Owned by Pirates Page 10

  Clapping him on the back, I shook my head. "No, I shan't, and I'm sure you know why."

  I noticed some covert glances around the table. "Speak up, boys. We have no secrets here."

  Davy cleared his throat. "Well, sir, we sort of assumed that with you purchasing Miss Flora, she might become your… er, mistress. But we've seen no evidence of, shall we say, togetherness between you that wasn't fairly innocent."

  Staring into my mug, I swirled my rum around, not sure of how to answer honestly. "You all know at first I just wanted to save her." The crew all nodded.

  "Aye, Captain, and you were right to do so,” O'Doule agreed.

  "But then I got to know the wee lass.” I paused. It felt like everyone had grown beyond silent.

  Then I shook my head. "If we had a normal life, and I were a respectable villager, I would court her, as she is a proper lady. But having her suddenly thrown into my life, and my bed, things are a bit strange."

  The lads all nodded. "Yes, odd circumstances indeed," Larry said.

  "I would never want to scare the sweet lass, or make her feel obligated in any way. So for now, I'm simply going to take my time…” I winked. “And be sure that she falls madly in love with me."

  I drained my mug while the lads cheered and laughed.

  "Good plan," Teeth agreed. "I’d like her to stay around. And I don't just say that because I do like most of her cooking."

  I saw that McGee almost swatted him in the arm, then thought better of it when he remembered his fresh stitches.

  "She really has worked out to be a good member of the crew,” O'Doule said. "She jumped right in to be our doctor when we needed her. That was a bit of a surprise."

  I nodded. "Yes, she is full of surprises, I do agree."

  Pushing away from the table, I stood up. "And on that note, I should go make sure that she has stopped working for the night. The precious little thing is going to cause her sewing fingers to fall right off."

  A chorus of, "G’night, Captain," filled the room as I waved behind me, heading to my quarters.

  Sure enough, my sweet little Flora was there, working on her necklaces. "Sweetheart, I worry that you work yourself too hard."

  She looked up at me with a smile, then her bright eyes grew wide. I realized I might not have called her that before.

  Sitting beside her, I tipped her chin up to mine with a finger. "You are my little sweetheart, aren't you?"

  Those big blue eyes regarded me carefully, then she nodded. Her soft lips turned up in a tiny smile, then I kissed her.

  Every time we kissed it felt like we were dissolving into each other even more. As if we needed to crawl into each other's skin and become one person. It was astounding how much this little lass meant to me in such a short time.

  ~ Chapter 15 ~ Flora ~

  * In the Dark *

  I heard a few fragments of conversation about the hotel some of the lads would be visiting soon. This made my stomach feel like it was being tied in knots.

  I had no problem with the thought of a brothel. I knew that men had needs. If they didn’t have a wife, they would naturally look into other ways of fulfilling those needs. If a lady chose to be paid for her intimate company, that was her own business, not mine.

  Yet the thought of the Captain with another woman filled me with a fit of strange, sickening anger that I’d never experienced before. I had been slightly jealous of school friends who were allowed more freedom than I was, and of those who were able to eat as much as they wanted. But this didn’t feel like jealousy. It felt like terror and rage stirring together in my belly, the mixture becoming poison.

  If the Captain wanted to visit ladies who knew what they were doing in the bedroom, it wasn’t my place to stop him. But perhaps I could please him enough that he’d not want to bother with them? Why pay for ladies of the evening, when he had already paid so much for me?

  Somehow it was easier to think of doing my duty and pleasing him rather than admitting the truth to myself. I wanted him because I wanted him. Completely. He told me that the sea was a place where people could take what they wanted, with no regrets. I needed his touch in a way that was brand new for me. I didn’t understand it. Maybe I didn’t have to.

  Unless of course he didn’t want me in that way, and I was just an amusement that kept him entertained until he visited the hotel again. For all I knew, he could have a regular lady there. Or wish to visit a new one every time.

  I hated not knowing a darn thing about the workings of men’s minds. In a way, it wasn’t my place. But I hated feeling like I was in the dark.

  Yet as he called me his sweetheart and kissed me, I felt my worries fade away a bit. Instead of relaxing, however, the heat in our kiss grew and grew. The Captain swept me off my feet, laying me across the bed.

  Without even thinking, I quickly unbuttoned his shirt, spreading my fingers as I moved my hands across his muscled chest.

  Something came over me. I don't think it was the fear of losing him to another woman. I think it was the intoxicating desire of wanting him for myself. Then I realized he wasn’t stopping me.

  He helped me pull his shirt off, then sat me up and helped me remove my dress. Laying under him in nothing but my knickers, my heart was beating far too fast. His kisses became softer, his lips gliding against mine as my hand reached up to grip the back of his hair. It thrilled me to hear a low growl escape his throat.

  "Lassie, whatever am I going to do with you?" He smiled seductively, his deep eyes meeting mine as he seemed to ponder for a moment.

