Page 113 of Saving Sophia

He inhaled sharply but kept silent.

“This isn’t right for me either. And I don’t have to carry it anymore.” I wove the chain around the shoe buckles and locked the clasp, then stood up.

He followed me silently to the water’s edge.

I pulled back my arm and threw it all, the wrong shoes, the wrong thoughts, the wrong choices into the depths and watched them sink, their ripples stretching out until they met the roiling waterfall and disappeared.

He kissed my forehead and held me loosely for a moment. “I’ll say one thing, you do have one hell of a swing, baby girl.” He chuckled, then put an arm around me. “I’m proud of you.”

We stood together, quiet, watching the dark water swirl in the moonlight, lost in our own thoughts. Then he swooped his arm around my waist and hoisted me over his shoulder, like Captain Harlow when he carried Ruthie onto his ship in the closing scene.

I screamed out a hysterical giggle and kicked my feet. He rewarded me with three solid smacks to my backside. The sweet sting sent heat roaring through me.

He strode over to our makeshift captain’s quarters, dropped me gently onto the blankets and pillows and towered over me, slowly removing his belt. I stared up at his cashmere eyes, warm with amber flecks. My insides melted with need.

“Know this,” he growled. “I’ll always come for you, even if it leads me straight to the gallows, little pet.”

I whimpered as he lowered himself down, thrusting my knees apart and tapping my chest with the tip of his belt.

“But it’s a pirate’s life you’ll get,” he warned, dropping the belt and grabbing my hair, tugging my head back to expose my neck. His tongue traced my bare throat till I arched my back, begging for him with my body. “No fancy balls, or gentlemen kissing your hand and begging your pardon.”

I squirmed beneath him and almost forgot my line. I wanted him so badly.

“I don’t care for gentlemen,” I finally panted out as his hand slid up my thigh. “I prefer a rogue … a scoundrel.”

“Sweet talk, little pet.” He squeezed my bottom. “I’ll not go easy on you.” He flipped me over and tossed up my skirt, exposing me to the cool night air.

“I’d be disappointed if you did, Sir.” I tried to sound sultry.

“I’ll keep your bottom bare and heated with my belt,” he threatened. “And you will beg for more.”

I had one word left to deliver before the book ended with Captain Harlow giving Ruthie the spanking of her dreams. Only one little addition would make this story perfectly ours.

I looked over my shoulder at him and grinned.

“Please … Daddy.”

THE END

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