"Isabella!” he yelled.
Izzy glanced behind her, but forced herself to run faster. She launched herself into the crowd, losing herself quickly. By the time Dantel alit on the dock, she was gone.
"Shit,” he murmured “Izzy! God damn you!"
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Chapter 6
Three weeks later...
"Isabella, my dear, you look breathtaking!” George Stewart, her maternal uncle, smiled brightly at Izzy as she stood in the sitting room waiting for their guest to show for dinner. “Just breathtaking."
Izzy loved the plain, pale blue silk gown, with its white lace around the sleeves, which just grazed her shoulders. Her hair was up on her head with two large curls hanging free. When she looked at her aunt's husband, shame hung over her head—shame at what had transpired between her and Snake, and what she had learned since her return to her life.
Izzy had been able to hide out while Dantel had searched for her in town. She went to the local magistrate and informed him of who she was and how she had been kidnapped. It had taken a week for her father to come and collect her, but Izzy refused stay with him. After discovering her father still intended to marry her off in order to pay his debts, Izzy had reached out to her aunt and uncle for help. They had gladly taken her in. Now, after three weeks away from Dantel, she found herself missing him and wanting to be back with him. Captain Snake had stolen her heart and there was nothing she could do about it. Nevertheless, this is where she belonged, in her own life and not the wife of a pirate ... didn't she?
"Izzy, you need to relax,” George sighed. “No one knows about you being with that man. Your reputation is intact, I assure you."
"But for how long?” she questioned. “If I marry, my husband will know I've been with another man. And then there is the fact that I'm already married."
"We will cross that bridge when, or if, the time comes,” he assured her. “Your aunt and I promised we would take care of you and we stand by our vow. What your father did was unforgivable."
Izzy adored her uncle. George Stewart was a kind man. Izzy remembered him and Aunty Sue well from the times she'd been allowed to spend summers at their country estate. Izzy loved Lockwood estate and always wished she could live out her days there.
"Izzy...” Sue Stewart entered the parlor with her usual kind smile fixed in place.
Sue was a simple beauty in her youth who had aged into a lovely lady. With no children of her own, she treated Izzy like the daughter she never had.
"Our guest is here.” She announced, easing all Izzy's nervousness. “The servants have shown him his chamber, and he awaits us in the dinner room. Shall we sit for lunch?"
Izzy had a hunch there was more to their ‘guest’ than what her aunt and uncle were telling her. Even though she didn't feel up to eating or facing the reason why she was sick in the morning, Izzy knew she needed to sit at the table, eat something and make polite conversation.
She followed her family into the dining room, where an elegantly dressed gentleman stood at the far end of the room examining a painting. Izzy's nervousness returned when she saw him. There was something about his pose and the broad span of his shoulders that was familiar.
"Lord Le Serpente, my niece, Isabella Graham,” Sue Stewart introduced.
Izzy thought she was going to be sick when the gentleman turned. It was Dantel. Here, in her aunt and uncle's home. She couldn't breathe and had to use all of her willpower not to run as he advanced on her.
Izzy was transfixed, staring at him in a terrible mixture of shock, joy and fear. He was as she remembered him, yet different nonetheless. His goatee was gone and he wore the finest clothing. Yet his manner remained intact. Only the gleam of determination in his abysmal eyes hinted that this was the pirate who had stolen her and changed her life.
"Ah, Isabella Graham.” Even his voice was different, smoother and more refined. Izzy flinched when he took her hand and brought it up to his lips. His kiss seared her. “I've heard much about you and anticipated finally meeting you."
"Well, let's not keep lunch waiting.” Sue broke the tension.
"Shall we?” Dantel extended his arm toward Izzy.
Izzy couldn't stop her trembling. She allowed Dantel to lead her into the dining room. He helped her to a chair and she watched as he walked around the table to sit directly across from her. As soon as everyone was seated, the servants served lunch.
"Tell me, Lord Le Serpente,” George said. “What has kept you away for so long?"
