Calypso Magic (Magic Trilogy 2)

"I suppose I shall have to do something for you, my lord."

"I can think of a number of things, but I am hungry."

They picked mangoes and ate them as they sprawled under a palm tree. "Now, you very stubborn man, tell me about your trip."

"You're no longer peeved with me?"

"Yes, but there is nothing I can do about it." She added handsomely, "I also decided to forgive you because you are just a man. You have occasional lapses into manly foolishness. I shall be tolerant."

"Why do I think that life as I have known it is over?"

She poked him in the ribs. He closed his arms around her and pulled her close. "Tell me your adventures, Lyon."

"It was a simple necessity, not an adventure. Road Town is a god-awful place except for the government buildings and wealthy planters' homes. But you already know that. Bemis hired two horses and we rode to Mendenhall. As you probably also know, it's in the hills and the road, if you can call it that, was washed out because of recent rains." Lyon paused a moment, his eyes clouding with obviously distasteful memories.

"It was what I expected, I guess, but even so, I suppose I was praying it would be more like Savarol. The great house was inhabited by the overseer, a greasy individual by the name of Torrence. He has bad teeth, incidentally. He wasn't expecting me, of course. I'd made certain that Bemis didn't have the opportunity to give him warning. The house was a pigsty. We found him in bed with one of the slaves, a girl who could have been no more than thirteen or fourteen years old. As for the ninety or so slaves on the plantation, they were kept like animals. There was filth everywhere. I saw lash marks on several backs, including women. Torrence, of course, talked a mile a minute, assuring me that everything would be much better just as soon as I made decisions about the plantation, and on and on. I didn't smash my fist into his face, though the temptation was great. My impression was that Bemis and Torrence have been having a merry time until the new owner came to Tortola. That I surprised them wasn't to their liking. I have never seen Bemis so tightlipped. There is something else. I had this inescapable feeling that I would have had my toes cocked up for me had I not been married to you."

"Lyon, no!"

"Oh, yes, love. You see, with my death, you would inherit, so it would gain them nothing to do away with me. Bemis finally ran out of excuses on our return trip to Savarol last night. I held my tongue, acted the bored aristocrat to his satisfaction, I believe. I further think that Torrence believes I will allow things to continue as they are. As your father says, most overseers and attorneys are used to absentee owners who care only for a profit."

"What are you going to do?"

He grinned at her, leaning toward her to wipe mango juice off her chin with his fingertips. "Not just yet, Diana. I wish a couple more days to think it all through." He didn't add that his plan couldn't succeed without her father's involvement and agreement.

"I am your wife!"

"Lord, that's true." He gave her a lecherous smile and closed his hand over her thigh. "I believe it's time to treat you like a wife. I suppose you missed my man's body sorely?"

"Ha!" But her eyes roved down his body to his manhood. It swelled beneath her interested look.

She reached out her hand and touched him. He throbbed and swelled. Her eyes flew to his face. His look was one of amusement andintensity. "You feel very odd, Lyon. Hard but soft-feeling, like velvet, I think." Her fingers closed around him, and to her immense delight, he groaned.

"Lyon," she said softly, her eyes on him and her moving fingers. "You know how you love me sometimes?"

"No. How do I love you sometimes?"

"YouWell, you know. Your mouth, youOh stop being such a dreadful tease!"

"Ah, that is the way I wish to love you all the time now I know you won't turn red with embarrassment."

She flushed slightly. "Well, would it give you the same pleasure were I to kiss you there?"

"Diana," he said, his voice deep and fervent, "it would make me want to expire with pleasure."

"Ah," she said, vastly pleased.

He watched her lower her head, felt her soft lips on his belly, felt her hand push him onto his back. He lightly touched his hand to her head. When her lips lightly brushed his manhood, he thought he would explode. He sucked in his breath in a hiss.

"I like the way you taste," she said, and he felt her warm breath caressing him. It was nearly too much. "Am I doing this all right, Lyon?"

"Sweetheart, if you do what you are doing much more, both of us will regret it."

She raised her head a moment and grinned at him. "I shall just have to see, won't I?"

She was between his legs, her hair, now

loose from its ribbon, flowing over his belly and thighs.