Marie Kelly's Blog, page 8

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 8)

She saw the way his jaw clenched more tightly as he heard her accusing voice before nodding his head.  “Yes…It is done, though in time Lizzie you will come to see that perhaps your situation improved rather than worsened”

Sitting back once again in her chair she held his gaze.  “I am not a fool Lord Hunter”, tone haughty even as her voice was tinged with sadness. “I did not expect to be swept off my feet, swooning with love, as if in some romantic love novel.  However, I at least expected to be treated respectfully”

She saw as he frowned, dark penetrating eyes fixed on her.  “Have you been so badly treated Lizzie?”, he questioned gently, as she stared back at him.  “It is customary to bed your wife after the marriage”, she managed, “and I am aware that the only reason you want to wed me is because of what it will get you.  You cared little about impregnating me and sending me back to public humiliation, when I had done nothing to you.  So yes, I feel I have been badly treated”

She watched his eyebrow rise in surprise at her outburst.  “For that I will apologise…but I would do it again.  Unfortunately, your father had to be made to see that he had no choice but to follow my plan, and I am sorry that you have been the one caught in the middle.  However, please remember that perhaps this is just fate rewriting what should have been”

His hand moved to cover hers, gently lifting her fingers and pulling them to his lips.  She felt herself shudder as he kissed each in turn.  “Maybe it was written in the stars that we were destined to be together”

Elizabeth pulled her hand from him, her voice shaky.  “You do not believe in that rubbish?”, she asked caustically, seeing as his eyes twinkled.  “No, but I was hoping you would”  His face regarding her more gently.  “Believe me Lizzy, I will make you a far better husband than Lord Archer ever would”

Enraged, she snapped back at him, pain tingeing her tone, “Yes don’t want my offspring being weaklings and runts”

Annoyance crossed his features before he drained his glass in one sure move, once more rising to his feet “I must go back to my duties, the ship took some damage yesterday, so it will be a long day and night”  He bowed his head and quickly hooked his finger under her chin, angling her head up as his mouth took hers, Elizabeth groaning, as she almost instinctively kissed him back, her body once more betraying her.

As he pulled back, his black eyes glowed like red-hot embers.  “I think that we shall have strong children”, he murmured softly, before moving quickly to the door and once more disappearing.

For the rest of the day Elizabeth moved around the cabin.  Having been in the same room now for over two days, she was restless, sighing, once more wishing she could feel fresh air on her body.  As night fell and the cabin once more became dark she moved around lighting the oil lamps.  She had already found where everything was kept having looked in all the cupboards and drawers in an attempt to ward off her enforced boredom.

As her eyes became tired she put down the book she was reading, rising to change for bed.  Hearing the key to the door turning once more, she had not been surprised, realising how late it was.  However, she gasped with shock as one of the pirates who had earlier carried her trunk into the room slipped inside.  Closing the door behind himself, his eyes watched her with no attempt to conceal the lust within them.

Quickly, she moved behind the table, instinctively knowing that she needed to put distance between them both.  “What do you want?”, she demanded in the calmest voice she could muster.  His eyes flicked quickly around the cabin before once more resting on her.  “Just some of what the captain’s been enjoying”, he replied, his voice full of innuendo.

Elizabeth felt her throat drop to her stomach.  “Get out”, she cried, seeing as the other man rubbed his hand over his mouth, his eyes never leaving her as he moved closer to where she stood.  Quickly, Elizabeth turned and grabbed the knife she knew to be in the first drawer of the dresser behind her.  In the time she took to retrieve it, he managed to close the gap between them, and she screamed seeing how close he was, before she held the knife between them, her eyes staring wildly at him.

“Get away”, she cried as he laughed, the sound so unpleasant to her.  “Now…why don’t you put that down my pretty?  You don’t want to cut those nice little hands of yours”

She felt her pulse racing with the fear which was thudding inside her as she watched the man, willing herself to be calmer, knowing that she had to keep her wits about her, her features becoming more steady.  “I said leave”, she bit out in a voice more sure than she felt, her features harsher, more determined.

The pirate stopped laughing, as he watched the change in her, before he started to move forward again.   Elizabeth pushed the knife towards him, causing him to have to jump back quickly, his eyes now showing anger.

“Put it down, or you will be sorry”, he cried, seeing the grimness on her lovely face as she shook her head. “I would rather die than let you touch me”, she cried with fierce determination, seeing the greedy look in his eyes as he smiled evilly, his voice full of such malevolence.  “Oh don’t worry…You will be”, she gasped, realising his intentions just as he lunged once more at her.

Elizabeth slashed out at the man, crying out as she felt the knife knocked out of her hand, quickly running around the table away from the man.  He stopped, seeing the thin line of blood on his side, his eyes glaring at the terrified woman before him. “BITCH!!!”, he screamed with anger, his hand reaching out to grab her as she moved out of his reach.

Whimpering, she tried to run for the door before feeling as his hand grabbed her roughly by the shoulder, spinning her around to face him.  Elizabeth lashed out with everything she had, fighting the man who was trying to pull the clothes from her.  With a frustrated grunt she felt him pull back slightly before his open hand struck her forcefully on the face knocking her down to the ground.  As she hit the floor, she felt the whole room spin, momentarily feeling the darkness try to take her as she desperately clung on, knowing that if she lost consciousness all was lost.

She felt as he threw himself onto her, her whole senses bombarded with the smells of him, the stale stench of him making her feel sick.  She tried to lift her hand to ward him off, but with a small groan, she had not the energy to fight.  As he laughed triumphantly over her, his hands pulled at her dress, his eyes manically taking in her soft curves.  Elizabeth knew that all was lost, that she would die at the hands of the brute, her eyes closing in defeat and fear.

Even as she lost all hope she felt him quickly leaving her.  Her eyes flew open just in time to see Alex dragging the man from her, his eyes angrier than she had ever seen.  The pirate cried out in surprise, dragged to his feet as if he were no more than a rag.  With a small groan she pulled herself from where the two men now stood, crawling to a corner of the room.  Alex hit the other man squarely in the jaw, the pirate falling against the wall.  As another two of the crew entered the cabin, she pulled herself into a small ball, her arms moving protectively around her body as she shook.

Alex grabbed the man, throwing him to one of the others.  “Take him up top and wait there for me”, he commanded, before turning to her and quickly moving over to where she lay so small and pathetic on the floor.  Her whole body showed the shock of what had just happened.  Her beautiful eyes were open wide, staring up at him, terror deep within them.

He knelt in front of her, pulling her into his arms before whispering against her ear, “It’s OK Lizzy”, his voice soft, as she finally released a sob, the whole thing hitting her.  He pulled back to look into her shell-shocked face, whispering softly, “Whatever happens now…You must remain silent.  Do you understand?”

Elizabeth could see the way his eyes drilled down into hers, so serious and concerned as she gave a small nod.  With that sign of her understanding he pulled her none too gently to her feet, pushing her to the other remaining crew man.  “Take her up top too”

Gasping with surprise, she felt the other pirate grab her high on her arm, roughly pulling her along the narrow corridors she had first been brought down the day before.  As they reached the deck, she saw the way the other crew members gathered, all eyes upon her.  Inwardly she shuddered, trying to remain calm, while she wanted so badly to crawl into a corner, curl up and cry.

Looking around, she saw her father watching, his mouth gaped open, seeing her stood, held so securely by the pirate.  He had taken in her ripped dress, it only just covering her shoulder, revealing her milky skin as Elizabeth tried to pull the material over herself.  His eyes also did not miss the way her cheek was heightened and reddened, the corner of her mouth bleeding softly from the vicious blow, his eyes narrowing in disapproval at the sight she made.  He was aware that while trying to appear brave, she looked vulnerable and distraught, her hair only partially held up, falling about her shoulders, her eyes flicking around the sea of faces haunted and fearful.

Almost silently the men moved to create a circle, in which stood the man who attacked her, held firmly by two other pirates.  His eyes had looked wildly about himself, as though he already knew his fate.  After several seconds the captain appeared, Elizabeth nearly crying out to him, before his earlier words of warning stilled her.

