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Pirate's Heart Ch. 01

By: opels



Middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 1686

Jimmy Webster looked up from the deck of the ship and couldn't believe his eyes. The pirate swinging over from the attacking ship was of the likes he had never seen. But there was no denying it. The curve of full breasts, a slim waist gently swelling out to hips and then tapering down to long legs. She was dressed in a plain white shirt with tan buckskin trousers, tucked into tall black leather boots. She had a bright red sash tied about her waist, the ends trailing out behind her. She landed soundlessly onto the deck amidst the turmoil of the attack. She swung about, her long auburn hair flying and saw Jimmy staring at her. 'I've never seen purple eyes before,' was the last thought that went through his mind as her sword plunged into him and he crumpled to the deck.

Catherine Veleslav stood aboard the deck of the Themis and quickly surveyed the chaos around her. The crew from her ship, the Perun, were swiftly overtaking the crew of the larger merchant ship. She joined the attack but the bloodshed was over quickly as the captain came forth and surrendered. He was quickly grabbed by two of her crew and held.

"I would rather lose my ship, even to the likes of you, than have any more of my men slaughtered," he said to her, his disgust showing plainly, not bothering to struggle against the men holding him.

Catherine boldly approached him. "What is your name?" she asked him.

"Captain Nathan Kincaid," he answered curtly.

"Very noble of you, Mr. Kincaid," she replied. She had to tip her head back to look up at him, not something she was used to doing, being rather tall herself. She took in his handsome features, his jet black hair coming loose from its ribbon, his high cheekbones and strong, square jaw. Her eyes traveled over his broad shoulders and chest, down his lean torso and over his strong legs. Her gaze returned to his face where she stared into his angry gray eyes. His full, well shaped lips were clamped together in a grimace as he insolently returned her stare.

"Put the crew in the brig and take this ship to the island," she ordered. As the men hastily went about obeying her command she took a step closer to Nathan. Her eyes quickly ran over him again, this time a bit more appreciatively. Quietly she said to the men restraining him, "Take him to my ship and lock him in a cabin." She then turned on her heel and left them, striding easily over one of the planks linking the two ships.

Several hours later she was in her cabin, reviewing the cargo list of the Themis. She had been carrying gold and tobacco back to England. She was very happy with the outcome of this raid. Plus the Themis was a fine ship. Since the captain had surrendered so easily, the damage the vessel had sustained was minimal. Nathan Kincaid's face flashed through her mind and she suddenly remembered she had had him brought to her ship. With a smile she shrugged on a velvet frock coat and ran up on deck. She located one of the men who had brought Nathan on board and found out where he was being held.

"Would you like me to come with you, Captain?" he asked her.

Patting the dagger she kept at her waist, she said with a smile, "Thank you, but I think I'll be fine."

She made her way through the dark passageways below deck until she was at his door. She nodded to the man standing sentry and without bothering to knock she turned the key in the lock and walked in.

He immediately stood when she entered. She paused for a moment and then closed the door behind her. He was shirtless and her eyes swept over his muscular chest and arms. She felt a tingling sensation begin in her belly. On the bicep of his left arm was a large bandage.

"Were you badly injured?" she asked casually.

He didn't answer, just stared at her, the hatred blazing in his eyes.

"I suppose you're wondering what your fate is to be," she said to him. She sat in the room's only chair leaving him standing. "I'm not really sure myself."

"I would prefer to be with my crew," he replied in a tight voice.

"Oh now, why would you want that? They're in the dank, awful brig of your ship while you're here in this nice cabin...with me," she said with a smile.

"I'd rather be at the bottom of the ocean," he said, his voice low.

"Well, that can be arranged," she said, her full lips turning down into a frown. She rose and approached him. She trailed her fingers over his bare chest. "But that would be such a waste," she murmured.

"Don't touch me," he hissed at her.

She looked up at him and stared into his gray eyes. Eyes that were shining like silver. She continued to caress his bare chest and saw a spark in the depths of his dislike for her. She knew she was attractive, had often been told beautiful, and that men could rarely resist her. "Mr. Kincaid, you seem to forget, this is my ship and I do as I please and if it pleases me to touch you, then I will do so." Adding her other hand, she flattened her palms against his warm skin and slid them up to his shoulders and then slowly back down again.

She heard him suck in a shaky breath and she smiled to herself. She could feel his heart pounding beneath her hands and her own pulse quickened. She stepped closer to him and looked up into his eyes. She reached a hand to the back of his neck and pulled his head down to hers. She pressed her lips against his but he quickly wrenched his head away and pushed her from him.

"How dare you?" she hissed at him, her eyes suddenly blazing with anger.

"I will not be seduced by you," he spat back at her.

She glared at him for a moment before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her. "Put him in irons!" she shouted to the sentry.

Catherine stormed back to her cabin and slammed the door. Once inside, she angrily paced back and forth. How dare he reject her advances, she fumed. He obviously did not realize how difficult she could make things for him. They were sailing back to her island and even though her ship was quick it was going to take about three weeks to arrive. She was determined to break down his defenses before then.

Nathan lay uncomfortably on the bed. His wrists were shackled as were his ankles. A chain ran around his waist and attached to another chain that connected his bonds. His arm was throbbing from the slash wound he had sustained during the fight earlier and his stomach growled from hunger, but his thoughts were fixed on his crew being held in the brig of his ship. He knew those uncomfortable quarters were not nearly big enough for all of them and they were going to be quite cramped. He said a prayer for them before trying to sleep.

He awoke the next morning and before he could remember where he was he tried to stretch. The metal of his cuffs cut sharply into his skin and he let out a sharp cry of pain. He heard a chuckle and looked about. Catherine sat in a chair laughing at his distress.

"Good morning," she said with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"

He ignored her and just stared at the ceiling.

"If you had been a bit nicer to me, those irons could have been avoided," she said.

"I would rather have these on me than your hands," he said bitterly.

She laughed again and rising, she crossed to the door. "Simms, come in here, please." The sentry entered the room. "Attach Mr. Kincaid's wrist shackles to the head of his bed, please."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied.

He produced a key and undid the chain that attached his cuffs to his waist and wrapped the chain around the thick beam of wood on the headboard.

"And attach his leg irons to the foot board, please," she continued.

Simms turned his attentions to the foot of the bed as Nathan glared at her, his eyes blazing with fury. He completed his task and stood. "Thank you Simms, that will be all," she said, dismissing him.

He left and she turned to Nathan and again her eyes swept over him. A smile hovered on her lips and she approached the bed. Her fingertips lazily trailed over his chest. "See what happens when you're not nice? Now you will have to have to contend with both the irons and my hands on you." she said playfully.

"I requested before that you not touch me," he said in a cold voice.

"And I told you before that I do as I please around here," she replied, matching his tone. "And since you are quite helpless, I can do just that," she purred, stroking his cheek. He flinched and turned his head.

She sat on the edge of the bed and trailed her fingers down his throat. He closed his eyes and willed his body not to react. He felt her press her palms against his skin and slide down his chest. His pulse quickened and he felt a slight stirring in his body. Her weight on the mattress shifted and he opened his eyes to see her straddling the lower part of his legs. She slowly unbuttoned her shirt and opened it, sliding it off her shoulders to rest at her elbows. She wore no covering underneath and he gazed at her full, bare breasts. Her hands slid down his thighs to his knees and then slowly worked their way back up, massaging his strong muscles as she did so. He closed his eyes in surrender as his breath burst through his lips in a ragged gasp and the stirring in his body became stronger. He knew the evidence of his arousal was soon going to be apparent and he gave up struggling for control.

"Are you not at all curious as to where we're going?" she asked almost conversationally.

His eyes flew open at her unexpected question. "What?" he gasped, uncomprehending.

"Where we're going. Where this ship is headed?" she repeated. Her hands were halfway up his thighs, kneading his flesh, and he was having trouble thinking of anything else. "We're going to my island. I'll stash your cargo there and then send a message to a neutral ally to ferry your crew to a British ship where they'll be returned to England."

Her hands were almost to the tops of his thighs and he managed to ask, "And what is my fate to be?"

Her hands stilled just short of their target. "I'm not sure yet," she said. "I'll have to wait and see what you're good for." With that her hands began to move again and she chuckled with delight as the bulge in his trousers became quite apparent. He groaned with despair that his body had betrayed him so. He sucked in a sharp breath when he felt her hand on the source of his distress. She gently squeezed him and another groan escaped his lips.

She rose up on all fours and crawled forward. She pressed her lips against his and he responded, giving up the fight and completely surrendering to her, kissing her back. As he raised his head up from his pillow, she smiled to herself, she had won. She pulled away from his mouth and trailed her tongue down his throat, her breasts brushing his chest She hovered over his face. "Open your eyes," she whispered.

He did and she could see the passion there. She chuckled. "See how much more pleasant I can be when you're nice?" she asked. She then got up off the bed and shrugging her shirt back on, walked out the door, leaving him.

Nathan stared at the closed door to his cabin that she had just passed through. His body was tortured with desire and she had just left him. Since he was bound hand and foot, he wasn't even able to relieve himself of the aggravation. He groaned with frustration and struggled briefly. His erection was trapped inside his trousers and was most uncomfortable. His only choice was to endure and hope that he would be able to think of something else, but the image of her beautiful face and naked breasts tormented him and he knew it would be a long time before he felt relief.

She quickly walked through the ship, buttoning her shirt. She had wanted to do so much more to him, but she knew that first he needed to be taught a lesson. A lesson on who was in charge on this ship. She had to admit, though, it had taken a great deal of willpower to leave him just now. The arousal she had felt was unlike any other she had felt before. Even though she was only twenty-four years old, she had had her fair share of lovers, but she had a premonition that this man was going to be different and she was going to have to be careful.

She went up on deck and let the wind sweep her mind clear. She loved being out on the ocean, her ship slicing through the waves. She had always loved the sea, ever since she was a little girl. She had been born in Moscow in 1662, but during the peasant rebellion the next year, her mother was killed, and her father fled with her to England, seeking a better life. He bought a small merchant ship and sailed along the coast of England, between the ports, doing small runs, letting little Catherine help him steer. His ship was attacked and he was murdered by pirates when she was only 17. The news of his death tore her to pieces and she fell into a black depression. When she finally emerged from it, her heart had hardened and she vowed that she would never let anyone get close to her again. Crewing on a merchant ship was the only thing she knew how to do, so disguised as a boy she found work doing that. However, when a ship she was on was also attacked by pirates her secret was revealed. She was sent to the captain who immediately fell in love with the willful young beauty and claimed her as his own. The only way she would survive was to join him. She soon found that pirating was a far more profitable business than being a lowly sailor and she also discovered that she loved the adventure of it.

When her lover was killed during a raid a year later, she claimed his ship as her own and giving a nod to her Russian heritage and a disregard for conventionality, she re-christened it Perun, the chief of the Russian pagan gods and the god of thunder, lightning and war. She was only nineteen years old, but commanded her ship and crew with an authority that was beyond question.

The morning wind swept away her desire and she returned to her cabin. She did some work there for a couple of hours before she decided to return to her prisoner. She stopped by the kitchen on her way and had a tray prepared for him.

The door to the cabin opened and Nathan was surprised to see Catherine enter the room. She had a tray with her and he could smell the oatmeal. He hadn't eaten in two days and was ravenous. She pulled a chair up to the edge of the bed and set the tray in her lap.

"Are you hungry?" she asked innocently.

Swallowing his pride, he said through gritted teeth, "Yes."

"I thought you might be," she said stirring the oatmeal. She lifted a spoonful to her lips and tasted it. "Mmmm... it's good. Would you like some?"

Again gritting his teeth, he replied, "Yes."

She put down the spoon and sighed. "How could you possibly have forgotten already? If you want me to be nice, you have to be nice first." She picked up another spoonful of the warm cereal and repeated, "Would you like some?"

He took a deep breath and surrendering to his hunger, he grudgingly replied, "May I please have some oatmeal?"

She smiled at him. "Very good," she said. He was expecting her to release him, but instead she guided the spoon to his mouth. "Open up," she ordered happily.

He stared at her for a moment, astounded that she would insist on feeding him. Glaring at her he parted his lips and she slid the spoon into his mouth. She fed him the entire bowl and commended him on his good behavior. "Now do you see how nice that was? You just have to learn how to behave and we'll get along fine."

She then rose and left the room. She paused by the sentry and told him to release him from his irons. She then ordered him a bath and a hearty lunch.

...to be continued...

Pirate's Heart Ch. 02



Several days later she sent a message to him that he was to dine with her that evening. His clothes had been collected from the Themis before she had set sail and he was given a fine set of his evening clothes to wear.

