Taken by Pirates

“Lass, you must tell me what I did wrong. How am I to fix something if I don’t know what’s broken?”

I hated that she looked so uncomfortable, but I needed to know the truth.

“Please don’t think that you need to keep up with the men,” I said gently. “They’re all a lot stronger than you are, and have been doing this for many years. Nobody would ever expect you to work yourself so hard.”

Those beautiful lips opened and closed several times, as if she wasn’t sure what words to choose. Finally, she whispered, “But you’re more likely to keep a good worker on board, aren’t you, Captain?”

“Dear Lord,” I exclaimed, pulling her into my lap as my arms tightened around her. “I don’t know what could ever make you think that I wanted to be rid of you.”

Her chin quivered, and she couldn’t meet my eyes as she whispered, “You don’t want to palm me off on your aunt Clementine?”

In the back of my mind, an anchor dropped.

“My sweet lass, Willy and I were discussing what to do should you ever want to leave us. No matter what happens, I need to make sure that you’re in a safe place.”

She seemed to relax slightly as the heel of my hand ran up her spine. “And if we ever were doing a job that was a little too dangerous to have a sweet girl about, we could have you stay at my aunt’s for a week.”

My thumb traced across her bottom lip. “I always need to see three steps ahead, Maggie. Plans. Scenarios. Just in case.”

She looked at me curiously. “It’s my decision if I want to stay?”

“Of course. Absolutely.”

Her nose crinkled in disbelief.

“Many of us are here on the sea for the sake of our freedom,” I explained gently. “We’d rather be our own men, rather than have townspeople tell us what to wear, what house to buy, and how to live. Sure, we’re a bunch of crusty, salty dogs, but if you’re comfortable here with us, the entire crew would like you to stay. I’m sure of it.”

Maggie looked up at me with such hope in her eyes, that I had to take a guess at what she was thinking.

“I know I haven’t told you about my feelings, lass. Pirates aren’t supposed to have any.”

Taking hold of her hand, I placed across my heart. “This is yours, Maggie. If you want it.”

Tears filled those pretty blue eyes, and I froze, not sure what to do. Then she leaned in just an inch, her lips parting as she silently begged for a kiss.

No woman of mine should ever have to beg.

Kissing her gently, our lips glided together in a sweet caress that grew more heated every second. Lying back across the bed, I pulled her on top of me, allowing my hands to travel all over her behind, her thighs, those inviting hips.

I could feel the hunger in her kiss. Feel how much she wanted me.

Sliding my hand under her skirt, I caressed the back of her leg, inching my fingers under her knickers. She moaned softly, spreading her legs as she ground against my stiffening shaft. Although she was clearly innocent, there was no mistaking her body’s natural urges.

She still wanted me. It was clear as a morning sky in winter. My beautiful girl wanted me completely.

“Captain,” Dwyer called through the door, “Willy needs you to confirm our position.”

“Son of a…” I muttered, making Maggie giggle. “I’ll be right there,?

?? I called out quickly.

I kissed a path along to Maggie’s ear. “My beautiful girl, I’m going to ask you soon if I may take you completely. I’ll be happy to hear any answer – yes, no, or not quite yet. Just something to think about today.”

The blush that stained her soft cheeks was so enticing that my hands clenched around her tender body.

“Don’t work so hard today,” I whispered, kissing her forehead as we got up.

“Aye, Captain ,” she said saucily, those blue eyes gleaming.