He moved to the centre of the circle, indicating that the other two crew members move back to the outer edges, now facing the attempted rapist.  Alex was taller than the other man, but not as bulky, the other pirate looking nervous as his captain glared down on him for several seconds, his expression one of controlled rage.  Finally Alex moved, slowly walking around the circle, a hushed silence falling on the crowd as they listened respectfully to him.

“This man…”, he began, his hand pointing to the other pirate. “This… crew mate of ours”, he spat out the words, “Has not only attacked one of our own…but he DARED to try to steal my property”

Pausing he came almost level with Elizabeth.  Grabbing her roughly he dragged her forward, before much to her shock he pulled her tightly in to him and kissed her, not in the gentle manner he normally did, but hard – coarsely, before pushing her back to the man who held her once more.

“This woman is my property”, he continued, his voice ferocious as his body bristled with anger, “And nobody…nobody touches my property”

She could see as the other pirates nodded, as one turning to the other pirate, glaring at the man in the centre of the circle. As Alex stopped, he took a sword from one of the men standing watching.  “As is our custom…We will settle this in the way that is both right and just”

A large cheer rose amongst the other pirates, Elizabeth seeing the smiles on the other brutal men’s faces as she shivered.  She watched as the captain pulled his own sword before throwing the other to the man in the centre.  Realisation come on her, as she inexplicably felt fear for the man who was her lover, her eyes betraying her fear as for one second, his held hers before turning to his opponent.

{next installment 1st July}

PIRATE’S REVENGE (PT 7)

Chapter Seven

Finally she stilled.  Alex pulled himself from her, moving backwards to fix his trousers, his eyes taking in how sensual she looked, the only clothing she wore being the corset at her waist and the pushed down cotton shirt, her wonderful body causing him to feel himself harden again as he groaned gently.

“What you do to me”, he whispered, his eyes holding hers, as she stared back at him.  Her confusion at what had just happened was obvious, her colour heightened by the intensity of what had transpired, her lips so red and swollen from his mouth.  With small noise of pain she took in her appearance, and dropped down to pull the skirt back over her legs, quickly redoing it.  Fixing the top, she whimpered with embarrassment that her still-tight nipples pushed through the material, still showing her body’s state of arousal.

Finally dressed, she took deep calming breaths until her body stopped shaking.  Only did she looked back up to him, Alex seeing as the shutters came down on her eyes as she stared steadily back at him, a calmness within which belied the way her heart pounded so hard within her chest. “It would seem that I have little choice”, her voice husky but cold.

With a frown Alex made to move back towards her, a loud banging on the door halting him, his brow creasing in a scowl. “What!”, his frustration obvious in the one word.

“Captain, captain…You’re needed up top” the voice of one of his crew returned, a small expletive leaving him.  Pausing, his eyes took in the way her eyes followed his every move, before he grabbed his belts, reattaching them to his waist and around his chest, moving to the door.

“We will continue this later”, he bit out, his voice controlled, before leaving the cabin once more.  The sound of the key being turned signaled that she was once more alone, imprisoned in his quarters, her whole body in turmoil as to what had just happened between them.  With her back still against the hull, she slowly sank down to the floor, her arms moving around her legs as she hugged herself, her feelings in complete disarray and turmoil.  This man, this cruel and handsome stranger was slowly tearing her apart, and for once in her well-ordered and controlled life, she had not the ability to stop the way he seemed to be able to entice from her such passions.  Dropping her head against her knees she moaned with real pain “Help me…Oh dear Lord help me” she.

After nearly an hour Elizabeth heard the door once more being opened, and to her surprise, the cabin boy from the previous evening entered, smiling shyly at the woman who now sat reading on one of the couches.  “G’day Miss”, he said respectfully, moving into the area, struggling as he carried a large basin full of water.

“Cap’n said you would like these”, he grinned, placing the basin on the table along with what appeared to be soap and hair cleanser along with washing and drying cloths.  Unable to hold back the small sound of pleasure, she moved closer as the cabin boy bowed respectfully and once more left the room.  To her surprise she realised that it was not sea water, but fresh and that the water was not cold but tepid, having been partially heated.

Another knock on the door saw two more of the pirates moving into the room, carrying what she quickly realised was one of her trunks, Elizabeth only able to stare in surprise, flushing seeing how the two men stared back at her, their eyes travelling over her in a most unpleasant manner.  As they left she once more heard the door being locked, the sound this time filling her with a sense of security as she shuddered at the way the men had watched her, their lewd thoughts unmistakable.

Looking back at the basin she felt herself smiling at the thought of being able to wash, and quickly she pulled the servant’s clothes off, using the soap and cloths to cleanse herself, luxuriating in the feel of the water bringing life back to her body.  Once she finished she then washed her long hair.  Unlike many Elizabeth always enjoyed the way washing would make her whole being tingle with freshness, and she frowned at the consideration of the Pirate captain.  He was, she knew, manipulative and ruthless, yet he had shown many moments of kindness in his treatment of her, along with removing Maria from the danger posed by his own men, her mind in turmoil once more with this man.  She could understand his anger towards her family.  He had been treated in the cruelest manner imaginable, but she could not ignore that he had chosen a life so terrible, although frowning she briefly wondered how many opportunities at that point had actually been open to him.

With a small sad smile she remembered Queenie.  Her whole life, while given every luxury afforded to a lady of her status, she had never been shown real kindness or love.  Queenie had been the one exception and she had loved the little dog with all her heart.  Making the decision to give her away to save her life was one of the hardest she ever had to make, and it had been this man who gave her that small time of happiness.

Swathed in the drying cloth, Elizabeth opened her trunk, pulling from it one of her day-gowns along with undergarments.  The feel of them was comforting, their familiarity pleasant to her.  Her mind once more returned to earlier and the frantic lovemaking that had gone on against the wall, her face flushing with shame at her own behaviour as she groaned with the way her body jumped once more to attention at the memory of it.

“You are turning into a wanton whore”, she hissed angrily at herself, pulling the clothes on and brushing out her long thick hair allowing it to dry, before pulling it into a more appropriate style away from her face, securing it with ornate pins.  Finally dressed, she once more took a seat, her spirits greatly raised as she continued to read.

After a short time, there was a small rap on the door before it opened as the same cabin boy entered, this time Elizabeth smiling at him.  “What is your name?”, she asked, seeing the look of surprise in the young man’s face, as he flushed beet-red “It…It is Jim Miss”, he stuttered, staring at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his young life, before quickly cleaning away the table and placing cutlery there.

“Cap’n says he will join you for breakfast”, he whispered shyly before picking up the basin and once more leaving the room.

At the news that he was to join her, Elizabeth felt her heart beat faster, her pulse racing with the knowledge.  She admonished herself, totally confused with how she reacted so physically to just the thought of this man’s presence.

Soon the boy once more returned, smiling as Elizabeth greeted him kindly, moving to help take some of the food that he was balancing precariously on an oversized tray.  He looked at her, his eyes betraying the infatuation he already felt for the woman, as he blushed, his smile wide and genuine.  Only after she had thrown him a return one which lit up her wonderful features had she become aware of the other man who silently entered the room.  The cabin boy had been flustered seeing the captain, quickly nodding his head respectfully as he moved quickly out of the door.

Alex Hunter looked at Elizabeth, a small grin on his features.  “I think that my boy is already half in love with you”, he chuckled, as she flushed with embarrassment, not used to such talk.

“He seems a very pleasant young man”, she returned before adding more stiffly, “For a pirate”, seeing as his mouth quirked before he nodded. “Yes for a pirate, because as you know all us pirates are backward, cutthroat killers”

She moved towards the seat which he held open for her, before ensuring that her chair was pushed in and seating himself.  “Your words, not mine”, she replied, hearing the small chuckle from him. “So spiky Elizabeth, and I hoped to soften you up with the clothes”

Trying hard to hide the small laugh which rose to her mouth she flicked a look at him, once more feeling the rush of desire filling her just seeing him seated before her.  “Well for that I would like to thank you”, she replied softly, “And for the water too”

He looked over at her, his eyebrows raised.  “Well in fairness that was as much for my benefit as yours.  Having someone who smelled as pretty as you makes for a very pleasant change on this ship”

Elizabeth felt herself grin widely, and Alex was once again reminded how that smile could light up her whole face, making it almost shine. “Ah…well then, I withdraw my thanks”, she chuckled before becoming more serious. “Thank you for releasing Maria”

His face too became more sombre.  “Lizzie…I do not like to see women mistreated…and while I try my best to ensure their safety, there are members of my crew who are…not so bothered.  In here you are safe, where I can keep an eye on you, but for her I could not be sure of that same protection…Therefore, it was the right thing to do”

She nodded, once more looking over at him as he cut up fruit for them.  She frowned gently, once more confused by this man, as he raised his eyes catching her look. “I do not understand you”, she finally managed, seeing as he gave a small smile “What is a man like you doing as captain on a pirate ship?”

