The Wild Belle (17 page)

“I did, two hours ago,” he whispered, coming closer to her. “And imagine my surprise when I returned to find you in my bed, wearing that,” he whispered huskily and gently nibbled her ear.

“What?” she whispered, bewildered.

“You are practically naked in that sheer,” he said, kissing her neck, “transparent,” he kissed her lower on the neck, “thin,” he continued as he slid the thin strap off her shoulder, “garment,” he finished as he kissed her shoulder.

Andi felt the stirrings in her loins. “Stop,” she whispered. Her eyes traveled his body. “Where are your clothes?”

He didn’t answer. “I will stop only if you want me to,” he said and gently cupped her breast, caressing it.

She sucked in her breath at the feel of his hands over her undergarments. He gently massaged her breast and she arched her back to him, begging for his touch. He kissed her chest. “Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” she whispered.

He quickly pulled her sheer undergarment off her body. She could feel the coolness of the sheets on her exposed flesh. Her nipples reacted to the coolness and became pert. He leaned over and gently took one into his mouth. She grabbed the back of his head to hold him in place as her pleasure increased. She could feel his hands all over her body. He was touching her everywhere, but not enough. She wanted more. She felt his lips move lower and lower on her body. As he kissed her abdomen, quivers shot through her body. And before the realization of what was transpiring hit her, she felt his mouth on her inner thigh as his hand gently caressed the most intimate part of her body. Her back arched in pleasure.

She unknowingly placed her hands on his hand as he assaulted her senses. She thrust her hips against his hand. The sinfully pleasurable sensation he created inside her was unbearable. While his fingers worked inside her, his mouth seemed to touch every part of her body. Her calves, her thighs, her abdomen. A blissful moan escaped her.

Suddenly, she felt him turn her onto her stomach. His lips touched her back. She could feel his light touch as his hand made its way down her spine. He gently massaged her backside and then she felt his hand slip between her legs. She attempted to rise off the bed.

“Lie still,” he whispered.

She did as asked and felt his fingers enter her womanly core again. The cool silky sheets rubbed against her nipples as she writhed with pleasure. Her body would not hold still. And when she didn’t think she could handle this torment any longer, he stopped and kissed her back. The feel of his warm breath and gentle touch was intoxicating.

He could sense her need, her desire. He had brought her to the point of exploding and stopped. Her reaction to him caused his arousal to increase. He rolled her to her side and placed her back to him. He entered her quickly. She was so hot, so wet. He thrust hard and deep inside of her.

Andrea was in shock. She never imagined that he could reach her most intimate part from that direction, but he did so easily. Her thoughts were pushed aside as she felt him move inside her. He would pull out and place only the head of his manhood inside her. The tip moved just in and out of her body, tantalizing, tormenting.

“Please,” she whispered in a husky voice.

He kept up the glorious torment of her senses. She attempted to move her hips, but he held them still, not allowing her to move.

“Not yet,” he whispered into her ear, taking the lobe inside his mouth.

She could feel his hips thrust up against her body. Each of his movements caused the desirable sensations to increase to the point that she thought she’d go mad unless he allowed her to find her release. Panting, she reached behind her to encourage him to move deep inside her. When he fully entered her, a loud moan escaped her. She could feel his hands on her abdomen encouraging her to move with him. She bucked, meeting his thrust with her own. Suddenly his hand traveled lower and began exploring her clitoris while he moved inside of her. Her mouth dropped open and her head tossed back at this slight touch. Her hand traveled to his. He stopped his assault and placed her own hand to her breast. Clasping her hand, he placed her fingers over her nipples encouraging her to touch them. She did as he silently instructed. His hand traveled back to her clitoris and assaulted again.

She moaned and thrust harder and harder. The ecstasy she was experiencing was addictive. She did not want it to stop, but wanted to know the pleasurable feelings that he created inside her from yesterday. Suddenly she felt her body tense up as spasms of rapture surged through her body. They both reached their peak at the same time. A loud roar escaped him and he exploded inside her.

As their passion subsided, he gently kissed the back of her neck. He stayed behind her, holding her closely. She snuggled into him, enjoying the feel of his body. He was so warm, so strong.

She could hear the tick of the clock and raised her head slightly to look at the time.

