by M. L. Guida
He and Doc raced outside. Smoke burned Amadi’s eyes, and he choked. The smell of sulfur, burnt leaves, and wood filled the air. Everything was engulfed in flames—the barn, the sugarcane fields, the stables. The crackling flares’ heat turned the plantation into a raging inferno.
Amadi broke out in a hot sweat, and he could barely breathe. Tears streamed from his eyes from the vapors. How the hell could the slaves live through this?
But he trusted the capt’n. If the capt’n said the slaves were safe, they were safe.
Doc motioned as he sat across William’s large back. “Come on.”
Amadi climbed onto William. “Hurry. We don’t have much time.”
The dragon was big enough to accommodate all three of them. William had the gift of changing his body to any size he wanted. One of the many dragon magic gifts he possessed. William stretched out his wings then jumped into the smoky air.
Amadi pressed his knees against the dragon’s side. Wind and black smoke rushed over him, and he hacked, his whole body shaking. Violet gasped and moaned in his arms. He held her tight, afraid he’d drop her.
“William,” he hacked, coughing into his arm. “Get out of da damn smoke.”
The air changed from charcoal to clean sea. Amadi inhaled, clearing his lungs. The ocean spread out before him, and his heart swelled at the sight of the Soaring Phoenix anchored in their secret cove. The taste of freedom consumed him. He and Violet had escaped. “Hang on, Violet.” He petted her sweating head. “We’re almost there.”
But she didn’t answer.
William folded his wings to his body and stretched out his talons. Men moved out of the way, and only the stern was available. Amadi sucked in his breath, waiting for them to crash, but William smoothly boarded the sloshing ship.
Hannah, Kane’s woman, waited for them. “What happened?”
“’Tis Amadi’s woman. She’s wounded.”
She blinked, looking between Amadi and Violet. “Take her to my cabin.”
Amadi choked at her words and could only nod curtly. Hannah had always treated him as an equal; for her to offer hers and the capt’n’s cabin honored him.
“Come on,” Doc slid off. “Take her to da crew’s quarters.”
Amadi rushed after him, wedging him between the questioning crew. Violet’s face paled, and he strained to hear her breathe. She was dying. His heart weighed heavy in his chest. She couldn’t die. Slavery had robbed him of people he loved. “Don’t leave me.”
He was surprised he had tears leaking from his eyes. He never cried. Never. How could this mere girl strip him of his hardened defenses?
Doc led him into the capt’n’s cabin. The smell of well-oiled wood and lemon permeated the room. He laid Violet on the neatly made king-sized bed. Doc rushed in, carrying his bag. Hannah trailed after him, carrying a bowl of water and rags.
“Amadi,” Hannah said. “Let us work on her.”
Amadi wanted to argue, but he did not have the medical knowledge that Hannah and Doc possessed, and he stepped aside. He paced the cabin, clenching his hand, never taking his eyes off Violet. Hannah cut away Violet’s bloody shift, revealing her perfect breasts, now coated with blood. Hannah wiped the wound clean, but blood leaked out. She placed pressure on Violet’s chest. “The bleeding has stopped.”
“I can do dat,” Amadi said.
“Stay back,” Doc ordered.
“I can’t stand and do nothin’.”
“Aye, you can,” Doc said. “’Tis a serious wound. But her lips are not blue an’ I do not hear a cracklin’ sound.”
Hannah rested her hand on Violet’s forehead. “She does not have a fever.” She wiped her face with the rag.
Doc smiled. “’Tis a good sign. We’ll done have to wait to an’ see how bad it is.”
Amadi’s stomach sank, and he broke out in a nervous sweat. “Wait and see?”
Doc mixed olive oil and beeswax and used a knife to spread the mixture onto the bandages. He placed the bandages around three sides of the wound.
“What are you doin’, Doc?” Amadi growled. “She’s dyin’.”
“You do not know this. Da bandages will seal da wound but allow air to escape an’ not return. The wound may heal on its own. You got to trust me on dis.”
