Twice In A Lifetime by Jennifer Jakes Read Free Book Online Page B

over her shoulders. “Put that on. One look at your curvy ass and every man in there will know you’re a woman. Besides, it looks like rain. You might become chilled.”
    She slid her arms in the still-warm sleeves. His musky scent wrapped around her, intoxicating, sensual, and when mixed with his concern, took the edge from her anger.
    “Thank you.”
    He shook his head. “You’re still too pretty. Here, this will help.” Rubbing his fingers along the edge of the building, he turned and smeared mud on her cheeks, then surveyed his work. “Better.”
    “I bet.” She trailed a finger through the ick and wrinkled her nose. God, please don’t let this be donkey shit.
    Ian cocked a dark brow. “If you cause any trouble, I can guarantee there will be hell to pay. Don’t think I won’t paddle your ass.”
    “Why would I think that? We both like when you spank me.” She winked.
    His eyes widened then darkened with arousal. His groan was audible.
    “Okay, don’t worry. I won’t cause trouble.” She crossed he r heart then raised her hand in mock salute. “I’ll be good.”
    He grabbed her arm and started toward the row of taverns. “Most likely you will get us both killed.”

Chapter Six
     
     
    Ian pushed the image of her full ass , red from spanking, out of his mind and led her into the dusty street. Dark clouds rumbled above. He didn’t need another bad omen. The woman trailing behind him was bad enough. She drove him to distraction.
    Damn the Devil, why couldn’t she obey orders? He didn’t want her near this kind of danger. What if he couldn’t protect her? If something were to happen…
    He glanced behind to where she shuffled along, head down. What had possessed him to marry such a termagant? She perilized his plans and haunted his dreams, tormented images of him searching for her…yet it wasn’t him. The man was his mirror image, but he wore strange clothes and rode in a sleek, shiny boat with roaring power. For hours upon hours he searched, calling Izzy’s name. Agony-laced pleas with God, alternated with bitter curses, the pain so tangible, Ian’s chest ached upon waking.
    He’d never put much faith in dreams or people who claimed to be seers, but the images shook his beliefs.
    “Which one first?” Izzy stood in the middle of the street between two taverns. She looked so small and vulnerable the urge to carry her back to the ship almost overwhelmed him. But he had to find Alicia.
    He looked at the buildings. Three men fought on the porch of the first, off-key singing filtered from the window of the second. “This one.” He pointed to the second choice. His crew could pay visit to the other. He tugged the hat lower on her head and prayed this wasn’t a terrible mistake.
    Once inside, they walked to the front, and he nudged her onto a stool between himself and the wall. The crooning sailor stopped— blacked out actually— and a few men talked in hushed voices as wenches balanced mugs of ale and dodged groping hands. Not many patrons this early in the evening, but that would soon change.
    The heavy smell of stale liquor and unwashed bodies hung in the air. He scanned the smoke-filled room searching for someone who would betray their mother for a coin.
    “What be your pleasure this evening?” A large-breasted barmaid pressed against his arm. “Mayhap you and boy would like to share me company upstairs in bed?”
    Izzy tensed beside him, a flush crawling up her smudged face.
    “Just rum, please, love.” He grinned and handed the wench three shillings. “And a little information?
    She smiled, then gave him a wink. “Anything for you.”
    Ian leaned closer. “Has The Jackel made dock of late— or perhaps you’ve seen her Captain?”
    “Can’t say as I have.” She trailed a filthy hand down his chest, then smiled at Izzy. “But let me know if you need anything else. Anything.”
    Izzy glared from beneath the brim of her hat. “Nasty slut.”
    “No trouble.