Love Me With Fury

by Janelle Taylor

  Spencer laughed softly this time. “If you were a man, love, Thackery wouldn’t be interested in you,” he tenderly murmured, his gaze appreciative and serene.

  She automatically smiled at that statement. “I suppose you’re right,” she admitted absently. His manly aura and compelling smile enchanted her. How many times had she dreamed of meeting him again? But never under these dangerous, stimulating, and suspenseful circumstances!

  Her radiant smile and alluring eyes tugged at him. Her state of dress—or undress—didn’t help matters either! She was so bewitching, so close, so…He cautioned himself against her magical charms. But even as he raised his guard, he played with a lock of tawny hair which wound itself around his finger. “What happened to Thackery?” she unexpectedly asked, calling him back to reality.

  “I put his crew in lifeboats and sunk his ship,” he casually announced.

  “You what?” she blurted out. “But I thought you never sank ships!” she argued.

  “Only those who challenge me. I have a reputation to uphold,” he asserted. At her stunned look, he went on, “It helps to have a colorful reputation, love. They know I’m a man of my word. No fight; no trouble,” he remarked smugly.

  “You actually depend upon your infamous name to win battles for you?”

  “It usually does. But Thackery was a fool. He was probably afraid I would find you in his cabin and steal you. Which I did,” he arrogantly announced. “If he had given quarter, he could have sailed away unscathed.”

  “But you attacked him! Surely a man’s pride would demand he protect his ship and men?” she argued in bewilderment.

  “To give quarter is wiser, love. That way, he could save himself, his infernal ship, and his crew. I’ve worked long and hard to be known as a generous victor. Whenever possible, I never shed blood or sink a ship. But if I didn’t make examples of those few defiant captains, my word wouldn’t be worth a tinker’s damn,” he snarled.

  “But why did you bring me along?” Alex asked. “Aren’t you afraid I might give away your real identity?”

  “Being the gentleman I am, I couldn’t very well leave you in the evil clutches of Thackery, could I? As to revealing my identity, you can’t because you really don’t know me. Plus, it wouldn’t be to your advantage to do so. Like me, you also have a reputation to protect,” he humorously enlightened her. “I doubt you wish history to record you as Joshua Steele’s mistress.”

  “You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you? Still, it might be fun to sail with the infamous Joshua Steele for a few weeks. Perhaps I’ll discover if your vile fame is well-deserved. Whatever will my grandchildren say when they hear about this one day?” she mused in humor.

  The subtle hint of wedlock nagged him. “Have you married since I saw you last?” he asked from nowhere.

  “Heavens, no!” she shrieked, insulted. “At least not yet,” she worriedly added, sighing in dismay.

  “I take it you’re planning to be married soon,” he implied, intrigued and nettled by images of her future.

  “If Papa has his way when I get home, yes! But not if I can stop him,” she angrily vowed, hardly aware of their curious conversation.

  “Does he know about me?” he abruptly asked.

  “About you?” she echoed naively, their gazes fusing.

  “I should say about us and that day at the pond?” he clarified.

  “You think me daft! He’d never had allowed me to leave home for one hour! As for you…he would have searched heaven and earth to hang you! I haven’t told a single soul about that day!” she declared.

  “Why not?” he calmly demanded.

  “Tell them what, praytell? A stranger took advantage of me while I was…indisposed? Who would believe such a wild story? I would sound like a fool, a dunderhead who was guilty of some…whatever!” she said peevishly.

  “Captain Joshua Steele and a water nymph frolicking by a tranquil pond…Yes, it would sound like some fairytale,” he playfully agreed.

  “I’m not a water nymph, Captain Steele. Besides, we were merely at the same place at the wrong time. Evidently neither of us expected anyone else at the pond that afternoon. Why did you seduce me that day? You hardly seem the heartless, bloody scoundrel your reputation paints you to be,” she complimented him, hoping she could manipulate him into quickly releasing her.

