Sea of Desire

by Christine Dorsey

  He shifted, settling her more fully on the mattress, and lay on top of her. Her hand still cupped his face, but when she looked up at him her fingers stilled. Her breath caught and she swallowed. “I don’t think we should—”

  Merideth never finished her sentence. The hot hunger of his lips cut her off, made her forget what she’d planned to say. Her arms crept around his neck, pulling him closer, luxuriating in the feel of him, hard and heavy upon her.

  What had started as a slow flame now exploded upon Jared with startling force. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her. And she matched his passion, kiss for kiss.

  He barely knew what he was doing as he yanked the tie of her shift and pulled it down, exposing her rounded breasts to his hands and mouth. She writhed beneath him and his hand delved lower, lifting the shift’s skirt and burying his fingers in the moist heat between her thighs.

  She climaxed instantly, her erotic moans flaming the blaze of his body even hotter. He kissed her—her lips, her cheek, the berry-hard tips of her breasts—and all the while their bodies moved in unison, aching to draw together.

  Jared pulled away to shed his breeches, then unable to bear the separation settled his mouth on her smooth stomach. In his haste the fastenings proved difficult, but her hands were there too, urging him on, helping to free him.

  They sighed in unison when his first thrust brought them together. His probes were deep, and grew more frenzied with each passing second. Jared felt his control slipping away, and then she arched, her body flexing around his, and he exploded within her.

  How long they rode the stormy splendor, Jared didn’t know, but when he finally collapsed by her side he was replete and exhausted. Drawing her close, smiling when she came readily, he fell asleep.

  The call to arms, the loud rattling sound, woke him quickly. Years at sea had conditioned him to the speed with which he donned his breeches and shirt.

  For Merideth the sound was frightening, for she’d heard it before and knew what it heralded. The thought of another battle, of the pain and suffering that accompanied it, shoved from her mind any embarrassment about their making love. She jumped up and grabbed her shift, yanking it over her head. By the time she stepped into her gown and was pulling it over her shoulders, she felt the captain’s eyes on her. She couldn’t help the flush that suffused her cheeks. “Where do you think you’re going?” Jared checked the priming in his pistol, then jammed it into his breeches.

  “To the surgery, of course.” Merideth barely took the time to glance up.

  “Nay!”

  “What?” Now she looked at him, moving into his path when he continued to ready himself and refused to meet her stare. “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t know what is going on. Maybe ‘tis nothing.” Jared shook his head when she began to argue, his unbound hair skimming the breadth of his shoulders. “I’ll send Tim down to let you know.” Grabbing up his cutlass, he headed for the door, pausing before he shut it behind him.

  “Are you going to be all right?” He cocked his head toward the portal. “Can I close it?”

  “Yes.” Merideth gave him a shy smile. “Yes, I’ll be fine.”

  He nodded, then rushed into the passageway, shutting the door behind him.

  Merideth stood, her fingers twisted together, wondering if she spoke the truth. She could handle the door being closed. It was daylight, after all. But what of everything else?

  She could hear the commotion from overhead; cannons rolled, men scurried to battle stations. But there was something else, something that resisted all efforts to make her “fine,” as she’d told the captain.

  She feared she was failing in love with him. And she didn’t know what to do about it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  As sea battles went, Merideth decided, the one this morning was unimpressive. Not that she wasn’t very relieved. The actual fighting lasted less than a quarter of an hour. Just enough time for the Carolina to fire a warning shot and the collier from Wales to strike her colors.

  After that, the privateers made quick work of boarding a prize crew that set off for Morlaix with the captured vessel loaded with coal.

  There was no fighting, no injuries, and for that Merideth was grateful. But there was no marked delay in their arrival time at Land’s End. As strange as it seemed to her, that bothered Merideth.

  No more than a sennight ago, her fondest wish was to return to Banistar Hall and put as much of this unpleasantness as she could behind her. But now...

