Pages of Passion

by Girard, Dara

  Noreen nodded. That’s what she would do. She took a deep breath and began making her way back to their table. She weaved around the dance floor and was close to where Michael was sitting when a man grabbed her arm and pulled her into a dancer’s embrace.

  Noreen stared at him, more outraged than frightened. He didn’t smell of alcohol, so he couldn’t be drunk, but there had to be a reason for his strange behavior. He was middle-aged with small, gray eyes and a receding hairline that didn’t take away from his looks. She tried to pull away. “Let go of me.”

  He strengthened his hold. “Give me a minute. I have a message.”

  Noreen stopped struggling. “A message?”

  “Yes. Watch yourself.”

  He had to be drunk or high. She sniffed him but he only smelled of cheap aftershave and steak. “What are you talking about?”

  “You’re one of Harris’s girls, aren’t you? You don’t have to answer that. I already know the answer.”

  Harris’s girls? Had she fallen into a B-level James Bond spoof? “Is he spying on me?”

  “No, I’m one of Erickson’s men. You’re the deliverer and I’m the insurance. I make sure the transaction goes through.”

  “Why would he need you as insurance? I’m just delivering a ring. Besides I know how to take care of myself and will complete the job.”

  “Erickson doesn’t want any interruptions.”

  Who was this man and why was he threatening her?

  “Well, there won’t be any interruption,” Noreen said, annoyed.

  “I’m here to make sure of that. Keep yourself and your property safe. Thieves like ships.”

  “I don’t know who you are, but I know what I’m doing. Trust me.” Noreen didn’t like the man’s tone and was confused that the client had sent someone along on the cruise to keep an eye on her.

  “Just remember that some people might want more from you than your pretty face.”

  Noreen wordlessly stared at him, no longer feeling angry, but a little frightened.

  “Like I said. Watch yourself,” he repeated then abruptly released her and disappeared into the crowd.

  Noreen watched him go, confused. Why would there be such a fuss over an antique ring? The confrontation reminded her of some of the men she’d met years ago when she’d worked for her uncle. No, she didn’t want to even consider the possibility that her sister was involved in something illegal. This probably had to do with the eccentric client, who was waiting for the ring to be delivered. She didn’t have much time to reflect on it when she found out the reason for the stranger’s quick departure.

  “Who was that?” Michael demanded, staring past her.

  It was a simple question, but his harsh tone and the cold look in his eyes revealed a ruthlessness that made her inwardly shiver. “Oh,” Noreen said in a bright voice. “He was just a little drunk and wanted someone to dance with.”

  Michael’s eyes fell to her face, dark and probing. “He didn’t look drunk to me.”

  “Tipsy then.”

  Michael frowned. “He acted like he knew you.”

  “Maybe I reminded him of someone,” she said lightly. “Are you jealous?”

  “Very,” he said, with a silken thread of warning.

  Noreen touched his arm, surprised by the tension in him. “Forget about it. Let’s go sit down.”

  Without warning Michael drew her into a dancer’s embrace. She didn’t expect the jolt of awareness when their bodies met. She’d been close to him before and had felt his body against hers, but not like this. Before, their connection had been accidental or necessary, but this was deliberate.

  “I thought you didn’t want to dance.”

  “I changed my mind,” he said, daring her to challenge him.

  She declined and let herself be seduced by the pulsating music and the hard form pressed against her. Their bodies moved to the slow, steady rhythm, his arm around her waist, and she felt a deep, throbbing hunger. She wanted him. He was the perfect antidote to her malaise. She felt as if she could dance all night. He made her feel feminine and free and strong and beautiful. She rested her head against his chest, wanting the moment to last forever.

  “You don’t love him,” Michael said, with a flat note of conviction.

  Noreen lifted her head, startled, and looked up at him. “What?”

  “You wouldn’t respond to me like this if you did.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “My competition.”

  Noreen sighed with annoyance. “Why are we back to that?”

  “Does he have something over you? If he does, I might be able to help.”

  “I don’t need your help. It’s none of your business.”

  “You don’t love him.”

  Noreen met Michael’s gaze, remembering Arlene. “I do in my own way and I don’t have to explain it to you.”

  “I’m not even sure you like him.”

  “You’re wrong.”

  He slid his hand up her back to her exposed flesh, his palm hot against her skin. “You’re responding to me as if a man hasn’t touched you in months.”

  Noreen’s body tingled at his touch, but she kept her voice steady. “That’s your imagination.”

  His eyes clung to hers. “I imagine a lot of things, but I’m not imagining this.”

  Chapter Eight

  She tried to pull away. “I’m leaving.”

  He held her still. “Because I’m right?”

  “No, because I don’t need another possessive man in my life. I don’t need another man to tell me what I should or shouldn’t feel,” Noreen said, thinking of her ex who told her she was cold. “I want to be free.”

  Michael’s hand continued to caress her back, trailing circles that made her aware of no one else but him. “I don’t want to own you,” he said in a husky tone. “I just want you to admit you feel what I feel too.”

  “I don’t have to admit to anything,” she said in a weak voice and turned her face away, unable to look at him.

