The Captain's Lady (31 page)

"Don't cover up ... I want to see all of you."

She couldn't meet his eyes as she sat on the couch beside Eric with the baby and began nursing. A few minutes later, she moved Rachel to her other breast and looked up to see him studying her.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?” His tone was teasing, nonchalant. He crossed his arms and winked. Was that pure joy sparkling in the gold fleck of those charismatic eyes? She hoped so because it was infectious. Unabashed happiness flowed through her. Rachel's tiny lips slipped off Abby's breast with a pop that made them both chuckle.

Eric took the baby and set her in the makeshift cradle, and tucked her securely inside.

Standing up, Abby began to put the dress back on. She stepped in and pulled it up over her thighs. Reaching around for the zipper tab, she felt his hand over hers, stopping her in mid-motion.

"Don't touch it,” he whispered in her ear then turned her around in his arms and drew her tightly against him. “Where were we?"

Before she could reply he locked her in a kiss of such intensity it took her breath away. She didn't realize he had undone the zipper until the dress pooled again at her feet.

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Chapter Thirty-Six

He trickled his tongue down her neck, tracing the outline of her collarbone, then a path down to the indentation between her breasts. Her skin tasted like sweet nectar. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he felt their weight as he skimmed his hands over her nipples and then his fingertips trailed around and under while he watched her reaction. He needed her to want him as much as he wanted her. His thumb continued to stroke a lazy play over her nipple soon drawing a warm tremble from her that stoked the burning need in him.

A quick burst of air rasped between Abby's teeth. Her hands flew up and she took hold of his shoulders. A shudder went through her oh-so-feminine body. He leaned her back slightly over his arm, exposing her neck, her breasts. He flicked his tongue downward, tasting her sweetness in the indentation of her breasts then teased her around her nipples.

A moan escaped as she clutched tight to his shirt. He hooked a finger in her underwear and eased them down until they, as well, lay pooled at her feet. She stepped out of them; he once again pulled her to him. She gasped when he pressed his hardness against her stomach.

She pleaded in a faint whisper. “Oh God, Eric ... please."

"Shhh.” He took her lips once again. Fire burned in his veins as he caressed the dampness between her legs. Her subtle tensing made him realize her vulnerability, her innocence, and her inexperience.

Awkwardly, Abby fumbled at his buttons. He covered the soft hand with his larger one. “Not yet,” he whispered.

She looked up at him, unsure blue eyes burning with need. Passion flowed as he lifted her naked splendor into his arms. She linked soft warm arms around his neck. He carried her to the bed then gently deposited his beautiful wife in the middle of it.

Covering her with his body, he eased her arms above her head, whispering, “Leave them there.” He slowly made his way over the luscious curves, inching down, alternating between kisses and sliding his tongue over the smooth rounded navel, bringing a sound from her that was soft and helpless.

He feathered his fingers along the silky flesh inside her thighs, smiling when she trembled. He moved them slowly to where the long, beautiful legs joined. There, he probed her slickness with his finger, slowly and gently pushing deep inside while massaging the bud of pleasure with his thumb. Her hands clamped the sides of his head. Her fingers worked in his hair and he smiled.

Her muscles contracted around his finger; she was close to orgasm. His insides shuddered in anticipation. This was his woman, his own. Someone to be with, to love, to bring to new heights. He spread the quivering thighs wide and lifted her knees over his shoulders. Then he leaned in, and kissed her every nook and cranny.

She squeezed her thighs against his ribs. “Eric ... no, you can't."

"Be still, it's all right, trust me."

Her body was a feast of curves. He wanted to take his time, to linger, to touch, to taste her smooth softness. He used his tongue to torment. She moaned and writhed beneath his touch. Her fingers dug his shoulders as she reached to pull him up, to urge him to enter her. Eric eased them away but rose up above, smiling. He braced himself with one hand and trailed the other down her arm. One at a time he urged them back over her head, “Leave them there. Just lay back and enjoy."

She whimpered and pressed her hips into him. He nearly came right then. Forcing his own needs away Eric lowered himself, wedging his body between her parted thighs. His uniform pants pinched and crushed but maybe this was a good thing; the pain kept his mind focused away from the final result, that ultimate joining they would soon share.