As he dressed, Catherine stood before her own wardrobe, unsure of what to wear herself. Normally she would wear the same clothes as any captain but tonight she was feeling rather feminine. She reached into the back of her wardrobe and pulled out a luscious gown in purple velvet. It was a sumptuous and decidedly womanly garment and she had to dig deep in her closet to find the petticoats and other undergarments the dress demanded. Half an hour later she stood and stared at herself in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance she announced that she was ready to receive her dinner guest. Nathan had arrived twenty minutes ago but she had had no reservations about making him wait.

He entered her cabin and stood staring at her. He had most certainly not been expecting her to be wearing a dress and especially not such an enticing one. He was used to demurely dressed women and Catherine's gown was anything but demure. Her full breasts were amply displayed by the dangerously low neckline and the short puffed sleeves did nothing to cover her shoulders. When she turned to lead him into the room, he had to stifle a gasp, for the dress was cut scandalously low in the back. He couldn't imagine how it was staying up. As they approached the table, he again had to struggle to hide his surprise. The table was laden with a large array of the most delectable food he had ever seen. He had been fed such meager meals over the last few days that he had assumed there was a food shortage on board. Obviously just for prisoners.

They sat and she urged him to help himself to whatever he wanted. He was extremely hungry and as much as he would have liked to ignore the food he couldn't resist and heaped his plate. He dug in hungrily but found it difficult to enjoy with her sitting directly across from him. She kept leaning forward to pluck items off the various plates and he was sure she was about to tumble out of her gown at any moment. She also ate quite a few items very daintily with her fingers and watching her continuously sucking and licking her fingers was driving him to distraction.

Attempting to divert his attention from her actions he attempted conversation.

"So how is it that a young woman such as yourself is a pirate?"

She stared at him and he saw a flicker of pain in her violet eyes before a shuttered look came over them. "It's the life I have chosen for myself and I don't need to justify it to anyone," she said defensively.

"I apologize, I didn't mean to accuse. It's just so unusual, one can't help but wonder."

"I suppose you think I should be married and raising a house full of children, is that it?" she snapped.

"Would it be so terrible?" he asked.

"To be owned by a man? To be completely without freedom? Yes, it would be terrible," she stated angrily. "Out here, I'm in charge. I have complete control and freedom. I make the rules and all the decisions."

"But you're a criminal. Doesn't that bother you?" he asked with concern.

"Not in the least," she replied. "I embraced this life as a means of survival years ago and I found that it suits me. I love the thrill and the danger of it. Becoming a wife and mother may be a more noble pursuit but I'll leave that to the more timid woman."

"Timid?" he asked raising his eyebrows. "Perhaps it requires a courage that you do not possess."

"Courage? To be someone's property? To have every decision of your life made for you? Doesn't sound very courageous to me," she replied. She looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Would you be able to live like that? I notice that you're an independent captain, not part of the military. Why is that?"

He glared at her, suddenly realizing that she had won the argument. "You're still leading the life of a criminal, Miss..." He stopped abruptly. "You've not told me your name," he said to her.

A smile hovered on her lips for a moment as she toyed with the idea of not telling him. She decided she wanted to hear him say her name and answered. "Please forgive my oversight. I am Catherine Veleslav, Captain of the Perun."

"Veleslav? Perun?" he asked. "Those names sound very Slavic," he commented.

"Very astute of you Mr. Kincaid. They're Russian to be precise. I was born in Moscow but raised on my father's merchant ship along the coast of England."

"Where are your parents now?" he asked accusingly. "Do they approve of this lifestyle of yours?"

She lowered her eyes and busied herself with a piece of roasted duck. "They're both dead. My mother when I was a baby and my father when I was seventeen."

"I'm sorry," he said. Looking at her with tender eyes, he continued, "We have more in common than just being ship captains. My parents both died of influenza when I was twenty. Fortunately, unlike you, I was not forced into a life that may not have been of my choosing. With my inheritance I was finally able to buy my first ship and embark upon the career I had always dreamed of."

"Whether I would have chosen this life or not, I'm glad it's the one I have," she replied, again becoming defensive.

He stared at her and was again struck by how beautiful she was. Her violet eyes were flashing with indignation and a flush had risen in her cheeks. With her seductive gown the sudden desire he felt for her was not entirely surprising.

She saw the change in his eyes and obeyed when in a husky voice he asked her to rise and come to him. She was curious as to what he wanted as she approached. He took one of her hands in his and wrapped the other about her waist, pulling her down into his lap. She laughed as she fell into him. He pulled a bowl of grapes close and plucked one off. He teased her lips with it before letting her grasp it with her teeth. He did the same with the next but it dropped from his fingers and landed in her cleavage. She laughed again as he relaxed his arm around her, letting her fall back. She watched as he lowered his dark head to the fruit and gasped when she felt his tongue against her flesh. She let her head drop back and a moan of pleasure escaped her lips when she felt his teeth graze her skin as he attempted to retrieve the grape. He got it in his teeth and pulled her back up.

Gazing into her eyes, he saw her naked desire burning for him and he pulled her close, letting the small fruit drop again before pressing his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms about him and responded to his kiss, parting her lips, inviting his tongue into her mouth. He dipped her back again as he trailed kisses down her throat and across her shoulders. His free hand reached for the soft flesh of her breasts and she sighed with pleasure. He tugged on her bodice, pulling it down to fully reveal her breasts. He wrapped his lips about a pink nipple, sucking and flicking it with his tongue. She squirmed in his lap, assisting with his arousal.

His hand landed on her knee and began to pull up her skirts. He felt her smooth flesh and slid his hand up the inside of her thigh. She parted her legs for him as he continued higher. He was expecting to encounter some sort of undergarment but instead his fingers touched the soft curls at the top of her thighs. He raised his head from her breasts and looked at her with surprise. She laughed softly and pushed his head back down.

He suddenly swept her up in his arms and strode across the cabin into her bedroom. He stood her on her feet by her bed as he hurriedly untied the laces on the front of her gown. It fell stiffly to her feet and she untied her petticoats as he pulled off his boots and stripped off his shirt. She stood naked before him, amidst a mound of lacy skirts. He had never seen such a seductively beautiful woman before and he gazed at her with wonder. She stepped out of her skirts and approached him. He pulled her to him, reveling in the feel of her body pressed against his. She embraced him and standing on her toes, pulled his head down to hers, seeking his lips. She kissed him hungrily, thrusting her tongue into his mouth, hers twirling with his.

His hands again reached for her breasts, cupping and gently squeezing them. She reached down and tugged at the buttons of his trousers, pulling them open. She slid her hand inside, pressing her palm against his erection. He moaned at her touch and she wrapped her hand around him. He quickly pulled off his trousers and fell onto the bed with her.

She rolled him onto his back and straddled his thighs. His hands reached for her but she playfully grabbed his wrists and pressed them against the bed above his head. She dipped her head and kissed him deeply. He struggled playfully against her hold but was surprised by her strength.

She let go of his wrists and trailed her fingers down his strong arms, placing kisses along his jaw and down the side of his neck. He sighed with delight and let her take over, sinking down into the pleasure of her attentions. She rose up on all fours and began crawling backwards, licking and kissing his shoulders, his chest, even playing with his nipples and getting a moan of pleasure from him. She trailed her tongue down his rib cage and he squirmed when she hit a ticklish spot. Her breasts brushed against his erection and he gasped. Catherine's licks and kisses were driving him wild. He didn't know if she realized it but her long soft hair trailing along his body was exciting as well. She shifted over to the right and began kissing down his leg causing her hair to trail over his hardness. She heard him suck in a breath and release it with a moan and knew that the feel of her hair was the cause of it. She continued to kiss down his thigh and before she switched to the other one to begin kissing back up, she flicked her hair up so that it would caress him again. When she got to the top of his left thigh she glanced up at him. Nathan was lying back, eyes closed, mouth open, breathing heavily.

She trailed her fingers over his hardness, again causing him to moan with pleasure. She grasped his silky shaft in her hand and lowering her head, she darted out her tongue and licked the head. He gasped loudly, his back arching slightly. She swirled her tongue slowly about the head causing his breathing to become ragged. She felt him then hold his breath as she slowly slid his entire shaft into her mouth. She began to slowly pump her head up and down and felt his hand clumsily rest on her head. He was breathing heavily and squirming slightly on the bed. She continued, alternating between sucking just on the head and taking him entirely in her mouth, until the hand on her head clenched in her hair and he begged her to stop. He gently pulled her mouth away and hoarsely whispered, "Not yet."

She sat up and straddling his hips, she lowered herself slightly over him. Again grasping him in her hand she guided his throbbing organ to the silky patch of curls between her thighs. She gently pressed him against herself, caressing her moist folds with the head of his penis. He again groaned aloud and she sighed with pleasure. She stroked him against the small nub buried in her folds and moaned softly. She gently guided him into her and sank down, feeling him fill her. She ground against his hips, and groaned again with pleasure. His hands rested on her hips and slid upwards, cupping her breasts. He gently pinched her nipples, eliciting another groan. She slowly began to pump up and down on him, relishing the feel of him stroking her. She increased the speed and he arched up off the mattress, thrusting into her at the same time.

He suddenly grabbed her by the waist and rolled over, pinning her beneath him. She wrapped her long legs around his torso as he rose up on his arms. He began to slowly thrust into her, plunging in deeply. His pace slowly increased until he was driving in and out of her quickly. She threw her head back and cried out, grabbing onto his arms. She clenched her legs tightly about him and clutched at him as she felt the orgasm building in her. It peaked and then suddenly exploded through her body and she cried out loudly. The waves of ecstasy were crashing through her as she felt him shudder inside her and his voice cry out with the force of his own climax.

He collapsed on top her, both of them breathing heavily and slick with sweat. He rolled away and they both were quiet as their breathing and pulses slowed back to normal. He looked over at her. She had her eyes closed, lips parted slightly, damp tendrils of hair clinging to her forehead. He suddenly recalled how repulsive her touch had been just a few days earlier and how now, even though they had just finished making love, he yearned for her again. He rolled onto his side and gently trailed his fingers over her breasts, brushing the nipples, watching them harden beneath his touch.

She looked over at him with sleepy eyes. His fingers pinched a nipple and she sighed. His hand squeezed her breast and he rose and parting her thighs, sat between them. She gazed up at him and as he continued to caress her breasts he saw the passion sparking again in her amethyst eyes. He slid his hands down her sides and over her hips. His palms found their way to the inside of her thighs and pressed upwards. His fingers reached the tops of her legs and she held her breath. One finger boldly slid between her silky folds. He could feel the wetness that he had left there and he easily slid a finger inside of her. She released the breath with a rush and arched her back.

"More," she breathed and he slid another finger inside her. He began to pump his fingers back and forth, in and out of her, as she writhed on the sheets, clutching them in her fists. His other hand found the small nub nestled within her folds and began to stroke it. She cried out and again arched her back. He watched her squirming beneath his touch and his own excitement began to grow. Without removing his hands from her, he rose to his knees. With a quick movement he grabbed her hips and pulled her to him, driving deeply into her. She cried out at his thrust and pressed herself against him. He pulled her knees up to his shoulders, dragging her hips off the bed as he continued to plunge into her. She cried out again as his thrusts felt as though they were driving her to the very edge of sanity. The pressure again began to build within her and she heard her voice call out his name as the exquisite pleasure exploded, obliterating everything but him and the way he was making her feel.

When the cloud she was floating on finally settled back to the bed, she sighed deeply and turning her head, she glanced over at Nathan. He was lying back, his eyes closed, breathing deeply. She closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

When she awoke, it was dark outside the portholes and through the open door to her bedroom she could see Nathan sitting at the table, nibbling at the left over food. He was barefoot, wearing only his trousers and she took a moment to watch him. She was again struck by how handsome he was and how enticing his strong body was. She rose from the bed and picking up his shirt from the floor shrugged it on. She loosely buttoned it and approached him, running her fingers through his loose hair.

"How long will it be before we reach your island?" he asked, not looking up at her.

"A few weeks, probably three. Why do you ask?" she questioned, sensing that his mood had changed.

"Is this what I'm being held for? To entertain you this way?" he asked her, his voice harsh.

She removed her hand from his hair and took a step back from him. "What do you mean? To 'entertain' me? You're not here as some sort of pleasure slave. You're a prisoner, but you happen to be a very handsome and sexy prisoner and if I wish to invite you into my bed I will do so."

"Do I have any say in the matter?" he asked, still not looking at her.

"What's wrong? You're the one who beckoned me to your side, who pulled me into your lap and seduced me. Why are you acting this way?" she asked puzzled at his behavior.

He turned to her, his gray eyes flashing. "I seduced you? You beckoned me here, invited a starving man to this feast, wearing that dress. How did you think I would react?" he almost shouted.

