Ghost Walk

by Cassandra Gannon

  “No.” He said softly, holding her still. “I’m not finished with you, yet. I’ll be making you come again, before you’re going anywhere.”

  God, she loved it when he got commanding in bed.

  Grace tried to think, but it was impossible with him filling her again and again. Jamie slipped his finger deeper into her mouth, demanding that she resume suckling and she helplessly complied.

  He made a low sound of approval, liking her acquiesce. “That’s my good lass.” He tunneled even deeper and Grace’s body clenched. “So hot and wet and tight. Fuck, you’re so tight.” He sounded strained, his free hand moving to squeeze her breast.

  Her body arched and she made a choked sound of submission, wanting more. For a woman who’d spent her most of her life thinking she was semi-frigid, it was all pretty scandalous. …And pretty frigging awesome.

  This was why all the nice girls of the world secretly wanted to be ravished by a pirate.

  “I’ve changed my mind. I need you to come twice more.” He decided. “I’m going to make sure your body knows who you belong to. Twice more, Grace. You hear me?”

  She shook her head. No way. Not even he could do that.

  Right?

  “You donea think I can do it?” He guessed. “Why I’m surprised by your lack of faith, love. Haven’t we been working on your positivity? I’m about to claim my second one already. I know you’re ready again.”

  She shook her head again, more vigorously this time. Not with people so close by. Was he crazy?

  Jamie gave her a smug look and withdrew his wet finger from her lips. “Your poor starved body can’t wait much longer.” He commiserated. “No one’s been treating it right, all these years, so it’s dying for some fun. You’re needing some release. What kind of Partner would I be if I denied you?”

  Uh oh… Grace held her breath as he slid his hand down between her legs. “Please.” She whispered, unsure if she was asking him to stop or begging him not to. “Please, Jamie.”

  Either way, pleading with a pirate was useless.

  The thick weight of his finger pressed into her straining flesh and Grace was lost. His mouth swooped down to cover hers as she sobbed, swallowing her sounds of fulfilment. The other people took another path, away from the armory, and Grace didn’t even notice. Her body shivered in his arms, giving him everything she had.

  Jamie watched her with a greedy expression, drinking in every small shudder. “My turn.” He said gruffly. “Can’t hold on much longer.” His face was taunt as he pulled back from her.

  Her dazed eyes met Jamie’s, ready to do whatever he asked.

  He stared down at Grace’s befuddled face for a beat and let out another groan. “Need you so fucking much.” He gave her open-mouthed kiss and then spun her around to face the wall. “Donea want you getting distracted again. It’s just you and me.” He bent her forward so her hands were braced on the brick and then nudged her legs farther apart. “You and me, lass.” He lifted her skirt up, his hand running over her exposed backside. “Now and forever.” He slammed into her from behind.

  Grace’s eyes went wide in shock and pleasure.

  No one had ever taken her that way before. It felt wanton and vulnerable. Her body was so wet, and Jamie’s angle was so devastating, that the entire massive length of him disappeared inside of her. She let out a keening wail, uncaring if anyone heard. She instinctively tried to move, but Jamie was holding her still, his hand on the back on her neck. The territorial feel of it just enflamed her more.

  Jamie gave one more small nudge, proving he was completely home, and then he held himself still for a moment. Making sure she could feel how thoroughly he claimed her.

  “Jamie!” She was panting for breath, desperate for relief. “Oh God. Oh please.” He needed to come inside of her, this time. It was the only thing that would satisfy her.

  He leaned over her body, his mouth by her temple. “I am you Partner, Grace. I am the one you need. I am your husband material. There is no other for you. Just me. Only me.”

  She would have agreed if there was any oxygen left in her lungs. There hadn’t been any doubt in her mind who he was, from the first night she’d met him. Jamie was the one she’d been waiting for her whole life.

  He eased out of her and then slid allllll the way back in. “Tell me you’re mine.” He ordered, his body covering hers like a dominant animal. One large hand flattened next to hers on the wall, giving himself better leverage. “Tell me you belong to me, because I sure as fuck belong to you.”