She watched as he looked back at her, his hand stilled, his eyes colder as old memories returned to him.  “After your father left me bleeding in a trench, I was helped by some sailors, who offered me the chance at a new life, the chance to sail the world.  I signed up…not realising how hard a life it actually was.  I learnt the skills for running a ship, and was in the admiralty for nearly five years.  When our ship was nearly destroyed in a storm we only just made it to harbour in the Orient”

His eyes softened, the anger melting away at this memory.  “When I got there Lizzie I was so full of hatred for what happened and how my life turned out, but I spent 3 years there, learning a great deal about myself, and learning that perhaps my life was not so bad after all.  I gained the opportunity to see places that I never would have if I remained at Hunter Estate…some pretty wonderful things”

Elizabeth smiled gently back at him as he continued “However, it was time to go, and the only ship leaving I soon learnt was a pirate ship, but only after I had joined the crew.  With my previous skills I was soon second in command, and when the captain was killed, I took over, and that as they say is how I came to be captain of a pirate ship”

She looked carefully back at him, sure that there was a lot more to the story than that, remembering how respectful and in fear of him the other pirates seemed to be, but leaving it.

Silence once more fell between them as both started to eat the fruit he carefully placed between them.  It was he who eventually spoke.  “We will make land by tomorrow evening”, his eyes watching her carefully, seeing how her hand once more started to shake gently.

“Has my father drawn up the paperwork you talked about?”  Her voice was almost inaudible, seeing as he nodded softly. “Yes I was there before coming here, and believe me I read it very carefully”  With a small chuckle he added, “I did have to make a few alterations to parts he tried to slip in”

Elizabeth gave a small nod, her eyes sadly looking at him. “So it is done, and I am to be married off”

 

Next installment 17th June

 

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 6)

Chapter Six

He had seen the look of confusion, both on Lord Palmer’s face and on the young woman who sat so silently watching the two men.  “What do you mean?”, the older man finally managed to mutter, his voice full of his confusion.

The captain smiled, like a cat with a mouse.  “I mean that as agreed…if your daughter managed to satisfy me…which she did…that I would keep my promise and free the prisoners” His eyes flashed triumphantly as he finished, “Last night…I had them returned to their ship…and allowed to leave”

Elizabeth gasped, as Lord Palmer spluttered. “But what of us?…We are prisoners too…Why were we not also freed?”  Elizabeth watched in disbelief as the captain held her father’s look, his full of cold anger and eyes which shone with triumph as he dropped his bombshell.  “Did I not tell you yesterday that you were my guests?…I kept my word, you were not prisoners”

Lord Palmer released an angry roar.  “Damn liar”, he cried rising to his feet, as the other man also rose to his, hissing at him, “Sit down…or I will have you tied down” Lord Palmer clamped his mouth shut tightly, slowly sinking back into the chair, his body rigid with anger.  “Don’t ever accuse me of being a liar again Palmer…How easily you forget what you did”

He then looked over at Elizabeth who sat silently, her eyes full of confusion and hurt.  In a softer tone he added, “It was not safe on board for Maria…I had her released too”, seeing as she gave a small smile of thanks before dropping her eyes from his.

“So you released a servant girl, but kept us?”, Lord Palmer bit out, his eyes moving over to look at his daughter. “And I suppose that you think it is funny dressing her like that”, hearing the small mirthless laugh of the pirate captain.  “It is more fitting with her station while on this ship”, he spoke slowly before looking once more at Elizabeth.

“Lizzy, pour your father and I water from the jug over there”, his voice brooking no argument, as she stood silently and moved over to do as she was told.  After filling the glasses, unable to look at either man, feeling so ashamed she made to move once more to the couch, crying out as his arm hooked around her waist and pulled her down over his knee.  Looking over at her father, she felt the heat on her cheeks and saw the disbelief and seething fury of the man watching how she was being so casually treated.  Alex’s hand trailed down her arm, as Elizabeth’s insides shrivelled up, holding back the small cry of mortification.

“So beautiful”, the captain murmured, “And so willing”, adding with a knowing look at her father, who still stared in disbelief at the scene before him.  “You go too far Hunter”, he growled, as Alex’s eyes hardened.  “Did you not only yesterday order her to ‘lie with me’?”, he bit out, “So do not bother me with your hypocrisy Palmer”

Both men glared at each other for a few seconds before Lord Palmer in a low hissing voice spoke. “What do you want?” Sliding his arm around her waist and holding her tightly to him, Alex Hunter smiled, “I want my life back”

A knowing smiled slid over his mouth seeing the confused look on the other man’s face.  “Ten years ago, you cheated me from my estate…and I want it all back”

Elizabeth saw the cold glint in her father’s eyes “And how do you propose we do that?”  She heard the small laugh of the man holding her so tight as he responded evenly, “By my marrying your daughter”

Elizabeth gasped loudly, her eyes flying up to look at the man who held her so tightly.  He however, had not flinched, concentrating his look on her father. “I will marry Elizabeth and you will as a wedding gift return to me all the land and property you stole”

Lord Palmer’s eyes narrowed.  “Never”, he cried out with determination. “It is either that…or your daughter will remain my mistress until I am ready to free you both…and you will have to return to your land with a daughter who carries my child in her belly.  You and I both know that that will be social suicide for you both”  Elizabeth groaned, her whole body stiffening as she wished she could shrivel up and die.

“She is promised in marriage to another”, her father cried with disdain, seeing as the captain shrugged. “The way I see it Palmer, is that she was promised to me first anyway, and it disgusts me that you would make such a match with somebody so unsuitable for her anyway”

She saw as her father fidgeted slightly. “The match was necessary”, he finally managed, his eyes briefly resting on his daughter who sat stiffly in the pirate’s arms, unsuccessfully trying to hide the myriad of emotions tearing through her.  Alex Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”, he questioned slowly, seeing as the man opposite finally managed, “Your estate has been a drain since I took it on, it is ruining me…and Lord Archer has offered money for Elizabeth”

Unable to hold back she made a small hurt sound, as he hissed angrily back at her father.  “So you steal my property then proceed to run a well organised estate into the ground”  She felt the anger in his body, before he breathed in deeply, his body calming.  “It is no matter…I have money…plenty to turn around your years of neglect”

With disbelief, she watched her father’s eyes become greedy little beads of light; his eyes focussed on the captain before him. “How much?” Alex’s voice full of contempt replied brusquely, “Enough”, his only comment before he pushed her from him to once more stand on her feet, standing also to tower over her.  “You will return to your lawyer”  He spat out the word. “I will have writing utensils sent to you where he will draw up an agreement between us, which you and I will both sign making this legal”

Her father rose also to follow the captain who was now moving to the cabin door.  “This ship is heading into harbour, where I will have a minister brought onboard to perform the ceremony, and then I will return with you to once more claim my estate”

With a small triumphant smile he added, “I am sure that there will be many glad to see the true owner of the Hunter estate back at the helm”  With that he opened the door of the cabin, ordering the pirate on the other side to return the other man to his quarters.