She chuckled at his outburst. "Poor Nathan. Yes, I suppose I did take advantage of you. But as I'm sure you've guessed, I'm used to getting what I want and I will use all the tools at my disposal to attain what I desire. And tonight I desired you. I'm sorry if you feel used but you must admit, it wasn't all bad," she finished with a mischievous smile.

"And now what? I'll be sent back to my cabin, to be held there until your desires flame up again, and I'll be beckoned to return?" he sneered.

She spun away from him and she strode back into her bedroom to her wardrobe. She flung open the doors and pulled out a long robe. She peeled off his shirt and pulled on the other garment. She threw his shirt at him as she walked to the front door. "Get dressed," she ordered curtly.

She opened the door and summoned the sentry standing guard. "Return Mr. Kincaid to his cabin as soon as he's dressed," she ordered. She then brushed past him back into her bedroom and closed the door.

She paced back and forth, furious at him. How dare he make love to her not once but twice and then turn on her so angrily. He could rot in his cabin for all she cared. She should have him put into irons and thrown in the brig, fed only bread and water for the remainder of the voyage. She flung herself onto the bed only to smell him on her sheets. He had been heavenly though, she had to admit. A man hadn't satisfied her that deeply for quite some time. Perhaps she wouldn't let him languish alone in his cabin for the rest of the trip. While he was here, she might as well take advantage. She thought back to when she was in his cabin and he was bound in his irons, chained to the bed. She had been quite aroused by his helplessness. If he refused to succumb to her she just may resort to that again. She chuckled to herself and rose from the bed, dressing in her usual clothes. She strode up on deck and let the wind and smell of the sea calm her mood as it always did.

Nathan was shoved inside his cabin, holding his boots. The guards at Catherine's door hadn't bothered letting him put them on before dragging him down the passage . He threw them on the floor and sat on the edge of the bed. He hadn't known quite what to expect when he had been summoned to her cabin for dinner. He didn't want to dine with her but was hoping for a better meal than what he had been getting so he went along. Not that he really had had much choice. He had only intended to eat but she was so beautiful and that dress was so seductive he had been unable to resist her. Her words about it not being all bad came back to him and he had to admit that she was right. She was very skilled at lovemaking and had taken him to the heights of passion and delighted him in a variety of ways. He knew that if she summoned him again, it didn't matter how much he resolved to resist her, if she wanted him she would break down those walls and he would fall into her bed.

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 03



Catherine was in her cabin one evening a week later, charting their course. She hadn't been to see Nathan since their evening of love making but thoughts and images of him kept intruding, breaking her concentration. They would be arriving at the island in a little over a week. She guessed it would probably take another week for the Themis to arrive, it being a bigger and slower ship. She threw down her compass, giving up for now. She pulled on her frock coat and climbed the steps to the deck. Emerging top side, she stared up at the stars. The vastness of the sky while out at sea never ceased to amaze her.

She spoke briefly with a few of the crew before heading back down. She made her way through the passageways until she came to Nathan's cabin. She hesitated before alerting the guard to her presence. Just being near to him set her senses reeling. She could feel that tingling again in her belly and her breathing came a bit faster. She resolutely took a few steps forward and the guard turned to her suddenly alert.

"It's alright Simms, it's just me. How has he been?" she asked.

"Typical prisoner, ma'am. Moody and quiet," he replied.

"Let me in, please."

She walked in and as Nathan looked up at her she could see the surprise in his eyes. "Hello Mr. Kincaid. How are you this evening?" she asked him in a teasing voice.

"What do you want? Feeling amorous?" he asked, his voice heavy with sarcasm.

"Actually, yes I am, but that's only because I'm near you. You seem to have the most peculiar effect on me," she said with a smile. She approached him. "Now don't tell me you didn't miss me, not even a little," she pretended to pout.

"Don't act so coquettishly. It doesn't suit you," he sneered.

"Do you wish to spend the remainder of the voyage in irons, Mr. Kincaid?" she asked sternly. "As you already know it would be a very uncomfortable way to spend the next week and a half." She paused and trailed her finger along his throat. "Although I must admit, you're quite enticing when bound and helpless," she said, her eyes suggestively sweeping over his body.

He tolerated her touch, his eyes blazing with anger. "What do you want? Why are you here?" he demanded.

"Can't a captain come to check on her prisoner?" she asked innocently.

"As you can see I'm still alive and relatively healthy, so you may go now," he stated.

"Have your meals been sufficient?" she asked.

His meals had remained meager after his dinner with her and he was constantly hungry, but he wasn't going to admit that to her. But he also wasn't going to lie, so he remained silent.

She chuckled quietly. "I assume they have not. You would need to eat quite heartily to maintain such a strong body, I would imagine. Would you care to dine with me again? I usually don't indulge in such a feast as we had last time but it can be arranged if you wish."

"I would rather starve than spend another evening in your company," he said defiantly.

"Now you're insulting me. I thought we had a rather delightful evening. I know I certainly enjoyed it." She looked at him for a moment. "What if I promise to behave this time? I will wear a most demure dress, with undergarments, will eat with utensils, and will not serve any grapes," she said with an inviting smile.

He only scowled at her, furious for making reference to the things that had weakened him.

"Shall we say tomorrow night around seven? I will send a guard to escort you," she rose to leave.

"What if I refuse to go?" he asked.

"Then you will spend the remainder of the voyage in irons, in the brig being fed only bread and water. As much as I hate the idea of that beautiful body suffering, I will not be denied what I want," she said, her voice carrying an unmistakable threat, as she exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Nathan stood and paced the small room, running his fingers through his hair. How was he going to tolerate another evening with her? He hated everything about her, what she believed in and what she stood for. So why couldn't he resist her? Why was it, the moment she had walked in the room just now, all he had wanted to do was throw her on the bed, tear off her clothes and make love to her? Perhaps if she had meant what she said about behaving, he would be able to resist her. He lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He would just have to wait and see.

Catherine returned to her cabin and began looking through her wardrobe. She had told Nathan she would wear a demure dress, but she wasn't sure if she actually owned one. She found several low cut velvet ones, but nothing that could be considered demure. She went into her bedroom and pulled a trunk out from under her bed. It was covered in dust and she hadn't opened it in over a year. She flipped back the lid and began to dig through the contents. She pulled out a pale blue silk gown that was several years old but should do. It wasn't really demure by a proper lady's standards, but by hers it was.

She quickly undressed and pulled the gown over her head. As with all her dresses it laced up the front and as she pulled the laces tight she knew that it would be suitable. The neckline was low but not wide so the fullness of her breasts was minimized. It had a high neck in the back and elbow length sleeves. She wiggled her shoulders in the garment, wondering how women could stand to wear something so restrictive every day, and with a corset! She pulled off the dress and put her regular clothes back on before making her way to the kitchen to order tomorrow night's meal.

The next evening at six thirty, Nathan was told to dress for his dinner with the captain. He reluctantly put on his dark blue formal velvet suit, combed his hair back, securing it with a ribbon and waited until seven.

Catherine was dressed and waiting for him when the guard announced their arrival. Nathan was surprised to be admitted immediately, expecting to be kept waiting again.

"Good evening, Mr. Kincaid," she greeted him.

He took in her gown and even though some women would blush wearing it, he guessed that for her this was the height of conservatism. "Good evening, Miss Veleslav. You look very nice this evening."

"Thank you," she replied. "I'm surprised you remember my last name correctly. Most people mispronounce it almost immediately."

"I make a point of remembering people's names. I've found it makes them feel good," he said dryly.

"Remembering my name is not the only way to make me feel good," she replied with a wicked smile.

"I am only here to have a decent meal for a change, so if we could please refrain from any suggestive conversation, I would greatly appreciate it."

"Why would you appreciate it? Would you find suggestive conversation too much to resist?" she said provocatively, stepping close enough to him that her skirts brushed his legs.

He stepped away from her. "Please don't stand so close to me," he said coldly.

"Why not? You don't like me close?" she asked softly.

"I don't like you at all," he replied calmly.

She gasped and stepped away from him. "You liked me enough last week!" she spat at him, her eyes blazing with anger.

"I'm a man who's been at sea for two months and you were a warm compliant body that was more than eager to satisfy my lust, that is all," he said casually, shrugging his shoulders.

She glared at him, her anger escalating, threatening to get the best of her. She forced herself to calm down and answer him coolly. "Well, it's nice to see that we both got what we wanted then. Shall we?" she said, gesturing to the table.

He was surprised that his barb had appeared to have missed its mark and wondered if she really was that cold hearted. He took his seat opposite her and true to her word she ate with utensils and did nothing seductive. Except just sit there and eat. Even though she was behaving, he still couldn't help but think about the last time he had been here and how the dinner had ended. He looked about the crowded table and almost all of the same dishes were there except for the grapes. Just thinking about them sent a shiver down his spine. He remembered what it had felt like when he tried to retrieve the errant fruit from her cleavage. How soft her breasts had been against his cheek, how she had tasted and how she had reacted.

Her voice interrupted his thoughts. "Mr. Kincaid, you seem to be a hundred miles away. What are you thinking of?" she asked him teasingly.

He started and looked up at her. She caught a glimpse of passion in his eyes and smiled, correctly guessing where his thoughts had been.

He searched desperately for something to say. "As you know I don't particularly want to be here so if I must be here physically I can at least be somewhere else mentally."

"Well I guess physically is the best I can hope for," she replied.

He only stared at her a moment, before turning his attention back to his meal. He, however, could feel her eyes on him and it set his nerves on edge. Her scrutiny made him very self conscious and he drank more wine than he should have and by the end of the meal he was feeling rather light headed.

She had watched him throughout the meal repeatedly filling his wine glass and knew that by now he must be drunk. "Would you care for some brandy and a cigar, Mr. Kincaid?" she asked, rising from her seat and gesturing towards a small sitting area.

She walked to the cozy seating arrangement and poured two snifters of brandy. She set one down on the table and taking a seat, she sipped from her glass. Nathan rose unsteadily from his chair and with great effort walked over to the chairs. He sat down heavily. She produced a humidor and offered him a cigar. He took one and after cutting off the end and lighting it he leaned back, enjoying the flavor.

"Did you enjoy your dinner?" she asked, rolling her shoulders in the dress, feeling that her tolerance of it was coming to an end.

He looked up at her to answer and noticed her discomfort. "Are you alright? You seem fidgety," he commented.

"This dress is most uncomfortable. I don't know how women can stand such restrictive garments. Would you mind terribly if I changed back into a shirt and trousers?"

"Yes I would," he replied. "You promised that you would wear a demure dress this evening and I am going to hold you to that," he said enjoying the fact that she was the one experiencing discomfort.

She rose with a laugh. "You expect a pirate to keep a promise? You are delightfully naïve," she said, untying the laces on the front of her gown and loosening it, revealing quite a bit of cleavage and a glimpse of a pink nipple. "I'll be back in a moment."

Nathan watched her leave the room, that quick view of her breasts dancing before his eyes. She didn't close the door to her bedroom and he could see her undoing the dress. He quickly turned away. Tonight would not end up like last time and he was not going to fall for her seduction. He picked up the glass of brandy and then put it down again. She returned to the sitting area, buttoning her shirt. She sat and sighed heavily.

"This feels so much better," she said with a smile.

Nathan rose unsteadily to his feet. "Thank you, Miss Veleslav, for a most pleasant evening, but I think it is time for me to go."

"Go? But you haven't had your brandy," she protested.

"I fear I may have overindulged in wine at dinner and more alcohol would not be wise," he stated.

"Maybe I don't want you to be wise," she said softly approaching him. She placed one hand on his chest and stroked the other down his arm.

"Perhaps, but I do. Could you please be so good as to order your guards to escort me back to my cabin?"

After he had left she wandered into her bedroom and lay down on the bed. Her attempts at seduction hadn't been effective and now she was left alone with her desires. She unbuttoned her trousers and slid them off. She rubbed her palms across her stomach and up under her shirt over her breasts. She closed her eyes and sighed, images of her previous evening with Nathan flooding her mind. She slid her hands back down over her stomach and between her parted thighs. She stroked herself slowly, remembering what it had felt like when he touched her there. She slid her fingers between the soft folds of flesh and found her entrance. She slipped two inside and began to stroke herself. Her breathing came faster and she increased the speed of her hand. Her other fingers sought out her clitoris and began to massage the small mound. She arched her back as the sensations enveloped her in a cloud of pleasure, the ecstasy building and building within her until it finally shattered and she fell limply to the bed, panting heavily, her heart pounding and images of Nathan still dancing in her head.

