The Mermaid's Pearl (Tears of the Deep Book 1) (11 page)

He chucked, sending a thrill through me, and withdrew his hand from between my legs just as I was about to let go. I whimpered. He knew I was close to losing myself, and he wasn’t ready for that to happen yet. “Mmmm, lass, you are amazing.”

I wrapped my legs around him as he pressed his hips into me. His readiness excited me, and I could feel it through the cloth of his pants. There was no turning back now, but I didn’t want to.

His hands trailed softly up my body, pulling the fabric up and over my head. I moved my hands out of the way, and he tossed it to the side. A growl arose from his mouth as he began to roam his hands over my body, stopping at each sensitive spot and spending time there with his warm mouth and his fingers.

My hands desperately moved to the string of his pants. He didn’t stop me as I pushed them out of the way. Adjusting himself for a moment, he kicked the pants off him and moved back over me.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked me from beneath hooded eyes.

“With everything I am.”

I could feel the blood rushing through my body, excitement filling me up as I trembled beneath him. I was nervous and anxious, yet ready, so very ready to have him in my arms for the night. Nothing in my life ever seemed so sure. This was perfect.

Leaning down on his forearms, he nuzzled his face next to mine. “Say the word and I will stop.”

I shook my head. Never would I ask him to stop.

As he shifted his hips forward, I dug my nails into his back. My breath caught in my throat as I pulled him closer. I closed my eyes, biting my lip as he began to move. There was a moment of pain as he slowly pushed himself further, and then the rush of pleasure taking me over. A low moan escaped from between my lips as he began to speed up.

“Now you really are completely mine, lass” he whispered into my ear.

Chills ran down my body and I responded with a breathy, “Yes.”

I couldn’t get enough of him. He was incredible in every way, and only he could put this fire out that was igniting in my body. Every fiber of my being was alive, and I needed Aiden to soothe it.

“
Please
,” I begged, no longer wanting him to be gentle with me.

He smirked, but I didn’t care. He obliged within seconds, speeding up to something more frantic and needy. With each movement of his body, he showed me what was missing in my life. He muttered curses and sweet nothings as he ravished me, just as he promised he would one day. The feel of his body on mine was something I could easily become addicted to. He treated me much more like a precious stone than the bar wenches he was used to. Even as his fingers twisted in my hair and became more insistent, it sent shivers down my back. He was an amazing lover, with no trace of selfishness, and he showed me several times throughout the night.

My eyes slammed closed as the world exploded around me, leaving me breathless with pleasure. I cried out his name, racking my nails into his back and leaving crescent moons for the morning. Aiden was right behind me, his breath hot on my neck as his eyes grew dark, and he shuddered above me. I would forever have the image ingrained in my head, the feel of the scruff on his face sliding against my soft skin.

The room was suddenly silent, with only our heavy breaths filling the space. I couldn’t remember a time when I was so happy, so relaxed, or so satisfied. It seemed as if the whole world was
perfect there in Aiden’s arms, and I never wanted to leave them.

That was when the panic hit me. Fear rose in me he would throw me off his ship and brush me off like the other women who shared his bed in the past. I didn’t want to ruin the moment. I tried not to object when he began to roll away from me.

But he began to laugh, deep and sexy in his chest. I wasn’t sure what was funny, but as I opened my mouth to ask him, he tried to tug his hand from my hair.

“My ring wants to stay there in your beautiful locks, love.”

My body relaxed at the realization that he wasn’t leaving me. I laughed as I watched him try to untangle his hand from my hair. When he did, I reached for it and smiled at him. “I want
you
to stay here with me.”

“I will, always,” he replied, much to my surprise, as he kissed my forehead and stood up from the bed. “You’ve made it bloody hot in here, lass.”

I giggled as he shook his head and opened a porthole to let some fresh air into the cabin. He returned to the bed and pulled me to him, lacing his hands through my hair slowly. My racing breath began to slow as my body relaxed against him.

I ran my hand over his chest, studying the array of scarring and tattoos there. They made him who he was, and I wanted to know the story behind every scar and what each tattoo stood for.

Pulling myself up on my elbow, I looked down at him with a smile. He returned it and raked his hand through my hair but didn’t say a word. I trailed my hand over his chest to his shoulder, my eyes moving to the inking there.

“When did you get these?”

“Different times.”

