The Pirate's Jewel Read online

  Merrick gritted his teeth, as she grew silent. He recognized the ploy she was attempting. It was a good one and had probably worked for her before. Merrick hardened his body's lust against her practiced scheme.

  "Silence,” he commanded and closed his eyes. However, he did not sleep.

  Chapter 4

  Drumming a steady rhythm, the rain continued to hammer down upon the English Bride. The ship tossed roughly across the fierce ocean, madly dancing between peals of thunder and flourishes of lightning.

  Rafferty sat on the bunk in the captain's cabin, back braced against the wall. The timbers of the ship groaned deeply and the heavy furniture shifted. The captain's chair slid back and forth across the room, then finally tipped over.

  It was the wind, deep and moaning, that had roused Rafferty from her sleep an hour before. Merrick was gone when she awoke. Her wrists were unbound, however, so she sat there in silence, listening to the storm and her thoughts.

  The feel of his hand lingered in her mind. It had been a large hand with long, strong fingers. He'd meant to intimidate her, but her body had responded instantly in another way, so that it had taken her hours to finally fall asleep. Despite the fact that she was unbound, Cole had not offered freedom. Neither had her dreams, for they had been filled with heat and lust.

  The door of the cabin suddenly burst open, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to start. Merrick Cole was drenched from head to foot. His boots slapped heavily across the floor and he didn't even look in her direction when he crossed the room.

  Unlocking the wooden trunk in the corner, he retrieved a bottle of rum. She watched him in the dark as he clamped his teeth over the cork and jerked his head back forcefully enough to remove it from the bottle. She knew the feeling all too well. The ocean only offered biting chill to the bones in a night's squall and sometimes the only thing that could warm a body was a good, long drink.

  "Do you see its end?"

  He drank several swallows and Rafferty watched his throat work around the liquid, before he lowered the bottle and wiped his mouth on his wet sleeve. “Not for several hours.” His gaze darted back at her as he shook his head, hair dripping rain droplets around him. “Are you warm enough down here?"

  Rafferty didn't like his concern for her well being. She'd rather have him glare at her and threaten to strike her. That was behavior that she trusted and knew how to deal with. Compassion usually was a show to cover other intentions. Merrick Cole, however, should have no reason to hide what he did or felt, she argued with herself. He did as he pleased without caring who approved or disapproved.

  "Yes.” She nodded, pushing her attention away from her internal arguments over the man. “I can help you up there. I do know how to handle a ship.” She watched him lean down and pull a woolen coat from the chest before kicking the lid closed again. He bent down and turned the lock, then tossed the coat across the bunk.

  After a few more long swallows of rum, he reached and caught the cork as it made a tumbled roll back across the floor, placing it in the top of the bottle. “If you get cold, use the coat."

  "I'll be fine if you leave me that bottle,” she told him when he started to tuck it into the pocket of his coat. He stared at her for a moment and said nothing. Finally, he stepped towards her, holding out the bottle. She grasped it and watched him head out the door of the cabin again.

  Once he was gone, she pulled the coat over her. Merrick Cole's male scent swirled around her as she removed the cork from the bottle. The harsh liquor sent a familiar burning against the back of her throat, but did nothing to drown out the heat that spread beneath the coat's heavy wool.

  It surprised her that she would be so affected by a man, especially one that she'd had it in her head earlier to kill. Still, her breasts ripened as she breathed in the fragrance of the sea, soap, and his natural male musk. She inhaled deeply.

  "Foolishness,” she said aloud and nearly threw the coat away from her. Another swallow of rum was all she needed; it did not help. In fact, the liquor only intensified the ache in her body and worsened her temperament towards herself.

  "I need no man for pleasure.” The words were empty of conviction. She liked men; more specifically, she liked sex ... but not with men like Merrick Cole. She had purposely avoided his type, knowing a man with that kind of backbone and power would only try to overpower her. There was something about Cole, behind the intensity of his gaze that made Rafferty uneasy with herself.

