Danielle was having the same problem with his presence. She knew she should hate this man for all the damage he had done to her countrymen but her mind would not allow that he was all bad. Perhaps the story Ricardo had told her earlier had placed the first doubts in her mind. She had known him for less than a week and her thoughts were filled with him. Her body tensely awaited their next encounter, which was surely to come sooner or later.
Scott put down the pen before he made a complete mess of his ledgers. He looked out the window at the coming night and back to Danielle fingering the coverlet on the bed.
"If you would put your knit cap back on, I would go with you to the deck. You may enjoy the fresh air and the gentle breeze."
"Is this a trick, Pirate?" She would love to be up on deck and out of this stuffy cabin. The room seemed much too small with the two of them in it.
"You are a damn, obstinate woman! Do you want to fight about everything? I just thought you might enjoy it--But if not, fine by me." He turned back to his desk.
"I’m sorry." She hated to admit she was being an obstinate witch. "There are times I know I cannot restrain my mouth."
"I’ve noticed."
Danielle ignored the taunt. "But I would like to go on deck, if you’ll still let me." She waited for his nod and looked around for the small cap wondering where it may have disappeared.
Scott saw its tip sticking out from under the bed where he had thrown it earlier in the day. He moved across the room and bent to pick it up. He turned to hand it to her. Before he let her have it he reached out and felt the smooth silkiness of her hair. "Such a shame to cover it." He released the cap into her hands.
By the time he went to open the door her hair was once more covered and she was right behind him. "You will have to stroll on your own I’m afraid. For it would look rather strange for me to escort a young ‘lad’ across the deck of the ship. I will be on the quarterdeck if you need me and I want you back in this cabin within the hour. Understood?"
She was so anxious to get into the fresh air once more, she would have promised anything. "Yes, Captain."
"I would also like it if you would call me Scott. After all, I call you by your name." He watched her turn her face toward him. "Could you say it, please."
"Yes, Scott," she spoke softly. His name came easily to her lips as that was how she already thought of him in her mind. But she was shocked that the man had actually said please. Where was the hardened murderer she had heard so much about?
The door open, they both moved to the deck. The large muscular captain going up the stairs to the quarterdeck, the ‘lad’ crossing to the rail to look out over the sea. The moon was barely up on the horizon and it sent rippling reflections of the shining orb across the glassy water to the edge of the ship. The breeze Scott had promised was indeed in residence and cooled the flushed cheeks on her face.
Scott talked to the helmsman about their route, his eyes watching the movements of Danielle. Now that he knew of her female sex, it was beyond him why everyone could not see it. The way her hand stroked the smooth wooden railing… her gentle stroll, the swaying of her hips evident even in the looser breeches. How she looked into the wind and felt its gentle caress across her face. Scott realized the helmsman had asked him a question and was waiting for his answer.
"Sorry, Tom. What was that you said?"
"I was just mentioning the moon, sir. A storm be brewin’ in the next couple of days I think."
Scott looked at the ring around the moon, giving it an eerie appearance. It amazed him still how a hardened seaman could look at the sky and tell of a storm abrewing. But after years of experience he knew it was so and agreed. But a storm was nothing for The Scarlet Eagle. She had seen many in the past and would see many more before she was berthed for a final time. True to her word, Scott saw Danielle making her way back to the cabin within the hour. He bade his seaman good night and followed in her wake.
He was happy to see she had once more removed the cap to let her hair fall free. Such luxurious tresses should not be hidden from view.
The rest of the evening passed swiftly. Scott determined not to make her angry, was every bit a gentleman. He entertained her with funny little tales of his life while she chuckled in all the right places and was exceedingly pleasant in return. But underneath the surface both were aware of what went unsaid. Soon it was time to go to bed as the day started early on the sea.
Scott went across to a built-in cupboard and retrieved the blanket and one of his shirts from within it. "You can use this shirt for your nightrail. It should be long enough for your modesty. You can’t very well continue to sleep in all your clothes every night." He placed them on the window seat for her use.
Danielle thanked him and stood, not knowing what she was supposed to do. She couldn’t very well undress with him standing there.
Scott read the question in her eyes. He blew out all the candles except one which he handed to her. He sat on the edge of the bunk and removed his boots and socks. Casually he untied his breeches and slid them over his hips. He folded them and placed them on a chair. Then pulling his shirt above his head, he was completely nude. It was a little late to hide himself from her he decided. She had seen all there was to see. Even at this moment he could feel her eyes following him. He wanted to chuckle. She was curious, that was sure. He crawled under the blankets covering his ever hardening manhood and rested his head on the palm of his hand. He smiled and watched her across the room.
Her eyes met his. "Turn your back so I can disrobe!"
"But that doesn’t seem fair. You’ve seen me with nothing on. I now want to see you. I already know what you look like unclothed you know." he taunted.
Her eyes opened wide. "How could you know? Did you peek through the door when I had my bath?"
He laughed out loud. How enchanting this little spitfire was. "No, but I’ve held you close in my arms remember, and even clothed I know every inch of you," he teased.
Danielle stomped a foot and motioned impatiently for him to turn his back to her.
