by Wendi Zwaduk
She reached out to touch him. The pain and torture he must’ve suffered to earn the scars…she couldn’t imagine.
“I love it when you touch me, Sarah.” He closed his hand over hers on his chest.
Killian rose up between her knees and kissed her again. This time he remained chest to breast with her. His warmth seeped into her body. “I want to see all of you,” he murmured. He tugged at the clasps holding the side of her dress closed. The more he pulled, the easier the closures gave way.
Her hands trembled as she reached around and untied her strings at the small of her back. She’d never dreamed of showing her body to a man before marriage, but with Killian at the helm, she wanted to try everything.
The sleeves of her dress loosened and slipped off her shoulders. The top half of her dress tumbled to her lap.
Killian licked his lips and helped her ease her arms free. “I love a woman in a corset. Nothing sexier.”
Her embarrassment faded away. Was it possible to fall in love in one night, especially with the man who’d taken her hostage? Maybe it was the lust in her veins, but she didn’t really feel like a captive.
“Right now, the corset needs to come off.” He climbed onto the bed and crawled around to sit behind her. Killian poked and tugged at her undergarment. “How do you open this thing?”
“It’s a new design.” The tips of her ears burned. She shouldn’t feel so self-conscious, but she did. “There are clasps at the back.”
“I see now.” He kissed her shoulder then opened the constrictive undergarment. “I’ll never get enough of you.”
The moment of tenderness imprinted itself on her brain. Another thought crossed her mind, though, and she vocalized her worry, “You say that because I’m here. Any other woman would do in the same situation.” She hoped not, but her practical side won out.
“No, love. I believe in fate.” Killian turned her around enough to look into her eyes. “We were both in Southampton for a reason.”
She nodded. Deep in her heart she believed him.
Killian stood. He unbuckled his belt then opened the buttons on his pants. His cock stood out from a thatch of dark curls. He kept his gaze on hers as he kicked out of his knee-high boots.
Sarah scooted to the edge of the bed. She wanted to touch him some more. Sculpture hardly compared to a real man. She wrapped her fingers around his erection.
“Love, pull a little when you do that. Stroke me.” He shuddered and wobbled as he eased his socks and pants the rest of the way off. More scars crisscrossed his strong body.
She leaned forward and kissed his belly while she massaged his cock.
“One day I’ll teach you how to please me with your mouth, but not today.” Killian backed away from her, releasing himself from her grasp. “I’m liable to go off like a cannon right now.” He coaxed her onto her back and slid her gown and drawers down her legs. When he had her naked, he crawled on top of her.
She shivered and moaned. She’d never been so exposed, but instead of being embarrassed, she felt emboldened. Sarah parted her legs.
“So beautiful.” Killian opened her up to his hungry gaze. “Slick and pink.” He lowered his face between her thighs and licked her.
A strange stirring started low in her belly. She couldn’t breathe. The more she puffed for air, the dizzier she felt. Butterflies swarmed in her chest.
“Killian,” she moaned. Sarah reached for him, threading her fingers through his dark hair. “Oh.”
“That’s right, love. Give in to your desires.” He buried his face in her pussy. He licked along her labia then scraped his teeth over her clitoris.
She couldn’t describe the sensations. One moment she seemed to be floating and the next flying. Her legs trembled and heat spread throughout her being. She squirmed beneath him. Pressure filled her pussy and she cried out.
“Killian.” She tensed. “Oh my God.”
Chapter Four
“Calm, my love. I’m preparing you with my fingers. You taste like wine.” He resumed sucking on her labia.
She wasn’t sure how to react. Part of her feared the new feelings. No one had ever touched her there before. Part of her reveled in the freedom of her actions with Killian. He made her feel beautiful and desired. She glanced down at him.
Killian smiled and opened his palm on her lower belly. He pumped his fingers. “My sweet virgin.”