“I have arranged to have dinner brought to us in about an hour, so rest now.”

She laid her head back down and could feel his hand mindlessly rub her side. She let out a small giggle. “That tickles.”

One side of his mouth came up in a half smile. “So you’re ticklish? A weapon I will use to my advantage.” His fingers began tickling her side.

She squealed with laughter. “Stop!”

“Never!” he replied as he laughed.

She hopped out of bed and held her hand out. “No fair!”

“Why?”

“Because, you had surprise on your side.”

“All is fair in love and war.”

“That so?”

“Yes,” he replied and his eyes traveled the length of her naked body. “And unless you are wanting me to make love to you again, I suggest you cover your body up.”

She looked down at her naked form and blushed. Her blush doubled when Ruth Ann opened the door saying, “Is everything all right, Miss, I thought I heard screa—”

Ruth Ann’s eyes grew wide as saucers at the sight of her naked mistress.

“Ruth Ann!” Andi screeched and raced towards the bed.

The shocked servant quickly slammed the door shut and returned back to her room.

Michael laughed. His deep voice carried throughout the room. “Well, I’ll guess she knows to knock from here on out.” He turned towards Andi. “As I said earlier, I suggest you cover up. Your body is too tempting. I find myself wanting you now, even in your embarrassment.”

His response was answered by a pillow hitting him in the face. “You’re incorrigible!”

“I know, Pixie.”

Chapter Nineteen

Andrea awoke the next morning and gave a lazy stretch. She smiled, remembering last night. After a light supper and a bath, Michael made love to her again. He explored her body thoroughly and patiently allowed her to do the same.

She grabbed his vacant pillow and cuddled up to it. He had left early this morning to assist the crew in preparing the ship to sail to England. A frown furrowed her brow. It worried her, crossing the ocean. She had never traveled a great distance away from the coast. The coastline had been easily seen during any ship travel she had taken in the past.

She stood and ambled to the wardrobe. Michael had informed her that if she wanted to come on deck to be sure to wear her male attire and to stay close to the quarterdeck. The crew would be bustling about preparing to make ready to sail so she must be careful to not get in their way or tangled in any of the rigging.

As she was dressing, Ruth Ann knocked and waited to be granted permission before entering this time. She spotted Andi at the wardrobe pulling out her clothing for the day.

Ruth Ann’s cheeks reddened as she glanced at Andi, remembering yesterday. “Allow me to assist you, Miss Andi.”

“I can manage, Ruth Ann.”             

“No, I will help you—”

“I’m not Alyssa, Ruth Ann. I have been dressing myself for years . . . despite Sally’s protests.” Andi noted her maid’s disappointed look. “But you can assist me in braiding my hair.”

Ruth Ann beamed as she approached Andi. Pulling back Andi’s long, blond hair she braided it tightly. She then twisted the braid into a bun on the back of her head. As Ruth Ann looked at her handiwork, she tsked.

“You have your mother’s wild hair,” she said, attempting to tame the wild locks.

“Just leave it. There is no use in trying to tuck in every strand. It has a mind of its own.”

“Just like you, Miss,” Ruth Ann teased.

Andrea smiled. “Yes. Now I am going to the deck to get some air before we depart. Would you like to join me?”

“No, ma’am. I don’t like the way these men look. I swear they’d just as soon slit my throat as ta look at me.”

“Suit yourself,” Andi replied and she left her quarters.

She quickly made her way to the helm. As she approached, the captain didn’t even look at her. “You have your orders, boy.”

“Pardon me?” Andi asked.

Captain Armitage turned towards her voice, apparently embarrassed that he had ordered her about like she was part of the crew. “Pardon my mistake, Mrs. St. John. I didn’t recognize you,” he replied, giving her male togs a disapproving look.

“Apology accepted,” Andi answered, looking around the ship for Michael. “Where is my husband?”

Captain Armitage gave a derisive snort and pointed upwards. “Where he doesn’t belong.”

Andrea’s eyes traveled upwards towards the tall main mast. She could make out several men clinging to the ropes, one of which they were replacing. Her eyes scanned each person, still unable to find her husband. A man swung down from behind the main sail, hanging by his hand. Andi sucked in her breath when she realized it was Michael.