Scott chuckled and did as she wished, rolling over and facing the wall.
Danielle swiftly removed her clothes. She slipped his shirt over her head and was surprised at the feel of the soft silk against her skin. It came almost to her knees and though there was still a lot of leg showing, it would make do. She blew out the last candle and lay down on the window seat, pulling the wool blanket over her. She knew sleep would be a long time coming this night. Though there was no light in the cabin, the presence of the man a few feet across the darkened room filled her thoughts.
She rolled over on her back, feeling the slow pitching motion of the ship. She placed her arms behind her head, her fingers entwined and stared into the darkness overhead. The image of Scott was clear in her mind. She had never met a man like him before was obvious, and her inexperience had not prepared her for one such as he. He was by far the most handsome specimen she had ever encountered. His thick curly hair resting against his collar. Those thick long lashes that framed strange green eyes that sometimes turned steel Grey as when his passions were aroused or his temper flared. How his bronze skin showed off the whiteness of his teeth when he laughed. He was arrogant, sure of himself, a natural leader that men seemed to follow willingly. He was master of this ship and Danielle felt his presence in the very air she breathed.
From where Scott lay he watched the moonbeams come through the window to drape the tiny form. He rolled over onto his back so he couldn’t see her. He closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. But Danielle’s movements made relaxing impossible. He could hear her sigh as she rolled first one way, then another, never seeming to find a comfortable position. He stood this for over an hour until his patience was finally at an end.
"Damn!" He cursed under his breath and threw back his blanket. He stood and strode across the room. He put his arms under the shoulders and the bend of the knees, picked her up before she had a chance to fight him and strode back to his bed.
He dropped her unceremoniously onto it and started to climb in beside her.
Danielle screeched, scampering to her knees against the wall as far away from him as she could get. "Why did you do that? I will not sleep here, Scott!"
"That’s fine! You lay here awake, but maybe when you settle down at least I will be able to get to some rest!" He grabbed her shoulders and forced her back against the bed. He threw one knee over her legs to still her movements and his arm rested heavily across her midriff. She lay frozen, afraid to move, her eyes open and staring into nothingness.
Scott pulled the blanket once more over both of them and with a sigh lay down in silence. He smiled into the darkness before closing his eyes.
When his body seemed to relax Danielle tried to roll over and face the wall. She could never sleep on her back and was only trying to get more comfortable. Her posterior accidentally rubbed against his groin before she inched away from him. She heard a groan from behind her.
"Danielle, if you do not stop your wriggling around, I will not be held responsible for my actions."
Danielle immediately froze and waited for him to do something. But all was silent and gradually she relaxed as she heard his even breathing of sleep. Finally, she too, succumbed to slumber as the warmth of his body surrounded her.
Scott woke at his usual hour of dawn. His eyes were filled with the vision of loveliness before him. She had turned to face him in her sleep and her head rested on the curve of his shoulder and her cheek lay against his bare chest. He could not keep his hand away from a stray curl lying against her neck. He twined it in his finger, the silkiness clinging to him. Reluctantly releasing it, his hand moved the blanket away to look at the lower part of her body. Her shirt had pulled above her waist in her sleep and all her femininity was exposed to his heated gaze. His eyes glued to the tight curls at the junction of her legs. He instantly grew hard with passionate need. His hand of its own free will roved down her hip to her smooth and slender thigh. He traced around it with his fingers to where her legs came together and up over her flat stomach to her tiny navel. Aware of her wakefulness he raised his glance to hers.
Danielle looked into his eyes feeling only the warmth of him next to her. How right she felt there. Not fully awake it seemed the most wonderful place to be.
Her eyes were still glazed with sleep when he brought his mouth gently over hers. Her lips were soft beneath him as he started a back and forth pressure, moving slowly and tenderly, feeling the response igniting in her body. Gradually his pressure increased until her mouth opened to allow his tongue to enter and stroke her own.
Fire ignited in Danielle’s body. She knew nothing except the magnificent feel of him kissing her. Their tongues entwined, then he moved his back almost out of her mouth before plunging into its depth once again. Danielle raised her arms to reach around his neck and held him firm in her embrace. She didn’t want him to stop what he was doing as the heat started from her feet and moved up through her entire being. She moved her mouth in response to his, learning what felt good and what made him respond. She heard a low growl from his throat as he took her breath away. There was nothing she could do to stop him now if she wanted to, which she didn’t. She had been waiting for this man her entire life.
His arm surrounded her bringing her against his length and his hand roamed down her back, forcing her closer to his swollen manhood. He pulled her tightly against the rising need in him for fulfillment.
He reached down for the hem of her shirt and lifted it over her head exposing her breasts. His mouth left hers to leave a trail of molten kisses down her neck to one of her breasts, licking its erotic point before sucking it deep inside his mouth. Danielle gasped as the flames ignited. She pushed her lower body against his hardened staff wanting more. His tongue continued to wrap itself around the rapidly hardening peak until Danielle thought she was going to pass out. A groan escaped from deep in her throat. He was doing amazing things to her and she prayed he would never stop. He moved his head to the other breast holding it in his hand as he gave it the same attention as the one before.
