“My ship, it is small. My crew, they are hardy. ’Tis not much, but both will serve as a start for your venture. And I may not be good at arithmetic, as you spare not one chance to remind me,” he winked, “but I happen to have the respect of many merchants in many ports.” He wrapped his arm around her waist crushing her into the curvature of his taut body to which she fit so well. “So, you see, you will have your company.”
The knot of emotions filched her ability to speak. She tried, even moved her mouth. It was all she could do but nod. Nod and focus on his sinful grin.
She had gone from a widowed sailor boy pressed into service on a pirate ship, became a rogue’s pawn in a dangerous family feud, and fallen in love with the pirate captain. And now, in an odd twist of fate, she was to become his business partner. Bran had taken care to see to her future. Men usually don’t welcome women into their occupational affairs. Yet, Bran wanted to stand by her, to see her reach for her dreams and succeed. How was it possible to love him more? One thing for sure, her adoration for him had no bounds.
“Together, darling, we will prosper—as husband and wife.”
Slowly, she set down her wine. Husband and wife? Elyssa’s vision blurred, a lump lodged in her throat.
“I hope those are tears of joy,” he said, dabbing away a teardrop with his thumb. “What do you say, little one? With the blessing of your father and Lord Montgomery, will you be my wife?”
She leapt into his arms, excitably whispering ‘yes’ between kisses. Elyssa’s heart was so full, yet it floated past the glittering stars on the winds of heaven.
“Guess my plundering days are over. I’ve all the spoils I could ever want right here.” Bran laughed, giving her arse a tight squeeze.
“Oh, please say it isn’t true.” She awarded him a coy smile of her own. “I happen to enjoy it when you go a-rogueing. Most especially when you fly your jack and show no mercy.”
“My angel, you wear the devil well.”
“I’ve a pirate to blame.” She winked.
“Ah yes, well this pirate also happens to be very good at giving orders.”
Bran unraveled her legs from around his waist and set her down. He rounded his desk, pulled out a piece of paper, and dipped his quill in the inkwell. “My first order of business.” He handed her the white plume. “A letter home.”
She hugged him with such ferocity, he coughed for air. “I love you, Captain Blackthorn.”
“And I love you, more than you could ever know. Now sit.”
Gladly, she did as he bade. Yes, the sea could swallow her whole. But not just yet. She had a lifetime she wanted to spend with a pirate.
Dear Father,
Please forgive my tardy letter. I am well and, by virtue of an honorable pirate, have an amazing adventure to tell.
About the Author
Jennifer BrayWeber has always wished for real life to mimic fantastical tales of adventure, especially those of the high seas. Holding two degrees, one in Music and Video Business, the other in Liberal Arts, she continued her higher education, that is, until a professor challenged her to further express her creative talents and write a novel. Never one to back down from a dare, her passion led to writing stories of pirates, with her debut novel Upon A Moonlit Sea among the 2009 Golden Heart historical finalists.
Though she hopes to one day live out her life as an island goddess somewhere in the Caribbean, Jennifer currently lives in her native state of Texas with her husband and two daughters.
For more information on Jennifer and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at www.jbrayweber.com.
Romancing the Pirate 01.5 - Beneath The Water's Edge Page 13