As he made to leave Lord Palmer stopped, his face thoughtful.  “I may have underestimated you Hunter…I thought you were weak, not ready to run an estate near me…but maybe I was wrong”

Alex looked back at him, his face cold and expressionless “No Palmer…Your only motivation was greed and your own gain, which is exactly why you will do as I tell you…To save your own neck”

Lord Palmer looked once more at his daughter, standing silently.  “If you have gold…then perhaps you can just buy the property back, nobody need ever know what happened here with Elizabeth, she can still marry Archer…and we can split her dowry”

Elizabeth felt her knees buckle at the words from her own father, seeing as Alex shook his head.  “I do not think that you are thinking clearly into the future Palmer”, he replied softly, “Marrying her to a man like Archer is a mistake.  At his age and given his disposition, her offspring will be weaklings and runts.  I want heirs…and any children she has will also be heir to both our estates.  I am by far the better choice for producing strong children” Seeing the thoughtful look on the older man’s face he finished, “And you know it”

With that he gave a signal to the guard who moved with her father as the door to the cabin was once more shut.  For a second he remained deep in thought, his back to her before slowly he turned to look at the woman so still and pale before him, trying hard to keep it together, while her eyes shone with the tears she held back, her chin raised defiantly as her whole body shook.  “Lizzy”, he began, his voice gentler; as she interrupted him.  “I would appreciate it if you would call me Elizabeth”, her expressive eyes flashing at him so full of the hurt at the way the men talked and used her.

Alex frowned softly, moving forward towards her, as she moved backwards away from him.  “What happened there was necessary, and had to be done in the only way that your father would understand”

As she felt herself back into the wooden hull of the cabin with nowhere to go she shook her head.  “I am so sick and tired of being used by men like you and my father”, she cried out, finally losing her battle to still the tears which spilled out and over her lashes, slowly sliding down her beautiful face, causing her long lashes to clump together as her red lips quivered.

“I am nothing like your father”, he bit back, as she nodded her head, her voice full of pain and anger. “You are exactly like him…Only you can’t see it…You cannot see that you are every bit as manipulative as he is, so ready to step on anybody who gets in your way”

Alex felt a strange disquiet at her words, but as she gave an involuntary sob, he moved forward to pull her into his arms, holding her tight as she fought him, trying desperately to push him away from her, until her whole body gave in, going limp and slumping against him as the sobs racked her.

Then he was kissing her hair, her cheek, his tongue licking the tears from her face as she shuddered, until their mouths finally met, the kiss full of the burning heat they both shared.  His hands were pulling at the ties holding the top which covered her breasts, till they spilled out over it, his eyes dark with desire as he groaned, his hands cupping the soft mounds before dropping his head to lap at the rosy centres as she gasped, her hands moving to pull his head in tighter to her.  She felt one hand move behind and experienced fingers quickly unhook the skirt which fell to her feet, the feel of the wood against her bare bottom enflaming her desires even higher.

Elizabeth had not been aware as he had thrown belts to the ground, as he unbuttoned himself, his need to possess her so strong he had not even taken time to remove any of his clothing, only realising as she felt his feet pushing her legs apart, his fingers exploring the moist centre of her as she cried out with pleasure, before feeling the head of him at her slick opening.  As he drove himself so far within her she cried out, her body needing him, his head moving to once more kiss her, his mouth sucking the air from her lungs before returning it as they panted together, both completely lost in their need for the other.

As he thrust so hard and deeply within her, she felt the roughness of his clothing against her smooth skin, rubbing her thighs and breasts, until once more Elizabeth felt the waves rising, the torrent of sensations sweeping uncontrollably over her as she climaxed, her fingers becoming rigid as her cries were smothered by his mouth on hers, her insides gripping him so tightly as he drove once more into her before spilling deep within her body, his spasming with the intensity of his release.

As they both slowly came down from their frantic and raw love making, he felt her legs start to buckle, pulling her small body harder against him to save her from falling to the ground.  Now his kisses were softer, gentler, as he moaned against her mouth, “I will be a good husband to you Lizzie, and our children will be loved”  With emotions racing through her, something deep within her tore from her heart, Elizabeth clinging to him, the tears once more streaming down her face as he held her, their bodies still fused together.

{next installment 3rd June}

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 5)

Chapter Five

Hearing him move around the outer room, she wondered if he had felt anything, or had she just been a body in his bed, the sickening feeling filling her that she might not have been good enough to save the crew.

Quickly rising, she grabbed the blanket, pulling it around her shoulders as she moved into the main room, her small body swamped by the scratchy throw.  He stood by the door, one hand on the handle, ready to leave as her soft voice stopped him, “T…The crew…Are they to be spared?”

He moved his head to take in how small she looked, her hair mussed from what had transpired between them, scowling at the sudden desire to return to her that filled him, his voice husky as stony eyes held hers. “I will decide in the morning, till then sleep”, before pulling the door open and stepping out of the cabin.

Once more she heard the key being turned in the large door, and slowly she returned to the bed.  She could still smell the lingering aroma of sex which had taken place there only moments before, her eyes closing at the scent of him that filled her nostrils as she crawled under the covers, surprised to find soft cotton sheets beneath the itchy blankets.

Worriedly, she savaged her lips, his answer showing that she had been a disappointment to him, her insides churning at the repercussions for the crew while she groaned at the way her mind would replay what had happened, inwardly cringing at the way these thoughts raised an excitement once more in her as she missed his body.  The day had been long, the fear of the battle and of what had just happened finally pulling at Elizabeth as she tried in vain to remain awake, her eyes blinking, each one longer until she fell into a deep much needed sleep, her small figure curled up on her side.

Hours later, Alex moved silently into his cabin.  Moving over to the bedroom he looked down at the small beautiful woman so innocently sleeping.  Her hands were tucked under her chin, lovely porcelain skin so perfect, as long lashes swept across her cheek.  She breathed soft shallow breaths, her whole features relaxed and serenly childlike.  Frowning, he was once more reminded of the ten year old Lizzie he had known – that gentle creature who ran everywhere a laugh constantly on her sweet lips.  Then, she always had a smile for everybody, so unlike the cold and aloof woman who had entered his study that day.  Yet when they made love he could once more see the passion in her, his mouth tightening with the memory that this was the woman who should by all rights have been his wife, the knowledge that he had been her first filling him with a strange satisfaction.  With a small frown he remembered as she cried out his name as she climaxed, not understanding the way it made him feel so strange.

Pulling his clothes off, he extinguished the remaining lamp, and slid in beside her, feeling her naked body against his, as she stirred gently in her sleep.  Moving harder against her, he lifted her hair from her shoulders, that wonderful hair the colour of a summer wheat field, and slowly kissed along her shoulder, feeling as she shuddered in her sleep, her body moving sensually closer to his as her small perfect bottom writhed against his groin, he instantly hardening for her.

Elizabeth murmured softly.  In her dreams she was being held by Lord Hunter.  He was kissing her, his mouth moving along her warm skin as his hands caressed her nipples, she sighing with contentment as her body moved harder against him.  The masculine return groan against her neck dragged her abruptly from slumber, her eyes flying open with surprise, the realisation hitting Elizabeth that she was not dreaming.

She could feel the way the hardness of him dug into the crack of her bottom, as he leant in closer against her, his hands moving to stroke her stomach, moving lower to her sex.  Unable to hold back she whimpered her want, feeling the gushing wetness to welcome him.  Emboldened by his earlier reaction she moved her hand to grasp the length of him, hearing the quick intake of breath from him.

“Good girl”, he groaned against her, the sound of his voice fueling her need for him as he moved, rolling with her to push her body down into the mattress, he over her.   His hand under her hips angled her bottom upwards, his lips kissing down her spine sending tremors skittering all around her body as she wiggled helplessly below him.  Finally she felt the head of him once more at the entrance to her, more than welcome as she shamelessly felt her body moving harder against him, silently begging him to fill her.

With a small grunt from him, the sound full of desire she felt the welcome surge of him, as in one fluid motion he completely filled her, driving his whole length within her tight moistness, his body shuddering at how wonderful she felt.  Keeping her hips angled, he leant forward kissing her neck, moving within her in long sure strokes as Elizabeth writhed under him, completely out of control.

She was unable to stop all the sounds from leaving her as she cried out and moaned, her body once more lost in the pleasures he was raising.  As he finally hit the centre of her, she again felt the sensations ripping through every part of her, more wonderful even than the first time, and she screamed out, her pants and moans muffled by the mattress as she climaxed under him, her hands grasping desperately onto the sheet below, clenching and unclenching as her body shuddered with the intensity of her orgasm.

As her body fluttered against his, the feeling of her contracting around his hardness drove him once more deeply within her, his stomach tight against her perfect soft bottom, feeling himself spilling deeply within her.  His guttural moans joined hers as he held her in such a tight embrace as they climaxed together, before he once more fell heavily over her, both breathing hard, both their bodies glistening with sweat, the heat between them slowly subsiding as their ragged breathing became more controlled.

