Rescued By the Captain

by Laura A. Barnes

  Ivy moaned into Marcus’s mouth. She could feel Marcus lifting her higher up against his body, pressing her breasts against his chest. Ivy clung to his shoulders, feeling lightheaded as Thorn devoured her mouth.

  Ivy had never been kissed before and had dreamed of this moment forever. To be wrapped up in his arms and have his lips against hers’ had felt so wonderful.

  Ivy could also still feel the loss as he pulled away from her, setting her away from him. Telling her how wrong it was that he kissed her, asking for her forgiveness. She could still remember what a fool she had been confessing her love for him and asking him to love her back. But worse of all she could still feel and remember his rejection as he told her that he didn’t love her back.

  Ivy reached and slid her fingers though her hair, where he had placed his lips again and kissed her as he had kissed her all those years ago. She still loved him and always will. But this time it was going to be different. She wasn’t going to let him know of her love and she was going to guard her heart. And to guard her heart, she also had to guard her secrets.

  Chapter 5

  Thorn stayed away from the cabin all day and didn’t return until late in the night. He stayed away on purpose, to give Ivy her space. Not wanting to pressure her, because he wanted to build back the trust they had at one time. To be able to gain back her trust he had to stay away. Just being around her made him want to protect her and to take care of her problems. But he could tell by the look in her eyes that she was lying to him and didn’t want to trust him with her troubles. So he figured on giving her time to be comfortable in his presence again, would make her want to confide in him.

  As Thorn came into the cabin he noticed that Ivy was curled up sleeping in his chair. She had her long legs tucked up beneath his white linen shirt. Her head was off to side, making her look very uncomfortable. Thorn bent down and lifted her into his arms. Ivy softly moaned as she settled her head underneath his chin. She snuggled into his arms, resting her hand in the opening of his shirt. Thorn came still as Ivy’s fingers touched his skin. He closed his eyes at her innocent touch. His need for her was overwhelming, he could only imagine how he would react if she was touching his body out of her need for him. Pulling her closer to his chest he walked over to the bed, holding her for a few moments as he gazed down into her sleeping face. He didn’t want to let her go; she was so unguarded like this. It was like looking at the old Ivy, the one who trusted him and told him everything. He didn’t know how to feel or act with the new Ivy. The one who kept secrets from him, looking at him with eyes guarded full of mistrust and hurt. The hurt look pierced his soul more than anything. He would do anything to take that look away. He will do anything to take that look away. He will get her to look at him again with trust and happiness. But most of all with love.

  He laid her gently on the bed, tucking the blankets around her so that she wouldn’t catch a chill. Standing there watching her, he felt tired himself. He decided he would lie down for a few moments on top of the covers to think of his course of action. Exhaustion overtook his body as he sunk into the bed, he was over tired from taking care of Ivy the last few days and the problems from the ship. The ship needed minor repairs from the storm and they had gotten further out to sea than Thorn wanted. They were off course. But before they could put into port, he had some time to get Ivy to trust him and to let him know how she came to be lost at sea. Thorn closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Ivy came slowly awake to find herself wrapped up in Thorn’s arms. She raised her eyes to his face, to see that he was still deep in sleep. He looked so much younger in his sleep, with his hair falling over his forehead and his face relaxed in slumber. Ivy knew how tired he must have been, from nursing her, to taking care of his ship. She saw the weariness in him yesterday and knew that she wasn’t helping him any, by keeping her secrets. Feeling so safe here in his arms, she closed her eyes savoring the contentment.

  Thorn softly moaned, “Ivy,” in his sleep.

  Ivy opened her eyes quickly, but saw that he was still sleeping. She reached out and softly ran her fingers across his forehead, brushing his hair from his eyes. Gently running her fingers softly across his eyebrows and down his cheeks. She could watch him all day like this. Unguarded. Ivy watched as Thorn slowly slid his eyes awake, looking deep into her eyes. The warmth of his dark blue eyes seemed to touch deep into Ivy’s soul warming her up. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her body into his closer.

