Sails in Time (Loves in Time Book 1)

by Jewel Adams

  “You are not mad because of the fight!” Corin’s temper got the best of her.

  “You’re right. I’m furious because I took you there in the first place. And that bastard couldn’t keep his lecherous eyes off you.”

  His harsh words fanned her face, making her blink, but the meaning brought a deeply satisfied smile to her lips.

  She watched his awesome body shake over her uncontrollable reaction. But when he ground his mouth over hers, there was no mistake over the meaning.

  “You’re mine!” he made his declaration with all the force in his possession, and Corin melted beneath the onslaught, loving him all the more.

  Her fingers moved through his silky hair, pulling him even closer as she pressed willingly into him, deliberating teasing the evidence of his arousal. Pulling her lips away, she looked up at her fierce warrior. “Yes Rogan, I’m yours, only yours.”

  He lifted her in his strong arms, and she captured his lips to seal her vow.

  Their clothing fell away in frantic haste, and he drove his throbbing cock to the hilt inside her womb with the force of his conviction. Hard and fast, he carried them in the throes of blazing passion, each giving and taking in equal measure to leave their claim on the other.

  Rogan held her as the climax tore through her as her slick folds vibrated around his cock. He’d never felt such power and the rush of his ejaculation slammed into the wall of her womb. Rogan knew what he wanted to happen, what claim he hoped to accomplish! “Mine, Corin, forever!”

  She arched against him, locking her legs around his waist, neither ready to release the other.

  His teeth raked over her shoulder as she slowly calmed in his hold, rolling shivers still moved through her as if she could hold him inside her forever.

  Breathless and exhausted, Corin laid her cheek on his chest; his large hand stroked her hair following the length down her back, and she felt herself tighten around the full solid length of his penis. She could feel him jump inside her in reaction to the endless contractions. Corin breathed deeply, filling her senses with Rogan’s essence. Her lips tasted the salt on his chest, loving the heady feeling it gave her. Her fingers traced the full firm line of muscled shoulders and biceps, reveling in his strength. “I love you—Rogan.”

  His arms tightened around her, but even feeling his love she knew his mood had darkened. Rising away from his chest, she searched his face, “What’s wrong? Are you still mad at me?”

  His finger pulled at her bottom lip. “I was never angry with you, love.”

  “Then…” His finger silenced her.

  “Me.” His sigh felt heavy. “I am the fool. Putting you in such danger. Then to have him look at you like that? God, I wanted to rip his eyes out.”

  This wasn’t the time to increase his jealousy…she knew what Rogan was saying. He’d ruined all his years of planning in one instant. Corin should be thrilled that he would be out of danger. Yet, she instinctively knew a man like Rogan would never let it go. He needed to settle this, and Corin wanted Rogan the man, not some hate-filled shell of roaring revenge.

  She unlocked her legs from around his waist, hating the thought of separating from him, but they needed to talk. He reluctantly let her slide down his body to stand before him.

  “What business do you need to settle? Can’t it wait until you deal with the council?”

  “No.” His coldness returned, sending warnings over Corin. This is what she feared, what she knew her presence caused. Rogan’s unspoken concern for her was what stopped him. “It’s me, isn’t it?”

  “Let it go, Corin.”

  “No.” Moving in front of him, she stopped him from avoiding her. “I don’t like what you feel you must do because of Brian, but you need to finish this, Rogan.”

  “It is too late.”

  “Are you kidding? That man wants you with him… he said so and don’t pretend you didn’t hear what he said to me.”

  His slight smile earned hers.

  “So, we’ll go tonight and make him work at it.”

  “No!”

  “Don’t be so stubborn. I’m not leaving your side. I’ll be safer with you than here alone, and you know it. If he’s going to pull anything, I doubt he’d do it while I’m with you.” Her voice and stance became very serious. “He frightens me and I’m not afraid to admit it.”

  “You can’t stay with me, you know that, Corin. Today held all the proof of what I refused to admit. I was a fool to bring you on the Tempest.”

