Dedication:

In the words of lecturer, Sam Keen: “Love isn’t finding a perfect person. It’s seeing an imperfect person perfectly.”

Chapter One

A sultry tropical breeze carried the scent of sand and coconuts through an open window, brushing over the naked blonde as she awoke from her slumber. She yawned and stretched her arms and then her legs, flexing her toes under the soft cotton sheet that covered her slightly damp body. Daisy de Fleurre, former resident of the small county of Flaundia and wife to the retired scourge of the seas, pirate captain C.W. Dread—Chelsey to her intimates—ended up sweating most mornings. Not because of the humidity, but from the passionate lovemaking her wife gave her before they rose to start their day.

Daisy turned and gazed upon her sleeping wife. She lifted her hand and then dropped it back down. Usually, Chelsey would snuggle up behind her with her face in the crook of her neck. Her arm would lie across her hip and her fingers brushing the cusp of her womanhood, causing her to be in a state of arousal. Her pussy would throb for Chelsey’s fingers or tongue to satiate the fire burning deep inside of her.

As of late, Daisy went to bed alone. For the past six months, Chelsey worked long hours, helping build an extension for her brother, Thomas and his lover, Martin’s home a few miles away from their’s. Recently Chelsey had taken on even more responsibility when a successful shipping merchant asked her to become his partner in the exporting end of his business. Chelsey had explained that it was her way of making a legal wage and not relying on the illegal means she had once turned to during her pirate days.

Daisy missed those first months of their marriage. With no real responsibilities, they had made love on the beach or enjoyed something as simple as reading under the coconut trees that littered their island paradise. It wasn’t as if they needed the money. Chelsey had made a nice fortune from her ill-gotten gains and owed the land and the house they resided in, for it had been left to her by her uncle.

Chelsey mumbled something under her breath and twisted her head so that Daisy could look upon her beloved’s face, marred by a scar that traveled across her right cheek and down her chin. She still felt incredible guilt, now, years later. Her father had been the one to cut Chelsey when he found them together, half naked. Daisy had been eighteen. They had been separated for eight long years, but now they were together forever and nothing would keep them apart, ever again. She loved Chelsey beyond all reason and hated that her darling was up at the crack of dawn and still running, long into the late hours of the evening, doing such back-breaking work. The shadows under Chelsey’s normally sparkling hazel eyes had become more pronounced. Even her raven tresses seemed to have lost their bountifulness and vibrancy Daisy adored, and combed her fingers through every chance she could get.

Now as she spied her sleeping wife, she longed to take her in her arms, but another worrisome thought crossed her mind. Chelsey barely smiled anymore and Daisy couldn’t remember the last time her love had called her by her pet name of ‘princess’. Also, tomorrow was Valentine’s Day and Chelsey acted as if she didn’t care or wasn’t aware of this day, dedicated to love. She was planning something special and expected Chelsey to take the night off where they both could relax and the only thing they would concern themselves with would be the number of times they smiled or climaxed together…

Chelsey’s eyelids flickered and she rolled onto her back. Daisy lifted up on her elbow and watched the rise and fall of Chelsey’s chest and her flat, crimson nipples that called to her to lick and suck.

There had been a handful of times she had initially engaged Chelsey in their lovemaking, but Chelsey was too dominant and liked to be in control. Most often, she would awaken to find Chelsey’s face between her legs where her tongue and mouth did the most marvelous things that made Daisy’s dew flow and caused her to peak until she was boneless with satisfaction.

A wicked thought popped in her head. For once she was the first one awake while her beloved dozed next to her, unaware. Why not wake Chelsey with a rousing orgasm to help her start her day?

“It’s decided then,” she whispered and slowly sat up, pushing her tangled curls away from her face. Her heart beat faster and her breathing grew shallow. She tugged the sheet down further until it pooled at the end of the bed and waited for Chelsey to stir from her slumber. She continued sleeping. A low grunt, or rather a snore, came from her mouth.

Daisy crawled over to kneel by Chelsey’s feet. She prodded Chelsey’s big toe with a nail. No movement. She then set her hand on Chelsey’s ankle. Still nothing. Her darling wife was so exhausted that not even the touch of the one she loved the most could rouse her.

