He tumbled into Mariah’s hammock, and the hammock spun around. Ronan swore. Smoke fell to the floor, followed by a loud thump.
“He’s not hurt,” Drakon said. “Get Mariah out of here now. Before he slices her with his damn sword.”
William moved his hand down Mariah’s front and backside to get his bearings on her petite body then lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his shoulder. He snatched their clothes off the floor and as soon as he touched them, they disappeared. He almost dropped them and caught them before they slipped onto the floor. Cursing silently, he lay the clothing across his shoulder and carried Mariah out of the room.
“Get this off me,” Ronan yelled. “Where the hell are ye, coward?”
William rushed out of the crew’s quarters with Ronan swearing behind him. He decided to head for Kane’s cabin and prayed ’twas unoccupied. He didn’t know how long the fog would last. Ronan would hunt them, and William would have to pay the devil.
Men strolled down the corridor. He bumped into a burly pirate who stumbled into the man next to him. “Eejit,” the man said. “Watch what you’re doing fool.”
The crewman pulled out his dagger. “Somethun bumped into me.”
“Are you daft, man? We’re the only ones in the bloody corridor.”
“’Tis black magic. The witch.”
William growled.
Both men’s eyes widened.
“Move.”
William listened to the dragon and ran down the corridor to Kane’s cabin, holding Mariah tight against his chest. He put Mariah down and prayed neither Kane nor Hannah were inside. He dragged Mariah into the cabin and quietly shut the door. Luck was with them.
“Say visible.”
“Visible,” William repeated.
Cool mist exhaled from his mouth and swirled around the cabin. His heart nearly stopped as the mist outlined Mariah’s naked form. He flicked his gaze over her as she materialized. She was beautiful, more beautiful than he’d imagined. Long black hair cascaded down her back. Her skin was chaffed where he had kissed her. He groaned at her full breasts, small waist, and dark feminine curls. He wanted her all over again.
He sucked in his breath at the red stains on her thighs and lowered his gaze. She was no longer a virgin. Thanks to him.
“William.” She cupped his face. “I have no regrets.”
“Are you sure?”
“Oui.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled him, her breasts pressing against his chest.
He held her close, inhaling her heavenly scent. He ached to take her again, but Kane or Hannah could walk into the cabin and of course, there was Ronan, determined to skin the scales off his body. “Mariah.” He gritted his teeth. “We’ve got to get dressed.”
“I know.” She kissed him. “William.” She released him. “I need to clean up.”
Her words hammered home what he had done. He was a scoundrel. “There’s a pitcher and water on the table.” He opened a dresser drawer and found one of Kane’s scarves. “Here, use this.”
She stared at it as if it were a snake. “’Tis le capitaine’s.”
He threw it back into the drawer and searched another until he found a cloth. “Use this. Aye, I know ’tis Kane’s, but I’ll not have you walk around a mess.”
She lowered her gaze and took the cloth. He regretted what he said. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, but he did. His honor shamed him.
Mariah turned around and bent over to wipe her thighs clean. He admired her slender backside. He wanted to bury his cock deep inside her.
Afraid he’d lose control, he whispered, “Invisible.” The mist whisked over him.
Mariah spun around, holding the red-stained cloth. “William? Where are you?”
He clutched his clothes and slid out the door. In the corridor, he quickly donned his breeches and shirt.
Kane’s door cracked open, and Mariah whispered, “William, Where are you?”
Hurt filtered in those words, but William refused to answer. He had taken her, satisfying his own need. He pledged that next time he’d treat her differently. She’d be worshiped in a bed like he’d had with Sharon. He groaned. William had insisted they do the honorable thing and wait to be together until they had wed. God, he’d broken his own vow with Mariah. Damn it. If it wasn’t for the dragon’s essence, would he have had more control? Would she?
“William?”
His mouth clamped shut. Guilt weighing down on his shoulders, he headed down the corridor to fetch his sword and pistol from the crew’s quarters. Kane had left them against his trunk before he had been tossed into the brig. Ronan would be hunting him, and he needed to be armed. Anger drained from him, William gathered up his sword. “Visible,” he said. “Macmillan, I’m here.”
“O’Brien.” Ronan charged, swinging his sword high over his head.
The crew’s quarters and the corridor were too small, and William needed distance. Drakon released a deep guttural grumble. William turned, raced out of the crew’s quarters, then bolted up the stairs with Ronan pursuing him.
Out on deck, he whirled around and gripped his sword. Ronan was one step behind him and lunged, the point of his sword slashing William’s thigh. William was forced to guard and block during every step of the angry assault. Metal clanged.