Nathan staggered down the passageway trying to walk straight and not bang into the walls. The guard kept pushing him and he was afraid he might fall. He finally stumbled into his cabin and collapsed onto the bed. The evening had been full of torment but at least his belly was full and that was in itself satisfying. However, he was extremely unsatisfied in another area slightly lower. Her attempts at seduction had almost worked. The view she had given him of her breasts as she walked out of the room had almost tipped him over the edge. It had taken all his willpower and a lot of wine but he had managed to walk out of there with his boots still on this time. If it hadn't been for his frock coat covering the bulge in his trousers he doubt she would have let him go so easily.

Images of her from their previous encounter in her bedroom slowly filled his mind. His hands made their way down his chest to his trousers. He unbuttoned them and released his swollen organ from the painful confinement. His large erection sprang free and he wrapped his hand about it. Remembering how she had stroked and sucked him before, his hand began to move over himself, up and down until his breathing was heavy and his back was arching. He recalled how it had felt as she had sat astride him, riding him with abandon. He quickly tore open his shirt just as his orgasm washed over him, the milky white fluid speckling his chest. He sighed heavily and lay limply on the bed, images of her naked body still floating through his mind.

It was several days later and Catherine was in a foul mood. Her frustration over Nathan had her on edge and she was taking it out on her crew. Her black moods were rare but well known amongst them and they all knew to stay out of her way. She had just finished tearing into a young crew member for a minor infraction and she felt awful about it. It was time to deal with her frustration.

She disappeared below deck and quickly made her way to Nathan's cabin. She brushed past Simms and barged into the room. He was again shirtless having just finished washing. He looked up at her with surprise as she quickly crossed the room to him and pulling down his head, she pressed her lips to his. He was so surprised that he didn't react at first. He tried to pull away but that unexpected strength that he had witnessed while in her bed was again in evidence and she held him fast.

Her insistent kiss eventually stirred his passions and his lips parted in response to her demanding tongue. She pressed herself to him, grinding her hips against his. She felt his arousal and began pulling him toward the bed. He was determined this time to remain in control and he spun her around, pushing her face first against the wall. She gasped with shock, not sure what was happening. She could feel Nathan pressing against her from behind and the excitement of this twist of events sent a thrill through her.

He pulled her hips slightly away from the wall and yanked her shirt out of her trousers. He slid his hands up under the shirt, cupping her breasts and gently tugging on her nipples. She could feel his breath coming faster against her cheek. His hands slid down to her trousers and tearing open the buttons, tugged them down to her thighs. She felt him open his own trousers, his erection pressing against her behind. He pulled her a bit further out from the wall and pressed down on her back so that she was slightly bent over. He spread his legs and forcefully plunged into her. She cried out at his entry and pushed backwards meeting each thrust.

He bent over and reaching around her, he grabbed her breasts roughly, squeezing them in his large hands. His rough treatment suited her foul mood and she quickly felt her excitement building. She pushed back against him as he drove into her, ecstasy flooding through her. His punishing thrusts drove her to edge of reason as her orgasm shook her body. She felt him shudder inside her as he climaxed just after her. He pulled out of her abruptly and smacked her on the behind before stumbling to the bed and collapsing on it.

She turned and leaned against the wall still breathing heavily, and, not sure if her legs were able to hold her, she slid down and sat on the floor, her trousers still around her thighs. She looked over at him lying on the bed, his chest rising and falling quickly. She tipped her head back and waited until the trembling subsided.

"Did you get what you came for?" Nathan asked, the huskiness of his voice unable to hide the sneer of his tone.

She turned and looked at him. He hadn't moved. She stood and quickly pulling up her trousers she left the room, not bothering to answer him. She stormed out of the cabin brushing past Simms again. She practically ran to her cabin where she stripped off her clothes and washed herself clean of him. Naked, she fell back onto her bed, throwing her arm across her eyes. Why did she feel like crying? She hadn't cried in years and now a slightly rough encounter with a man she barely knew and she was on the brink of tears. What was wrong with her?

Nathan slowly sat up in bed and put his head in his hands. The encounter had been rough and brief and he felt terrible. He knew he had no reason to be. She had come to his cabin for one thing and he had given her just what she had been seeking. There was no great love between them, not even respect so why should their physical contact be sweet and tender? Because for some reason he couldn't resist her, couldn't stop thinking about her, couldn't stop wanting her. They should be arriving at her island soon and hopefully he would finally be rid of her. But would that only make things worse?

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 04



Several days later a crew member approached her as she stood on deck and informed her that the prisoner had asked to see her. She stared at him, surprised by the request.

"Thank you. I'll send for him later today, when I have some time." She was quite curious to know what he wished to see her about, but she wasn't going to jump at his request.

Several hours later she was in her cabin, when the guard knocked on her door, announcing Nathan's arrival. She let him in and sat back down again, looking up at him expectantly.

"May I sit down?" he asked, gesturing to a seat opposite hers.

"Certainly. Make yourself comfortable," she replied.

"I was wondering what your plans are for me," he said.

"What would you like them to be?" she asked him, knowing that he would most likely wish to be returned to England.

"I would like to be reunited with my crew and join them on the trip back to England."

"I thought you would say that, but I'm not so sure. I might like to keep you around for awhile," she said with a seductive smile.

"You would hold me against my will, keep me locked up just to satisfy your carnal desires?"

"Exactly," she said, still smiling.

He was so surprised that he couldn't think of a thing to say. He stared at her, sparks of fury shining silver in his gray eyes. She began to slowly unbutton her shirt. "There's really not much you can do about it, so why not enjoy it? Why not give in to it?" she said softly, letting the shirt slip back off her shoulders revealing herself to him. She immediately saw the effect she had hoped for as his chest began to rise and fall heavily. She stood and slowly approached him, pulling the shirt out of her trousers and letting it fall to the floor. She stood before him for a moment and as he looked up at her, she saw the anger melting to be replaced by passion.

Struggling for control, he replied, his voice thick with desire, "I won't enjoy it because I don't like you. I don't like anything about you."

Her hands rose to her breasts, lightly stroking them. "Nothing?" she asked teasing him.

He turned his head, looking away from her. "My body desires you, that is all."

She leaned forward and took his chin in her hand, forcing him to look at her. "That's all I need," she said with a small smile.

Quickly placing his hands on her shoulders, he pushed her away from him, causing her to stumble. She flung her hair back from her face and glared at him. That was the second time he had shoved her. He was truly trying her patience.

She raised her chin and slowly walked towards him. Softly she said to him, "You want to know what my plans are for you? I am going to lock you in a room in my mansion, naked, tied hand and foot to a bed, available to satisfy me whenever I desire."

He only glared at her, not daring to test her further, knowing that she just might make good on her threat. She picked the shirt up from the floor and pulled it on. She summoned the guard and ordered Nathan back to his cabin.

He sat in his cabin, furious with her and himself. He shouldn't have asked to see her. Staying away from her was his only salvation yet he couldn't do it. He hated her but also burned for her. He put his head in his hands with a groan of frustration. 

Catherine threw herself into her work, doing more than she usually did. The next few days passed without them seeing each other and soon her island came into view and they slipped between the high cliff walls into the hidden harbor.

As she had suspected the Themis was not yet there so she had only to await its arrival. When a crew member asked what should be done with the prisoner she instructed that he be locked into a set of rooms in the house. She turned on the pier and looked up the hill.

Her house was hidden from view from where she was standing and she headed up the drive. She rounded the bend and a smile came across her face. She was always glad to be home. She would stay until the lure of the sea was too much, and then she would call her crew and the Perun would sail out again looking for adventure.

She opened the front door of the massive three story brick structure and saw the flurry of activity that always greeted her when she arrived home. Her ship had been spotted from the lookout earlier in the day and the servants that lived there were preparing for her and her crew's arrival. The head housekeeper greeted her warmly, informing her that her rooms were clean and ready for her.

"Thank you Maria. We will be having a guest in the house. Unfortunately he is an unwilling one so will be kept in the apartments in the east wing." She was heading to her rooms at a brisk pace and the housekeeper had to hurry to keep up with her. "He is to be shown the greatest respect and every convenience. However, do not give him anything that could be used as a weapon or could facilitate escape and he is never, under any circumstances whatsoever to be allowed out of his rooms unless I instruct otherwise." She turned and faced the flushed and breathless Maria. "Is that clear?" she asked sternly.

"Yes, miss. Perfectly clear," she replied.

"Good," Catherine replied, softening. "Could you please have a bath prepared for me?" she asked turning into her apartments.

"Miss?" the housekeeper asked. "What is the guest's name?"

"Captain Nathan Kincaid," she replied with a smile.

Nathan prowled through his rooms looking for a way to escape. Catherine had chosen well, there was no way he could get out of there and still walk. The windows opened enough to let in fresh air but even if he could get through the small opening he would face a three story drop onto treacherous rocks. It would be a miracle to not break a leg, if not both. He spun about as he heard a knock at the door before it opened and a middle aged Spanish woman entered. She was wearing a maid's uniform.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kincaid. I am Maria, the head housekeeper. Miss Veleslav has instructed me to prepare you a bath and a meal. Which would you like first and what would you like to eat?" she said, smiling at him. He certainly is handsome she thought. No wonder she wishes to keep him here. Too bad it's against his will. The mistress had been alone for too long and needed a good man.

He stared at her with surprise. "What would I like to eat?" he asked her.

"Yes sir. Mistress gave instruction that you are to be served whatever you wish."

He ordered a sumptuous lunch to make up for the scant and repetitious food he had received for the past three weeks and asked for his bath to be after he ate. He also requested brandy and cigars and was told that they would be provided. He sat on the bed and tested it's firmness. Laying back, he thought, perhaps it won't be so bad to stay here for a little while. Until she shows up, that is, and he knew she would eventually.

Catherine sat back in her bath, smoking a thin cigar. She always missed luxurious baths in a large tub while at sea and she sighed deeply as she sank in up to her chin, blowing smoke up at the ceiling. She thought about Nathan and hoped that he was settling in alright. She wondered how long she should wait before visiting him. I'll give him a couple more days respite she thought. She placed her cigar in a nearby ashtray and dropped her hands below the water. She closed her eyes and thought about that evening with him in her bed as her hands slid up the insides of her thighs. Her fingers dipped into the nest of curls between her legs, her head tipped back against the edge of the tub and a soft moan escaped her lips, while images of Nathan laying beneath her floated through her mind.

Nathan paced restlessly through his rooms. It was sweltering on the Caribbean island and he had removed his boots and shirt seeking relief. For some reason he felt more closed in here than he had on the ship. He walked to the window and looked out. Across a sweep of lawn that lay beyond the rocks below his windows he saw Catherine walking slowly with another man, Simpson, her first mate. He stopped and watched her. He was mesmerized by the soft sway of her hips as she walked, her long auburn hair occasionally being caught up in the breeze, tendrils blowing about her beautiful face. He pressed his palms against the glass, unable to resist the urge to reach out and touch her.

It was a hot and humid day but Catherine looked cool and crisp as always, wearing a white shirt and tan trousers tucked into scuffed and worn brown leather boots. As if sensing his eyes on her she looked up and saw him standing at the window, his hands against the glass. She smiled at him and blew him a kiss. He started back from the window, angry that she had caught him staring at her.

He stood, his hands clenched into fists. He was going to go out of his mind if he stayed here. He inched closer to the window and looked down at her again. They had been on the island for three days and she had not yet come to see him. He was both happy and tormented by her absence. He had tried all sorts of distractions, books, alcohol, sleeping as much as possible, but the characters in the books all looked like her in his mind, the alcohol only made him want her more, and when he slept he dreamt of her. He was a man obsessed and there was only one way to satisfy his obsession, but he was determined to ride it out until she was out of his system.

She stood on the lawn beneath his windows knowing he was up there still watching her. She flicked her hair and laughed gaily at the funny story her first mate was telling her. His eyes on her made her decide that it was time to see him. She walked around to the front of the house with Simpson and leaving him at the door she ascended the stairs of the east wing. She felt apprehensive, a shiver racing up her spine as she approached the doors to Nathan's rooms. She greeted the guards outside the door and walked in without knocking. He was barefoot and shirtless, pacing when he looked up and saw her. She stared at him, her amethyst eyes caressing him, taking in his naked torso.

She sat in his sitting room without waiting to be asked and returned his gaze as he stood staring at her.

"Do you like your rooms?" she asked at last.

"I would still prefer to be with my crew," he replied in a quiet voice.

"In time, you shall. I'm sure I will eventually tire of these sulky moods of yours and you'll be released." She stood and approached him. "But until then, you might as well try and enjoy yourself."

He backed away from her, not trusting himself to be near her. He walked to where he had discarded his shirt, suddenly wanting the security of clothes. He began to put it on when she interrupted him. "I would prefer if you left it off. You're obviously not used to this hot climate and I would hate for you to overheat. And besides you look so much better undressed," her voice held an unmistakable invitation.

