Page 88 of Any Duke in a Storm

“Are you and Papa going to come in?” Narina asked, lying on her back and kicking her legs. “It’s so warm.”

Though the ship was anchored in a dark-blue stretch of water, indicating how deep it was, the area that Narina, Smalls, and the rest of the crew frolicked in was a light aquamarine with a bottom of soft coral white sand. It was quite an anomaly—like a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, partially surrounded by the reef. Raphael had told her that it was the only one of its kind in the whole world.

“Let me feed your baby brother or sister and then yes, I would love to join you.”

Narina had been thrilled at the idea of being an older sibling and she was very excited for the baby to arrive. It would not be too long now, only two short months. After finishing her mango and some fresh pineapple, Lisbeth went down to their cabin to change into her bathing costume, narrowly evading her husband’s wandering hands as she undressed.

“You are insatiable,” she scolded him, darting out of reach.

He grinned. “That’s because I have an irresistible wife. Don’t blame me because I’m weak.” Raphael glanced down as her hand drifted over her distended abdomen, barely fitting the loose tunic over it. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. She’s been active lately. A lot of kicks.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Do you think it’s a girl?”

“No, I don’t know.” She eyed him. “Do you have a preference?”

Raphael gathered her in his arms and kissed her. “As long as they look like you, I have no strong feelings on the matter.”

“I want them to look like you,” she said. “And inherit this warm brown skin. I’m so pale I shine in the dark.”

He grinned wider and popped a kiss on her nose. “Good thing I like to be able to find you in the middle of the night so I can have my wicked way with you.”

“Your wicked way is what got us into this predicament in the first place,” she quipped. “Come on, let’s go swim before Narina launches a search party.” She glanced at him. “Where’s your shirt? You cannot possibly go swimming in your smallclothes.”

Her husband smirked wickedly at her. “When I was a lad swimming in these waters, I didn’t swim inanyclothes.”

Her cheeks flamed at the thought of her god of a husband swimming in the altogether. It was almost enough to convince her to stay onboard, but she did not want to disappoint their daughter. Raphael took her hand and led her back upstairs, and then down the ladder to the water. They swam together toward the sandbar that was only accessible by boat and joined the rest of their family.

“You’re right, Nari. This is heavenly.”

As she floated on her back, staring up at the clear blue skies, Lisbeth could only feel gratitude for the life she’dchosen. She hadn’t lied to Raphael when he’d asked if she missed her life of being a spy. It had been exciting, but she was a different person now.

She had a husband who loved her, a smart, beautiful daughter, a circle of true friends, and a life she loved. When Raphael’s arms wrapped around her and scooped her up to him, his salty lips finding hers to whistles and hoots from their avid audience, she grinned.

“Do you know, Viking,” Raphael said softly, his lips caressing her lobe. “There’s a legend that says if you kiss someone you love in this pool, your love will last a lifetime.”

“Is that true?” she asked.

He nodded. “That’s what the locals say.”

Lisbeth wrapped her arms around him. Staring into his beautiful eyes, she smiled, perfectly at peace, perfectly happy. “Then we better not tempt Fate. Kiss me like you mean it, Pirate, and let’s shoot for forever.”

His lips met hers. “Forever it is, mon coeur.”

BONNIE BESS SEA SHANTY

There once was a lass called Bonnie Bess.

She sailed the seas with all the rest,

but no one could catch her as she flew.

She’ll laugh and shout and run you through.

Bold Bonnie Bess!

She’s as pretty as a picture like they say,

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