"Call me Dantel, please.” He was polite and smiled at the right moments. “I was working to rebuild my family fortune.” He lifted his glass of wine and took a sip. “Shipping, it seems, has been my best investment.” He glanced at Izzy before redirecting his attention to Sue. “This wine is wonderful. I had the pleasure of some as fine as this only a few weeks ago. I would love to have it again."
"Izzy, dear, are you well?” Concern laced Sue's voice. “You're very pale."
Izzy saw Dantel hide his smirk behind his napkin, but she told herself he was not going to get the better of her. “I'm fine,” she assured her aunt.
George cleared his throat. “Shipping, you say? Sounds like it has done well for you."
Dantel nodded. “It has."
"Lord Le...” Sue stopped when Dantel raised his hand.
"Please, call me Dantel."
Sue nodded and continued, “If you don't mind me asking, how is it a charming man like yourself is not married?"
Dantel wiped his mouth after he swallowed a bite of food. “As a matter of fact, I am, indeed, married."
"Really! I don't recall seeing a posting about it."
"That's because it was a sudden event.” He pried his gaze from Sue back to Izzy. “We were married on my ship."
Izzy couldn't remain quiet any longer. “I was under the impression marriages done on ships weren't binding, Lord Le Serpente."
"You'd be surprised at how binding they are,” he replied, a mischievous gleam lighting his eyes, “when a priest does them,” he added under his breath.
Izzy snorted and ignored the gasp that came from her Aunt. “Life on a ship really doesn't interest me.” She dismissed. “But I still don't see how being married on a ship with no priest is binding."
"Dear.” George seemed uncomfortable when he looked from Dantel to Izzy. “I'm pretty sure only the captain has the authority by the law to marry on his ship. Then, if I remember correctly, all that has to do be done is to go to court and file the papers."
They weren't legally married. That's as it should be, Izzy reasoned, so why did her relief abate and regret set in?
"And if I remember correctly,” Snake added smoothly, “if the marriage is done by a priest, it's binding no matter where the ceremony takes place, which my first mate, Wills, just happens to be. And I also happen to have those papers with me.” Dantel reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He tossed it on the table. “Care to see who my wife is?"
Izzy shot to her feet so fast her chair toppled. Dantel placed his napkin on the table and came to his feet as well.
"No.” Izzy shook her head. “You are a pirate!” She stabbed a finger at him, accusingly. “You are no gentleman and you have no business in this house or with my family."
"Izzy, calm down,” George said, rising as well.
"No, I will not calm down. I'm putting my life back together and going to find a true husband. I don't belong in your world."
The way Dantel watched her, and the challenge in his eyes, was enough for Izzy to know that if he got her alone, he was going to punish her for her insolence. A woman didn't leave her husband—if Dantel was truly was her husband—and get away with it.
"You already have a husband.” He wore his anger all over his face. “And did you really think I would let my wife run away and not go after her?"
"That marriage on the ship is not legal,” she yelled at him. “You are not my husband."
"Oh, it was legal in every way. And in case you, or anyone else for that matter, wants to know how much of my wife you are, they can see my bed sheets and your bloodstain on them.” He suddenly came around the table. Izzy backed away, almost stumbling over the fallen chair, and George made a sound with his throat. “You are my wife, and I'll put my last dollar on the table that you are also carrying my child."
"Good Lord!” Sue covered her mouth and paled. George quickly went around the table to her, but his eyes were on Izzy and Dantel.
"Izzy?” Uncle George whispered.
Izzy took a step back from Dantel, but didn't dare meet her uncle's accusatory gaze. “How ... How did you know?"
"I've been watching you for the last week.” He strode towards her, forcing her to take a step back. “I have seen how pale you have been.” Still more steps, bringing her up against a wall. “And I even watched as you became sick one morning.” Izzy shook her head and tried to get the attention of her aunt and uncle for support. “All the signs are there, my dear. You, wife, are with child."