  Merideth turned her face into the breeze, shading her eyes as she stared toward the setting sun. She took a deep breath of salty air and sighed. Wind whipped through the sails, skimming the schooner ever closer to England. They would arrive off Land’s End by nightfall, a mere twenty-four hours after leaving the roadstand at Morlaix. The fifty-or-so leagues that took three days to sail when traveling east passed quickly with the aid of the prevailing westerly winds.

  Turning, she caught sight of Jared Blackstone standing on the quarterdeck behind her. Garbed in his usual dark breeches and loose-fitting white shirt, he made an impressive sight. His legs were apart, braced against the sway of the ship; his hands were clasped behind him. As she had earlier, he faced their destination.

  But unlike Merideth, he seemed to harbor no regrets about reaching it quickly. Their one encounter since he’d left the cabin this morn, since they’d lain in each other’s arms, was when he’d informed her she would be home by dawn.

  Merideth looked away quickly when she noticed him shift. She didn’t want to be caught staring. But her concern was unwarranted. He simply nodded toward his friend Padriac, who joined him on the quarterdeck.

  “Here’s the final reckoning on the collier’s cargo.” Padriac held out a rolled parchment to Jared. “ ‘Tis likely to sell in France for a handsome sum.” Padriac paused, the tally still in his outstretched hand. “Or then again we may all sink to the bottom of the channel.”

  “What? What nonsense are you blathering about?”

  “I thought that might get your notice. What are you thinking about with such intensity? Or need I ask?” Padriac turned, giving an exaggerated nod to where Merideth stood by the rail on the deck below. “She’s enough to make anyone’s attention wander.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Jared grabbed the parchment, ignoring his friend’s grin as he unrolled it and began studying the figures.

  “Are you telling me the lovely Lady Merideth wasn’t on your mind?”

  “I’m telling you my thoughts are damn well my own, Paddy.”

  Shrugging, Padriac ignored the rebuke. “What do you plan to do with her?”

  “Take her ashore tonight and be done with it.” It sounded so simple when he said it aloud. Why couldn’t he convince himself it was for the best? Jared scanned over the figures, then rerolled the paper. Paddy was right. They’d made a hefty haul this morning.

  He was right about something else too. Jared was thinking about Merideth Banistar earlier. He hadn’t been able to think of much else all day. Hell, he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind since that first night he’d met her. He looked toward Padriac and realized by his friend’s expression that Paddy had spoken again; and again Jared had missed it. “What did you say?”

  Paddy just shook his head. “You have it bad, my friend.”

  “I have nothing... good or bad. Now, what is it you were saying?”

  “I’m only wondering what she’s going to do all alone, with her father dead and all.”

  “She’ll get by. Lady Merideth knows how to take care of herself.”

  “She looks rather forlorn.”

  Sparing her a glance, Jared admitted to himself that her stance could be interpreted as such, but he thought it unlikely. “More than not, she’s thinking of returning to her home.”

  “All alone,” Paddy reminded.

  “You forget, I’ve seen her Ladyship in action. She managed very nicely in Passy. She had a small legion of dandies at her beck and call.”


  “Which I assume you took exception to.”

  “Which,” Jared said, knowing he lied as he spoke, “didn’t bother me at all. And don’t give me that look.”

  Padraic spread his hands wide, an innocent expression on his face. The gesture irritated Jared, partly because it didn’t fool him in the least, and partly because he did feel guilty about Merideth. He strode across the deck, stopping before he reached the ladder to the main deck. “See that a long boat is ready for tonight.”

  “Aye, Captain,” Padraic said. But Jared could hear the Celtic humor in his tone.

  When he reached the main deck, Lady Merideth was nowhere to be seen. Not that he sought her, Jared told himself. But he had thought to remind her they’d be going ashore about midnight. That way he’d avoid detection... hopefully. There was still a British noose waiting for him if he were ever taken on English soil.

  But he didn’t plan to be caught. He planned to take Merideth ashore, see her safely to Banistar Hall, and be back aboard the Carolina before anyone was the wiser.

