Excerpt
“What modesty?” she asked herself. “I am acting like a wanton bitch in heat for its mate.” She sank slowly down on her coverlet, letting the sun warm her face.
“What pleasure this body can feel!” She sighed, and drifted into an exhausted sleep.
Standing atop the cliff, Shawn couldn’t believe how beautiful this wild nymph of the sea was. He clenched his jaw, and smiled through hooded eyes.
“So, we meet again, my wench.” He had come upon her totally by chance, seeing her ride out towards the cove; and curious to see where she led him, followed at a safe distance. Hoping to find out where she lived, he had followed her to the edge of the cliffs. He reined in, keeping her in his sights. Watching her dive into the swells free of all clothing and uninhibited as a babe, he felt his breath taken away from the raw beauty he witnessed. He felt himself scarcely breathing at the picture she made. He had never seen such pure freedom of the body in any woman before. The sheer enjoyment of showing her body as nature had intended. How the gods must be smiling down on her. He felt his body harden as he watched this innocent creature who reminded him of a sea witch, with her tangled mass of hair that threatened to drag her under.
Tethering Ortega, he sat on the near edge, removing his shirt and leaned back against the heavy oak. He never took his eyes off the one below. He was down there with her, touching her, as the waves were, lulling her gently in his embrace. How he had wanted to break her pretty little neck when she hadn’t shown up at Molly’s.
Damn her, anyway! What exactly was her game? Shawn raked his fingers through his damp hair, then shook it free of perspiration. How would it feel to cool off down here with the wench? How came it that she knew these parts so well? Certainly there we no homes along the shores and least of all the living quarters she would be used to. Homesteaders lived on the far side of town where he suspected she lived. A beautiful woman as she should have no worries earning coins if she was smart enough.
He smiled gruffly. “Perhaps I could set her up in a nice townhouse and come to her any time I wished.” He would certainly broach the subject with her. Hell. She could do a lot worse and would never be in need of anything. Certainly she would prefer that to dancing like some strumpet in a brothel.
He felt himself harden as he continued to watch her. How he wanted to be inside this nymph. God, she was driving him wild with desire. How moist she had been that night in his bed. And, so willing!
Watching this free creature ride the swells made him want to cry out in discomfort. He became lost in the memories of their time together and the eagerness to please one another. Time seemed to stand still. The only sounds were the waves breaking against the jagged rocks below and the constant cries of seagulls. Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead and rolled lazily down the sides of his face.
How much longer must he stand this torture? Ortega nudged his arm and he reached out his hand and absently rubbed the sleek neck. Damned if he’d stand this much longer. Rubbing his hand across his bronzed chest, he scowled and looked down at her.
“There have been many women in my life, so why does she continue to burn in me like some raging fire begging to be put out? Here I sit, spying on her, like some damnable love struck lad. I will have my way with her until I tire of her.” What was there about this wench that drove him night and day, hoping for even a small glance?
“Been too long on land,” he muttered, causing another nudge from his steed. “Tis time I set sail again. Then I’ll gain back my senses.”
Squinting into the sun he rose with the grace of a cat. Knowing that he could bear no more of this charade, he swore to himself, “I want some answers, and by God, she will give them to me, or I will strangle the truth from that pretty little neck!”
He started the long descent to the cove.
Gabrielle awakened with a start, the sound of pounding hooves echoing in her ears.
Reaching quickly to don her clothing, she gasped at the empty space beside her, jerking herself to her feet. Flinging the coverlet around her trembling frame, she scanned the area for Majestic. Clutching her wrap firmly about her, she stood transfixed, her heart beating frantically in her breast. The racing hooves drew nearer as she caught sight of her steed racing along the beach towards her, carrying his rider with grace and wild abandon.
She narrowed her eyes angrily as the man drew nearer, naked but for tolled up breeches, looking like a bronzed warrior riding into battle, his muscles rippling in rhythm to each thrust of her steed.
“Damn him!” She hissed pushing back her matted hair from her face, and angrily watching the skill in which he handled her steed. Squinting into the sun she fought her resentment eying the two, and annoyed at herself for falling asleep. She clenched her fingers tightly around her cover, eyes flashing furiously at the scene before her. Suddenly her check tightened with worry. Had he somehow discovered where she lived? Damn his arrogance anyway!
Shawn eased up on the reins bringing the steed to a graceful halt. He grinned devilishly into her angry gaze.
“You remind me of a Viking queen,” he murmured, his eyes moving lazily over her attire. Gabrielle blushed hotly under stare. “How dare you invade my private time, you disreputable lecher!”
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