“What happens if she gets worse?” Amadi asked.
Doc washed his hands. “Have faith, man. She’ll pull through.” His voice was confident, but his wary eyes gave away he was worried.
“Then what do I do?” Amadi felt more helpless than a flapping fish.
“Stay with her.” Hannah touched his arm. “She needs you. If there are any changes, come and get us.”
Doc gathered his bandages and gauze while Hannah picked up the bowl and rag. They gave him a brief nod as they exited the cabin, leaving him alone with Violet.
He approached the bed cautiously, afraid if he did anything rash, he’d wake her and she’d cry out. Her chest rose up and down. He sat in a chair and waited. Weariness beat down on him, but he refused to sleep. She needed him, and he’d be awake when she woke from her slumber.
Hours ticked by, and she slept. Every time she sighed or moved, fear seized him. He paced back and forth, hating the helplessness.
“You don’t have to be afraid.” Violet looked at him with a weak smile.
He rushed over to her. “You’re awake?” He pushed her hair out of her face.
“Aye.”
He stopped, not wanting to hurt her. “You’re in pain?”
“A little. Mostly tired. Will you stay with me?”
“Always.” He kissed the tip of her pert nose. “I’ll be right here. Doc says the wound may heal on its own.”
“I heard.”
“You were awake?”
“In and out.” She lifted her hand.
He took it and rubbed her palm, then kissed the top of her hand. His heart pounded faster and faster. “Did I tell you I love you?”
She didn’t respond right away, and he cursed himself for blurting his love out. What was he thinking? She’d escaped from the Sorcière de Mer. Why would she want to be with a slave?
She squeezed his hand. “I know you do.” She closed her eyes. “I love you. Just need to rest.”
Amadi sat next to her and guarded her. Every time she sighed or moaned, he tensed and fought to breathe. He couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t eat. Waiting to see if she pulled through. Doc came in several times and checked her. Each time, he said it was good news. But what if he was wrong? Amadi wouldn’t be satisfied until she sat up and walked out of the bed.
Night turned to day. And still he waited. His muscles bunched, his gut balled into a knot, and his blood stilled. Live. She had to live.
Chapter Thirteen
Violet opened her eyes. Her brain was still muddled. Where was she? She didn’t recognize the wooden ceiling nor had she ever slept in such a soft bed. She took a deep breath and inhaled fresh ocean air.
Someone held her hand. She turned her head to see Amadi kneeling and holding her hand against his head. Was he praying? “Amadi?”
He raised his head. Tears glistened in his eyes. “How are you feelin’?”
“Tired. Achy.” She rubbed her chest. “Celeste stabbed me.”
His eyes narrowed. “’Twas da last thing she ever did.”
She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it. “Did I imagine it, or did you say you loved me?”
“No, you didn’t imagine it.”
His words spoke true. No lies hid behind his voice, and his aura was bright white.
“Where are we?”
“Aboard da Soaring Phoenix. You’re safe.”
Freedom. No more terror. No more nightmares.
She stared at his hard face. He wasn’t a vampire. His eyes were back to their chocolate brown. He was a man used to a hard life, but she knew his heart. He was proud and true. He’d risked his life for her. No one had ever done this for her. “I love you.”
“I know.”
The
re was no arrogance in his husky voice, but there was something else, something that was music to her ears.
“Is this your cabin?”
He tilted his head back and laughed. “No, it belongs to da capt’n.”
Her heart squeezed at taking something away from her betters. More than once, she’d learned painfully what happened if she dared to step out of her place. She struggled to sit. “Won’t he be mad?”
He shook his head and pushed her gently back down. “His woman, Hannah Knight, said for us to use it until you’re well enough to move.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “To move where?”
“The crew’s cabin. Hannah has ordered another private quarter be made for us.”
She slid her hand down her cool face. “How long have I slept?”
“A day.”
“You’ve stayed with me this whole time?”
“I’d never leave you.”
She smiled at the emotion in his soft voice. “Or I you.”
