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lips were soft as he placed them against mine and unable to help myself, I responded to him. A low moan escaped him and seemed to give me the courage not to pull away. Father would surely disapprove of this, and I certainly should not encourage this inappropriate behavior . My mind raced, trying hard to grasp onto rational thought.
    I wound my arms around his neck and he ran one hand up my back, deepening his kiss. I felt dizzy as a warm tingling feeling rushed through me. His lips parted slightly and when he ran the tip of his tongue over my lips, a bolt of energy surged through me like liquid lightening, and I gasped. When I did, my lips parted slightly and I thought I would burst with the feeling that came over me when his tongue began to slowly explore the depths of my mouth. How could anything that felt so pleasant be looked upon as inappropriate?
    Unsure of what to do, or what my response should be, I followed his lead and as my tongue danced with his, a deep moan escaped him and his breathing became rapid. His slow kiss continued, then he drew one hand up along my ribs to my breast. His fingers caressed me gently and a rush of wet heat flooded the center of my womanhood. This time the moan came from me.
    His kiss deepened. He ran his hand down my spine and, cupping my bottom, pressed me against him. I instantly became aware of the hardness of him and alarm suddenly sounded in my mind, yet I was unable to force myself to pull away from him. The feelings he stirred in me were like drinking a deep red wine, and I clung to him, drunk with it and wanting more. My fingers wound through his hair, and the ribbon holding his raven locks fell away.
    “Catherine,” he whispered into his kiss.
    My hands explored his hard muscular chest. I was eager and addicted to this new excitement he ignited in me. Abruptly, he pulled away from me. He stood there with his eyes closed and body shaking. I was stunned. Had I done something wrong?
    My mouth burned from his kiss, and I raised my fingers to touch my swollen lips. Heat surged through me. Puzzled, I watched him, standing before me, struggling, and clearly fighting with himself.
    Finally, he opened his eyes and in a hoarse whisper, he managed to utter, “Milady, please, forgive me.”
    “Forgive you?”
    “Aye, and kindly excuse me, for if I do not depart from you at this very moment, I fear I shall not be able to drag myself away,” he said and turning, he walked away from me and into the darkness.

Chapter 8
    He did not come to his cabin that night, as I had feared he would, and for that I was thankful. But the scent of him clung to the bed linens and I tossed and turned with thoughts of our encounter playing over and over in my mind. Finally, the light of dawn filtered into the cabin and unable to tolerate this restlessness a moment longer, I got up and dressed myself. I selected the flower print gown because it laced up the front and I was able to get into it without Mary’s assistance. The sun still hung low on the horizon when I made my way up to the main deck.
    “‘Mornin’, yer Ladyship,” Smith said.
    “Good morning, Mister Smith. Have you seen Captain Drake?”
    “Aye, he be at the wheel, but I’d give him a wide berth today, yer Ladyship. He be in a right foul mood.”
    “I see. I shall take heed to your warning.”
    “I wasn’t prepared for ye to be up an’ about so early, but I be gettin’ yer breakfast brung to yer cabin directly, yer Ladyship.”
    “Thank you, Mister Smith, but would it be possible to take my breakfast up here in the fresh air?”
    “Aye, Miss. As ye wish,” he answered and scampered away.
    I strolled casually along the deck, fighting the urge to look toward the wheel. The pirate crew moved about with purpose in their work and for the most part, ignored me. I walked mindlessly until I found myself standing again at the prow. Leaning against the rail, I closed my eyes and allowed the sea breeze to wash over me, the salty mist cool upon