by Jewel Adams
“Cherie, I promise, no more. You are angry with me?”
“No Alicia, not angry.” Corin sighed. “I am just concerned. I know you both have told me Rogan is safe, but I can’t stop worrying.”
“I am sorry.”
Ack, she felt terrible. The wedding made Alicia so happy; she loved planning it all. “Don’t be. I am being silly like Rogan says.”
Soothing everything over with Alicia, Corin left her in high spirits. Her own were a tattered mess. She needed to breathe and clear her head before she lost her temper.
Slipping out of the house, Corin headed for the stable to saddle the mare she had ridden on the trip there. She managed to avoid the groom. Rogan was in the cane fields; he would be angry if he saw her out alone, so she headed down the road they’d taken on one of their rides.
The Spanish moss hung thick over the lane, helping to make her ride soothing and tranquil.
Tomorrow would be the wedding. It was unforgivable of her, but Corin didn’t feel any enthusiasm for the whole event. In her heart, she already felt like Rogan’s wife… the ceremony meant nothing.
She shivered over the reality of how different her life had become, but how she cherished the gift given to her. Rogan became her world; there were no regrets for the truth.
The sound of pounding hooves dragged Corin away from her thoughts. Annoyed at the disturbance, she pulled up, hoping the rider would pass.
Her heart stopped at the sight of him. Rogan was bearing his stallion down upon her in open rage.
Bracing herself against the storm she witnessed in him, she fought to control her own prancing horse. When his arm pulled her off the nervous horse, she squealed, “Rogan!”
“Where the hell are you going?”
She tried to straighten her dress and disengage his hold, missing the look of pain in his glare upon her. “Nowhere! I just wanted to be alone for a while. Rogan, you are holding me too tight… let go.”
His fingers eased, but his hands remained on her shoulders and he started to shake her. “I told you to never go out alone!”
Sucking in her breath, her gaze tightened on him. The concern in his gaze filled her heart with the love he refused to hide from her. Her hands cupped his handsome face. “Don’t, my love, it is all right.” She touched his cheeks… “I just needed to clear my head.”
She gave him a soft smile, trying to take away what she felt drove him to find her. “Your grandmother can take one’s breath away.”
“Corin… I was so worried when…”
Her lips rose, silencing the admission. Rogan’s powerful body encircled her in a possessive hold. She let her body respond in kind, showing him her thoughts. No love, I’ll never leave you.
His kiss slowly abated into more sensuous nips that told her exactly where his thoughts were turning. “Let’s go home, Corin.”
Her musical laughter filled the swaying moss. “Yes, my love, let’s.”
They missed dinner and the guests’ arrivals that evening. Rogan wouldn’t let Corin’s concern for the position they put his grandmother in change his mind. His passionate nature commanded all her attention and more. There were no thoughts but those of Rogan, the man she loved.
His lips inflamed her senses while his hands and body scorched the very soul of her desire. Corin felt loved like no other in his arms. All that she was belonged to this man.
~ * ~
The morning light filled the room and the activity seemed to rush through the house, clamoring with a call they could no longer ignore.
Hand in hand, they went down the stairs to breakfast, Rogan pulling her to him for a lingering kiss before they reached the bottom of the stairs.
“Mon dieu, you are both shameless!”
Rogan’s laughter against Corin’s lips refused the separation she sought.
“Rogan! Give the girl air, lest we lose her before the ceremony.”
“Yes, Grandmere.”
The lady’s departing French tirade flamed Corin’s cheeks, making her push against Rogan’s chest. “You are terrible; now she is angry.”
“Hardly. She said her Sean didn’t let her come down until the ceremony started.”
Corin’s mouth opened, and he expertly closed it. He finally pulled back only to rain kisses down her neck and over her sensitive ears. “Drake men thrive on passionate ladies.”
“You are a rogue, Monsieur Drake.”
“So is my lady, and I love her that way.”
