Love Me With Fury (26 page)

“Am I so unskilled that I can appease you for only a moment, my sensuous siren?” he teased, his voice and expression playful and mellow. “Do you hint at another union this quickly?”

Alex smiled seductively and brazenly closed her hand around his erect manhood as she provocatively parried, “It appears I am the one who cannot sate you, my lusty pirate. Surely this hint is more insistent than my meager kiss?”

“Then perhaps your suggestive kiss should try to match my bold invitation,” he devilishly challenged, covering her mouth with his.

When his lips left hers and sought her breast, she rolled her head upon the pillow as new fires swept through her tingling body. Every nerve in her body was alive and afire. Vainly attempting to conceal the eagerness in her voice and quivering frame, she laughed and stated, “I fear I am too unpracticed to compete with your skills, Sir Pirate.”

“Then I shall teach you all you do not already know, my luscious sea witch,” he warned roguishly, chuckling wickedly.

“Somehow I don’t think such lessons are proper. Wherever shall I practice such skills when you release me?” she saucily asked, his loving assault tearing away her logic.

“Once you leave this ship, you best forget them, love.”

“But why teach me such things if only to forget them so quickly?”

“I’m selfish and demanding,” he lazily replied.

“I see. I’m to pleasure you, Sir Pirate, but no one else?”

“Exactly. I can’t allow you to go traipsing around the country enslaving every male you encounter,” he
jested mirthfully, suppressing his laughter.

She giggled. “What if I only want to conquer one male heart?”

“One or one at a time?” he genially fenced with her.

“Only one. Surely one perfect man is enough for any woman?”

“If a perfect man existed, perhaps it would be.”

“You’re saying even the formidable Captain Joshua Steele isn’t perfect? What a disappointment,” she wailed, sighing dramatically.

“I never claimed to be, love, and I’m far from it. You of all women should know that by now. Surely it isn’t my black, steely heart you’re after,” he huskily teased, gently yanking upon a tawny curl.

“I was under the impression you didn’t possess a heart of any kind, Captain Steele,” she quickly came back at him.

“What, praytell, do you think keeps this aging body alive?”

“The power of your evil forces, naturally,” she pertly quipped.

“Is my evil power so great that I could enslave your soul?”

“Perhaps if you desired it enough, but you don’t. Your love of freedom and adventure are more appealing than any mortal female could ever be,” she boldly hinted, hoping he would deny her statements.

“You’re absolutely correct,” Spencer admitted. “I doubt there’s a woman alive who could tempt me to sacrifice them to possess her and to accept her bonds.” Trying to recapture their playful mood, Spencer said,
“No way, love; Captain Steele is a confirmed bachelor.”

“I never doubted that for a moment, Sir Pirate,” Alex whispered, hoping her lowered voice would hide the loud rending of her tender heart. Yet, even as she told herself this situation was impossible, she bravely and foolishly determined to tempt him beyond his control. He fiercely desired and enjoyed her; of that, she was certain! Determined to savor her love while she could, Alex pulled Spencer’s head to hers, seeking shelter in the circle of his arms. Together they boldly rode the waves of passion once more; then, exhausted, they slept in each other’s arms, their troubles neither forgotten nor settled.

It was late afternoon when Spencer finally returned to his cabin that next day. Their night of lovemaking tugged unmercifully at his conscience. Alex was dressed and sitting at the table, poised like a polished lady awaiting her tea and scones. He went to his desk and sat down to work, not even speaking to her or even glancing in her direction after his entry.

The legs of his chair scraped loudly as he turned to speak to her. He couldn’t avoid conversation with her any longer. “I’m going to ask you one last time, Angel; will you tell me the truth? The storm earned you another day’s reprieve; she blew us off course. Well?”

He noticed her back stiffen. Alex swallowed loudly enough for him to hear it. Without speaking, she shook her head. “May I go on deck for some fresh air
and a change of scenery now? You’ve kept me locked in here for days now. Surely a condemned prisoner has some rights?”

“Have it your way, love. But I’ll grant you to the last minute to change your mind. If you don’t, I promise you I’ll walk away and never glance back,” he stated in a wintry tone.

