The Black Morass (Pirates of the Coast Book 1) by Barbara Devlin Page B

dinner.”
    “And afterward, will you teach me more of lovemaking?”  Reclining against his chest as he rowed, she rested her palms to his thighs and squeezed, and he relished her bold behavior.  “Do not forget your promise.”
    “You believe yourself ready?”  Ah, his scheme worked perfectly, as he needed her to initiate the seduction.  “You are prepared to yield your bottom?”
    “Are you sure that is normal recreation for a man and a woman?”  Angling her head, she cast him a glare of skepticism.  “As never have I perceived of such a thing.”
    Of course, she would not have heard of the licentious act, as he wagered no person of gentle breeding ever engaged in the risqué position, given he had to pay his whores extra to indulge him.  But Jean Marc preferred the tight bottom hole to the quim, as arses produced no bastards.
    “Are you so accomplished in the sexual arts?”  He snickered at her display of naiveté.  “Like I told you, what happens between us is our business, and if you are comfortable with what we do, does it matter what others think?”
    “I suppose not.”  She shrugged.  “And you would be willing to see it through to its honorable conclusion?”
    “Indeed, Maddie.”  He snorted.  As if he would forgo the incomparable sights and sounds of her completion.  “No man would leave a lady wanting.”
    “Have I your word?”  Again, she shifted, and he groaned.
    “You have it.”  And he held back any further encouragement, because he had her where he wanted her.
    Fidgeting, she dug her fingernails into his muscles, through his breeches.  Then she sighed.  In his mind, he commenced a silent countdown, as he rowed them to the Morass .  Just before they reached the hull, she shuffled and peered over her shoulder.
    Biting her lip, she tapped his knee in an impatient rhythm.  “Must we wait?”
    “I beg your pardon?”  Victory .
    “Why do you wish to delay until after dinner?”  Wiggling restlessly, she wiped her brow, and he noted the pink tinge of her cheeks and the rapid rise and fall of her bosom.  “Can we not begin immediately, as I am uncontrollably excited?”
    “If you wish.”  Despite the lust ravaging his senses and the thrill of anticipation surging in his veins, he mustered an air of ennui.  “But you should probably have your bath, first.”
    “I understand.”  She averted her gaze.  “And then you will come to me?”
    It was all he could do to allow her private time to prepare for him.  “Yes, Mon Chou. ”
    “And you will not make me wait too long?”  Her look of desperation almost brought him to his knees, as he lifted her to Tyne.
    As he gained the waist, he signaled the helmsman, who nodded.  To the first mate, Jean Marc said, “Make sail, and you will take my watch, this evening.”
    “Aye, Cap’n.”  Tyne sketched a mock salute.
    As Maddie made her exit, he caught her by the elbow and led her to the bow.  “If you are certain you wish to proceed, then I will satisfy you.”  Struggling with some strange affliction, he needed validation from his lady.  “But if you have second thoughts, you need only declare as much, and I will not be angry.”
    “But I have made my decision.”  Caressing his cheek, she rose on her toes and pressed her mouth to his.  “I want to know you, and I am not afraid.  All I ask is that you remove that infernal eye patch, as you know I prefer you without it.”
    “Why do you not like my patch?”  He snorted.  “I have been told it makes me appear mysterious.”
    “I disagree.”  She whisked a lock hair from his forehead.  “You hide behind it, and while that may suffice for others, I will never abide it, as I wish to know every part of you.”
    In a flash, Jean Marc pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard, as he rocked his hips into hers.  An old, familiar hunger flickered and then burst forth, and he rested a palm to the swell of her derriere.  “Then have your bath, Mon