A Pirate's Heart (St. John Series)

by Lora Thomas

  All eyes turned towards Kristina. She smiled shyly, not enjoying the attention brought to her by James’s statement of, “When she decides to leave you, I have dibs.” His comment was followed by an “Ow!” as Alex elbowed his side.

  Max was speechless at the sight of his wife. She could have passed for any one of the many dignitaries that passed through the governor’s house at Governor’s Harbour. Her beauty took his breath away. He was unable to speak or move as he took in her radiance.

  “I know,” she replied as she scanned the room. “I’m overdressed, but Mrs. Potts insisted I wear this.”

  Alex took Max’s lack of response to his advantage. “Allow me,” he said as he walked over to Kristina and bowed. She watched him with suspicion as he picked up her hand, placed a gentle kiss upon her knuckles and asked, “Mrs. Hart, would you be so kind as to dine with me this evening?”

  “Get your hands off my wife,” Max growled as he finally found his voice.

  Alex lowered Kristina’s hand and gave her a playful wink. She smiled back at Alex. “Thank you for your invitation, Captain, but I believe I will be joining my husband.”

  “As you wish, my lady.”

  Alex turned, walked past Max and swatted him on his shoulder. “Better keep your eyes on her, Max. If the eligible men on this island find out about her, they will try to steal her from you.”

  “If they value their life, they would think better,” Max replied as he walked toward his wife. He held out his arm to her. She placed her hand in the bend of his elbow. Max covered her hand with his possessively, allowing all in the room to see who she belonged to—as if they didn’t already know—and escorted her to the table.

  “I feel so overdressed,” Kristina whispered to Max as she observed the attire of the others. They were all dressed for a casual dinner, but she was dressed as if she were to attend a grand ball. She took in her husband’s attire. He was clean-shaven and his attire was black as usual, but the material was of fine quality.

  “You look lovely,” he told her. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I look forward to seeing what other surprises you have for me tonight as well.” Kristina felt her cheeks burn at his insinuation.

  He gently kissed her and sat down beside her. He had never had a woman make him lose control of his body and emotions the way this feisty raven-haired beauty did. He recalled their argument from yesterday at the out cove. She had made him so furious and all he could think about was making love to her. He craved her body as if he couldn’t live without it.

  Kristina looked around the dining table. Alex sat at the head with James to his left and Slim next to him. Max and she were seated to the right and Samuel sat by her. She spotted Smitty. “I’m surprised that you made it.”

  He gave her a warm smile. “I got an invitation that I couldn’t resist,” he said with a devilish look as his eye went to Mrs. Potts.

  “Oh,” Kristina said as a girlish giggle escaped her throat. “Well, then, who is guarding your other lady?”

  “Uveah can watch The Abyss for a little while,” the old pirate said, all the while his eye never leaving Mrs. Potts.

  Kristina leaned over to Max and whispered, “I think he fancies her.” Max rolled his eyes and was met with a jab in his side with Kristina’s elbow. “I saw that,” she hissed.

  Kristina was in awe of the delicious meal that Mrs. Potts had managed to arrange in such a short time. There were croissants with fruit and cheese, a type of vegetable soup, fresh seafood with roasted potatoes, and the finest wine Kristina had ever tasted. The group ate and drank well into the night. About halfway through diner, Samuel excused himself to enjoy the comforts of having his own room for a change.

  As the group enjoyed their dessert of chocolate cake, Alex studied the way Max was with Kristina. He smiled and laughed at things that he normally would not find humorous. Alex watched as Kristina took her fork and attempted to steal a bite of Max’s cake. Max anchored her fork to the plate with his and laughed. Kristina was a light in the darkness of Max’s soul. She had cracked the hardened cocoon that had encased his heart for so many years. As Alex studied his friend, he wondered if Max had admitted to himself that Kristina was his soul mate. If Alex had to guess, he would say that Max loved Kristina, but he knew his friend would not admit such feelings. Max tossed his head back and laughed as Kristina managed to steal the last bite of his cake.