Sliding from her, Elizabeth made to move to face him, when he slid his arm around her, pulling her back into the position she had been, his body holding hers tightly against him.  “I…I…”, she began, as he sshhh’d her gently, his arms holding her in a tight embrace, her back against his stomach as their bodies moulded perfectly against the other  “Go to sleep Lizzy”, was all he said, his voice a whisper against her hair, as already she felt goose bumps rise on her still-heated skin.  Gently, she allowed her eyes to close, and sleep indeed once more took her.

Alex Hunter held the small woman against him.  It had not been his intention to have sex with her again, but once more it was even more than he expected.  His Lizzie, and he had come to see her as his, had been wonderful, and even now as her breathing lengthened and became shallow again, her body so relaxed in his embrace, he wanted more.  However, it had been a long day and longer night and tiredness tugged at him, and soon he too was sleeping beside her, his encircled arms holding her tightly to him as though he would never let her go.

Waking the next morning, Elizabeth could see the sun streaming through the window high in the cabin.  Moving, she instinctively knew that she was alone, an almost disappointed feeling filling her as she slid from the bed.  Opening the old wardrobe where she had placed her clothes the night before, she frowned finding it empty of all her belongings.  Pulling the blanket once more around herself, she moved into the sitting area surprised to see a dress draped over the table they had sat eating the previous evening.  Lifting it, she groaned seeing the common serving girl’s robe, her eyes scanning the area for underwear, feeling herself flush at finding none.

For a few seconds she stood indecisively, before the realisation that she had little choice hit her, and quickly she pulled on the dress, feeling as her breasts brushed the cotton of the top, so aware of the way it caressed them each time she moved, the feeling so erotic.  Her slim waist was pulled in by the corset which showed her curves well before the skirt flared out, the brown material coarser than her normal gowns, but so much easier to move in.  Not feeling underwear felt strange as she slipped on the small flat pumps , unlike her expensive high shoes.   As she moved, the skirts brushed against her bottom, the material not held back by heavy petticoats or undergarments and Elizabeth felt partially naked, yet at the same time so free.

With nothing else to do, she curled up on the couch, reading one of the many volumes in the bookcase, trying not to wonder where the captain was, and what he planned on doing with them.  After over an hour she heard the unmistakable sound of the key being turned in the lock and sat upright, her whole body on high alert as the captain moved into his cabin.

Alex instantly saw the woman sitting so stiffly on the couch.  Her hair fell around her shoulders, and not even the drab servant’s dress could take away from the natural beauty of her, as he tried not to show how she excited him.  Her hands were held in her lap, nervously pulling at each other, as she watched him warily move closer to her.

“Good morning Elizabeth”, he said smoothly, a small smile lighting his handsome features.  “Did you sleep well?”, seeing the way her cheeks reddened as she replied huskily, “Yes …thank you”, her eyes dropping for a second before fixing him with a more steady gaze.  “H…Have you decided what is to happen?”, she stuttered nervously, seeing as he nodded gently.  “Yes…but I think I will wait till we have your father here to explain”

Elizabeth frowned, her teeth savaging her lip, not liking the sound of that, however, twenty years of living with her father had taught her not to ask questions when they were not wanted, and she remained silent, her whole insides churning disconcertingly.  “Your father is being fetched even as we speak”, Alex continued, seeing how silently she sat watching him, just as a small knock was heard on the wooden door.

As her father entered the room, he took in the scene before him.  His daughter sat on a couch wearing servant’s clothes, the tall captain moving over to sit at the table.  As his eyes flicked back to the young woman, so unacceptably dressed, with her hair falling around her shoulders so unbefitting to a lady of her rank he scowled, seeing the way she blushed unable to meet his gaze.

“Lord Palmer”, the voice of the captain, a man he had done so wrong by was strong and authorative,  “Please sit”, the younger man pointing to the second seat at the table.  The older man slowly moved to do as he had been asked, his eyes watching the pirate carefully.  “Well, so what is to become of us?”, he asked, feeling no desire to waste time with pleasantries, especially not to this man.

He saw the captain’s lips twitch.  “Straight to the point eh Palmer”, he replied softly, his eyes cold as they held his gaze unflinching. “Very well…Your daughter was…acceptable”, he said softly, seeing as the other man’s jaw clenched angrily, “And as promised…I have released the prisoners”

{next installment 20th May}

 

How To Add A Little Happy To Your Coffee

 

This is why I love Starbucks.  When your day has been one stumble after another, all it takes is that little something extra to put a smile on your face…need I say more:)

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 4)

Chapter Four

Elizabeth was on fire, her body a traitor of the worst kind as her hands moved to wrap around his neck, his arms pulling her higher against him as she kissed him back with a passion equal to his. She felt him move backwards with her, until she found herself against the hard wooden bulkhead of the ship, his mouth moving to kiss down her cheek along her jawline, his tongue sensually exploring her neck, nipping and nibbling on the soft creamy skin.  His hands moved to pull her arms from him, raising them high above her head – one holding them, the other gently cupping her breast as she gasped loudly as new sensations ripped through her, leaving throbbings  of desire pulsating between her legs.  Her eyes flew wide as she cried out, hearing the small masculine sound of approval from him against her flesh, the sound reverberating erotically against her throat.

Just as she thought she would sink under the sensations swamping her, he pulled back, his eyes darker than she would have ever thought possible.  He stepped away from her, his breathing ragged as he regarded her, his eyes full of fire and want. Her hands fell back to her side, her breasts rising fast as she too struggled to bring her breathing back under control, her full lips red and swollen from his kiss as her eyes remained wide looking back at him with both passion and confusion.

“I had my cabin boy earlier lay out a bed gown for you…Please Lizzy go next door and put it on”, his voice husky as he added, “And let down your hair”

Wordlessly, she shakily moved to the room behind the curtain, thankful for any chance to escape what just happened between them, so unsure as to what that had actually been.  Sitting down for one second she allowed her head to fall into her hands in silent prayer, her body a jumble of emotions, all tearing at her.  Finally with hands that shook so hard she could hardly unhook the many fastenings on her gown she began to undress.  In almost a trance-like state she carefully hung each item of clothing as she removed it; the dress first, soon followed by the multitude of petticoats, corsets and undergarments, each carefully folded or hung as was appropriate.

When finally naked she pulled on the simple cotton white gown.  Removing the pins from her perfectly manicured style, she felt as her long thick hair fell around her shoulders and down her back, gently caressing the sides of her face.

Finally ready, she stood nervously, not sure what to do, as his voice once more filled the space, his tone soft, “Are you ready?” Her voice shaky as she replied, “Y…Yes”, her stomach erupting in a swarm of spinning butterflies.

As Alex moved into the area, the room which until a second ago was a good size seemed suddenly small as his large frame filled the remaining space, Elizabeth once more feeling her pulse beat wildly in quickening awareness, fuelled by the memory of how her body had responded to his kiss.

Looking down on her he groaned gently.  She was stunning; her body partially visible through the night gown where it met her soft curves, her nipples raised high already.  Her hands were clasped before her, nervously pulling on each other, as her eyes stared at him.   Her long blonde hair added to the innocent vulnerability of the woman before him, her eyes watching his every movement with trepidation.

Moving forward, he once more took her into his arms, his lips again finding hers and drawing an equal passion as they had only moments before.  “My God, Lizzy you are so beautiful”, he whispered, his words fuelling her desire even more than she would have thought possible.  She was not even aware as she unconsciously pushed her body harder against his, hearing as he gasped against her mouth, his words whispered huskily against her lips, “Don’t be frightened”, as he took her hands and flattened them against his chest, his mouth moving to her ear as she tried to move closer again, his hands holding hers between them.

“Undo my shirt”, she heard him direct.  Her eyes softly fluttered open, her fingers moving to pull on the first tie, seeing as it opened further to revealing more of his chest.  Quickly she undid the other two ties, until it hung open, allowing her to full appreciate his muscular chest and hard abs, her eyes following the V of him as it moved to the heat of his essence.  Not fully understanding what she was doing, she allowed herself to follow instincts she did not know she possessed as Elizabeth pushed the shirt from his broad shoulders, her fingers caressing his skin, feeling as he shuddered softly, the feel spurring her on.  Moving her head down, she ran her tongue along his shoulders, a groan of appreciation rumbling deeply within him at her actions.  Empowered, her exploration of him moved lower as she kissed along his chest, hearing the hiss between his teeth as she nipped his nipple feeling more confident at the way he seemed to react to her touches.

