Saving Marina

by Lauri Robinson

  Her bottom lip quivered slightly. “I thank you for saving those you saved today, but nothing has changed.”

  “Nothing has changed? Everything has changed. The governor ordered—”

  “I’m still a witch, Richard,” she interrupted.

  The frustration that arose in him dissolved almost as quickly. He couldn’t indict a person for what they believed. Especially not one who might be right. It just didn’t matter to him. Witch or not, this woman had taught him to love. That was what the giant had been hiding. Smothering his heart with justifications that could have defied happiness for the rest of his life. That conclusion hadn’t come easily or quickly. It hadn’t truly solidified until last night when he stood on the deck of Emerson’s ship, staring across the Boston Harbor. The sea, the one thing he’d thought he loved, had held no lure for him. Not even with the waves glistening in the moonlight and promising vast adventures and riches.

  Richard stood and rounded the corner of the table to pull out her chair. Once Marina was standing before him, he took both of her hands and lifted them one at a time to kiss her palms. He questioned what to say, how to tell her all that was inside him. Marina wasn’t like other women. No vows of love would sway her. She was too stubborn for that—and righteous. He loved her all the more for it.

  “Well,” he finally said, “you certainly bewitched me, and it was the best thing that ever happened.”

  Her startled look was adorable. “What?”

  “Only a witch could make me fall in love with her, and that’s exactly what you’ve done. The moment you opened that door telling me to state my business, my world changed. The things I wanted changed. Had Grace been with anyone else, I would have taken her and ridden away, ill or not.” Wanting her to know he’d considered long and hard what had happened, he said, “Your father was right for not letting you cross that bridge. There were others you needed to lead, to show the way. Namely me.”

  Her delicate brows were knit together, and bewilderment filled her eyes. “You?” She shook her head. “That’s not what he meant.”

  “How do you know?”

  She opened her mouth and closed it.

  He grinned, knowing he was gaining ground. Stubborn, yes, but Marina was also intelligent. “I was about as lost as a man could get. Not navigationally, but in life.”

  She shook her head slowly. “There’s more to it than that. The script—”

  “I know.” He’d thought about that, too, and understood she’d been so lost and alone that turning to the Bible for answers had been her salvation. “The Bible tells us to be kind and just, and you’ve fulfilled that, too. Shown others how to love, and that is God’s will. For us to love one another.”

  A frown still covered her face and she closed her eyes as if to think. He chose that moment to do what he’d wanted to do since barging into the courtroom.

  Her lips were as soft as he remembered, but sweeter. The sweetest things he’d ever tasted.

  * * *

  All Marina ever thought she knew swirled inside her head like leaves in a fall whirlwind. Except for Richard. He was as strong and masterful as ever. His kisses made her want to melt against him and just be.

  It took everything she had to pull away. “You make it impossible to think when you kiss me.”

  His hands grasped her waist, preventing her from moving. “Good. I don’t want you to think. Just feel. Feel my love. My strength. For it is yours, too.”

  How could he know that was what she felt when he kissed her, held her. “Is that why you kissed me that night we set the traps?” she asked. “So I wouldn’t think about what we were doing?”

  He chuckled. “No, I kissed you then because I wanted to. Just like I want to now.”

  It was what she wanted, too. What she’d dreamed about. Could he be right? Could her father have been talking about Richard? Had she been sent back to earth to meet him? To fall in love with him? She did love him. And she loved Gracie. Was he right about the scriptures, too? It was what she’d told the others in prison. That God’s will was for people to love one another.

  Her stomach sank then and she shook her head. “You can’t love me.”

  “I already do, and I’m going to marry you.”

  She’d been twisted and torn since awaking after the massacre, but never more than right now. “I’m evil. Or at least it follows me.”

  “You can’t believe that,” he whispered. “You are the most kind and caring person I have ever met...ever shall meet.”

  She didn’t want to be evil, never had, and certainly didn’t wish ill will upon anyone. What she did want was to be loved by him. Forever and ever. Which was too much to ask. “I’m barren,” she whispered.

  “How do you know that?”

  She shrugged. “I just do. All witches are barren.”

  He leaned close enough so their noses touched. “So?”

  “So? What kind of wife would that make me? I can’t provide you with more children.”

  “More children matter little to me. We have Grace.” Leaning back, he grinned. “And your uncle William, and I don’t foresee John leaving us anytime soon. Not to mention a couple of old shipmates of Earl’s I found in Boston.”

  In spite of her doubts and fears, a smile tugged at her lips.

  “How many more people could you want living with us?” he asked.

  The idea of living with him, of sharing their lives, brought a full smile to her lips.

  “You’ve been blessed by God, Marina, and given a wonderful gift. The gift of life a second time. Please allow me to share it with you.”

  She’d never been able to refuse a request, especially not from a loved one. However, her willful self couldn’t give in that easily. “What if it’s not what you expect?”

  The gentle kiss he placed upon her forehead wafted softness through her system.

  “I’ve sailed rough seas before. I’m not afraid, and you shouldn’t be, either. You’ll not only have all of my love, you’ll have my protection against all men, all evils, and I’m a fierce opponent.”