He knew he shouldn't look at her but couldn't resist. The desire burning in her eyes was his undoing and he quickly crossed the room to her, pulling her into his embrace. She sighed happily as his lips crushed hers, his kiss harsh and demanding. She wrapped her arms about him, pulling him close, pressing against him. His hand found her breast, gently kneading the soft flesh beneath the thin fabric. She sighed again and tipped her head back as Nathan's tongue trailed fire down her throat.

He suddenly scooped her up in his arms and carried her quickly to the bedroom, depositing her on the bed. Straddling her hips, he tore her shirt open, his eyes hungry for her naked flesh. He buried his face between her breasts, breathing in deeply the warm scent of her. He raised his head and stared into her eyes for a moment, his shining silver with passion, before capturing her mouth once more in a demanding kiss.

Catherine was lost in Nathan's arms. She surrendered herself to him completely, as he removed her clothes, letting him sweep her up to the heights of passion. Her mind was in a whirl, all thoughts swept aside except for him and how he was making her feel. She responded eagerly to his kiss and to his touch. Her only desire was to make him feel as she did. They explored each others bodies with their hands, their mouths and tongues, kissing and licking.

Nathan tensed in anticipation as she slid down his body, trailing wet kisses over his stomach. She reached his swollen organ and slid it into her mouth. He groaned with pleasure as she sucked on him, his hand tangling in her hair. He sank back against the pillows, wallowing in the pleasure she was providing. How could he possibly have thought of not having her, of being able to stay away when he knew she could make him feel this way? It soon became too much and he gently pulled on her hair, begging in a hoarse voice that she stop.

She sat up flinging her hair back and looked at him, licking her lips. He grabbed her hips and rolled them over and it was his turn to show her the pleasures his mouth could give her. She threw her head back as he trailed kisses over her breasts and across her abdomen. She parted her legs and he dipped his head between them.

She gasped and arched her back as she felt his tongue on her, delving between the folds of flesh, finding her pleasure center. He sucked it and swirled his tongue around as she writhed on the sheets, her hand grabbing his hair and pressing him to her. He pulled her thighs to his shoulders and rose onto his knees, pulling her hips high in the air, still keeping his mouth on her. He nibbled and nipped, sucked and licked, driving her to the edge and finally over it as she cried out loudly, her body tensing and then shuddering as she crested the peak of ecstasy. He released her and she sank back onto the bed, breathing heavily, her eyes half closed.

He gently rolled her over, and lifting her hips slightly, and slowly slid into her. He pushed in deeply as she made a soft sound beneath him. She pressed her hips against him, taking all of him into her. He began to gently pump in and out of her, gradually increasing his speed and intensity. She bucked against him, meeting each thrust, her mounting urgency and need for him matching his pace. His body was slick with sweat as he thrust deeply into her, his orgasm right at the edge and he tumbled over it, free-falling into an all consuming wave of pleasure, as she also cried out her own climax.

He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily, struggling to stay awake. He rolled off of her onto his back and lay panting. She lay on her stomach, hair trailing across her face and stared at his profile. His eyes were closed, his mouth open and she reached out and trailed her fingers across his lips. His tongue darted out and licked her finger tips. His arm lazily reached out and drew her to him and as she snuggled close, a contentment enveloping her of the kind that she hadn't felt for many years. 

Nathan awoke and looked down at Catherine sleeping at his side. A sweep of her auburn hair lay across his chest along with her arm. She had a leg curled around his and her head lay on his shoulder. He closed his eyes and lay back, enjoying the feeling of her wrapped around him. What had she done to him? He still didn't agree with what she did, or many of the thing she believed in but a feeling was building in him, a feeling he was afraid to explore, afraid that it would cause his whole world to come undone.

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 05



Thank you to all of you that have left such wonderful comments on this story. I'm so glad that you're enjoying it!

Catherine's hand stretched across the sheets, searching for him. She opened her eyes and saw that he wasn't there. She sat up in the bed and looked about. The light was dim as the sun was low in the sky and she heard the front door close. She tensed wondering what was happening when he approached the room carrying a large tray with a bottle of wine tucked under his arm.

He smiled seeing her awake and stopped in the doorway, again struck with how beautiful she was. She sat amongst the rumpled sheets of the bed, her hair about her shoulders in a messy tumble, half covering her bare breasts. He stared at her hungrily for a moment before continuing into the room.

She sighed with relief at his smile. She had been afraid that there was going to be another ugly scene which ended with her storming out of the room boiling with anger.

He sat on the edge of the bed with the tray brimming with an assortment of cold meats, breads, cheeses and fruits. "How do you manage to keep such a large supply of succulent food here, Miss Veleslav?" he teased, feeding her a strawberry.

"I have my ways, Mr. Kincaid," she replied.

He poured them each a large glass of wine and they enjoyed a very pleasant dinner, feeding each other and emptying the bottle. After they had finished, he removed the tray from the bed, and fell on top of her, both of them again swept up in a flurry of passion.

Later that night she silently slipped from his rooms, leaving him sleeping as she crept down the hallway towards the other side of the large house. She entered her rooms and strode to the window. Hers was the only room, other than the lookout tower, that had a view of the ocean. She stared at the black water, wondering what was happening to her.

She recalled the other men she had had affairs with but none of them had stirred in her the emotions that Nathan did. Perhaps because he did not come to her willingly? It had been pure lust that had caused him to wind up in her arms, but today had been different, hadn't it? She had felt so safe and so happy dozing by his side, wrapped in his arms. She felt a sudden shiver and looked deep inside her heart with awe.

She shook her head and strode away from the window, shaking her arms out at her side as if to ward something off. She wasn't in love with him, it was impossible. They came from entirely different worlds, it would never work and besides he didn't even like her, he had said so himself. Yet, today, yes it was different. She sat down in her sitting room and opened the humidor, pulling out a thin cigar. She puffed on it thoughtfully, trying to sort out the jumble of emotions in her head and in her heart.

She awoke late the next morning to find that Nathan had requested to see her. She had a bath, and a leisurely breakfast before dressing and leaving her apartments. She was nervous about seeing him, so delayed it. She went in search of her first mate who's rooms were on a lower floor and confirmed that the Themis had not yet been spotted. She knew it would be a few more days, but sometimes favorable winds caused ships to arrive earlier than expected.

She left the house and walked down the winding drive to the pier. She stood at the end and looked at her ship, bobbing out in the deeper water. The damage caused by the recent raids had not yet been repaired and it would be a few more weeks before she was again ready for adventure. Her gaze shifted over to the Veles, a ship she had captured a few months ago. She had been undergoing considerable repairs and renovations and was almost ready to head back out to sea.

Sitting on the edge of the dock, her legs hanging above the water, she thought back to Daniel, the man who had made her who she was today. He had made her a woman and a pirate. She closed her eyes and his green eyes, blond hair and heart melting smile danced behind her closed lids. She thought she had loved him, but later realized that it was only the infatuation of an impressionable seventeen year old. But what was this she was feeling for Nathan? She thought about him leaving and never seeing him again and she felt a cold and sudden stab in her stomach. Her eyes flew open and she jumped to her feet, running back to the house.

"I am not in love with him, I am not in love with him, I am not in love with him..." she repeated under her breath as she ran up the drive. Her heart had broken when her father was killed and she broke her promise of never letting another person near to her heart when she met Daniel. His death had almost destroyed her and she had renewed her vow and she wasn't going to break it again. She quickly located Simpson and inquired hastily as to the seaworthiness of the Veles.

"She's pretty much ready Catherine. She can go any time," he replied.

"Good. Inform the crew, we sail tomorrow," she replied.

"Tomorrow? When I said anytime, I meant allowing adequate time to stock her with food, ammunition...furniture. She's bare inside," he said with alarm.

"Than I suggest you get busy!" she snarled, turning on her heel and leaving him. It was imperative that she get away from Nathan as soon as possible.

Nathan paced his rooms, again sweltering from the heat, wondering where she was. For the last few hours he had distantly heard a great deal of commotion and wondered what was happening. Perhaps his ship had returned. He felt a stab of dread in the pit of his stomach. He should be elated but the thought of leaving only saddened him.

By nightfall she still hadn't come to him and he ate his dinner alone. Hours later he crept beneath his sheets, falling into an uneasy slumber, filled with dreams of her.

He awoke with a start, sunlight streaming in through the windows. The noise in the house continued and he knocked at the door. The guard opened it and Nathan inquired as to the noise. The man stared at him.

"That is not your concern," he replied.

He sighed, and asked. "Could you please send a message to Miss Veleslav that I would like to see her?"

The guard nodded and pulled the door shut. Hours passed and he paced the rooms morosely, puzzled as to why she was staying away.

Catherine stood by the shore and watched the small boats sailing back and forth to the Veles. She had named this ship in the same vein as the other. Veles was the Russian god of death and the underworld. She was going to be a force to be reckoned with out on the seas. Simpson approached her.

"She's going to be ready Catherine. I didn't think we could do it, but we did."

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I'm going to pack, come get me when we're ready to go."

She turned to leave but he called her back. "What should be done with the Themis when she arrives and her crew, and Captain Kincaid?"

She turned away and looked out to the opening of the harbor. "When his ship returns, he and his crew are to be released. Send them all back to England."

"What about the ship?" he asked. "Should we keep it?"

"No, repair her and sell it. She's too big for our purposes," she said still staring out at the cliffs guarding the entrance to her harbor.

"But we could use her. She's a fine..."

"I don't want it here! Release everyone and sell the ship!" she ordered and turned up the drive to the house.

She stormed into the house and ran up the stairs to her rooms. She pulled out a trunk and began throwing clothes into it. She came across the purple velvet gown she had worn during that first dinner with Nathan. She clutched it for a moment and then put it aside. She would never wear it again. She found Maria and left instructions with her on the care of the house and let her know her wishes regarding the crew of the Themis.

Shortly after, Simpson arrived at her door, with two other crew members, letting her know they were ready for her.

"Thank you," she replied. The two men picked up her trunk and other belongings for the ship and made their way downstairs. She followed and paused at the door, staring up at the steps that led to the east wing of the house. She shook her head and resolutely walked through the front door.

Nathan stood at the window staring out at the trees that covered the island. He hadn't seen Catherine for four days but was still requesting her presence. Whenever he did the guard at the door only shut it in his face. He heard a knock at the door and he spun about, his heart leaping into his throat. It opened and Maria poked her head in.

"May I come in Mr. Nathan?" she asked.

"Yes," he said disappointed that it wasn't her but glad to have some company.

Sensing his mood, Maria said, "Sorry, I'm not her sir."

"It's all right Maria, I'm glad you're here." He hesitated and then said, "Why isn't she coming to see me? I've told the guard every day that I want to see her, yet she stays away."

Maria looked up at Nathan with surprise. "Well she can't come see you, she's gone. She and the crew sailed on the Veles two days ago." She saw the shocked look that crossed his face. "Didn't anyone tell you? I guess not, they left in such a rush. I've never seen such a commotion around here."

Nathan staggered to a chair and sat down heavily. She was gone? She had left without telling him, without saying goodbye? He put his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair. It was probably for the best he thought, raising his head. They were all wrong for each other. Yes, he told himself, it would be better if he never saw her again.

Maria watched him, knowing that his heart was breaking. She knew why Catherine had left so suddenly. She had taken care of the young woman for five years and knew that she never let anyone get close and Nathan had been getting close, far too close.

"She left instructions that once your ship arrives that you and your crew are to be released and returned to England. While waiting for the transport ship you will no longer be locked in this room and can move about the house and island as you please," she said, hoping it would cheer him up.

He looked up at her with surprise. "Released?" he asked with wonder.

"Yes sir. Those were her orders."

"How long will she be gone for?" he asked.

"She usually stays out for six to eight weeks at a time," she replied. "She's been waiting for the Veles to be ready. This is her maiden voyage. I guess she was eager to get her out on the open ocean."

Nathan recalled seeing another ship in the harbor the day he was brought ashore. She was sleek and would be very fast. An ideal pirate ship. And that's where she was, prowling the oceans, searching for prey. He expected to feel a wave of disgust but felt instead a gnawing fear, hoping that she would be safe. Yes, it was best if he never saw her again. The pain he was feeling right now would eventually ease and in time she would slip from his memory, allowing him to get on with his life.

Several days later, the door to his rooms was opened and it was announced that he was now free to move about the house. His ship had arrived. He ran from the room, down the stairs and out to the harbor. The Themis was just passing through the high cliffs and entering the harbor. He was afraid he would be disappointed to see her but his heart lightened at the sight of her majestically gliding through the water. She stopped out in the deeper water and her anchors were lowered. Eventually the smaller boats began ferrying his men across and he momentarily forgot about Catherine. His men were haggard and thin, sickly looking. Some had to be brought up to the house on stretchers. He was disgusted with himself. They had been hovering on the brink of death while he had been kept in a luxurious set of rooms, eating whatever his heart desired and making love to a beautiful woman. Their condition was her fault and he would not forgive her for it. He turned away from the shore and began tending to his crew.