  Alex’s thoughts were interrupted by Kristina’s sudden outburst of, “A monkey!” followed by her laughter.

  “Yep,” Smitty replied as he described their jungle excursion and the furry little creature. Kristina laughed so hard at Smitty’s description that tears streamed down her face. She could feel Max’s tension, but she just couldn’t stop laughing.

  “Oh, that poor creature!” she exclaimed. “Max probably scared it to death.”

  “Damned flea infested vermin,” Max mumbled.

  “Yep, it was just sittin’ there eatin’ its breakfast on Max’s chest. Just like he was Max’s pet,” Smitty said as he laughed harder. He kept right on laughing even as Max threw a knife at him and it embedded into the table just inches from his hand.

  “Max!” Mrs. Potts exclaimed from the doorway to the kitchen. She rushed towards Smitty and gave Max a gentle smack to the back of his head as she passed him. She gave a concerned look to the old pirate. “Are you harmed, Mr. Smitty?”

  Smitty gave her a devilish grin. “I might need some doctorin’ from the trauma of his threats,” he answered as he patted her backside.

  “Mr. Smitty!” Mrs. Potts exclaimed, pretending to be offended. She pulled the knife out of the table and pointed it at him. “I’ll have you know I will not be treated in such a manner. And should you feel the need to apologize, you know where to find me.” With that, she turned from Smitty and shot a look in Max’s direction. “And if you damage any more of Mr. Sinclair’s furnishings, I will box your ears until they’re as big as your temper.” Once she had her say, she left the room.

  Alex gave a heartfelt laugh. “Well, I’ll be damned. Better go after her, Smitty.”

  Smitty stood up slowly and walked nonchalantly towards the kitchen. “Better go apologize,” he stated with a roguish smile as he left the room.

  “Guess that means he’s staying here, so I get to stay on The Abyss tonight,” James acknowledged.

  Alex looked to James. “Make sure I have a ship to sail to Governor’s Harbour on in the morning.”

  “Ya visitin’ ya parents?” Slim said.

  Alex nodded his head and laughed. “Yes. My mother’s birthday is a little over a week away and I need to give her the gift I acquired for her. Especially, since Max went to all that trouble in slaying the evil monkey for it.”

  Max said nothing as he glared at Alex for his comment.

  James nodded his head. “I’ll double-check. Good evening to you all,” he said as he left the room. The remainder of the group said their goodnights as they departed to their chambers for the evening.

  Kristina followed Max to their quarters. She was nervous for some reason. She could sense he was angry from the story that Smitty told, but that was not the cause of her anxiety. She knew what waited with his anger. She didn’t mind, she enjoyed the feelings his lovemaking created in her, but she knew what might come from it.

  Turning her back to him, she quietly closed the door. Before she could turn around, she felt his hands around her waist. Her skin tingled from his touch. She stood breathlessly as he gently kissed the back of her neck.

  He said nothing as he continued. He kissed the nape of her neck and turned her around, his lips never leaving her body. He kissed the tops of her breasts as his right hand gently cupped one in his grasp. His lips slowly made their way up to hers and he kissed her tenderly.

  She was taken aback. When he was angry, his kisses usually reflected that, but this kiss was different. It assaulted her senses like no other, as if he was opening his soul to her. He kept gently kissing her, begging her to kiss him in r
eturn, which she did. She put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. His tongue begged for entrance into her mouth. She parted her lips slightly. The feel of his tongue touching hers gently made her become weak and she clung to him.

  Gently picking her up, he carried her over to the bed. He didn’t know why, but he needed to see her, needed to feel her body on his. It had consumed his thoughts all evening. She cast a spell over him that could not be broken.

