by Jewel Adams
“Yes, Rogan.” How could she not believe in this extraordinary man? The warnings rang that he could hurt her more than any physical pain previously inflicted. Rogan held her heart, something Jimmy never touched, and it was so very fragile. Corin realized she’d never survive the blow should Rogan carelessly discard her love.
Rogan pulled his shirt off, holding her with the power he refused to ease. Should he fail, and her fears, so long a part of her, win, Rogan would lose her. She may have been with another, but he knew she had never been loved.
He flexed his fingers to keep them from shaking over the questions rising before him. Was he man enough to hold such a woman? God, he would kill another for asking this of him, but it was his thought none the less. Corin was so much more than any woman he ever slept with before because she meant his very life. It was an admission Rogan never confronted before she entered his life, and with it came a very real fear that he might fail her. She trusted him, and Rogan cherished her gift; she was the woman he wanted in his life… “forever, Corin.”
His conviction broached no denial and she gave none. She allowed the love in her heart to flourish and carry her to him. Her hand reached out, and she touched the ebony wave at his brow, brushing it back. “Forever Rogan, I promise.”
Aphrodite knelt before him on the bed, and like a goddess, he felt she could shatter into a thousand shards of glass.
Corin gave into the desire flaming to life. Her hands fell to his bronze chest. The bold firm wall of muscle felt smooth and vitally dangerous beneath her touch. Rogan was a golden force, all strength and power, one she wanted to feel. Crazy, unreasonable, she no longer listened to the warnings. Her feelings for Rogan only left room for the man. “I’ve never touched…” biting her lip she realized she spoke her wonder.
“I’ve never felt a woman’s touch burn me as you do.”
Shyly, her silken tipped eyelids rose to meet his strikingly dark eyes like the Caribbean waters…she couldn’t believe he was looking at her with the same wonderment. Lowering her lips to his chest, she felt wild and free with the knowledge this man honestly wanted her. Drunk on the reality, her satin lips tasted and discovered his bold male essence. “You are beautiful, Rogan.”
His laughter sounded rich and heavy with awakening passion. “My golden-eyed cat purrs so beautifully.”
Her nails raked his tight ribs. “This cat’s claws would never harm the one she loves.”
Both his hands wrapped in her hair, bringing her to him. “Do you, Corin? Do you love me?”
His features were so hard and fierce they actually scared her. She never thought… “Yes Rogan, yes I do.”
A deep growl came from within him. “Corin…” his kiss held the force of male possession, and Corin clung to him, never wanting to leave the haven he wove about them.
“My life, my love, stay with me, Corin.”
“Yes Rogan, oh yes.”
Rogan slipped his shirt from her exotic body. As she knelt, the long midnight locks of her hair curved about her like an enchantment. Mysterious darkness touched honeyed cream, and he feasted on her loveliness.
Firm and proud, her full breasts graced her petite beauty in wanting; lush curves, the deep copper nipples called to his male wildness as if their nectar could tame the fierce longing tearing through him. Rogan’s thirst drank of the sweet passion. He held her up before him as his mouth covered the satin richness of her breasts, loving each in equal ardor.
Corin’s head fell back in abandon as she buried her fingers into the rich sinful thickness of his hair. His lips and tongue worked their magic, creating a spring of sensual coils rippling through her body. The heat of fire burned deep inside her womb arching her toward him, wanting to feel every fiery stroke. She wanted to blend herself within him in a way only a woman can with the man she cherishes.
Laying her back, his large palms spread out and over the surrendering woman. Corin was his! He’d never wanted a woman in this way, and he’d settle for nothing less than total possession.
His mark would touch her very soul, binding her throughout eternity to him; their power could never be broken or crushed.
Rogan tried to gentle the force inside him as he touched her and caressed every silken inch of her satin flesh. She felt smooth and rich beneath his coarse hands; such beauty felt like hot rum rushing through his blood. He reveled in the feel of her nails biting into his scalp as he ran his tongue down the center of her stomach… sweet.