  “I know I’m not crazy, but something about all this is driving me insane,” Michael mumbled more to himself than to her. He lifted her chin, his eyes meeting hers. “Just tell me I’m not crazy, that there’s something going on between us that’s more than an affair.”

  “I can’t.” Her voice came out in a choked whisper.

  He grinned. “Angel, you just did.”

  “Okay,” she reluctantly admitted. “I feel it too. It’s called lust.”

  Michael shook his head. “This is not lust.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I’ve experienced it before. Lust is an all-consuming flame that can quickly be extinguished.” He dropped his tone, his voice husky with emotion. “Desire, however, is a bonfire that consumes everything it touches and right now we’re both burning.”

  Noreen turned away again.

  He cupped her cheek and forced her to face him. “If you ignore it, the fire only grows.”

  “I can’t—”

  “You’re hiding something you don’t want me to know.” He searched her face. “But you’re too honest to lie to me and I appreciate that. You can keep your secrets because I’ve got a few secrets of my own.” He sighed heavily. “But there’s something I need to know. Do—”

  The booming voice of the DJ interrupted him. “Okay, people, you know what time it is. It’s karaoke time!”

  People started to clear the dance floor.

  “We’d better go,” Noreen said, relieved by the reprieve.

  “Yes.” Michael turned and glanced at the stage. “Do you want to give it a try?”

  Noreen started to laugh at the suggestion. She’d never make a spectacle of herself in front of people. But she knew Arlene would. “Why not?”

  Noreen signed up then waited while her heart raced. She could change her mind, but she’d always wanted to sing. As a child she’d use a hairbrush as a microphone and sang in her bedroom. As she grew older she pretended to be a lounge
singer draped across a piano, or a diva capturing an audience of thousands. This was her chance to make that dream come true. When her name was called, she took the stage and chose an Aretha Franklin classic, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

  Light from an overhead spotlight fell on her and the crowd got quiet. Noreen gripped the microphone and briefly closed her eyes as a way of getting into character. Then she let the music take over and began to sing. The melody came through her, beautiful and clear.

  Noreen looked around the room and saw she had the audience entranced, which gave her more courage. She moved around the stage and then met Michael’s eyes and sang directly to him. By the final chorus she had the crowd on their feet cheering. She ended on a high note then bowed to thunderous applause.

  Noreen left the stage, feeling as though she was floating and that cloud led her back to Michael. “What did you think?” she asked or rather what she would have asked if his mouth hadn’t covered hers first. His lips sent shock waves through her, coaxing her and demanding a response. She met him with her own demands, deepening their kiss until it was something delicious and intoxicating.

  Michael pulled away. “I don’t feel like being arrested for indecent exposure,” he said in a breathless rush. “But I could take you right here.”

  “Wouldn’t the cabin be better?” Noreen asked then stopped, surprised by her boldness.

  He paused. “Is that an invitation?”

  “Do you need one?”

  “My cabin is bigger.”

  “My cabin is closer,” Noreen countered, ready to take her sudden courage all the way.

  Michael gestured to the door as though the decision was clear. “Lead the way.”

  Noreen grabbed his hand and weaved her way through the crowd to the elevators, but it was a busy night and a large gathering of people hampered her progress. By the time they reached the elevator, a group of people waiting nearby and several passengers joined in congratulating Noreen on her performance. Twice she and Michael missed a car because of her new fans. At last Michael was able to secure an empty one and shoved her inside, but on the next deck another group entered and the congratulatory praise continued. Finally, after what seemed like hours, with the elevator stopping on every deck, they reached their destination. Noreen fumbled with her cabin key, trying to show a nonchalance she didn’t feel. It had been nearly twenty minutes since their kiss. What if he’d changed his mind? What if the mood was over? What if he hated her cabin? Would her bed fit the both of them?

  “Relax,” Michael said softly, taking the key from her. “There’s no need to rush.” He turned the door handle. “I’m not going anywhere.” He opened the door and gestured her inside.

  Noreen placed her purse on her side table, slightly embarrassed by her cramped quarters. “We probably should have gone to your cabin. Mine is shabby compared to yours.”

  Michael took off his coat, his gaze never wavering from hers. His look was as soft as a caress. “Your cabin doesn’t interest me right now.”

  She swallowed. “Oh.”

  He unbuttoned his shirt, the heated flame in his eyes keeping her still. A sensual sizzle electrified the space between them and it was only when he removed his shirt that Noreen remembered she was still fully dressed. She reached behind for her zipper.

  Michael abruptly held up his hand. “Don’t move.”

  Noreen blinked, surprised. “Why?”

  He crossed the room and stood behind her. “Because I’ve wanted to undress you all evening and I’m not going to let you deny me that pleasure.” He pushed the straps of her top off her shoulders then slowly lowered the zipper of her skirt in a sensual fashion and let it fall to the floor. He placed his lips on the back of her neck. The soft, moist pressure of his lips soon moved to her shoulders and down to her back and up again.

  “You smell good,” he whispered against her neck.

  “Thank you,” Noreen stammered, stunned she could still speak.

  He unhooked her lacy pink bra and removed it, tossing it on the ground. “Look at me.”

  She didn’t move.

