The scene had been enacted many times before, but it never ceased to inspire dread and respect. Faces were lined with worry and strain; hands were taut and bleeding as they gripped ropes to steady the sails or to play them against the winds. Booted feet scuffed over wet decks as they attempted to brace their owners against the pull and tug of the mighty ocean. As the mischievous fingers of the water and wind yanked at ropes, many were pulled free to send gear or cargo rolling into the roaring waves to disappear instantly.
But even amidst their awe and apprehension, an aura of suspense and elation filled each man, especially the captain. Each storm was like a personal battle where he proved his greater cunning and courage. He revelled in his dauntless contempt of danger and fear. It was a challenge he savored, one in which he always won. He was experienced and skilled, as was his loyal crew. He knew exactly what to do and the precise moment to do it and he commanded his beloved ship to withstand it all.
As suddenly as it had come, the fierce squall headed away to blow itself out to sea. Soaking wet, but filled with excitement and satisfaction, Captain Joshua Steele gave the first shout of victory when the last sign of danger was past. He studied each mast and the riggings. A slight rip here and there but no real damage, he joyously concluded. He ran his fingers threw his dark head of wet hair. He licked his lips, tasting the salt. The peril a thing of the past, he shouted to Andy he was going below to bathe and change into dry clothes.
“We can handle the clean-up, Josh. Why not turn in?” he suggested, hoping his friend would spend some time with his ravishing captive, hoping Josh would change his mind and free her.
Their gazes met and locked in mutual understanding. “No need, Andy. We’ll make port in two days.”
Without caring if Josh saw him, Andy sadly shook his head and walked off. Even if Angelique was a spy, didn’t she deserve some mercy? Just who was Josh trying to punish and why? Did he even know himself? He sincerely hoped Josh would change his mind, but he wouldn’t interfere.
When Spencer entered his cabin, it was totally engulfed in darkness. At least Alex had the sense to douse the lantern to prevent a fire! He called her name, but she didn’t answer him. He grinned roguishly at her willful streak. As he headed for the lantern, he nearly tripped and fell over her. “What the…” he exploded, catching his balance before tumbling to the floor. “Angel?” he called out through the obscure shadows. No reply. He shook her shoulder. No movement.
He hurriedly found the lantern and lit it. He turned to see what mischief she was up to now. Stunned, he instantly saw the bloody injury upon her forehead. He knelt beside her and lifted her head, resting it upon his quivering knee. She was out cold. He gently picked her up and placed her upon the bed. He touched the sensitive wound and she winced in pain and moaned. He took a cloth and wet it to mop the blood away to study the wound.
It was a small cut, but was bleeding steadily. He held the wet cloth to it. Dipping his fingers in the water basin, he flicked moisture into her pale face. Her thick lashes fluttered and opened. Emerald green eyes looked up at him in confusion.
“What happened?” she hazily inquired, her temple aching.
“There was a storm. Evidently you took a fall,” he speculated. “It appears my wooden lady sought her own revenge for your past attack. Your injury matched the one you gave me by the pond.”
She pondered his explanation, then flippantly agreed. “I was sitting at the table, but the ship was rolling so badly I moved. I was going to lie down, but I didn’t make it. I think I hit the table. Is it bad? Will there be a scar?” she asked, like any vain female. “Perhaps your ship packs a heavier wallop than I do.”
He chuckled, inwardly relieved she wasn’t hurt any worse. “I think not. Were you ill?” he teased.
“No. I’m a good sailor. Captain Burns said so,” she pertly snapped.
“Burns? Of the Moon Maiden?” he pressed.
“Yes. I sailed to America with him,” she carelessly continued.
“The Moon Maiden sailed the same day I did. You escaped right under my nose?” he sneered in anger, recalling how he had searched for her everywhere.
Astounded by this fact, she blurted out, “You were on the ship heading southward that morning?” She could still envision that stimulating sight, but hadn’t realized this was that same sleek and graceful ship.