The erotic scent of her sexual musk teased his senses as he drew closer to the core of her sex. Rogan pulled back to take in the dark line of tight curls covering her rich folds. He ran his finger across the top of the silken barrier, smiling when he heard her suck in her breath. His hand covered the dark curls; she felt hot and delicious as she rose to press into his palm. She was so small… he took hold of her hips and held her as he lowered his lips to taste the sugar that called to him.
When his tongue drove between the heated folds, he stilled her arching with a gentle massage to one of her breasts. He wanted to be sure she was ready for him and Rogan wasted little time once he found the fleshy nub of her excitement. His tongue played over the hot core before sucking her. Her cries grew wild, her nails ripped his shoulders but Rogan wouldn’t let anything stop him from bringing her into the throes of passion.
He was driving her crazy; Corin never imagined how it could be as the sensation raced through her. She could feel her own hot fluids flowing in answer to his manipulations. “Rogan, please…”
“Not yet, my cat.” To himself: I’ll burn the memory from you. I swear only I will fill your dreams and hold your love. Trust me, Corin.
He smiled as her eyes grew heavy over the passionate ecstasy as he trailed his tongue over the molten folds of desire.
The deep wanton moans were hers, but she could no more stop them than halt the path of his loving to the center of her pussy. And as he drove his tongue into the slick entrance of her sex, she shamelessly rose to greet him. So many sensations, how did he know to do all these things? “Oh, it’s not fair!” she cried out, making him laugh against her clit. His hot breath sent a shiver of excitement through her, tightening her lower muscles, making her vagina contract. She groaned over the empty feeling it instilled, knowing exactly what she wanted to grip within those tight walls of sensitive flesh.
“Rogan. I can’t take any more.”
“I’ll be glad to let you have a turn, my love, later.”
When his tongue licked across the tight entrance, she tried to move away, but only gave him more freedom with her. Her fingers pulled at his shoulders only to have his large hand capture them both. “You… must stop. Rogan, please stop.” Her breathless plea drew a fierce growl of refusal from him.
“Feel me, Corin, only me and the pleasure.”
His command wasn’t necessary; how could she think of anything but what and where his lips were taking her, the sensations that went beyond her control.
The richest furs could not touch her softness. Like silken threads, the dark tempting curls beckoned him and Rogan slowly delved into the rich nectar of her sex, drawing out the sweet fluids that would ensure his smooth entry.
Her breathless whimpers were filled with throaty pleasure and the feeling of pure power filled his lustful veins. Retracing his course, Rogan recaptured her swollen lips, and his tongue plundered the warmth that was Corin. And with each play of his tongue, her body moved against his, seeking that part of him she hadn’t touched…
“Hold me, Corin, wrap your hand around my cock, feel the power it holds for wanting you.” He rained kisses over her, delighting in the silent battle she waged not to obey him. But when he felt her hand close about his girth, he captured her lips and showed her exactly what she held, the power she possessed over him.
He was so big… she never thought of how large he might be, and the thought suddenly stunned her. But when his cock jumped in her hold as if seeking her, she gripped it and yes, she felt the power pulsing in her
hold. Her fear turned to excitement as she fondled this marvelous part of Rogan. The way it sought her out made her own sex contract with a desire to feel him inside her.
When she moved it towards her, she heard him moan in pleasure and Corin relished the thrill she realized she controlled. She moved her hand over the swollen head, pressing her finger over the opening and drawing out the slick fluid her touch called forth.
With great effort, Rogan regained his control. She wanted him as much as he did her. Pleasure was something Rogan knew how to give a woman, but with Corin he knew only that he didn’t want her to feel any pain or fright. He must know…
With great care, he played with her passionate folds as she worked his cock, then Rogan’s finger entered her. She became a wild cat in his arms… she was so ready for him. Rising above her, Rogan positioned her to receive him, holding her gaze to him. He touched her entrance with the head of his cock, moving over it, combining their fluids until she reached for him. He wanted her to feel him, and he laid his pulsing shaft over the length of her sex so she wouldn’t fear this part of him that would conquer her. For in this, a man ruled.