“Sleep, Violet. You need to rest.”
“You’ll stay here?”
“I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
His face was haggard, wrecked with worry. He needed to sleep as much as she did. She moved over. “Hold me, please.”
Amadi hesitated. “I don’t—”
“Please. I need your arms around me.”
He sighed. “As you wish, sweet flower.” He took off his boots and climbed onto the bed next to her. His long, muscular body stretched out and emitted warmth. She laid her head on his chest, listening to his thumping heart. He wrapped his powerful arms around her, and once again, she felt safe, knowing no one could harm her, not with her brave pirate by her side.
She looked up at him. “Kiss me.”
“You’re not well enough.”
“Aye, I am.”
He tilted his head. His dark eyes were tenser than she had expected, as if he was afraid something bad would happen.
“I won’t break.” She wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him toward her. She parted her lips eager, to taste his masculinity.
He bent down and kissed her lips softly at first, tender pecks, but then his tongue delved deeper, demanding, masterful, and a delightful wash of pleasure pulsed through her, blocking out the memory of the Sorcière De Mer. Her heart pattered wildly, sending blood to her watery belly. The skin across her chest tightened and pulled itself into taut tiny peaks, not from pain, but from his branding kiss.
She moved her arms over his naked back, her fingers brushing over the slightest movement. His strength never failed to amaze her. He could crush her with one blow, but he was always gentle with her. Her dark gentle giant.
He pulled away. “I need to stop.”
“Why?” She couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.
“Because I’m afraid I can’t control myself. I don’t want to hurt you. When you’re stronger—”
“You’ll love me.”
He kissed her forehead. “Every day.”
She inhaled his fragrant scent of the sea. His warm breath caressed over her head. ’Twas as if a breath of freedom rolled over her. Listening to his steady heartbeat, drowsiness took over her, and she snuggled deeper into the arms of the man she loved.
***
A week later, Amadi led Violet out of the capt’n’s cabin. Doc had sewn up her wound, and she could breathe easily, but her body still had dull aches. “Can we go topside?”
“Aye,” he said. “Doc says you’re well enough.” He kissed her on the tip of her nose then smiled. “’Tis this way, my lady.” He put his hand on her lower back and maneuvered her out of the cabin. “Da Soaring Phoenix has sailed out to sea,” he said. “Huntin’ for an uncharted island for da escaped slaves.”
Violet slowly climbed the stairs, not sure what to expect. But she was tired of staying in the cabin, no matter how nice it might be. ’Twas bigger than any room she’d ever had. Blue sky and ocean air greeted her. She wanted to dance along the deck, but it was crowded with men, women, and children. The crew moved effortlessly around the freed captives, cleaning the ship, manning the sails.
“Dis is da first time these men, women, and children have walked around anywhere free,” Amadi said. “Men need to be free.”
Bitterness crept into his voice. She leaned her head against his arm. “And thanks to you, they are.”
“Amadi,” a strong male voice said.
Violet turned and clutched Amadi’s arm.
Captain Kane O’Brien approached them. He wasn’t as tall as Amadi, but he walked with a commanding presence.
“Capt’n?”
“Looks like you’re feeling better, lass.”
He flashed Violet a warm smile that highlighted his handsome face. Even with the rugged scar down his right cheek, he was a man who must have left a dozen broken hearts behind.
Amadi put his arm around her. “She’s still a little weak.”
“I’m well. Thank you, Capt’n, for allowing me to recover in your cabin.”
“’Tis my pleasure.” He motioned to the sky. “William and Mariah are searching for an uncharted island to allow the slaves to live in peace. We will come by from time to time to ensure they are safe. No telling where the Fiery Damsel is.” His voice was riddled with authority, and this was a man used to his orders being obeyed.
“Aye, capt’n.” Amadi shielded his eyes.
Violet looked up at the sky to see a large dragon flying through the clouds, not something she saw every day. She was still getting used to accepting a world of magic, darkness, and freedom.