  “God, you are so good at this it should be illegal.”

  “In this century, I’m sure it is.” His teeth grazed her ear. “Tell me, Grace. Tell me what I want to hear and I’ll give you everything you need. You know I will.”

  She turned her head to meet his eyes. “I’m yours and you’re mine, James Riordan. Now and forever. You’re the only man who could ever be my husband or my Partner. I need you so much it scares me.”

  “God, yes!” His thrusts began again, less measured and more desperate. “You are every good part of me, Grace. Alive or dead, I’ll go back to nothingness if I ever lose you.” Jamie let lose a roar, finally coming deep inside of her. “Grace!”

  His release triggered her own. Grace’s body spasmed, her mouth opening in a silent scream. The orgasm was stronger than anything she’d ever experienced, wiping every thought from her head. For a timeless moment, all she knew was bliss and Jamie.

  Unfortunately, three times in a row was all her system could take. Grace’s legs gave out. She would have toppled forward, but Jamie caught her against him, balancing them both. He settled them on the ground, holding her in his lap, while aftershocks trembled through her body. His lips found the side of her throat, kissing her and making soothing noises as she tried to regain her equilibrium.

  After a long moment, Grace turned to blink up at him, swallowing hard.

  Jamie winced at her distressed expression, seeming to come back into himself. “Shit. What did I just do?” He gave his head a clearing shake. “Shit. I’m sorry. Grace, I’m so sorry.” He smoothed her hair back, his eyes tortured. “I was too rough. I took you in ways you weren’t ready for. I know that. I just lost control. I realized I could touch you, and that you really came back here for me, and I had to have you. I didn’t stop to think…”

  “I’m not upset about that.” She whispered, cutting him off. “Are you crazy? I was an active participant in every awesome moment of it.”

  Jamie frowned in relief and confusion. “Then what has you looking worried?”

  She chewed her lower lip. “You’re kind of loud.” She told him as diplomatically as she could. “Somebody probably heard you shouting my name when you came.”

  “Oh.” Jamie smirked, not the least bit repentant. “Well, if they did, I guarantee you, they’re nothing but bloody jealous.” He touched her bruised cheek, his face becoming more serious. “You’re sure you’re alright? That wanker Robert didn’t hurt you too badly earlier?”

  “No. I’m fine. Thanks to you.” She leaned against Jamie, her head on his shoulder, loving the simple fact that she could touch him. “Thank you for helping me. For staying with me. I know it was hard for you, not being able to just beat him into a sticky, bloody mess.”

  “You have no idea how much I hate that man.” Jamie rested his chin on her hair, holding her tight. “But it’s nothing compared to the love I have for you, Grace. I would die for you, all over again.”

  “I’d rather you didn’t. Hence my time traveling adventures.” She moved to kiss him. “Now, I love you, too, but we have to be more quiet. We’re probably wanted by the police. Or the Watch or whatever the law enforcement around here is called. We’re not going to help anyone if we’re locked up in jail.”

  “I can be quiet, so long as I’m doing something else with my mouth.” His lips grazed her neck and then started down her body.

  “Stop that!” She laughed and scrambled to her feet, adjusting her skirts before he
distracted her. “We’re supposed to be looking for Gregory. I’m sure you remember what happens tonight. I’ll give you a hint: It involves you, a rope, and me becoming a widow before I even get a wedding.”

  Jamie glanced up at the vanishing sun. Twilight was upon them. “Aye. One hanging this lifetime was plenty.” He glanced at her, smiling as she Velcro-ed her top into place. “You sure you wouldn’t rather just go to Jamaica right now? We could be heading for azure blue waters within the hour, leaving this dreary little town behind us for good.

  “Your name would never be cleared, if we did that.”

  “Donea much care.”

  “You’ll care when armed men come to hunt us down.” She retorted. “Plus Clara would still be killed. Crazy nut-job or not, we can’t just let that happen. We have to stop this now. All we need to do is find Gregory and check his thumbprint.”

  “And if he’s not a match?”