When he saw her eyes dart away from him, he said, “Corin, I won’t hurt you. Look at me.”
He eased her legs apart with his powerful thighs, holding her ready. His hand cupped her breast. “Kiss me love; hold me.”
Corin’s hands pulled him to her, her teeth caught his bottom lip. She could taste herself on him and it stirred the fires inside her. Their tongues battled until he took control back and flooded her senses. She was beyond herself, reaching for what he held away. Her hips rose to tell, show him she wanted him to be inside her.
Rogan held her and drove hard and fast into the moist warm folds. His kiss smothered her cry, and he held her until she stilled. His hands caressed her, running down the length of her hair, talking softly into her ear. Slowly, he began to ease back, letting her body hold and become accustomed to him. When he felt the way her velvet warmth closed and tried to prevent his leave, he let her wrap about him, but she couldn’t tame the wild desire she called from him.
He raised her legs up. “Hold on to me, Corin.”
She did and as his driving force went beyond the tender control he fought to maintain, Corin held on with all the strength in her possession, for he was her’s, and she wanted every masterful essence of his manly shaft.
The storm grew fierce and wild. Rogan took Corin to the very eye of the fury, and then he held her on the edge of ecstasy’s realm.
“Take me, Corin, meet me… I’m here for you.” And she did. The waves of climatic fury washed over her, and he drove deeper than ever before until she felt the very essence of Rogan flood her womb.
Rogan was fierce as he claimed his woman, spilling his rights deeper than anyone could touch or steal away. Corin was his and every instinct known to man was in the claiming.
Chapter Nine
Black Diamond
Snuggling deep into the covers, Corin searched for the warmth no longer there.
“Rogan? Hold me again… I’m cold.”
When no strong arm came to pull her back into the safe crook of his shoulder, Corin sat up in alarm.
Through the beginning shaft of dawn light, she could see the cabin was empty. “Rogan?”
A terrible fear took hold of her. “He’s left me…” tears burned her lids.
Gathering the sheet about her naked body, she scrambled off the bed. Tripping and dragging the mass of cloth, she searched for her clothes. When she failed to find her own clothes, she started looking for his shirt.
The sudden movement of the Tempest made her grab the bed. “The sails.” Before she could put her thoughts in order, the door swung open.
The stark fear he saw in her froze him in place. “Corin, what’s wrong?”
Her cheeks flooded crimson. Of course, he didn’t leave you, you little fool; he’s set sail.
“Nothing, I couldn’t find my clothes.”
He decided from that day forward if she ever again said nothing, he’d be in full awareness. As he went to her, she couldn’t face him; he believed he knew the problem. “I had to be on deck, Corin, I am the captain.”
“Of course, I know that.”
“Yes, I know you do.” He wouldn’t embarrass her more than she chastised herself. She certainly gave out self-punishment in strong doses.
“Where are my clothes, Rogan?”
“Don’t you like my shirts?”
Glaring at him, she looked cute when she blushed liked that.
His eyes were their own seduction. How she wished they could stay here alone a while longer. “I promise to wear it when we are alone, but I better stick to the pants for your crew’s benefit.”
He moved over to make his log entry, stalling for what he’d soon have to tell her.
“When will you reach the island? I really think…”
Realizing she failed to finish her statement, Rogan turned to see what stopped her. “Good God, Corin!” She was as pale as death and her body shook where she stood in front of the bed. He raced to her side. “What is it, love?”
When she just stood there, he gently turned her toward him. “Corin, tell me what has upset you so.”
Her bottom lip quivered. “It’s… blood, I don’t… I don’t understand. How could I…?”
