His Pirate (Second Chance Book 2)

by Stephanie Lake

“Well, I imagine your sister will consider those, but Mate Dunn will likely not concern himself with your wishes as long as Miss Lydia knows her own mind.”

  Rhain spluttered. “But I’m her brother, her guardian.”

  “Um, yes, but out here rules are different. She can decide for herself.”

  And there was the rub. Lydia, as strong-willed as ever, had the right to make her own decisions, unless he acted as a dictator. Which might not be a bad thing under the circumstances.

  Alastair, apparently unconcerned about the unfolding drama, said, “We will sleep on board. It is safer there, and some of the crew will stay aboard anyway to keep things running smoothly. We’ll leave before the moon sets so we can see to row to ship.”

  Eventually the venison was served as the moon crept over their watery cove. They would need to leave soon because the men were getting rum happy.

  A handful of the crew sang bawdy ballads, and about twelve men danced uncoordinated jigs with elbows and knees poking this way and that. A wrestling match enticed men to yelling and making bets, and there were occasional shoves and angry curses.

  Rhain sank his teeth into tough but flavorful meat, one side crispy, the other juicy. “Mhh. Good.”

  “I agree,” Alastair said as he tore off another bite with strong white teeth.

  When he finished the meat and licked his fingers clean, Rhain used a tiny stick to pick venison fibers from between his front teeth.

  Alastair said, “Time to go to the ship before those clouds”—he pointed out over the water—“obscure the moon. Let’s round up your sister. Mate Dunn will stay here with the crew to keep order.”

  The increasing rowdiness of the crew was worrisome. “Can’t you keep them under control?”

  Alastair shrugged. “They need a release and a chance to work their frustrations out now and again. There will be a few fights, a few bouts of sick stomachs tomorrow, but they all know if they are not lifting and hefting their share in the morning, they will not sail with us. Usually everything works out fine.”

  “And when it doesn’t?”

  “When it doesn’t… Well, I don’t much like those days.” Alastair picked up his plate and tin cup, neatly avoiding the question. “Come along, it’s back to the ship for us.”

  “Just a moment. I’ll, umm, visit the bushes to relieve myself of some of this fine rum.”

  Alastair laughed and offered to help, but Rhain declined adamantly.

  Rhain enjoyed his nice rum euphoria that was enhanced by the incredible surroundings of a wild and beautiful paradise.

  He staggered when entering the privacy of the scrub bushes and opened his falls. Something moved in the forest a few yards away. He called out, “Hello. You didn’t miss out on the feast, did you? Go down and grab some, then. No time to waste.”

  No reply.

  He finished his necessaries, buttoned up, and turned.

  Something flashed in the moonlight.

  He shifted as a large staff swung toward his head, missed, and hit his shoulder. Ducking, he reached up and grabbed for the staff, but it swung again.

  This time he ducked and lunged at the attacker’s legs.

  The man stumbled back, fell, and Rhain was on him, giving him a face and gut full of fists.

  Curling into a ball, the miscreant avoided all but a few of Rhain’s punches. Then, in a show of strength, the large man under him planted his feet, bucked his hips, and wrestled Rhain off.

  Rhain righted himself and reached for the man, but he was already running into the forest.

  Rhain sat up, rubbing sweat from his eyes. What the hell had that been about?

  Staggering with the first few steps he took, he slowly and cautiously made his way back to the beach. Sighting Alastair, he relaxed, realizing that for the first time in a very long time, he would not have to deal with this alone.

  “There are three of them,” Dunn whispered after letting the men go back to work.

  “Which three?” Alastair spat the words with a hatred he had not felt in years. Squinting from the early morning sun, he perused his men, looking for the telltale signs of a fight.

  After Rhain told him what happened, they took the last boat to the ship. They’d not made love last night; instead, they held each other as if the threat of harm to Rhain gave them both a need for simple comfort.

  First thing that morning, they scouted their men to see if any sported new bruises or cuts. Dunn did most of the scrutinizing, while Alastair continued to organize the land parties.