Grandmere’s call ended what would have led them back to the bedroom.
~ * ~
“Cherie, you are the loveliest bride I have ever seen.”
“It is the dress, Grandmere… any girl would be beautiful in such a gorgeous creation.”
“No Corin, only one for my Rogan.” Alicia kissed the girl’s cheek. “Now, no more nerves, all will be fine, oui?”
“I’m not nervous.”
“Oui, I can see you are not.” Alicia’s hands stopped Corin’s twisting fingers.
“Oh Alicia, it is all those people. I don’t like strangers. I’m not a social person.”
“Tch, tch, you must control yourself.”
“Why? Why couldn’t we have eloped…?”
“Wedding nerves, Cherie?”
Corin felt like throwing the hair brush at Alicia’s departing laughter as she backed out of the door.
She almost sank onto the vanity chair before she realized she couldn’t sit because of the dress. “Ugh! This is ridiculous… oui.”
Accusing bright gold eyes glared back at her from the mirror. “You are nervous, aren’t you?” But no answer came from the woman she saw staring out at her. Tiny English daisies were woven into the thick black coil like a crown about her head. A long veil of intricate French lace draped down her back from the crown’s center. The same elegant lace over pure white satin made up the wedding dress. The full petticoats swayed as she moved; the scallop draped in roses dipped above the layers of petticoats.
“It is beautiful.” Her own image drew a more critical appraisal. Her cheeks were in high color, showing quite vividly her case of nerves. But the truth shined in her eyes… Corin wanted to groan over the fiery golden flashes dancing in their depths, drawing attention to her striking features—light against dark—if only the butterflies would stop flying.
The slight rap at the door made her breath rush in. “Coming.” It was time. Corin took a strong hold of her emotions. After a steadying breath, she opened the door and stood there gaping.
“Dan? Oh Dan, it is you!” She reached up on tiptoe to hug him.
“Who else would give my lass away?”
“Oh, I’m so happy you are here.” Standing back, she couldn’t get enough of looking at her friend.
“What’s this? Is my lass frightened?”
A nervous giggle escaped her lips. “And you look…” she walked around him, “such the gentleman.” He wore a light silver gray brocade frock that covered his massive figure, turning the rough edges she remembered into a sophisticated gentleman. “A very striking man, for certain.”
“Only the best for my lassie’s wedding. Now, are you ready?”
“Oh…I guess.” Corin suddenly held the strangest desire to run.
Dan’s large hand cupped her chin. “Now, we’ll have none of this. My girl’s a fighter.” He gave her a warm smile. “Besides, the captain is in worse shape fearing you’ll disappear. I suspect if we don’t go down soon, he’s likely to storm the door.”
“Oh dear, we can’t have that, can we?” Corin felt better just having Dan beside her.
Dan placed her hand on his arm. “Shall we see how he is holding up?”
They started down the stairs, and Corin tried not to see the faces and gazes watching them. She whispered to Dan to take her mind off the crowd. “Where have you been, Dan?”
“Ach lass, I’ve been taking care of the Raven.”
Raven! She’d been so busy she hadn’t thought to ask Rogan about her.
�
��She’s fine and safe, not that I can say the same for your chosen.”
But Corin didn’t need Dan’s words to tell her; she already saw for herself Rogan’s condition, and it wasn’t much better than her own.
Corin wanted to pinch herself to make sure this was truly real. Standing there, he looked so extraordinary in his light blue coat and gold vest. She forced her gaze not to drop any lower to see how his pants molded like a second skin to his taut muscular thighs.
She caught the fine sheen of sweat dampening his upper lip and the slight flare of his nostrils. Her gaze rose to meet his uncertain stare. Deep and as wild as the ocean, his eyes searched her face in question. How could he doubt her desire to marry him?
“Steady lass, I ain’t given you away yet.”
Corin’s fingers pressed into Dan’s forearm, making him flinch. “Don’t you dare make him suffer.”