  That’s why he was particularly annoyed to find Daniel waiting for him in the wardroom with a request.

  “Nay.”

  “That’s it? A simple nay. Am I to hear no explanation?” Daniel asked as he raised a pewter mug to his lips. “We are cousins.”

  “You’re on board my ship, Daniel. A simple nay is all that’s required.”

  “But it’s imperative that I come ashore with you.”

  With an impatient swipe Jared brushed an unruly lock of hair from his forehead. “The only thing that’s imperative is that I get Lady Merideth to Banistar Hall and reboard the Carolina without getting my neck stretched by a noose.”

  “Somewhere there’s information about the traitor.” Daniel shook his head, hurrying on before Jared could interrupt. “Now, I know you think Lady Merideth doesn’t know the name... and I now tend to think you may be correct. But I can’t fathom that Lord Alfred didn’t leave something behind, some clue as to who the person is.”

  “Perhaps he did. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re not going ashore. If there’s a clue to be found, Merideth will find it.”

  “And put the wheels in motion again to sell the information like her father did? In the meantime, who knows how many lives may be lost while this traitor continues to sell information to both sides. Lives like John’s.”

  Jared wondered if Daniel knew how effective that one argument was. “You said John’s death was an accident.”

  When Daniel said nothing, Jared’s hands tightened into fists. “Was it?”

  “I need the name of the spy, cousin.”

  That was no answer... or was it? Or was Daniel using Jared’s love for his brother to get his own way? “I’ll give you half an hour in Banistar Hall, no more.”

  “I understand.”

  “If you’ve found nothing by the end of that time, we leave, and hope Lady Merideth does decide to sell the information if she finds it.”

  “Agreed.”

  Jared forced a gust of air from between his teeth, disgusted with himself that he’d given in so easily. But what the hell did it really matter to him? He hoped Daniel found the traitor. There were few people that he despised more than someone who would sell out his countrymen for profit.

  The image of Lord Alfred moments before he was killed sprang to Jared’s mind. No one would suspect Merry. She has the name. If that was true, she represented all he hated. Yet he couldn’t hate her

  “Be ready by the end of the night watch,” was all Jared said before leaving the wardroom. He stood in the passageway, indecision ruling his mind. He glanced aft toward his cabin, then shut his eyes.

  There was no reason to seek her out. He sent Tim to tell her of the time they would go ashore. And after what happened the last time he was alone with her, he was better off keeping his distance.

  Yet he couldn’t.

  Even as he clasped his hands and turned to stare toward the ladder leading to the hatch, Jared knew. With a deep breath he turned and strode toward his cabin.

  The door was ajar, which didn’t surprise him. What did was that she didn’t seem to notice him as he stepped inside and quietly shut the door. She was sitting on the cushioned window seat, legs drawn up beneath her skirt, her forehead pressed to the glass of the transom window. She made such a pretty picture against the backdrop of sea and sky, with her golden curls tied in a ribbon, that he was loath to disturb her.

  But she must have sensed his presence, for she turned, a tinge of rose staining her cheeks as she stared at him.

  “Nay.” Jared held up his hand. “Please stay seated,” he said as she started to rise. “I just came to...” What in the hell had he come for? He hadn’t anticipated it would be this difficult to face her after last night. Even after the first time they’d made love it wasn’t this trying.

  “I came to tell you we’ll be anchoring near Land’s End soon. At the end of the night watch I’ll take you home.”

  “Tim told me.”

  “He did.” Jared clasped his hands behind his back. “That’s good.”

  The silence spread uncomfortably. Jared staring down at her. Merideth sitting with her hands folded on the brocade silk of her petticoat.

  “Well, then,” Jared finally said. “I suppose that’s it.” He turned to leave, but paused, his hand on the latch when she spoke.

  “Captain Blackstone.”

  “Aye.”

  “Our... our relationship has been rather stormy.”

  “Aye, it has.” A grin softened his expression, deepened his dimple.

  “When I first saw you, I thought... well, you know what I thought.”