  “One-armed Sam…” Who actually possessed two perfectly fit arms. “Teko, but he is too small to fit Mr. Morgan’s description of the attacker, and… You’re not going to like this.”

  He glared at Dunn. “Tell me.”

  “Balls.”

  “Damnation.”

  “My thoughts exactly. That man has been a thorn in my side ever since you started sleeping with him.”

  “Now that is not at all fair.”

  “No?”

  “No, I only slept with him for a month. After I broke it off, he should have stopped acting like he deserved special treatment.”

  “Well, he hasn’t. I’m certain he still thinks he can convince you to take him back. That tiny head of his probably thinks if he gets rid of Mr. Morgan, he will be in your bed the next night. And if he gets into your bed, eventually he will convince you he is a better man for the first-mate post.”

  “We don’t know that; you’re speculating.”

  “Doesn’t matter; we need rid of him anyway. Let’s leave him here.”

  “But what if it was Sam? We can’t assume we have gotten rid of the problem and then have something else happen. Especially at sea.”

  “Leave them both.”

  Shaking his head, he said, “That would be inhumane. It is a good ten miles to the nearest port with nothing in between.” He turned to look at the woods and waved a hand. “This island might be teeming with savages or large predators. We don’t know; we never venture far from this spot when we come here.”

  “Lock them both up until we dock in Dominica. It will only be two days, at any rate.”

  “No, if they are left on Dominica, that is too close to Mr. Morgan and Miss Lydia. Besides, one of the men is innocent.”

  “What, then?”

  “I will talk with Mr. Morgan. Maybe he’s quarreled with one of the men. That might uncover the culprit.”

  Dunn nodded and went on about his duty.

  Two days.

  Two days and Rhain would be out of his life. Possibly forever. Damn, but that man slipped under his skin without notice. He wanted to keep him, protect him, sleep with him curled up beside him every night.

  How did I let this happen? He knew the man would be leaving once they reached Dominica. But the affection between them crept up on him until one day it was just there. A permanent part of him now. The threat to Rhain’s safety, his life, forced him to admit his feelings at least to himself.

  He found Rhain sitting with Miss Lydia and interrupted their quiet conversation. They both jerked their gazes to him, eyes round, and Miss Lydia’s mouth in a guilty-looking O.

  What the devil was that all about?

  “A word with you, Mr. Morgan?”

  “Of course.” He smiled at his sister. “I’ll be right back, love.”

  They walked along the beach away from the crowd, Rhain unbearably handsome with a faint smile on his lips. “We have identified two men that may have attacked you last night. They are both large and very strong, so it could be either. Have you had any other confrontations on ship that would let us identify the culprit?”

  “There were any number of glares and mutters, but nothing more than that. Honestly, I paid little attention.”

  “Would you recognize any of the men showing disrespect?”

  “Perhaps one or two of them, but not all, of that I’m certain.”

  “There is a man just left of the closest skiff. Take a good look at him. Do you recognize him as
one of the men glaring at you?”

  Rhain considered the man for a long time and from various angles as Sam moved barrels of water into the small boat. Rhain shook his head. “No, actually, I don’t believe I’ve been in that man’s company much. Would be hard to ignore him, what with that shock of red hair.”

  Alastair agreed. Sam would be difficult to miss in a crowd. “And that man over there, sitting on the rock pretending to fix a rope?” Balls was busy watching everything that went on but accomplishing next to nothing. Why hadn’t he noticed this about the man? Before, all he saw was someone big and strong who could wind up his desire and push it over the edge.

  No. For a time, he’d ignored the man’s complaints and willingness to stir up trouble. After the affair, the thought to rid himself of the man crossed his mind a few times, but that felt retaliatory, and he let the man stay on.

  Rhain did not even have to think about it. “Yes, he definitely does not seem to like my presence on ship. I’ve seen more than a few glimpses of malice from that one. What did I do to garner his dislike?”

