Catalina's Caress by Sylvie F. Sommerfield Read Free Book Online Page A

the stable boy.
    Upon opening the stable door she sighed with relief to find the equipage ready. An impatient stable boy was holding the bridle of the horse, and doing his best to keep it quiet.
    She gave him the coins, and he opened the wide door so she could drive away, watching after the receding carriage.
    "If Miz Charlotte finds out about this we's both gonna get skinned. I sure hope you don't run across no trouble, and get back before mornin' or we's gonna be in for it. Miz Charlotte don't take to bein' snookered ... no sir, she don't take to it at all."
    He continued to shake his head as he walked to a comfortable pile of hay on which a blanket was spread.
    "She asked me to wait and open the doors for her, but she didn't say nothn' bout bein' comfortable while I waited."
    He lay down on the blanket, and after a while its warmth took over and he drifted off to sleep.
    ❧
    Catalina drove through the dark deserted streets without mishap. When she reached the Southern Belle , she saw no sign of life aboard. She left the carriage and walked as quietly as possible to the gangplank, not expecting any problem with the crew abed. Nonetheless, she mounted the gangplank slowly.
    Having been aboard the Belle more than once Catalina easily found her way to the captain's quarters. Seeing light beneath the door, she reasoned he must still be awake. She wanted to take advantage of the element of surprise, so she turned the knob and swung the door open. The scene that greeted her was the last one she had expected.
    ❧
    This was one of the few times when Marc had been caught totally off guard. He was stunned to find Catalina Carrington in his doorway, and piqued by the contemptuous amusement in her eyes.
    He had a strong desire to throttle her—or kiss her— until she begged for release. What he did was smile coolly and continue dressing as if her presence meant little or nothing to him. It was Nina who bridled.
    "Who is she?" she demanded, causing Marc's brows to furrow in annoyance.
    "She's none of your business, Nina. Just someone I have a little ... business with. We have to talk alone. Why don't you go down to China's stateroom and make sure the girls are settled?"
    Nina's face was a study in ill-suppressed rage. She glared at Catalina as she gathered up the balance of her things. Then she went to Marc and kissed him slowly and leisurely. Finally, a half-smile on her lips, she walked to the door.
    "Do hurry with your ... business, -Marc. It's been a long time, and we have a lot to talk about." Her throaty sensual voice made her meaning quite clear.
    Catalina smiled through gritted teeth, and despite his amused grin, Marc could have thrown Nina overboard.
    After Nina closed the door behind her, a heavy silence descended on the cabin. Marc chose not to try to break it. This was her game now and he wasn't going to help her one bit. He poured a glass of brandy and sipped from it while he watched her.
    Catalina had to choose quickly just what kind of approach she was going to use. He is shrewd, she thought, and in that white shirt and dark pants he could be a pirate. She was well aware of the heady masculine aura about him. He was devastatingly sensual, and she was more than irritated by the fact that her senses responded despite her will. She had never been alone with a man she considered as dangerous as this one.
    "Mr. Copeland..."
    "Marc." He grinned. "Sounds friendlier.''
    "Mr. Copeland," she insisted coldly. "I've come to talk to you about the Southern Belle ."
    Marc set his glass down and walked slowly toward her. Catalina held her ground, gazing at him defiantly. She would have given anything to be able to turn and run, but there was too much at stake. Valiantly, she suppressed the fear he aroused in her. She wasn't sure just what she was afraid of, and that angered her also. She could feel her cheeks grow warm under the intensity of his gaze, but she refused to budge an inch.
    Marc's eyes were filled with alert awareness, but