by Sable Grey
"You make me forget what a lady is.” He reached behind her, tangled his hand in her hair, and forced her to lift her face. “This game you play is a dangerous one."
"What game? Isn't this what you want? To dominate? To command? To conquer?” She leaned forward to whisper against his ear, “I command you to conquer me, Captain Cole.” She felt his body jerk with excitement and smiled with satisfaction. His hands ripped the shirt from her body, sending the buttons popping from the material, and freeing her arms.
"I do not think any man can conquer you, Rafferty Jones,” he growled, loosening her trousers. “But I will be damned if I do not try.” His rushed words caused her to blink. He did not think he could weaken her? She'd been certain that was his ploy—to deliver her to Thornton a defeated woman.
As he pushed her towards the bunk and leaned down to remove his boots, she stared at him. The realization kicked her in the stomach. He liked her this way. It did not intimidate him; it excited him!
His lifted his gaze as he tossed one boot to the side. “You must undress if you want the conquering attempt to begin.” Lines appeared on each side of his mouth, reflecting humor. Another boot flew to the side, and he straightened, fingers working his shirt as he neared her, eyes glittering.
"Or am I to rip the rest of your clothes from your body like some kind of animal?” He raised a brow and Rafferty's breath caught. Her eyes followed his fingers. Good God, she liked him this way, as well.
"You look frightened.” His hands froze, and her gaze flew to his face. He had lost all expression of humor. No, Captain, she thought to herself. Do not show me decency.
"Perhaps I am.” She forced herself to speak. “You are an intimidating captain, and I'm just a weak captive.” He grunted and resumed his hurry to disrobe. Rafferty's hands shook as she pulled off her boots and trousers.
"You are about as intimidated as a sea serpent.” He reached for her when her clothes dropped in a pile. “Come here.” He left only a step between them and waited. She hesitated and then shook her head, watching his expression closely. A hint of a smile found his lips.
His hand took a hold of her arm and gave her a gentle pull that brought her against him. He lifted his free hand to her mouth, ran his thumb over her lips. Without thinking, she parted them, and his gaze darkened as he slipped his thumb into her mouth.
Rafferty pressed her tongue to his skin, tasting the roughness. When she sucked, he inhaled sharply. Her teeth pressed, then bit down just hard enough to cause him to jerk his hand back.
Reaching around her, he twisted his fingers in her thick hair as his mouth covered hers roughly, and his warm tongue pushed into her mouth to taste her. He did not kiss her tenderly, but recklessly, hungrily. Heat washed over her, filling the pit of her stomach until it ached.
Don't let go. Don't let go. Nevertheless, she kissed him back, moving so she could enjoy the feel of his warm, hard body against hers. Her hands moved over his chest, his shoulders, to wrap around his neck as her tongue danced around his, teasing him to kiss her deeper.
Merrick growled deep in his throat and instantly pulled her to the expensive carpet he'd bought during his last trip to the Orient. Straddling her, he pushed her hands above her head. When his mouth dropped to her breast, she arched against him. His teeth left streaks of fire across her sensitive skin.
"Give me..."
"Oh, no. You wanted this damned game. We don't change roles half way in.” He interrupted, moving between her legs so he could press and rub against her. “You're the captive remember?” His fingers tightened on her wrists.
"Then should I try to escape?” Rafferty half moaned as he continued to move the head of his cock against her folds of flesh. He didn't answer, and she didn't care, as long as he kept doing what he was doing. Tension pulled at the pit of her stomach, and her breathing quickened.
"If you ask me, I will do what you want.” His voice was low and her eyes flew to his face. “But you have to ask.” Her body had begun to shake and he suddenly grew still.
"What are you ... Don't stop.” She spoke through her teeth.
"Captives do not give orders,” he purred. “Ask me, Rafferty. Ask me and I will appease.” He nudged at her, and a cry caught in her throat.
"This isn't fair.” She felt like screaming at him. When he leaned forward, he moved against her again.