"Uncle George, do something,” Izzy rasped as Dantel closed in on her.
"Why do you think I'm here?” Dantel whispered in her ear. “How do you think I became a guest here?"
Izzy was able to catch her uncle's eye and the guilt she saw in them was shocking. He knew! Uncle George knew everything about this man, even about the marriage on the ship, and he had done nothing to warn her. What Izzy didn't understand was why. How could her uncle betray her?
"I'm sorry, Izzy,” George offered, “but this man is your husband."
"Easy way, or hard,” Dantel whispered in her ear. “It's your choice. But you are coming with me."
"No, I won't go."
"Dantel, maybe we can go about this in different manner,” George finally came to Izzy's defense.
"One more time.” Dantel took hold of her arm. “Easy or hard?” When she said nothing, Dantel smiled over his shoulder to her Aunt and Uncle. “If you two will excuse us. My wife,” he glanced back at her, “and I have a few things to discuss."
Izzy was yanked from the wall and practically hauled from the dining room to the stairs. When she tried to drag her feet or grab something to hold on to, Dantel merely stopped and picked her up, tossing her over his shoulder.
"Put me down!” Izzy yelled, kicking her legs and hitting his back with her closed fists.
"Must I remind you what happens when you hit?” he asked her calmly.
"And must I remind you to go to the devil?"
Dantel chuckled and gave Izzy a hard slap to the ass. He marched down the hall to the guest chamber, opened the door and kicked it closed. Not bothering to set her down, Dantel locked the door, then slid her down his body and pushed her up against the door.
Izzy fought with as much strength as she could muster when he tugged at her gown and freed her breasts. She slapped him and tried to pull out of his hold, but he was stronger.
She cried out when he tore at her gown, groaning when he pushed down her undergarments and plunged two fingers inside of her. All fight fled and her slaps turned into desperate grabs at his jacket to hold him closer.
"I can't stop thinking about you,” she finally admitted, panting. She lifted her leg, hissing when he grabbed her from behind the knee and pressed his erection against her sex.
"Miss me, did you?” He licked her bare shoulder and worked to release her hair from the pins.
"Yes."
"How much did you miss me, wife?” He added another finger into her pussy and teased her ass with his pinky at the same time. “Do you miss me enough to let me fuck you right here?"
"Yes!” she moaned. Izzy tried to tug some of his own clothes away to feel his skin, but she was too weak to do anything more than hold fast to him.
"Prove it, kitten.” He bit her shoulder and Izzy shook with pleasure. She'd never thought she would be the kind of lady who loved a bit of pain with her pleasure. “Guide me to your cunt."
Izzy dropped her head back and slid her hands down the front of his chest. For extra measure, she grabbed his shirt and ripped it open, gaining a chuckle from him.
"You are going to mend that,” he promised.
Izzy cast aside the last of her reservations and gave free rein to her passion. She kissed his chest and licked her way to a nipple, which she bit. Dantel hissed at her aggression. She moved her hands down and worked on his pants. How he was continuing to hold her up, she had no clue. All she knew was, it was taking too long to set his cock free.
"I want to taste you,” she said against his chest. “Please, husband,” Izzy finished on a plea.
Dantel released her and Izzy dropped to her knees. She took hold of his shaft and sucked the tip of him in her mouth. Dantel thrust his hips forward, allowing Izzy to take more in. She sucked his cock hard, flicking her tongue on the underside and grazing it gently with her teeth.
"You keep doing that and I'm going to climax sooner than I want,” he growled.
Izzy moaned against him and bobbed her head faster, cupping his heavy sac. His strong hands fisted into her hair, pulling and tugging on the strands until her scalp became tender and sore, but she didn't stop. In fact, the more he tugged on her hair the more she teased him with her teeth until, without warning, his release came.
Dantel panted, pumping into her. Izzy drank everything he had. Dantel yanked her to her feet. She was turned and pushed up against the wall, her skirts raised up, and before she could brace herself he shoved into her sex.