  He lowered her feet to the floor and turned her around. He slowly unbuttoned her gown, one button at a time, allowing his fingers to trail along the exposed flesh of her back. He lightly kissed her shoulder. His butterfly kisses trailed down her back. She felt the lovely burgundy gown fall off her body and the coolness of the room enveloped her.

  Placing his hands tenderly on her shoulders, he turned her to face him. She could feel his strong hands on her sheer undergarments. He picked up the hem of her black chemise and pulled it over her head. She heard him catch his breath as he took in her naked form. He caringly began his assault on her senses again. His finger tips barely touched her skin as he allowed them to explore her body, sending quivers of pleasure throughout her. His hands softly kneaded her breasts and she closed her eyes as the pleasure increased. Her lips gently parted as she let out a faint moan.

  Her eyes fluttered opened and she looked at him. Her hands captured his face and brought him closer to her. She kissed him, allowing her tongue to trace his lips. It was though she was not in control of her motions. Her hands traveled to his clothing and she unlaced his shirt. The material hit the floor and she pulled back from the kiss. Her eyes took in his body. She looked into his eyes and then kissed his chest. He could feel her fingertips following the trail of her kisses. She circled him, her hands gently exploring his well-toned body.

  Once she was back in front of him, she stopped and unbuttoned his trousers. She took her hands and slid them off his muscular legs. As the material hit the ground he felt her fingers touch him as she gently caressed his manhood, allowing her hands to explore every inch of him.

  He stood with his eyes closed, unmoving. Her touch was like lightning surging through his body. He craved her to the point that he was about to explode just from her touch. He caught her hand and pulled it to his chest. Gently picking her up, he carried her to the bed and laid her down. He kissed her deeply as he joined her.

  She arched her body to him as he entered her. She could feel his maleness moving slowly, methodically in and out of her body and her breathing increased. She could feel each movement deep inside her and she wanted more. She wrapped her legs around his body in an attempt to pull him deeper inside her.

  He took his right hand and pulled her leg up higher on his side, allowing his manhood to penetrate her deeply. He gently moved inside her. It took all his control not to explode, but he wanted this to last. He wanted to make love to her slowly, tenderly. He could feel her hands move over his body and her fingers dug into his back. He closed his eyes as he allowed his body to enjoy the feel of her velvety wetness around him. The slow, methodical rhythm of his thrusts almost brought him to the edge. He began to slow down.

  “Please,” she whispered. “Don’t stop.” He continued moving inside her, his thrusts met by hers. And in an instant he felt her tighten around him as she exploded. A pleasurable moan escaped her throat with her release. Their climaxes were in unison and he joined her with his own explosive release.

  She lay breathlessly, not wanting to move. He placed his head on her shoulder and kissed her neck. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. They stayed in this position for several minutes, neither speaking. Finally, he rolled off her, turning to his side as he pulled her to him and wrapped a possessive arm around her body. She could feel the warmth of his chest on her back. She intertwined her fingers into his. A feeling of contentment washed over her as they both drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kristina’s stuck the tip of her tongue out of the left side of her mouth as she thought. She studied the chessboard lying between her and Max on the bed. She touched the pawn and started to pick it up. She quickly let go of the chess piece as she contemplated her move. She readjusted the sheet covering her naked breasts. She could hear Max chuckle as she considered her move. He had her king cornered.

  “You just might as well move your pawn and surrender your king. There is no way out,” he smugly said as he watched her strategize her move.

  “No. There has to be another move. I cannot let you win.”

  “Why not?”

  “You have won the last two games. I cannot allow you to win a third.”

  “Playing chess is like winning a battle at sea. You have to be patient, keep your bearings and know when to move.”

  “Well, next time I think I will play naked. My breasts seem to be the only thing that distracts you,” she teased.

  “Wrong. They are not yours. They are mine.”

  “Yours?”

  “Yes. They are my beautiful, tempting girls.”