“Is he insane?” she asked as she stared wide-eyed at her husband.

“Damnedest thing I’ve ever seen. He insists on working like he’s one of the crew. But I guess his brother doesn’t mind.”

Andi turned towards the captain. “Why would his brother mind?”

“This is his brother’s ship. Jacob normally captains the
Emerald Jewell,
but he is in Kingstown right now. They needed a captain to take that one,” the captain stated, nodding his head Michael’s direction, “here. I just happened to be in port. Damned fool that I was, I agreed. No amount of money is worth watching your employer nearly kill himself acting like a deckhand.”

Andi turned her gaze back towards Michael. She could hear his deep voice bark orders to the men with him. Another man replied back and Michael threw his head back and laughed. He looked down at her then and gave a wave to her with his free hand. She waved back. She watched as Michael grabbed a robe and slid to the deck. She had to turn her head away, his recklessness causing her legs to tingle with nervousness.

“Are you putting my wife to work, Captain? Don’t let her size deceive you. I believe she could use the holystone without issue.” He gave Andi a playful wink.

“No, sir. Just informing her what a fool you are.”

Michael laughed. “She already knows that one. The sails have been checked and are readied.”

“Very good,” Captain Armitage replied. He gave the order and the ship was untied from the dock. One of the smaller sails was lowered to help ease the ship out of the harbor.

Andi held onto the railing as the ship swayed with the motion of the incoming tide. The movement of the large ship was different than that of the small skifts she had traveled on in the past. The bow rose up and down slowly as the ship cut through the water. She felt her stomach go up and down with each methodical movement of the ship. The farther out to sea the ship traveled, the more her nausea grew.

Michael turned to his now green wife. A small smile crossed his face. “You don’t look good.”

She said nothing. Closing her eyes, she swallowed slowly.

“Seasickness is a dreadful thing to have. Come, let me help you below deck. I will have Bob bring you something to help ease the nausea.”

“That would be great,” she weakly said as she took his arms and walked to their quarters. At the bottom of the stairs, she stumbled. Michael picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

When he entered their quarters, he found Ruth Ann straightening up the room. She had already made the bed and had placed the dirty clothing in a basket in the corner.

“What happened?” the young woman asked, rushing over to her mistress. “Did she get hurt?”

“No, it’s just the joys of seasickness. Don’t worry, it will soon pass.” He laid Andi down on the bed.

“How long does this last?” Andi asked, keeping her eyes closed.

“Depends. I have never experienced it myself, but some of my brothers have. A day or two.”

“Two days?” she replied, opening her eyes. She quickly closed them and gave a slight moan.

“Better find her a chamber pot, Ruth Ann. She will need it.”

“Yes, sir.” Ruth Ann began searching for the requested item.

“I will find Bob and get you something that will help. Until then, I will leave you in Ruth Ann’s capable hands, unless you need me to stay.”

Andi opened one eye and looked at him with disgust.

“Just what I thought.” He turned towards Ruth Ann. “Take good care of her. I will send Bob in. If you need anything, I will be up top assisting the crew.”

Ruth Ann nodded as Michael walked out the door.

Several minutes later Bob arrived with a small cup. “You drink this, Missy St. John. It will help. Make belly feel good real fast.”

Andi gave a weak smile at the man and took a sip from the cup.

“Don’t sip. Drink. Drink fast.”

Andi did as instructed. The moment the concoction hit her stomach her eyes grew wide and she leaned over the bed looking for the chamber pot.

“Don’t spit it up. It will help. Make you sleepy. You feel better. You see.” After having said that, the little China man left.

“He’s strange,” Ruth Ann said, staring at the door.

“I know,” Andi said. “And that stuff was putrid.”

After several minutes the horrid remedy started to make Andi sleepy. She soon drifted off to sleep, thankful that the nasty tasting remedy had eased her nausea.

Andi dealt with her seasickness for almost a week. During that time, Michael and Ruth Ann took turns caring for her. Michael was so patient with her. He would sponge her face and body off as waves of nausea hit. She could see the worry in his eyes. When he thought she was asleep, she could hear him tell her how he regretted allowing her to come and how he hated seeing her so ill.

On the fifth day, Andi awoke and was no longer sick. She actually felt human. She cautiously sat up waiting for the nausea, but it did not come. She let out a relieved sigh. Finally!