He began to laugh. “All that time we were only a few feet apart,” he murmured thoughtfully. It might do to check with Burns to learn who had purchased her fare, perhaps even discover her identity!
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she curiously asked.
He grinned slyly. “Inquisitive little tart, aren’t you? How do you feel? Head injuries can be dangerous.” Perhaps he could find out the truth without her aid…
“More so than your American authorities?” she sneered sarcastically at his concern, phony no doubt! This was his first smile in days.
“My American authorities?” he probed.
“If not, you wouldn’t be so eager to assist them!” she hotly accused.
“I have my reasons, love,” he coldly replied.
“So do I, Captain Steele,” she stated acidly.
“Angel, Angel…Why do you make this so difficult for us?” he sighed in exasperation.
“It isn’t difficult at all, Captain Steele, merely impossible.” She turned her face away from his piercing gaze to conceal her tears.
He gently grasped her chin and pulled it back around, placing a heady kiss upon her mouth. As he dragged his mouth from hers, she informed him, “You’re getting me all wet.”
“As I recall, you did the same to me one night,” he jested mirthfully, standing up to remove his clothes. Knowing the futility of resisting him, she submitted to his hands as they undressed her and eased her beneath the covers.
He joined her, but once again kept his broad back to her. He was too near and inviting to be ignored, no matter how fiercely she tried. There was so little time left. Her ravaged heart rebelled against his loss and the loss of all she loved dearly.
Just above a whisper, she solemnly confessed, “You’re right, I’m not brave. I was terrified during the storm. I want to go home, Stephen. Please…” She began to tremble and weep.
Why did she appeal to Stephen to weaken him? At sea, he was Joshua Steele. Why did she have the power to make him forget that fact? He listened to her sobbing as long as he could stand it. He turned over and murmured tenderly, “Come here, love.”
He didn’t have to ask twice. Alex was instantly in his comforting, strong embrace. He nuzzled his chin against her fragrant mane of silky gold. She was too small and fragile to endure such a dire fate. Nothing worked with her, neither force nor gentleness. What was he going to do now? Soon, she would be out of his life forever. Why did that thought plague him? For countless reasons, they were an impossible match.
At her touch and smell, his passions flamed to possess her. She was warm, willing, and alluring. Her mesmerizing siren’s song was too magical to resist. His mouth sought hers in an exploratory, devastating kiss. Within moments, they were entrapped in a world of fiery passion.
Spencer trailed his tongue seductively over her parted lips before tasting the sweetness of her mouth. As he pulled his feverish lips from hers to tease at her ear, he whispered tenderly in a voice laced with heavy emotion. Ensnared by her own wild and wonderful needs, her mind absorbed only the passion which his husky voice declared so boldly. Her body throbbed with fierce cravings which only Stephen could incite and soothe.
Alex eagerly stroked the virile body which her senses had come to know as well as her own. Its strength and beauty tantalized and pleased her. She absently wondered why his masculine hands which caressed her body to such heights of frenzied pleasure were not weathered or callused from their rugged way of life. Each part of his valiant frame represented vitality, from his sable head to his warm feet. The mere sight or smell of him filled her with greedy desire. He was like a powerful and deadly drug whic
h she could not resist sampling, to which she had become addicted.
With deliberate and agonizingly sweet movements, his hands seemed to memorize each inch of her trembling body. How was it possible for a brief touch here or there to be so stimulating? Without cupping her breast, his hand wandered over it, teasing the protruding nipple with his palm. A liquid fire which raced from her spinning head to her dainty feet burned like potent acid, dissolving and enflaming her with a greater need. She groaned as he slowly continued his intoxicating foreplay, as if to have her mindless with passion before entering her and appeasing the yearnings he was inspiring.
Spencer’s mouth returned to hers and hungrily sought delight where he couldn’t find truth. His teeth gently pulled upon her lower lip before easing down to the hollow of her throat to place several kisses there, then slowly moving to nibble at her ivory shoulder. As his tongue made tiny circles around her other breast, his hand found another place to blissfully torment. Just as he was certain she was moist enough to allow his easy penetration, she moaned in a strained voice, “Please, Stephen…I need you now.”
