Love's Abyss (St. John Series) (20 page)

She took several steps away from him and turned her back to him. She allowed one shoulder of her blouse to fall down to her elbow and cast him a seductive look over her shoulder. She then took her hand and pulled the clip out of her hair allowing her long auburn tresses to fall to her waist. She gave her head a delicate shake. She released her skirt and allowed it to fall to the floor revealing her long toned legs. The blouse barely covered her buttocks, leaving Alex curious as to what she had on under the blouse. He watched her seductive dance and felt the stirring of arousal. She gracefully moved over to the bed and took one of the posts in her hand and slowly slid down it, throwing her head back allowing her hair to touch the floor. Her blouse rested just above her nipples. She pulled herself back up the post and performed the move again. As she slid down the post she swayed her hips side to side. She tossed her head back as she slowly pulled herself up the post. She then turned towards him and grasped the pole behind her sliding down it slowly again, giving him a shadowy view of her womanly core. She walked towards him seductively. One shoulder of the blouse slid down to her elbow. She allowed the other one to fall down as she held the top to her breasts. She walked as if floating to him, allowing the blouse to drop lower and lower with each step until it fell to the floor. She stood before him, just inches away, completely naked.

He looked at her and was speechless. Her dance was the most provocative one he had ever seen. He reached out to grab her and she stepped back. “Ah, ah,” she purred waving her finger back and forth. “No touching.” She stepped closer and unbuttoned his vest. He reached for her again. She slapped his hands. “I said no touching.” She took off his vest. As she removed his shirt she lightly caressed his skin with her fingertips, then traced after them with her tongue.

She moved to his trousers and unbuttoned them slowly, tantalizing him with each of her movements. She unbuttoned one button, then another. She took her bottom lip in her teeth and looked at him through her long lashes. “What do we have here?” she purred.

“I think you—” he began but was quickly silenced by her finger on his lips.

“Shh. No talking either.”

She was torturing him with her actions. She alluringly removed his trousers and then ran her fingers up and down his manhood. She looked at him, and lowered her gaze to her hand. She lightly allowed her fingers to circle its head. He started to reach for her again. She grabbed his wrists and placed them on the back of the loveseat. She then placed a leg to each side of him. Her actions made him become so aroused he could hardly breathe.

She lowered her body slowly onto him, allowing only his head to penetrate her. She caught her breath as she closed her eyes. She sat motionless for a moment enjoying the way he felt inside her. She then took him deeper into her velvety wetness.

He could feel how moist she was. Her arousal made his grow harder. He tried to move his arms. She leaned against him. “No,” she panted. Her breasts were inches from his face. He took her nipple into his mouth and she moved faster taking all of him inside her. She released his arms and grabbed his hair, holding him fast to her breast.

She had no idea how her actions affected him. He took hold of her hips and moved them faster, pumping her harder against him. Before he knew what was happening he exploded inside of her, spilling his seed deep inside. When he reached the peak of his climax, he felt her body tighten around him. She tossed her head back as a pleasurable yell escaped her lips. He felt her wetness run down him. He continued to move her hips until he saw her relax.

He released her waist and looked at her. Her eyes were still partially closed. “That was . . . was . . . ,” she gasped.

He nodded his agreement. Never had he experienced anything like that. He knew she was innocent in the way of men, but her actions matched any experienced woman and then some. He looked around the room and found his shirt. He gently wrapped it around her. He carefully picked her up and carried her to the bed.

“I don’t know where you learned that wickedness, you witch,” he said. He watched her lower her eyes as if she was scolded. “But I’m not complaining.”

She looked back up at him in a naughty way. “It just came to me.”

“Well, if you have any more ideas like that, be sure to share them with me.”

She nodded and curled up beside him. Both slept soundly that night, painfully aware that soon, this wonderful adventure would end.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Madison sat at the table, her head in her hands. Her head was throbbing from the over consumption of wine last night. With each breath she took, it felt like drums were pounding in her head.

Kris burst through the door humming a happy little tune. “Good morning,” she sang.

“Shhh,” Madison whispered followed by an “Ow,” as she covered her forehead with her hand.

“Hangover, I see,” Kris stated.

Madison closed her eyes. “How can you be so happy this morning?” she grumbled. “You had just as much to drink as I did.”

“Did you drink any water?” Kris asked.

Madison shot her a look like she had lost her mind. “No,” she snapped disdain dripping from each word. “I did not drink any water.”

Kris tsked her tongue at Madison. “Ah, I see. That’s why your head hurts. You don’t handle hangovers very well, do you?”

