Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Jack

Stripping Kate bare as he kissed every inch of her skin was the most satisfyingly pleasurable thing he'd done for a very long time.

As her clothing fell away, he ran his hands over the silk of her skin, attempting to memorize the dips and valleys.

He knew he had night after night to learn them, but then again, perhaps he did not. Who knew what tomorrow would bring and he wanted to learn everything there was to know about her tonight.

Somewhere as he kissed over her shoulder, he removed his jacket then his vest and shirt. He kept trailing down over one breast, keeping his kisses and caresses light. This was her night. Jack had enough experience, likely too much, with his own pleasure.

But if Kate only had tonight, he wanted every second to count.

Lifting her in his arms, he settled her on the bed, her legs naturally parting for him as he came down on top of her. Being fitted in the cradle of her thighs had him growling out his satisfaction as her legs wrapped about his waist.

But he had a mission here. And it was not his own pleasure he sought.

With that in mind, he began to kiss lower again, paying homage to both her breasts, bringing her nipples to stiff peaks. Then he kissed lower, his tongue swirling over her skin.

By the time he kissed around her belly button, her body was rising to meet his mouth, and when he nipped at the sensitive spot just next to her hip bone, he was making her gasp as he tickled her skin.

He chuckled into her flesh even as he followed the bone down, reaching the spot where torso met leg.

He could smell her arousal as he traced her hips with his hands, sliding his palms underneath her ass to lift her up.

And then, settling between her thighs, he swiped his tongue over her most sensitive flesh.

She let out a moan, her thighs falling wider as he repeated the touch, swirling his tongue over her most sensitive nub.

Her fingers settled in his hair, pulling him closer, as he started a rhythm with his tongue designed to bring her the most pleasure he knew how to give.

Her hips working in time with his mouth. He glanced up to see her head moving back and forth, her cascade of chestnut hair, catching the candlelight and shimmering like the sun on the surface of the ocean.

She nipped at her lip as her moans grew more insistent, higher pitched. And at the point she was about to break, he inserted a finger inside her, feeling her tight flesh clench around him as she broke, her orgasm shuddering through her.

He surged up in response, keeping a finger inside her, and then inserting another. She was so tight, and he hoped to better prepare her for what was to come.

Because while this had been about her pleasure, he would consummate their marriage tonight. Kate would fully and completely be his wife.

He looked down at her, the flatness of her belly, the flare of her hips, the flush on her skin from what she'd just experienced. No woman had ever been more beautiful.

"Sweetheart," he rasped out, his voice rough and dark. "Are you good?"

"So good," she answered, sliding a hand down his bare chest. "Is it time?"

"It's time," he answered, reluctantly pulling his fingers from inside her to undo his trousers and pull them down his legs. "Scared?"

She shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "Ready."

So brave.

He was beyond proud to call this woman wife as he slid on top of her, cradling her body to his.

The head of his manhood slid through her folds, settling into the opening of her channel. He resisted the urge to push inside, not wanting to hurt her overmuch.

As he eased inside, however, she wrapped her arms about his neck, holding him even closer. At the same time, her legs circled his. It was all the invitation he needed, and he pushed inside her in a steady thrust.

He felt her stiffen as finished the thrust. "Still all right?" he asked, peppering her face with kisses.

"I'm good." Her fingers thread into his hair. "I want to know all of it."

He'd need more than one night to teach her. But tonight would be an excellent start. And hopefully the first of many.

Sliding out, he pushed back in, keeping his movements as light as he could manage, setting a slow gentle rhythm that drove him half mad as he resisted the urge to move faster.

He felt her relax and he knew the pain had diminished. With a few quick thrusts, he finished, his groan of pleasure filling the small space as he collapsed on top of her.

She stroked the skin of his neck as she continued to hold him tight. "That was wonderful."

It had been. More than he'd ever imagined he'd receive.

But even now, he couldn't quite shake his fears about the chase in which they were engaged. His worries were amplified with Kate being here.

He worried for her and her safety. For the first time in his entire life, he'd let go of his past. Of the scars his father had left.

He'd finally reached a place of happiness and contentment. "I'm glad we had this night. It was more than I ever imagined."

Kate pulled his head up to look in his eyes. "You're worried."

He kissed her mouth. "Whatever else happens, I'm glad that I married you. That we had this moment."

"You sound as though you worry for your life."

"I do. Not only is the king a formidable foe, I did try to kill him on that beach. I might be a target."

Kate's eyes widened as she pushed at his chest. "Why didn't I think of that."

"Think of what?"

"Are you staying for me and putting yourself at great risk?" She pushed on his arm with each word to punctuate her question.

"Maybe. I don't run from fights." He frowned as he tried to articulate himself. "I just want you to know how I feel should the worst happen. He might attack. He might have other ships…"

Kate flopped back down on the bed. "Is Anna leaving the boat?"

He nodded. "As soon as I'm able without risking the entire rest of the crew."

"If you stop, you might get caught?"

He nodded. "We're going to find a harbor. Hide."

Kate nipped at her lip. "Am I fool for staying. For asking you to stay?"

By Jove, he loved this woman. "I'd leave for you, Kate. I'd stay. This is your choice, love."

She stared up at him, indecision marking her brow. "My father never gave me any choices."

He ran his hand down the center of her chest, between her breasts. "Choosing comes with its own burden. You saw how it ate at me that mine put you in danger."

She drew in a shuddering breath. "I can't be the reason Anna gets hurt. Or you. I want revenge and I want to be independent, but…"

"You're going to live with your heart instead." He kissed her then, long and slow. "As soon as we make it to the harbor, the four of us will slip away. Break for Scotland and Isabelle."

She nodded as she rolled onto her side. He cradled her back to his front, wrapping her tight in his arms.

She snuggled deeper into his embrace. He would sleep tonight, knowing that tomorrow he'd be able to take Kate away. Keep her safe.

Along with the gentle rocking of the boat, Jack fell into a deep sleep.