What could possibly be more torturous than spending the next few weeks trapped on board a ship with a woman who tempted him so mercilessly?
And she managed to do it effortlessly!
Even now, covered in grime and looking like a half-drowned pup, this woman had something about her that made a certain part of his anatomy sit up and beg for her.
Great hooks and crooks, why did this have to happen now, when the last thing he needed was something, or most especially someone, to get in his way?
He must stay focused with his thoughts.
He must…
Morgan looked at her and he sighed. With her eyes lowered, she rubbed her arms against the chill. She looked so vulnerable and timid.
Worst of all, she looked a mess.
But when not covered in soot, she was a pretty little thing, with a keen mind and fiery spirit that attracted him to her every bit as much as if she were a raving beauty.
Morgan clenched his teeth. He must have done something horribly wrong in his past! He must have committed some awful, wretched sin that fate was now punishing him for.
Yes, well, you better make sure you don’t do something wrong in the future, his mind scolded as he tried not to notice just how perfect Serenity’s cupid’s-bow lips were.
She was a decent woman, not some wharf-side doxy. Though he may have ruined her reputation, the least he could do was see to it that she was returned to her father every bit as intact as she had been when she left his home.
“I find it odd, Miss James, that you don’t demand I return you,” he said, noting the resignation in her posture.
“If I thought it would make you release me, Captain, I would. But you and Jake have made it quite clear that I have no voice in the matter.”
“And are you always this compliant?” he couldn’t resist asking as he remembered the way she’d boldly walked and talked circles around him that afternoon.
“Seldom.”
He laughed at her honesty. Still, he must make her understand the very real danger she posed. Not just to him, but to all of them. “Well then, Miss James, let me remind you that you’re on a ship full of men. Rough men who will be at sea for quite a few weeks. Men who aren’t used to having a decent woman near them.”
She sighed. “I believe it’s what my mother used to call a recipe for disaster.”
“Without a doubt.”
She nodded in understanding, her eyes bold and brave. The only clue he had of her nervousness was when she began to chew the corner of her bottom lip.
“Which brings me to my next point, Miss James. Though I trust my crew with my life, I don’t trust them with yours. There are several of my men who were Caribbean pirates before I took them on, and though I’ve had no problems with them before now, I have no idea how they will react to your presence.”
“An ounce of prevention—”
“Please spare me the old wives’ sayings.”
Serenity clamped her lips together as if in effort to stifle more sayings. Though he wasn’t sure, he suspected that she liked rankling him.
Mayhap it was the mischievous gleam in her eyes belied by her nervousness. Whatever it was, he had an impression that she wasn’t always so forward with men. Somehow he was different, and if the truth were known, he liked the thought that she might see him as different. That she wasn’t this forward with all men.
Rising to her feet, she covered a yawn with one hand, and it was then he noted the dark circles under her eyes. Aye, it was after three o’clock in the morning, and no doubt she was used to being long asleep by this hour.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the ship lurched beneath her feet and sent her flying toward him.
Morgan barely had time to prevent her from colliding with the wall. The weight of her body threw him against the rough boards, but he didn’t even notice. Nay, how could he notice any pain when a pleasure so sweet swept through him.
Her soft, supple body ran full-length against his, and even though she wore rough clothes, he could feel her body’s heat. Smell the sweet scent of rose wafting from her hair.
Her lips were parted slightly from her gasp of alarm, and wide, cobalt blue eyes stared up at him. A searing heat tore through his groin as his body reached out for her, and he swore that he could taste the sweetness of her honey breath.
What he wouldn’t give for a taste of her.
“Will I be safe with you, Captain?” she asked quietly, her voice like a shout in the tiny room.
“Most assuredly, Miss James,” he answered back. About as safe as a lamb in a wolf’s den.
Serenity swallowed and her body tensed. “I believe I have my balance again,” she whispered.
Yes, but I seem to have lost mine. Morgan reluctantly let go of her. And in that instant, he decided it was a good thing for Serenity that he wasn’t the sort of man who took advantage of young women. Because if he was, she’d be his this very night.
Grime and all.
“Follow me,” he said, his voice sounding odd even to him. Yes, it would be best to put as much distance between them as possible.
As quickly as possible.
Serenity followed him up the short ladder back to the main deck. The sky was as black as pitch, and only the ebony waves broke the monotony. A stiff breeze whipped the sails and made the wooden boards creak. It was a deafening symphony.
Salt stung her nose and she wondered how long it would be before she saw her family again.
What would her father say?
And did she really want to hear it?
Her heart heavy, she wished herself home, safely asleep in her own bed. Indeed, she was sure her father’s wrath would make the raging sea around her seem mild.
Would he ever forgive her? Or would he turn his back to her as he had done to Chastity? Abandon her to the same vicious gossips that had finally driven her sister away?
Don’t think on it. There is nothing you can do but go forward. Fate has deemed this time and place for you. And to everything there is a season.
Yes, but what season was it? A time to weep, or a time to laugh?