  He gently placed his lips against hers, kissing her fully awake. Ivy felt herself weakening by the softness of his kiss to her lips. She moaned as she slid her fingers through his long dark hair. Thorn growled as his kiss deepened. He slid his tongue across her lips in between placing soft kisses against them. Ivy opened her mouth and Thorn slid his tongue inside Ivy’s mouth slowly stroking her fires. Touching her tongue to Thorn’s tongue made him kiss her more deeply and passionately. Stroking his tongue against hers and tasting her fully. Ivy pulled his head down to her as she kissed him back stroke for stroke. She wanted to taste Thorn just as deeply.

  Thorn could feel Ivy’s passion for him, but knew that he couldn’t move this fast. She was innocent and did not understand what could happen with this kind of passion. How out of control it could burn, until it consumed them. He slowly ended the kiss, pulling his lips slowly away as he kissed his way down her neck, murmuring her name, he placed little kisses along the way. Resting his head on her shoulder, he got his breathing and body under control. Feeling her heart beating quickly against his chest, he knew that Ivy was as affected by their kiss as he was.

  It took all his will power to quit when he did. To awake with her in his arms, watching him and touching him; gave him the hope that he needed. She still cared for him and that was all that he needed to know.

  He could feel Ivy trying to pull away and he tightened his hold on her. Looking into her eyes he saw that she was emotionally trying to pull away too.

  “Good morning sweet Ivy,” Thorn said.

  Thorn watched as Ivy blushed her beautiful shade of red rose when he spoke to her. He laughed and kissed her on the lips; a gentle peck of playfulness. Thorn will never grow tired of watching her blush.

  She pushed against his chest again, trying to get out of his arms. How embarrassing to be caught looking and touching him like some wanton hussy. What must he think of her, always throwing herself at him? How desperate did that make her? It was all he had to do was look or touch her and she just melted inside, turning to mush around him. So when he kissed her, she just wanted more. She needed to get herself under control around him. She must resist his charm and most of all his kisses. When Thorn kissed her, she lost all her thoughts and feelings, which made her vulnerable. She needed to keep her secrets for a while longer and if he kept kissing her like that, she was going to tell him everything. But then that was probably his plan all along.

  Why else would he have stopped kissing her just now? He already made it clear in the past he didn’t love her like that. So, it must be part of his plan to get her to talk; to sweeten her up with kisses. Well it wasn’t going to work on her.

  “Good morning Thorn, you can let me go know.”

  “No, I think I would like to stay this way all day,” he teased her.

  Thorn wouldn’t think it was possible, but Ivy turned an even darker shade of red. He laughed softly, thinking he would take pity on her and let her go. She pulled away pulling the blanket up tighter around her body, looking everywhere but at him.

  “I’m sorry dear. I only meant to rest last night; I didn’t mean to fall asleep lying next to you. Not that I regret it any my darling, waking up with you in my arms was a dream come true; nor am I going to ask your forgiveness for that kiss. Because that was another dream come true for me.”

  Ivy didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t tell if he was teasing her or if he meant what he was saying. So she stayed quiet. There he goes again confusing me with all those my dears and darling. It must be part of his
plan to charm me with his sweet words. They might work on all the other women in his life; but I know him. I’ve known him all my life and I’ve seen how he is has charmed people whenever he wanted something or someone.

  Smiling to himself, Thorn could tell he confused her. So he didn’t elaborate and left her guessing. He watched as she slid her hair behind her ears, a thing she did when she was nervous.

  “I’m going to find Sammy so that he can get us some breakfast. I will be back shortly. I will give you a few minutes to refresh yourself.”

  When Thorn left, Ivy looked over on the side of the bed where he had slept. She reached down and ran her hand over the pillow where his head had laid. Still feeling the warmth of his body, not only on the pillow but also on her body, she ran her hand down her body. Closing her eyes to relive the moment, even though it had just happened, she could still feel herself pressed against him. She didn’t know what to think of this Thorn. He was so playful. The last time she was with him, before he left, he was so serious. This Thorn was the one from childhood, the boy who would always tease her until she blushed. This was the Thorn that she first fell in love with.