As he grasped her high on her arms and pulled her from him, she whimpered softly, feeling as his mouth once more dropped to claim hers.  His hands moved to pull the ties of the top of her nightgown, the coarse material  slowly falling from her, his eyes finally drinking in just how beautiful she was, her perfect pouting breasts, so engorged and aroused, her small waist and slim hips moving down to long perfect legs.  Again he groaned, pulling her harder against him, knowing that his arousal was digging into her, their hot flesh finally meeting.  The touch of the other sent sizzles of want coursing through them both, both filled with passion and need. “Look at me” His hoarse command saw her open her eyes, their looks locked, the intensity of his gaze sending all new tremors through her.

He moved her backwards until she felt the edge of the bed against the back of her leg, feeling as he laid her on it, his weight over her so wonderful, as she pulled on his shoulders, her fingers giving away the need within her.  Leaving her on the bed he quickly rose, her eyes still locked with his but missing the feel of him on her.  His quick movements drew her look down, his never faltering from her as he paused to appreciate her fully.  His look slowly explored her, his eyes almost caressing as they missed none of her perfection, a moan ripped from him “Oh Lizzie…you truly have grown into a beautiful woman”, his words and the rawness of need in which they were spoken making her stomach clench.  She could however say nothing as he quickly undid his breeches, pulling them down before standing naked before her.

For the first time she now saw a man unclothed, and what a man he was, his erect manhood standing angry and ready.  As she stared, the fear once more returned to her eyes as they flicked up to his, searching.  Sliding back onto the bed he once more reached for her, his mouth gentle and reassuring as he made soft soothing noises against her lips, feeling as her tense body slowly relaxed once more against him until she was writhing so wonderfully.  His hands explored her body, moulding against the shape of her, feeling as she quivered with each touch, her whole being on fire.

Moving to cradle her so that they lay side by side, he took her hand, placing it on the thickness of him, her hand moving to let the velvety shaft run silkily through her fingers, hearing his harsh intake of breath as his hips moved against her hand.  Her smile however, quickly fell from her lips, as his fingers deftly moved between her legs, one sliding within the moist centre of her, causing a loud gasp to escape from her soft mouth.  As it parted the tight folds of her womanhood, her hips involuntarily twitched against his hand, his finger caressing the most intimate part of her.  Both almost naturally moved at the same pace as they explored and enjoyed the other before he pulled back, her naive touch driving him too far.

“Too much”, he breathed raggedly, pulling her hand from him, as he shifted to lie between her legs, the need to possess her overpowering.  “From the moment I saw you Lizzy…..I just knew”, he whispered against her ear as he positioned himself above her, her legs opening naturally for him.

“I will be gentle”, he mumbled, as unable to hold back any longer, he pushed forward, the head of him sliding between the moist lips of her, his breathing coming in small pants as he took his time to push further into her tightness.  He felt her hands and feet pulling at him, as her legs moved around his waist, raising her hips to encourage more of him, before she felt the tearing pain deep within.  Her body instantly tensed, that wonderful mouth gasping in shock, as he continued his relentless surge deep within her.  With a small whimper, she pushed at him, feeling as he held her tighter, his mouth moving once more to cover hers.

With a small tremor the momentary pain subsided, Elizabeth feeling the pleasure of his actions once more filling her.  Her body again relaxed as her hands moved up his spine, feeling the bunching muscles on his shoulders as he continued to drive into her, until he stopped, breathing hard, his full length held within the tightness of her body.  Moving his mouth, he took one of her taut nipples, his tongue rolling it roughly within his mouth, hearing as she groaned deeply, his body moving in short sharp motions as relieved, he felt her go wild beneath him.

Elizabeth was no longer aware of how she clutched at him, her head falling back as she panted, small animal noises leaving her lips as she felt the waves rise strongly within her, heat and ecstasy of such unexpected pleasure crashing down on her, sending tremors throughout her entire being.  She was completely unaware of the way she cried out his name, gasping as she was carried away on the sensations which gripped her sending her spiralling into blackness as her head spun.

She had not even been aware as he began thrusting harder and faster into her, her body contracting around him, the small flutterings driving him over the edge, until he ground his hips hard against her one more time, his masculine cries mixing with hers at the longed-for release.  As he spilled deeply within her body, both clung to the other as tremors continued to send violent trembling through them both, until finally he fell heavily over her, both still clinging to the other, their sweat-soaked bodies cooling as both gulped in lungfuls of air.

After several more seconds, Alex pulled himself from her, throwing himself beside her on his stomach, his hands raking angrily through his hair, feeling the confusion filling him.  Looking over, she lay still, her eyes closed, a small tear winding down her face as her lips quivered so softly.  He had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms, to comfort her, hold her safely, scowling as a myriad of unwanted emotions filled him.

Pushing himself back to his feet, he grabbed his clothes moving back to the makeshift door, his hand stopped as he once more looked back at her. “You will remain here tonight…Do not redress”, seeing as she gave a small nod of her head, her eyes remaining closed as he moved into the main area of his cabin.

Elizabeth missed the feel of his body, the heavy security of it over her.  She could feel the tears winding down her face, not from some lost innocence, but at the way he had torn something from her, something buried so deep in her young life.  For once she had experienced pure joy, his body and hers joined so wondrously.  She knew that she would hold this moment within her for the rest of her days, knowing that her fate was, as he had so cruelly pointed out, to be that of an abused woman, married to a cruel man.  Lord Archer would never be able, or willing to do to her what Alex Hunter had just done, and for that she cried, for that moment of pure beauty that nobody would ever be able to take from her for the rest of her days.

She knew that to the captain of the pirate ship she was just one more woman to be played with, another prize to be plundered, but to her he was the first person to give her something life changing, something just for her.  Finally she knew true passion, and while she might never again, she cried in thanks for having known it just that once.

{next installment 6th May}

Cat Composing…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am often asked what the hardest part of writing is – ideas, characters, plot progression or other.  Answer is simple…getting the cat off the keyboard

Trying to decide…..composed or composing?

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 3)

Chapter Three

Moving forward Captain Hunter had let his eyes slide over Lady Palmer, as she stood still before him, her colour heightened by the obvious look of desire as he took in her slim, perfect body, her cleavage promising much.  Elizabeth was used to men admiring her, but they had always been discreet and accompanied with honeyed words, this man offering neither, his dark eyes sending shivers throughout her as he finally lifted those darkened pools to look into her blue ones.  He had changed clothing, and from the freshness of him she was surprised to realise that he had bathed also, as he now wore a white tunic shirt opened slightly to allow her to see the spattering of hair on his bronzed chest.  Black leather breaches accentuated his slim firm hips and Elizabeth flushed finding herself looking at him in the same way he had her, instantly averting her eyes in confusion.

“I thought that we would dine together” he said softly, as her eyes once more flew to his, her puzzlement obvious, as his mouth twitched in a smile which instantly took the harshness from his face “It has been a long day, and I would not wish to disappoint my Lady through lack of strength”

Elizabeth once more held her hands to stop them trembling, as she lifted her chin defiantly “No….heaven forbid that happen” she retorted, seeing as he laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief, his whole face lightening as he looked even more handsome, where that even possible she thought to herself

Pulling back a chair for her, he ensured she was seated before moving to the seat opposite and seating himself.  Pressing a small bell she heard the door open, as the young man from earlier once more appeared with a tray laden with food and wine.  Quickly and quietly he lay soup before the two and then filled her glass with some of the blood red liquid before leaving the rest of the decanter of wine on the table.  Elizabeth was surprised to see the captain did not join her, instead choosing water.  As the cabin boy once more disappeared the captain lifted his utensils beginning to eat the delicious smelling soup before him.  She had automatically done the same, just relieved to have something to do, her mind struggling with the unreality of the situation.

