I reluctantly leaned back, not wanting to overwhelm her. Then I kissed the tip of her nose, making her giggle. “Sweet dreams,” I said, holding her against me as we drifted off.
***
I awoke to find that we had both shifted in the night. My arms were wrapped completely around her, and our legs were entwined. Her silky thigh lay bare over mine in a manner that was quite indecent. Yet I couldn’t bring myself to pull away, my heart racing wildly.
Looking down into her eyes that were just beginning to open, I tried to keep my breathing steady. Her hand wandered over my chest again, and I tilted my chin toward her instinctively.
The urge to kiss her traveled through me, igniting every nerve. But I’d already taken too many little moments, without quite being sure what she wanted.
“You said the sea is a place of freedom, right?” she whispered.
“Aye, lass. We take what we like.”
I held still as a stone while she seemed to think for a spell.
The questions all melted away as she stretched up, pressing her lips against mine. My arms gripped her tighter, pulling her up toward me as her lips parted. She melted against me, our skin pressed together. I nibbled her bottom lip, and she almost giggled, but then I grabbed her, lifting her to lie on top of me.
Her soft gasp aroused me more, and her tongue instinctively darted between my lips. My hands caressed her lower back, gliding down to cup her behind in a very familiar way. Flora froze, perhaps realizing that she was practically squirming on top of me. My excitement became evident, pressing up against her knickers.
But she didn’t stop. The feeling of her body pressed against me was exhilarating. Our lips parted more, and my tongue darted into her sweet mouth. Her hands wrapped into the back of my hair, and her legs spread as my thickness pressed between them.
My eyes flew open as she seemed to lose herself in the moment. I finally broke off the kiss, but continued stroking her tight little backside. “Lassie, I had no idea you were so frisky in the mornings.”
“I... I’m sorry, sir.” She tried to roll away, but I held her in an iron grip. Shockingly, instead of being afraid of being at my mercy, her eyes filled with lust. I released her immediately, and was relieved that she stayed in place.
“Stay a moment, lass. You feel so lovely pressed against me.” She searched my eyes, then paused. “Whatever you’re thinking, sweet girl, go ahead.”
Slowly she leaned down, setting her lips at the hollow of my throat, kissing me roughly, fluttering her tongue over my skin. She moved downward, using both of her hands and her lips to massage my chest.
A soft moan rumbled from deep within me, and I hope it thrilled her to know how much she aroused me. I was gently rocking her against me, and my manhood was now pressing firmly into her stomach. I felt a shudder run through her, and immediately rolled her to the side. “Sorry, lass, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“You didn’t...”
I placed a finger over her lips, then removed it and gave her a small kiss. I looked out the small window, checking the angle of the sun. “We’ve overslept. The boys will likely tease us at breakfast. Dress quickly now.”
She jumped up and turned her back to me to remove the nightshirt. As she pulled her dress on, Flora said, “I think that salve helped a little already.”
“Good to hear,” I said, sneaking a glance. Her slim legs that had been wrapped around me moments before were in view for a second before she pulled her dress down. But those lash marks, still clearly visible if perhaps a bit less red and angry, made my heart lurch with sorrow.
I should not be touching her so freely. Even though I was extremely relieved that she kissed me of her own accord, I needed to be careful with my timid lass. She should be touched with nothing but the most tender hand.
“Don’t forget to have Larry put on more of that salve. You should do that every day.”
“Yes, sir.”
I knew I should have her call me by my name eventually. But dammit, it excited me to the very core every time she called me ‘sir’.
~ Chapter 9 ~ Flora ~
* Storm *
It was lovely that I was already learning the routine of the ship. First, there was breakfast with the men, filled with laughter and good-natured ribbing. Then most of them went to different spots to work on repairs, toolmaking, rope making, and the like.
Larry seemed much less embarrassed as he spread ointment across my back, then he set me up with the day’s sewing before he left to repa
ir rigging. It was nice that he checked in with me every few hours. Somehow, sewing all day long wasn’t nearly as exhausting as my days back at home. Perhaps it was the fresh air. More likely, it was the way I was complimented on how much I’d accomplished, instead of belittled.
I was delighted that everyone seemed to truly appreciate the dinner I helped with. Even Teeth enjoyed my potato and carrot mash with rosemary.