Another burst of need spiraled through her. She thrashed and gripped the sheets. “Make love to me,” she begged. “Please?”
“You’re as eager as I.” Killian stroked her belly. “My heart beats for you.” He eased his fingers out of her and aligned himself mons to groin and breast to chest. “Focus on me. I cannot make this hurt less.”
“Killian.” Her voice strained and her chest ached. “Please?”
“Focus on me.” He stared into her eyes and slipped his hand between their bodies. Something tapped her labia. “I’m getting you ready.”
She glanced down and noticed his cock throbbing against her pussy. She tried to relax, but no matter what she tried…nothing worked.
“This will hurt.” He eased his erection over the entrance of her pussy.
The pressure spread through her body, followed by pain. She’d expected some discomfort, but she felt stretched thin. When she whimpered, he kissed the corner of her mouth. “You’re doing very well, love.”
His soft words reassured her a bit. Little by little he slid into her pussy. He stared into her eyes and murmured, “So tight, love. You’re beautiful. I love being inside you.” He braced himself on his forearms on either side of her head. “My heart beats for you.”
Once he’d buried himself to the hilt in her, he held still. She’d never felt so full in her entire life. The pressure both hurt and delighted her. She winced.
“Talk to me, love. Tell me how you feel.”
Words escaped her. “I— It hurts.”
“It will.” He nodded then kissed her lips and cheeks. “You’re doing so well.” Killian rocked his hips, slowly easing in and out of her. His balls tapped her ass and he continued to kiss her.
Sarah shuddered. Her legs trembled again. She forced herself to relax. He wasn’t doing anything to intentionally cause her harm. She draped her arms around his neck and blew out a long breath.
“Stay with me, love.” Killian moved his body. His tempo increased a bit.
Everything inside her tingled. Her pussy vibrated, and she cried out. She dug her nails into his shoulders. The pain faded away, replaced by pleasure. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. She squirmed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t hold still.
“Talk to me,” Killian murmured. “Tell me how you’re feeling.”
“I’m floating, but I haven’t left the earth.” She dug her toes into the bedding and groaned. Her body tensed then released. Too many sensations—sizzles, electrical sparks around her heart and desire filtering into her brain—overwhelmed her.
Killian closed his eyes. A bead of sweat slipped down his temple. He bucked and surged inside her.
Her thoughts fuzzed and she whimpered. She puffed for breath. Something deep within her was being splintered and her vision blurred. She arched her back, meeting him thrust for thrust.
“Killian!”
When she cried out, he slumped forward and emptied his seed in her body. He growled and shook his head. “Damn.”
Sarah closed her eyes and basked in the slushy feeling.
Killian pulled out then settled beside her. He kissed her cheek and rubbed his nose over her temple. “Thank you.”
She blinked her eyes open and turned to face him. “Thank you for what?”
“Allowing me to be your first lover.” He smiled and rested his head on the pillow. “You should hate me for feeling so triumphant. I refuse to think of you being with another man.”
“You’re a foolish man.” She touched his chest. “But I like you.”
Unfortunately, she’d fallen into more than l
ike or even lust with Killian. She’d fallen in love. Soon, she’d be returned home and she’d have to give herself over to someone else. Despite the heady feelings afterward, she bit back a wince. She didn’t want to go home. She wanted to stay with Killian. They’d sail together, making love at night and plundering all day. Goodness, she’d become a dreamer and not very practical. She hadn’t been brought up to steal. She’d been raised to serve her future husband and to look beautiful. Love had never factored into the equation.
The future didn’t seem bright. Not at all.
She pulled the blankets over her body and closed her eyes again. Thinking about what could be wasn’t helping any. She’d focus on now and enjoy her time with her pirate.
Killian flopped onto his back and stared at the wooden ceiling. He’d been with his share of women, but none of them compared to Sarah. He grinned to himself. She’d given her virginity to him. She trusted him and still hadn’t run. Granted, they were in the middle of the Atlantic, miles from shore, but she hadn’t tried to hop a lifeboat or break into the radio room to call a rescue vessel.