He moved atop her and drove his manhood into that warm, dark haven to seek his own ecstasy. With tightly leashed control, his rhythm was calculated and stirring. Higher and higher they climbed the spiral of mutual desire, their bodies joining and working as one. Each time he thrust into her receptive body, she arched upwards to take all of him. Each time he slightly withdrew, she groaned with lingering hunger.
Reality had deserted them long ago. Only thoughts of fulfillment lingered in the shadowy cabin. Soon, the masterful strokes increased in purpose and speed, driving almost desperately into her. Yet Alex was beyond feeling anything but Spencer and his savagely sweet onslaught. Her mouth and body instinctively responded to his touch; her stomach tightened momentarily as the overwhelming spasms swept through her fiery womanhood; his lips seared hers, binding her to him for all time. Simultaneously, Spencer abandoned his guard and allowed his molten juices to intermingle with hers. Time and time again he plundered her mouth and womanhood until every ounce of torturous need was filled. He had made love to many women, but never had ever delighted him as this slip of a girl did.
Swept away, he relaxed briefly upon her before rolling aside, pulling her along in his possessive embrace. Spencer’s hand trailed over her smooth stomach, then over her breasts to rediscover their soft flesh. She was calm and limp in his arms, her passions sated. He smiled into the darkness of his quarters. He had given as much pleasure as he had received.
His fingers wandered into her silky mane and pulled her head to rest in the hollow of his throat. One of her long legs was gently trapped between his as her body molded itself perfectly against him. He grinned as her hand began to move up and down his side, hesitating at his narrow waist, while her other hand toyed absently in the curly mat upon his chest. Alex sighed in contentment and snuggled closer to him.
He grasped her chin and lifted it, gazing down at the exquisite features which he could barely detect in the dim glow offered by the shafts of moonlight entering the porthole. He gazed at her for a lengthy time, bringing a look of inquisitiveness to her brilliant eyes. His finger traced over her cheekbone and across her passion-swollen lips. His manhood began to stir to new life. Alex pressed forward to boldly kiss him, so enraptured that she was unaware of her unbridled actions.
“Am I so unskilled that I can appease you for only a moment, my sensuous siren?” he teased, his voice and expression playful and mellow. “Do you hint at another union this quickly?”
Alex smiled seductively and brazenly closed her hand around his erect manhood as she provocatively parried, “It appears I am the one who cannot sate you, my lusty pirate. Surely this hint is more insistent than my meager kiss?”
“Then perhaps your suggestive kiss should try to match my bold invitation,” he devilishly challenged, covering her mouth with his.
When his lips left hers and sought her breast, she rolled her head upon the pillow as new fires swept through her tingling body. Every nerve in her body was alive and afire. Vainly attempting to conceal the eagerness in her voice and quivering frame, she laughed and stated, “I fear I am too unpracticed to compete with your skills, Sir Pirate.”
“Then I shall teach you all you do not already know, my luscious sea witch,” he warned roguishly, chuckling wickedly.
“Somehow I don’t think such lessons are proper. Wherever shall I practice such skills when you release me?” she saucily asked, his loving assault tearing away her logic.
“Once you leave this ship, you best forget them, love.”
“But why teach me such things if only to forget them so quickly?”
“I’m selfish and demanding,” he lazily replied.
“I see. I’m to pleasure you, Sir Pirate, but no one else?”
“Exactly. I can’t allow you to go traipsing around the country enslaving every male you encounter,” he jested mirthfully, suppressing his laughter.
She giggled. “What if I only want to conquer one male heart?”
“One or one at a time?” he genially fenced with her.
“Only one. Surely one perfect man is enough for any woman?”
“If a perfect man existed, perhaps it would be.”
“You’re saying even the formidable Captain Joshua Steele isn’t perfect? What a disappointment,” she wailed, sighing dramatically.