But perhaps a special type of kiss could.

An impish smile spanned Daisy’s lips. Pressing down on her palms, she crept upward until her face hovered over Chelsey’s stomach. She brushed her mouth across Chelsey’s navel, pressing her lips on the soft skin there. Chelsey’s leg twitched and a mumble came from her mouth. Daisy didn’t cease her kiss, and with nimble hands, spread Chelsey’s legs apart.

Daisy lips ventured down until she met the bristly hair of Chelsey’s pussy. She opened her mouth and blew over the crisp curls. Her own curls dampened. Soon she would sip of her love’s nectar and lap it away like the sweet coconut milk she loved drinking.

She cupped Chelsey’s pussy and opened her bushy lips, breathing in more of her feminine musk. Her tongue lapped over the inside of one smooth fold, the slight taste of salt and the thin coating of dampness encased the plump lips. She moved her tongue in deep, foraging around to find that button of flesh that would bring Chelsey great pleasure.

After a minute of play, Chelsey squirmed and her inner muscles milked Daisy’s tongue. Chelsey’s nether lips swelled and grew wet. Daisy dug her fingers into Chelsey’s thighs and she sighed when Chelsey whispered her name.

Daisy bobbed her head up and down to increase the intimate kiss she gave Chelsey’s puss—a sweet, tender hairy mound, reminding her of a kitten that wanted to be petted and played with. She could spend hours playing with Chelsey’s pussy, and if she had her say, would do so this very morning.

Chelsey’s hips rose up. Daisy pressed her face in further. Chelsey grabbed hold of her hair and jerked, forcing her to flick her tongue quicker. Her jaw started to ache from her sucking. Chelsey’s breathy moans were her reward.

Chelsey spread her legs farther apart, and Daisy fell against her, rocking her core against the bed. She needed to finish Chelsey off so she could take care of herself. Slipping her hand under Chelsey’s buttocks, she searched for the crease that would help Chelsey come.

“Daisy!” Chelsey lifted up as Daisy shoved her finger into her furred hole as her tongue slithered farther into Chelsey’s cunt. Her finger pumped to and fro as her tongue circled over Chelsey’s clit, smiling over the button as it swelled under her administrations.

Suddenly, Chelsey grabbed hold her by the hair in a tight grip and she gasped from the sharp pain as she was lifted away and forced onto her back. A red faced Chelsey emerged over her. Her mouth was taken by Chelsey’s in a hungry kiss.

The mouths moved together along with their tongues that swiped the inside of their cheeks and over their teeth. Chelsey growled low and a shudder of delight rushed through Daisy.

“I should ravish you for waking me up the way you did,” Chelsey said in a husky warning that had a teasing lilt to it.

Daisy clutched Chelsey and nipped her lips. “Have your wicked way with me, my pirate wench.”

Chelsey smirked. “Wench? Oh, princess, you’re in for it now.”

She called me her princess! Daisy wanted to shout in joy, but the sound that came from her mouth was more of a whimper as Chelsey sat up and straddled her hips. Chelsey palmed her breasts, kneading and pinching them to her delight. She bit down on her lip and turned her face away to the side, overcome with too much pleasure.

“I want you to come first.” Chelsey leaned down and swallowed Daisy’s nipple into her mouth.

Her arms flew over her head and her back arched as Chelsey sucked deeply, using the edge of her teeth to bite down on her sensitive flesh.

“I want…you to climax before me,” Daisy whispered.

“Not going to happen, princess,” Chelsey growled against her breast and sucked harder.

“Oh my!” Daisy moaned and trembled from each tug of Chelsey’s mouth as she switched back and forth to tease each nipple.

“Ah, Daisy, your titties are a work of art.” Chelsey released Daisy’s nipple with a soft pop and turned her on her stomach. She slapped her softly on her hip, the signal for her to kneel on all fours.

She quickly got into position. Her head hung down and she shook from exertion, her hair sticking to her face as she waited in anticipation for Chelsey to love her.

Chelsey’s mouth and tongue swept down her back and along the curve of her ass, leaving a trail of fire that ventured straight into her cunt. Daisy’s inner muscles contracted and she cried out when two of Chelsey’s fingers slid into her very depths.