  Michael rested his chin on the curve of her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Is my Angel suddenly shy?”

  No, his “Angel” was bold and daring. Noreen took a deep breath and spun around but she couldn’t look at him so she focused on his chest and saw that his bruises were healing. She touched a scar on his chest that still looked sore. “You need to put Vitamin E on that.”

  “Do they turn you off?” he asked in an odd tone.

  Her eyes flew up and met his unreadable gaze. “No, never. I just…I don’t want to hurt you. Are you sure you’re up to this?”

  A slow smile spread over his face. “I’m definitely up to this. Unzip my trousers and I’ll show you proof.”

  Noreen laughed. “I believe you.”

  He carried her to the bed and laid her down, peeling off her panties. She removed his clothes before their bodies came together. He suddenly paused and swore.

  “What?” she asked alarmed.

  “Please tell me you have protection.”

  “No.”

  Michael swore fiercely and checked his watch. “The pharmacy is probably closed and I didn’t pack any. I didn’t expect to—” He shook his head in exasperation and started to get up. “I’m going to check.”

  “Wait,” Noreen said, realizing something.

  “What?”

  “I think I have some.”

  “You just remembered?”

  “I wasn’t thinking clearly, but now I am. I have some in my suitcase.” Noreen pointed in the direction of her closet.

  Michael leaped off the bed and dragged her suitcase out of the closet. “Where?”

  “In the inside zipped compartment.” She’d just remembered that Arlene always kept extras in her suitcase, carrying case and handbag. Unfortunately, Arlene treated condoms like seat belts. She liked having them there, but rarely used them, which explained her present situation. But Noreen wasn’t going to think about that now. She smiled and quietly thanked her sister. Then she remembered the package she was supposed to deliver. She didn’t want him to find it by accident and ask questions.

  “Wait, I’ll get it,” she said, shoving him aside. “Go back to bed.”

  He stood. “Why?”

  Noreen searched her mind for a reason then seized one. “I want to make sure I have your size.”

  “Are you used to smaller men?” he asked, amused.

  Noreen didn’t turn to him because she was eye level with the part of his anatomy she needed to cover. “I’m not going to answer that.” She pulled out a condom.

  He took it from her and studied it. “Hmm, flavored, huh?”

  She tried not to blush. Trust Arlene not to have ordinary condoms. “Is that a problem?”

  He tore open the packet and rolled it on. “Not at all. You can lick me like a lollipop if you want to.”

  Noreen rose to her feet. “Maybe later.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Right now all I want to taste is you.” She kissed him. Soon everything else was forgotten except their desire for each other and they stumbled back to bed.

  “Should I turn off the lights?” Noreen asked.

  “You’re not leaving this bed,” Michael said in a husky tone then for the next hour made her forget her suggestion. Eventually he drew away and stared at her in wonder as his hand skimmed the side of her thigh. “I wish I knew what was going on here.”

  “Do you need me to explain it to you?” she said, placing a light kiss on his ear. “Is this your first time?”

  “Yes,” he replied with feeling. “You do something to me. I’ve never felt this way.”

  Noreen felt the same way, but was too afraid to admit it. She wiggled beneath him, wanting every part of her to touch him. “You feel real good.”

  “You cast a spell on me, Angel.” He planted soft, wet kisses up her thigh.

  “Angels don’t cast spells.”

&
nbsp; “You were a witch that night.”

  “And you were a pirate.”

  His eyes captured hers. “I still am,” he said in a velvet tone.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, tonight I’m going to steal another man’s treasure.”

  “No matter the risk?”

  “I like risk,” he said then covered her breast with his mouth and let his tongue tease her nipple. She arched into him, every touch of his tongue and stroke of his hand filling her with a growing arousal.

  “I want you,” she whispered.

  “I want you more.”

  He entered her as though this moment had happened before in another lifetime. There was no awkwardness—he wasn’t too fast or too slow—it was the perfect fit and the heady thrill of it stunned them both. They whispered each other’s name like a vow. Noreen shut her eyes, dumbfounded that such exquisite rapture could exist. He’d changed her. She’d been like a desert and he’d become her oasis; she’d been a dried riverbed and he’d come like a rainstorm, filling the painful dry cracks of her spirit with nourishment. He made her feel alive—whole. She’d never feel numb again. He roused her passion to a level of unfathomable ecstasy and held her close until their lovemaking was over, then they lay silent.

  She touched him after a few moments had passed. The silence had stretched to something eerie. He was still with his eyes closed, but she didn’t sense that he was asleep. She noticed the bruises and one looked purpler than before. “Are you okay?” she asked with a note of anxiety.

  He pressed her hand against his chest. “Angel, you just sent me to heaven.”

  Chapter Nine

  Noreen woke up the next morning, convinced that last night had been a dream. She slowly turned her head, half expecting the space beside her to be empty. It wasn’t. Michael’s broad back faced her and she reached out to touch him to make sure he was real. She kissed his shoulder then slipped out of bed, tripping over his shoes. She grumbled about his untidiness and moved them against the wall then went into the bathroom. She put several lubricating drops in her eyes, because her contacts were dry, then stripped down and got into the shower.