  Chapter 6

  Thorn made his way down to the galley to find Sammy. He found him arguing with the Anton the cook. They were always at each other’s throats. Both thought they knew how he liked his meals, better than the other one did. Thorn leaned against the wall smiling as he watched their screaming match. There was nothing more fun than watching a French cook and a Scottish sailor disagree.

  “You need to get out of my kitchen you Scottish sea urchin,” Anton yelled as he pointed his knife at Sammy.

  “I wouldn’t be here if you weren’t trying to send such sissy food off to the Captain to eat. He needs food with stamina. Not these girly pastries,” Sammy argued back.

  “Those are for the mademoiselle, not the Captain, you guppy.”

  Sammy picked up a knife at the insults, thrashing it through the air. As he walked towards the cook, Anton backed up hitting his backside against the counter. Sammy held a knife pointed at his chest.

  “You call me one more sea animal name, I will gut you. Do I make myself clear Frenchie?” Sammy asked Anton.

  Thorn watched as Anton opened his mouth to argue but no words came out. He gulped a breath of air, looking like a sea animal himself, as his face turned bright red in anger. Thorn decided to take pity on Anton and cleared his throat to get their attentions.

  Sammy dropped the knife on the counter and Anton busied his hands on preparing a tray. They both knew how much the Captain despised any fighting on his ship.

  “Ah, Captain I was just bringing you and the lass something to eat,” Sammy said.

  “I made the mademoiselle something to light to eat. I hope she enjoys, Captain,” Anton tried buttering up Thorn.

  “I’m sure she will love what you made Anton and so will I,” Thorn said as he gave Sammy a look to behave.

  Thorn followed Sammy out of the galley, making their way back to his cabin.

  “Why do you antagonize him like that? We will have a mutiny on our hands if he jumps ship at the next port. The crew wasn’t too happy the last time Anton decided to leave. I have enough on my hands without taking care of your petty squabbles with each other.” Thorn lectured Sammy.

  Sammy lowered his head as he walked down the passageway mumbling, “Yes sir, I’m sorry sir.”

  Thorn laughed and slapped him on the back.

  “Chin up old man, let’s get the lady fed. I’m going to try and get some of my questions answered this morning if I can. Let’s see if Anton’s cooking will sweeten her up.”

  Thorn pushed open the door for Sammy and followed him into the cabin. He noticed that Ivy had gotten up from the bed. Searching the cabin, he found her looking out the porthole window.

  “Sorry there isn’t much of a view. When you are feeling stronger you can take a stroll around the deck,” Thorn told Ivy.

  Ivy turned around as Thorn walked deeper into the cabin. She looked past him and watched Sammy come in and lay down a tray on the desk. The tray was filled with a remarkable variety of delicious smelling pastries. Pastries were Ivy’s downfall. She could never eat just one and everybody knew that if they wanted her help with something or to get her to tell a secret all they had to do was bring fresh pastries for her to devour. She would say yes to anything and tell any secret that needed to be told. So, that was how he was going to try to get through her defenses. Well she would enjoy the pastries but stay strong on keeping her secrets from him. Did he really think that she was the same weak girl he left all those years ago?

  “Good morning Sammy. Thank you for breakfast, it looks delicious. You shouldn’t have gone too so much trouble.” Ivy greeted him.

  “Ah, it was no problem lass, it is my pleasure. How are you feeling?”

  “I feel a lot better. Thank you for asking.”

  “Well enjoy your breakfast and I will be back later with lunch,” Sammy told Ivy.

  “When you have time Captain, there is matter that needs to be discussed up on deck.” he told Thorn.

  “I will meet you up on deck shortly Sammy.”