“So you remember my giving you Queenie” he finally spoke in a soft voice, seeing the small softening in her expression as she nodded her head. “Yes, yes I do”

“Do you still have her” he continued, now seeing a small light of pain fill her eyes “No…I gave her away”

He stopped eating in surprise, frowning slightly “But you seemed to love her so much” his voice tinged with a hard edge, seeing as she also stopped eating, her spoon moving the soup around the plate as she fidgeted nervously, looking down so as not to show her expressive eyes, before they finally rose back to him, the hurt now so evident in them

“It was better for her if she went to another owner” she said simply in a voice which held a note of finality to it, as he looked back at her some understanding coming on him.  He remembered Lord Palmer scowling as the young girl laughed holding the small dog in her arms hugging it so happily, and he wondered what had happened to make it better for her to give up the small animal she loved so much, feeling a tug of sympathy for the woman before him.

As she continued eating, silence again fell between the two for a few seconds until she placed her spoon down and fixed him with eyes full of questions

“I do not understand what was said earlier.  Why do you have such hatred for my father” She saw the way his jaw clenched tightly as he too placed his spoon down, his eyes growing cold as they fixed on her sending a tremor through her.

“Your father destroyed my life” he stated simply before once more ringing the bell, and the cabin boy again reappeared to remove the plates.  Elizabeth bit her tongue while the boy was there, waiting until he placed the next course before them, looking down in surprise at the delicate presentation of the fish and salad, seeing as he once more refilled her glass, not even aware that she had been drinking nervously from the delicious and obviously expensive wine.

When the boy once withdrew leaving the two alone, she could tell that he had managed to once more hide the anger in him as he fixed her with a steadier gaze “When I was eighteen I was left the sole heir of the Hunter estates”

Elizabeth knew the estate well, now owned by her father, it had been the largest in the county till he took it over when she was a mere child “It is a most beautiful estate” she said softly, seeing a fleeting softness enter his eyes as he nodded in agreement

“Ten years ago while I was only 19, your father wanted me to enter into an agreement, in which our two families would be united, bringing the two estates together” She gasped in shock “H…How” she asked, already knowing the answer

“When you were fourteen, your father wanted us to marry” he said simply as she looked back at him in stunned silence “I however, wanted to wait till you were at least 17 or 18” he gave a small snort “I guess that was too long for your father” his face growing dark “He had his little lap dog Gerard…it was nice to see him here also” he had added harshly “To draw up an agreement, which I looked over and agreed to.  However, before we got to signing he insisted we drink to our future together”

She watched as his expression had become almost self loathing “Your father ensured that I was very drunk before he produced the papers for signing, and we did so before many witnesses…only he had double crossed me and switched agreements”

Elizabeth gasped in shock “He swindled you out of your estate?”

Opposite her he nodded, his mouth set tightly “The following day…he produced the legal document and demanded that I leave immediately, without the chance to even pack my belongings.  To those who witnessed the signing, I was a drunken youth selling his vast estates for money…none of which I ever saw” he added grimly “Your father saw to that.  He had me taken to the edge of town and told that I would be killed if I ever showed my face there again, and I had no doubt of his sincerity, as his men gave me a beating before they left”.

The young woman groaned softly  “I knew none of this” she said gently, seeing as he looked at her more gently “How could you Lizzy” he replied, once more using that pet name from her childhood “You were nothing more than a child yourself”

Opposite Elizabeth nodded, delicately picking at the food on her plate “So who did your father end up marrying you off to” he finally asked breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

Looking at him in surprise she had shaken her head “Nobody” seeing the look of surprise in his eyes as she had continued “There have been many offers, but none were deemed good enough” she finished a small note of steel in her voice “Until recently” her hand now pushing the food nervously around her plate as she took a large drink of her wine “We were on that ship because I am to be married to Lord Beaton in the Americas” her eyes trying hard to hide the look of disgust in them “My father feels that it would be a good union and would open up trade better with our families”

Alex Hunter scowled.  He knew of Lord Beaton and fixed her with a steady look “But he is at least 50, older even than your father” his tone cold, surprise deep within “It seems a strange match does it not?” Elizabeth shrugged softly, a quiver in her voice “It is not for me to question my father, he made the decision” her look falling nervously from his.

She remembered with disgust the one and only time she had met Lord Beaton a year earlier, when he had looked greedily on her, his clammy hand grabbing hers to pull to his wet lips.  Not only had he been old, but also fat and sweaty, and Elizabeth dreaded the day they were to be united.  On the occasion of their meeting she had been forced to sit while he and her father laughed.  As the night wore on he had become drunk his eyes looking lecherously at her with no attempt to conceal the way he would eye her bosom, his hands often reaching for her, Elizabeth forced to spend much of the evening keeping herself at a distance. Her thoughts were interrupted as Lord Hunter continued, a wary note to his voice “He is also I believe a cruel man”

With that she gave a half laugh containing no humour “You condemn another man for cruelty after what has happened today, after all the lives that have been lost…and for what you plan on doing later tonight…to me…someone who has done you no harm”

The last part her eyes had held his more steadily, the anger in them making the blueness shine even deeper.  He placed his fork back on his plate, his face sombre, once more ringing the bell for the cabin boy “If it were not for the lies and deceit of your family Miss Palmer then I would not be here today.  We all do what we have to do to survive” his voice a low growl as he held her angry gaze. “Weather that be captaining a pirate ship or marrying an old man who will abuse us for their pleasure”

Elizabeth flushed, dropping her eyes from his, seeing beneath her lashes as he stood from the table, his body rigid as he moved passed her to a small table.  Flicking her eyes to his back, she once more swallowed hard at the unfamiliar sensations which filled her seeing his long strong legs and firm backside, his hips muscular but slim.  Her eyes traveled up his long lean back to the wide shoulders, seeing as he played with something on the desk, something she quickly recognised as a music box, the delicate sounds filling the cabin, before he turned to look back at the woman sitting so still before him.

After the cabin boy quickly cleared away the table before wordlessly leaving, he walked forward silently holding out his hand for hers, as nervously she reached back out to him, allowing him to raise her from the seat, pulling her gently into his arms.  Feeling his strong arm encircle her small waist, his other holding her hand to his shoulder Elizabeth began to shake, not from fear, but from the inexplicable bolts of lightning which were shooting through her whole body as she breathed in his aroma, the smell of him strangely pleasing to her.

“Relax Lizzy” he whispered gently against her ear, making her jump slightly as the small hairs blown by his breath tickled her neck, almost making her moan softly, her eyes moving up to meet his.  His look was smouldering as he pulled her even harder against his firm body, and as they swayed gently to the music, Elizabeth could feel those eyes draw her very soul from her, as her body had indeed relaxed against his.

As the music stopped, he continued to hold her, his breath gentle on her hair as he finally released her slightly, his one hand lifting to softly cup her lovely face.  Staying still in the circle of his arm she watched as his head bent, feeling as her eyes fluttered shut as his mouth softly covered hers.  His tongue flicked across her velvety lips tasting her sweetness, as involuntarily she moaned gently, the sound of it spurring him on as his kiss deepened, his mouth plundering her softness as his tongue caressed hers.

{next installment 22nd April}

Pirate’s Revenge (Pt 2)

Chapter Two

Aware of his men silently watching, he barked at them to stand outside.  Silently, they shuffled out of the room, their faces showing the confusion at the scene playing out with their captain.  When they finally left, leaving the small group and the captain alone, he once more moved to stand before Elizabeth.  This time he moved his gaze to look at Lord Palmer, his eyes cold and dangerous, the softness of his voice only adding to the barely-contained anger within it.  “You must remember your old neighbour Lizzy” His voice washed over her as she gasped at his use of her young nickname.  “My name is Lord Hunter, although you were very young when I left”, the last word bit out harshly.

For a second she caught a fleeting memory of a young man handing her a puppy, with her face frowning in surprise she stammered, “Queenie…you gave me Queenie”  For the first time she saw his expression holding some surprise of his own as his eyes once more flicked to her face, his tone growing more gentle, “You remember that?”

She nodded softly, not telling him that her whole life that had been one of the only acts of kindness shown to her, the face of the giver lost so long ago in her memory.  A ghost of a smile played on his mouth as he too remembered.  “When you were ten I gave you the dog”, the smile dying once more, “Do you know why?”