  “Then we’re onto Plan B and the whole kidnapping thing. Don’t worry. I brought knock out powder, just in case we have drug Clara and carry her out of here.”

  “I do love the way your mind works, lass.” Jamie bounded to his feet, adjusting his clothes. “When is our wedding, anyway?”

  Grace arched a brow. “Maybe when you actually propose.” She teased.

  “Miss Rivera, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

  She blinked, surprised by the instantaneous and completely civilized proposal. “Just like that? No Captain Hookish threats to make me walk the plank if I refuse? I thought pirates didn’t take chances on their brides slipping away.”

  “I donea think I’m taking a chance. Because I donea think my bride is going to refuse. Because I think she’s my Partner, too.”

  Grace gave him a slow smile. “I think you’re right.”

  Blue eyes glowed with love. “So say ‘yes’ then, lass.”

  “Yes.”

  He beamed at that simple answer and gave her a smacking kiss. “You are the only Sunday school teacher in all of history abnormal enough to tie herself to a pirate.”

  “Well, I’m expecting one heck of an engagement ring, considering you have a buried treasure around here some…” Grace stopped short, her eyes going wide. “There he is!”

  Jamie turned to look and made a face when he saw Gregory, who was losing a game of ninepins to a group of ten year olds down the hill. Clearly, the Colonial version of bowling was serious business for the “Hero of Yorktown,” because he was loudly bitching at the kids as they kicked his ass at it.

  “Bloody hell. If that moron truly becomes governor, we’re never returning to this state.” Jamie gave his head a disgusted shake and headed towards him. “Wait here while I go get his fingerprints.”

  “While you get his fingerprints? I’m the one trained to collect evidence, Jamie.”

  “You’re also the one Gregory voted to burn at the stake a few hours back. No one’s planning to lynch me until tonight.” He sounded quite smug about his popularity. “I’m clearly the better choice to get close to the asshole.” He paused. “Also, I have a gun.”

  “Which is unloaded.”

  “He doesn’t know that, though. It will be fine.” Jamie glanced at her over his shoulder. “All we need is something he touched, right?”

  Grace considered his arguments and gave a reluctant nod. It would take longer to talk Jamie out of doing this than it would to just let him do it in the first place. “Get his beer tankard. There’s gotta be usable prints on there. And don’t just grab it from him. Try to be subtle about it.”

  “Pirates donea do ‘subtle,’ love.” He winked at her and loped off, no doubt planning to grab the tankard right out of Gregory’s hand.

  Grace rolled her eyes in exasperated affection. If there was ever a man worth giving up twenty-first century life for, it was that irrepressible jackass. Who needed Netflix and iPads, when she had Jamie around to occupy all her attention? Of course, he was also a little bit high-maintenance. If she wasn’t proactive about keeping him out of trouble, God only knew what kind of mess he’d get himself into.

  Since it was a lousy idea to let him handle Gregory on his own, she started down the hill after him. They were Partners in this. In everything. There was no way…

  “Help!” Eugenia Wentworth came running up, cutting off her thoughts. “Quick! You have to come quickly! I think he’s going to kill Clara Vance!”

  Chapter Eighteen

  June 28, 1789- Silly as it seems, I’m quite looking forward the 4th of July celebration this year.

  For once, I feel as if something exciting might actually happen in this dull town!

  From the Journal of Miss Lucinda Wentworth

  “Huh?” Grace blinked at Eugenia in astonishment. Vaguely she wondered why Lucinda’s sister was at the 4th of July celebration. Shouldn’t she be in mourning? “Wait, who’s doing what? What are you…?”

  “Edward Hunnicutt! He has a knife and I think he’s going to stab her to death!” Eugenia grabbed Grace’s wrist and started pulling her in the opposite direction that Jamie had gone. The last rays of daylight faded, casting her face in shadow. “You have to come now or I’m not sure what he might…”

  Grace cut her off, trying to process this new twist. “Ned Hunnicutt is attacking Clara? You’re sure?”

  “Yes! He must have killed my poor sister, too!” Eugenia pulled harder on Grace’s arm, trying to urge her along. The girl was stronger than she looked. “I think the man has lost his mind! We have to stop him!”