Taking a deep breath for courage, she swore that no matter what fate had planned for her, she would meet it bravely. Honestly. And if those old Savannah biddies treated her the way they had treated Chatty, then she would give them their full due. This particular James girl had more than enough brass to take on any gossip.
Morgan led her down below the deck, through a tight corridor until they reached a small door. He shouldered it open, then stood aside for her to enter.
Serenity wasn’t sure what to expect. She’d seen thousands of ships from the outside, but this was the first time she had actually been aboard one.
Stepping through the door, she was somewhat disappointed. Once again her imagination had run away with her. She had envisioned his cabin as an opulent room with rich satins hanging from the walls, maybe like a sheik’s tent. Of numerous chests spilling over with booty taken from English warships.
What she saw was a nice orderly room, low of ceiling and decidedly masculine.
The large bunk on her right was made right into the wall of the ship and covered with a beautiful blue and yellow charm quilt. Behind the bunk was a small cabinet that held a wash pitcher and basin.
To her left was a medium-sized trunk, and directly in front of her was a large oak table. But what commanded her attention was the wall of glass windows that looked out on a sea so dark and mysterious that it kept her transfixed.
“How beautiful,” she breathed.
“I often have that same reaction to it,” Morgan confessed from behind her.
“Do you ever grow accustomed to it?”
“Never.”
She looked back over her shoulder to see him staring out at the sea as well. With the lantern light shadowing his face and his hair tousled about his tanned cheeks, he reminded her much of the wolf for which he was named.
Serenity found it overwhelmingly attractive.
; And deeply disturbing.
Time seemed suspended.
He stared at her with a raw hunger burning bright in his eyes. His entire body tense, he stood as frozen as she.
Kiss me.
Serenity felt her face grow warm at her thought. Oh, but he was so very handsome. Just the type of man she’d dreamed of on so many lonely nights. The type of man she’d giggled about with her sisters and friends as they exchanged stories on what features and characteristics they wanted for their beaux.
But it was a foolish thought.
He was a man of the sea. A man who would no doubt live and die on board a ship, and she was just the plain spinster daughter of a printer.
It wasn’t for her to have such thoughts.
Clearing his throat, he moved to his trunk and pulled out a towel and shirt. “I’m afraid we’re lacking in feminine garb. You’ll have to make do with this until we can find more suitable clothing.”
Serenity took the clothes from him, stung by his obvious rejection. She had been so sure he was going to kiss her. He’d had the same look Charlie Simms got right before he made free with his hands.
“I’m sure I look a fright,” she whispered, moving toward the table. Morgan came up behind her so close that she could smell the salt of his skin, feel the heat of his body.
Until he put a small mirror up to her face. “I must say I’ve seen you look better,” he said.
Serenity gasped. Goodness, she looked worse than she’d feared.
“I should caution you against any further inclination to roll around in the dirt, Miss James,” he said, with a teasing note in his voice. “Fresh water is scarce on a ship and we have very little for washing.”
That said, he took a pitcher from the cabinet in the wall and poured a small amount of water into the washbasin. Before she could move, he dipped a small cloth into the water and brought it up to her face.
She couldn’t move. She held her breath as he slid the cool cloth over her face and neck. His long, lean fingers brushed her skin, raising chills all the length of her. And even stranger than the chills was the sudden warmth that began to drum through her entire body.
“Captain?”
“Yes, Miss James?”
“I…” Serenity couldn’t finish her sentence. All she could do was stare up at him, aching for something she couldn’t name.
And then he did it.
His lips claimed hers with a firmness that took her breath. Arms as strong as steel wrapped around her and brought her up close against a body so hard and solid that she couldn’t imagine any man feeling better.
Her legs weak, she surrendered her weight to him.
Now, this was a kiss, she thought, as he parted her lips and explored her mouth with the expertness of Don Juan. This was the wonder, the thrill that romantic authors wrote of, and in that instant, she knew that she would never want another man to hold her so intimately.
Serenity felt him tense an instant before he stepped away. Her mind numb, she could do nothing but stare at him in confusion.
What had prompted him to kiss her so passionately?
And why did he look so upset now?
Did he regret it?
He ran his thumb over his lips and stared at her with an unreadable expression on his face. “You are a very dangerous woman, Serenity.”
“Me?”
“Aye. And the worst part is, you don’t even know why.”
Completely baffled, she stared at him as he strode to the door.
“There are extra blankets in the chest, should you need them,” he said, pulling open the door.
He paused in the entrance and turned to face her. “And Serenity?”
Still dazed, she looked up and met his dark stare.
“Make sure you lock the door.”
Chapter 5
Serenity stared at the closed door. Lock the door indeed! Yet even through her mortification, she was thrilled that a heroic man like Morgan could be attracted to her.
Her heart light, she placed his shirt on the oak table and quickly locked the door as ordered. Not that she was afraid of him, nay, far from it.
Her Sea Wolf had proven himself a most honorable man.
“My Sea Wolf,” she repeated, wondering if any woman could ever lay claim to such a man.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She felt giddy, even a little silly. Oh, but it was an incredible feeling. One completely new to her.
