Free Her Gentleman Pirate (High Seas & High Stakes Book 2) by Tamara Gill Page B

Arabella gasped at the contact, wanting, needing him close. The non-existent distance too much to bear.
    He ripped at his frontfalls, lifted her a little and thrust into her aching core and carried them both toward bliss within moments. She came up to meet him, to join with him as deep as possible. He filled her completely, made her whole and she moaned when he slowed his pace to tease relentlessly.
    “Don’t stop,” she gasped. He didn’t, just inexorably kept up his torturous pace.
    “I won’t,” he whispered against her ear. “Not until you ask me to.” He nipped her lobe, his hands either side of her skull. She met his gaze and almost drowned in his sensual haze. They watched each other as both fell into bliss. The delicious spasms that rocked through her body left her sated and sleepy. Arabella kissed his shoulder, loving the feel of Stephen above her, in her, with her.
    “I never knew it could be like this for a woman. That being with a man could be so enjoyable.”
    Stephen’s lips curved and then he laughed. “If the man’s doing it right of course it can. I’m glad I’m able to pleasure you.” He laid beside her, pulling her into the crook of his arm. “You’re a very intelligent, beautiful woman who deserves only the best of all things.”
    Arabella looked up and held his gaze. “I’m glad you think so. Thank you.”
    He nodded. “I do. Don’t ever think otherwise.”
    She snuggled into his hold, not wanting him to see that she’d become a watering pot since last night. The realization that she did not want to leave Stephen hit her like gale force wind on the stormy seas. He was everything she wanted in life. A man who listened to her, loved her with reverence and only wanted what was best. And soon she would have to leave him. Family duty told her so, along with marriage contracts, but the thought of never seeing him again tore her in two.
    Broke her heart in fact.

Chapter 8
    S tephen crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the pompous Lord Montague, who stood on the deck of his own ship, similarly glaring. “So what do we owe the pleasure, my lord? I didn’t think the coastal communities of Cornwall would pull such a gentleman of the ton to its ports. You’ll find no Almacks here.”
    His lordship snarled and Stephen laughed. He almost didn’t recognize Lord Montague. In the months since he’d seen him, he’d grown larger, more pompous and red-faced. “Where is Miss Hester? I’m here to take her home. We’re to be married next week.” His voice was high, too high for a man.
    “Take a breath lad. You are allowed to breathe you know.” Stephen leaned against the railing and heard the footsteps of two of his crewmen come to stand behind him. Lord Montague for all his feminine characteristics had two very beefy crew members watching the proceedings from behind his lordship. It didn’t tax Stephen’s imagination to know the men were trouble. It was best to have his own protection in situations like these.
    An older man he recognized as Arabella’s father appeared on deck and waddled over to where her betrothed stood. “Where is my daughter? I demand you release her at once.”
    Lord Montague lifted his overly long nose in the air. “Do not assume I’m here to spar with you. I’m here for my betrothed and nothing more. Now, where is she?”
    “Safe.” Stephen raised his brow. “Next question.”
    “It’s not a question but a command. Bring her to me post haste and no further action will be taken against you. Not by me at least.”
    Arabella’s father huffed out a breath. “I, on the other hand, will ensure you pay for this treachery.”
    “I look forward to it, Sir Hester,” Stephen said. “But pray tell me, Lord Montague, why is it that a man of your ilk wishes to marry at all? I always thought your tastes veered in another direction entirely.”
    His lordships face turned crimson. “You have one hour to produce Miss Hester or I’ll not be held responsible for