  “Balls and I—”

  “Balls?” Rhain chuckled.

  “Yes, Balls, not called that for any unusual anatomical formations, mind you, but for his fierceness in battle.” He looked at Rhain, admiring his size and bulk. “I’d say you were lucky to sustain no damage, but I’m thankful that you did not.”

  “I do quite enjoy the more brutal sports. Turns out my training helped in a real fight.” He looked at Balls. “And the reason he dislikes me?”

  Alastair cleared his throat. “Yes, about that… I broke a very important rule.”

  “What rule?”

  “I fucked a crew member.”

  Rhain spun on his heel and strode down the beach again.

  Alastair followed.

  “Balls. You fucked Balls?”

  “Yes.” Why did he feel he must explain his actions? He was a healthy man in his prime; no one would expect him to be celibate. He explained nonetheless. “It ended a few months ago. I ended it, rather. The man was more interested than I, said he wanted to be my matelot—my long-term, committed lover. It started to cause problems between us and with other members of the crew, so I ended the affair. I thought he’d accepted our liaison was over. Apparently, he did not.

  “Rhain, stop rushing so that we may discuss this civilly.”

  Rhain looked over his shoulder, a flush on his cheeks, and then looked forward, his tread barely slowing.

  “So what will you do now? Your last lover doesn’t like your current lover. I suppose that is only natural under the circumstances.”

  “I thought I might chain him belowdecks. After all, it is only two days until we reach Dominica and you are safely on land.”

  Rhain stopped dead in his tracks. “Two days?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “I…I didn’t realize.”

  He touched Rhain’s shoulder. “Is everything all right? What is troubling you?”

  Shaking off Alastair’s touch, Rhain continued walking. “I suppose when I’m gone, you will let him out. Will let him…”

  “No, Rhain. That ship sailed months ago. I no longer want that man, whether you are here or not.” He reached out, but then let his arm fall. “Do you believe me?”

  “Yes, actually I do. It’s just that I have much to think about right now. I heard some disturbing information from Lydia as well. Probably something I should tell you.”

  “Go ahead.” Was Miss Lydia’s illness returning? That was certainly bad news; she’d seemed so healthy the past weeks.

  “It seems she has started experimenting with kisses.”

  “Kisses?”

  “Indeed. She started practicing with Tim—”

  “What?” He spluttered the response.

  “Quiet! And then moved on to your first mate.”

  “Of all the bloody… Nothing more than kissing?”

  “Thank God, not yet. It probably is a good thing we will be leaving this ship…in two days.”

  Alastair’s mood sank to the bottom of the sea. That was probably true; otherwise, Alastair’s heart would become irrevocably entangled with this irresistible man.

  “So, which kiss did she like the best?”

  Laughing, Rhain said, “She quite liked them both but said the butterflies in her stomach after Conall’s kiss were large and numerous. Her words, not mine.”

  He gave Rhain credit for finding humor in the situation.

  “I’m afraid I will spend the rest of my days keeping her out of trouble.”

  “That may well be your fate. Miss Lydia certainly does have a lust for life.”

  “Yes.” He smiled. “So good to see after years of worrying if she would wake to see the next day.”

  They ran out of beach, and both seemed unable to face abandoning their time together. Pointing to a large piece of driftwood nestled under a tree, Alastair led Rhain there, and they sat watching the aqua-blue water rippling. His crew went about their duties, calling to one another, and the faint clatter of their chores carried on the humid breeze.

  Rhain laced his fingers through Alastair’s, the touch so bittersweet, his heart lurched a few times in his chest.

  “I worry about her. I do believe she has developed tender feelings for First Mate Dunn. How will she manage after the two of you sail away?” He did not look at Alastair as he spoke.

  Was this comment about Lydia or about Rhain himself? Alastair squeezed his fingers but had no idea what to say.

  “Care for a swim? Race you to the water,” Rhain said as he launched himself up. He stripped off his shirt and ran for the water before Alastair had a chance to react.

