Chapter 12 #2
It was only a hundred years ago or so they’d stopped burning women on the stake when they’d learned that they could read, claiming they were witches.
Even though things were changing, and women were encouraged to learn, only those who’d received a higher education were taught.
Some commoner women were as well, but it was rare and generally taught by a mother or friend who knew how.
He figured Rosetta was one of these rare women. She obviously wasn’t a noblewoman.
“Here.” Alister opened the compass so it would reflect three miles.
“That’s how far we can see through a spyglass.
That’s the distance our hiding spot needs to be so we can see the fleet.
You’ve chosen the Dotoro Islands because they’re within that range, but other than flat sandy islands that won’t hide us, the Kou Pelin Islands is the only other location. ”
Now that he’d simplified it, she took the compass from his hand and started walking it over the map.
Once more, he leaned back in the chair. He knew she’d argue with him if she didn’t see it for herself. She’s stubborn.
She pulled out smaller maps that showed the shape and topography of the islands before placing them back down with a shake of her head.
Then Alister realised he’d done himself a favour.
His teeth were revealed by a wide grin, his gaze dragging over the curve of her backside as she leaned over in front of him. If he wanted to, which he very much did, he could reach out and touch it with ease. It was large, round, and hugged so tightly by her pants that he knew its exact shape.
“What about the Flinagan shores?” She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder.
His gaze darted to her quickly. “Same problem as your original location. It leaves us open for attack.”
She gave him an irritated huff before squinting her eyes at his face. “Are you laughing at me?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m merely thinking about all the booty I plan to acquire.”
Her booty. Particularly, how many times he might be able to get that backside of hers hitting against his hips as he rammed into her before they made it to the Laughing Siren.
He was getting hard at the prospect.
It would take them three weeks to make it to his chosen location, and if sex between them was as good as the first time, he might want it constantly.
She threw the compass down on the table, making him wince for his poor tool. “Okay. So, maybe you’re right.”
“Careful, lass. These tools are important and fragile.” He reached for it, checking to make sure it wasn’t damaged from her brutality. “Good. Now, let’s talk strategy.”
She turned to lean that thought-stealing arse against his desk to face him. He kicked his leg forward so it would be between her calves, trapping her where she stood.
Her eyes slid over him as he started to talk about the multiple ideas he’d already come up with, while his own eyes did the same.
As he’d noticed the last time they’d been alone in this room, the sunlight coming from behind him brightened the blue of her eyes and made her skin shine.
He leaned forward to point at the diagram of the ship, discovering she was the one who’d drawn it. It showed each level, what it generally held, and where the prisoners might be. The one he was really interested in, though, was the main deck.
His men needed to know where the hatch was so they could stop re-enforcements from getting to the surface and where all the best vantage points were.
He also liked that he knew how high the cannon ports were.
It would do less damage to the hull of his ship below the water, where it could sink them.
They could stick around for longer than he originally thought.
She stayed leaning against the desk, but she twisted her upper body to look at the scrolls, almost lying on it.
It put her even closer to him and he couldn’t keep from being distracted by their proximity, the amazing way she smelt – he was getting more aroused by the second. Maybe it was because he was excited about what he stood to gain if all this went well.
He turned his head to her, putting his face a short distance from hers. He was surprised she’d remained silent while he was talking, allowing him to create the plan he thought best. Considering she’d been hunting this thing, he thought she would have had more to say.
“So, you agree with me? This will be the best way to attack.”
She gave him a crooked smile, and he watched her eyes drift over his face as it grew. “Sure.”
He poked the table, then the maps. “You’re not going to fight me on this?”
He’d essentially told her what was going to happen, and that she’d have very little part in it. She’ll just get in the way if she tries to help.
“You’re the expert.”
She’s up to something. He could tell by her tone, and the fact she’d given in so easily, but he didn’t seem to care when her eyes stopping moving to stay fixed on his mouth.
She’s got some kind of hold over me. He shouldn’t be this drawn to her. Like a siren calling unwitting seamen to their deaths, he was utterly entranced by her charms. He knew it was happening, so why did he still want to let her drown him?
It worsened when she seemed to inch closer.
His hand shot forward to grip her around the nape of her neck as he pulled her in. Her hair brushed the back of his knuckles like silk against his skin.
She gave a subtle moan that he returned as their mouths met. Soft lips greeted his own, and he couldn’t control his urge to deepen the kiss. Leaning back so they were both more comfortable, Alister tilted his head to do just that.
His hand squeezed her nape when her tongue slipped forward at the same time his did to meet in a wet clash; the intricate dance made his body pulsate in response.
He felt her hands palm his chest before little nails dug in through his tunic as she fisted it. He could feel warmth building between them, could taste the way they mingled.
When he placed one of his palms on her thigh to caress up the length of it, though, she tried to pull away, separating their kiss.
Alister yanked her back in to steal her lips again. Nay, I’m not done yet. There was a momentary pause where she accepted it before she pulled back once more.
“Sit on me,” he demanded as he reached down to pry a boot from her.
“No.”
Her leg shot forward to kick against the edge of his chair. He jumped when she almost kicked him in the groin.
She licked her lips before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “The first time was free,” she told him with breathless pants. “The rest must be earned.”
He ran both his hands up her shapely calf. “I’m getting you a ship, lass.” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing! “What more could you want?”
She was the one who had been teasing him, and yet now she was pulling back? He couldn’t help noticing her nipples had hardened under the tunic, her eyes softer in expression. Even her cheeks were a little pink, like she may be warm with desire.
“That’s not what I mean by earned.”
What’s that supposed to mean?
She leaned forward to cup his jaw with one hand in such a forceful grip it caved in his cheeks. She gave him a quick kiss on his stupefied mouth.
“But you have a pretty face, which helps.”
Pretty was the last word people used to describe his features; his face had long ago stopped being his fortune. Harsh, roguish, scary – those were words people used now. Women even sneered or turned their noses up at his scars until they discovered how fat his coin pouch could be.
Irritation bubbled up inside him when he realised she was intending to reject him, even as a grin formed.
“Aye, but you want me, Rosetta.” It wasn’t a question but a statement, one that gave him self-assurance.
She tilted her foot so she could press the tip of her boot gently against his erection, like she knew he had one.
“I think you’re the one who wants me right now.”
There was a flirtatious hint to her eyes, one that only increased his desire to flip her over and slam into her. Saucy lass. She could say what she wanted, but Alister had a feeling that if he slipped his fingers inside her, he’d find her slick and warm.
“Oh aye,” he admitted, grabbing her by the back of the knees and pulling her into his lap. “And you’ll let me have you again by the time we reach the Laughing Siren.”
I give her three days before she lets me take her, he thought confidently, a mischievous grin forming across his face.
Then he took her mouth in an unyielding, passionate kiss, one she couldn’t escape from and one he wouldn’t relinquish until he was done feasting.