Free Stormy Seas by Evelyn James Page B

just for you.”
The shy servant nodded slightly and slipped out the door, closing
it behind her.
Kira rushed to the wardrobe on the far wall.
Pulling open the doors, she was shocked to find three beautiful
dresses hanging there. Kira felt her stomach tighten with
excitement and confusion.
She saw a lovely gown made of a shimmery bronze
color, with pink accents around the collar and skirt. She
especially loved the intricate pattern of the bronze fabric,
lending allure to what she felt was a very sophisticated gown.
The second dress was a light mint green design with
white lace around the collar and sleeves. She looked at it
adoringly and held it to her frame, finding a tall standing mirror
in the corner.
It struck her that the green color was just right
and accented her red hair perfectly. How on earth had Luciana known
what colors to pick? Kira felt shocked that the haughty socialite
would have bothered to pick anything for her to wear at all.
The final gown was a deep purple dress with a very
majestic train. There were accents of emerald green throughout the
design, and Kira felt sure she would look like royalty in it. She
sighed at her reflection in the mirror.
The gowns were perfect, which accented the unkempt
state of her thick hair. Even her face had a smudge of dirt that
had gone unnoticed. She tried to fight the notion that she was
completely out of place here.
Kira looked around the room as emotional exhaustion
began to set in. She sunk onto the soft bed, wishing she didn't
feel so anxious and alone in this intimidating mansion. Her mind
traced over the events of the last hour, watching Luciana proudly
flaunt her beautiful engagement ring and relationship with
Marcus.
Kira almost choked on the feelings of frustration
and pain that rose up in her. How could she be such a fool? And how
could he be so utterly heartless?
    She allowed her body to collapse
tiredly on the luxurious bed, feeling a weariness overcome her.
Kira couldn't stand the thought of living here, couldn't handle
watching him with her . So close and yet so out of reach. She felt sleep begin to
overtake her, closing her eyes to blink away a few rebellious tears
that would not be quelled.
~~~~~~~~
Marcus escorted Malcolm out, walking into the
cobbled street with the cook. Malcolm planted his feet squarely and
gave his captain a long, tired stare. “It's not my place, sir,” he
started with a fatherly air.
    “ But...” Marcus continued for
him.
    “ She's a lovely girl, Captain.
Really she is.”
    “ I know, Malcolm. That's why I'm
marrying her.”
Malcolm cleared his throat with a small smile.
“Ahem...no sir, I mean Kira.”
Marcus felt his face flame. Was his attraction to
her that obvious? He was doing everything he could to get her out
of his head and still everyone seemed to be determined to keep him
from succeeding.
    “ Kira is of no interest to me. I'm
a man. Like any man, it was tempting to have a woman on board.
Spending so much time away can be difficult . But that's all it was. A
distraction.” Marcus practically growled through his
teeth.
    “ Of course, sir. Who am I to argue
with that?”
Marcus wanted to strangle the portly fellow. He
knew Malcolm had an opinion on the matter.
    “ What is it?” Marcus said, dragging out
his words with a slight air of contempt.
    “ Well, if I may, Captain...”
Malcolm started with caution, knowing he was treading on thin ice.
“I've never seen you distracted before. Never. In all my years as
your cook, you've been the picture of focus, determination, a
forceful will that doesn't waver. But now...”
Marcus ears burned; he wanted to explode with
anger. He was being criticized and he wouldn't stand for it.
    “ She's beautiful...” He seethed,
his green eyes flashing with frustration. “Don't you understand?
She's got something, some kind of magic that makes me crazy. What's
a man supposed to do with a beautiful woman in despair, someone who
needs him?!” Marcus ran his hands forcefully through