“What the devil? William, how did you get out of the brig?” Kane’s angry voice made William w
ince.
Men rushed toward them.
Ronan gritted his teeth. “You bastard,what did you do to the poor lass?”
“I don’t want to hurt you.” William defended Ronan’s strikes and thrusts, but Ronan was determined. He was fighting for his woman, his honor. He lunged again and again, repeatedly parrying and riposting.
“I order you to stop this nonsense, or I’ll throw both of you eejits into the brig.”
Amadi and three of the crew drew their pistols. William lowered his sword. Ronan raised his.
“Ronan,” Kane warned.
Ronan pointed his sword. “He hurt the lass.”
“William?” Kane’s shocked tone sliced William’s honor.
“I didn’t hurt her. I…” William hung his head and could not bring himself to say how he had dishonored her.
Kane flicked his hand. “Damn it Ronan, lower your sword.”
Ronan glared. He had a cut on his left arm, but William had received the worst of it. A slit grazed his thigh, and blood dripped from his wrist and the slashed knuckles on his right hand.
Kane edged between them. “Drop your weapons now.”
William gripped his tighter but kept it close to side.
Kane glared. “I said drop it, Ronan.”
Ronan moved closer, and Amadi and another crewmen grabbed his arms. He struggled and twisted. “Release me! The bastard dishonored the lass.”
Kane raised his eyebrow.
Heat flared over William’s cheeks.
“Ronan.” Kane nodded at William. “He lowered his weapon. I suggest you lower yours.”
Anger glittered in Ronan’s eyes, and he panted like a wild stallion. “Tell them to release me, and I’ll do it.”
“Release him.”
Amadi and the other man released Ronan but stayed at his side.
Ronan slowly slid his sword back into its sheath.
Kane rested his hand on his pistol. “I want to—”
“They were fighting over me, Capitaine.” Mariah marched toward them.
The wind blew her black hair around her face, and she met William’s unwavering stare. Hurt reflected into those violet eyes, and he swallowed hard. He wanted to apologize, but how could he give back her maidenhood? Her blue gown hid her womanly curves, her silky skin, and even now he wanted her.
“Bloody hell,” Kane grumbled. He pointed his finger at both William and Ronan. “You two eejits need to get your lust under control, or I’ll throw you off the ship to cool you off. Savvy?”
“But Cap’n,” Ronan argued. “He—”
“He what, Ronan?” Mariah stomped over to him, and with each word, jammed her finger into his chest. “He did not do anything that I foolishly did not allow.”
William turned his head and stared out to the blue sea, wishing he could turn back time.
“I was just trying to protect you,” Ronan murmured.
Hurt glistened in her eyes. “Do not. Trust me, I will not give myself to him again.”
Mariah pushed her way through the gaping men and ran down the deck. William’s heart drowned in a pool of guilt. Words of denial swelled in his throat. He wanted to lie and shield her honor.
Ronan glared. “You’re a bastard, William.” He turned and headed in Mariah’s direction.
Kane grabbed his arm. “No, Ronan.”
“But Cap’n,” Ronan jerked his arm free.
“’Tis not up to you to right this.” Kane nodded. “Go to her, William.”
Ronan sneered. “He’s done enough.” .
William winced. “He’s right, Kane. I—”
“Go now. Before ’tis too late.” Kane’s voice was low and sympathetic.
William sheathed his sword and hurried after Mariah. She stood on port side, her head lowered. He didn’t know what to say. How could he apologize for what he’d done?
He cleared his throat. “Mariah.”
“Go away, William.”
“I wanted to apologize—”
She whirled around. “Apologize for what?”
“For taking advantage of you.”
“Taking?” Tears pooled in her eyes. She slapped him across the face. “Mon Dieu! So you regret what we did, oui?”
His cheek stung. “Aye,” he whispered.
She slapped him again, the sting smarting his cheek.
“I gave myself freely. I am sorry to disappoint you. I know it’s below your station to lie with a lowly witch.”
William blinked, stunned. He grabbed her shoulders. “Is that what you think?”
“Why else would you spurn me?”
“Damn it, Mariah. I wasn’t spurning you. I took you on the floor like a…like a...” He clamped his mouth shut, not able to utter the words.
“Like a common harlot? Is that what you think of me?” Her words shook, and the pain etched in her face tore his honor to shreds.
“No never. You deserve better than me,” he whispered. “Don’t you see? You were under a spell. How could I ever believe you wanted me? How could I ever be sure ’twasn’t the dragon’s essence forcing you to give into temptation?”
“You are such a fool. How many times do I have to repeat myself?”