  He took her face between his hands and murmured tenderly, “How could I resist such beauty? Never have I looked into a face of such perfection and enchantment or eyes with such a powerful enticement. Every time I remembered you, I was amazed by my good fortune and how you had remained untouched for so long. Surely you have trampled upon countless hearts, my lovely Angelique. How could such loveliness be so cruel and cold?”

  Entranced, she repliod dreamily, “I have danced upon no more hearts than you have, Stephen. I was so afraid I had hurt you badly. Every night I prayed for your survival. I’m so glad you’re all right, but I was too cowardly to return to the pond to discover the truth. I have never known a man such as you. If Papa would bring home a suitor like you, I would happily have yielded to his demands that very day,” she unknowingly confessed, mesmerized by him and his closeness.

  “Then yield to me now, Angel. I’m here and I want you beyond all reason,” he huskily coaxed the wavering girl who had lost the knowledge of where she was or why.

  His mouth came down on hers, hungrily and pervasively. His arms went around her slender, shapely body and drew her tightly against him—and Alex had no choice but to return the intoxicating kiss. Her arms slipped around his waist and up his strong back. Clinging desperately to him, she helplessly surrendered her will to him and to those longings which had haunted her since their first meeting.

  Her gown slid to the floor, as did his shirt and pants. She was gently and mindlessly placed upon his bed. He whispered stirring endearments into her ears and deftly explored the body and face which had plagued all his hours. For all he knew or cared, his ship could be attacked and he couldn’t answer the alarm.

  When he placed moist kisses upon her swollen breasts, Alex moaned in need of him and fulfillment. Every place he touched burned with a consuming wildfire. Her womanhood ached to feel him within her, to ease the anguish of long-denied cravings. Still, he teased and tantilized her until she feverishly sought their union. Love me, Stephen, she thought. Love me with fury! He entered her, savoring each tormenting moment of intense control. He moved slowly and provocatively as her body instinctively and helplessly matched his fluid movements.

  “Never will another man possess what is mine alone, love,” he hoarsely spoke into her ear as his teeth teased at it, his warm breath bringing tremors to her molten body.

  “You’re mine, Stephen, mine,” she responded passionately, pulling him closer to her.

  The flames of desire increased until Spencer could no longer deny himself total possession of this bewitching goddess beneath him. His rhythm increased as his mouth almost savagely took hers. The summit reached, they clung together and rode the wild and wonderful waves of sheer ecstasy into a calm sea of blissful aftermath. He gradually relaxed upon her as he awaited the return of his normal breathing. He rolled to her side, pulling her along with him. She snuggled into the protective and inviting embrace of her lover, sighing peacefully.

  Some time later, Alex turned her head and looked over at him, her eyes revealing an emotion he dreaded to read. He smiled impassively. “I told you my company would be far more pleasant than Thackery’s,” he cruelly remarked, harassed by these unwanted feelings which pulled at him. He was determined to prove to both of them this was simply a mutual experience of passion.

  “What?” she foolishly asked, not comprehending his meaning or change in mood.

  He grinned. “Yep, this promises to be a most rewarding voyage. I hope the nearest port is weeks away. I think saving your life is surely worth that much of your time and efforts.”

  She stared at him as dread washed over her tense body. What was he saying? “I
don’t understand, Stephen…”

  “What’s to understand, Angel? I told you the price of your rescue before we left Thackery’s ship. Surely you didn’t think I was jesting. After all, you did just comply…most eagerly and willingly.”

  “You think this was only a…” She didn’t continue as she viewed his mocking expression. Was she the most gullible, naive woman alive? Had she honestly thought this fiery union meant more than wanton lust? She should have resisted him and her own carnal emotions. “What a cunning thief you are, Captain Steele! A deceitful seduction is no less than a gentle ravishment.”

  “I didn’t ravish you or trick you, love. You wanted me as much as I wanted you. You can lie to yourself, but not to me.”

  Mortified, betrayed, and angered, a stricken gaze met his. “If I were as versed and practiced in the arts of seduction as you are, Captain Steele, I would have possessed the knowledge to reject you. I’ll kill you if you ever come near me again. I despise you!”