"No, it isn't. You make me wait like this. I am not as young as I used to be. I am impatient and it is my nature to take what I want. Ask me, Rafferty.” He licked at her nipple, caught it between his teeth and tugged gently.
"Damn you.” She lifted her hips, but he moved away from her.
"Ask me.” His voice vibrated against her breast. He released the small pink crescent to circle it with his tongue, and then sipped until she moaned.
"No!” She tried to jerk her hands free from his grasp but he held her.
"Ask me."
Rafferty gritted her teeth when he pressed and rocked forward. He was purposely keeping her on the brink of pleasure. Her heart pounded and her entire body trembled with anticipation.
"I'll do anything you tell me if you just..."
"You've no room to barter. I want to hear you ask it of me.” He left her breast and leaned forward so he looked into her eyes. “I'll give you the words. Please, Merrick, will you conquer me.” She gasped when he grinned down at her.
She closed her eyes and took a ragged breath but choked if off when he pressed and moved in a slow circle. “Please...” They were just words. “Merrick, will you conquer me...” He instantly released her hands and pushed inside of her, positioning himself so that with every thrust, he continued to stimulate her.
"Now!” She jerked up against him and he groaned deeply, grasping her hips as he rocked forward. An explosion of pleasure spread through her body and she jerked beneath him, unable to steady herself. She grasped his arms, pulling herself up to him. He instantly covered her mouth and kissed her until she'd ridden the last wave of ecstasy.
As she lay back on the floor, she stared up at him. Again, he had given her pleasure before taking his own. Now he rode her, pace quickened, eyes glittering down at her. She watched his face, reading when his own pleasure began mount. When it surfaced, he buried himself within her, head thrown back. Like Poseidon, she thought when his body grew still, God of the waters. She blinked when she realized her thoughts, pushed them away. He was no God.
For a moment, he remained inside of her, and then slowly he rolled to his back, a smile on his face as he tucked an arm under his head.
"What are you so smug about?"
He slanted his eyes at her and then abruptly he rolled away and stood up, reaching for his clothes. “I made you ask for what you wanted. It's not a full conquering but enough to satisfy me.” She snorted lightly, then tilted her head.
"You are not staying?” She asked.
"No. I've work to do.” In minutes, he was completely clothed and moving towards his desk. Rafferty was surprised at the disappointment she felt. Why should he stay? There was no reason for him to. They'd both gotten what they wanted. She climbed onto the bed and closed her eyes, but it did not good. She could feel him across the room.
She craved him to touch her again. What was wrong with her? In the past, she used men, and then sent them on their way. She needed nothing else. Sex with Merrick was a mistake. If she wanted to escape, she would have to keep her distance. But could she?
Opening her eyes, she looked across the small cabin at the back of his dark head. No. She knew herself too well. She would have to plan her escape after they reached England.
* * * *
"You keep her in your cabin still.” Hogg spoke from beside Merrick, gazing out at the water.
"You know that I do.” Merrick didn't look away from Rafferty.
"I know it's not my business..."
"It isn't."
Hogg sighed heavily. “Some of the men are talking."
"Which men?"
"They say she brings b
ad luck. They think you are too blinded by lust to see that. They think you are becoming soft and...” Hogg swallowed his words when Merrick's hard gaze swung around to meet his.
"And what do you think?"
Hogg rubbed at the back of his neck. “Hell, Captain, I don't know. She's not like any pirate we've brought in before."
"You think I should treat her the same as we've treated others? Throw her down with the rats? Or maybe, you'd rather I pass her around the crew, as some other officers might do?” Merrick gritted his teeth and watched Hogg shift his weight nervously as his color drained a bit.
"No."
"Then what?” Merrick demanded.
"There's talk of throwing her overboard. One of the barrels of food is soured. Scander is down from rat bite. And we don't know what is wrong with Davis."
Merrick scowled. “I would suspect what is wrong with him is that woman he entertained at the docks when he was supposed to be waiting for us to return with Rafferty Jones."