She clawed at the pillow, sobbing loudly as Chelsey’s tongue followed her fingers and latched over her slit, sucking with the same intensity as she had done to her bosom. She rocked against Chelsey’s face, crying for mercy. Her body clenched and stiffened. An enormous pressure exploded deep inside, leaving her moaning and shaking in its wake.

She landed on the bed, panting. Chelsey fell over her, saying her name. Chelsey grunted and her release dampened the back of her thighs. She reached behind and Chelsey took hold of her hand and laced their fingers together.

The two women didn’t move, enjoying the aftermath of their ravenous love-making. Finally Chelsey moved off of Daisy and lay behind her, reaching around to hold her. Daisy held Chelsey’s hands to her chest, pleased when Chelsey peppered kisses along the back of her shoulders and nape.

“Good morning, dearest wife,” Daisy said on a yawn and snuggled into the pillow she had almost torn apart moments ago.

“One of the best mornings I’ve had in a while, my insatiable, daring wife,” Chelsey responded, and lifted Daisy’s hand to place a kiss on her knuckles.

That ball of tension that had settled in Daisy stomach over the past few weeks vanished and she drifted away on a sea of relaxation, snuggling close with her love. Before she tumbled back to sleep, she swore she heard Chelsey mention something about a ring for her bare finger that never bore any jewelry even after she and Chelsey had wedded.

Something as materialistic as a ring showing the world their commitment to one another wasn’t important because they were faithful in the only place that mattered—their hearts.

Chapter Two

The strong, bitter coffee Chelsey drank didn’t help with her sleepiness. She was bone tired and not even the loving care of her beautiful wife could keep her from nodding off in her seat. She’d love to spend the rest of the day in bed with Daisy, but had too many errands to run, including picking up the rest of Daisy’s gifts for tomorrow: Valentine’s Day.

She smiled against the rim of her cup, eager to see Daisy’s reaction when she opened the small jewelry box that held two gold bands. Finally they could show how dedicated they were to each other with something as simple as matching rings. As for the other gift, her sweet darling would be in for quite the surprise.

But first she had to go with Martin to pick out wood for the front porch he was building on his house, then stop by the jeweler and finally meet with Mister Reiner and sign the contracts that would cement their new partnership in their exporting venture.

It had been much easier when she was the captain of her own vessel, sailing without a care until the next ship came along that she and her crew would pillage and plunder. She missed that illicit life, but would never tell Daisy she preferred living on a ship rather than residing on land and becoming a proper citizen.

She, the once feared pirate captain of The Lady Desire, had become boring and respectable.

She dropped her napkin on her plate and rose to leave the dining room only to stop when Daisy appeared in the doorway. Her heart skipped a beat, as it always did when she saw Daisy. She soaked in her wife, hungry for a kiss, even though she had her share of them a mere hour before.

Daisy twirled a curl around her finger as she walked into the room, her hips swaying back and forth in a lavender morning gown that showed off her luscious bosom perfectly. Without having to ask, Daisy came over to her and gave her a kiss. She sighed when Daisy’s hands wandered up her chest and into her hair pulled back with a black ribbon.They only broke apart when one of their servants came in carrying another pot of coffee.

“You look refreshed this morning,” Daisy softly purred and sat down. She glanced up at Chelsey, apparently waiting for her to join her.

“I ate already.” Chelsey finished off the rest of her coffee. “You fell back to sleep and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Join me for another cup before you dash off. Why, we always have breakfast together.” Daisy’s brow furrowed in disappointment.

“I have too much to do today and can’t wait another minute. I’m already running late and should have risen earlier. But you detained me from doing so.” Chelsey gave Daisy’s hair a pull.

Daisy didn’t appear amused. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and drew away from Chelsey’s hand on her shoulder. “You’ve been running yourself ragged helping Thomas and Martin and too concerned about your budding partnership with Mister Reiner. You barely have time for me.”

