Page 4 of Defying the Rogue

Killian

As we boarded the Phantom Saber, I matched Ainsley’s grin with a smirk of my own. “Well, love, before we prepare to sail, we must rest. It’s been a rather eventful day to say the least.”

She huffed. “Will the journey truly take that long? Could we not set sail now?”

Striding toward her, I cupped her cheeks with my hands. “Aye, it’s half a day’s journey in fair weather, and you’ve only just recovered from a magical blast.”

Ainsley peered into my eyes, searching. “Yes, yes. I hate to admit it, but you’re right. I’m exhausted.”

I kissed her nose and then placed a chaste peck upon her lips. “Say that again? I didn’t quite hear you the first time.”

She pulled my hands from her face and swatted my shoulder playfully. “Infuriating pirate,” she said with a smile. “Have it your way then.”

“I quite enjoy having things my way, love.” I arched an amused brow, wrapping my arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Rek cleared his throat, and I glared over my shoulder. “Need a cup of rum? Swallow a bug, my friend?”

He chuckled. “Aye, Captain. Rum. I’ll bring a bottle to the bridge while I rest and keep us in the skies.”

Pausing, I narrowed my eyes at Rek’s codswallop comment. “No need. We depart at sunrise. But if you’d prefer a rum-induced headache, that’s up to you.”

Rek continued to cackle. “Sounds like a fine plan, Captain.” He bowed. “Mi’lady.”

Ainsley left my embrace only to give him a withering stare. “Bowing, are we doing this again? Truly? Have your fun. Goodnight, Rek.” She sent him a tiny wave and returned to me, lacing her fingers with my own.

It seemed as though my old friend was in a mood of sorts. Perhaps he’d already been hitting the spirits a bit before we boarded. It was likely, considering the circumstances.

I led Ainsley to my quarters and opened the door. “Do you need anything before I leave you?”

“No, no. I’m fine for now,” she said. “We will have to speak about what happened today, however; it can wait until tomorrow. My mind is utter chaos at the moment.” Ainsley paused. “Sleep well, Killian.”

Nodding, I agreed. “Tomorrow it is, then. Sleep well, love.” I leaned down, capturing her delectable lips once more. She moaned as her mouth parted, allowing me entrance. Deepening the kiss, I drew her body closer as she clutched my shirt tightly. I could feel her heart racing against my chest, and it made my pulse quicken. I’d never wanted a woman—no, needed a woman as I did Ainsley. There was something about her that set me aflame: mind, body, and soul.

With that thought alone, I knew I had to stop.

Instead of continuing down this road of lust-filled passion, I drew away, leaving her breathless and panting. “Goodnight, Ainsley.”

“Um, yes,” she stuttered, touching her swollen lips and stumbling into my chest. “Right, sorry. Goodnight. Again.” Her eyes fluttered and I grinned, closing the door and exiting the room.

Damn. That woman would drive me mad.

I needed to clear my head; otherwise, I’d be inviting myself into my own quarters to have uninterrupted “personal” time with Ainsley. That, however, was out of the question at present.

The following morning, I awoke in my office, peeling my face from my desk. Had I honestly fallen asleep while finishing last-minute paperwork?

Why, yes. Yes, I had.

So much for a good night’s rest. My back ached as I rose from my chair. This was going to be another long day indeed.

Dammit.

Heading to a private stateroom, I washed up and pulled on a change of clothes, yawning and not bothering with a shave. The sun was almost cresting over the horizon and time to set sail was drawing near.

I climbed the steps to the deck only to find Rek already waiting at the bridge.

“Mornin’, Captain,” he said, giving me a wide grin.” He seemed to be in a chipper mood. Rum must have served him well, I supposed.

“Is the crew prepared to depart?” I questioned and rubbed the back of my neck. Damn, even my bones ached.

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