Scott raised himself over Danielle and moved his body on top of her. He spread her legs with his knee until his hips were enclosed in her inner thighs.
Danielle felt the swollen rod of him hot against her. Instinctively, she arched to accept him but he refused to enter. His hand instead came between her legs and touched her gently at first seeking her inner core. His fingers slipped inside her moist center and his thumb caressed the sensuous nub within her silky folds. Gradually his motions became more ardent and fire as hot as a volcano erupted between them. She felt the rising of the tides of ecstasy making her writhe beneath him demanding fulfillment. When she did not think she would be able to bear another second of this torture, Scott moved above her and grasped her buttocks with both hands. He had wanted to go slowly for her, this being her first time, but if he didn’t get inside her soon he was liable to explode. He lifted her hips for his entry and barely slid inside her opening, trying to take it slow. She arched against him at the same time and his body, taking control, plunged deep. A searing pain broke through her and she tried to push away.
Scott held tightly refusing to let her move. "Easy, love. The pain will go away soon. Just relax." He whispered love words in her ear, his breath searing along her neck. Once more he took her lips, this time with urgency in a demanding kiss, sucking her tongue deep into his mouth.
He was right. The pain was nearly forgotten as he moved so gently in and out of her core. The building within her was climbing higher and higher to reach some unknown peak of satisfaction. She didn’t want him to move slower. She was wanting faster and let him know with her body her desires.
Gradually his hips began to increase in speed with a powerful driving force. He reached down between them to touch the magic nub at her center. His thumb barely touched her when he felt her tighten around him as she reached her orgasm. Only then did he allow himself to gain his own release. His movements came faster and faster until their fulfillment burst forth with a magnitude of earth shattering magnificence. They both groaned the name of the other at near the same time and held each other tightly for quite a while. Their labored breathing began to slow and contentment settled upon the pair, their sweaty bodies glistening in the light of day. Scott rolled to his side taking her with him. Her head lay on his chest while his arms still held her close to his side.
Danielle was the first to speak. "You took unfair advantage, my pirate." Her voice was husky. She ran her fingers along his jaw line, the sparkle in her dark eyes and slight uplift of her still swollen mouth told more than anything of her satisfaction. "But mercy, I’m glad you did."
He tried not to laugh at her statement. "All is fair in love and war, my sweet. And had I only known what awaited me in your arms I would have started days ago." He leaned over and kissed her on the end of her nose. Never had any woman aroused him to such a pitch, and took from him everything he had to give. An innocent virgin who’s passion had met him stride for stride to reach the completion of such amplitude, that of which he had never before imagined.
Danielle cuddled close to him and rested her chin once more upon his chest, her arm thrown gently across his body. Her eyes closed and a contented smile crossed her lips.
Scott gently caressed her back, drinking in the sight of her, as she dozed back to sleep.
Later he slipped from the bed, leaving her sound asleep. He stared at her the entire time he was getting dressed. How very beautiful she was, yet she did not act in any way as if she knew it. She was not like the women he had known previously. Not counting the whores of the London streets, but the pampered English women he had known whose only interest was their own well being. He had to admit, this little piece of femininity had given more of herself and taken more out of him than anyone ever before had. Could love happen this suddenly? If it was not love, then it was damn close to it. He pushed that thought from his mind. There was too much he still had to do before he could
possibly quit the sea and take a wife… Maybe he could take a wife and continue to search for his father on the sea. Lots of married men were sailors. God, what was the matter with him? One night with her in his bed and his mind had turned to sludge. He took one more glance at her and headed out the door.
Scott stood at the helm and stared at the sky. The black clouds were drawing nearer and the wind had been gradually increasing. The storm was moving in sooner than expected. Some squalls took days to blow over. He hoped this was not the case. His mind dwelled on more pleasant ways to spend his time. Just thinking of Danielle lying nude in his cabin turned him as hard as a rock. He groaned and brought his attention back to The Scarlet Eagle, steering her into the face of the storm.
Danielle woke to find herself alone in the cabin. She stretched her arms above her head letting the blanket fall to her waist. What a wonderful day! She was in love! It had happened so suddenly. She had never believed in love at first sight but there was no other way to explain it. Even when she was pretending to be a young man she’d found everything about him attractive. And when she looked at him she had wondered what it would be like to make love to him. She relived the hours previous, smiling to herself. What a glorious way to be woken up in the morning.
She slipped her bare feet to the cold floor and stood up. Her body was sore from his strong arms and passion. She groaned and stretched her back. The motion of the ship suddenly lurched and she had to grab a hold of the table to stay upright. She noticed the blood stains on her thighs and worked her way to make it to the washstand. The water kept sloshing over the side with each sideward motion. She somehow managed to wash herself clean and pull on her breeches. She had to try twice to retrieve her shirt from the floor where Scott had tossed it the previous night. Once dressed, she looked out the porthole at the rising swells banging against the side of the ship. Rain was coming down in torrents, obscuring her vision of the outside. The room was becoming colder and Danielle wrapped herself in the wool blanket.
The Gypsy Witch Page 7