“This is my first and will definitely be my last.”

Kris eyed her friend. “I’ll be right back,” she said and sped out of the room. She returned quickly with a glass in her hand. “Here, drink this.”

Madison looked at the glass, eyed the putrid green liquid and placed her nose above it to smell the contents. “Don’t smell it! If you do, you’ll never drink it. Hold your nose and down it with one swallow,” Kris instructed.

Sitting up straight, Madison held her nose and downed the vile concoction presented to her. Her face went from a pale white to having a greenish cast. Placing her hand over her mouth, she looked frantically around the room for something to throw up in.

Kris placed her hands on each side of Madison’s face. “Keep it down. Take slow deep breaths through your nose and out your mouth,” Kris instructed. “Good. Again.”

Madison did as instructed and the nausea slowly left. “What was that stuff? It hit my stomach like rocks.”

“Don’t ask. If I told you what was in it, you wouldn’t drink it. Besides, in about twenty minutes you’ll be good as new. I’ll return then.”

Kris returned exactly on time. Madison was feeling better. Her head had stopped throbbing, and she could tolerate the sunlight peeping in through the drawn draperies.

Kris scurried around the room, gathering the articles of clothing that had gotten thrown about the room last night. “Are these the only things that need to be washed?”

Madison looked at the clothing in question. “If you take all those, then I’ll have nothing to wear.”

“Have you checked the wardrobe?”

“Yes, I checked the wardrobe. The only thing in there is Alex’s clothing.”

“Did you check the other side?”

“What other side?” Madison questioned.

Piling the clothes on the loveseat, Kris proceeded to the wardrobe. She opened the side where Alex’s clothes hung, tapped the side of the wall, and pulled a tiny handle. The other side of the wardrobe opened up.

Madison watched with amazement. She never realized it had a secret compartment. She walked to it and peered inside. There was the dress she had on when she was first taken, along with swords, guns, and knives of every shape and size. “I thought you said you threw my dress overboard?”

Kris handed her the mint green dress. “Wear this for now,” she said, ignoring her friend’s question. “I’m having all the other clothing sent out to be washed. I just get so sick of washing clothes.”

“Will they be back in time? I mean, I thought we were leaving this afternoon.”

“We were,” Kris said. “But I only have enough supplies in the kitchen for a few days, which would get us as far as Port Royal but no farther. If something were to happen, we would run out.” Kris gathered the clothes on the loveseat. “So, we are now leaving Monday. Today is Saturday, so most of the merchants will come to port this evening after the shops have closed. The vendors are closed on Sunday and won’t accept new shipments until Monday morning.”

“I see,” Madison replied. “So how long does it take to get to Port Royal from here?”

“About three days.”

Madison nodded her head. Her heart sank. She knew in the back of her mind what that meant. She had overhead Max talking with Alex about returning her to her family when they arrived at Port Royal.

Seeing the sadness in Madison’s eyes, Kris placed the clothing on the table and wrapped her arms around her friend. “It will be all right. You’ll see,” she said as she pulled back. Madison nodded weakly and closed her eyes in an attempt to hold back her tears.

Kris watched as a tear rolled down Madison’s cheek. “Are you okay?”

Madison nodded again.

“What type of tears are you shedding? Happiness or sorrow?” Kris asked.

Madison looked at her friend, her eyes brimming with tears. “Both.” She took a deep breath to calm her emotions. “I’ll be thrilled to see my parents again, but . . .” She stopped.

“But what?” Kris prodded.

“I know when I return what lies ahead of me.” Madison held her head up high and swallowed slowly. “I’ll be expected to marry Andrew and worse yet . . . I’ll never get to see . . . see . . .”

She stopped as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Alex,” Kris finished.

Madison nodded her head.

Kris’s heart knotted in turmoil at the sight of Madison’s anguish. “You love him, don’t you,” she said softly.

Madison nodded again.

Kris was glad she wasn’t in her friend’s shoes. The price you had to pay for being wealthy was overwhelming. Everyone knew that it was too dangerous to keep Madison on board much longer. She made them a target for the Navy, as well as other pirates wanting to cash in on the reward that awaited her return. “You have these few days with him. Treasure them.”

Madison blinked her eyes rapidly and took a breath. “You better go, before you have to end up washing those clothes,” Madison said and gave a weak laugh.

Kris nodded her head and placed her hand on Madison’s shoulder in sympathy. “It will all turn out okay. You’ll see.”