“What are you thinking about?” She rolled onto her side and tucked the sheet to her breast. She’d seemed so introspective moments before.
Killian wasn’t sure what to think. “You,” he confessed. She’d managed to soften him. Maybe he wanted to be a better man all along. “I’m not sure this pirating business is worth it.”
“You get to see the world.” She laid her arm across his chest. “That’s got to be exciting.”
“You’ve probably seen more of the world than I have. I spend most of my time on the boat. If I’m not dodging the maritime police, I’m outrunning whomever I’ve stolen from. It’s not a good life.” Regret hit him hard. So many things he’d missed out on in his thirty-five years and all because he’d chosen a life of crime on the high seas.
“Are you wanted for murder?”
He snorted. “I’ve never killed anyone, no. You almost seem giddy about that idea, though.”
“No.” She slipped both of her hands under her head. Her eyelids drooped. “I’m intrigued by you.”
“How so?”
“You’re free. I want to be free. I do things to make my father mad hoping he’ll give me the opportunity to do as I please.” She shrugged. “Isaiah is father’s protégé. If I do as they both ask, then the money will stay in the family and I’ll be protected. I’m not sure what I need protecting from.” She grinned at him and her eyes glittered. “I’ve driven a car. Model T. If my father found out, he’d…”
He stared at her. The more time with Sarah he spent, the more he fell in love with her. She intrigued him as well. “What’s it like? Driving?”
Her eyes glittered and her smile widened. “Driving is like sailing at full speed with the wind in your face, but you’re on solid ground.” Sarah snuggled closer to him and tangled her legs with his as if they’d been a couple for many years. “It’s liberating. Everyone should try it.”
Killian laughed. “That’s a vision. Your father, the stuffy man I assume he is, chasing you down a dirt road as you speed away from him.” The laughter rumbled in his chest. He hadn’t felt so good in a long time. Hadn’t wanted a woman as much as he needed her. They could be unorthodox together. “I suppose you think women should have the vote as well?”
“I do.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Why should I let you decide what’s best for me? Because you’re a man? I don’t agree. I’m capable. I taught myself to drive! Don’t you agree women are just as smart as men?”
His respect for her grew. “Even if I didn’t think women were capable—I believe you can do whatever you set your mind to—I doubt I’d be able to dissuade you from your views.” Hell no. He’d encourage every one of her free thoughts and join right in with her. She matched him in so many ways. He wished he’d spotted her earlier. It would’ve saved him heartache.
“You’re right, you wouldn’t. I’m happy being a little different.”
All the more reason he’d fallen for her. “Sleep, love.”
He wanted her to sleep, but he couldn’t follow his own advice. He’d never be able to settle down. She churned his emotions and made him think about love and relationships. How could be have her onboard all the time and continue his lifestyle? Giving up pirating wasn’t going to happen soon—not with half the law agencies in the world on his tail.
A knock at the door interrupted their quiet moment.
“Yes?” Killian asked. “What do you need, Andrews?”
“Sir, we need to talk. You’ve got a message,” came Andrew’s now gruff voice.
His blood chilled. A message. Granted, a thousand men wanted to tear into him at any given time, but he doubted any of those individuals were responsible for the communiqué. “Is it something I want to see now or something I want to see in the morning?”
“It’s of the utmost urgency, sir.”
“Just a moment.”
“Right, sir.”
He thanked God Andrews wasn’t one to linger and listen in. He’d get an earful from his second mate once they reached the bridge. Killian slipped from the bed and grabbed his pants from the floor. A shaft of moonlight filtered into his quarters.
“I’ll be right back, love.” He stepped into his pants, then boots. He searched for his wayward shirt.
“Don’t take long.” She pulled the covers to her chin and closed her eyes.
By the time he returned, she’d probably be fast asleep.