From where I was, I could see a skull and crossbones on the inside of his bicep, an anchor on his upper arm, and a very detailed ship on the seas running down his side. They were intricate and beautiful, dark colors that stood out on his body.

“Did they hurt?”

He laughed. “No.”

I cocked an eyebrow and looked at him. “Are you lying to me?”

“Of course not, darling. Would I do such a thing?” There was mischief in his eyes.

He took me by the arms and rolled me onto my back, coming with me so he could lean over me. His hand took mine and ran it down his chest to the writing underneath the water the ship rested on.

“This one reminds me of what I am. I can never forget that.” 

“What are you?” I asked, not understanding what he meant.

He dipped his head to kiss my neck and whisper. “I’m just a man, love.”

I wanted to tell him that he was wrong, he was so much more than that. Still, his words didn’t answer my question. He ran his hand down my body, taking my breath and words away. His hands gripped my hips as he rolled back onto his back, taking me with him and tucking me into his arms. 

“Maybe I should get a tattoo,” I mused, wondering what it would be like.

“No need to ruin your beautiful, perfect skin, lass. Now, let’s stop talking, it’s been quite the long and wonderful night. The sun will be up soon and I don’t want to keep you up
all
night.”

“It was worth it,” I whispered as I snuggled closer to him.

That night, the captain’s quarters seemed less like a prison and more like home. Aiden’s scent, of the air after a rainfall, took me over and fused itself with mine. The sound of the sea outside and the creaking of the ship was a lullaby just for us. This was my first night of peaceful sleep since boarding
The Devil’s Pearl.
No nightmares, just silence and peace. I felt safe and content as I slept in the strong arms of my captain.

Chapter Fourteen

When I awoke the next morning, the sun was shining into the captain’s quarters and bathing me in its warm light. I sighed with contentment as I remembered the night before and reached out to feel for Aiden. I wanted to be tucked into his arms again. A wave of disappointment crashed over me when he wasn't there. Panic and fury hit me simultaneously as I sat straight up in the bed, my eyes roaming desperately over the room to find him. Had he already left me alone and returned to his duties without saying a word?

No.

He was sitting in the window seat, one of my favorite places to be. One of his legs was drawn up to his chest and the other dangled to the floor. His skin reflected the sunlight, and for a moment he seemed to shine like the sun. The dark tattoos that littered his left side, right shoulder, and bicep stood out on his tanned skin. Now in the light, I could see clearly the scars scattered randomly across his body. His eyes focused on the sea with calmness I had never seen in them before. It was if he was somewhere else and lost deep in his thoughts. He was once again clad in his black cotton pants, and I wondered how long he had been up and sitting there.

Quietly, I pulled myself out of bed and pulled on his shirt, tugging the fabric across my body as I buttoned it up. It was much too big for me, but it felt right to wear it. My first few steps were wobbly, sore from the night’s antics, but it brought a smile to my face. My feelings jumbled into something I didn’t recognize, and I didn’t like it. But there was no doubt in my mind this wouldn’t last, even if a part of me wanted it too.

I bit my lip to hide the excited smile because I didn’t want to have any expectations of him. I wasn’t sure what sort of mood he would be in this morning, but I didn’t want to be dismissed.

“Good morning, love,” he said, turning to address me. He ran his hands through his messy dark hair in an attempt to smooth it out.

I wasn’t sure what to think of his new pet name for me so I made my reply simple. “Morning.”

Aiden shifted on the seat to make room for me to sit down beside him. He reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “Where’s my confident lass?”

“Same place my dreadful Captain Aiden went I suppose.”

“Oh he’s always here, just under the surface.” His hand moved into my hair to tangle there and pull me to him. His lips were soft and gentle as they touched mine, taking my breath away even then.

I leaned away from him and tried to speak confidently and not sound desperate, but my emotions jumbled in a mess that I wasn’t sure how to process. “I want you to stay here with me.”

“That I will. Always,” he replied much to my surprise as he kissed my forehead and pulled me closer.

“Aiden, you’re a better person than people give you credit for,” I pointed out teasingly.

“Shhh, darling, don’t tell anyone, it will be our little secret.” His fingers ran through my hair as he looked down at me. “Now, you
do
remember I’m in charge on my ship.”

“I do.”

“And I don’t take kindly to those who try and overtake me.”