  She reached up and stroked his cheek. “Then I am a bigger fool for taking you to the Raven.”

  Their gazes met in understanding. “I’m taking you to New Orleans, Corin.”

  She stiffened and moved away from him. Picking up his shirt, she slipped it on before looking back at him. Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed, even though common sense told her he was right.

  Rogan went to Corin and pulled her back against him, locking her in his embrace. “Corin, I have my home there. It is beautiful… the plantation is called Dèsirèe. It is isolated, but my grandmere doesn’t allow it to lay dormant. You will like her and she you.”

  Closing her eyes, she fought back the tears. He would leave her; she hated what he would do to them.

  “Corin, please say you will do this for me and stay with my grandmere?”

  Her head went back. “For you, Rogan, I will stay at Dèsirèe.”

  “When this is over, we will have a proper marriage.”

  In spite of her breaking heart, she smiled, “Are you so sure I will marry you, sir?”

  His arms tightened as he lowered his lips to her ear. “Aye, my cat, you will marry me if I must carry you kicking and screaming down the aisle.”

  Cocking her head to the side, she met his firm gaze. “How I love a forceful man.”

  His hungry kiss stirred the internal flame of passion they lit between them.

  ~ * ~

  Corin stood looking out over the harbor. The fading sun lent an almost magical air to the ancient ships in the calm water. Sighing, she wished her heart could be that calm. Touching her lips, she let the memory of Rogan’s lovemaking take away the loneliness she’d yet to face. Thoughts of how it would be without him at Dèsirèe wouldn’t leave her.

  They would have weeks at sea together before they reached his home, and she clung to that thought.

  Hearing his heavy steps in the companionway, Corin wiped the tears away and forced a bright smile on her lips. Rogan mustn’t realize the hurt she carried—worrying over her could be dangerous for him. What she saw today told her just how deadly it could become for him should he be discovered.

  When he burst through the door, he saw only the loving light for him in her gaze.

  “Corin, come and see what I found.”

  She stood back as he emptied his arms of the packages on the bed.

  “What is all this?”

  “Presents for my lady.”

  She looked at him and the pleased smile on his face as he waited for her to open the gifts. Her fingers shook terribly, causing his impatience to take over as he flung open the lids.

  Her cheeks flamed over the intimate underthings. Pink satin and delicate white lace adorned the elegant articles. “Oh, my, Rogan they are beautiful.”

  Corin’s fingers ran lightly over the chemise and petticoats.

  Rogan stood back and watched the delight sparkling in her eyes. Didn’t anyone ever buy you presents, my love? No, he could see they didn’t, and it was something he’d enjoy changing.

  The silken scarlet, almost black gown made her face beam in an unending smile. Holding it up against her, she knew it would fit perfectly. The neckline was trimmed in delicate black pearls. She turned to Rogan. “Why? It is so much and so beautiful, I wouldn’t dare wear this on deck…it would be ruined.”

  “Dear Cat, you haven’t opened the others.”

  He helped her, laughing at her amazement. “Now, these are for everyday wear.”

  “Oh, they are so ele
gant.” She’d never get used to the finery. Blues and yellows, even a white lace dress with matching underthings were all over the bed; silk abound and cotton of the sheerest quality. Satin that melted in her hands with its softness. A year of tips wouldn’t have paid for the riches these gowns held.

  “Don’t you like them?”

  “You know I do. It is just so much. I’m breathless… they are so lovely.”

  “No more pants, Corin, I can’t tolerate them another day.”

  With these to replace them, how could she argue? Her giggle bubbled up.

  “You had best get ready.”

  “Ready?”

  “Have you forgotten our dinner engagement?”

  “We’re going? But I thought…”

  “You are right… you can’t stay here alone. I don’t trust him. Terry will be along in case Diamond tries anything at his villa. Besides, I don’t believe he’s so willing to accept me as he appears to be.”

  “No, I didn’t like it either. Do you think he knows who you are?”

  “It’s possible but unlikely. None of the crew were from New Orleans; we sailed out of Charleston. Dan and Terry, yourself and John Kent are the only ones who know, and I trust you all beyond a doubt.”

