Read Catalina's Caress for Free Online Page B

probably spit on you."
    He left quietly, and China watched the door for several seconds. The look in her eyes was remarkably close to pity.

Chapter 4

    M arc paced the deck of the boat on which he still felt himself to be an intruder. The night was young, and the moon sat low on the horizon sending a path of light across the water.
    Marc was deep in thought when a carriage stopped near the gangplank. He heard soft feminine laughter, and when the door opened, four women exited in a profusion of petticoats, slim legs, and bright smiles.
    He smiled, knowing both he and the boat were facing a unique invasion. Slowly he walked to the head of the gangplank and watched the women begin to board.
    The first to step on deck was Paulette Bordeau. She was a statuesque blond with wide blue eyes and a figure that could make any man forget his goal in life. She spoke with a thick French accent... until she was angry. Then she slipped into gutter language that would have shocked a deckhand.
    "Paulette.'' Marc chuckled. "As beautiful as ever."
    "Ah, Marc mon cher ," Paulette laughed seductively as she kissed him with enthusiasm. "It is so good to see you again."
    The woman directly behind Paulette was a flame-haired green-eyed beauty with a rich creamlike complexion. Charlene Gilbert lifted lush full lips to kiss Marc.
    "Charlene my pet," Marc said, as he put both hands on her waist to pry her slim body from his. "I'm glad you came."
    "For you, Marc," Charlene replied huskily, "I would go just about anywhere ... anytime."
    The third boarder to step on deck was a creature of delicate beauty. She seemed frozen somewhere between girlhood and womanhood. She was small boned and slender, with eyes of cloud gray and hair that was golden brown. Her innocent air reminded Marc of a lost child, though he knew the dreadful past that had created her.
    "Hello, Shawna," he said gently.
    "Hello, Marc ... is China here?" Her voice was a soft whisper, as gentle as she was.
    "She's here, Shawna." He faced the three, but was more aware of the fourth. "Why don't the three of you go to her stateroom? It's the last door at the end of the passage."
    With a flurry they were gone, and he turned to look at the fourth woman who had just stepped on the deck. She was regarding him silently.
    "Nina," Marc said softly.
    "It's been a long time, Marc."
    Her voice was deep and throaty, and probably the most sensual one he had ever heard. Despite her beauty and the dignity of her bearing, her sexuality was what you sensed the moment you laid eyes on her. It was a force that had a life of its own.
    To women like her every man gravitates when he chooses to find the ultimate in love. In such a woman he seeks forbidden pleasures and the fulfillment of secret dreams. He sees her learning and teaching things that no "lady" should ever know.
    "It's been too damned long."
    "Shall I go on to see China?" She smiled, knowing the answer, making it needless for him to say the words.
    He laughed softly as he extended his hand to her, and when she slid hers into it, he drew her into his arms.
    She was tall and luxuriously curved, and a low murmur of satisfaction escaped from Marc as she fit the length of her body to his. Thick lashes lowered over her dark brown eyes as his mouth blended with her parted lips.
    "You can talk to China tomorrow,'' he said huskily. "I have other plans for tonight."
    "I'm sure"—she laughed—"that your plans and mine are a great deal alike."
    "It would certainly be a big disappointment to me if they weren't."
    He slid an arm about her waist and they walked to his stateroom. Once inside it, words were unnecessary. Both knew what they wanted. He watched in silent admiration as she slowly undressed revealing lush charms he remembered well. Naked and unashamed she walked to him and began to help him remove his clothes. In moments, they were on his bunk, engrossed in sensual exchanges.
    Their lovemaking had always been a source of deep pleasure to him. So, as he lay