Catherine already had a small hospital in her house to tend to her own wounded crew and that is where the men of the Themis were placed. Nathan paced between the rows of beds watching over his men, listening to the distant sound of hammers and saws as repairs were done on his ship.

****************************

Catherine stood on the deck of the Veles loving the feel of the wind on her face, blowing her hair out behind her. She was a fast and nimble ship, not as quick or stealthy as the Perun, but still a ship to be proud of. She gazed at the horizon, anxious for a set of sails to appear. They had been out for a week and she desperately needed a distraction from her constant thoughts of Nathan.

She felt bad leaving him so suddenly, especially when they had finally come to terms with each other. But her growing feelings for him had dictated that she leave immediately. He would be gone when she returned home and she would never see him again. She had convinced herself every night since she last saw him, that it was for the best.

Several hours later she heard a cry from the lookout and snatching up her spy glass she scanned the horizon. There it was, far off, a speck of white. It would take awhile before they would even be able to tell what kind of ship it was and under who's flag she was sailing. She felt her adrenalin begin to pump, her excitement level rising. She ordered her crew to be ready for a possible attack.

Twenty minutes later, she heard a cry from the lookout. "She's a frigate Captain, a big one, named the Eagle and sailing under the King."

She smiled to herself. "Prepare to attack!" she cried out. Her order was met by a chorus of cheers as the men raced to their duties.

The Veles chased after the other ship, quickly catching up to her. The men were hurrying about, frantically loading the cannons and arming themselves. The planks and ropes required for boarding were brought out and made ready. The air on the ship was excited and a bit frightened. Going into an attack was always a little scary but she was looking forward to it. She needed this. She had to reaffirm in her mind that she was first and foremost a formidable pirate, not some weak, lovesick woman.

She gave the order to load the cannons with chainshot, two cannon balls chained together and they pulled up alongside the other ship. As they were maneuvering into position, panels all along the side of the Eagle opened, revealing the mouths of canons. She had grossly misjudged this ship. Her first mate, Simpson was at her elbow.

"We must retreat Catherine! They're far better armed than we are!" He turned to bellow the order but she grabbed his arm. This ship was hers and she wasn't about to let it go.

"We're faster and far more nimble, we can outmaneuver them and win that way," she replied calmly.

Before Simpson could reply, the canons of the other ship fired, blasting into her ship. They had fired first! She was knocked off balance and as she scrambled to her feet she saw the sailors of the other ship swinging over on ropes, attacking. They were attacking her!

She turned and shouted the order to fire, but her crew were already busy battling the attacking sailors and only a few cannons blazed. She drew her sword to join the fight but she was roughly grabbed from behind. She struggled to free herself but realized that she was no match for two strong men. She felt a sharp blow to her head and she slid to the deck and into darkness.

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 06



She awoke and winced from the pain in her head. She didn't open her eyes at first, just listened to the sounds around her. All was quiet. She was laying on a bed, on a ship. She opened her eyes and slowly sat up. She gingerly touched her head and felt the dried blood and matted hair. She looked around the small cabin she was in. She silently walked over to the door and tried the handle. It was of course locked. She realized with a shock that she was a prisoner. She had never been captured before and she cursed her own stupidity. It had been her own selfish pride that had gotten her into this mess. Her thoughts went to her crew and she wondered what their fate had been.

An hour later the door to her cabin opened and a tall, middle aged man with a sizeable belly stalked into the room. He stared at her, his gaze sweeping over her from head to foot. She glared, fury sparking in her violet eyes while he took her in. He approached her and reached out a hand to stroke her cheek. She slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me," she hissed.

He gave her a surprised look and with a chuckle turned away. "The formidable female pirate, Catherine Veleslav. I can hardly believe my good luck at catching you so woefully and uncharacteristically unprepared. I will be quite the hero when I return you to England to be hanged," he said, his eyes twinkling.

"Go to hell," she said quietly, her voice dripping with venom.

He again chuckled. "I've heard about your brazen nature and feisty temperament. That reputation is only succeeded by tales of your astonishing beauty. I see that neither has been exaggerated." His eyes swept over her again, hungrily this time. "I am the captain of the Eagle, Captain Edward Burnham at your service," he said gallantly. She only continued to glare at him.

"Your clothes are torn and dirty and I'm sure you would appreciate a bath. More suitable attire will be provided for you after you bathe," he stated, his tone turning brisk. He approached the door and gestured for one of the guards to enter. "Take away Miss Veleslav's clothes and replace them with the garment I gave you earlier. Notify me after she has had her bath." He turned to her with a smirk. "I will leave you in Jones' capable hands." He then left the cabin.

The man named Jones stood staring at her. After a moment, he said, "The Captain said to give me your clothes."

"If you will please leave me with the replacement he gave you I will."

"No, you are to disrobe now," he replied, leering at her.

"Fine," she said briskly and began to remove her clothes, her eyes not leaving Jones for a moment. She stood before him unabashedly naked as his eyes swept over her. "My change of clothes, please?" she asked impatiently.

Jones tossed her a man's shirt and left the room. She stared at the garment. Was this all she was going to be given? She laid it on the bed and waited for her bath. When it finally arrived, she endured the stares of the men carrying it and patiently waited for them to leave. She sank into the tepid water and vigorously soaped herself. She felt dirtier from the lecherous stares she'd had to endure than from the actual dirt on her person. She dried herself and picked up the shirt. She pulled it on and was glad that it came down almost to her knees, however, she was dismayed to find that the buttons had been cut off. With a sigh she turned back the long cuffs and sat on the bed, waiting to see what would happen next.

She had expected Burnham to return but instead she was given a meager dinner and left alone. It was three days later that he finally arrived.

"Well, Miss Veleslav, how are you enjoying the voyage?" he asked jovially, taking in her bare legs as she clutched the shirt closed.

"Where's my crew? Where's my ship?" she asked angrily.

"Both your crew and ship got away safely. My only goal was to capture you, so after that was accomplished we quickly left your ship. Unfortunately my men did not want to leave right away and I heard that the injuries on your side were rather high and your ship did sustain quite a bit of damage. She should be alright though. Well enough to return to your hidden port."

She looked up at him quickly, fear prickling her skin. He chuckled and said, "No need to worry. I don't know of its whereabouts, only that all you pirates seem to have small islands, with hidden harbors."

He fell silent, mesmerized by her near nakedness and beauty. He approached her, his eyes glazed with lust and Catherine felt a stab of fear in her stomach. She backed away, until she was pressed against the wall and he was so close she could feel his fetid breath on her cheek. She turned her head away, repulsed.

He grabbed her by the hair, turning her face to his. He pressed his wet lips to hers and she felt a wave of disgust. She struggled to free herself but he was stronger than she. His hand reached up and clumsily groped for her breast. He grabbed her roughly and she fought back the revulsion his touch brought. She relaxed in his embrace, pretending to relent. She ground her pelvis against him and when he parted his legs for her, she quickly brought her knee up. It connected forcefully with his groin and his hands dropped from her to clutch at himself as he staggered backwards. His face was pale and contorted with pain. She kicked his backside and he fell to the floor in a fetal position. She knelt by him and grabbed him by the hair, lifting his head off the floor. "Don't ever touch me again!" she breathed. She dropped his head and banged on the door, belligerently ordering the guards to rid her of him.

She sat on the bed, her knees drawn up to her chin, the sheet wrapped around her. She suspected there would be retaliation for her self defense and she had to admit she was afraid. Her mind went back over the events and she was struck by how similar they had been to what she had subjected Nathan to. He most likely had viewed her with as much disgust as she had her captor. At least she was prettier she thought with a small smile. She had a small porthole and it had been dark outside for quite some time so she thought perhaps she was safe for today. She extinguished the light and lay down.

She awoke the next morning to a guard bringing her breakfast. He placed the tray on the table and left without a glance or a word. She warily rose and donning the shirt she sat down to her breakfast. She spent a tense day, starting at every sound in the corridor but by nightfall the only persons in her cabin had been her guards bringing her meals.

A week passed before Burnham finally returned. He eyed her warily, well aware of what she was capable.

"How do you feel, Captain?" she asked him, glancing at his groin.

He only glared at her, not answering her question. Gruffly, he asked, "How are you faring? Is everything to your satisfaction?"

Surprised by his interest, she replied. "More suitable clothing would be appreciated," she replied dryly.

His gaze flicked over her. A small smile played about his lips. "My apologies madam, but we do not have any gowns aboard, so a shirt is all that we can provide."

"Surely you have a pair of trousers that will fit me?"

"I do not consider trousers to be suitable clothing for a woman, so you must make do with what I give you," he replied still smiling, gazing at her bare legs. He approached her and standing arms length away, pulled a dagger from his belt. She tensed, seeing the blade and didn't move as he pointed it at her. "Lower your hands," he whispered and she released her hold on the front of the shirt. With the dagger tip he parted her shirt, revealing her nakedness. His eyes shone as he stared at her, his breath coming faster.

Catherine's own pulse quickened, not from excitement but from fear. If he threatened her with the dagger she would have no choice but to comply with his demands, demands that she knew would be made in bed.

Her mind again flew back to Nathan's imprisonment on her ship. How she had him shackled to the bed as she tormented him with her exposed breasts, her touch and her kisses. He had eventually given in, involuntarily surrendered to her. She would never give in to this man. He would never make her heart pound with passion, a groan of pleasure escape from her throat and most certainly not cry out in ecstasy. She stared back at him with icy eyes, her hands clenched at her sides.

"Miss Veleslav, you are indeed beautiful. Yes, yes, very beautiful," he murmured.

No longer able to stand his eyes on her, she took a step back and pulled her shirt closed. "You've seen enough. I want you to leave," she demanded.

He stared at her for a moment and then burst out laughing. "It is such a shame that a gem of girl like you has to hang. But then again, with that temperament you would never have been able to keep a husband for long."

Furious with him, she replied slowly, "I have no need for a husband nor do I wish one, now please leave."

Replacing his dagger in his belt, he tipped his hat to her and left the room. Once she heard the key turn in the lock she collapsed onto the bed. She closed her eyes with relief that he hadn't touched her this time. Her mind went back to Nathan shackled to the bed on her ship. How wonderfully helpless he had been, how enthrallingly helpless. Her hands slid down her belly and between her thighs as she gave in to the memories and desires she had been holding at bay since leaving him on her island.

*********************************

The Veles limped into the harbor of the small island, her listing masts scraping the cliff walls, causing one to break off and fall into the water. She had been seen outside the harbor and the staff and remaining crew were already streaming down to the docks. Nathan was outside on the lawn with a few of his crew members taking in the sun when he heard the commotion. He overheard snatches of conversation as people ran past. "...she's back so soon...", "...masts listing...", "...badly damaged...". His heart caught in his throat and he joined the crowd waiting on the dock. He felt a cold stab of fear in his stomach when he saw the ship. Holes blown in her sides, masts broken and leaning badly, and the worst sign of all, hardly any crew on deck. The small boats were already out waiting and the injured crew was transported back to shore to fill the hospital that his men were just beginning to vacate.

Nathan grew more and more agitated when Catherine didn't appear. He assumed she would stay on board until everyone else was off. He strained to see a flash of her mahogany hair or hear her shout out an order. Finally the last boat came across and she had not been in any of them. He grabbed a crew member as he stepped onto the dock.

"Where is she? Where's Catherine?" he asked desperately.

"She was captured, sir. We attacked a ship but she was too well armed for us. Captain ordered that we continue but the other, she turned on us and fired first, boarded us. They took her, we tried to stop them, but they were too much for us," he explained, the distress plain in his voice.

"Where did they take her? Under which flag was the other ship sailing?" he asked, fearing the worst.

"England, sir. They're taking her back to hang," the sailor replied quietly.

Nathan felt as though the air was being sucked out of his lungs, and a cold dread began to creep through his veins. They can't hang her he thought. "You have to get her back. Get back out there and rescue her!" he demanded.

"How?" the man asked. "Most of the crew is in hospital, and of those who aren't, no one knows how to chart a course or navigate. I'm afraid it's hopeless." He turned and headed up the drive to the house.

Nathan stood on the dock, staring at the crippled Veles. She couldn't be gone, she just couldn't be. But what could be done? As the man said, it was hopeless.

He turned to the house, heading back to the sick room to see to his men. That night, he returned to his rooms and was pacing through them. It was late but he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep. Dawn was breaking as he sat in a chair and watched the sun come up over the trees. He began to hear sounds in the house and soon his breakfast was brought to him. Along with it was a note from Simpson, Catherine's first mate, requesting to see him.