“I never claimed to be, love, and I’m far from it. You of all women should know that by now. Surely it isn’t my black, steely heart you’re after,” he huskily teased, gently yanking upon a tawny curl.
“I was under the impression you didn’t possess a heart of any kind, Captain Steele,” she quickly came back at him.
“What, praytell, do you think keeps this aging body alive?”
“The power of your evil forces, naturally,” she pertly quipped.
“Is my evil power so great that I could enslave your soul?”
“Perhaps if you desired it enough, but you don’t. Your love of freedom and adventure are more appealing than any mortal female could ever be,” she boldly hinted, hoping he would deny her statements.
“You’re absolutely correct,” Spencer admitted. “I doubt there’s a woman alive who could tempt me to sacrifice them to possess her and to accept her bonds.” Trying to recapture their playful mood, Spencer said, “No way, love; Captain Steele is a confirmed bachelor.”
“I never doubted that for a moment, Sir Pirate,” Alex whispered, hoping her lowered voice would hide the loud rending of her tender heart. Yet, even as she told herself this situation was impossible, she bravely and foolishly determined to tempt him beyond his control. He fiercely desired and enjoyed her; of that, she was certain! Determined to savor her love while she could, Alex pulled Spencer’s head to hers, seeking shelter in the circle of his arms. Together they boldly rode the waves of passion once more; then, exhausted, they slept in each other’s arms, their troubles neither forgotten nor settled.
It was late afternoon when Spencer finally returned to his cabin that next day. Their night of lovemaking tugged unmercifully at his conscience. Alex was dressed and sitting at the table, poised like a polished lady awaiting her tea and scones. He went to his desk and sat down to work, not even speaking to her or even glancing in her direction after his entry.
The legs of his chair scraped loudly as he turned to speak to her. He couldn’t avoid conversation with her any longer. “I’m going to ask you one last time, Angel; will you tell me the truth? The storm earned you another day’s reprieve; she blew us off course. Well?”
He noticed her back stiffen. Alex swallowed loudly enough for him to hear it. Without speaking, she shook her head. “May I go on deck for some fresh air and a change of scenery now? You’ve kept me locked in here for days now. Surely a condemned prisoner has some rights?”
“Have it your way, love. But I’ll grant you to the last minute to change your mind. If you don’t, I promise you I’ll walk away and never glance ba
ck,” he stated in a wintry tone.
She squeezed her eyes tightly shut in dread and despair. She instinctively knew neither of them would change their minds. “May I take a walk, sir?” she forced the only reply she could from her dry lips.
Torn between wanting to spank her and make passionate love to her, he did neither. “Why not?”
As he stood up, the dreaded warning was given, “Ship to starboard!”
Alex paled and swayed. Another perilous battle? Would she survive to see Florida and American captivity? She barely noticed as Spencer swiftly responded to the alert by yanking on his infamous disguise and racing out, only pausing to shout at her, “Stay here, Angel!” He was gone.
Alex hurried to the porthole to peer out. Panic clutched at her heart as she sighted the massive frigate heading straight for them! She strained to make out her flag: English! The striking colors of the Union Jack waved in the breeze. Should she be overjoyed or terrified? What would they do when they discovered her aboard?
Her wide eyes were glued to the stalking ship. What was Steele waiting for? The guns on both ships remained silent. Were they each sizing up their foe, deciding whether or not to attack?
Spencer took his place on the bow, keenly observing the strategy of his swiftly approaching enemy. The intentions of the English captain were apparent to him. His crew and guns were ready and alert. He was well-manned and armed for any battle with her forty-four carronades. The guns were an assortment of thirty-two and forty-two pounders. There was also a long gun on the bow and one on the stern.
The distance between them disappeared rapidly, sealing the fate of one or the other.
“Watch the wind, Danny; hold her steady. Stay alert, men. We’ll take her at a right angle and make splinters of her from stem to stern,” he confidently stated.
Love Me With Fury Page 24