“Oh I’m sure.” I ran my hands through his hair and gazed up at him. He was so very handsome, his eyes sparkling with trouble.

“That includes you, I hope you know.”

“Are you threatening me,
Captain
?” I giggled.

His eyes darkened for a moment as he spoke, “Don’t do anything to make me have to do that.”

My body shivered, recognizing the need in his eyes, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there again. Not yet, anyway. I slapped his arm playfully. “You promised me I was safe here.”

“That you are. But I’m afraid you’re going to be the death of me, love.” Aiden sighed.

There was the love word again.
Love
. As much as I was tempted to think about it, I pushed it away, but it kept coming up. Out of all the creatures on the earth, a human pirate was not one I wanted to fall in love with. From his experience with women, maybe he could help me sort out my feelings. Tristen wasn’t there, so Aiden was all I had. Surely he would have kicked me out of his cabin if he were done with me.

“I would hope not,” I started, but a loud voice interrupted me. My scowl traveled over towards the door as the noise continued.

“Cap’n!” a voice called from the other side, following by a loud banging. It continued, loud and determined.

Aiden growled as he picked me up and sat me on my feet. “Go wash up and put on something more decent so we can go on deck.”

In the blink of an eye, he changed from the gentle and charming Aiden to the ruthless and demanding Captain.

I glared at him as I poked him in the chest. “I’ll have you remember I’m not your servant to command.” I whirled around on my feet to retreat to the washroom and change clothes.

As I closed the door, I heard the rush of someone into the room. There was a grumbling disagreement from the captain, followed by the door closing, and then lowered whispers in the room. Curiosity got the best of me. I cracked the door open slowly and peered out into the room. I couldn’t see them from where I was, but I could hear Aiden bickering quietly with the man.

“I don’t care, Hayes.”

“But the other men, they are getting restless at having the girl aboard the ship! They are certain she is a sea witch out to get us! She called Cap’n Gabriel and his feigns to us, you know this to be true.”

“She did no such thing!” Aiden exclaimed with anger in his voice. A moment later, he laughed. “No need to worry she won’t be here much longer, I’m sure. If her father is who I suspect he is, we will have word soon, and he will not allow us to keep her.”

I threw my hands over my mouth to hide my shock. I was right all this time. He suspected what I was and had no real need for me, except that I could bring him great prosperity and health. My blood ran cold and my stomach dropped as I continued to listen. I prayed I was wrong, although I wasn’t sure what was more important—his feelings for me or my identity.
When had this change of heart occurred?

“You look saddened, Cap’n.”

Aiden sighed and sat down on the bed. I could see the back of him as he brought his hand up to rub his eyes. “Aye, I heard tales of her charm and strength, Hayes. She’s an extraordinary princess, one that is different from the others and coveted throughout the lands. One to rule just as well as her husband some day. An equal. The princess of the sea…but it can’t really be can it?” His voice was unsure as he spoke. 

The men grew quiet for several agonizing moments.

“Either way it will be good to be rid of her,” Hayes offered, breaking the silence.

“Wish it were that I could agree with you. Alas, I was not expecting her beauty. Or her prowess.”

My lips curved up into a smile. So he was pleased with me, more than he admitted to me. My thoughts wandered back to the night before when he trailed his rough fingers over my skin and treated me as some fragile thing that could be broken. Yet he had not shared anything deep and meaningful with me. He hadn’t opened up to me like he was with this particular crewman, and I wanted to find out who he was. Perhaps he could be of use to me and give me information. 

“She’s bewitched you, Cap’n!”

Aiden laughed. “I’m afraid I’ve brought it upon myself. I haven’t felt this way in years…never thought I could again but…”

My breath hitched as I listened. I hated the reaction because I still wasn’t sure there was a committed bone in his body.

After a few quiet moments, he began to glance back towards where I was listening. “Wonder what she’s doing in there.” He stood up to come and check on me.

I dropped my shirt to the floor and quickly crossed the room. Hurriedly, I ran the soap and water over my body to try and clean up. As I finished putting my clothing on, Aiden knocked on the door once and opened it to glance inside.

I paused as I laced the front of my pants to address him, hoping there was no hint of what I’d heard in my voice. “Yes?”

“You’re taking an awfully long time in here.” His voice was suspicious.

“I need my boots, could you get them for me?”

