Which meant she must make her escape as soon as possible.
Yet as she stared at Blake, his muscular chest rising and falling beneath the deep breaths of sleep, a melancholy overcame her.If he remained on this path, he would end up dead, not only in spirit but in body. She knew it deep inside. Could see it in his future—a future full of crushed hopes and sorrow, ending in hellfire.
Oh, Lord, she prayed silently while she began a softer tune on the violin.You said to pray for Your enemies, to bless those who curse You. Hence, I’m praying for Blake. He needs You. He needs to know You. Please help him. Please tell me how I can help him.Why she cared, she could not say, but something about the man stirred her soul.
Finishing the song, she removed the violin from beneath her chin and laid it in her lap. Windwhishedacross windowpanes where ribbons of moonlight streamed into the room. Distant laughter echoed from somewhere in the house. Intending to return to her chamber, Emeline gently laid the violin in its case and rose.
“Don’t stop.” Blake’s deep voice rumbled as he lifted his head from the back of the chair.
“I thought you were asleep.” Emeline took a step toward him, clasping her hands.
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees, his hair hanging around his face, but said naught.
“I’m weary, Blake. May I return to my bed?”
Rising, he moved toward her, his shadow so large, his movements so predatory, that she swallowed down a lump of fear. Yet she remained in place.
He halted mere inches from her. Lantern light swept over his face, revealing an exhaustion she could not fathom and a humility she never expected. Raising his hand, he eased the back of his fingers over her cheek, so softly, so gently…she closed her eyes beneath the sensation.
The heat from his body flooded her, his scent, his touch. Heart pounding, she opened her eyes and took a step back, angry at her response to him.
“Good night, Captain,” she blurted nervously and turned toward the door.
His firm grasp on her arm swung her about. “You are right about Pedro. I should not have been so harsh. But you must understand. I have a ship to run, men to command. I cannot tolerate laziness nor disrespect.”
“I do understand. More than you know.”
“Aye. You hail from a mighty stock of ship captains.” He breathed out a deep sigh, released her, and dragged a hand through his hair. “But the boy. He has promise for one so young.”
“You might tell him that now and then, Captain.”
He nodded. “Aye.”
She could leave. But something kept her in place. “I am shocked you would listen to a silly woman such as myself.”
He snapped his gaze her way. “I listen to many things you say.” He moved toward her again, and before she could stop him, he took a strand of her loose hair tumbling over her nightdress and fingered it as if it were made of spun gold.
“May I leave, Captain?”
He stared at her, his eyes inches from hers. “On one condition.”
She waited, her nerves tight, her mind reeling, ready to defend her chastity if need be.
Before she could gather her resolve, his lips lowered to hers. Soft, sensual, moist, their touch sent powerful waves down to her toes, sensations she’d never felt before. She should kick him! She should slap him. She should run away as fast as she could.
Instead, she stood there, allowing his kiss. Nay. Enjoying it, responding to it! The shame!
He deepened it, exploring, loving. He tasted of rum and spice. Wrapping his arms around her, he drew her close, pressing her curves against his hard chest. His strength surrounded her, enfolding her in a cocoon of protection. Her legs turned to mush. He held her tighter. Warmth spiraled through her. Reason! Reason! Sanity! She begged for release from this madness!
He withdrew. “Emeline.” His voice was sultry, deep, breathless.
Horror flooded her. Shame soon followed. Pushing from him, she drew a hand to her mouth. Was he to take more liberties now that she had allowed his kiss? What had she been thinking?
His eyes, brimming with desire, searched hers. He took a step back. “You may leave.”
Spinning on her heels, Emeline fled from the room.
Chapter 22