She shook her head, her eyes full of questions looking back at her father.  “No…I…I really don’t” With a harsh snort he looked over at the shaken man behind her. “Care to tell her LORD Palmer?”, the captain gaining some satisfaction seeing the older man stood stunned, his eyes staring, full of fear and panic.

The captain snarled, a cold cruel sound, “No…I guess not”, before he hooked his finger under Elizabeth’s chin, lifting her head higher so that he could explore all her features, making her nervous and strangely excited in equal measures as she remained still in his hold.  “You certainly changed from the gangly little girl I knew”, he muttered softly, before almost pushing her head from him and turning back and standing against the desk once more.

He looked smug as he laughed harshly.  “Just as I had given up believing in a God, he delivers you to me.  I guess vengeance is mine after all”, he spoke softly, the hatred so evident in his voice.  Elizabeth turned to her father.  “Father, what?…”, she began as the pirate’s whiplash voice cut across her, “Silence”, causing her to turn around to stare at him once more, her mouth closing quickly seeing the hardness in those dark eyes.

“Well enough of our little trip down memory lane”, he carried on, before becoming almost businesslike. “Now…we usually do one of two things to prisoners…We put them back on their boats and choose whether we then allow the ship to sail on…or sink it”

The four people stared at him in horror, Gerard throwing himself to the ground snivelling and pleading, “Don’t kill us”, as the captain looked at him, his handsome face full of the contempt he felt.  “Get up now…or I WILL sink your ship…Do not believe me to have forgotten your part in what happened”, he growled angrily.  Gerard pulled himself quickly back to his feet, cowering under the scrutiny of the captain.  “It…It wasn’t my fault…”, he whimpered pathetically as the captain raised a hand to silence him, his expression stony before continuing, “Fortunately you have the means to save yourselves”, he drawled, his eyes fixed on Maria and Elizabeth.  I have a tradition that if there are women on board and one of them pleases me…I let all of the prisoners go free. Both women looked at each other, neither understanding what he meant, as her father behind her gave a small gasp of hope.

“Take Maria, take the girl”, he cried, as Elizabeth frowned, still not understanding but uncomfortable with the way her handmaiden was being so callously thrown to the captain.

However, the man shook his head.  Moving over to Maria he extended his hand to her.  As she took it he helped her to rise once more to her feet.  “Tell your friends what I promised to you a moment ago little one”, he murmured more gently, as Maria nervously looked at him then at the others.  “That no man would touch me while on your ship”, she finally answered, her small voice almost inaudible.

With that he directed her to go back and stand beside Gerard.  “Now, I have given my word to the child”, he said softly, “and I would not like to go back on that…so that leaves only one, and it must be with her consent”, his voice full of determination, as his gaze once more slid over the woman stood so silent and proud before him, before smiling, a smile completely devoid of warmth or humour.

“So please take a moment to discuss it with your daughter Lord Palmer, and I’m sure the irony will not be lost on you”   With that he once more moved to sit behind the desk, once more hidden in the shadows.

For a second the older man stood in shock, before he pulled his daughter over to him. “What is he talking about?”, she asked in confusion, seeing the hard look on her father’s face, impotent rage deep within his cold eyes, his words spat out “It would seem we have a choice, either you agree to bed him…or we all die”

Elizabeth paled, her legs suddenly feeling so weak she thought they would surely buckle under her “What?…”, was all she could manage, the shock so evident on her beautiful face.  “What do I do?”, she beseeched her father, seeing as he looked away, his eyes not able to meet hers.  “There is only one thing you can do”, he finally answered, a note of loathing in his voice.  “You must lie with him”

Shocked and stunned she stood silent for a few seconds, unable to speak, her mouth so dry before she felt the small tear rise to her eyes.  “But…father…”  His voice, harsh and cruel silenced her, “There is no other way…the only other option is death…all of our deaths including those men on the deck…is that what you want?”, he hissed angrily.

Elizabeth reacted to that tone in the way she had her whole life.  She closed down her emotions, her face becoming inscrutable, calm as she looked back at her father, replying, “No Sir”, before she moved to stand beside the desk.  “I agree”

The man’s voice from the shadows softly questioned, “Of your own free will and volition?”  Stood as proudly as she could, she nodded her head again, “Yes, of my own free will”, the words sticking in her throat at the falseness of them.

She heard his triumphant laugh, her innards cringing, holding her hands before her in an attempt to stop their trembling being so visible. “Very well”, he said before rising and looking at the others, his expression becoming that of a charming host, a smile lighting his handsome mouth, this replacing the earlier harshness.

“Then please, all of you should consider yourselves my guests…at least for the time being”, as he moved to the door.  Stepping briefly from the room, they heard him talking to his men for a few minutes, unable to make out the words as the small group stood waiting to discover their fate.

Finally the door burst open and the men once more entered the room, this time with no sign of the captain as they unceremoniously pulled the prisoners from the room, Elizabeth being taken on a different route than the others.  Her whole being wanted to cry out to her father for help, the sound held back, knowing how pointless that would be.

The man holding her silently took her to another room, opening the door and pushing her in before locking it behind her.  As she heard the key turn in the door, she finally allowed herself to visibly shake, giving way to the fear which filled her.  Turning in a fruitless attempt to find a way out, she looked around the room, finding herself in what must have been his quarters.

It was a fairly big room, with a couch, table and chairs and a bookcase full of a variety of volumes.  A curtain covering an arch captured her interest, and as she pushed it aside she saw the bed, her hands trembling even harder knowing what was to come.

Quietly, with as much dignity as she could muster, Elizabeth moved over to the couch to await her fate.  However, after half an hour when she was still alone, she became restless, moving to examine his books in greater detail before pulling one out and beginning to read.  After what must have been an hour, she heard the scratching of a key once more being placed in the lock and her body froze in fear, only to be surprised when the young man they encountered earlier in the captain’s map room, who must have been no more than Maria’s age moved into the room.

He smiled respectfully at her giving a small nod.  “Good evening Miss”, his head bobbing courteously, as she watched him with guarded eyes. “Captain sent me to set table”

Elizabeth frowned in confusion, watching as the boy placed two dinner settings complete with crystal glasses and silver cutlery.  As he left once more, she eyed the knives, before groaning knowing that having secured her agreement; any sign of fight from her might seal the doom of all the men on the deck and of her little maid Maria, her mouth setting at the realisation that she cared little for the fate of her father or Gerald.  She moved over to the door, having not heard it being locked, just as it opened again, pulling up short, finding herself once more faced with the pirate captain.

Their eyes locked, an instant jolt of electricity coursing through her veins, as she felt that same flip-flopping of her insides as earlier, not understanding her own reaction.  In a need to create distance between them both she started to back away from the imposing man, her mouth drying up as she was unable to speak.

Alex Hunter, Captain of the Black Dragon Pirate ship looked at the woman before him.  When the small group first entered his study, he had been shocked to see such a beautiful woman.  She was truly stunning, with her honey-blonde hair held high on her head to show her wonderful features and graceful delicate neck.  Soft full lips seemed to beg to be kissed and her large aqua blue eyes which when they held his own dark ones were full of such depth.  All this had struck him in a fraction of a second, before his eyes took in the man behind her, and he had been unable to hold back the sound of shock, on seeing the one man who had destroyed his life ten years before, Lord Robert Palmer.

At that moment he had felt the seething flames of hatred blazing hotly into every part of his being, the temptation to rise and run the man through there and then so strong within him as he had sat calming himself, willing his legendary coolness to once more surface.

Returning his look to the woman, he had once more took in the finery of her dress, knowing instantly who she was.  His mind once more was reminded of the same honey-gold hair and blue eyes on a child, a child who had been sweet and kind.  A child a million miles from the proud and aloof woman she had grown into, as she looked around herself calmly, her head held high and proud.  When he made the maid cry, he had been surprised that she snapped at him in defense of her, that calm exterior of hers slipping only for a moment as he had once more, briefly, seen signs that the same little girl that he had known ten years ago was not completely gone.

 {next installment April 8th}

Love Is All Around

Saw this in my garden this week.  Maybe it is because I write romance novels and see love everywhere…but a perfect love heart just sitting on the ground makes you stop in your tracks.  Made me smile on what was a cold ‘welcome to Spring’ morning.  Guess that love really is in the air.