Page 25 of The Swan Syndicate
She glanced behind him. “Did you lock the door?”
“The men will be busy for another couple of hours.” He pulled the shirt over his head and untied his breeches.
She considered her clothing, and though she could muster the energy, decided to let him take the lead. He needed this, and once the mission was underway, they’d have little alone time. Once he was naked, she lifted her arms, and he pulled her up. He kissed her neck before removing her dress.
She ran a hand over his face before pushing her fingers through his hair, pulling strands from his ponytail. “I know I can be difficult, but I love you.”
He kissed her. Nothing quick. It started slow and tender, then it grew bolder as his hand moved between her legs. When he lifted his head, his gaze sparked with humor. “I’m beginning to see the advantages of bringing you along.”
Her sultry laugh turned his merriment back to lust, and he moved down her body inch by erotic inch.
She closed her eyes and gave in to the sensations he drew from her. This was going to be an amazing voyage…then she shrieked when he nipped her.
An hour later, they spooned under the covers. She relished the strength of his arms around her, his chest warm against her back.
He kissed her neck. “It feels like we’ve left the river. The men will be looking for food soon. I heard someone in the galley.”
“I’m not sure I have any muscles left to move.” She had no desire to leave their cocoon.
“I know something that might help.”
The bed shifted as he moved away, and she quietly groaned at the loss of his warmth. She wanted more cuddle time.
The trunk opened and closed. Then he was back, but he hadn’t returned empty-handed.
She turned over and found him sitting up, the covers over his lap. His muscled chest gave her other thoughts.
When he noticed her ogling, he grinned. “None of that. Look what I bought at the mercantile.”
She glanced down. A stack of paper. Her heart swelled. She’d forgotten to pack the papers from her new office at the manor.
She ran her hand over the pages. “For my swans.”
“Of course.” He kissed her nose. “And I dropped off an extra sack of coffee beans in the pantry. I can’t have you drinking all the crew’s coffee.”
She laughed. “Maybe just half of it.” She ran a hand down his chest. “I’m sorry I’m such a bother.”
“I knew what I was getting into. And as I’ve told you many times, I’d have it no other way.” He softly pinched her chin, and his tone turned serious. “But now that the mission has begun, you need to listen to Jamie. He’s in charge, not me.”
“All business. I understand.”
His head tilted to one side, and his eyes moved to the ceiling. “They’re still working the sails.” He picked up the paper and dropped it on the floor. “We should take the opportunity?—”
He never had a chance to finish his words when she tugged him back to bed.
10
Stella stood at the railing and watched theDaphnemoor in a small port just north of Bristol. Beckworth didn’t expect to learn much from their stop, but he’d agreed it was worth investigating when he’d spoken about their route with Jamie at lunch.
She’d helped with the dishes and had just finished stowing the last pot when Beckworth pulled her away to review the mission plan prior to docking. Though there wasn’t much to the port, several ships dotted the bay. One of their tasks, besides listening for rumors of MacDuff, was to learn the name of his ship.
It was one thing Jamie and Fitz had never determined while trailing MacDuff along Ireland’s southern coast several months before. He’d been seen often enough through the seaside villages, stirring up insurrection, but no one could name a ship and had assumed he’d grabbed passage wherever he could find it.
Before they’d left Waverly, Hensley had agreed with Jamie and Beckworth that if MacDuff was making a more significant play with France, luring Ireland ports to their side, then he might be paying a merchant vessel. With word that MacDuff’ssmuggling operation had grown since his run down the Irish coast, it only made sense he’d have his own ship now.
Stella noted a number of ships moored in the bay rather than dockside. Luck was with theDaphneafter two ships had departed, leaving an opening alongside the pier.
“Why are there so many ships in such a small village?” Stella leaned over to catch a glimpse of a small boat moving between a ship and a small pier that seemed built for that purpose. Lando had called them jolly boats.