He slipped his tongue inside her. She wiggled and twitched and he knew she struggled to obey his demand to keep her arms over her head. Finally, in a release as wonderful as a newborn baby's first cry, she came, with a high-pitched squeal he prayed didn't wake Rachel, Abby experienced her first orgasm. Her pleasure was nearly as satisfying as his own release.

While she recovered, her breath coming in short pants, he rose up, undid his belt and lowered his pants, easing his taut erection loose. Abby's eyes widened at the sight and he nearly laughed. He bent forward and, gripping her hips, eased slowly into her. Feeling little resistance, seeing no pain on her face, in one smooth stroke he entered her. She gasped into his kiss as he sank his length into her.

She responded eagerly, wrapping her legs around his hips in a viselike grip. He laid claim to her body, a give and take, a sharing of two souls. Breaking the kiss, he locked his eyes on hers. He rose on his elbows and stilled his movements. “Just so we're clear, Abby. You're now mine."

She gave a faint whimper and slight nod, “Yes, oh yes,” she said. At that moment, she would've agreed to anything. Eric thrust into her, again and again.

Her need was building again. She tossed her head from side to side; her insides contracted against his aching-for-release shaft. Another orgasm struck her. Abby's mouth opened, he clamped his lips on hers, swallowing her scream of pleasure before she could waken the baby. At that moment, his own climax came, erupting from somewhere in his toes and rocketing through his groin with the speed and force of a volcano. He pitched into her one last time, feeling a swell of love that had to last a lifetime.

Eric rested atop her, drained. Memory pushed into him, hard, as hard as he'd driven into her. Had he hurt her? Worried, he slid off and out of her. She gave a muffled cry of protest as his limp appendage exited her with a small pop.

"Shh, just lay back.” For several long moments he stood there, just looking down on the lovely creature. How could the fates have found him here, on this hunk of metal in the middle of the vast ocean? Her eyes, which had been focused on his face, flicked downward and widened at his already-thickening penis.

He hurried to throw off his boots and clothes then joined her once again. This time he turned her over on her stomach, lifted the firm hips and positioned a pillow under them. Eric snaked one arm around the soft, supple waist then used his other hand to guide himself into her. Again he thrust hard, all fears of inflicting pain forgotten. Blinded by her beauty, overwhelmed by his need—god, she was so tight. Release came quickly. Transported by the climax, he emptied his seed into her womb.

Unable to remain upright any longer, he collapsed on his side, taking Abby with him. With both his arms around her, they remained united.

Once their breathing and heartbeats grew normal, he withdrew and turned her over in his arms. He lifted her chin and was stunned by tears shimmering in her eyes. And struck by the stark realization of how hard he'd ridden her. Eric was infuriated with himself as he wiped with tender care a lone tear that escaped the corner of her eye. “Oh, Abby, I'm so sorry I hurt you. I just wanted you so bad, and it's been so long."

He pulled her into his arms, then felt the subtle shake of her head. He pulled back to watch that angelic smile light up as she spoke softly. “N-no, you didn't hurt me; these are tears of joy. No one has ever made me feel as cherished and protected as you have. No you didn't hurt me,” she repeated again as she reached up and cradled his face in her hands. “Oh, you sweet man, who gave me such pleasure. You've made me so happy."

He propped himself on his elbow to revel at her naked splendor. His fingers lightly traced her bottom, while pulling her closer with a gentle squeeze. “Sometimes you really amaze me.” Lowering his head he gently kissed that lush mouth. Between his legs, he felt himself swelling again. What was happening? He'd never gone three times in a row. Ignoring the physical phenomenon, he deepened the kiss as he rose up over her again. This time he entered her with gentleness, savoring the way she enfolded him. They had a connection, a rightness. It was as if two souls had linked together, forever.

Later, he dozed as Abby stroked fingertips across his back. Then she palmed her hand across each broad shoulder. Her touch was gentle, her skin soft and warm. She nestled deep in his embrace, the blanket cocooning around them. He listened to the intermingled heartbeats and her soft, even breathing as she fell asleep.

The sound of the door opening then closing in the outer cabin drew Eric from his slumber. Abby slept peacefully, the soft murmur of her breath whispered between her lips. Slipping his arm from under her, he eased out of bed and pulled on his clothes. He opened the bedroom door and closed it quietly behind him. Petey turned at the sound and sparked to attention, a ludicrous sight with a pile of dirty dishes in his arms.