“How could you say that after what we shared together this morning in our bed?” Chelsey sighed, not in the mood for her wife’s pouting that had increased over the past few months. “As soon as I sign the contracts with Reiner and negotiate with the various business owners working with me, and make certain Thomas and Martin’s home is stable, then you’ll have me all to yourself again.”

Daisy frowned and tapped her fingers on the arms of the chair. “That may take another six months or even a year. Should I even ask if you’ll be able to take time out of your busy schedule to spend a few hours with me for Valentine’s? I have a lovely dinner planned and a new gown to show off that’s more suited to admire in the privacy of our bedchamber.” She lowered her voice and circled her finger across her cleavage.

The spit in Chelsey’s mouth dried up upon observing Daisy’s finger action. Her imagination ran rampant over the type of ‘gown’ Daisy would wear.

The dong of a clock resonated and she cursed softly. She had to leave or Martin would start complaining.

She kissed the top of Daisy’s head. “I made certain tomorrow night is free and clear. I haven’t forgotten how special tomorrow is for you.”

“It should be special for both of us,” Daisy pointed out and gave her a hurtful stare.

She sighed again. You’d think Daisy would be a bit more welcoming and understanding from the amount of times I made her come this morning. “You know I’m not one to stand on such ceremony.” She brushed the back of her hand over Daisy’s cheek. “I don’t need a holiday like Valentine’s Day to show how much I love you.”

The sad glint in Daisy’s eyes changed to joy and again the clenching in her chest grew. When Daisy looked at her like she was her entire world, she wanted to get down on her knees and thank her for wanting her and no other.

“I really need to go now. I’ll try and be back before dark,” she announced, and with one last kiss, left the room.

Only when she climbed on her horse, did she look back at the window into the dining room. Daisy sat staring ahead, a lost look on her face that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

She’ll be fine. It’s not like we had an argument. All will be well between us again when I give Daisy her wedding band.

* * * *

Daisy had lost her appetite. As soon as Chelsey left, she slumped down in her seat in a very improper manner and closed her eyes to stop the tears from trickling out of them. Something was wrong with Chelsey and she couldn’t figure out what. Could it be her restlessness at being land bound? She knew how much Chelsey longed to sail on the sea, but couldn’t because of her crimes that would send her to prison, or even worse—get her hanged.

She shook her head, refusing to reflect any longer on her melancholia. Perhaps she would visit Thomas and see if he needed help around the house he was renovating. Why should Chelsey take on all that responsibility when she could lend a helping hand? Then maybe Chelsey wouldn’t be as agitated as she had been lately.

Taking a bite of her blueberry scone, she got up from her seat with plans to change into something more suitable for household cleaning when she heard the sounds of two maids talking. Chelsey’s name was mentioned. Finding it odd that the maids would talk about Chelsey while she was still in the house, she moved behind the half open door, spotting Nina, who had brought in the coffee earlier, and Susa who was carrying linens.

“Are you sure both the Missuses left? ‘cause if we’re overheard—”

“Stop your worrying, Su. Ms. Chelsey left and Ms. Daisy is up in her bedroom.”

Daisy rolled her eyes. Nina didn’t have the sharpest mind and assumed she’d gone back upstairs. She decided to make herself known, but then Nina said something that made her stomach cramp in alarm.

“Poor Ms. Daisy has no clue Ms. Chelsey is running around on her with that Reiner man.”

Chelsey with a man? That couldn’t be! She covered her mouth, trying not to overact.

“Now, you’re talking nonsense. Ms. Chelsey isn’t into the men folk. She’s very devoted to Ms. Daisy. You just have to watch them together to see.”

Nina snorted and shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve noticed things between the two ladies and I can tell you they’ve been having problems. The moans and laughs coming from their bedroom late at night and during the early morning hours have died down, if you catch my drift.”

Daisy’s entire face grew red.

“So what? Our mistresses have been married over a year. Passion and desire fades in a marriage.”

“I have proof!” Nina’s voice rose. “I saw Ms. Chelsey and Mister Reiner together with my own two eyes. They were at Moff’s Tavern sharing a pint together and sitting all cozy like. Their heads were together and they were whispering with their mouths to each ear like they didn’t want anyone to overhear them. Ms. Chelsey was having a grand old time and batting her eyes at everything Mister Reiner said. And when he rested his hand on top of hers, she didn’t pull away. You know about Mister Reiner’s reputation with the ladies! He’s quite the looker and has enough experience and seducing skills that he can make a woman like Ms. Chelsey turn to a man for loving even if she prefers women like her fair wife.”

