Love's Abyss (St. John Series) (17 page)

“Please,” she begged as the sensation her body was experiencing was driving her mad.

“Please what?”

“I . . . I want to feel like I did the other night. When I . . . I . . . ,” she was lost for words. She had no idea what to call what she had experienced the other night.

“Say my name.”

“Alex,” she whispered.

“Tell me what you want.”

“Alex, I want you to make me feel good.”

He rolled her over and thrust himself deeper and deeper inside her. He felt her nails run down his back as her pleasure amplified. She whimpered with pleasure. He began to slow down. “Please don’t stop, Alex,” she begged.

He could feel her wetness on him and his pleasure increased. He pumped her faster and faster. He felt her body tightening around him as she cried out his name. He kept thrusting himself into her while she climaxed. Before she had reached the end of hers, he erupted deep inside of her.

His movements slowed down. Both were breathless. He leaned down and gently kissed her lips. He removed himself from her body and rolled off her. He gathered the quilt at the foot of the bed and covered their bodies with it. As he looked at her, she shyly looked away. He placed a finger on the side of her face and turned her head towards him. He gently kissed her again.

Each looked at the other, but neither said anything. He gave her a smile and lay on his back, the cover down to his waist.

She studied his body. He was a magnificent specimen. Every inch of his body was covered in muscles. Her eyes traveled down his body. She furrowed her brow together and traced a large scar on his side with her long finger. He stopped her with his hand. She looked up at him. “What happened?”

He looked at her. “You wouldn’t want to hear it.”

“Tell me.”

“It’s from a battle that happened several years ago,” he began as his eyes took on a nostalgic look. “It was one of His Majesty’s naval vessels. They decided to try to take me in, and I had other plans. The captain of the vessel wanted to make a name for himself as the one who captured Alexander Xavier.”

A tight smile crossed his face.

“They had two ships and caught us off guard. We were greatly outnumbered and it was a fierce battle.” He took a deep breath. “Their captain and four others captured Max. Took them all to hold him. They were about to kill him. I jumped in to save him and ended up with this.”

“Who was it? The other captain? Someone I know?” she asked inquisitively.

“Yes, you know him. Too well I’m afraid.”

She thought for a moment. “Andrew,” she whispered.

A sneer formed on his lips. “The one and only. The bastard attacked at night, caught us off guard. He had most of my crew run through and thrown overboard, alive. I can still hear their screams as the sharks attacked.”

She could feel his body tense up. She placed her hand delicately on his chest. “Alex,” she said with sorrow in her voice.

“Anyway, the doctor was one of the crew thrown overboard, so there was no one to patch me up. Wouldn’t have mattered anyway, the wound was too large. Max bound me up the best he could and had the tub put in so I could soak in salt water to help it heal.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what? You’re not the one who did it.”

“I know, but . . .”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. It’s in the past.”

The awkward silence was broken by a gun shot from the pier. He could see she had many questions in her eyes. “What?” he asked.

“Why did you come back tonight?”

“I don’t know. I went to the tavern with one purpose, but you kept entering my head. Every woman I looked at,” he paused and looked at her, “didn’t appeal to me. I kept seeing your face, smelling your scent, feeling your body. You have crawled inside me and refuse to leave. I don’t know what spell you have cast over me, but it’s a powerful one. You consume my thoughts, my soul.”

She looked at him, opened her mouth, but said nothing. He leaned over and kissed her forehead, turned her away from him and then pulled her body to his. He wrapped a muscular arm around her tiny frame. She snuggled back against him, enjoying the warmth and the security she felt at that moment. She felt safe in his arms. She placed her hand on top of his and grasped his fingers. He spread his fingers apart and took hold of hers.

“Sleep well,” he told her. “The craftsman will be here early in the morning to begin their repairs.”

“Repairs? Oh, the mast.”

“Yes, as well as the hole in the hull.”

“We had a hole? In the ship?”

“Just a small one, but big enough that we were taking on water. The repairs should be finished in a few days. Now sleep. Tomorrow will come too soon.”

She laid her head down on his arm. She felt safe at that moment. She knew as long as she was with him, no harm would come to her. She had a funny feeling in her heart, one she had never sensed before, a feeling of warmth and contentment. She wrapped her fingers more tightly around his. Like a bolt of lightning it hit her. Love. Love was what she was feeling at that moment. She moved slightly at that awareness, but he pulled her tightly to him. She settled down in his arms with the understanding that she had fallen in love with her captor.

Chapter Nineteen

Alex arose early the next morning. He looked down at the sleeping beauty beside him. She was still lying on her side holding his hand. He smiled. He eased his arm away from her grasp, quickly dressed and went up top.

His shoulder-length blond hair was blown about by the warm breeze as he reached the deck. His eyes scanned the ship. All appeared well.

“Up early this mornin’, aren’t ya, Capt’n?”

Alex turned to face the old man. “Morning, Smitty.” Smitty handed the captain a cup of warm liquid. “What’s this?”