Her thoughts still on her magnificent Captain Drake, she finished scrubbing the soot from her cheeks. Even now with the cold water splashing against her skin, she could feel the heat of Morgan’s touch, smell the raw and wild scent of the untamed sea. It was a heady concoction.
Was this what her sister Chatty had felt on those nights when she would sneak out of the house to meet Stephen alone? No wonder Chatty had run away with him. At the moment, Serenity held little doubt that if Morgan asked her to, she would follow him to the ends of the earth.
She heard his voice from outside the door as he called orders to one of his men, and another warm rush ran through her. What a man!
Strong, proud…
A little on the arrogant side and somewhat domineering, but then, who was without flaws?
Sighing, she pulled her brother’s shirt off and replaced it with Morgan’s. The white lawn swept against her skin, raising chills along her arms. It had his scent. Raw and wild, and she fought the urge to bury her nose in the soft material.
A knock at the door startled her.
“Miss James?” a timid voice called. “The captain wanted me to bring you some…” The voice trailed off and for several seconds no sound followed.
She lifted her brow in question.
“Some lady things,” the voice finished, rushing as if the words embarrassed him.
Opening the door, she met the young man who had peeked into her shop earlier that day. He stood on the other side, looking sheepish and unsure while he clutched at an armload of material.
“They call me, Kit, ma’am,” he said, his light blue eyes meeting hers for an instant before he glanced back to the floor. “Barney and the captain told me to look after any needs you might have.”
“Thank you,” she said with a smile.
He handed her his armload of clothes. “These are from Captain Dudley. They were supposed to be for his wife, but after Captain Drake had a few words with him, he said that you might have more use of them for the time being.”
Who was Captain Dudley?
“Dudley?” she asked.
“Aye, Jake Dudley. He was the one who brought you on board.”
“Oh yes, I remember him quite well.”
Kit hung his head and nodded. “I thought you might.”
He started to move away, but Serenity stopped him with a light touch on his arm. “Who is Jake Dudley, Kit?” she asked, remembering the way he’d spoken to Morgan. She didn’t know for certain, but she suspected that Morgan Drake didn’t allow many men such liberty with their words. “Is he a member of the crew or just a friend of Captain Drake’s?”
She watched the color fade from his cheeks as if the question terrified him. “It’s not for me to say, Miss James.”
With that handful of mysterious words, Kit took his leave. Chewing her lip, Serenity shut the door and crossed the room. A mystery. How she loved a mystery to solve. And just who should she bother for the details?
Surely not Morgan, he was too clever and cautious by half. And Jake himself scared her to pieces.
Hmm…
It would take some doing, but she was certain she could find a member of the crew who liked to talk as much as she did. Someone who with a few well-placed questions would spill like an over-filled barrel. First thing in the morning, she would find that person.
Shaking out the bundle Kit had left behind, she was surprised to find a modest rose and white striped gown, as well as a couple of things that made her blush every bit as much as Kit. No wonder the boy had been embarrassed. Imagine bringing
a corset and pantaloons to a woman! Good gracious!
She started to put the light silk chemise on, then stopped herself. The truth be known, she didn’t want to take off Morgan’s shirt. For some reason she really liked wearing it. It was as if he were holding her, protecting her.
What would it hurt to keep it on for the night?
After refolding her bundle of clothes, she placed them in the chest and settled into Morgan’s bunk. Chills spread through her, and she twisted her hands in the warm quilt. Just think, this was where her infamous pirate captain rested his head every night after he’d spent a day chasing the evil Brits.
This was where he came to relax and think through his…
“Oh, no,” she breathed. She suddenly realized that he must view her as a horrible intrusion into his life. This cabin was like her father’s study. Morgan surely thought it to be his refuge—his one private domain.
And he had given it over to her.
Where was he going to sleep from now on?
She couldn’t accept his room for the duration of the trip. Other arrangements would have to be made.
Pulling the quilt up closer to her, she caught another whiff of him and sighed. Her heart fluttered.
Give up this bunk, she said to herself, and you won’t feel this close to him anymore.
But, I will keep my self-respect, she countered.
Aye, but since when does self-respect feel as good as this bunk?
Serenity laughed at herself. You are an immoral, wanton woman, Serenity James, and for the sake of your sanity, as well as your virtue, you will give Captain Drake back his bed!
All right, self, you win. Tomorrow he gets his bed back.
But tonight was hers to savor.
“Looking a little green gilled, Drake.”
Shaking his head, Morgan rubbed his tired eyes. “Don’t you ever make any noise when you walk, Jake?”
“Well, the way this ship’s creaking tonight, I think I would need a cowbell for you to hear my approach.”
Morgan gave a short laugh as Jake took a seat across from him. The galley was dark, the coals of the fire burning very low. Only the light of a single tallow candle safely ensconced in a glass lantern provided light for the two men. Morgan wasn’t sure how long he’d been down here. It seemed in some ways like an eternity.