Killian located his shirt and shrugged into the wrinkled garment. He strode out into the corridor and closed the door. His second mate leaned against the railing with his back to Killian.
“Now, what’s the matter?” Killian dropped his voice to a murmur.
“Let’s walk.” Andrews surged ahead of him.
Killian raced to catch up with the man. “We’re alone, save for the stars and moon. Christ, man. Speak.”
Andrews grunted. His mustache twitched and he adjusted his jacket. “The father of your plaything has radioed us. The goons from her boat saw ours.” He produced a piece of paper from one of his pockets. “They’ve radioed us with their demands. Yes, their demands. Sir, we’re pirates on the finest ship in the world. Since when have we started taking demands?”
“We haven’t.” Killian unfolded the message. His eyebrows knotted and a headache formed behind his eyes. He had known this moment would come, but had hoped it wouldn’t be for a couple of days at least. He’d been having too much fun with Sarah.
Do not demand ransom. Will not be paid. Bring my daughter home to Norfolk. My men will shoot with intent to kill if my demands not met. Fiancé misses her.
Cordially
Nelson Moyer
He crumpled the paper in his hand. Damn it. She wasn’t kidding about having a man at home. Killian pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. For one of the few times in his life, he needed to do the right thing. If not for his safety, for hers. In the short time they’d been together, he’d grown to love her. Love. Not such a foreign word after all.
“Set a course for Norfolk.” Killian nodded as if to reassure himself. “Yes.”
“And chance being arrested?” Andrews’ eyebrows rose. “You must be mad. We risked our lives to kidnap her. You aren’t going to allow this fool to bully you into giving her up, are you? I thought you said you fancied her.”
“What choice do I have? I fancy her, yes, but—” He thought about his earlier conversation with Sarah. She believed women were as smart as men and deserved equality. What would she think when she found out her father wanted him dead?
“But what? You’re Killian Thomas! You’ve never bowed to anyone,” Andrews spat. “This Moyer fellow might own land and have money, but you’ve got the one thing he wants—his little girl.”
“Very true, but even a pirate knows when to cut his losses.” Killian bit back another wince. Losing her would do him in. She’d take a piece of him with her.
“You�
��re at least going to speak with the lady, aren’t you? Maybe she can sort this out.” Andrews sighed. “She’s not some tart or lady of the evening. You really care about her, don’t you?”
“She’s a true lady, and yes, I care about her. Deeply.” Killian rested his balled fists on his hips. Defeat clouded his voice, despite his attempt to sound strong. “I’ll speak with her in the morning. She’s sleeping.”
“No doubt because you’ve worn her out.” Andrews elbowed Killian’s ribs. “That’s my boy.”
“Remember that when we’re in jail tomorrow evening.” Killian left the bridge.
His heart ached. She’d been duty-bound to her fiancé before they’d made love. What about now? He’d never be able to sleep. Too many thoughts weighed on his mind. He crept into his cabin and locked the door. Sarah lay snuggled up in his blankets, her hair shimmering in the moonlight. He gazed at her beauty. She was a rare jewel. The motion of the boat hadn’t bothered her. She didn’t seem fond of the crew, but sometimes he clashed with them. And what about him? He didn’t know how he’d fallen in love with her so quickly.
Killian collapsed on the bench beside the window and stared out at the waves. She owned him. More than the sea, more than his wicked ways, he cared about her. He’d never forget her.
He hoped he’d be able to give her up once they reached port. Sarah deserved the best, not a wayward man of the sea. Too bad he didn’t believe in what he needed to do.
Chapter Five
Sarah opened her eyes and stretched. She’d had the most wonderful dream the night before. No worries, no cares, just days of excitement and nights filled with passion from her pirate. She tugged the covers tighter to her chin. Her body ached, but she wouldn’t have traded the feeling for anything. Utterly soiled and debauched. She grinned. For becoming a fallen woman, her spirits soared.