  Chapter Twenty

  His grin was a bit mocking and self-assured, just like him. She loved them both. Him and his grin. He was right about the trials, that the governor would end them. She could feel it. Perhaps he was right about her, too. He had already fought against evil for her, rescued her when she’d thought it utterly impossible.

  A smile rose from her heart to settle on her lips. “You are a fierce opponent—I’ve witnessed that. And a protector and a provider.”

  “Well, then?” he asked. “Will you marry me?”

  There had been times in her life when she’d felt she had no choice. That was true right now, too, but this time, she didn’t want a choice. Didn’t need one. “Yes,” she answered. “I will.”

  Richard kissed her and she held nothing back in her response. There were no restraints inside her, no fears or doubts. Her future held no destiny, no promises, and she realized it never had. Life would be what she made it, what they made it, and that thrilled her.

  Kissing, with their mouths open, tasting and teasing each other, heated her flesh. Her insides were simmering, too, like a pot about to boil over. She felt brazen and shameless and more wonderful than a human had a right. It fit, for she wasn’t a mere human.

  When Richard caught her behind the knees and lifted her into his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed the side of his face and chin as he carried her along the hallway and up the staircase.

  He set her down beside her bed, but she never released her hold. Not on his neck or his lips. She stretched on her toes, keeping her body flush with his, relishing how the contact had her sizzling and wanting more.

  “I’ve dreamed of this,” Richard said, while his lips traveled over her chin, down her neck.

  “So have I.”

  He leaned back to look at her.

  No heat seared her cheeks as it may have another woman, and she was proud of that. “I told you I was a wi
tch,” she said. “Witches are full of wicked thoughts.”

  His husky laugh filled the room. Beyond that, actually, the entire house seemed to ripple with laughter, and she joined in.

  “I believe there shall never be a dull moment with you in my life,” he said.

  “I hope not.” Recalling their clandestine escapade of setting the traps, she added, “I like excitement.”

  He started unbuttoning the front of her waistcoat. “I’m about to show you something else you’ll like.”

  The thrill that shot through her was delightful. “I already like it.”

  Early-evening sunlight filled the room, and Marina wondered for a moment, when Richard pushed the waistcoat off her arms and it fell to the floor, if she should at least act a bit shy. She’d never had a man undress her before. His fingers were now working the buttons of her blouse. It would soon land on the floor. There was no doubt of that, and there was no doubt of the excitement building inside her—the very thing she’d just admitted to enjoying.

  Arrogance filled her, for there was no other way to describe the confidence that allowed her to shrug her shoulder, making the blouse slip away. She’d just told him witches were wicked. For the first time in a very long time she found great pleasure in being who she was.

  Marina was soon relieved of all her clothing, barring nothing from Richard’s eyes, which had grown dark and intense. There was a vibration in the air that had become steamy and hot merely from their breathing. He stood stock-still, watching her, and for a moment, she wondered if he was testing her, waiting to see if she’d flee or cower.

  She smiled and stepped forward, out of the pile of clothes at her feet. Fleeing and cowering were two things she’d never do again, and especially not from him, from what her heart desired most.

  A triumphant gust of air escaped her lungs when he grasped her waist and pulled her against him. His kiss was hard and wild, and she loved it as much as all the others. She pulled the hem of his shirt out of his breeches and scraped the hardness of his chest with her fingernails when he tugged the shirt over his head. She kissed his neck, his chest, and ran her hands up and down his side, relishing the feel and taste of his skin.

  He surprised her by spinning her around. Holding her shoulders firmly, he whispered, “You are taxing my restraint.”

  She couldn’t think of a response, not with how his hands slipped down her arms and then roamed across her stomach. His chin was resting on her shoulder and his hold pressed her back against his chest.

  “We have all night,” he said softly. “I want you to enjoy every moment.”

  She leaned against him, feeling small compared to his size but loving how glorious it was to feel shrouded by him. His hands caressed her stomach and then higher, brushing the undersides of her breasts. She placed her hands over his and arched slightly, offering her breasts as if holding out tokens.

  Her breath caught as his hands moved up and a ribbon of heat raced over each breast when his thumbs found her nipples. They were hard and throbbing, and the torment of how he caressed and teased each one was spectacular.

  “I am enjoying every moment,” she said breathlessly, hoping he’d never stop.

  “Good.”

  He nibbled on her earlobe as one hand moved lower. The other continued to fondle her breast, but her attention was drawn downward, where his other hand traveled past her stomach. His movements were slow and easy but caused such commotion her legs wobbled. The juncture he neared quivered with expectancy that was so hot moisture seeped from her. With one knee, he gently nudged her legs farther apart. The air gave a brief cooling sensation before his hand slipped lower, caressing skin that surely should have burned his fingertips.

  She nearly slumped against him and couldn’t do anything about the soft moan that rumbled in the back of her throat. He explored her thoroughly, until her very legs were quaking so hard Marina knew only his hold kept her upright.