"Maybe. Most think it's her ... that woman pirate that has brought ill fortune to the English Bride.” Hogg shrugged. “Some think she will bring more pirates, and more of them think she brings death. Some are scared of her. And some would like a taste of her."
Merrick grunted. “You just tell them to go on up to her and try to get a bite.” Hogg said nothing. “My concerns do not include superstitions and ignorance."
"There is another matter you've not addressed.” Hogg hesitated when Merrick's expression flickered with impatience. “Are you distracted by her?"
Merrick's gaze slipped across the deck to Rafferty as she sloshed the soapy mop across the wood surface. He studied the beads of sweat that dotted her hairline and noticed the way her body bent with every movement. Her hair was pulled back and tied out of her face but he easily remembered how it looked down around her shoulders. His mind's eyes traced the scar he knew was just out of view.
Her kisses had been heated, filled with passion. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and felt no shame for taking it. She didn't weep. She didn't cower. She stood in defiance of anything that meant to stifle that burning fire within her. Even now, she looked as if she were contemplating her next move, planning some scheme of escape.
"Captain?"
"It takes more than a woman to distract me from what I set out to do.” Merrick turned and headed below before Hogg could say anything more.
It was just her body, Merrick told himself silently as he walked away from Hogg, that preoccupied him. That was a lie. It was the glitter in her eyes, that wicked little curl in her lips, and the way she had drawn his own dagger on Hogg when the man had interrupted them. She filled his thoughts day and night, stirred his body, and his spirit.
This was not good. He glanced back at Hogg and immediately wished he hadn't; the man was still watching him.
Chapter 7
Merrick stood staring at the land that rose on the horizon. “When we sail in, remain on the ship. I will go directly to Thornton."
Hogg stood at his side. “You mean to make a plea on her behalf.” It wasn't a question and Merrick shot a glance at the man. “Don't lie. You've bedded her nearly every night since we brought her aboard. The entire ship has heard her screams."
"Perhaps I was punishing her."
Hogg snorted. “Those were no screams of pain."
Merrick's mouth slanted but he said nothing. It was true. He and Rafferty had used one another's bodies in every way they could imagine. She'd been bold and without shame, meeting him at the door of his cabin wearing absolutely nothing. Part of him wished they had more time to enjoy one another.
Hogg hesitated. “You've not shared her. You've kept her for yourself. I am suspicious that your feelings for her are deeper than lust. Do you love her?"
Merrick's head snapped around. “What? What kind of absurd question is that?” Hogg didn't answer. He met Merrick's gaze for a moment, then turned and headed away from him.
What had made him ask such a thing? She was a pirate, a prisoner. Though innocent of the charge of Gray's murder, she was innocent of little else. Their sex had been lust, nothing more than that; two people taking advantage of a situation. Still, Hogg's question did not settle well in his stomach.
Turning, he headed below. When he opened the door to his cabin, he found Rafferty sitting at his desk. She held his daily log in her hands. His eyes narrowed when she closed it quickly and set it aside.
"What are you doing?"
"Amusing myself. I didn't realize you would come down here so early in the day.” Rafferty stood and started to undress. She'd given up trying to fight the arousal that claimed her body whenever the captain was near her.
"Reading my personal journal is amusement for you?” Merrick did not move towards her, and her fingers lingered over the buttons of her shirt.
"I've been reading it for weeks.” She laughed. “You can't expect me to be kept down here and do nothing."
Merrick frowned as he strode across the room and snatched up his journal. “I thought I was giving you enough to keep your attention each day."
"What has your mood so foul? Did one of your crew try to drown you?” Rafferty asked sarcastically. “Afraid I might learn something to use against you? It's just longitude and latitude and weather conditions anyway."
"We shall reach London by tomorrow morning. It will not matter what you know of me when Thornton has you hung.” Merrick noted that there was no reaction on her face. “You do not seem surprised."
"I know how long it takes to sail across an ocean.” Rafferty rolled her eyes. “So you will just hand me over now? No kiss goodbye?” Her lips twisted with a grin.