"At ease.” Eric ordered in a low voice.

"Do you need anything, Captain?"

"No, that'll be all. You went to a lot of trouble helping Abby set up this dinner."

Petey's cheeks and neck took on a pink tone. He stuttered. “C-c-captain, I..."

Eric suppressed the urge to laugh. He put a hand on the young man's shoulder. “Just make sure this doesn't become common knowledge around the ship."

Petey nodded and hurried to collect the dishes, juggling it all on a tray with one arm. Eric strolled barefoot, shirt unbuttoned, to the baby sleeping peacefully by the desk. His love radiated as he stood protectively over the makeshift bed, watching her suckling on her fingers as she slept.

Petey hefted the tray, hurried out the door, and barely averted disaster as he ran straight into the XO. “Sorry, Commander,” he whispered.

Eric watched Joe scrutinize the young man a moment. He nodded, then strode through the door of the cabin. His eyes took in Eric's attire. Then they fixed on Abby's red dress in a heap on the floor. Closing the door behind Petey, he strode around the cabin. “She here?"

Eric gestured with his head toward the bedroom.

"She's sleeping, so keep your voice down.” He walked softly around the desk, not trying to stifle the cocky swagger in his step. He scooped up Abby's underwear and dress, and not missing the wide smirk on Joe's face, tossed them on the chair in the corner. Sitting down and leaning back, he propped his feet on his desk, crossing them at the ankles.

"I won't stay long ... I presume everything's okay.” The teasing spark in Joe's eyes lit up his face.

Eric locked his fingers together and rested them behind his head, allowing a well-sated smile to appear on his face. “Yeah, it's okay.” He tried to sound nonchalant, but knew he didn't carry it off well. “By the way, you had me eating myself alive over that little stunt. You know the one, ‘the Admiral's here, and he's in your cabin.’ I'll be sure to get you back for that one."

"Oh, I think you already have. Don't forget I shared my cabin with you for the last few weeks. I do hope you won't be returning."

Eric flinched at the remark, realizing what a bastard he had been lately.

Joe stifled a chuckle as he ambled over to the baby. He shook his head then walked to the door. “I'll make sure you're not disturbed tonight.” With that, he flicked Eric a quick salute and a silly grin.

Eric allowed his thoughts to wander to his Abby. Hers was the simplest love he'd ever known: pure innocence, no games or pretense. It was almost too good to be true. “You're mine, by God. I'll not let you go.” Breathing deeply, he leaned back and let the pure satisfaction flow over him.

He didn't know how much time passed, but eventually he eased himself out of the chair and tiptoed to stand over Rachel's bed. Bending, he gently tucked the blankets around her.

Suddenly he was hit by a bolt of panic. What kind of father would he be? Would he take her to school every day and hover near the door until she disappeared inside? Would he threaten to murder any boy who looked twice at her? Running his hands over the stubble on his face, he turned and headed back to Abby.

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Chapter Thirty-Seven

Abby looked so peaceful and content, curled up and well satisfied in the middle his bed. Just like her daughter in the other room.

The covers had slipped down. One of her breasts was exposed. It was full of milk and rosy pink. Pushing away from the closed door, Eric took off his shirt and pants and tossed them on the chair in the corner. He climbed into bed and settled against her, spoon fashion. He stroked a lazy pattern over her stomach while gently pulling her closer.

She murmured in her sleep and he lifted her hair to kiss the back of her neck. She tried to roll over and face him. “Don't move,” he whispered, running his hand slowly down between her legs. He slipped a finger into her soft folds and heard a moan. Her fingers wrapped around the arm he had circling her waist. Slowly he entered her from behind, anchoring her tightly to him. Then, lowering his head, he took an earlobe between his teeth, and nibbled until hearing her sweet gasp of surprise. He slowed his assault, controlling his depth and pace until she was begging him, pleading for him to finish. As she began to lose control, he reached up with one hand to cover her mouth, and fondled the hardened nipple with his other hand. He plunged deep inside her, feeling his own control slip. Teetering over the edge, muffling his groan in the blonde mass of hair, he buried himself deep within her.