  Grace yanked away from her, shaking her head. What was going on? It didn’t make any sense. “Ned isn’t the murderer. His fingerprints don’t match.”

  Eugenia gave her a mystified look, her frantic expression fading. “What?”

  “His fingerprints! They’re different. It couldn’t have been him. Someone else killed the girls.”

  Eugenia’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about forensic evidence. Science. Facts.” …And suddenly a few of the facts from Lucinda’s diary were starting to fall into place. Grace stared at Eugenia, her mind whirling.

  The Pirate charmed even the unlikeliest of targets with his wicked smile.

  No beau will ever seek Eugenia’s hand. Although I sometimes get the feeling she’s set her eyes on one.

  Father likes to say that Eugenia is the brains of our family.

  “We don’t have time for this!” Eugenia snapped, ignoring the dawning horror on Grace’s face. “You have come with me right now!”

  Grace shook her head harder. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” She got out, panic filling her as she realized the truth.

  Now it made sense how the killer had evaded capture at the Wentworth mansion the night Lucinda died… Why there had been barefoot prints in the room… Why Eugenia had originally told everyone that she’d heard Lucinda sneak out of the house… Why there hadn’t been any evidence of a sexual assault on the body… Why, when Grace had arrived at the scene, it seemed as if Lucinda had been dead for far longer than made sense in Eugenia’s accounts of that night…

  Standing back from all the individual pieces, Grace could abruptly see the whole picture.

  “You killed Lucinda.” She whispered. “All this time, it’s been you.”

  Eugenia --the plain, pinched-lipped, overlooked sister of the town’s most beautiful mean girl-- slowly smiled. “I had a feeling you were a clever one.” She said, in an eerily calm voice and her pretense about Clara’s peril faded away. “Jamie only fancies girls who are smart or pretty.” She extracted a long-bladed knife from the folds of her black skirts. “And really, let’s be honest, you’re just not that pretty.”

  Ah crap… It seemed that Jamie had been wrong. Grace wasn’t the only Sunday school teacher who’d fall for a pirate. Damn it, why did he have to be so frigging appealing?

  “Umm…” Grace checked over her shoulder and didn’t see anyone headed her way to help. “Let’s just stay calm and ta
lk about this, okay?” She tried nervously. “No reason to do anything crazy.”

  Not that Eugenia seemed to need much of a reason.

  “The first time I saw the pirate I knew he was the one for me.” Eugenia mused, a far off look in her eye. In a way, it seemed like she was glad to be found out. It gave her a chance to freely talk about her obsession with Jamie. “He was so handsome and strong and free. He was walking with my sister, much to my father’s horror… and I knew I had to have him for myself. It was our destiny.”

  “So, you’re some kind of creepy Fatal Attraction bunny boiler?”

  Eugenia glared at her, annoyed that Grace wasn’t listening in reverent awe to her story of true love. “You’re not from around here, are you?” She guessed peevishly. “I declare, I don’t understand half of the bizarre things you say. Try as I might, I can’t quite figure out where you came from or why you’re in Harrisonburg.”

  “I’m here to save Jamie from you.”

  That was probably not the smartest thing she could’ve said to the president of his psycho fan club. “Jamie is mine.” Eugenia bit off, a raw and primitive madness flashing in her eyes. “Not yours. Not Lucinda’s. Mine. He’s finally beginning to realize that, too. When he held me in his arms at the ball, I could tell that he sensed our eternal bond.”

  “Jamie danced with you. Once. And you think that means you’re soulmates?” Grace translated. “He inadvertently showed you some attention and you couldn’t bear to give it up. That’s why you did all this?”

  “I didn’t do anything. It was all them. Those other trollops, who wanted to steal him away.” Eugenia slapped a palm against her demurely-covered chest. “We have a connection. We’re meant to be together. Everyone knew it, but those bitches distracted him.”

  “So you decided to get rid of all the competition? All his other dance partners from that night, so it would just be you?” Grace edged backwards. “You murdered your own sister!”