“Why was that?” As soon as he’d asked, he knew he shouldn’t have.
Pressing her lips together tightly for a moment, she turned her face back out to sea. “The people I lived with, they didn’t want me to go back there. But it’s in my blood and I must see the place again and find my kin...come what may.”
Roderick knew he had intruded, but her puzzling comment made him want to know more, and he decided that he would discover her hidden story by hook or by crook. Curiosity had ahold of him. It was neither the time nor the place, though, for she was still in sight of the crew and he must remedy that quickly. “The men will accept you now, now that you sang so sweetly to them.”
Her head lifted. “Thank you for your kindness. I hope that is the case.”
“Don’t ever repeat this, but your song was much better than what the men roll out to make the time pass more readily. A worse noise you have never heard, especially when there is rum involved.”
A soft laugh passed through her open lips and her eyes twinkled at him.
Roderick was pleased he had shooed her fretful mood away.
Then something in her expression reminded him of that point the night before when her fear of their coupling had turned to pleasure, and his whole body responded, the need to hold her growing once more. It seemed that would be the case whenever she was near. Roderick groaned beneath his breath, for it was a dual-edged sword. As captain he could not afford to lose his faculties to lust every time he saw her, and yet it did feel exceedingly good when he was put in that state.
As she looked at him something in her expression changed. Had she sensed his increased need to hold her? Her lips curved, and her chin lifted as if she was ready to accept a kiss. What he saw there in her eyes reflected his desire.
“You have a canny way of capturing my interest, my lady.”
“Do not let me distract you from your duties, Captain.”
“It is too late for that. The moment you stepped on deck I could think of nothing else but claiming you again.”
Her eyes widened and a flash of color lit her cheekbones. “Truly?”
“Could you not tell?”
“I did wonder.” How beguiling she looked, now that she was sure. Her eyes grew dark and her lower lip pouted, as if in expectation of a kiss.
Her gaze lowered to his chest. “You are a fine lover, Captain Cameron, and I remembered every moment of it this morning while I dressed. As soon as you came close to me on deck, the memory was rekindled once more.”
Roderick’s loins heated. Her candidness lured him. “I am close to you now.”
“And I find myself ready for you again.” Her eyes shone, and her bosom rose and fell rapidly as she breathed.
Roderick put his hand to the small of her back and guided her back below deck.
It took all his restraint to proceed at a leisurely pace. What he wanted to do was lift her in his arms and cart her off with the utmost haste. Once they had descended the ladder and he’d closed the hatch behind them, Roderick let loose his yearnings. Grabbing her by the hand, he pulled her toward him and covered her mouth with his.
She hummed in approval, returning his kiss.
How soft and supple she was, and how she arched against him, pressing her hips to his. Every bit as eager as he was, she plucked at his shirt with her hand, suggesting through touch that they disrobe. He had to feel her wrapped around him.
Barely breaking their embrace, he maneuvered her to the door to his quarters, and grappled for the handle. Inside, he lifted her in his arms, put his hands around her buttocks and pressed her back to the door, closing it in the process.
Sighing, she clutched at him and her legs shifted around his hips.
“Aye, this is a good fit.” Thrusting his hips to hers, he felt charged, exhilarated as never before. Was it because she wanted him so, that they shared this pleasure so joyously? Bending to her exposed neck, he rained kisses on the soft skin that led down to her collarbone.
She embraced his head with her hands, holding him close, her hips rocking against him. “Oh, Roderick, you have made me this way.”
“No.” He kissed the swell of her bosom. “This was in you, but I’m glad it is myself who is discovering that.”
“As am I,” she whispered against his ear.
That was a whole new encouragement and he had to be inside her. Holding her against him with her legs around his hips, he turned and carried her over to the map table, lowering her to its edge.
Confused, she stared down at the map on the table below her. “Whatever are you doing?”
“Having you.” He unlaced his breeches and his cock pitched out. “Lie down. You will be higher here and I will be able to see you better while I bring you off.”
With a whimper, she submitted and reclined, her arms twined over her head as she stretched out on the table, staring at his cock. Passion flashed in her eyes—passion so intense that for a moment it looked as if candle flames were flickering there in her eyes, and Roderick’s cock jerked eagerly in response to her heated stare. Wrapping his hand around his girth, he held himself in check while he nodded at her, indicating she should lift her skirts for him.
“Here, on the map?”
Roderick gazed down as the layered skirts lifted and his quarry was exposed. “While you are mine, I’ll have you wherever and whenever I think it necessary.”
“Captain, you are increasingly demanding.” Her eyes glowed, and she rested her booted feet on either side of his hips.
“I do not hear you complaining.”
Laughing softly, she shook her head. “I should not let you take advantage of this bargain we struck,” she murmured. But she did not relinquish her hold on him, the sturdy heels of her boots embedded in his flanks as he prepared to mount her.
“Pull your skirts higher.”
She obliged him, gathering the material at her waist, her eyes locked with his. She tried to hold his gaze, but he wanted to see the rest.