He ate his breakfast and then went down to the hospital where Simpson was. He had been shot in the leg and was not yet able to walk. Nathan drew a chair up to his bedside and sat down.

After inquiring about his wounds and talking about the attack, Simpson looked up at Nathan, staring at him intently.

"I want you to go after her," he said simply.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his heart quickening.

"Take however many men are able on the Perun and go after her. When she is back here safely, you can go."

"I'm already allowed to go. She gave that order before she left," he said indignantly, however his pulse was racing and he could already feel her in his arms again.

"You can sail away on the Themis, your ship," Simpson replied. "If you bring her back ... safe," he added.

Simpson gave the order for all able bodied men to report to the ball room. He also stated in no uncertain terms that Nathan was in charge. He would be captaining the Perun. Several hours later Nathan had his crew, which was a mix of his and Catherine's men, and they were loading supplies onto the ship. He had sailed the Themis and ships like her across the Atlantic before but he had never sailed a ship like this one. He stood on the dock watching the smaller boats rowing back and forth. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He could do this. For Catherine he could, and would, do this. His first mate, Thornton, had come through the voyage on the Themis in good shape and would stand by him on this trip.

Two weeks after Catherine had been captured, the Perun slid out of her harbor and onto the open ocean. Nathan was relying heavily on the Perun's original crew to get them going as he wasn't familiar with her rigging or how she reacted to maneuvering. After a few days he had a better feel for the ship and they were slicing through the waves searching for the Eagle.

After a week, Nathan began to get restless and agitated. How were they supposed to find one ship in the whole Atlantic ocean. The Perun's original crew had assured him that they knew how to find ships. They knew the usual lanes the ships traveled through and they were confident that they would find her.

A cry came from the lookout that a ship had been spotted. Nathan picked up the spy glass and peered towards the horizon. Sure enough it was a ship, just a speck of white, too far away to identify. He paced back and forth waiting as they raced towards the unknown vessel. After ten minutes the lookout shouted down that it wasn't the Eagle but from the lines of her, most likely another pirate ship. Nathan asked what they should do.

"Hoist the jolly roger sir. Let her know what we are. If we pull alongside we can let them know we need to talk."

Nathan watched as the black flag with the scull and crossbones was raised and waited. He peered through the glass and saw the same flag flapping from the mast of the other ship. They pulled up alongside and the captain of the Firewind, Joseph Burrows, came onto the Perun. Nathan and Holmes, an original crew member, sat down with him.

"We're looking for the Eagle, have you seen her?" Holmes asked Captain Burrows after pleasantries and introductions were made.

He looked at Nathan and replied, "Yes, we saw her a few days back. Thought about trying to take her but she showed her cannons and we left straight away. She's heavily armed and I wasn't in the mood to take the chance." He looked around at the men seated at the table. "What's your business with her?" he asked suspiciously.

"They have Catherine Veleslav," Nathan replied bluntly. "We're going to rescue her."

"Catherine Veleslav?" Burrows asked incredulously.

"You know her?" he queried.

"I've never actually met the lass but she's legendary as far as pirates go. Not many women take up this trade and none do it as well as she. If you're going after her, we'll join you. I didn't want to face that ship on my own but with both of us and to rescue the fair Miss Veleslav, well that's a different matter altogether!" he exclaimed, pounding the table happily.

Nathan felt his spirits soar. He had been losing hope of finding her but now there was a chance.

"Follow us and we'll find her," Burrows said, rising from the table.

He quickly returned to his own ship and soon the Firewind was being followed by the Perun, to retrieve her captain.

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 07



Catherine sat in her cabin staring at her breakfast. Porridge again. She never wanted to see another bowl of porridge as long as she lived. She had reluctantly lifted the spoon to her lips when Burnham walked into her room. She glanced up at him and then turned her attention back to her breakfast.

"Good morning, Miss Veleslav," he said, staring at her legs.

She ignored him and took a mouthful of porridge.

"Are you enjoying that breakfast?" he asked his voice taking on an angry edge. "If you continue to forget your manners in my presence it can be removed," he threatened.

She pushed the bowl away, not looking at him. "Go ahead. I'm beginning to hate porridge almost as much as I hate you," she said finally looking at him, her amethyst eyes flashing.

She saw him swallow his anger. She knew he was only tolerating her abuse of him because if she reported that she had been badly treated as a prisoner, he would be severely reprimanded. After all, she was still innocent, until she had her trial. At least that's how things ideally went. She knew her trial would be a perfunctory matter, just for appearances. The gallows would be prepared as soon as she walked into the court room.

"I just wanted to let you know that we should be reaching England in approximately two weeks. I hope you enjoy the time you have left in this world," he said with a chuckle.

"I'm having the time of my life, can't you tell?" she responded sarcastically.

"You may not be enjoying your time here on my ship, but I most certainly am." His eyes again swept over her, hungrily taking in her half naked body.

She also knew why he didn't touch her. He could easily have her held down while he took his pleasure of her, and his crew as well and then just have her thrown overboard, but he desired the celebrity that her capture was sure to bring him and that was stronger than his desire for her.

There was a sudden eruption of noise on deck followed shortly by her cabin door bursting open. A breathless crew member stood on the threshold. "Captain, come quick!" he said quickly.

"What is it lad?" he asked, annoyed that he had been interrupted.

The young man glanced at Catherine. "Pirates, sir! Two ships!"

Her heart leapt in her breast. She smiled widely and let out a whoop. "Oh, now this is getting good!" she remarked.

Burnham glared at her and ran from the cabin. Catherine ran to her porthole and looked out. She couldn't see anything. She looked about for something to break the glass with but there was nothing. Soon the ship heaved and shook beneath her as the cannons fired. She then felt the ship shudder heavily as she was fired upon. There was a great deal of yelling and shouting going on above her and she could tell the battle was being fought on the Eagle. Her heart soared, hoping against hope that it was her crew returning to rescue her.

Nathan swung over to the Eagle and landed on the deck his sword already drawn. He knew that Catherine was most likely being held in the bottom of the ship. He fought his way to a hatch leading below deck and slipped down the steep steps. With his sword brandished he ran through the dark passageways. The entire crew must have been up on deck for he encountered no one. Until he turned a corner and saw two guards standing outside a door. They looked nervous and anxious, their faces turned to the ceiling, listening to the battle being waged above them. Nathan crept through the shadows towards the two men. They were both well armed but did not have their weapons drawn. If he managed to surprise them, he could take them both. He drew nearer, his heart pounding in his chest.

Catherine paced in her cabin. She looked through the porthole on every round she made, but couldn't see anything. On one pass she caught sight of a ship sailing past but it wasn't hers. She didn't catch the name on the side and didn't recognize the vessel. What if it was just a random attack and they weren't looking for her? They might just transfer the cargo to their ships and burn this one, unknowingly leaving her to die. She had done that in the past, not bothering to thoroughly search the ships. She vowed that if she ever got through this, she would never do that again.

Her head suddenly whipped around, staring at the door. She had heard a sound, she was sure of it. A scuffle broke out on the other side of the door and she couldn't tear her eyes away from it. She braced her legs, her hands curled into fists, ready to fight if she had to.

Suddenly the door burst open and she couldn't believe her eyes. Nathan stood in the doorway, his shirt torn, his ebony hair loose, his silver eyes blazing into her amethyst ones. She let out a cry and rushed into his arms. He held her tightly, hardly daring to believe it was really her and that she was alive. He pulled away and taking her face in his hands, he looked at her again.

"Are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?" he asked, his eyes traveling over her. He saw what she was wearing and rage bubbled in his chest. "Is this what they insisted you wear?" he asked. He fingered the buttonless front edge, fury burning in his eyes.

"I'm fine. They didn't touch me. Not much anyway," she said with a smirk recalling Burnham laying on the floor, curled into a fetal position.

He pulled off his frock coat and pulled it around her shoulders. She shoved her hands into the sleeves as he pulled her from the room. He paused by one of the bodies of her guards and yanked off his boots while Catherine grabbed the man's sword and dagger. She thrust her bare feet into the boots and buttoned up the coat as they ran down the passageways. The fighting was still going on above them and Nathan stood beneath the doorway leading up to the deck. He looked at her quickly. "Ready?' he asked. 

"Ready," she replied, unable to keep the smile from her face.

He pulled her close for a quick but deep kiss before they burst together onto the deck. They were in the thick of the battle and fought their way towards the railing. The crew of the Perun saw her and created a path for them. They reached the side of the ship and each grabbed onto a rope and swung over to the Perun. Nathan saw the rifle barrel rise into the air but before he could shout a warning, the gun blazed and he saw Catherine arch back, one hand dropping from the rope. She managed to hang on until she was over the deck of her ship before dropping. She fell heavily and Nathan rushed to her side. She had been shot in the shoulder and was bleeding heavily. He scooped her up in his arms and ran with her to the ship's surgeon.

Even though she had been rescued, the crews of the two pirate ships continued to fight, knowing they would win. The Eagle was a big ship, surely carrying a valuable cargo. They would split the proceeds once it was all over.

Nathan ignored all that as he ran down the steep stairs to the cabin that held the sick room. He kicked in the door and the ship's doctor looked up. He was preparing to receive patients as he always did during a battle but was very surprised by his first patient.

He looked into Catherine's pale face. "You found her," he said, his eyes shining. "God bless you son." He began to cut away Nathan's jacket and the shirt she had been wearing. She moaned as they pulled the clothes away but otherwise remained unconscious.

Nathan sat in a corner watching as the doctor removed the bullet from her shoulder and patched the wound. It immediately bled through. A bundle of bandages were thrust into Nathan's arms and he was ordered to take her to her cabin. "Keep changing the bandages whenever they bleed through," he was told and was then ushered out as men began either stumbling through the door on their own or were carried in by others.

Nathan ran through the passages of the ship with her in his arms. The bandage on her shoulder was already soaked and she was dripping blood by the time they reached her cabin. He lay her on the bed and changed the bandage. He kept tending to her and didn't even notice when the sounds above ceased and they were quickly moving through the water.

He was nearing the end of his supply of bandages when her bleeding finally stopped. He gazed down into her deathly pale face. He stroked her hair back and leaning down he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He said a prayer for her and then sat back, holding her hand.

They sailed back to the island, the first mate Thornton, taking over as Nathan stayed with Catherine. She spent the voyage drifting in and out of consciousness. Her wound became infected and a fever set in.

A week after her rescue, as the sun was setting, the ship sailed into the protected harbor and the shoreline was already crowded with the crews of both ships as well as the household staff. A boat was already waiting for them and Catherine was slowly lowered to it. She was burning hot and delirium was beginning to set in. Nathan rode with her and insisted on carrying her to the infirmary himself.

He laid her on a bed and Maria arrived with sheets soaked in cold water and began draping them over her. She inspected the wound and began to clean it. The housekeeper could see that Nathan hadn't slept much in the past week and ordered him to his rooms to sleep and have a good meal. She also told him he needed a bath. He saw that Catherine was in good hands and staggered up to his rooms and promptly fell asleep.

When he awoke it was light outside and he ordered a hearty breakfast and a bath. An hour later he returned to the sick room to check on Catherine. Her fever had risen and she was in full delirium. He sat next to her bed and took her burning hand in his. Maria was sponging her forehead with cool water. Nathan looked at the housekeeper and told her to go get some rest, that he would tend to her. The older woman left and Nathan took up the sponge, bathing her lovely face, trying to keep her cool. She was turning her head back and forth, muttering. She mumbled his name and his hand stilled for a moment. He couldn't make out what she was saying but she said his name again. She kept turning her head, mumbling his name.

He sat by her for hours, bathing her face, dipping her hands in the cool water. Food was brought to him and even though he wasn't hungry, he ate anyway. Maria came to relieve him but he refused to return to his rooms and slept on a nearby bed.

He awoke to find the ship surgeon checking on her. Her delirium had gotten worse and she was crying out.

She thrashed her head from side to side and muttered loudly, "Nathan, it's no use, it's no use." He stared at her confused, as she repeated it over and over again.

Four days after they arrived at the island, her fever finally broke. Seeing that she was finally out of danger, he dropped his head onto her bed and still holding her hand, fell into a light sleep. He awoke to the feeling of fingers in his hair. He gently lifted his head and looked at her. She returned his gaze with half opened eyes and gave him a small smile.

"Hi, welcome back," he said, returning her smile.

"What happened?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

Nathan gulped, recalling the terror he had felt when he saw her arch back and drop a hand from the rope. "You were shot swinging over to your ship during your rescue," he said gently.

She stared at him, her violet eyes brimming with tears. "You rescued me," she said simply. "You came and rescued me."

"Well it wasn't just me. I had a lot of help. Some of my crew, some of yours and the Windfire helped as well."