  “To kill me would be most unwise, little one. For then you’d find yourself at the mercy of my entire crew. I daresay to vengefully exchange me and my safe quarters for my spiteful crew and the deck of my ship would be absurd.”

  “I see. A choice? Whore for you to earn my freedom or endure the wrath of your men…” A strange, faraway, unreadable look tinged with anguish and bitterness filled her expression and eyes.

  “Admit it, love, you did find pleasure with me. Until I free you, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy me rather than fight my crew? Besides, I wouldn’t like having to tie you to my bedposts each night to protect my life.”

  She blanched so white at his empty threat that he feared she would faint. He ignored this strange reaction, but wisely noted it. “Agreed?” he pressed. “No violence or rash behavior?”

  Without meeting his discerning gaze, she whispered, “Agreed.”

  “Where are the rest of my clothes?” she abruptly asked in a noticeably strained voice, anguish knifing her heart.

  “Stored below, but you won’t be needing more than this to meet our bargain,” he replied lazily, trailing his fingers over her bare skin.

  Incensed, she snapped, “I don’t intend to walk around naked for two or three weeks, Captain Steele!”

  “I don’t intend for you to walk around at all, love. I much prefer you right where you are.” He chuckled in amusement as she flushed.

  Her heart surely breaking at this cruel deceit, she retorted, “Even a prisoner deserves fresh air and exercise! I can’t very well stroll around like this!”

  “When and if you have need of other garments, rest assured I will provide them at that time. This way, you won’t be tempted to escape or run around my ship enticing my men to mutiny. I personally know how irresistible you can be. A sailor can get mighty bold and reckless when he’s been without a woman for a long spell, especially if a dream like you walked before his eyes.”

  “You filthy scum! How dare you treat me like some cheap slattern! You’re a conniving, deceitful rogue, Steele! You planned to trick me all along! Oh-h-h-h…” she stormed at him as she beat upon his chest.

  He easily captured her hands and pinned them above her silky head. “Cheap, you’re not; slattern, not yet. But if you ever doublecross me, love, you’ll wind up in the filthiest brothel I can locate.” He gritted out his warning to frighten her into complete obedience of his commands. There would be times when her instant compliance could mean life or death for more than her! He wasn’t about to confess he had actually lost his head moments ago! Never would this ravishing creature learn of her power over him! He was a man who loved and guarded the freedom this girl threatened.

  Alex glared into his stormy eyes. He had tricked her once more. Who was this quicksilver man who blew hot and cold, waxed tender and cruel? She winced at the ruthless aura which he emanated. What a blind and romantic fool she was! “No matter what you think, Steele, I did not willingly go to Thackery’s cabin. I will not be treated like some street harlot!”

  Spencer had gotten up and was pulling on his clothes. As his shirt slipped over his head, his gaze flickered over at her. “If such were true, Angel, you wouldn’t be here now. Common whores have never intrigued or pleasured me, and they never will. If the most beautiful woman alive walked in that door this minute but was a whore, I wouldn’t look at her twice.” As he reached the door, he turned and roguishly added, “But that would be impossible since the most exquisite creature alive is in my bed this very minute.” With that statement, he left.

  Not knowing what else to do, Alex lay there in deep and troubled thought. There was no way to escape the ship just now, nor was there any way to prevent Joshua Steele from taking his pleasure with her. He was a dangerous and unpredictable man. The wisest and safest course of action would be to bide her time and control her temper until these circumstances changed or she could make another assessment of this mysterious and moody man who was holding her prisoner. It would be rash to challenge a man who arrogantly accepted any dare.

  She got up and bathed off with the water in the basin near his bedside. She hastily pulled on the gown which offered very little privacy from his piercing eyes or protection from his roaming hands. The mussed bed seemed to accuse her of wanton conduct, and she hurriedly straightened the covers. She nervously paced the confines of his cabin for what seemed like hours.