“Ah, yes, I am able to bear witness to your state of readiness now.”
“Please, you tease me.”
“No, I admire you.” He smiled her way. “You will be filled soon enough.”
Soft, dark hair feathered around the opening of her beautiful cunt, and he marveled at the look of her. Displayed the way she was, arranged at the edge of the table, her plump mound stood proud. Beneath it the pink folds glistened enticingly. The sight of her so slippery and inviting made him ache to be there, and he had to stem his cock, an action that drew her gaze.
It made him unaccountably proud when she looked at him that way.
He pushed the thumb of his free hand inside her, testing her, and found her slick and hot. Alluring and mysterious both, the dark channel called to him. Easing his thumb in and out, he groaned when he felt her grasp at it, her inner walls closing tightly on him. “That is quite the invitation you’re offering me.”
“I trust you intend to accept it.”
“Rest assured I am.” He withdrew his thumb and spread her silken arousal on his crown. Then he directed his cock to that hot spot, and when he did she bucked eagerly.
“Fill me, please,” she cried out.
Stunned at her wild demand, Roderick wondered for a moment if he was dreaming. How lusty she was, as if it was her true nature he was witnessing now. Then she shifted her hips and her flesh gave way under his, sucking him in.
“Dear God, you are a treasure indeed.” He clamped his left hand over her mound, and then thrust his cock fully into her.
Her body arched and her head rolled. She looked so eager for him. That in itself assured Roderick that he would spill in moments if he did not level his head.
He moved his hands to her thighs, stroking up and down, savoring the feel of her soft skin against his palms. That seemed to inflame her and she wriggled, her body tightening rhythmically on his cock.
“I warn you, my lady, I will fill you with my seed forthwith if you don’t allow me a moment to gather my senses.”<
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She stilled, then stared at him from under her eyelids.
“That’s better. Now let me look at you, and then I will give you everything you want and more.”
Her lips parted, and he thought she was about to object, but instead she watched him, waiting. It was hard not to move, hard to force himself to simply burn the sight of her into his memory—this wanton with her brazen breasts and dewy cleft, so eager for him. She made him want to hold her tight in his arms forever—a ludicrous notion for a man married to the sea.
When he glanced down to the place where their bodies were locked together, it almost undid him to see his cock buried in such a delicious place. Her swollen tickler was just visible, and he stroked it with his thumb. When he did, she tightened around his cock, her mouth opening. She whimpered loudly, then he felt her grow hotter and damper still, and she bucked against him.
Breathlessly, she begged his forgiveness. “I could not help it, I moved.”
“Well, I tried to rein it in, but you have set this thing in motion now.” Pulling back, he took a moment to admire the sheen of her juices over his rod, then he thrust deep once more.
In response she half sat, resting on her elbows.
Wrapping his hands under her thighs, he lifted them, encouraging her to bend her knees to her chest. She appeared to be astonished at what she felt. He rocked back and forth, making pleasure for them both, and a delighted smile lit her face.
Roderick bent right over and kissed her. Then he pumped into her hard and fast, for his sac was tight, his release impending. She jolted against the surface of the table. As she did, her breasts spilled free of her gown, and Roderick stared down at them. How bawdy she looked, with her wine-colored nipples peaked and poking over the layers of clothing attempting to contain them. The globes of her breasts were thoroughly magnificent.
She cried out as she spilled, her body arching. In a sudden and strange action, her hands fisted and went to a spot below her rib cage, while her eyes flickered closed for a moment. Then she grew limp in her release. When her eyes opened, they shone. Never had Roderick seen a woman so invigorated by a good tupping. It pleased him no end.
When he continued to thrust, she smiled, and nodded her head at the map beneath them. “Do you mean to push me all the way across the table before you finish this?”
There was a challenge in her eyes.
Glancing down at the map, he nodded. “Aye, I will not be content until I have ridden you all the way into Scotland.”
With laughter on her lips she clutched at his shoulders, aiding his quest.
Roderick had all but mounted the table in order to shift her across the border before he let go, but when he did it was with total triumph.
CHAPTER TEN
Maisie awoke in his arms. It was a chill autumn night on the North Sea, but with her cheek to his chest his body had kept hers warm.
Now he was moving and she stirred from her sleep. He’d set about extracting himself from their tangled embrace and was apparently attempting to do so without waking her, but this time she held tight to him. “You must arise?”
He paused, and when she pressed her head back into the mattress to look up at him, she thought he might change his mind and stay. His expression softened as he looked at her. He bent his head and kissed her, his mouth gently inquiring.
Maisie sighed with pleasure and wove her fingers through his thick hair.
“I must be on deck,” he said as he drew back. “Alas.”
Watching as he tugged on his clothing, Maisie decided she would never grow tired of looking at the male form. He was a hot-blooded stallion in comparison to the leaner, wraithlike men she had seen in drawings. He was agile nonetheless, and as he bent to pull his boots from under the bed where he had kicked them off, he pounced on her again.
Rolling her onto her back, he kissed her breasts reverently.
“I thought you were departing?”