Daisy backed slowly away from the door, unable to listen any longer. She walked down the hall leading to the back porch. The small space gave her sanctuary and she sat down in one of the chairs, blinking away hot tears. Nina had to be lying or mistaken by what she’d seen! Chelsey would never turn to a man like Lance Reiner, even with his dashing looks and sensual smile. If Chelsey betrayed her, it would be with another woman.

Her stomach churned as she thought back to when Chelsey had started becoming distant. It had been around the time they first met Mister Reiner and Chelsey decided she wanted to go into business with him.

Chelsey had been talking a great deal about him…

She sprung up and twisted her hands together. She couldn’t stay here, obsessing to the point where she’d be sick. She and Chelsey had always been honest with one another. Well, not at first. Chelsey kidnapped her as a form of revenge against her former fiancé. He’d become shark food when it was revealed how deranged and horrid he had been. But after those events, Chelsey had never lied or kept a secret from her.

Or had she?

She would seek Chelsey out and ask her point blank if she had any designs on Mister Reiner or if it was the other way around. Surely Chelsey would laugh it off, explaining how Nina was mistaken. Yes, Chelsey would have a valid explanation for these silly, unfounded rumors and all would be well.

With that decided, she walked out of the room and prepared to ride into town to find her wife.

Chapter Three

“That should be the last of it,” Martin said, and wiped the sweat off his bald head.

Chelsey pushed her hair away from her forehead and slumped against the side of the wagon. She, Martin and Reggie, a former member of her pirate crew, had just spent the last hour placing slats of wood in the back of the wagon that would be used for Martin’s porch.

She pulled away the front of her shirt sticking to her chest, longing to take a dip in the lagoon near her home.

“Cap, is it okay if I wet my whistle over at Moff’s?” Reggie asked, using his bandana to wipe his brow.

“You deserve a break. Go ahead and take a load off. I have to meet with Reiner shortly.” She gave his back a hard slap. “And remember, I’m no longer a captain, just a typical lady now.”

“Sure thing, Cap, erm I mean Miz Dreadin.” Reggie nodded and walked down the boardwalk and into the tavern.

“Today’s a scorcher, that’s for certain. You should’ve worn your lady duds instead of those clothes more suited for a dock worker. You’d be much cooler that way,” Martin recommended, as he scratched his bare chin. Her retired first mate had always worn a goatee, but had recently shaved it off. His lover and her brother-in-law, Thomas, had done the complete opposite and had grown in a beard.

“How do you expect me to lug around wood and work outside wearing a long skirt and dainty slippers?” Chelsey asked, becoming cranky and overheated from the hot morning sun.

“There’s a simple solution to this. I have the boys to help me and Thom with our lodgings.” Martin pressed his paw like hand on her shoulder. “You should be with Daisy instead of running yourself ragged helping me with mine and starting up a business with that Reiner character.”

Chelsey exhaled deeply. She was getting tired of explaining herself. “I need to keep busy. I’ve been so bored sitting idly around. Becoming partners with Reiner and working in export will do me good.”

“You better keep your eye on him,” Martin grumbled. “He’s a slick one with a hand in too many pies.”

Lance Reiner’s reputation was well known. He walked a fine line in both respectable, as well as equally unrespectable, circles, but had never been caught by the law or taken down by his adversaries. She needed someone like him with great business sense who wasn’t afraid to bend a few rules, if need be.

“I’m well aware of what Reiner is capable of. I haven’t become soft just because I’m no longer a pirate and have settled down like you.” She took hold of her satchel and opened it, a smile appearing on her face as she spotted the jewelry box with the two bands she picked up from the jeweler. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow night when she gave Daisy’s hers.

“Now that’s the old sparkle I missed from my lady captain,” Martin whispered. “What’s in the bag? Some goodies for Daisy?”