  Frustrated, she finished the bottle of rum, attempting to douse the fire in her blood. The last time she'd met a man who made her burn with desire like this, he'd hurt her terribly. No, she corrected silently, she'd hurt herself. She'd known what kind of man Edward Teach was the moment she laid eyes on his fearsome bearded face. Still, his dangerous ways had excited her, and his intimidating presence fueled the desire she'd felt for him.

  She chucked the bottle to the floor just as the door opened again, and watched it roll before coming to an abrupt halt beneath the toe of a black boot. Her gaze rose to Merrick Cole's face. Well, at least he wasn't ugly like Edward, she thought.

  "Shall I find you another?” Merrick's eyes danced slightly, apparently with amusement. She cocked her head to the side and regarded him silently. Shoulder propped against the doorframe, he filled the entrance, making the cabin seem smaller than what it was. Her breath hitched slightly. He should have stayed above in the storm.

  "I may need it,” she said with a growl.

  "Then the reality of your charges has finally registered with you?” He walked to the trunk and retrieved another bottle, holding it out for her.

  "I've had charges brought against me before. Not murder, but it makes no difference. Thornton has had it in for me for several years now.” She shrugged as she pulled the cork from the bottle and took several heavy swallows.

  "And how will you kill me if you are so drunken you can barely stand?” His words echoed with sarcasm, and Rafferty lifted her gaze to him again.

  "I am sitting. If I become too inebriated to sit, then I deserve to hang.” She grinned. “Besides, Captain, killing you is the farthest thing from my mind tonight."

  "Then I shall rest easy,” he said with a grunt.

  "Not if I have my way,” Rafferty mumbled, and then ignored him when his head snapped around and his eyes narrowed. “So, the storm is passing?"

  For a long moment, Merrick said nothing. “No, but it has lessened. Hogg has things under control.” She merely nodded, focusing her attention on drinking as much from the bottle as she could.

  "Slow down. You shall make yourself ill,” he warned, but she snorted.

  "Perhaps if I were unaccustomed to the drink.” Rafferty's eyes dropped to his hands as he began peeling off his coat. “But you and I both know I'm not the kind that would rather have afternoon tea."

  Merrick's mouth slanted as he turned the chair upright and draped his wet coat over the back. “No, you are the kind that plunders and kills.” He glanced at her before tugging his shirt over his head and turning to reach for a fresh one.

  Rafferty's eyes dropped to his damp torso. “There are other things my kind like to do."

  Merrick froze. The intonation in her words could not be mistaken. Drawing a breath, he looked back, over his shoulder at her to find the faint trace of a smile on her lips. Her lids were heavy as she took another swallow of rum while the fingers of her free hand worked the buttons of her shirt.

  "I haven't the patience for any ploys tonight,” he warned, but his body stiffened when she stood, licking at the evidence of liquor from her lips. She swayed with the movement of the ship, the kind of balance that only comes from years of sea life.

  "I've no ploy. I've found myself in a bit of discomfort tonight. Simply put, you've got something I crave, Captain.” Her shirt parted and fell away from her breasts as her fingers continued to work down the buttons. Merrick stood still, watching while the last button was freed, and she stepped forward. He didn't dare move, suspiciously waiting for
her to produce a weapon to gouge at him with. His arm still smarted from her last attempt.

  "What are you after?” He spoke in a low voice that brought Rafferty's nipples erect, pointing out and demanding attention.

  "I believe that it's obvious what I am after.” She held out the bottle for him. Slowly he reached for it, and then brought it to his lips for a quick swallow. She lifted her hands to his chest, ran them through the hair they found there, nails gently scratching across his skin.

  Her breath was heavy when she leaned forward and licked at the dampness of his chest. That warm tongue chased away the chill the storm had left in him. He didn't move, and she licked again before leaning away and straightening.

  He stared down at those glittering emerald eyes as her hands ventured down his stomach. Never before in his life had he wanted to run from a woman as he had the urge to run from this one. She was more dangerous than the storm that raged around them. His feet were rooted, though, fastening him to the floor of his ship, while Rafferty Jones unbuttoned his trousers as easily as if she had done so every night of her life.

