She looked him in the eye, and nodded, blessing him with a warm smile.
He captured her lips again and thrust his tongue into her mouth at the same time he reared his hips back and then pushed forward, forcing his way past her maidenhead.
He swallowed her cry with a deep kiss, stilling his hips so she could grow accustomed to him. As much as he wanted to pump his hips and drive himself into her, now wasn’t the time. Colin didn’t want to cause her any more pain than she was already in.
When she started moving under him, he knew he could continue. Slowly, he withdrew and entered again, long, slow strokes, allowing her to get used to the movement.
She gasped, and he noticed a tear escaping her eye. He kissed it away as it started to trail down her cheek.
“Ye feel so good, lass,” Colin held himself back, not driving as hard as he wanted to, but still quickened his pace. His bollocks drew up and he knew he was close.
“Come with me, Seonag. Let me take ye over the edge.”
He wasn’t going to last much longer when he felt her tighten around him. “That’s it, lass. Let it go.”
“Colin!” Seonag cried out into the room, her voice echoing off the walls.
It was all he needed to thrust his hips a few more times until he had his own release, his growl almost louder than hers.
Breathing heavy, he rolled off her, but took her with him so she laid upon his chest.
He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I hope I didna hurt ye too bad, lass.”
He felt her shake her head against his chest, “Ye didna.”
“Good.” He stroked the smooth skin of her back. Then reached over and pulled the throw over them. “Sleep now. We’ll talk in the morn.”
She sighed, her breath feathering against his skin and he savored the feeling. Never in all of his years had he ever thought that fateful night at the inn would lead him to this moment.
Colin stayed awake for a while, listening to Seonag’s soft breathing. A sound he’d heard for the past few weeks, but this night, it seemed so much more special.
Epilogue
One month later
Seonag and Colinsat on a pine bench across from Anice, in the small house she used to share with her daughter, barely able to contain their huge grins at the surprise they had for her mother.
They’d been away this past month after refilling the ship’s supplies after taking down Storm and his crew, then sailing home.
Anice sighed from her rocking chair. A gift from her late father. He’d made it himself and even carved the design of his flag into the wood. “After being the wife of a pirate, Seonag, I canna say that I’m overly happy at yer decision to stay with Colin.” She looked at Colin. “No offense, Captain.”
“None taken, ma’am. I understand. Yer daughter’s best interests are first and foremost in yer mind. I can assure ye, they are mine as well.” Colin clasped Seonag’s hand, his thumb stroking her hand, shooting a thrill up her arm.
“Ma, I know yer concern. Colin is a good man,” she patted his knee and squeezed. “He’s put up with me and forgiven me my deception once he understood the reason behind it. Storm has been dealt with andHades Revengeis being repaired as we speak.” The repair was no small task. The ship was heavily damaged in the attack, but Colin was committed to restoring the vessel to its former sailing glory. “When next she sets sail, she’ll have a faithful crew with a deserving captain at the helm.”
And she would. After weeks of discussion, Colin decided to gift Peggy the ship. The man was more than capable of running his own ship and crew. He’d practically done it forThe Hella, so why not his own vessel?
Seonag knew Colin would miss him, but he promoted Derrick, who’d proven to be more than capable, to the position of quartermaster.
“And ye know I’ve always been happier in the water than on land.”
“’Tis true,” Anice conceded. “But ’tis still a danger. And a lass at sea? Who’s ever heard of such a thing?”
“I’ll be in good hands, ma.”
Anice looked at Colin, and Seonag knew her mother was seeing the same thing that she saw in him. A strong, confident man that would give his life for her if it came to it.
Her mother nodded and threw up her hands. “Fine! Ye have my blessing. But, if I hear anything of ill will against my daughter, I will come and hunt ye down myself, Colin Harris.”