“I am.” He lifted his head, but wrapped his hand around the curve of one breast as he did so, molding the flesh in his palm, stroking the nipple. “But I couldn’t leave without another kiss, not with you lying there appearing so wanton, what with your breasts bared and that brazen look in your eyes.”
Was that truly how she appeared? Startled, Maisie found she wanted to know more. “What look?”
“The one that lets me know you are thinking of the pleasure you might get from this.” He reached for her hand and drew it to the front of his breeches, where he rested it briefly against the bulk of his manhood beneath.
Maisie chuckled. “It is not just that I’m thinking of. I was admiring the entirety of the view. You are a fine built man.”
He grinned as he straightened up.
It made her happy to see him that way.
He continued to dress while he considered her silently.
Maisie pulled the covers higher. “See, I have made it easier for you to leave, no bared breasts to distract you.”
“So you did. But alas, the image is still here.” He tapped his forehead with one finger.
Before he left, he paused by the door. “I suggest you stay below this morning.”
Instinctively she went to object, but he hurried on.
“It won’t be for long. We dock in Lowestoft later today and I’ll take you on shore then. I thought you might enjoy that.”
Maisie nodded. “Some time on land would be most pleasant, thank you.” His thoughtfulness was an aspect of his character that contrasted to his rough-hewn looks.
“So, you will occupy yourself by preparing for that?” He waited for her to confirm her intentions.
“Yes, Roderick, I will occupy myself here until you come to take me on shore.” It was a reward offered to force her to stay below, but Maisie wasn’t willing to risk a proper turn on dry land for a few moments on deck.
“Good. I will purchase us a good meal in an inn there. We will talk then. You can tell me about yourself.”
That was the last thing she intended to do, and it took every bit of good sense she could muster not to deny him outright. Instead, she didn’t answer.
When he left, she stared at the door and fretted.
Why did he want to know about her? She couldn’t tell him anything. It wasn’t safe for him, or her. Unbidden thoughts of her keeper crept in on her. Why? Roderick didn’t think of her the way Cyrus did—as his tool, his possession. At least she didn’t think so. Her experience was limited to one guardian, but she couldn’t forfeit her liberty again. This arrangement was only for their journey.
Nevertheless, doubts threatened her. Roderick was not aware of her secret craft. He was thinking of her protection, and he wanted his men to trust him. Still, she couldn’t help but be reminded of what had transpired with Master Cyrus, and the way he controlled her in the name of protection. The fact that she was currently banished to this tiny room at Roderick’s command unnerved her. Slumping down on the bed, she knew it was going to be some time before she could rid herself of that fear, the fear of being held hostage for her craft.
* * *
Cyrus Lafayette had nurtured her abilities, giving her time to flourish in his domain. Within a year he discovered that her talent was particularly well exploited when it involved the elements and the emotions. He was, however, a patient man, and as she later discovered, his plans were both grand and long-term.
Cyrus had a private income, and his interests lay in power, specifically in influencing government and politics. He moved in high circles. Young Margaret knew little of this until she was twelve years old, when her tutor was given specific instructions to teach her about the royalty, history and contemporary government of Britain. Mama Beth took little interest in her husband’s work. She was a kindly woman and it was hearth and home that mattered to her. She didn’t comment on Cyrus’s affairs outside the household.
Young Margaret was curious when she discovered that he was a man of power and wide influence, because his role in her life was so very different. Or so it se
emed. They spent many hours closeted together. He would debate her lineage with her in secret. These were times she both treasured, because of the subject matter, and feared, because of him.
Master Cyrus explored her world with her, but the way with which he controlled her made her wary even at a young age. She gained both knowledge and caution, but it was never easy. Maisie always feared angering him by saying the wrong thing. His attention was hers exclusively during these times. He was intense, serious, and she often found it difficult or uncomfortable to be with him. Above all, she felt in his debt. When he asked her to do something for him she did so, readily.
No more than once a week, Master Cyrus would encourage her to practice her magic in some small way, in the privacy of his study. She would move objects or extinguish candles with a few whispered words that had either been passed down to her by her mother, or learned under his tutelage. Then one day, he encouraged her to use her magic outdoors, while they were taking a walk in the park one fine Saturday afternoon.
It was a sunny autumnal day close to her thirteenth birthday. He walked alongside her and pointed out different trees, nodding his head and greeting other passersby as they went. When they were in a place where they could not be overheard, he took both her hands and encouraged her to test her magic, to stir the autumn leaves from the ground and make them dance in the air.
For Maisie it was exciting, a new beginning where she explored her craft, safely watched over by him, protected. Together they shared great enthusiasm about her talents, which made her proud, even though he warned her that others would not feel the same about her. They would be afraid of her, just as they had been afraid of her mother. Master Cyrus often reminded her of that.
“I will always protect and cherish you,” he would add.
The following week, Master Cyrus took her on the same walk and once again asked her to explore her craft, but with an altogether different purpose. “I would like you to do something special for me, something like the games we play with your powers when no one is looking.”
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