  "You would deny me?” She arched a thin brow, her smile creasing with amusement. “Too long at sea with only men, Captain?"

  His eyes darkened. It was the game she was after. She'd been left alone and had grown bored. Women like Rafferty Jones did not enjoy idle moments.

  "I warn you that once you open this door, you will not be able to close it again.” He spoke as she slid her palms down his sides, beneath his trousers to push them down. “Once something is mine, it remains mine until I release it."

  "And once something becomes mine, it remains mine until I kill it.” A chuckle followed her words as his wet clothes slid to his ankles. She looked down and her smile widened with approval.

  "I am grateful the chill of the storm did not leave me disappointed.” Her lids lowered. Carefully, without touching him, she placed her foot on his trousers and waited for him to step out of them.

  "Well?” she asked when he didn't move. “Are you going to touch me?"

  Merrick smiled slowly and shook his head. “I believe I am going to stand here and see what you will do next.” Rafferty blinked. Most men would be upon her by now, doing whatever she wished. Edward had leapt upon her like a beast. Merrick Cole was cool, reserved, and trying her patience. She took a step back from him and began undressing, watching his eyes as she discarded her clothes.

  His gaze lowered, moving slowly over her, then he sat in the chair and set the bottle of rum aside. With his trousers still around his ankles, he reached down and removed his boots before removing the rest of his clothes. When he straightened, she held her breath, but he did not rise.

  "I am partial to women who dance,” he suggested.

  "Dancing is not exactly what I have in mind.” She watched him lean his elbow to rest on the desk. What was he waiting for?

  "Turn around. Let me look at you then."

  Rafferty made a noise of impatience. She held out her arms and turned. When she faced him again, he nodded approvingly.

  "Good. Sit down on the bed there.” He nodded for her to do as he told her.

  "Captain...” she began.

  "If you aren't going to please me, perhaps you should put your clothes back on and go to bed.” He turned away from her, facing the desk, and reached for his ledger. She felt like hitting the back of his head.

  "Do not think I don't know what you are doing.” She crossed her arms.

  "What am I doing?"

  "You think if you command me now that I will obey tomorrow, too.” Rafferty smiled. “But I don't wish to play games."

  Merrick wanted to grab her, to haul her to the floor and give her what she was after. She'd been without reserve, made clear what she wanted, and that stirred him far more than he would have suspected. Still, she was the kind of woman that would hold onto the upper hand if he gave it to her.

  "No?” He set the ledger aside and turned towards her again. “Come here.” She stepped forward instantly, arms dropping to her sides. When she stood before him, he reached out to touch the smooth skin of her stomach. The muscles there tightened beneath his fingertips. Rafferty Jones, he thought, you show me your vulnerability.

  "If you will not sit on the bed, then sit here.” He scraped his chair as he scooted out from the desk. She glanced down at his lap, eyes glittering when his hand fell away from her. She nodded, allowing him to curl an arm around her and pull her into his lap.

  "Now open your mouth,” he said when she looked up at him. She did not hesitate, parting her lips as she slid her hands over his shoulders. He smiled, leaning forward so his breath brushed the fullness of her mouth.

  "That mouth doesn't seem quite as treacherous when it isn't hurling insults,” he murmured, allowing his lips to graze hers. “I wonder, would it yield to me if I tasted of it?” She made a noise in her throat and tightened her arms around him but he did not let her pull him to her. Instead, he raised a hand to her breast, cupping it gently so he could run the pad of his thumb over its peak.

  "I wonder if you would yield,” she murmured.

  She shifted, pressing the round softness of her backside against him. Slowly he leaned her back so she rested in the crook of his arm and lowered his head so he could breathe the scent of her hair deeply.

  She could feel his cock pushing up against her. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. But like her, he also wanted control.

  "If you do not do something, I will rape you,” she threatened desperately. “At knife point if I have to.” Heat tightened within Merrick, and he grunted a chuckle.