“Amadi!” A high-pitched cherubic voice squealed.
Chloe ran down the deck with her arms stretched out. Amadi bent down and picked her up. “How are you doing today?”
“Fine. Hannah was showing me how she can move things with her hands!”
Hannah came up and laughed. “She’s a dearie.” She slipped her arms through the captain’s.
He frowned. “What things?”
“Oh, don’t be an old grump.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I parted the water so she could see the dolphins swimming next to the ship.”
The constant fear had left Chloe’s eyes, and her frail body was nice and plump like a four-year-old’s should be. “I want to go see Doc.” She kissed Amadi on the cheek.
He put her down, and she ran toward Violet’s healer.
Doc was a little shorter than Amadi and his face more withered. Gray strands intertwined in his dark hair. But ’twas those brown eyes, full of merriment, that always made Violet smile. She’d never had a healer who made her smile and laugh, even when she was in pain.
But the merriment left Doc’s eyes.
Amadi held up his hands. “Don’t glare at me, Doc. You said she could come up here.”
Doc scanned his gaze over her. “See she gets to bed soon. Her color is still pale.”
Chloe hugged Doc’s leg. “Play with me, Doc.”
He lost his frown. “I will, darlin’. I will.”
“I’ll take her below to eat something,” Amadi said. “Will dat make you happy?”
Doc winked at Violet. “Aye, it would.”
Violet whispered in Amadi’s ear. “After lunch, I want to see our cabin. Can we?”
“Aye, we can.”
She couldn’t help but smile at the strain in his voice and the tightening of his arm. She wanted to be alone with him, away from the crew’s blatant stares of curiosity.
***
Violet was surprised at the hanging drapes in the corner of the crew’s quarters. There was another one in an opposite corner. A hammock big enough for two hung between the posts. There was a trunk shoved against the wall, and a small lantern sat on a barrel. There was a soft sheepskin on the floor.
“Is this mine?” she asked shyly.
“No, ’tis ours. Mariah, a witch, cast a spell on dis, and the crew will not hear anythin’ while we are in here.”
Heat flared in Violet’s cheeks at his hidden me
aning. But she wanted him. She placed her hands on his broad chest, enjoying the feel of the hard muscle beneath her touch. “Meaning?”
“Um, when you are well enough—”
“I’m well enough now, Amadi.” She licked his chest and felt him tremble. “Do not deny me.”
He pushed back her hair behind her ear. “You are a saucy wench.”
She leaned her head into his callused palm. “Only with you.”
He smiled and wrapped his muscular arms around her. She leaned her body against his and arched her back. He kissed her, and she held onto him tight, never wanting to lose him again. His heart beat as hard and as desperately as hers.
“Turn around,” he mumbled. “I want you.”
She turned, excitement, and fear pulsing through her veins. Amadi was a big man. What if she could not accommodate him?
He freed the ribbons on the back of her dress one by one, his fingers brushing against her. Her dress hung loosely, and he slowly lifted it over her head.
She wore nothing, but a shapeless cloud of linen. Heat swelled through her body.
“More ribbons,” he mumbled.
Irritation flamed in his voice, but he gently undid the ribbons without tearing them. He slid the linen off her and kissed her shoulders. “Are you sure you want to do dis?”
His spicy breath rushed over her naked skin, and a slight shiver went from her shoulders down to her curled toes. “Aye,” she whispered, not sure if she spoke.
He gripped her shoulders, his hands shaking, and turned her around to face him. “You’re so beautiful. I have never seen such loveliness.”
She met his bold gaze and tilted her chin, trying to be braver than the fear pooling in her belly at standing stark naked in front of a man. She silently mouthed. “Thank you.”
His eyes dark with desire, Amadi removed his boots and slid off his trousers. Gloriously naked he stood before her. His skin was a glistening ebony contrast to the flickering light, and his wild black braids fell across his broad shoulders. The white-lined scars on his body didn’t take away from his beauty. They only made him more rugged. A warrior.
