Sea of Fire (32 page)

The house was quiet again. Too quiet. He missed his manservant, but it was better he remained at Knights’ Head until Adam was found. He rose from his chair, stretched and headed for his bed. Though it was early evening, he was tired and the bump on his head hurt. Since Walter could not meet this eve, he’d taken the opportunity to pen his mother and father a missive to ward them off a while longer, and to work on some paperwork for his shipping business. He sighed. It had been too long since he’d been at sea. When this was over, and he prayed soon, he’d be with his ship on his way to Florida. The vision of the balmy climate and the voyage to get there cheered him.

He’d marched halfway up the staircase when he heard the squeak of the rear door. He froze in place on the steps.

Damn. So preoccupied with the latest events, he had unwisely forgotten to secure the door. Thieves had become bolder and bolder these days, entering people’s residences even while they were at home. Son of a bitch. He’d fix whoever had decided to invade the privacy of the Traynor home.

He took the rest of the steps two at a time, but lightly.
He retrieved his pistol from the concealed compartment in the wardrobe closet in his bedchamber and gingerly made his way back down the stairs and into the rear passageway. The intruder would not expect anyone to charge him.

He was taking a chance that this thief would have no weapon. Most were simply street beggars turned daring. Yet, he’d have the advantage of surprise and his weapon aimed before the man could even realize what happened. Consequently, when he heard, albeit faintly, someone cautiously move toward the front of the house, he raised his pistol, barreled down the passageway and let out a roar like a wild beast.

It was as he’d hoped. The intruder howled a soprano-like scream. He raced to the kitchen to catch the blackguard as he fumbled with the back-door handle.

“Halt, or I’ll shoot,” he said even as he saw his intruder to be Elizabeth.

She turned towards him, apparently having recognized his voice. She placed her hand flat against her chest. “I thought my heart was going to stop. You frightened me so,” she said through heavy breaths.

Even fearful as a cornered pup, she was lovely. He didn’t know whether to be angry with her for placing herself in danger, for he would not have hesitated to shoot, or be pleased he had not had to face an actual intruder.

“What are you doing here? I could have hurt you. Do you make a habit of simply inviting yourself into one’s home?”

She addressed neither question. “Why didn’t you answer the door?”

Her bravado apparently returned for she had closed the distance between them to stand inches before him. So near was she, he could smell the lavender scent of her.

“This is my home. I don’t have to answer the door.”

“You were avoiding me, Christian, and I want to know why.”

“Nonsense.” He stood his ground. Her blue eyes twinkled. A few strands of her auburn locks curled by her ears. His gaze lowered to her bodice. He recalled the loveliness beneath and ... At once, he needed to have her in his arms. He reached for her.

She tried to resist. “Christian, let me go. We’ve got important matters to discuss.”

“Later.” He raised her chin upwards and kissed her mouth, knowing he would want more of the same. He lifted his lips from hers to whisper, “When I’m with you, I can’t help myself. You enchant me. I must have you.”

Her stomach fluttered. With his arms secure around her, she wanted nothing more than for him to make love to her. His mere presence caused her pulse to increase. His touch made her as pliable as dough. How could she refuse him? She returned his kiss and murmured against his lips, “I must have you, too.”

“Christ, when you talk to me that way ...” He helped her remove her cloak. She tossed it over a chair. He grabbed her by the hand and led her upstairs to his bedchamber.

She stared at the same bed with the bed linens trimmed in the wide eyelet lace of forest green that she had slept in while a friar and his captive. For a second, she reminded herself that she had decided against further involvement with him. She reminded herself until she watched as he removed his shirt. His muscled chest was made to touch. He paused a moment as he caught her gaze, gave her a sensual smile and proceeded to remove his boots. All the time she watched him as he removed his breeches and his organ sprang erect and free. A warmth spread to her cheeks and across her chest, remembering the feel of him inside her. She returned her gaze to him. He smiled and held his arms open to her. She gladly met them and the
next instant she was engulfed in his embrace. He kissed her deeply and while he did so, she could feel his arousal shoved into her skirts.