"Sometimes I wish to hang you myself.” Merrick threw the log aside. “Thornton will not be so patient."
"No, Thornton will do as Gray tried to do and throw me to a cell until I'm to be roped. Do not think I do not understand what is to happen. It is then that I will escape.” She stepped forward. “I need not dwell on it, though, when there is still life in my body to enjoy.” She lifted her hands to his chest, craving to touch him, for him to touch her.
"You think of sex when your death looms on the horizon."
"What better way to spend my last hours?” Her arms slid around his neck and she pulled him forcefully to her, leaning forward to kiss his neck. Merrick stood rigidly as she ran her tongue along the line of his jaw.
"I do have one weapon against him,” she murmured against his skin. “The fact that he'll be getting what's left of his man's assault on my body will make him angry. I'll describe to him how you took me again and again. I'll make sure he knows that I much prefer you over his feeble attempts."
Merrick felt a spear of jealousy that he could not explain away. “What makes you think he will do as Gray did?"
Her breath caressed his jaw. “This will not be our first meeting."
Merrick stood in silence for several moments. “He has raped you?” He could feel his blood starting to burn with possessive anger.
"No.” She smiled up at him. “But I am prepared if that is what he is after."
"You will succeed in angering Thornton when you make me strangle you before I have a chance to hand you over to him.” Merrick murmured and Rafferty's laughter filled the cabin. The she-devil had known the jealousy he was feeling. She'd played on it. He knew at that moment that he would not give Thornton the chance to touch her. She was something that was meant to be free.
"Just kiss me,” she said huskily, and Merrick obliged without argument.
"I'll do more than that.” Merrick reached to unbutton the shirt, one of his own shirts. His fingers lingered. He liked her in his clothes. Something about it was sensually intimate. His hands dropped to her trousers.
"Not yet,” she whispered and he lifted his gaze to hers.
"You undress.” She stepped back from him and his eyes dropped to the dagger in her hand. Damn. He'd forgotten to leave the weapon outside the cabin.
"Give that to me."
; "I said undress.” She raised a brow. “Force me and I will use this on you. Perhaps, I'll give you a mark to match the one I already gave you.” Her gaze darted to the arm she'd cut on her first day aboard the English Bride.
Merrick stared at her. She wasn't trying to gut him. His gaze dropped to her mouth as she caught her bottom lip between her teeth and smiled. The vixen was still playing her games.
After a few moments of consideration, Merrick slowly removed his shirt and tossed it aside. He took a step forward, but she matched it with a step back.
"Undress completely,” she ordered. He removed the rest of his clothes and waited, crossing his arms. “Good. Now sit down. There.” She nodded towards the chair. Merrick sighed heavily and settled into the chair, draping his hands over the arms.
"If I knew you would be this obedient I would have taken this thing from you weeks ago.” Rafferty laughed, apparently pleased with herself and him.
"If you mean to escape..."
"Shhh. Don't ruin this by speaking,” she said, grinning. Merrick watched her step towards him. She dropped in front of him and settled between his knees. She drove the point of the blade into the floor next to her before sliding her hands along the inside of his thighs. Her fingertips sent flurries of excitement throughout his body.
"You've been ... kind to me, Captain, despite my attempt to murder you.” Her voice softened slightly as she looked up at him. “Kinder than others would have been.” Her gaze dropped, and Merrick sucked in his breath when she wrapped her hand around his cock.
"You owe me nothing. I'm delivering you to a man who wants to kill you.” He said in a low voice, but she bent forward anyway. This was the only thing they'd not done, Merrick thought. And he'd allowed her to keep that control, that one thing so she would not feel defeated. Now, the crown of his cock disappeared between her full pink lips and his fingers gripped the arms of the chair.
It wasn't right. She shouldn't feel like she owed him. Still, he didn't stop her right away, watching her lips slide over him. The pull of her mouth caused him to groan, and when her eyes lifted, their gazes met and she grew still. Gently, he reached down and took her shoulders, closing his eyes momentarily when she released him.