Page 40 of The Swan Syndicate
Small circles played on her hip, and she smiled.
Not dreaming after all.
She gave a soft moan, encouraging the man pressed against her. He nuzzled deeper into her neck.
“I love you, too.” The soft circles on her hip turned into a light massage. “Even when you drive me mad with your antics.”
Her laugh was a throaty chuckle as she rolled over, her breasts meeting his chest. His kiss was slow and tender. Like the mornings when they spent hours in bed—talking, making love, and planning the rest of their day.
Through the haze of growing passion, the slight lurch of the ship reminded her of where they were.
“Isn’t Jamie calling for a meeting soon?”
“There’s time.” He rolled over, wrapping a leg around hers. His ministrations intensified until she melted under the touches and continuing strokes. “There’s always time for us.”
She ran her hands over his shoulders before scraping her nails down his back. This man put up with her stubbornness.Had sacrificed so much for her. At times was filled with such frustration she wondered why he stayed.
There were so many good times. Laughter and wonder. Each day full of discoveries—how he thought, what he found funny, his attempts at cooking, his favorite movies. Did he find her just as interesting?
His kiss wasn’t as tender this time, and she hugged him tight, terrified to let go. He had to see how much she wanted to be his partner. Not someone he left behind. She made a personal commitment to show him how well they worked together.
Then he pushed his knee between her legs, and she arched her back, wrapping her legs around his waist. She stopped thinking and worrying. It was impossible with the thrumming of her body as it shut down her mind as emotions and sensations took control. They were one, and she held back her scream as her release came. Then his lips covered hers to smother her moans.
She held on, nipping at his chin, then his ear until his own pleasure ripped out of him. It took a moment before he moved, but he didn’t go far. His arm lay over her, claiming her.
This was the best holiday getaway ever.
15
Stella decided on the other plain day dress Beckworth had bought for her as he dressed beside her. They would have finished sooner but kept stopping to smooch, smiling and laughing as they leaned into each other when Beckworth lost his balance putting on his pants.
They would have still been in bed if Lando hadn’t pounded on their cabin door announcing the meeting in fifteen minutes. She gave Beckworth a long perusal, then brushed back his hair, preferring his tangled locks, but it might give the men the wrong idea. Well, not wrong, but she didn’t want the men passing him winks. Satisfied he looked presentable, even with his goofy grin, she turned for the door.
He pulled her back and gave her a long kiss, his hands running through her own tangles. She held on tight before he stepped back, leaving her with a matching grin. He tugged on her hair with a quizzical stare. She raced to the washstand and grabbed the brush. After a few strokes, she turned around.
“Better?”
“I preferred you before the brushing, but that’s for my eyes only.”
Her cheeks heated. The man could still make her blush. She strolled out when he opened the door but not before slapping his backside.
He chuckled, patting hers as she made her way to the galley.
The men were in various conversations around a table filled with a pitcher of ale, mugs, and a platter of cheese, meats, and bread.
Her stomach growled at the sight. She found an open seat next to Lando, and Beckworth sat between Fitz and Jamie. Michelson and Lane were also present, belaboring the benefits of mead over ale. Jamie listened patiently, a twitch to his lips as they continued their personal assertions. They were so involved in defending their positions that neither appeared to notice Stella and Beckworth arrive and jumped when Jamie landed a fist on the table.
“Now that everyone is here, Lando, tell us about your trip to shore.”
“There were two ships in the cove,The Horsemanand theTidewater. We believe the men from the inn and pub were from this second ship, but it’s only a guess. We arrived in time to spot a jolly boat as it came alongsideThe Horseman, but all we could see were long crates being hauled onboard. From our view, there didn’t appear to be any markings on the crates. When Fitz spotted the other ship preparing for sale, we made a swift retreat.”
Michelson laughed. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen men paddle so quickly.”
“I thought me arms were going to fall off.” Fitz shook his head as he grabbed a hunk of cheese, two slices of meat, and bread, but he was grinning.
The men had a chuckle until the seriousness of the situation returned.
“Why two ships?” Stella asked. “Had they already taken cargo to the first ship?”