  "As long as you understand that this will not change my intentions of handing you over to Thornton.” She closed her eyes and nodded.

  "Now, kiss me or I will claw out your...” Her eyes opened as his hand fell from her breast and pushed her thighs open.

  "Ladies do not make threats,” he warned and to his delight, her eyes glittered.

  "Nor do they sit naked in the laps of a gentleman."

  His fingers slid against her, then invaded when he found her moist. Air hissed through her teeth as she opened her legs a bit more and closed her eyes.

  "Wider.” Without thinking she obeyed, rolling her hips up to his hand. He began to massage her with his palm as he eased his finger deeper. She responded with a low hum of gratitude that pleased him. Watching her expression, he continued to pet and stroke her sex.

  "Open your eyes.” Deep green and they shone up at him like jewels on an ocean floor. “Tell me, Rafferty. Tell me what you feel."

  "No.” She knew what he really wanted. He wanted to make her appear weak. She had done the same to men before and was not going to allow it to be done to her now.

  "Then I will stop.” He started to remove his hand but her thighs closed, trapping his fingers against her.

  "No!” It wasn't a plea. It was a command.

  "Then appease me while I please you,” he demanded.

  "You mean to break me.” She moved her hips up, making a noise of frustration.

  "Men break horses, not women,” Merrick coaxed in a low voice.

  "Move.” She met his gaze but when he waited, she nearly shouted, “please!” His finger sank within her and she breathed out with relief.

  "Now tell me."

  Rafferty suddenly realized she liked this game, this struggle for power. It stirred her blood and heated her body so that she nearly trembled. For the first time, in a very long time, she felt more like a woman and less like the pirate.

  "I ache.” Hot. Excitement. Lust. She shivered when his hand began moving in a slow rhythm again.

  "For what?” He pressed up against her when she moaned deeply.

  "For you to forget this game and get inside of me.” Her words were husky, rough, and desperate. Merrick cursed at himself. What was he doing? This was not a woman to be seduced and toyed with. She was willing and hungry for sex.

  "Give me that damnable mouth,” he growled leaning forward. Her hands pulled
at him when his lips covered hers, groaning gratitude as his tongue tasted her mouth.

  Thunder rumbled around them, as the kiss deepened, grew hotter and more desperate. Merrick forgot his teasing and grasped her waist, hoisting her up before sheathing himself inside of her. She cried out while he slipped his hand down to continue caressing her.

  She moaned softly when he kissed her again. The feel of her voice against his lips excited him, filled him with need. When she began to move, he sucked in his breath and released her lips.

  The green of her eyes was as deep as the ocean and her cheeks were flushed. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and looked him right in the eyes so he could see the pleasure she was feeling. Damn. Damn. Damn.

  "This is no good.” He said with a low growl. “Get up.” He lifted her off him despite her protest. Scooping her up, he stood and in two strides was at the bunk. A breath later, he lay atop her.

  She grinned up at him and with a grunt, she rolled them both so she straddled him, and began rubbing herself along the length of him, her mouth dropping to his shoulder where her teeth grazed his skin. Merrick stared at her as she straightened, her smile softening as she stimulated her sex against him.

  "Come here.” He grasped her waist with firm fingers and guided her forward so that her knees were planted on either side of his head.

  Rafferty sucked in her breath, half groaned, half growled a curse of appreciation as his tongue delved within her and his fingers sought her pleasure. She closed her eyes and began rocking gently with his movements. Her stomach tightened and her entire body tingled with heat.

  Rafferty's breath quickened and his movements became frantic. Arching her back, she reached behind her, found, and grasped his cock in her palm, causing a hand to slip around her to caress the soft roundness of her buttocks. She began to stroke him, her rhythm matching the blood that pulsed along her nerves.

  When hot pleasure rose within her and threatened to spill, she grew still, willing herself not to release the sensation so quickly. Her body trembled with her resistance and perspiration dotted her temples as she bit her lip. She released him and clenched her fist at her sides but it was no good. Her hands searched for something to hold on to and ended up in her hair, balled with her efforts to withstand a little longer.