  “Not fair. You gave no warning.” He laughed and slowed his pace to watch the firm, pale arse and thighs of his lover before he dived into the rippling water.

  They left paradise at midday.

  It was a rare treat to sleep in fresh linens that were not gritty with salt caked into each and every fiber. So Rhain retired to his berth for some time alone. He undressed, lay on the bunk, and enjoyed the island smells trapped in the bedding.

  “Ahh.” He’d barely closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles when a knock sounded on his flimsy door.

  He sighed, then grumbled, “Never any peace on this damn boat.” He resigned himself to losing his few minutes of solitude and slipped on some trousers.

  The moment he opened the door and saw the captain lounging against the opposite wall, he no longer cared to be alone.

  “It is a ship, not a boat.”

  He grabbed the lithe man by the belt and pulled him into the tiny space.

  Alastair was bare-chested in seconds, and they were kissing with a fierceness that belied their encounter in the captain’s cabin a mere hour before.

  “Quick. This must be quick. I’ve something to show you.”

  “I have something to show you too,” Rhain announced, as he stripped out of his trousers and drawers.

  Alastair laughed. Stripping his trousers off, he lay naked on the bunk. “Yes, that thick cock is worth missing many things for, but this is something I think you will regret not seeing if we don’t hurry.”

  “I’m good with a fast toss-off. Are you?”

  “Even better would be a fast suck-off. Lie on top of me, with your face at my rod.”

  Just the thought of this act, which Rhain never considered before, set him to near exploding. Oh, yes. He would definitely enjoy this new fast suck-off.

  Positioning himself in the most erotic tangle of body and limbs of his life, he felt wet heat surround his length before he even had a chance to enjoy the prettiness of his lover’s cock. “God. That feels… Oh, God. So good.” He engulfed the staff with much less finesse than he planned and shot his load down his pirate’s throat before he even elicited a groan from the man.

  It took several moments before he gained the control needed to caress and nuzzle competently enough to have his lover bucking and moaning. A few moments after that and he hel
d the musky taste of Alastair’s come in his mouth.

  Then he was smacked on the arse and unceremoniously dumped onto the floor.

  “What the—”

  “Up. Dress. You must see this.” Alastair dressed in a flash. How he managed to do that in such a small space, Rhain would never know.

  “What the deuces is so important to see that you deprive me of my post-climax cuddle?”

  Alastair threw Rhain’s trousers, and they hit him in the face. “Shut up, dress, and come to the main deck, and you will find out.” The man was out the door before Rhain even managed to pull up his drawers.

  “Damn pirate. What the bloody hell has gotten into you?” But Rhain was the only one who heard his complaint, as the captain was already topside.

  GOD, HE COULD not stop staring. The expression of awe on Rhain’s face was breathtaking. The dolphins gave a good show as they sailed west, escorting them away from the island. Jumping and chittering with occasional backflips. They were one of the best parts of sailing. Always lifting the spirits of the crew. Making everyone laugh. Alastair wished he could talk to them and ask why they were always so jolly.

  The show was over all too soon. After a handful of minutes, the merry group swam away, after a school of fish, he presumed.

  “That…” Rhain cleared his throat. “That was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.”

  “Yes. I thought it would be. Next time I tell you to move your arse, be quick about it.”

  Rhain smiled. “It was amazing to see. Thank you. However, what we did belowdeck was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. So I don’t feel deprived by only seeing the animals for a few minutes. They were marvelous, but you were more so.”

  The sensation in his body at that moment had to be akin to how a glow worm felt when it lit its body to attract a mate. He didn’t know it was possible to feel this whole, this complete, and this wonderful.

  Lydia rushed over. “Rhain, did you see the huge gray fish that leapt in and out of the water? Oh, I forget what they are called.”

  “Dolphins. Playful creatures. And friendly as well.”

  Lydia squeezed Rhain’s arm. “They look so intelligent.”

  “They are,” added Alastair. “There are many stories about them saving shipwrecked seamen.”