He ceased his kiss and said, “Take off your clothes.”

She pushed away from him. Layer by layer she removed her garments until she stood naked before him.

“You’re exquisite,” he said and pulled her back into his arms.

Chest to breasts and hip to hip, they held each other tight, straining to get closer to each other, wanting more. Finally, he said, “I could take you standing, but I prefer you in my bed where I can prolong our lovemaking.” He lifted her into his arms and set her on the bed. Next instant, his body covered hers. His member probed between her legs as he kissed her neck, cheek, chin and settled on her lips. He lifted himself from her.

“Nay. Stay,” she said. “I want you.”

“And, I you, love, but first let me ...” His words trailed off. His lips seared her skin and he kissed a path that lead to the patch of curls between her thighs.

His breath was warm against her as he kissed the top of her mound. God in heaven, she wanted something more. She spread her legs wider.

“Aye, give yourself to me, my love,” he whispered into her. “Let me taste your honey. Let me have all of you.”

He gently opened the folds of her mound and placed his tongue in the center of her being, to slowly stroke her. She squirmed in delight against him, never having experienced such pleasure. She lovingly caressed his head as he moved his lips against her. His passion increased. He gently nipped at her womanly bud.

“Christian, I want you now. I ache for you.”

He gave one last passionate kiss to her mound and raised himself to cover her.

She reached for his member with both hands and stroked him.

He moaned. “And, I ache for you, love.”

“Love me, then,” she murmured and reluctantly ceased her caresses to his member to wrap her arms around his neck.

His mouth came down on hers in a fierce kiss. He moved his hand between her legs and gave her one final caress before he covered her with his body.

Easily, he entered her. The pleasure of their oneness touched her down to the core of her being. Frantically, she moved her hips. He responded in turn until at last her love for him released. Instantly, he moved his hips against her until he groaned in ecstasy and he too, experienced release.

“You’re wonderful, Elizabeth,” he murmured against her ear. “But I think you killed me again.” He remained collapsed atop her.

She laughed and hugged him tightly. Never had she experienced such contentment or wholeness as she had after making love with him. For a brief period in time, she could forget her problems, forget their relationship was only temporary and relax in the security of his arms. For a brief period in time, she could pretend he loved her as she now realized she loved him.

Never would she admit such a love. Rather she said, “You never answered my question. Why didn’t you come to the door?”

He moved from her, tugged the bed linens over them and lay beside her on his back. “You know as well as I do why I didn’t. You want to be part of my plans when I confront Adam, but I’ll have none of it. I don’t want you harmed.”

He placed his forefinger over her lips to silence her when she would speak. “Let me handle it now,” he said. “I’ll not endanger your father.”

“Nay!” She threw the covers from her and retrieved her gown. She held the garment close to her to hide her nakedness. “I’m the one who gave you the information. I didn’t have to do that. I trusted you, Christian. Now I’m asking you to trust me. I’ll do as you say, only allow me to be there.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I’ll go to the ruins or to the ship without you. I’ll try to talk some sense into Adam myself.”

He laughed and sat up in the bed. “You are serious aren’t you?”

“Aye. I am.” She sat down beside him with the gown still in her hands. “I can help. Please, Christian. Trust me as I have trusted you with this information.”

He studied her a moment and said, “I fear what you might do without me, yet I fear for your safety if I agree and Adam is not himself.”

“It’s a chance I will take. Now, you must trust me.” She pleaded.

“Will you promise to let me be in charge and listen to what I have to say no matter how senseless what I do or say may appear?”

“I will,” she agreed.

“Not knowing the rationale behind Adam’s actions, you do understand your life could be in danger.”

“I do. I belong with you, Christian. It’s my father. It’s only right, but regardless, you may as well agree. With or without your acceptance, I’ll go to Adam.”

“That’s what worries me. Unintentionally, you could do more harm and short of locking you away ...”

“Don’t you think anymore on it. I’m not a fool,” she retorted huffily.

“Nay. You are not. But, you are inexperienced.” He started to push the bed linens from himself.