She squeezed her eyes tightly shut in dread and despair. She instinctively knew neither of them would change their minds. “May I take a walk, sir?” she forced the only reply she could from her dry lips.

Torn between wanting to spank her and make passionate love to her, he did neither. “Why not?”

As he stood up, the dreaded warning was given, “Ship to starboard!”

Alex paled and swayed. Another perilous battle? Would she survive to see Florida and American captivity? She barely noticed as Spencer swiftly responded to the alert by yanking on his infamous disguise and racing out, only pausing to shout at her, “Stay here, Angel!” He was gone.

Alex hurried to the porthole to peer out. Panic clutched at her heart as she sighted the massive frigate heading straight for them! She strained to make out her flag: English! The striking colors of the Union Jack waved in the breeze. Should she be overjoyed or terrified? What would they do when they discovered her aboard?

Her wide eyes were glued to the stalking ship. What was Steele waiting for? The guns on both ships remained silent. Were they each sizing up their foe,
deciding whether or not to attack?

Spencer took his place on the bow, keenly observing the strategy of his swiftly approaching enemy. The intentions of the English captain were apparent to him. His crew and guns were ready and alert. He was well-manned and armed for any battle with her forty-four carronades. The guns were an assortment of thirty-two and forty-two pounders. There was also a long gun on the bow and one on the stern.

The distance between them disappeared rapidly, sealing the fate of one or the other.

“Watch the wind, Danny; hold her steady. Stay alert, men. We’ll take her at a right angle and make splinters of her from stem to stern,” he confidently stated.

Spencer yelled up to the man in the crow’s nest, “Keep a sharp eye, Tim!” To his gunners, he called out, “Broadside her, then come about to reload. George, hoist the Jolly Roger and give ‘em something to think about. Andy, stand by to order the long guns. We need to clip those masts and their steering.”

“She’s piling on the canvas, Capt’n! She’s heading straight for us! What fool would try to ram us right off!” Tim called down incredulously as he observed the curious maneuvers of the enemy ship.

The very instant the
Black Mist
was in firing range, the other ship swayed to the leeward side and turned to broadside them, her guns booming. With luck and cunning, the
Black Mist
turned just in time to watch the shot pass between the forward mast and mizzenmast. Their guns quickly answered the awesome
challenge, sending a direct hit across the deck on the English frigate. Another broadside shot was fired instantly, smashing into the aft mast, sending it toppling into the water on the other side.

The
Black Mist
swiftly maneuvered to the other side to fire those guns while the others were being reloaded. Danny was quick to respond to Spencer’s commands. Several rounds were exchanged between the two ships with little damage to them. Knowing the results of this battle, the crew worked quickly and efficiently to be the victors. The
Black Mist
fired again, striking and weakening the forward mast. A roar of joy and confidence engulfed the pirate ship, the anticipation of victory entering each man.

Spencer’s ship took a hit on her forward mast, the top shearing off and hanging precariously, only the rigging preventing its deadly plunge to the deck below. Tim’s mangled body was tossed into the sea as lifeless as a tattered ragdoll. Spencer cursed and grimaced as if feeling the injuries himself. Enraged, he cautioned himself to self-control. “Fire all guns!” he shouted above the roar of the battle.

The English frigate seemed to stagger under the rain of blows. Her hull reluctantly accepted two hits. Smoke betrayed the fire within her wooden belly. She was a mass of splintered and smoldering defeat. Yet, her guns fired once more, tearing a hole in the starboard side near the rail of Spencer’s ship.

“Sink her, George! She’s asking for it!” Spencer barked.

The carronades blasted another round into the
disabled vessel, damaging her beyond hope. A deadly silence followed as they tensely waited to see if the English frigate would finally give quarter. Gallant and fiercely proud to the end, she refused to strike her flag. Flames were now licking greedily at her. She wouldn’t live to fight another day.

Hastily surveying the damage to his own ship, Spencer swore in anger. They would be forced to spend a lengthy time in the San Augustin port to repair their damages. He fumed at the impending delay, but professional repairs were mandatory to survival. He didn’t like this feeling of weakness and vulnerability. But far worse, he didn’t like the death of any crew member.

“We going to board her, Captain?” Andy asked, pulling him from his pensive mood.