  His finger played with one of the long curls flowing down her back. “If anything happens, John would help you. I had Dan stop there and inform him of what has transpired.”

  “I better get dressed.” Corin didn’t want him to see how his words affected her.

  “Yes, I must see to the stores we’re loading. I want to be gone with the morning tide.”

  ~ * ~

  Turning sideways, Corin surveyed the dress. The deep burgundy looked exquisite against her darkness. The full skirt made her feel like a queen going to the ball. Puffy sleeves came down to her elbows. The fitted bodice emphasized her trim waist. Thankfully, the neckline covered her satisfactorily, making her wonder if Rogan deliberately picked this dress for that feature. The rich satin needed little adornment. She found the beautiful Spanish hair combs that Rogan slipped into the garment box.

  Corin pulled her hair back at each side with the mother of pearl combs. The full-bodied wave hung down her back and over her shoulders, shining beneath the candlelight.

  Pulling the skirt and petticoats up, she looked at the black silk slippers and sheer rose-colored stockings. Her fingers ran up her leg to the garter. “Yes, it’s secure.”

  Frowning, Corin let the skirts fall back in place. The small leather sheathed knife she found in Rogan’s desk would stay. She felt better knowing it was there if needed. “My, my, girl, but you’ve certainly taken up a violent outlook on life lately.”

  Corin gave herself a defeating shrug. The circumstances weren’t exactly normal. Funny, she didn’t miss what she’d left behind. Not being able to tell Janice what she found in Rogan’s arms did hurt. Janice would be happy for her.

  “Where are you, Corin?”

  Turning to face him, she said, “Memories.”

  “Do you miss it so?”

  Corin brushed the lock from his concerned brow. “No Rogan, I left nothing behind to miss.”

  He couldn’t imagine Corin being alone. A woman so full of life and warmth—remembering how defensive she’d been at first, he could see how she kept people away. He thanked the fates that this part of Corin no longer existed between them.

  “Do you have any idea how difficult it will be for me not to kill that man tonight?”

  “Rogan, you mustn’t.”

  “You are too beautiful to share, Corin. I’ve discovered a side of myself I never knew.”

  “What is that, my love?”

  “I’m insanely jealous concerning you, Corin.”

  “I’m glad, it makes me feel all warm inside to be loved by you.”

  When he kissed her, Corin wanted it to go on and on. If only he could forget his revenge.

  “We better get going.”

  “Will you promise to behave, Rogan?”

  “If he does.”

  She should have laughed off his guarded answer, so much like her own this morning. But the chill racing up her spine wouldn’t be checked.

  Chapter Ten

  Beauty and Danger

  The carriage turned up the hill to a torch-lit lane. Black Diamond had their transport waiting at the docks. Corin’s surprise and pleasure ended when Rogan informed her that Diamond was a virtual king of the island. The troubling thought that as king he could do anything he wanted with them persisted during the drive to his grand house.

  A small castle sat hidden within the tropical flowing trees at the top of the rise.

  Rogan helped her down from the carriage, and she was immediately captivated by the breathtaking view of the cove below. Full moonlight glittered across the dark waters and, like tiny diamonds, the surface danced under the enchantment. Corin reminded herself that beneath the beauty laid a den of thieves and murderers.

  She looked at the wide staircase leading into the villa. We’re going right into the lion’s lair. She couldn’t think of a more foolish thing to do. Taking a deep breath, she let Rogan’s embrace about her waist lend the strength she needed to face the enemy.

  Her admiring gaze went again to the handsome figure Rogan cut. In a royal blue satin coat and breeches, the material very nearly screamed for release over his powerful frame. The white silk shirt with its lace cuffs and dickey enhanced Rogan’s rugged male allure. White leggings displayed his thick muscled calves. He made a commanding figure.

  Unthinking, she reached up and pushed back a stray lock of hair that came loose from the ribbon that tied his hair back. It was while she did this that Black Diamond made his entrance.