* * * *

Commodore, sir, you have a visitor,” the lieutenant said to the man sitting behind the large mahogany desk.

“Who is it?” he asked.

“He wouldn’t say, but you have done business with him before in the past.”

McClain nodded. “Send him in,” he ordered as he rubbed his jaw. The pain had dulled from the blow that pirate had given him three weeks ago. It still hurt, made it almost impossible to chew solid foods, but it was healing. The bruising to his eyes had turned an ugly shade of yellow. It still hurt to breath, but he could do so with little effort now.

The thin short figure entered the room and sat down in the chair in front of the Commodore’s desk. The Commodore looked at the fellow. “That will be all, Lieutenant,” he said his eyes never leaving the man’s shadowy face.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” questioned the Commodore.

“Heard a rumor,” the man began, “that you had something stolen from ya, or should I say someone.”

“Go on,” the Commodore replied, his curiosity piqued.

”Seems a certain pirate has a redheaded lady on his ship. I heard rumor they’d be headin’ to Port Royal.”

“And if I was interested in such information, where is this pirate traveling from and when will he be traveling there?”

“In two days time from Tortuga,” the figure replied.

“How can you be so certain that they will not be leaving until Wednesday?”

The dark shadowed man leaned back in his hair and crossed his arms over his thin chest. “My men have made sure that the ship will be delayed until then, especially since I told ‘em how well ya’d pay for such a delay."

“Very well then,” the Commodore replied. He opened his desk drawer and picked up a small leather purse. He tossed it at the man. “Thank you for your valuable information.”

“Always a pleasure doin’ business with ya, Commodore.” The man bobbed the purse up and down in his hand several times as he walked to the door.

That pirate was heading to Port Royal day after tomorrow with Madison. It would take about three days for him to reach Port Royal from Tortuga. 

“Lieutenant!”

The lieutenant came into the room “Yes, sir?”

“Prepare the ships. We sail at once for Port Royal.”

“How many ships, sir?”

“Four. Tell them to be battle ready. I’ll show that bastard what happens when you mess with me.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Madison was standing on the bow of the ship allowing the water spray to hit her in the face. It was a beautiful day. Looking out dreamily at the sea, she remembered these past six days with Alex. Their departure from Tortuga was delayed by overdue shipments. Kris insisted that they wait to leave until she had all needed supplies.  Not that Madison had cared. The delay had given her extra time with Alex and it had been wonderful. Sadness filled her heart. They would be docking tomorrow in Port Royal. Bittersweet feelings invaded her. She didn’t want to leave, but she did want to see her parents again.

She turned and walked towards the helm. She spied Alex climbing one of the masts. He did it with ease. She watched him swing from the rope to grab hold of the broken tethers.

“Your thoughts are miles from here. Not safe on a ship,” came a deep voice.

Madison looked up to find Max standing before her. A half-hearted smile crossed her face. “I know.” Her gaze turned back to Alex. “He makes it look so easy.”

“As many years at sea as we’ve been, it comes natural, just like breathing.”

“You’re a good friend to him, Max,” she said as she gently placed her hand on his arm. “Keep him safe.”

Max looked down at her. He nodded his head, then suddenly he got a strange feeling and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up.

“Ship off the port bow!” James called from the crow’s nest.

Max grabbed the spyglass, but before he could look another shout came, “Ship off the starboard bow! Ship to the rear!”

Max looked at Madison, “Get below deck and warn the others.”

She nodded quickly and ran below deck.

Alex twisted the rope around his shin and slid down. He grabbed the spyglass from Max and peered through it. “Damn it!”

“Who is it? No one I know has this many alliances.”

Concern was evident in Alex’s eyes. “The Commodore.”

“Bloody hell! TO STATIONS! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!” Max bellowed, his voice booming throughout the ship.

The crew ran about preparing
The
Abyss
for battle. They loaded the cannons and gathered their weapons.

“Drop all sails!” Alex yelled.

“What are you up to?” Max questioned.

“Maybe we can out run them. I don’t want to battle with . . . well, you get the picture.”

Max turned towards the front and peered thru the spyglass. “That won’t be happening either, Capt’n. There’s a ship heading straight for us. They’ve got us boxed in.”

“Bloody hell,” Alex said. He looked at Max. “Well, do you have a plan?”

“Kill as many of those bastards as we can before they kill us.”

“What a plan,” Alex said sarcastically.

“Well, do you have a better one? I’m assuming not, since you asked my opinion.”

“I can do without your hostility right now, Max!”

“Not being hostile, just stating the facts.”