Spencer’s eyes were chilled and troubled as they glanced across the choppy waters to the dying ship. “Let’s not waste our time and energy. Let’s make port before we meet another brave Englishman,” he sneered contemptuously. “Misty took some damage. She needs some doctoring fast.”

Andy caught his meaning. In this condition, they were almost defenseless. “Strike the flag and set sail. You know the destination.”

Spencer turned to find Alex poised in the hatchway, watching him curiously. He stalked over to her. “What the hell are you doing up here!” he thundered at the silent, ashen girl.

“What about survivors, Captain Steele? That ship’s sinking,” she bravely voiced her concerns for
her fellow countrymen.

“She took that risk when she attacked us! They have boats. Let ‘em save themselves. If we had been disabled, they would still be blasting away until we were resting on bottom. They should thank their lucky stars I don’t finish the job for them! This way, if they’re smart and tough, they have a chance for survival.”

Alex glanced at the ship which was weighing heavy in the water, flames engulfing her. They were close enough to hear the shouts of panic and cries of pain from the wounded. “You’re just going to calmly sail away and leave them like that? What about the wounded? Those men were only following orders, just like your crew.”

“We’re at war, Angel. You don’t aid your enemy to return and attack you another day,” he shouted impatiently, drawing stares from several nearby men.

“May I take a boat over there?” she incredulously asked.

“Are you insane, woman? In less than an hour, there won’t be a ship there,” he exploded in rage.

“I know, but I. might could help some of the wounded. They’re my people,” she reminded him, bringing a scowl to his face.

“Get below, Angel, before I forget you’re a woman!” he warned. “My ship’s damaged and Tim’s dead!” he thundered angrily.

“From your accent, Captain Steele, you were once English. Why do you hate us so much now?” Without waiting for an answer, she turned and fled to his
cabin, sobbing.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her? She’s very young and delicate, Josh,” Andy remarked from behind him.

Spencer whirled and snarled, “Stay out of this, Andy! She’s my concern and my problem.”

“Problem, yes; but I don’t think you’re the least concerned about her! Do you have any idea what those men will do to her?”

“All she has to do is tell me the truth!” he growled, angered at being questioned and pressed by even his closest friend.

Andy lowered his voice to a near whisper, “Listen to me, Spence; maybe she can’t. My God, man, she’s terrified of you. She’s had a hard time. Are you conveniently forgetting how you two met? She has plenty of cause to despise you and refuse to trust you. Funny thing, I don’t think she does hate you. Why, I can’t imagine after the way you’ve treated her.”

“What do you mean?” Spencer demanded in confusion.

“Are you blind? The girl’s in love with you. She was standing there for most of the battle. Doing what? Watching you like a hawk! Everytime a gun fired, she would almost race to your side. The only thing she was afraid of was something happening to you.”

“She has a strange way of showing her affection and concern!” Spencer retorted skeptically.

“So do you, Spence. That’s the real problem, isn’t it? You’re too damn proud and stubborn to admit you want her! For certain, you’re afraid to keep her.
You’ve finally discovered something you truly crave and you refuse to admit it.”

“You’re crazy, Andy! Sure, she’s desirable and beautiful. But that’s as far as it goes! Can’t you imagine my Grandfather Will’s face if I waltzed in with a girl like that on my arm? He’d disown and disinherit me in one swift blow!”

“Since when did you allow your grandfather or anyone to plot your course? You don’t need his money; you have more than he does right now! She’s the best thing that’s come along, Spence. Think twice before you lose her for keeps this time. Can’t you recall how unforgettable she was before you found her again? After all this time together, it’ll be worse if you lose her again. If you have any feelings at all for her, set her free,” he urged, utterly baffled by the inbred forces which compelled his friend to marry a woman of genteel birth.

“Never. She’ll confess or go to prison.”

“Is that it? If you can’t have her, no man will?” he boldly challenged.

“Don’t be absurd, Andy! We have our orders.”

“They don’t know about her yet. You know what prison’s like for a female. You can’t do it. It really sticks in your craw she can defy you, doesn’t it? Are you still after revenge for her little attack on you? If you’re expecting the Americans to hold her safely in prison until you can reclaim her after the war, it won’t work. She’ll never be the same…if she even survives such an experience.”