“You’re spoiling my fun, lass, but I feel your point.”
Corin nearly choked over Rogan’s impatience when he stepped down the aisle toward them. She caught her breath as he stopped before reaching them and glared back at the good father, who hastily asked who would give her away.
She bit the inside of her lip over Dan’s delay and the way the two of them glared dangerously at each other. Dan must have felt her foot move because he finally moved toward Rogan, but not before he spoke his rather startling announcement.
“You’ll answer to me if she’s ever hurt because of you, understand?”
“Perfectly, Mr. Gazer.”
Everyone seemed to exhale when Dan finally let go of her hand. Before he moved away, Corin gripped his sleeve and pulled him down, kissing his cheek. “Thank you, Dan.” She realized if she ever had a father, Dan would be everything she desired.
Beside her, Rogan held her hand so tightly no one could have moved her from his side. She placed her hand over the top of his, hoping to reassure him. When he looked at her, his face seemed grooved with lines, more ready for a battle than for their wedding.
She leaned closer to him so no one could hear. “I love you, Rogan Drake, and in my heart, I have been married to you since you stood at my back on the Raven to protect me.” She glanced up at him, meeting his gaze that slowly relaxed to gentle smoky night shades. The tightness around her heart finally ebbed as his lips eased into that assured smile.
The ceremony felt like a dream; the only reality was Rogan’s strong vow to love her, and the touch of his lips sealing the promise.
Rogan’s strong presence never left her side as the guests filtered past. As the line slowed, she noticed Dan standing alone on the terrace. “Go to him, Rogan.”
“I should kill him for what he put me through. Only knowing how much he loves you keeps me back.”
“I am glad he does, and you should be thanking him.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you weren’t the only one in a state; without Dan, I’d probably have climbed down the trellis again.”
“You wouldn’t have gotten very far; I was watching it.”
Their laughter blended as one before he left her and went to Dan. Corin didn’t relax until she saw their argument stop and they shook hands.
Rogan watched Corin from the terrace. The day and people seemed endless, but Corin held her own as the new mistress of Dèsirèe. Only Rogan knew the strength in the woman he married. Corin conquered more than Dèsirèe; she adjusted her entire life… for him.
She’s my wife! His prideful gaze never left her, impatient to be alone with her. The way the sun cast the deep auburn highlights against the midnight black satin of her hair made him ache to weave his fingers into the lush thickness. The way it molded itself around her seductive curves enticed his male senses. He had never seen her lovelier than today. She looked like a princess of yore.
He couldn’t bring himself to tell her, no not today. But before the morning’s first rays, he would have to tell Corin that he sailed before noon. His heart ached over what that would do to her.
Dan would stay to protect her; at least Diamond wasn’t in New Orleans. The message delivered to the Tempest yesterday when she docked said they would meet at Galveston Island.
Corin’s laughter came from across the room into his heart. He feared he’d not hear it much longer.
Chapter Fourteen
Harsh Reality
“No!” Corin covered her ears and turned away from him.
“Corin, please, I would have told you if I’d known any sooner.”
The silken gown clung to her legs by the sheer force of her attack on him. “Don’t lie, Rogan. You kept this from me! I hate you!”
Rogan caught her fists before they struck, pinning them behind her back as he gently brought her against the length of his body. He felt hers vibrate in waves of weakening shivers against him.
“Oh God, Rogan. Please don’t do this. I love you so much; don’t leave me here.”
She dropped her head against his chest and ceased her pain-driven struggles.
His lips rested on the top of her head and he drank in the rose scent, praying the memory would be enough to sustain him as he folded her to him. “I have to go; you know I do. Please don’t fight me on this, love.”
She pulled back and looked up with the pain in her heart shining brightly in the gold depths. “It’s hate, Rogan, can’t you see it is only revenge against an unknown enemy? Even if you learn his identity, it won’t bring Brian back.”