She smiled widely and chuckled, wincing at the pain it caused. "Burrows helped you?" she asked, surprised.

"You know him?" he asked, it now being his turn to be surprised. "He said he had never met you. Only knew of you by reputation."

Still smiling, she closed her eyes. "No, I've never met him. I know him too by reputation. He is notoriously selfish and not at all friendly to other pirates. I'm quite surprised he helped you."

Maria arrived at that point and chastised him for making her talk and tiring her out. "She just came out of her fever. Let her rest. You could do with some rest too. Now, go, get some sleep," she said, practically shoving him away.

Catherine drifted off to sleep as Nathan glanced back at her and then staggered up to his rooms to fall asleep as well. When he awoke, hours later, it was still light outside. He requested a bath and while he was waiting he stood by the windows and stared out at the sky. Now that she was safe and well he would be allowed to take the Themis and leave. He supposed he should be happy but he wasn't.

Finally, he admitted to himself that he loved her and wanted to stay with her. But how could he possibly do that? Even if she wanted to there was no way that she could return to any law abiding country to live. She would be hanged for her crimes immediately. If he wanted to stay with her, he would have to do it here, with her, leading her life.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. His bath had arrived and after the steaming water was poured into the tub he gratefully sank into it, his muscles sore from sleeping in a cot by her bed.

Catherine awoke to find Maria by her bedside. "Where's Nathan?" she asked.

"I sent him off to sleep. He's been by your bedside practically every minute since you arrived back. I tried to make him go to his rooms and get some sleep but he refused," she replied, shaking her head.

"He stayed by me the whole time?" she whispered.

Maria looked down at her Mistress. She saw the surprise and the wonder in her eyes, along with a spark of hope.

"Yes, miss, the whole time," she replied, reassuringly. She hesitated, before continuing. "While you were in your fever, you were delirious and kept muttering 'Nathan, it's no use, it's no use' over and over again. What did you mean?"

Catherine closed her eyes and sighed. Her plan to leave and never see him again had backfired and the moment he had burst through the door of her cabin on the Eagle she had known that no matter where she went or how long she stayed away, she would never be free of him. She loved him, but of course it was no use.

"I love him Maria. But he is who he is and I am who I am." She opened her eyes and looked at her housekeeper. "That's what I meant. It can never work between us. It's no use."

Maria looked down at Catherine with tenderness in her eyes. She had hoped for so long that someone would come along who could break through the wall she had built around herself. And finally it had happened. "You must have faith, child. You would be surprised how things turn out sometimes."

Catherine only sighed and closed her eyes. She didn't realize she had fallen asleep again until she opened her eyes and saw Nathan sitting by her bed. Their eyes met and they just stared at each other, not saying anything. He was holding her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

She dropped her eyes and whispered, "I suppose you will be leaving now."

"Simpson told me that if I brought you back safely that I could take the Themis along with my crew and leave," he replied still gazing at her.

So that was the reason he came for me, she thought. It made sense of course. Why else would he take such a risk. Maria arrived at that moment with some thin broth for her and took over. Nathan rose and left the sick room.

He wandered down to the harbor and stood on the dock, watching his ship bobbing in water. He stared at her with great fondness. His gaze then swept over her two ships. They were both in a frenzy of activity, especially the Veles. They would soon be ready to go back out on the ocean, prowling for merchant ships to raid. And so would Catherine. It would take a few weeks, probably a month, and then she would be back on the deck of her ship.

He sighed deeply and walking back up the drive to the house, he recalled the attack on the Eagle. It had been exciting, he grudgingly admitted. He could see how that sort of life would appeal to a young, adventurous woman like herself. But he hadn't been doing it for profit, he had done it to rescue her, there was a difference.

He also recalled her words during her delirium, that is was no use. He wasn't sure what she had been referring to but for him they were true. It didn't matter what his feelings for her were, it was no use.

He sat in the shade under a tree, pulling of his jacket. He leaned back against the trunk and closing his eyes, enjoyed the cool breeze ruffling his hair and let it sweep away his worries of her. After awhile, he heard a polite cough and squinting up he saw his first mate, Thornton standing by him. "Yes, Thornton, what is it?" he asked.

"The ship is ready sir, and the crew is well enough to travel. I was wondering when we would be leaving."

"Leaving," he replied in a low voice.

Puzzled, the other man looked down at him. "You do want to leave, don't you sir? I know this is a lovely place, but it's a pirate's lair and we can't stay here."

"No, no, of course not. Tell the men to start getting ready. We'll leave in a few days," he said, rising to his feet.

He walked back to the house, convincing himself that it was best if he left. He didn't love her, it was just infatuation, that was all. She was different from any other woman he had met and that was where his fascination lay, in the novelty of her. He kept repeating this to himself, ignoring the little voice in the back of his head that was telling him the truth, that he loved her.

He climbed the steps to his rooms and began gathering his clothes, placing them back in his trunk. He should find Simpson, he thought, and find out what condition his ship was in. If it was indeed fully ready to go.

He ran down the stairs and was told that Simpson was aboard the Perun, supervising the repairs. He decided to row out to his ship on his own and take a walk through her.

Fifteen minutes later he was pulling himself up the rope ladder on the side of the Themis. He climbed onto the deck and looked about. The damage during her attack had been minimal but what had needed to be done was done well. He strolled about the deck, looking up at the sails. He came across the box that held the ship's flags. The British one was on top. He crouched down and fingered the heavy canvas, painted with the King's colors. Standing he continued his inspection. He went down to his cabin and found everything in its place. He had to give credit to the pirates, nothing had been taken. The kitchen was cleaned out of food of course and he assumed it would be restocked before they sailed.

He finished his inspection and was satisfied with her condition, when he realized that they could sail that very afternoon if he so chose. He climbed back down the rope ladder to the small boat and returned to shore. He walked up to the house and into the infirmary.

Catherine was awake and sitting up in bed. Her hair had been washed and the damp waves lay about her shoulders. She saw him enter and her heart leapt. As he strode across the large room she was once again struck by how handsome he was. She had been captivated by him from the moment she first saw him, as he surrendered to her on his ship. Images of her seductions drifted through her mind as he drew nearer to her. She looked into his eyes and her heart sank back down. He looked grim and determined.

He sat by her bed. "My ship is ready and the crew is eager to go," he said not looking at her.

"I see. Of course, they would be," she replied softly. She took a deep breath. "So, when will you be leaving?" she asked.

"I told them in a few days." His voice was tight and he willed himself to not look at her. To not look at her beautiful face and glimmering amethyst eyes. He abruptly stood and left the room. She watched him leave, her eyes brimming with tears.

...to be continued...



Pirate's Heart Ch. 08



He ran up to his rooms and began to pace. Just the idea of leaving her was tearing him to pieces inside. He now knew there was no way he could leave, but could he live her life? Could he do that? He had a sudden thought and stopped in his tracks. Of course, why hadn't he thought of it before?

Nathan stayed away and she began to fear that he would leave without saying goodbye. After a few days, she insisted that Maria take her outside. "I've been cooped up for weeks. I'm going to go crazy if I don't get out of here."

The housekeeper pulled a wheelchair from the wall and helped her mistress into it. She didn't have her strength back and it was an effort but once she was settled, with a blanket over her lap, Maria wheeled her outside. Catherine breathed in the fresh air, scented with the smell of the ocean. She titled her smiling face up to the sun and sighed happily. "Thank you Maria. This feels wonderful."

She sat for a few minutes before asking to be taken down to the dock. "I want to see my ships." Maria wheeled her down the drive and she kept hoping she would see that the Themis was still there. Her heart leapt when she saw that it, indeed, was still there. The small boats were ferrying supplies and crew members back and forth, preparing for departure.

"Do you know when they're leaving?" she asked Maria.

"Not exactly, but it will be soon," she said.

Nathan soundlessly approached from behind and touched Maria on the arm.

She looked up at him, into his eyes, and then turned back to Catherine. "Will you miss him?" she asked her.

Nathan started at the question but then held his breath waiting for her answer. She sighed and said, "Yes, Maria, I will. I don't know what that man did to me, but I will miss him every day for the rest of my life."

He couldn't believe his ears. He released the breath slowly and just stared a the back of Catherine's head. Maria turned to him and smiled. "I think he will miss you as well."

"No, he won't. He only rescued me because Simpson promised him his ship back. And now that I'm on my way to being well he'll be leaving. Look at them," she said, indicating the small boats, busily sailing back and forth. "Nathan said himself, they're eager to leave."

The housekeeper looked up at him again before responding to Catherine. "Perhaps it's just his crew that are eager to leave and not him."

"No, he's leaving. Why would he stay? He told me enough times, he doesn't even like me." Her voice broke and her eyes again filled with tears.

"You love him, don't you?" she asked gently.

Nathan felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. His pulse quickened and he again held his breath waiting for her answer.

"Yes, Maria I do," she said sadly.

Maria turned to Nathan and giving his arm a squeeze, she silently left. He looked down at her and struggled to make sense of the confused emotions swirling in his heart. She loved him, was the only thought that came through. He knew at that moment that as much as he tried to deny it, he loved her as well and would do anything to stay with her.

"Perhaps, I was mistaken," he said softly.

She gasped and twisted around in her seat, staring up at him with wide eyes. "How long have you been standing there?"

He stepped around in front of her and knelt down level with her eyes. "Long enough. I love you too, Catherine. Despite everything, I love you."

The tears the had been threatening to spill finally did, and tentatively, she reached out and touched his cheek. "But Nathan, it can never work between us. We're too different."

"Yes it can. You're an outlaw pirate and I'm a law abiding private sea captain. If we make the right contacts in the Americas we can be hired as privateers. We would work for England, raiding pretty much any ship we like, except British ones of course, and keep all the wealth. It's the best of both worlds."

She looked at him with wonder, fresh tears filling her eyes. "It could work," she said slowly. "You would stay, then? Here, with me?"

He took her hands in his and kissed each one. Looking deeply into her eyes, he said, "Yes, I would."

She threw her arms around his neck and laughed. She pulled back and still smiling, said, "So, you do like me?"

Smiling back at her, he replied, "Yes, I do, a great deal."

Six months later

Nathan held the grape just out of Catherine's reach. She was sitting on his lap and had to strain to grab it with her teeth. She finally did and while chewing the sweet fruit, Nathan plucked off another one. He held it in front of her and as she moved forward for it, he dropped it. It landed in her cleavage.

"Oh no, look what I've done," he lamented.

"That's the third time you've done that in the last fifteen minutes," she admonished him with a smile.

They were in their cabin aboard the Perun, enjoying a lavish meal to celebrate their first raid as privateers on a French ship a few days prior. At his request she had worn the daring purple velvet gown.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to retrieve it," he said with a smile, dipping his head down to her breasts.

He flicked the fruit out of the way and tugged down the bodice of her gown. He cupped her full breast in his hand and brought the pink nipple to his mouth. He sucked and nibbled it, eliciting a moan from her. She tipped her head back as his hand burrowed beneath her skirts seeking the soft flesh of her thighs. He slid his hand up the silky flesh and as he expected, his fingers encountered a nest of soft curls, not lace. He slid a finger between her already wet folds and then inside her and she moaned again, her breath coming faster.

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to their bed. They tumbled onto the sheets and were immediately lost in each other's arms. Their lips met hungrily and their kiss quickly deepened. He sucked her lower lip into his mouth before gripping her hips and quickly turning her over. She rose on her hands and knees as he impatiently pushed her skirts up. He stared hungrily at her bared backside while fumbling with the buttons on his trousers. When he had freed his erection, he pressed it against her behind. She bucked against him slightly and with a low groan he slowly slid inside her. She pressed back and met each of his thrusts, pulling him deeply into her.

He reached around her and gently squeezed her breasts in his hands, finding the nipples and rolling them between his fingers. Catherine flung her hair back and cried out, pressing hard against him as her orgasm began to build to an exquisite height. It exploded in her and she cried out again, bucking against him. He held her hips tightly, and pushed in hard, as his own orgasm roared through him.

They collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily, still dressed. Nathan rolled off of her and playfully slapped her behind. She cried out in protest. "What was that for?" she pouted.

"You're a very naughty pirate, Miss Veleslav," he said rather seriously.

"I am not a pirate, Mr. Kincaid. I am a privateer," she replied indignantly.

He slid his hand between her thighs, feeling the wetness of her curls. He began caressing her and she sighed with pleasure, pushing her hips into the air. "Either way, you are very naughty," he whispered.

She rolled over and began undoing the laces of her gown. She pulled it down and off of her, revealing her naked body, before reaching for him. She slid her hand into his trousers to feel him hard again.

"You have no idea how naughty I can be," she whispered seductively, as she began to stroke him.

The End