  "I'm yours," I whispered. "Do whatever you like with me, sir."

  His eyes closed for a moment, and I felt a shudder run through him. “There is a little something I've been craving, my sweet girl."

  "Anything," I breathed. From the way he was looking at me, I knew that anything he wanted to do would be incredible.

  His lips crushed to mine, kissing me so hard it nearly took my breath away. His large hands caressed my breasts gently, as he swirled his thumbs over my tender nipples.

  My tiny cries against his mouth seemed to amuse him. Then he began kissing along my jaw, and down my neck. I gripped the back of his shoulders as his tongue swirled around my breast. It was hard not to shriek when his teeth gently tugged at my nipple, teasing me with a little pinch. I barely noticed when he tugged off my knickers until I instinctively spread my thighs a bit.

  "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Flora,” he whispered, moving to the other side to skim his tongue along my delicate peak until I moaned. "Quiet, you hot little thing," he smiled up at me. “The boys are still awake."

  I wasn't sure why having to be silent made what he was doing even more exciting. It was our naughty little secret. His firm kisses wandered down my stomach, stopping at the top of my mound as he looked up at me with a wink. I was stunned as he spread me wide open with his broad shoulders, settling between my legs.

  His thick fingers danced along my most delicate skin, gently caressing me while I tried to breathe. I was flooded with feelings I couldn't make sense of. It felt like my insides were becoming juicy and soft. My entire body was melting, and I gasped as his slippery tongue licked firmly through my crease.

  "You're positively delicious, my darling lass," he murmured.

  He curled his tongue around my sensitive little nub of skin in a way that drove me half crazy. Then I felt his finger dipping into my moisture, beginning to stroke inside me very carefully. The bliss was building through my center, and it felt like lightning was flashing through my veins.

  When he managed to wiggle his finger all the way inside, he began to stroke gently all the way in and out. I couldn't believe the sensation of fullness, and once again felt like I was dangling from the edge of a cliff, about to fall into the sea.

  Flattening his tongue against my sensitive bit of nerves, the Captain looked up at me with fire in his eyes.

  I couldn't speak. I couldn't catch my breath. As he added a second finger, thrusting sl
owly in and out of my snug passage, I felt heat blaze through me. Then I was falling, twitching, complete bliss washing through me as I quivered, squealing beneath him. His other hand clapped over my mouth as I wailed, my fingers clutching his hair as I pulled his mouth firmly against me.

  As the wave of complete release overtook me, I felt drained and energized at the same time. When I finally stopped twitching, the Captain looked up at me and licked his lips. "My lovely girl, you're as sweet as I expected.”

  Pulling him by the hair, he chuckled at my urgency as I pulled his lips to mine. I needed to feel him on top of me. My legs wrapped around his hips as I yanked him against me, rocking against his body with pure, raw need.

  "You adorable little temptress," he smiled.

  He rolled onto his side so that he didn't crush me, even though I was enjoying the feeling immensely. He shoved off his pants, snuggling against me completely naked.

  My hand instantly reached for his arousal, and I loved the feeling of his tough, hard body against mine as he clutched me close. Stroking his length, I felt him grow under my touch as he became even more firm.

  Rolling slightly, the Captain laid on his back, possibly hoping that I would use both hands again. But after the unbelievable feeling of his mouth on my intimate parts, I could only imagine that he would appreciate the same.

  Kissing him gently, I swiped the palm of my hand against the tip of his shaft lightly, teasing him until I could feel the smile in his lips.

  Then I kissed down his chest quickly, holding his rigid pole in both hands as I wrapped my rosy lips around the top. He looked down at me with an expression of complete astonishment.

  Sticking out my tongue saucily, I circled around the bulbous head, caressing him gently as I massaged the rest with my hands. I saw his rippled stomach tighten as his body curled forward slightly.

  Feeling such a big man under my control like this was so unusual. I couldn't possibly deny how much I liked it.

  Opening my mouth as wide as I could, I felt my lips stretch around his skin as I rubbed the tip of his shaft against my tongue. His eyes blazed, and I felt his hand gently stroke the back of my hair.

  I wanted to make him as happy as he’d made me over the past several weeks. Feeling his shaft begin to twitch, I opened wider, thrusting his length into my mouth, then bobbing up and down. Pressing my lips against his skin, I tried to touch him more firmly. It looked like he was nearly gasping for air, as his hand grasped the back of my head.

  Moving even faster, I created a slight sucking motion, pressing as much of his flesh down my throat as I could.

  Looking up to meet his eyes, they were only half open, unfocused as he choked, "Flora…" Then his stomach seemed to clench as his organ spasmed, shooting his seed straight down my throat as I swallowed quickly.

  I licked him clean, feeling that it was the polite thing to do. Then I slowly pulled my hands away, looking up at him hopefully.

  The Captain’s eyes were glazed as he seemed to be pleased beyond measure. “My lovely lass, wherever did you learn a trick like that?”