“Coffee,” Smitty replied. “Can’t stand that tea. Vile stuff it is, besides this wakes ya up better.”

Alex took the cup and sipped at its contents. He could feel Smitty’s eyes upon him. “Do you need something this morning, Smitty?”

“Just wonderin’ if you plan on keepin’ her locked up in yer quarters today, Capt’n? It’s goin’ to be a hot day. She’ll cook in there, even with the draperies closed and the windas opened.”

“What do you suggest I do with her, Mr. Smitty? Allow her to run around the city alone?”

“Nope. Just sayin’ it’s goin’ to get hot in yer room today.”

“Well, you entertain her if you wish. I have to stay here and oversee the repairs.”

“I’ll do it,” the old man told the captain.

“Well, don’t let her out of your sight. She’s very crafty.”

“Not talkin’ bout that. I’ll oversee the repairs. You can take her out.” Alex looked skeptically at the old pirate. “I won’t let nothin’ happen to her. She’s been my home fer nearly thirty years. Besides, that pretty young thing needs ta get off’n this ship. She hasn’t set foot on land fer almost three weeks now.”

Alex looked at the interfering man. He knew what Smitty was trying to do, but he was right. She did need to get off
The Abyss
for a while. “Okay,” he reluctantly said. “I’ll leave you in charge of the repairs. Take good care of her. Max and I will both be off her.”

“Max takin’ Mrs. Kris to the market?”

Alex nodded his head. “Aye. She has a little money and wants to buy herself something.”

“Go on now. I’ll watch
The
Abyss
. Go take Miss Madison out fer a little while.”

Alex headed towards his quarters but stopped short. He could smell breakfast being prepared. He headed towards the galley.

“Morning, Capt’n,” came a high-pitched voice behind him.

He smiled and turned. “Morning, Samuel,” he said as he rubbed the boy’s hair. Here lately, he noticed Samuel’s voice was beginning to change. “Where’s Kris?”

“She’s in there,” he pointed towards a door. “She’s been cooking since five this morning and in a good mood, too.”

Alex looked at the empty tray in Samuel’s hands. “Are you fixing to take breakfast to my quarters?” The boy nodded. “Don’t worry about it this morning. I’ll take it.”

Samuel eyed the captain suspiciously. “Really?” he asked with disbelief in his voice.

“Yes,” Alex replied. “Go on now. Enjoy the time at port.”

“Yes, sir!” Samuel replied enthusiastically, as he turned and headed quickly towards the door.

“Samuel?”

The boy stopped and turned towards Alex. “Yes, Capt’n?”

Alex reached into his pocket and tossed several gold coins to the boy. Samuel caught them with both hands. “Have a good time, but be careful.”

“Yes, sir!” Samuel replied as he darted out the door.

Alex prepared the tray to take to Madison. He walked carefully in the direction of his quarters carrying the tray. He knew if he dropped it Kris would give him hell about banging up her dishes. He entered the room and noticed Madison was still sleeping. He gently placed the tray on the table and rubbed his face.

“It’s getting too long,” he said to himself as he ran his fingers through his beard. He returned to the galley and gathered a pot of hot water.

Madison woke to the smell of bacon, sausage and a strange aroma she had never smelled before. She gave a slow feline-like stretch. She looked around the room, expecting to be alone, but was surprised by finding Alex there.

He was standing over by the small mirror on the wall wearing only his trousers. His shirt lay on the chair beside him. She watched him take the long straight razor down his face and wipe the creamy substance from it. He repeated the action several more times.

She sat up languidly and reached for the shirt at the foot of the bed. She had already placed it around her before she realized it was the captain’s.

Alex watched her from the reflection in the mirror. His shirt engulfed her. She looked like a child playing dress up. He continued staring at her as she walked in his direction. “Morning,” he said.

“Good morning,” she replied back.

“Breakfast is on the table along with some coffee.”

“Coffee?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty good. Wakes you up better than tea.” He watched her walk to the table and pick up the cup of steamy liquid. She took a small sip.

“Not bad,” she replied.

“Better eat up, then change. We have a busy day before us.”

“What are we doing?”

“Well,” he began. “The repair crew will be here soon. There will be a lot of hammering going on around here. It’s also a warm day. Even with the draperies closed and the windows opened it will get stifling hot in here, so I figured you may want to get off this ship.”

“Really?!” she questioned excitedly.

He smiled and nodded. “So hurry up.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied as she gave him a mock solute.

He smiled at her. He truly smiled at her. “Be careful with your mockery or you’ll have to pay,” he teased.

“How so, Captain?” she toyed.

He crossed the room to her. He placed a hand on the arm of the chair and turned her to him. He shrugged his shoulders. “I might take the cat to you,” he whispered into her ear, referring to the feared cat ‘o nine tails used for punishment. “Or . . .”

“Or what?”

“I just might tickle you,” he said as he grabbed her ribs and tickled her. Her laughter filled the room. “Say mercy,” he insisted.

She laughed even harder as he tickled her more. “Never!” she squealed.