As he stared back at me, uncertainty played over his face. He didn’t completely believe me. My heart pounded against my chest. I didn’t know what he would do if he found out I was eavesdropping. Would he finally drop this charade he was playing with me and show me just how much of the
captain
he really was?

“Just this once,” he agreed as he closed the door behind him.

I sighed with relief as I leaned back against the wall. He wasn’t suspicious enough to pursue it, and I was thankful. My thoughts wanted to return to the possibility of having another night with him, and spending more time with him, not being proved I was right that he was evil. I forced the thoughts from my head. I was only dreaming, and dreaming of something that shouldn’t be.

He brought my boots, but I took my time putting them on before joining him in the cabin. Hayes was there, about my height but with a large stomach on him. His hair was an odd shade of orange with freckles dotted across his face. Like most of the men on the ship, he was older than Aiden. A sword was at his belt, and a smile was upon his face. He seemed friendly enough.

Aiden himself dressed into his usual leather clothing, his heavy coat moved with him as he turned to see me standing there. His eyes roamed down my body with a satisfied smile before motioning towards the other man. “This is Hayes. He’s my right hand man. He will get you anything you need if I’m not around.”

I nodded, even though I would rather not be alone with another pirate on the ship. Aiden was the only one I trusted, and that only went so far, even after our night together.

“What exactly do you mean?” I asked.

“You have been spending more time with me on deck and out of this cabin. I promised you safety and you will have it with him if I must tend to something.”

“Why are you just now introducing him to me?” I hated to sound suspicious, but one could never be too careful with a pirate.

“Oh he’s been around, darling, you just haven’t noticed because you’ve been too busy staring at my arse.”

I scowled and crossed my arms, even though the smile itched at the corners of my lips. “You wish.”

It was true though. We both knew it, but it wasn’t as if he didn’t stare at me every chance he got.

I followed them on to the deck, where Aiden began shouting his commands. Hayes echoed each of them but not as confident as the captain. No, Aiden was
admirable,
standing tall as he walked across the deck with a terrifying scowl across his face. I never noticed how so before, always having the word “pirate” in the forefront of my mind and over everything else.

I followed behind them, watching the scene before me unfold in awe. I had seen it several times before, but had been clueless about what was going on. Not that I really knew now, but some phrases made sense.

The pirates snickered at Hayes as he looked at them expectantly, backing up Aiden in his words. There was only a small twinkle of respect in their eyes; the rest of it was strictly for their captain. 

Giggles erupted from my mouth as I stepped up the stairs behind them.

Aiden turned to me and cocked an eyebrow. “What’s so funny, lass?”

“Oh nothing,” I said nonchalantly and smiled at him. It was probably best I give him a little more respect in front of his crew.  

He gave a satisfied nod as he raised his hand to the helm and began to steer the ship. I allowed myself to look around at the other pirates busying themselves since the captain was there. When we stepped on deck, they had been stranding around, singing, resting, and chatting. There was still some of that now, but they worked as well.

I looked around. Casey mopped the floor not too far from where I stood. I waved at him, and he waved back with a smile. Aiden watched the interaction with interest, and I wondered what he was thinking. When I caught him watching, his attention turned to his first mate.

“Hayes!” Aiden called. “Get the lady a chair, would ya.”

“Yes Cap’n!” he said as he ran down the stairs and returned with a chair.

Aiden motioned for me to sit, but I didn’t feel like it. I was more interested in the man at the helm. I walked over to him and put my hand on his arm. “Teach me how to steer the ship.”

He cocked an eyebrow at my demand. “I don’t think so. You already think you run this place, I can’t have you knowing how to sail my ship.”

“You scared I’m taking over?”

“Oh bloody hell, woman. This is
one
thing I won’t teach you to do. Now, if you’d be so kind as to sit down as I asked you to.”

Walking over to the chair, I picked it up and brought it over to sit it beside of him. He frowned as I sat down and smiled at him. I was determined to figure out what was going on. For now, I was still stuck in human form, might as well make the best of it.

Aiden sighed. “What is it you want now?”

“Oh just watching.”

“Give it a good look while you can.” He smirked and turned his attention back to steering.

Really though, there was nothing else better to do than sit there and watch the most handsome of the pirates steer the ship. It was better than being
stuck in his quarters. Alone. There was
one
place that I was never alone—my home. Even though I didn’t feel as if I fit in there, I was never truly alone.