She saw the muscle in his neck tighten to close out her words, but Corin refused to be silenced. “Diamond isn’t a fool. It’s a trap; I can feel it!”
“Stop it, Corin!”
“No, I can’t. He didn’t come here, and why Galveston?”
He held her to him, refusing the release she sought. “I’m going.”
Her head shook against his final words. “Hold me, Rogan. Hold me all night.”
Corin’s arms wrapped around his neck when he cradled her, holding all the pain and fright shaking inside of her. With all the gentleness he could muster, he carried her to the bed and lowered her into the plush comfort. She moved against him as if she could blend herself to him, remain a part of him. God, but he loved her!
Her lips were frantic as they kissed his chest and neck. “Promise me you will come back to me.”
“Aye, Corin, I swear it.”
He captured her lips to kiss away the dampness on her cheeks that tasted like the sea air.
Corin’s tears flowed as hot as the passion she held him with. The need to have him buried inside of her held its own power.
Rogan drove into her silken depths, letting her rule their pace, for her fire grew insatiable, and she wouldn’t be gentled. Corin rose and met his thrusts, carrying them both to a fevered height where lightning touched thunder and the storm captured them in its mindless torrent.
He raised her up against him, holding her to him as they reached the pinnacle of their climax. His fevered lips drowned her cries, his own came for the woman in his arms. “Forever, Corin, swear it!”
“Yes, my love, always and forever.”
~ * ~
Her fingers clutched the lace curtain in her fist as he disappeared with Terry down the road. Corin closed her eyes, wishing he would turn back but never looking to see if he did as she turned away.
Her charts still lay on the table; she moved automatically to lock them away. Rogan took the ones she made for him, and she said a prayer they would help keep him safe.
“I’m sorry.” But he no longer could hear her, and Corin sank into the chair rocking herself, remembering their parting.
“Promise me you won’t leave Dèsirèe, Corin.”
She hoped what she felt he meant wasn’t it at all. “Your grandmother won’t like it.”
“Damn it, Corin, I’ve no time for games. Promise me you will not follow me for any reason!”
She turned to face Rogan, knowing that in minutes he would be gone. The truth nearly shattered her fragile hold on her emotions. But she cou
ld never lie to him, not even a small one. “I…cannot promise you that.”
“Corin…”
“Threats won’t work, Rogan.” She walked up to him, never releasing his angry gaze from her own determined stance. “If I do not hear from you within two months, or I learn that danger stalks you or harm befalls you, I will do everything in my power to find and protect you as you would for me. The only way you can stop me is by being here yourself.”
She could see his anger and concern flare, but Corin felt too desperate to give in. She also knew why she witnessed confidence through his anger. “Don’t think hiding the Raven will stop me, Rogan. Any ship will get me on the seas…any ship, any crew, whatever it takes, I will come. This is my heart’s promise to you. I’ll give no other.”
Her heart dared him to defy her in the only way he could…stay.
“I did try, my dear love.”
~ * ~
“Please Alicia, I am not up to going.”
“Corin, I won’t stand by and watch you turn into a shell of the girl that graced my heart. You will come.”
It was a standoff, one Corin held no heart to continue. What did it matter if she went? Anywhere, her heart and thoughts would still be with Rogan.
“All right, I will go.”
“Good. Louisa will be so happy. She assured me that the elusive Paul Boviar would be at the ball as well.”
“Then you will finally meet this relative.”
“If he is there. I have searched my mind until all the cobwebs have been cleared. I still cannot remember the father or son, and Jan being away makes me worry for Louisa.”
“Surely she is not in danger.”
“Corin, I don’t like it, so you see I really do need your company tonight. We will stay overnight at Louisa’s.”
Corin ground her teeth together. Arguing was silly… a ball would go into the wee hours as she learned those affairs did in New Orleans. Dèsirèe was a good three-hour carriage ride out of the city. Coming back tonight would be impossible.