Fiery Pursuit (Passionate Pursuits, Book One) by Jean Hart Stewart Read Free Book Online

eyes were wide with shock, but as Lars silently enfolded her and held her close, he felt her gulp for air, and then draw a jagged sigh. He kept his arms around her, kissing her hair but saying nothing until he felt her shaking quiet.
    “Did you kill him?” She raised her face and Lars almost laughed at her hopeful expression.
    “Not yet. If he makes a move toward you again I doubtless will. I’ve put him to sleep for now, but I’ll see he’s kept tied and guarded until we reach Dover. I’m so sorry, love. I didn’t remind you to lock the door. I never dreamed a member of my crew would be so wicked.”
    “Is he a new crew member then?”
    Lars stared at her. “You know, I think he is. I don’t remember seeing him before. I’ll question him as soon as being tied and helpless makes him feel cooperative. We must have taken him on in Constantinople. I don’t like the implications of this at all.”
    “Don’t go yet, Lars. Hold me a little longer.”
    She was still shaking in his arms and he set her gently in the chair, covering her again with the blanket.
    “Let me call for some men to come get this piece of vermin and see he’s secured. Then I’ll be more than happy to oblige.”
    He stuck his head outside the door and shouted in a commanding voice. Two of the crew immediately clattered down the steps. In a few minutes the cabin was cleared of the big sailor, and Lars turned to Sophie and held out his arms again.
    Always in a state of partial erection when near her, Lars felt his unruly cock swell as she rushed and clung to him. He held her—indeed, how could he not?—but he did try to angle his lower body a little away from hers.
    “Hold me closer, Lars. Please.”
    With a groan, he backed her against the desk and held her hips against him, kissing her face with half-leashed passion.
    “This is not nearly as close as I would be, Sophie.”
    It was all he could do not to strip her of that ridiculous shirt and take her against the desk.
    “Lars,” she breathed. “Please.” Her sultry tones showed no fear, no disapproval, merely a willingness to follow wherever he’d lead her. Her voice was husky and inviting, and he summoned every ounce of willpower he possessed.
    Holding her slightly away from him, he kissed her hair and then stepped back several paces. Still the scent of her beckoned to him, the clean fragrant smell of a desirable woman, mingled with an aroma of sexual desire that sent his hopes soaring. He’d no perfume to offer her and she needed none. He thought he’d know her in the dark for the rest of his life. Sophie and the scent that would always lure him to her arms.
    “You’re feeling the aftermath of being in danger once again, love, and this time due to my carelessness. I can’t take advantage of that feeling.”
    “I think this attraction to you is more than a result of my fearing that wicked man. Why do you denigrate how I feel?”
    This time his groan seemed to originate in his boots.
    “I know how danger brings forth emotions that might be temporary. Get some rest, Sophie. I’ll not leave you alone again, but I’ll not take your virginity when you’re emotionally off-balance.”
    He turned away from her and, grabbing the cast-aside blanket, settled himself in the only chair in the cabin. A chair drawn up to a desk, but still comfortable looking, with wide arm rests and a well-cushioned back. He didn’t intend to leave her. He knew he’d find little comfort this night. His swollen cock showed no signs of diminishing, even though he no longer held her in his arms. Still, there was nothing to be done in this deplorable mess except what he was doing. Dear god in heaven, why had a fit of nobility struck him just now?
    He must guard her, and control himself while she got some much-needed rest. Throttle the unruly emotions making him throb with desire for her even if he stayed awake all night with a rampant cock.
    She started to speak, and then stopped. Slowly, she turned from him,