  Then, in a swift, easy movement, he once again hoisted her into his arms. At the edge of the bed, he instructed her to pull back the quilts. She did so, revealing the crisp sheets he lowered her upon. She was ready for him to continue, but disappointment made her cheeks flush when he sat down.

  He grinned. “I have to remove my boots.”

  A thrill shot through her and she sat up. “You most certainly do.” Scooting closer, she ran her hands up and down his back. His skin was slick and smooth, and she kneaded the hard muscles of his shoulders before lowering her hands to wrap both arms around him. She ran her palms across the ripples of his rib cage and then across the mass of hair that trailed down into his breeches. “You need to remove these, too.”

  He grasped her hands, lifted them and kissed each one before he held them aside and rose. “You are a vixen.”

  Not offended in the least, she lay down on her side, propping her head up with one hand. “And?”

  He dropped his breeches and kicked them aside. “I love it.”

  Laughing, she flipped onto her back and held up both arms. “Then show me.”

  The bed creaked and bounced as he landed on it. They both laughed and kissed. Kissed until she was dizzy. Until they were both breathless, their bodies slick and their arms and legs entangled.

  Richard rolled onto his back and pulled her on top of him, positioning her legs so she sat on his stomach. He pulled her closer then, so her breasts were directly before his face. “Perfect,” he whispered moments before he took one of her nipples into his mouth as a babe might.

  The sensation sent her body into an unexplainable frenzy, one that was so amazing she braced her hands on his shoulders so he wouldn’t stop. His actions played havoc on other parts of her, too. The commotion between her legs had turned into a fireball.

  Just when Marina thought she could take no more, he grasped her waist and lifted her while sliding his body downward at the same time. Her parted legs were above his face when he pulled her hips downward.

  Her body shook at the first stroke of his tongue. Overwhelmed, she grabbed the headboard of the bed and held on as he licked and kissed and suckled. If she’d ever needed proof she was a witch, she now had it, for no normal woman would let a man do such things to her. She, however, loved it. An intense and powerful force took over, demanding something that was elusive, yet definite and significant. That much she knew.

  He was merciless in the most spectacular way. She rode wave after wave of the pleasure he provided until the force inside her grew so intense she tightened every muscle, straining against whatever it was that still eluded her. Richard continued and held on to her hips, keeping her connected to his mouth until a great shattering overtook her. It was followed by waves of gratification that wafted through her like nothing ever had or might ever again.

  Unprepared for such an event, her hold on the headboard could no longer brace her and she slowly fell, melting onto Richard. He eased her body downward, until her parted legs bumped into something hard. Despite what she’d just experienced, a new thrill shot through her.

  Marina buried her teeth in her bottom lip, trying not to let the excitement already renewing itself show as she lifted her head.

  Richard was smiling, and in yet another swift movement, he flipped them both, until she now lay beneath him. “Now you are ready for that.”

  Running her hands over his shoulders, down the arms hardened by the muscles he was using to hold himself inches above her, she answered, “I believe you’re right.”

  He laughed. “I didn’t think I’d ever hear those words from you.”

  She contemplated his words for a brief moment, how she’d never admitted he was right, except to herself, before answering, “Miracles do happen.”

  “That they do,” he said. “I love you.”

  Her heart had never been so full. “And I love you.”

  “We’ll be married as soon as we arrive in Boston.”

  She nodded, but said, “What are you waiting for?”

  “Nothing.” Shifting slightly, he used o
ne hand to guide himself inside her.

  She felt herself stretching to accommodate him, and her final bits of doubt, if there had been any, disappeared with his swift thrust. An all-encompassing heat struck her first, then a quick sting that startled a cry from her lips.

  “Shh,” he whispered gently. “It’s over now.”

  There was no time to dwell on the pain, for it was gone, replaced by being filled so fully and deeply nothing but pleasure once again occupied her mind. “I certainly hope it’s not over,” she said. “I thought it was just beginning.”

  Shock flashed across Richard’s face before he laughed. He started moving then, in and out, and the friction was so perfect, the heat so divine, Marina grasped his shoulders to hold on for a ride she knew was going to take her to places she’d never been.

  A feverish pace soon developed between them, a taking and giving that filled her with a torrent of pleasure. She knew what to expect this time, and when the encompassing pressure started to build within, she gave it all the room it needed, coaxing it onward by matching Richard’s movements. When the peak arrived, she was better prepared and ready for it, but Richard, with fulfilling accuracy, took her beyond the point she’d been before. He forced her to climb higher and higher, until she was lost in nothing but him, the world he carried her to.

  He’d grasped her hips, kept the fascinating friction going with powerful thrusts that she savored. It was as if the passion between them channeled into something so powerful and brilliant there was no stopping it. No end to where it could take them.

  Marina felt her back arch and her body stiffen. Richard had turned rock hard, too. A moment later, a release so brilliant and bright and satisfying left her body shuddering in the throes of something so beautiful a tear slipped from her eye.

  She sank deeper into the mattress, spent and glorious. Richard was still inside her, and she kept her legs wrapped around his hips, keeping him there a bit longer, luxuriating in the throbbing and fulfilling aftermath. Dreams had been nothing compared to this reality.