  I felt myself blushing hotly. “I’ve never done that before, sir. I just thought you might like it.”

  He pulled me up beside him, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “It’s been ages since I’ve felt anything half as nice, I assure you.”

  He leaned over to kiss me, and I felt so tiny under his huge frame. Pulling him on top of me, the feeling of his weight upon me stirred my insides, filling every part of my body with the deepest longing. His tongue entwined with mine, as I spread my legs, rocking against him with pure, raw need.

  “You’re insatiable,” he purred, his lips against the hollow of my throat.

  “I’ve never felt like this before,” I breathed.

  “That’s because you’re free here, lass. You can just let go.”

  I needed to feel his length between my legs. It was a strange urge that radiated outward from my insides, demanding that I obey.

  Just when I thought I felt a flutter from his manhood, he shifted me so that I was lying beside him again. His hand squeezed my breast firmly, sending shivers through me. Then his hand lowered, and I eagerly spread my thighs for his fingers.

  “You have no idea what it does to me, knowing that you need my touch, lass.”

  I couldn’t form words, simply moaning softly as he entered me with two fingers, stretching me open. Without thinking, I laid my leg over his hips, opening wider.

  “That’s it,” he murmured, kissing along my ear, my cheekbone. “Open for me, sweetheart.”

  His fingers began thrusting harder, faster, and if I hadn’t been lying down my knees would have buckled. Then his thumb pressed against my secret little spot, and my entire body began to rock against him.

  “Yes,” a harsh, breathy cry escaped me. “Please… yes…”

  He kissed me softly, wetly, our mouths holding us together even though my body began to nearly thrash. I held his shoulders, my fingernails digging into his skin as the dam within me broke open, spilling warm golden pleasure through every part of me.

  “Oh… Captain,” I choked. Tremors ran through me until I eventually became still, seeing stars behind my eyelids.

  “My precious girl. You are so beautiful, but when you’re in the midst of joy, you’re just radiant.”

  My heart felt like it had melted into a puddle, swishing around inside my chest. These feelings were growing each day, but every time our bodies were close, the bonds grew intensely. The way he was looking at me so sweetly, rocking me in his arms, I felt completely at peace.

  Suddenly he laughed heartily, shaking me and surprising me at once. “My word, lassie, you poor little thing. Are you afraid I’d be going out with the lads to the bawdy house the week after next?”

  I bit my lip nervously. “It’s not my place to ask, sir.”

  “My dear girl,” he said gently, taking my hand in his and placing it against his heart. “How could I look at another woman when I have the prettiest lass in the land right here beside me?”

  Feeling tears prick the corners of my eyes, I shut them tightly for a moment. When I opened them, he was still smiling warmly. He kissed my nose, making me giggle.

  “You’re my girl, Flora. I’ll never want for another.”

  I felt my face flushing, even under my faint new sun-kissed glow.

  “Flora, look at me.”

  I stared into his deep, nearly black eyes. His desire, his longing, was all right there. It was like seeing into his mind.

  “Little lass, the day your bastard father marched you to my ship was the best day of my life.” Then he chuckled. “Ol’ Cap’n Yarlie used to say that some of the best things in life were the ones you stumbled into ass-backward.”

  He lifted my hand and touched it to his lips. “We were meant to be, little one. I’m greatly relieved that you’ve taken to a life at sea like a duck to water.”

  I nodded eagerly. “You’ve been so kind to me, sir. And all of the men have been very understanding and helpful. I can honestly say, although it’s only my second, this is the best home I’ve ever had.”

  He nodded, snuggling me into his chest as he wrapped the blankets around us. “You’re my home now, Flora,” he whispered against my hair.

  ~ Chapter 16 ~ The Captain ~

  * Quick Stop in Parrinport *

  It was already our fourth trip back to Parrinport so that Flora could sell her necklaces and other jewelry things.

  The shopkeeper from the fabric store had apparently coordinated with the local dress shop. Now they were both selling sea-themed accessories to all of the ladies in several of the neighboring towns. They were creating their own little fashion district, of a sort.

  I would never pretend to know a thing about styles, but it certainly seemed that Flora’s inventions were very distinct. It wasn't just her use of shells and beach stones. It was the way she added just a touch of blue or a drop of green in the form of a ribbon or button.

  From what lit
tle I'd noticed, the other women, especially the older ones, seemed to make brash statements, like a bright yellow hat. Flora was more thoughtful, creating a wee clip a lady might wear in her hair. Or a pin for the front of her dress to make it look fancier without having to change the whole dress.

  It was all a bit confusing to me, but what was clear was that Flora was flourishing. She insisted on still doing the ship’s work for most of the day, then she worked afternoons and evenings on her ladies’ things.

  Somehow, she didn't look tired at all. She looked radiantly happy. I hadn’t caught her without a smile on her face for weeks. Every time she came back to the docks after dropping off her packages at the shop, she was absolutely beaming.