She shoved them back up to cover him. “I’ll not let you leave that bed until we’ve resolved this issue.”

He gave her a wicked grin and patted the place beside
him on the bed. “The thought of spending all day loving you does appeal to me immensely.”

She jumped up, still gripping the gown, and put some distance between them. Obviously, she’d have to dress before their conversation could continue. “Stop grinning at me like that. And, close your eyes.”

“What for? I said love, not nap.” His voice had an incredulous tone to it.

“I don’t want you to watch me change into my gown.”

He roared with laughter, and said, “I’ve seen that luscious body of yours, or have you already forgotten our ...”

“Christian!”

“How about if I cover my head with the bed linens?”

“That would be fine,” she said.

He slid further beneath the coverings as he tugged the linens over his head. She hurriedly got dressed. All the while she kept her eyes on him. He was being too cooperative, too quiet, and too unlike him.

When the last button was fastened, she tiptoed over to the bed. She stared at his form under the coverings, particularly his head. Next instant, she swatted him on his chest.

“Hey! What the hell are you doing?” His head poked out from beneath the bed linens.

‘“You’re impossible, Christian Traynor.”

“What did I do?”

“You know what you did. You peeked at me through the holes in the eyelet lace. Don’t you try to deny it.” She waved her finger at him.

He grabbed the same hand and tenderly placed a kiss in her palm. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t help myself.”

“Don’t you use flattery on me.” She tugged her hand away, walked over to a chair in the corner of the room and in a regal manner seated herself.

“Now, what are you doing?” He eyed her curiously.

“We will resume our talk. I hope we can come to an
agreement soon. I left Hannah while she was napping. I fear she’ll wake and find me gone. Please keep this in mind. I must leave soon,” she said, though she was prepared to do battle with him the rest of the day into the night until he agreed she would be with him to confront Adam.

At once his light-heartedness changed. He grew serious, and said, “It may not be one of my wisest decisions, but I’ll include you in the plans.”

“You will?” She stood. She could hardly believe she heard correctly. “You’re not teasing me?” She crept a few steps towards the bed.

“Nay. Let me get dressed and we’ll discuss it over tea. That is, if you would be so kind to prepare it for us.” He tossed the bed linens from himself and stood.

For a fleeting moment, she admired him, before she whirled around and gave him her back. “I’ll wait downstairs,” she said. “I really should hurry home afterwards. When I left, Hannah was asleep. If she awakes to find me gone, she’ll be worried.”

“I’ll be right there.”

She reached for the door handle.

“Elizabeth.”

“Aye,” she answered with her back to him still.

“Next time I want you to look at my body. I want you to enjoy viewing me as much as I enjoy looking at you. Free yourself from all notions you may have it is wrong. It is not.”

A heat coursed through her. If she were to peer into a looking glass, her complexion would reflect the color of a garnet. His words excited her. The man excited her, and he’d been quite perceptive. She had felt awkward seeing him in all his nakedness, but not unpleasantly so. She simply was uncomfortable as to where to cast her gaze.

She cleared her throat. “Aye ... well ... uh ... I’ll get the tea.” She ignored him and hastened through the door.

A few minutes later, Christian met her in the kitchen. She marveled at how this room resembled the one in her home.

“It will be a bit longer,” she said.

He sat at a stool near the counter. She joined him. “How is your head by the way?”

“It was bothering me before you came. You made me forget all about it. You’re the best medicine I ever had,” he said and winked at her.

She flushed and said, “What are the plans?”

“We’ll go to the ruins around ten tomorrow eve. Once we’ve determined Adam is there, you’ll wait and allow me some time alone with him. I’ll decide whether you should make your presence known.”

She placed a cup before each of their places and brought the teapot to the wooden table to seep. “And, if you don’t feel I should, what do I do? Wait in the shadows like a lump on a log?” She seated herself on a stool next to him.

“Elizabeth, you said you would cooperate. Have you changed your mind?” He folded his arms across his chest and studied her.

“Nay. I want this entire mess to be over. I want my father home.”