He stopped and looked down at her. “You’re a hard prisoner to break, but I will,” he teased. “Hurry up. I want to get out of here before Smitty decides he wants to get off this ship.”

She ate and dressed quickly. She could hardly contain her excitement. She was finally getting off this ship! The thought of escape had left her. She was excited to spend the day with Alex. She met him up top by the helm. The wind caught a lock of her long, curly, auburn hair and wrapped it gently around her face.

He watched her hair dance in the wind. She was stunning. As he gazed upon her a strange feeling began to build up inside him and he quickly shook it off. He picked up the large brown hat beside him and handed it to her. “Your disguise, madam.”

She smiled coyly as she placed the hat upon her head. She gazed upon his clean-shaven face. He was so handsome. He gave her a wink and a smile. A large dimple appeared on his right cheek as his blue eyes twinkled. Her heart became full.

He held his arm out to her. “Lady Madison, would you care to let me escort you to the docks?”

“I would be delighted.”

“Be careful as you walk down the plank,” he warned her. “It moves with the water. Oh, you also might be a little wobbly once you reach land, seeing your legs have been used to adjusting for the sway of the ship.”

“Thanks for the warning.” He was right. Her legs wobbled as they touched the docks. Land! It felt good to walk and not worry about losing your balance.

“Stay close to me. Tortuga is a dangerous place.” She nodded quickly and took hold of the belt around his waist.

They made their way quickly to a shop on the far side of the port town. Once inside, Alex made his way to the counter. “Can I trust you not to run off?”

“I promise. I will not leave this shop.” He smiled and walked to the counter.

Madison browsed the store. She looked at the many different odd and ends that it carried. She heard the bell above the door ring and turned. Two British sailors entered the room. Excitement came over her, she could escape. As she looked at the sailors, a sinking feeling came over her. If she told, then she’d never get to see Alex again.

She watched them as they were joined by two other sailors and began talking. She pretended to be shopping and made her way over to them.

“Did you hear?” the tall sailor asked the fat one.

“What?”

“That pirate, Alex Xavier, took the Commodore’s fiancée right off his ship?”

“Really? When?” asked another sailor.

“About three weeks ago.”

“Well, I feel sorry for that bastard when the Commodore gets hold of him. He’ll gut him like he did that blond headed whore in Port Royal.”

“You idiot! He didn’t gut her. From the way I hear it, he just stabbed her several times.”

“Well,” said the tall fat one, “whatever he done to her, he’ll do to that pirate.”

“Wasn’t she his whore?” asked the short sailor.

“Yeah, that’s right she was,” said the tall one. “Reckon he took the Commodore’s fiancée out of revenge?”

“Might have,” replied the short fat one.

Alex spied Madison across the shop beside the sailors. He watched her for a few minutes before he made his way to her. “You ready?”

She looked nervously up at him. “Yes,” she replied quietly.

Alex and Madison made their way to the door. “Look at them,” said the tall fat sailor to the others. “Let’s go have some fun.”

The group of sailors followed Alex and Madison out. “Halt,” said the tall skinny one as the group surrounded them. The tall skinny sailor turned his head sideways and pointed to Alex. “What’s your business in Tortuga?”

Alex’s body tensed up. He could feel Madison press up against his back. He watched as the group sized him up. “Personal,” he replied curtly.

“Well, better make it un-personal, so we can decide if you’re a threat,” said the tall fat one.

Alex quickly sized up the situation. There were four of them. He could take them, but Madison might get hurt. “Spices,” he lied. “Trading spices.”

“Well,” one replied as he circled them. “I might want to trade something else.” He removed Madison’s hat.

Alex quickly grabbed the sailor’s hand. “If you touch her again, I’ll remove those stubby little fingers of yours,” he warned.

“Well,” said the tall fat one, “looks like we got ourselves a fighter. Believe we’ll have to teach him some manner.” He made a fist and popped his knuckles.

“I think you’re outnumbered,” came a deep voice from behind them.

“I was wondering when you’d appear,” Alex said still facing the fat sailor.

Max stepped out of the crowd followed by several of the crew. Madison watched as the tall fat sailor began counting. She watched his mouth say “One, two.” As he counted, he bobbed his head up and down. He ended with “six, seven.”

The tall fat sailor pointed his finger at Alex. “Watch yourself, spice man,” he turned towards the others. “Come on. Let’s head to the tavern area.”

Madison watched as the sailors left. She could feel Alex’s body begin to relax. He looked at her. “You all right?”

She nodded her head. “I’m fine,” she said as she picked up her hat.

Alex turned towards Max. “Thought you were taking Kris shopping.”

“I am. She’s over there,” he said and pointed towards a small shop. “I really didn’t want to look at dresses.”

“I’d say not. Well, thanks for your assistance, old friend, but I have somewhere else I want to be right now.”

Max looked at his friend and then to Madison. He turned his gaze back to Alex and raised an eyebrow in an unspoken warning.

“I know what I’m doing,” Alex mouthed to his friend.

“I sure the hell hope you do,” Max said as he turned and headed towards the shop where Kris was.