She stood and walked on wobbly legs towards the wardrobe to change out of the cotton nightgown Michael had put on her two days ago. She donned her male attire and headed towards the door. As she reached for the handle, the door was pushed open, sending her tumbling backwards. She let out a small cry as she fell. But before she hit the wooden floor, a strong arm was around her pulling her upright.

“What are you doing out of bed?” Michael asked as he looked worriedly at his wife.

“I’m feeling better. I just wanted to get some fresh air.”

Michael looked at his wife and started to protest.

Andi interrupted him. “Don’t tell me no, because you know I’ll just do it anyway. So you can either walk with me or get out of my way, but I have to get out of this room.”

Michael gave a frustrated sigh. “Come on,” he said and motioned for her to proceed.

She smiled weakly at him and walked out the door. She slowly climbed the stairs to the deck. When she reached the top, she closed her eyes, absorbing the warm rays of the sun. She then looked around. She looked to her left, to her right. All she could see was ocean. No land was in sight!

“I never realized how large the ocean was,” she whispered in astonishment.

“It’s amazing, knowing that in that direction,” he pointed east, “is an entire continent. Imagine how the first sailors felt crossing this vast ocean, with nothing in sight, not knowing where land was or when they would reach it. Those were some courageous men.”

“So how long will it take to reach England?”

“We should be there by the end of June, depending on the current and if we hit any storms.”

“Storms!” she shouted, turning towards him. She hadn’t thought of the possibility of being at sea during a squall or worse yet a hurricane. The ones she rode through on the plantation were horrible and that was on dry land. But on a ship!

“The weather has been good so far, even though the superstitious Captain Armitage swears it will change because we have women on board.”

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Sea captains are a fickle lot. They believe in superstitions. Women are bad luck on ships, along with a red sunrise.”

“So what is good luck, a drunken sailor toting a dead duck?”

Michael laughed at her sarcastic reply. “No. A red sunset is a good sign. A drunken sailor toting a dead duck would be bad—one less crew member to work.”

Andi gave a small smile and looked east again. Her thoughts returned to her sister. She hoped Alyssa was handling the voyage better than she was. Her worry combined with seasickness made a normally enjoyable event, unenjoyable. She knew Alyssa hated being alone, without someone around she knew. Alyssa depended on others to direct her in what to do. Was Peterson treating her well? Had he forced himself upon her? Had he harmed her?

Michael anticipated what his wife was thinking. “She will be fine. We will find her. You never know, we possibly could catch up with them. It’s not probable, but stranger things have happened.”

“How will we find her in England?”

“I know some people. Just as soon as we dock, I will send word to them to be scanning the area for her.”

“You mean we won’t immediately begin looking?” she questioned with agitation.

“No. I will immediately start looking. I will take you to my grandmother’s home—wait, scratch that. With Peterson in London, Gram’s would not be a wise decision. Granted, she would try to protect you but she’s seventy-five years old. Peterson would kill you both and not think twice about it. I will take you to my brother’s home, where you will be safe.”

“I will not! She is my sister. I will help you look for her.”

“Do you know anything at all about London?”

“Well, no, but that doesn’t—”

“It does. London is a huge town. I will take you to Matthew’s and then go to Peterson’s townhome. If he isn’t there, I will check his mother’s home.” He could see a plan forming in her mind. “Look, Andi. I need you to trust me. London is not Beaufort. There are areas there even these rough men would not dare venture into. If you do not know where you’re going, that would be exactly where you would end up.” He took her by her upper arms and looked into her eyes. “I could not bear it if anything happened to you, Andi. You are too important to me.”

“Why?” she asked bitterly. “Afraid my father will break that damn contract?’

Michael shook his head. “No.” He gently kissed her forehead and then whispered in her ear. “Because I have fallen in love with you.”

“What?” she whispered, unsure of what she had just heard.

“I don’t expect you to repeat those words, Andi. But I wanted you to know. I would not have married you otherwise.”

“You love me?”

“Yes, now you better get below deck. The men have taken notice of you and your beautiful body. I am about to issue some harsh discipline upon them. Too harsh for your delicate ears.”

“Have you forgotten what my mother is like?”