Izzy welcomed the burn as her body stretched to accommodate his size. She inched toward her own release, getting closer with every thrust of his body.
"All night, Izzy,” he rasped behind her, as he pumped into her. “I'm going to fuck you all night. You have some making up to do."
"Yes,” she cried. “Whatever you want."
"I want it all, Izzy,” he groaned, not missing a beat. “I want your body, your heart, your soul!"
She felt him climax inside her. Izzy was sure he would stop and leave her wanting, but he didn't. He kept pumping inside her until, at last, her orgasm came. Heat filled her, sending a flame through her body as her soul melted. He wanted all of her and Izzy couldn't help but give him just that. All of her, body and soul.
"I want your love, too, Izzy,” he said softly. “Love me, Isabella.” She pulled out of his arms and turned around, resting her back on the wall. “Because I'm in love with you."
Izzy cupped his face with trembling hands and kissed him. She stared deep into his eyes, astonished at the vulnerability reflected in them. Dantel stood before her, raw with emotion. “Yes, my Lord, my husband.” She kissed him again. “You have my heart, soul, and my love."
Dantel fisted her hair and kissed her hard, pulling her into his arms. His tongue swiped into her mouth, mating with hers, and only the knock on the door broke them apart.
Izzy quickly fixed her gown as best as she could before unlocking the door. Her uncle George stood in the hallway, obviously worried at the state of her appearance.
"All is well?” His concern was tangible. “I'm sorry if I overstepped—"
Izzy stopped him by placing a kiss on his cheek. “No. I have to thank you, Uncle. You made things right."
George brightened, relief flashing across his face. “Then I will leave you two alone."
Dantel clapped George on the shoulder. “I owe you for reuniting me with my wife"
"No need, man, just promise to take care of her. She means a great deal to my wife and I. We love her like the daughter we never had."
"Fear not.” Dantel wrapped his arms around Izzy. “She has my heart and I'm never going to let her get away from me again."
"Is that a threat or a promise?” Izzy teased.
"It's a promise.” Once the door was closed, Dantel added, “and I intend to finish what we started here."
Izzy offered him a wicked grin. “Only if you catch me first."
Dantel jerked her closer, all playfulness gone. “I have y
ou, and nothing, or no one, will take you from me. You're my hellion, till death do we part."
Izzy brought her arms up around his shoulders. “Then show this hellion how you are going to handle her, because I feel very naughty at the moment."
Dantel returned her sinister grin. “My pleasure, wife. And I plan on many more nights of you feeling naughty."
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About Jaden Sinclair
lyricalpress.com/jadensinclair.html
Jaden Sinclair is the mother of two boys, married for thirteen years and has lived in Kansas most of her life. Her family supports her writing dream and amazed at how vivid her imagination is at times.
She dreams up most of her ideas and writes every one of them down, making sure that one day her characters will get their book. With so many new books coming to her almost daily it's a wonder at times she ever gets anything done. One of the interesting things that Jaden does with her writing is that she can always work on more than one book at a time.
In her spare time, when he gets away from the computer, Jaden knits and reads. But it's her love for writing as well as taking care of her family that keeps her the most busy.
Jaden's website:
jadensinclair.com
Jaden's blog:
jadensinclair.blogspot.com/
Jaden's email loop:
groups.yahoo.com/group/JadenSinclair/
Jaden's newsletter:
groups.yahoo.com/group/JadensNewsletter/
Reader email:
[email protected]
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Also Available from Lyrical Press
Mistress of Tiethla
by Jade Twilight
lyricalpress.com/mistressoftiethla.html
Limits are tested in a world of magic.
One woman's life and everything she's known is turned upside down when she's transported to a world of magic, dragons and seductive men. Alex's arrival coincides with a Draconi prophecy, one proclaiming a savior and promising peace.
A Pirate's Hellion Page 5