Alex looked at his friend. “It’s been an honor serving with you, my old friend.”

“Well, we ain’t dead yet, so I’m not going to say the same.”

“Just wanted to get that off my chest, since I have a feeling I’ll be the first one shot.”

“Ya think?” Max said. “You just kidnapped his woman and then made her yours. I’d say that’s probably a good prediction.”

“Shut up, Max. Get to your station.”

Max gave a fake salute using his middle finger. “Aye, aye, Capt’n.”

“I’ll remember your insolence,” Alex shouted with a smile on his face.

Surveying the situation, Alex turned and looked in all directions. He viewed the ship to the front, the port, and the starboard. He grabbed hold of the helm and cut the ship sharply to starboard. The ship tilted to the side.

“What the hell are you doing, Alex?” yelled Max as he stumbled into a pile of nets.

“I’m not going down without a fight,” he informed his friend. “I’m heading between them. That way if they should fire their cannons for some reason—which is highly unlikely—they’ll have just as good a chance at hitting their own ships, too.”

Max regained his balance and stood up.  He gave Alex a surprised look. “That just might work.”

“Samuel!” Alex yelled.

The boy made his way up to the helm. “Yes, Capt’n.”

“Here, take this,” Alex said and pulled his pistol from the waist of his trousers. Samuel looked at the weapon. “Take it! Go to my quarters and if anyone tries to harm her, shoot them. Understand?”

Samuel held the gun in both hands and looked up at the Captain. His eyes were wide as saucers. “Do you understand me, boy?” Samuel nodded his head. “Now go!” Alex yelled as he watched Samuel race down the steps.

“They’re gainin’ fast, Capt’n!” Smitty yelled.

Alex turned to the stern and saw the distance close between the vessels. He picked up his spyglass and looked at the approaching vessel. As he scrutinized the two large, black-haired men on the approaching vessel, he lowered the spyglass and said, “Damn it.”

“What now?” Max yelled.

Alex looked down at his quartermaster. “Her brothers are on that ship.”

“You’re dead,” Max said as he lifted one shoulder in a shrug.

“Thanks for your optimism.”

“Okay, then . . . you’re going to be castrated and then die . . . is that better?” Max smarted to his friend.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Alex snapped.

“Well, when her brothers find out you compromised their sister, they’ll cut off your—”

“Would you two quit fightin’ like an ole married couple,” Smitty interrupted. “Ya can discuss yer manly issues later!” Alex glared at the timeworn man. “I’m nearly sixty and I don’t plan on dyin’ aboard this vessel jest yet.”

Alex took hold of the helm. “Hold on, men!” he yelled as he turned towards the ship heading to their port side.

There was a loud roar as the ship behind them fired their forward cannons. It hit the water several meters behind
The
Abyss
. It was just a warning shot, but still too close to suit Alex’s taste. Max and Alex looked at each other, both surprised by the warning shot. “What the hell are they thinking?” Max yelled.

“How would I know what that psychopath is thinking?!” Alex shouted back.

The British men ‘o war were closing in fast. Before they knew it, they were boxed in by the enemy.

“Fire all cannons!” Max yelled.

The roar of the cannons echoed throughout the ship. The sound of splitting wood and screams of the wounded drowned out the battle cries of the pirates. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, Alex’s men fought tooth and nail against their foe. They were quickly flanked by
The Armada.

Alex turned to see a familiar sight. It was the tall fat sailor from Tortuga. He was heading below deck. Alex started that way, but was stopped by a ghost from his past, the Commodore.

Emblazoned with a sneer, McClain said, “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.” He spoke slowly as he pulled his sword from its sheath.

Alex had a sword in his right hand. He reached around his waist and pulled a cutlass out with his left. “I’m going to take great pleasure in slitting your throat,” he growled.

The Commodore lifted one brow in a smart-aleck expression. He held up his sword. Steel clashed against steel as they battled neither one aware of what was happening below deck.

* * * *

Madison and Samuel were pacing the room. The fear in Madison’s eyes was apparent. She recognized the flags of the approaching vessels. The sound of her heart pounding in her ears was drowned out by the cannon fire. Boot steps echoed above their heads as the British sailors boarded
The
Abyss
.

Madison and Samuel looked at each other. “Madison,” Samuel said trying to sound brave. “Don’t worry. The capt’n’s been through many battles. He’ll get us through this one, too.”

Madison looked at Samuel. She could see the fear in his eyes. “I know he will,” she reassured the boy all the while thinking of how bad it really looked.

They both looked quickly at the door as it rattled.

