And for the first time since the storm, Caleb and Desi were alone.
Chapter 30: The Wages of Witchcraft
Desi’s insides spun in a cyclone of ever-changing emotions.To be expected, she supposed, after being tossed back and forth through time like a ping-pong ball.
What she didn’t expect was the way Caleb’s nearness made her feel—more than the usual exhilaration—no, it was as if a deep empty space inside her soul had been filled at last.
He sat back on his desk, boots crossed at his ankle, giving her a look that sent heat spiraling through her.Not just passion, but reverence, devotion, the promise of forever in a single glance.
No one had ever looked at her that way.
Wet breeches clung to strong thighs while his damp shirt molded perfectly around every muscle.The mesmerizing sight was only interrupted by the crossing of the leather strap that housed his cutlass by his side.Hair as dark as the night dripped onto his shoulders, matching the stubble shadowing his jaw.And those eyes, stormy, ungovernable, and utterly alive.
Was she really here again in this time with this pirate-preacher who made every cell within her come alive?
“I thought you’d left me forever,” he said, rising from the desk.
And suddenly she felt nervous in his presence, like a teen on her first date with the school’s heartthrob.
The room heated around her.“I didn’t mean to leave.”She drew the shawl from her shoulders and cleared her throat.“When I began to feel myself slipping away,” She swallowed hard and slowly rose, “I wanted to die.I didn’t want to lose you, Caleb.”
Smiling, he moved toward her, slipping his hand into hers.
She had to say it.He had to know.
“I couldn’t leave without telling you.”Moisture filled her eyes, and she hated her weakness, hated that this man made her feel so out of control.And worse, she was unable to do anything about it.“That I love you, Caleb Hyde.I think I always have.”
Delight softened his features, though a teasing glint kindled in his eyes.“And you traveled across centuries just to tell me that?”
She raised a brow.“You may not believe me, but I’ve never said that to a man before.”
He lifted her hand and kissed it reverently.“Then you do me a great honor.”
Feeling suddenly vulnerable, she tried to withdraw her hand, but he held fast.No doubt Caleb had declared his love for many women before, particularly Geneviève.
He must have read the mistrust in her eyes.“I have never felt this way about anyone, Desi.When you left, you took a part of my heart with you.”Sorrow darkened his gaze.“I didn’t think I could go on.”He squeezed her hand.“I prayed and prayed for the Lord to bring you back to me.And He did.”He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, warm, tender, achingly gentle.
When his lips touched hers, the world fell away.
Heat surged to her toes.A wave of pleasure swept over her, fierce and inescapable.
He drew her close, fingers threading through her hair, his chest an unyielding shield against all harm.
“I love you, Desi,” he whispered in her ear.“Stay with me…forever.”
His lips moved to hers again, drowning her in love, searching, caressing, uniting them in a bond that went beyond time…until ship, sea, and century dissolved around them.
By the time he pulled back, Desi wasn’t entirely sure she wouldn’t do anything he asked.Her breath came fast.Her blood rushed madly.She blinked to clear her mind, her vision, her heart.
Caleb’s eyes smoldered like the horizon after a storm.“You enchant me, Desi.To the depths of my being.”
She stepped closer, wanting more of him, wanting to lose herself in his arms.She’d never known real love, never believed it was possible.Never felt such sensations storming through her.
But he raised a palm.“Nay, my little sea nymph.A man can only endure so much temptation.”
Disappointed, but smiling, she saw him as he was—honorable, moral, God-fearing.So unlike any man she’d known.
He stroked her chin with his thumb.“Promise you won’t leave me again.”