  Sammy left the cabin. Thorn watched Ivy as she wandered over to the tray and picked up a small pastry with an apple on top. He continued watching her as she slid the pastry between her lips into her mouth, chewing it slowly. She licked her lips and softly moaned.

  All Thorn could think about was her tongue sliding across his lips moaning softly. She had no idea that her innocent acts drove him to distraction. From the way that she ate a pastry to way her hands caressed the desk, made Thorn think of her lips licking his as her hands caressing him. He needed to get his thoughts under control and focus on getting Ivy to talk to him; to confide in him all her troubles.

  He spent too many years away from her. During those times, he missed watching her enjoy the simplest of things, like eating pastries. He knew they were her downfall, which is why he had Anton whip up a batch for her this morning. Knowing all her weakness and strengths, he wasn’t above trying to bribe her secrets out of her. There were many times he used pastries to get her to talk before, like whenever she would know a clue to one of the games Charles and he were always playing on each other.

  “These are delicious Thorn. Tell Sammy thank you for me.”

  “Well I would if Sammy were to thank. I will let the cook know that you loved them. Anton will be pleased. You almost didn’t get any.” Thorn told Ivy.

  Ivy asked “Why not?”

  “They were in a fierce battle over breakfast when I went down to the galley.”

  “What kind of fierce battle?”

  “On whether this breakfast here would sustain me, but Anton was only worried whether you would enjoy it. I guess I am no longer important here. My cook only wishes to please you madam.” Thorn bowed.

  Ivy softly laughed as she bit into another pastry. Her tongue darted out to lick off the icing that was drizzled across the top.

  “Do you want any of these Thorn? If not, I’m going to eat them all myself.”

  Thorn watched the enjoyment on her face and saw how relaxed she was becoming in his company again. This is what he wanted and what he was hoping the pastries would do. This was the old Ivy, the one who laughed in his company out of innocent pleasure.

  “No, my dear they are all for you. I remember how you love your sweets, I wouldn’t dream of coming in the middle of them.”

  Ivy laughed as Thorn teased her. She continued eating the sweets, leaving one for Thorn to eat. This was something that she always did when they were growing up. Thorn would bring her sweets to sweeten her up; then Ivy would always leave one for him to eat. It was a way to keep him in her company longer. He would bring her treats to get her to tell him Charles’s secrets in their little games, so she would always have Thorn to herself during these times. She wouldn’t have to share him with anybody else. During these times, he would also talk with her about his dreams. Since she wanted to be part of his
dreams, she would imagine herself in his dreams as he told them to her. But that’s all they ever would be; dreams that she will never be a part of.

  “I’ve left you one, Thorn.”

  Thorn reached down, grabbing the pastry, he slid it into his mouth. He softly moaned with delight at the wonderful taste as he drew a chuckle from Ivy.

  “Thank you for sacrificing that last sweet for me.” Thorn teased Ivy.

  Ivy smiled as she poured them both some tea. She curled back up into his chair as she sipped the warm brew. Thorn would never again be able to sit in that chair without imaging her sitting all curled up in it. She had only done it a handful of times in the last few days, but it seemed like she had been doing it for years. This whole cabin has her presence in it now, like she had been sailing with him for the last seven years not seven days.

  Thorn walked over to the desk and lowered himself to her level. Ivy sat up straighter and sat the cup on the desk. She brought her hands down to her lap, clasping them tightly. Thorn reached out and covered her hands and gently enfolded them. He watched the expressions on her face change from being nervous and scared to pleasure back to being nervous and scared again.

  “Ivy we need to talk. I need you to trust me to tell me what happened. Whatever is it, we can work it out together.”

  Ivy knew this was coming, she was running out of time. But it was so hard to think with him touching her. Even this innocent touch of his hand over hers, was making her heart beat faster and was making her lose concentration. She had to think of something to pacify him, for a little bit longer. At least until they got to shore. Then she hopes she can figure something out except she has no idea what she is even going to do then.

  “I’ve been trying to remember Thorn, but my mind still comes up blank.” Ivy lied to him.