“You could say that.” She clutched the bag. “A Valentine’s gift for us both.” She nudged Martin’s shoulder with her own. “Do you have any special plans for tomorrow in celebration of your love with Thomas?”

A blush spread over Martin’s face and he scratched his strapping chest, bare in the opening in his shirt. “Thom wants to hike over to the other side of the island near the waterfalls and check out the plants and flowers there.”

“That’s so sweet!” Chelsey said and smiled.

“Sweet? Sounds a bit too pansy for the likes of me.” Martin puffed out his chest. “But I do like the idea of taking a swim with my lad.” He wiggled his bushy eyebrows and Chelsey snickered.

“Ms. Dreadin, I didn’t recognized you dressed in…breeches.”

She swallowed a sigh over the cultured, somewhat snooty voice and turned to face Reiner.

“Hullo, Lance. You’re looking well on this hot day,” she greeted him, not bothering to explain her mannish clothes. Unlike her, Reiner didn’t look overheated or uncomfortable in his linen suit, sans a cravat, allowing his neck to breathe. He was accustomed to the weather, having arrived to reside on the island a decade ago.

Reiner pushed aside his coat to put his hands on his hips. His brown eyes sparkled as he smiled at her. “It’s warm for February, but I don’t mind the heat. If you’re available now, would you like to go over the contracts at my office? I have a pitcher of cold lemonade and finger sandwiches waiting there.”

Chelsey licked her lips and her stomach released a soft growl. She was parched and equally famished. Getting out of the heat would allow her to freshen up before she started toiling under the grueling sun.

“I would be happy to accompany you to your office and make our partnership a reality.” She glanced over her shoulder at Martin. “Would you like to join us before you return home?”

Martin gave her a thunderous look for no reason she could explain. “No thanks, missy. I’ll join Reggie for a quick nip and then we’ll start on the porch. You can always leave us to ourselves and go home to your wife.”

The way Martin stressed the word wife made her pause. She shook her head and turned back to look at Reiner who stared at Martin with hostility. But then he turned his attention back to her and his demeanor changed to a friendly one, giving her a smile that made most women swoon.

Reiner didn’t engage Martin in any conversation and held out his arm for Chelsey to take. “Shall we convene to better quarters, my lady?”

“Let’s.” She took hold of his arm.

“Be careful, Chelsey,” Martin said as he stepped on the boardwalk.

“Don’t you mean, be well, Angel?” Chelsey said Martin’s first name purposely. She didn’t know what he was getting at and she didn’t like it.

Martin curled his lip at her. “Of course Ms. Dreadin,” he replied and crossed his arms as she waved at him over her shoulder, accompanying Reiner down the street and to the wharf where his office was located. Before they turned the corner out of sight, she gave one last look behind her, finally relaxing as Martin walked away.

“You and Martin don’t get along at all. Why is that?” she asked.

Reiner didn’t act surprised by her question and gave her hand a squeeze. He nodded his head in the direction of a group of ladies they passed who giggled and whispered behind their hands. Chelsey stopped from rolling her eyes as Reiner appeared to enjoy the reaction he received.

“Mister Martin and I had a difference of opinion about something. But nothing to worry your little head about.” He gave her hand another pat and helped her over some rope and onto the wooden walkway.

Chelsey held back from sharing her ire over his ‘little head’ comment, but she’d let it pass. She’d remain complimentary until she signed those contracts that would cement her and Daisy’s future.

* * * *

Daisy was winded by the time she reached the seaside town. She left her horse in a stable and then went into the hardware store to inquire with the owner there if Martin and Chelsey had bought their wood. They had almost an hour ago. She left the store, deciding where to look next, when she caught sight of one of Mister Reiner’s ships in the harbor.

Aha! Chelsey might be with him signing the contracts. She rushed toward the docks. Her heart hitched in her throat, trying to figure out how to tell Chelsey about what she’d overheard from their servants. Chelsey would most likely laugh it off and perhaps have Mister Reiner explain the terms of their relationship. She’d feel like a ninny, but then the stinging ache in her chest would disappear.

