Page 55 of The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles 1)

“Nola!” Lincoln called out, rushing through the hills by the river towards her, “Are you alright?

His eyes shone with worry as he looked at her horror-struck expression. He reached for her silky hair, removing a few of the silver strands from her eyes.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Lincoln confessed.

The captain’s mere touch provoked a rush of excitement through Nola’s body.

She opened her mouth to tell him about the conversation between Kala and her and the unsettling feeling she had about that place but hesitated.

Perhaps it is all in my head,she thought, why should I worry him with my own paranoia?

“I didn’t want to dance,” she lied to him, “So I went for a walk.”

Of course, it was a lie. The siren girl wanted to be the woman in Lincoln’s arms as he curled his fingers around her waist while they moved to the beat of the music. Nola looked at him pointedly, trying to erase the ominous black eyes from her mind that watched her moments before. “I’m a bit tired,” she continued. “I think I’ll turn in for the night.”

He laid his hand to the side of her neck, and his thumb landed close to her lips. He retracted quickly when her shoulders heaved lightly.

“Sorry. I—” Lincoln said.

“Don’t be,” she said, biting her lip, feeling utterly embarrassed by her reaction.

Nola had not meant to pull back, but his touch had taken her by surprise. His fingers against her bare neck were provoking. She could still feel the ghost touch of his fingers against her skin.

Lincoln stepped forward, boldly, raising his hand again.

I am not a bit sorry,Lincoln thought, slowly reaching for her cheek.

The captain’s heart raced as he ran his fingers down her delicate jawline until he seized her chin and gripped it gently. Then tilted her head up to look deeper into her heavenly eyes. They both got lost in each other’s gaze for a few moments. Unmoved. Serene. Slowly, the handsome pirate slid his hand up her jaw and to the back of her neck, lacing his finger through her hair—a warm, welcoming shiver tickled her spine.

Oh, my...Nola felt her hands quiver.

Lincoln’s intense stare made her feel wanted. With a reassuring smile on her face, she sucked in a soft breath and took an unconscious step closer to him.

Woman, why are you doing this to me?Lincoln almost yelled to his insides, but he did not pull back.

He smelt of whisky and sea salt; Nola liked it. Though he was not drunk, Lincoln felt bold. He knew exactly what he was doing—wanting it just as much as she did.

After a minute of silence, Lincoln’s lips trembled as he spoke, “I’ve not treated you kindly since you boarded my ship. I should have never pulled out my pistol on you. I shouldn’t have—”

“You don’t have to apologize, Lincoln. I’m not upset.” She felt her hand shudder as she rested her palm over his muscular chest, leaning into his touch. Nola bit the inside of her cheek. “I mean, I was at the time, but looking back, I know that wasn’t—”

Lincoln’s lips collided with hers—eager and wild. His hand gripped the back of her neck. She moaned. However, with her hand still planted on his chest, Nola pushed away, breaking their kiss.

Parting her lips, she drew in a breath and said, “This is mad, Lincoln. We’ve only known each other for a couple of days.”

I know,he thought.

He pressed his forehead to hers, bringing her closer to him and allowing his fingers to slide down her arm slowly.

“Time seems to stop when you are at sea—it feels much longer.” Leaning forward, he whispered into her ear, “Doesn’t it?”

Being wrapped in Lincoln’s arms clouded her mind, distracting her from the world around them.

It truly does.Nola nodded, closing her eyes as a cool breeze prickled the back of her arms; her hair danced in the wind.

A sudden sorrow crashed at her heart as he pushed back, creating a gap between them, just as she did.

“I’ll ask Kala where she wants us to sleep,” Lincoln said, holding out his hand for her to take. “I’ll get you settled, and then I will gather my crew.” He squeezed her hand as a whimsical smile played on his lips. “But I’ll lay with you tonight.”

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