  “That I came to do harm to your father.”

  “Yes.” Merideth paused. “I’m still not certain why you did come to Banistar Hall.” Merideth stood and shook her head when he would have answered. “Your contention that my father was a traitor is something I cannot... will not accept. Your own cousin, the man who sent you, can’t even say he was.” After pacing the width of the cabin, she turned to face him. “However, I don’t believe you killed him.”

  Arching his brow, Jared leaned back against the door. “What brought you to that conclusion?”

  Merideth couldn’t help smiling. “I’m not sure.” Her expression sobered. “But when I return to Land’s End, I intend to discover who did murder him.”

  “Don’t.”

  “I...” Merideth, who was expecting at least a word of appreciation for her admission that she believed in his innocence, was taken aback. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying”—Jared moved across the cabin, grabbing her shoulders when she would have retreated from him—“I’m telling you to leave it be.”

  “But I—”

  “Let it go, Merideth.” His fingers tightened as he looked down into her blue eyes—eyes shadowed slightly by fear. Jared took a deep breath, knowing he should reinforce that fear, yet loathing to do so. He forced his hands to relax their grip. His palms skimmed the flesh-warmed silk of her sleeves as he turned away. “Go home and forget this ever happened.”

  “Forget this...” Merideth stepped in front of him, forcing Jared to meet her gaze. “How can you suggest such a thing? My father was murdered.”

  “And the same thing could happen to you!”

  Her gasp made Jared lower his voice, but the intensity never left his expression. “It isn’t safe for you to pursue this.”

  Merideth took a step back, then another, dread forming a tight knot in the pit of her stomach. Could she have been wrong to think him blameless in her father’s death? “Are you threatening me?”

  “Nay. Not I. But someone wishes you harm. At least someone in France did. I can’t help but think it was related to your father’s death.”

  “But that’s ridiculous. No one—”

  “The man who climbed in your window in Brittany, near Morlaix.”

  “A thief, but—”

  “The runaway co
ach in Paris.”

  Merideth’s eyes widened. “Ben told you of that? But it was only—”

  “The highwayman outside of Passy.”

  “As you say, a mere highwayman. Regrettably they are a menace. However—”

  “He was after you. Not money. Not jewels. You.”

  “How could you possibly know that?” Merideth stood still, barely able to breathe as Jared stared down at her. The color drained from her face when he finally answered.

  “He told me. Moments before he was shot, he told me.”

  Held by the trance of his words, Merideth could do naught at first. Then she swallowed. The soft rustle of silk sounded as she turned away. “You’re saying this to frighten me.”

  “Hell yes.” Jared looked down at his hands. “But that doesn’t make it any less true.” His eyes closed and he took a deep breath. When he opened them again she was staring at him. “If you have any information about a spy—”

  “I don’t!” Her eyes flashed in anger. “Is that what this is about? Frightening me into telling you the name of the traitor?”

  “Nay.” Reaching for her only seemed to fuel her anger. She jerked from his grasp and paced to the windows. When she turned to face him her color was high and her breasts heaved beneath the gold locket.

  “I have told you repeatedly I know nothing about your traitor. My father knew nothing.” She was less sure of this last statement but in her present state was willing to blame everything on Captain Blackstone. “He was killed because of you. Oh, maybe you didn’t shoot the pistol, but it was because of you.” Merideth took a deep breath. “You came to inform me when we’d be leaving the ship. I shall be ready.” Merideth turned away, signaling his dismissal.

  After a long pause, she heard him open the door. “And Captain Blackstone,” she said before he left the cabin. She whirled about to face him. “After tonight, you needn’t concern yourself with my welfare.”

  “If only it were that simple, Lady Merideth,” he said before slamming the door behind him.

  Merideth stared through the murky darkness toward Banistar Hall. Earlier, when the Carolina had weighed anchor, moonlight had limned the familiar cliffs near the manor. The sight had evoked a strong feeling of longing. But now clouds and fog shrouded all but the dimmest of outlines.