Her Gentleman Pirate (High Seas & High Stakes Book 2) by Tamara Gill Page A

thing.”
    “How so?” He didn’t think such a thing could ever be bad, especially if he had her before him, opening for him, beckoning him with her gaze. His cock twitched at the thought.
    “Because I’ll want to do it again.” She held his gaze, not an ounce of fear in her declaration.
    Relief poured through him that he’d not scared her off. “Well, I’m never one to disappoint a lady.”
    She raised her brow and threw him a knowing grin. “Not with sex it would seem.”
    “Touché. Not with sex at least.” He laughed, rolling her onto his back and taking her again. With each kiss, each embrace or touch they shared, Stephen felt his life changing, growing brighter, clearer than ever before. Arabella was delightful, a willing companion in his bed, laughed and took charge when she wanted. She was a breath of fresh air in a life that had stagnated a long time ago.

Chapter 6
    T he next few weeks passed in a haze of desire, stolen moments and laughter.
    Arabella couldn’t remember when she’d had a more delightful time in her life. Somehow, Stephen brought out the best in her in what could possibly be the worst time of her life. Which was interesting since he was the root of her problems or at least, part of them.
    Stephen changed his mind as to their destination and had sailed past the entrance to the Thames river and had instead, continued along the English coast toward Cornwall. Today they were anchoring off a remote cove where a small village could be seen scattered back from the land behind. A magnificent house further up the coast looked over the township and rocky outcrop that made up part of the coast. She stood beside the wheel and watched the men go about their jobs. They were so close to home. It had been months since she’d set foot on English soil.
    Arabella frowned, not knowing how seeing England again made her feel. She supposed a little sad that her voyage with Stephen was ending. That soon he would hand her over to her father once the debt was paid, and her betrothed if he would still have her, which she hoped he would not. The thought of laying with another man other than Stephen made her stomach roil in dread.
    Lord Montague and their impending marriage floated through her mind. Did he know of her disappearance? Had her father somehow managed word to him and even now, were both in pursuit to rescue her? She scoffed, doubting his lordship cared a fig what happened to her person. His only concern would be for the money he’d lose in not marrying her.
    She bit her lip to stop her eyes from welling up. The thought of being removed from Stephen’s side and embarking on a life she had promised another left her hollow. She didn’t even know Lord Montague. Had hardly spent any time being acquainted when he was in Malta with her family. The image of laying under him, making love as a wife should with her husband brought revulsion coursing through her blood. If she were lucky, his lordship would not want someone who is sullied, would look elsewhere for a wife. Such hope didn’t last long, not when her marriage portion was large enough to forgive any misdemeanour by her.
    Footsteps sounded behind her and she knew by the fall of the boot who it was without turning. Strong arms encircled her waist and she settled against his chest the fresh smell of the ocean and soap coming with him. “Do you wish to join me on the mainland? It may be nice for you to be on land for a little while.”
    “I would love to.” She turned and pushed the lock of hair out of his face. A few of the crew smiled in their direction, some making light of the captain’s public show of affection. Arabella reveled in it, loving how he had no qualms in kissing or touching her anywhere on the ship and before anyone. “How long do you think your business will take?”
    “A day or so. No more.” He walked her backward and the cool wood of the railing sat against her back. “Why? Impatient to get me back in our cabin?”
    She