  The longer she endured this tension and silence, the greater her apprehension and fears became. Thoughts of her father, her uncle, her predicament, and the impending war tormented her distraught mind and aching heart. How could she rebel against a man with Stephen’s strength and magnetism, a man who now held her destiny in his hands? One false or foolish move and she could face a worse fate than Captain Joshua Steele.

  Had he been toying with her and teasing her? Did he really think her beautiful and irresistible? He was undoubtedly a man who took what he wanted! When she was obedient or responsive, he was tender and gentle. But the instant a hint of defiance or rejection surfaced, he was cruel and hateful. Did she dare to play him the fool with sweetness and charm? Fool a man who had known countless women, women of great experience? No… Feeling helpless and defeated, Alex dropped wearily into a chair at the table. Folding her arms and placing them upon the wooden surface, she rested her head upon them and wept. So entrapped in her world of despair and worry, she did not hear the door open or feel the intense stare of Spencer upon her.

  Spencer studied the silvery gold head which was lowered in dejection and fear. Pangs of guilt and tenderness pulled at his wayward heart and chewed at his warring mind. Perhaps her bravery and defiance were only an act to cover her shame and anguish. In spite of her carefree behavior, she had been an innocent that first time. If she were a coy tease, she was certainly apt at it. If only she didn’t appear so natural…

  He soundlessly came forward to stand beside her. He reached out his hand to stroke her silky mane. She jumped at his contact and jerked her head upwards to look at him. Thick, dark lashes were wet with freshly shed tears which still slipped down her pale face with its rosy cheeks. At being caught in such a private moment, a scarlet flush suffused her face and neck. She hastily lowered her lids to conceal the naked emotions exposed there and silently berated her weaknesses.

  “Are you all right, Angel?” he softly inquired, distressing her further with his mellow tone and mood. “Don’t be sad or afraid,” he encouraged her.

  “I’m not!” she snapped at him, shoving his hand away. “I’m just mad. I was minding my own business that day you attacked me by the pond. You had no right to take advantage of me while I was sleeping. You’re just like Thackery! He’ll pay for kidnapping me and trying to rape me! You will too! You’re all cruel and shameless. You should never have touched me either time. I should be home with my family planning my wedding. What will my father and husband say when they learn the truth? Damn you, Stephen; you’ve ruined my whole life,” she miserably accused. There was no future for them; and yet, he was in her blood like some all-cons
uming disease which tormented her day and night. “And stop calling me Angel!” she spat.

  “You have no cause to worry, Angelique. Any husband you select will be lucky to get you in any condition,” he scoffed in irrational fury, desperately wanting her for himself.

  “How would you feel if you suddenly discovered your new bride wasn’t a virgin?” she heatedly challenged. “You’d probably choke the truth from her and then kill them both,” she blurted. “It’s bad enough to have your father arrange a marriage with some offensive stranger, but worse to have him despise you for something beyond your control! Because of you, I’ll be miserable for the rest of my life! And how will I explain my strange and tardy arrival home? I can hear the laughter and gossip now. My God, Stephen, I’ll never live this down,” she wailed in a forlorn tone, more unbidden tears dropping from her emerald eyes.

  He stared at her as hysterical laughter seized her. “Maybe you’ve done me a favor. Once the truth about us is out, who would accept my father’s offer of my sullied hand? But surely there are better ways to avoid coerced wedlock! Do you plan to drop me off somewhere or turn me over to some other ship captain along the way?” she sarcastically sneered.

  Astutely reading her pain and doubts, he stated, “I said I would take you home, all the way to your front door. With your run of luck, you’d probably meet disaster between my ship and your home,” he teased to lighten her dismal spirits.

  Terrified at that news, she shrieked, “No! You can’t!”

  Her curious reaction stunned him. Who was she afraid of and what? “I could help ease your father’s worries by explaining how your ship was attacked by wicked pirates and how I rescued you and gallantly saw you safely home,” he devilishly hinted to entice more information from her.

  Green eyes wide with panic, her face drained of all color. “Are you this afraid of your father, Angelique? Or do you simply wish to keep your identity and home a secret from me?”