She struggled and kicked his shins. Her small hits didn’t hurt, but the pain in her eyes stabbed his heart.
“Release me!”
“Mariah, listen to me.”
“No! I said…”
He thrust his hand into her dark curls and gently coaxed her toward him. She turned her head. Careful not to force the poor lass, he began with her throat, kissing her pulse. Her struggles ceased, and she stood still. When he gazed into those narrowed eyes, he knew she was fixed for a fight. As the heat and raw sensuality filled him, he hoped she would give into him. He kissed her cheeks, tasting her salty tears. “I want you, Mariah. Always.”
Her wet eyelashes fluttered shut, and she ceased fighting, leaning her body against him. Luscious lips parted with little persuasion. She met the slow nudge of his tongue with a sigh that he hoped rang with forgiveness. The sweetness of her mouth stirred another bout of passion.
He caressed her back and crushed her to him, her breasts pressed against his chest. As Mariah relaxed into him, she clasped his shirt. Blood pumped through him, pooling toward his groin. God, he’d never get enough of her. For a brief moment, he imagined taking her on the deck with the wind blowing her hair behind her as she rode him hard.
“Do it”, Drakon roared.
The witch had cast a spell on him, one he didn’t want to break. His tongue delved deeper, plunging, venturing into the recesses of her mouth. Her musical whimpers sent raging desire thumping through William. He held her fast. She returned his kiss with the same fervor, demanding as much as he did, and he refused to disappoint. He wanted to thrust his hardened cock deep inside her. He cupped and squeezed her breast and wished he could undue her stays and brush his thumb over her budded nipple. Shite, he was losing control.
Reluctantly, he broke the kiss and dropped his hand, hoping no one had seen him ravaging the poor lass. He buried his face in her curls, trying to focus. “Lord, lass, what have you done to me?” he whispered.
She clung to him, her breath ragged. “I have not done anything.”
He lifted his head and stared down into her defiant face. “Ah, but you have. Every time I see you, I want you. Your kiss, your soft touch…” He cupped her quivering cheek. “’Tis all I can do to restrain myself.”
“Why do you need to restrain yourself?”
He groaned. “Mariah, you tempt me more than any other woman.” Sharon’s heart-shaped face appeared in his mind, and his chest tightened. How could he say that only Mariah captivated him? His wife had been beautiful, and he had loved her. What did he feel for Mariah?
“Have you ever been in love before?” Mariah’s soft voice cracked open the pain he’d tried to forget.
“Once.”
“And?”
“I was married, but she died.”
Saying those
words still released the pain and grief hidden in his heart. He shook his head, trying to bury the anguish threatening to overwhelm him.
She touched his arm. “I am so sorry. You loved your wife?”
“Very much. She was my life.”
His small voice faded, as if stolen by the wind.
Mariah lowered her head. “So, you cannot love anyone else?”
“I don’t know. Losing her nearly killed me.”
“What happened?”
“’Twas my fault. I caused her death.” Sharon’s lifeless eyes flashed in his mind.
“What do you mean you caused her death?”
“She was a lady, destined to marry an earl. But she went against her brother’s wishes and chose me.” He clenched his fist. “We married secretly.”
Mariah ran her hand over his arm. “The brother was angry?”
“Aye, you could say that. The bastard tracked us down and barged into the inn. We fought, but he defeated me, and I lost consciousness.”
William turned his head from Mariah, and he gripped the railing. He could hear Sharon’s screams, ordering her brother to leave. He’d never forget the hate in the man’s eyes. How he had lunged and parried with William, putting him on the defense, slashing his flesh. William had tried to protect Sharon, but the man pulled out his pistol. Sharon grabbed her brother’s arm. The pistol went off, grazing William’s temple. He had blacked out.
Mariah stood next to him, and she placed her hand over his white knuckles. “And when you woke, he had taken Sharon?”
“No, she was still there.”
“She was?”
“Aye, her brother had slit her throat. All for marrying a poor Irishman.”
Mariah grasped her own throat. “Mon Dieu.”
“’Twas my job to protect her, and I failed.”
“You are afraid something will happen to me?”
“Aye. You need to be safe away from me.”
She kissed his bare chest. His heart threatened to burst through his rib cage at her soft touch.
She twirled her fingers in his hair. “Can you bear for me to be with another man? With Ronan?”
“No!” Drakon screamed.
William dug his fingers into her shoulders. “No. I’d kill Ronan if he stole any liberties with you.”
She pecked his lips. “I know.” She traced her finger over his chest. “Do you not understand I could not bear for you to be with another woman?”