  A twinkle came to Kristina’s eyes. She dropped the sheet and allowed Max’s “girls” to be proudly displayed before him. His eyes fixated on them. He reached over and pulled her to him, knocking the chessboard over. Kristina squealed with laughter.

  “Max!”

  “All is fair in love and war,” he said as he pulled her down and kissed her.

  She couldn’t control her laughter. “I guess this means I win.”

  “For now,” he huskily replied in her ear.

  “Stop, Max.”

  “Why?” he asked as his kisses traveled lower. She placed her hands on his head as he took her nipple in his mouth. A faint gasp of pleasure escaped her. The romantic escapade was interrupted by Gato hopping on the bed and meowing loudly.

  Max growled. “Go away,” he said as he gently pushed the kitten.

  The kitten answered with another hungry, “Meow!”

  Max sighed and looked at Kristina.

  “It’s just as well,” she said as she traced his jaw with her finger. “It’s getting late. We can continue later.”

  He kissed her lips and slid out from under her. She watched him move silently over to the washbasin and splash water onto his face. It amazed her that such a large man could be as quiet as a cat. He looked up into the mirror and saw her expression. “Yes, I will shave it off.”

  She wrinkled her nose at him in response to his reply to her unspoken request.

  “Besides,” he began as he pulled on his trousers, “I need to go into town today to return the horses and then go to the solicitor’s office.”

  She felt her heart sink at his comment. He still planned on divorcing her. After the wonderful day yesterday and last night, it all meant nothing to him? She could feel tears of disappointment building in her eyes.

  “You still plan on divorcing me? What about yesterday?”

  “What about it?” he replied nonchalantly.

  “Really? I thought maybe—”

  “What? That I would change my mind about marriage? Women?” he replied in an indignant tone. He grabbed his shirt from the chair and pulled it over his shoulders. “Nothing has changed there.”

  He was itching for a fight. He didn’t know why. The emotions stirring in his body were new to him. They had had an enjoyable past couple of days—no fighting, just enjoying each other’s company. Then, last night, as he watched her sleep, a strange sensation overtook him. It was a feeling he’d never felt before. He had hoped it was just a fleeting emotion, but this morning as they were playing chess, he realized she had stolen his heart. He belonged to her completely. He realized he loved her and it scared the hell out of him. He had witnessed Alex’s heart break at the murder of his love, Maggie. Alex nearly drank himself to death after her murder and Max did not want that same type of misery. The sooner he divorced Kristina, the easier it would be to let her leave—to get back on with his life. Kristina needed someone who would provide for her, keep her safe, love her unconditio
nally. He knew he would always love her and that a life as a pirate’s wife would supply the wealth to provide for her in a way she deserved. However, his lifestyle would keep her in constant danger and he would not be able to live with himself should she become injured, or worse yet killed, under his care. He needed to keep her safe and keeping her away from him would be the only way to do so. So he decided to make her so furious that she would divorce him without hesitation.

  She stood and walked over to him, using the sheet like an oversized shawl. “Then why did you agree to take me? Why did you take me out for an enjoyable afternoon, if in the end you had no plan on continuing this marriage?” she asked, her heart feeling as if it were tearing into pieces.

  “Show a woman a good time in public and she will give you one in bed.”

  His response was met with a stinging slap to his face. “You bastard!”

  His eyes lowered to a dangerous slit. “I think we both already knew that one. Try a different insult.”

  “Go to hell!”

  “I believe this marriage already proves I am.”

  His words hit her harder than any blow. His hateful insult made her feel like someone had knocked the breath from her body.

  “Fine,” she gritted out. “If you are in such misery, get the solicitor and divorce me. Give him extra coins to expedite the paperwork. But I suggest you keep your hands off me before—” She turned from him, her voice trembling so that she was unable to continue her tirade. Stomping to the wardrobe, she jerked the door open and rummaged through it, looking for a dress, fighting the tears that were building in her eyes. She found one that was easy to don, pulled it over her head and tied the ribbon around her waist.