He felt her knees give way. Scooping her up in his arms, Rogan took her away from the evidence he already discovered. Sitting down with her cradled in his arms, he said, “Hush love, it’s all right.” God was right to keep that imbecile of a man out of his reach. His hand ran down the length of her tousled hair to soothe away her shock.
Corin didn’t want to remember that night and fought the memory.
“Don’t, Corin, it’s over.”
~ * ~
The hot bath felt like heaven to Corin’s tender limbs. She laid back and tried to feel Rogan’s comforting arms about her again. He’d been so caring and understanding. He was right… it didn’t matter, except that Corin felt his unspoken pride that she was a virgin.
Her shock and revulsion over what Jimmy tried to do that night must have prevented her from understanding, but then Corin wasn’t exactly well versed in that area. Her mother never spoke of it, and Corin’s main concern was keeping Jimmy’s hands where they belonged.
Sighing and sinking beneath the surface, Corin knew that adolescent petting didn’t come close to what she shared with Rogan many times before dawn.
She wanted to linger, but the prospect of reaching Black Diamond’s Island sent her out of the cooling, scented water. The essence of roses clung to her skin and hair; she felt so strange and different. To have a man like Rogan loving her made her feel special, and more of a woman than she thought to find within herself.
Corin stopped before the mirror—she decided the changes were all inside except the happy glow in her cheeks. Slipping on one of his shirts, she swept the blanket around her as she waited for Rogan to return. He never did tell her where her clothes were. She wanted to go on deck and see the Tempest in the daylight. No, she knew full well what she wanted was to be beside Rogan.
He wasn’t going to change his mind about the council and the revenge he sought for his brother. Corin wouldn’t try and ask him not to do that again, but she became determined to know what he planned. Rogan continued getting in trouble ever since she’d known him. Corin didn’t think he would act very rationally once he learned the man’s identity. Whatever it took, she would keep Rogan safe and no one, not even Rogan, would keep her from helping him.
The activity on deck drifted in through the open shutters at the end of the cabin. Pulling up one of the large chairs, she curled up in it and watched the white foam trail of their passage through the deep blue ocean water.
It wasn’t until the water changed to that crystal blue that she became impatient with Rogan. They were entering the reefs, and she remained in this cabin! “You did this on purpose, didn’t you Captain… Dragon!”
K
nowing she was truly on a pirate ship, and the only woman didn’t stop her temper from flaring. The more she stewed, the more determined she grew not to remain in nothing but his shirt.
She stalked back to the wardrobe and started pulling out a pair of his pants. Holding them up, the large size only made her think about how to deal with them. Using the rope he tied her with, she managed to hold the pants about her waist. With the shirt tucked in and all the sleeves and pant legs rolled up, she finally felt dressed. Rather rugged, but she looked more the boy than ever before.
To ward off the boredom, she took one of his large hats, laughing at the feather decoration. “They really wear these things.” She pulled her hair up and coiled it on top of her head, then placed the hat on. “Not bad for a lady.”
Actually, it was more concealing than her cap as it hid the feminine features beneath the wide brim. An idea came to her. Pulling the hat off, Corin took one of his scarves. Wrapping it about her head, she made a very secure turban that tied beneath her left ear and she let the scarf ends trail over her shoulder. Only her eyes hinted of the hidden woman, and then only if one knew to look. “Yes, I could pass like this… even better than before.”
“No, you won’t!”
Rogan pulled the scarf away, releasing the mass of billowing waves of hair.
Their eyes clashed, his dangerously cold against her. “Corin, those men up there aren’t gentlemen, and the less they see of you the better.”
“They wouldn’t…”
“No, at least not while I’m here.”
“I understand.” Corin hid her smile from the skeptical rise of his brow.
“Don’t fight me on this, Corin.”
“I’m not… I said I understand. I’ll stay here, you’d best get back… the reefs are close.”
“How did you…”
“The water changed.” Smiling at him, she said, “I learned quite a bit from those old sea captains on the docks.”
She saw his jaw work. He would never accept the independent women of her time.