“It’s locked!” shouted the voice behind it.

“Get out of my way!” said another voice. The sound of something hitting on the door echoed throughout the room.

Madison looked frantically around the room. She might be able to convince them of who she was, but she knew they would try to hurt Samuel. She turned to him and grabbed his shoulders. “Samuel, you’ve got to hide,” she whispered.

He shook his head and bravely said, “No, the capt’n said for me to protect you.”

“And you are, but if two come through that door, you only have one shot. They’ve come for me, not you,” she insisted. “I’ll inform them of who I am and maybe they’ll leave the room. You can then get to the top and help Alex.” She could see the debate going on in his mind. “Please,” she begged.

He nodded his head reluctantly and walked to the wardrobe. He opened the secret compartment and climbed in. Madison quietly closed the door.

She turned just as the door broke. The tall fat man from Tortuga walked through the door. He spied Madison standing defiantly in the center of the room wearing her pirate attire. “Well, well looky who we have here,” he said. “If it ain’t the spice man’s wife. Fancy meeting you here on a pirate ship.” He slowly made his way to her.

She looked behind him.

“Expecting someone?” he asked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. I was expecting to see the Commodore.” She held her chin high in the air.

“Why would you expect him?”

She twisted her head sassily. “Because you oaf, he’s my fiancé!”

The words stabbed Samuel through the heart. No, it can’t be true!

“Oh, is he now? And I’m the bloody King of England!” he scoffed as he advanced towards her.

He grabbed hold of Madison’s shoulders. “Think I’ll have a taste of your goods before I take you to your
fiancé
.”

Madison struggled with the large man. Breaking one of her hands free, she hit him in the face, slicing his skin with her nails. “Why, you ungrateful bitch,” he said as he slapped her back. “I’ll show you what happens when you treat me with disrespect.” His hands went towards his trousers. Before he could unbutton the first button, a loud bang came from behind him and he fell to the floor. Madison looked up to see Samuel holding the smoldering pistol.

“Told you I needed to protect you.”             

“I’m so glad you did, too.” Madison said. She turned towards the door as the sound of more footsteps approached. She looked wild-eyed at Samuel. “Samuel, whatever happens just know I have a plan. Okay?” He looked at her strangely. “Okay?!” He nodded quickly. “And if I tell you to do something, just do it, no questions asked.” He nodded again.

McClain’s lieutenant came crashing through the broken door along with several other sailors, their pistols ready. His eyes scanned the room. He saw the dead body of one of his men and a boy pointing a pistol at Madison. He drew his sword and pointed it at the boy. “Drop your weapon!”

Samuel turned to face the men. Madison cleared her throat and Samuel looked at her. She shook her head in a small no. He nodded and dropped the pistol.

The lieutenant crossed the room to her. “Lady Madison, I’m so glad I found you. The Commodore will be glad to see you’re safe and unharmed after spending all this time with these murderous thieves.”

“I’m fine, Lieutenant. Andrew is here?” she questioned trying to sound pleased.

“Yes, and he’ll be glad to see you.” He looked at the boy. “Take him,” he commanded the others.

The sailors crossed the room and bound Samuel’s hands in front of him.

Madison turned to Samuel and mouthed “It’s okay.”

Samuel looked at her wide eyed and nodded.

The lieutenant turned back to Madison and gestured his arm towards the broken door. “After you, Lady Madison.” Madison smiled nervously and proceeded out the door unaware of the shocking events that had transpired above her.

* * * *

Alex and McClain were in a tense battle, both were skilled swordsmen. As their swords clashed, locking, Alex gave a push and sent McClain sailing backwards. He advanced towards the falling officer.

Andrew spied the net and tossed it at Alex, giving him enough distraction to regain his footing. Another sailor joined the Commodore at that time and Alex now had the challenge of defending himself against two.

He deflected the other man’s blade with his left hand as the Commodore advanced. Alex held out his other sword and deflected McClain’s. The other man pulled out a pistol. Out of instinct Alex removed the sword from McClain’s direction and stabbed the other man.

That was enough of a distraction for McClain to draw his sword back and swing it towards Alex’s throat. Alex caught a glimpse of the sword coming at him and moved, but it was not fast enough. The blade of McClain’s sword tore at Alex’s neck, leaving a nasty mark. Another sailor came up from behind Alex at that time, then another from the front. He was surrounded. “Can’t fight fair, can you, McClain? Afraid I’ll win if you fight me alone?” Alex prodded hoping to provoke McClain’s anger even further.