  Embarrassed by being caught doing such an intimate gesture, Corin’s eyes lowered, but she could feel him taking his fill of her. Rogan’s tightening hold said it would be a long evening.

  “Ah, it has been far too long since such beauty has graced my humble home.” The touch of his lips on the back of her hand colored her cheeks in an unwanted blush. Scolding herself, Corin raised her gaze, refusing to be intimidated by this man.

  His deep smile and hard grip said he approved of her show of spirit, making her wish she could take it back.

  “We have yet to be formally introduced, mademoiselle.” He looked at Rogan. “Dragon, would you do the honors?”

  “Black Diamond, may I present my fiancée—Miss Corin McCloud.”

  Diamond’s brow rose in acknowledgment to Rogan’s announcement.

  “You have made a wise choice, Dragon, my compliments. Please, let us go out onto the veranda for some refreshments before dinner. The tropical heat is stifling for at least another hour. We will dine then. Mademoiselle, may I escort you?”

  Corin looked at Rogan, who begrudgingly gave his consent. Inwardly, Corin smiled. Rogan’s ingrained manners were ruling, though she suspected he wanted to put his fist in their host’s mouth.

  Diamond himself would be accepted in any court. Satin as black as his manner graced his lean frame. Beneath her fingers, she felt the corded strength running through his body. His coat reminded her of a bullfighter’s the way it came only to his waist and with a curved lapel. The shirt beneath shined with silver threads woven in the white silk, the perfect match to his brilliant eyes. Tonight, the cool eyes were relaxed and didn’t hold the guarded tightness she remembered from the afternoon. Every movement reeked of the man’s confidence and, like a king, there was an almost regal bearing to his features.

  The open porch looked vibrant and alive surrounded by the jungle growth. Fine netting draped from the roof to the floor to keep out the chorus of insects; from each pillar hung exotic varieties of beautiful orchids.

  “They are lovely, no?”

  “Yes, I have never seen so many.”

  “They grow wild on my island. One of the benefits I cultivate.”

  Corin took the seat he offered between him and Rogan at the small table.

  “You have a lovely home, monsie
ur.” She hoped the French she heard in his accent made it proper to call him that. Calling him Diamond seemed silly.

  “And where are you from, Miss McCloud?”

  She kept her gaze fastened on the man, though she wanted to seek Rogan’s help. “Breakwater, Massachusetts.”

  “I have not heard of this town.”

  “It is a small town, near Boston… most people don’t know of it.” Practically no one would, it probably wasn’t even a name yet. Corin’s hands started to work… she never thought about giving answers to such normal questions.

  Rogan’s hand covered hers; his thumb caressed her tense knuckles.

  “Do not take offense, Dragon, but may I assume your business concerns your lovely fiancée?”

  “It does, monsieur. In fact, Billings interrupted my plans to take Miss McCloud to my family. She only just arrived in Charlotte Amalie. The additional journey here has been an unfortunate delay.”

  “And you, mademoiselle, do you not find the Dragon’s line, of shall we say, business, hard to accept?”

  Corin met his intense study of her. He was digging, why? Smiling up at Rogan, she replied, “Why should I, monsieur? I would accept my fiancé in whatever manner he came to me.”

  She could tell it was not the answer the man wanted or expected, for his eyes flashed, and then pulled away. When he looked at her again, no one would expect the anger she still sensed.

  “Yes, I can see you would and are not beyond taking an active part.”

  It was Corin’s turn to hold Rogan’s hands, and she entwined her fingers with his. “I’m afraid, monsieur, this is not a safe subject, and you would do me a kind service not to remind me of my performance today.”

  He looked at Rogan but did not let it drop. “Performance? Hardly, Miss McCloud. It was one of the finest defense moves I have ever witnessed. I admire your skill. Now, shall we have dinner?”

  Diamond’s table nearly made her gasp. A feast for the eyes… crystal and silver on exquisite lace with a beautiful arrangement of orchids set between two candelabras. The furniture of deep cherry wood shined beneath the candlelight. The walls were a soft shade of pink with gold filigree.