She passed by men and women, both sailors and island natives, as well as the other residents of the town out for a stroll. The smell of the water and the sounds of seagulls rushed over her. She felt a sense of pride living here, although she did have moments of homesickness for her childhood home. But now she belonged with Chelsey. And with Martin and her brother Thomas as their neighbors, she never had to worry about being too lonely.

With a skip in her step, she made her way over to the Reiner shipping building and grabbed hold of the doorknob to enter. Then she peered in the front window. What she saw made her gasp in pain.

Mister Reiner and Chelsey were embracing and kissing for all to see. Reiner’s hands cupped Chelsey buttocks while Chelsey’s was pressed up against his chest.

She backed away, biting down on her fist to stop the tears from falling. She turned away, numb to the core. It was true! Chelsey was unfaithful to her. And with a man! How could that be? Chelsey preferred women and hadn’t been with a man in years.

She must have lied! Daisy stumbled into a dockworker and apologized. She didn’t get too far before she landed against the wall, out of breath. She should confront the two, but shame filled her entire body. She couldn’t face Chelsey now. She’d end up scratching her eyes out.

Walking on unsteady legs, she headed back to her horse. She needed to find Thomas. He would know what to do and would give her refuge until she decided how to deal with Chelsey’s horrible deceit.

* * * *

“You rat bastard!” Chelsey spit on Reiner as he rolled into a ball on the floor, clutching his groin where she’d kneed him after he’d kissed her unexpectedly. She’d been blindsided when he stuck his tongue in her mouth and put his hands on her ass. Only one person was allowed to stick her tongue in her mouth and fondle her ass, and that was Daisy!

Reiner groaned and coughed. She kicked him in the ass for good measure. How dare he think she’d want him? He was a man, for goodness sake, and she was married.

She picked up the unsigned contracts and tore them in two. “You fucked up big time, Reiner,” she growled and threw the papers up in the air. “Our association is over. If I see your pretty boy mug anywhere near me or my wife, I’ll sear off your balls and roast them over an open flame. Understand?”

Reiner moaned and shook his head. “Bitch,” he whispered.

“Damn right, I’m a bitch. You best remember that.” She gave his ass another swift kick with her boot and stomped out of his office.

Her temperature rose and it wasn’t because of the heat. She should have known nothing good could come out of her business association with that fink. How could Martin see what a dick Reiner was but she chose to ignore it? She kicked the wall and clenched her fist, feeling ten times the fool. Now she would have to explain to Daisy why she wouldn’t be going into business with him. She had to be honest and tell how the bastard had kissed her. Hopefully Daisy wouldn’t think she led the man on and applaud her for the way she had defused the situation.

But guilt ate away inside of her. Her body hadn’t reacted to the kiss in any way, but still, when a man kisses you in broad daylight in front of a window where anyone could view, there was the possibility of talk.

With that in mind, she’d stop by the flower vendor and buy a bunch of lilies for Daisy. Then after their chat she’d give Daisy her ring and celebrate the Valentine holiday early where they would spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in bed. The next day they would relax by their lagoon and swim, perhaps making love in the open as they used to do when they first arrived on the island. Then she would show Daisy the small shipping vessel she’d commissioned for her as a gift.

Chapter Four

Chelsey opened the front door with one hand while she held the bouquet of lilies in the other. She glanced around the foyer until Nina came out from the dining room.

“Where’s Daisy?” Chelsey asked and sniffed. She caught a whiff of the stale sweat on her body and wiggled her nose. I should take a bath first before I see Daisy.

Nina’s bottom lip trembled as she spoke. “Um, Ms. Daisy was in her bedroom but then she came down with a bag and announced she was staying with her brother.”

“Stay? You mean visit,” she corrected the girl. “I need you to heat up water for my bath. I’ll wash up and then visit with Mister Thomas as well.”

“Yes ma’am,” Nina replied softly and squeaked as she rushed back into the kitchen.

That one’s an odd duck. Chelsey walked up the stairs and went in her bedroom, placing the bouquet on the night stand. She unbuttoned her damp shirt and pulled it off as she spied a note on her pillow addressed to her in Daisy’s handwriting.

“Could this be a love note?” She grinned and grabbed the paper, sitting down on the bed as she tugged off a boot. She opened the note and her eyes grew large as she scanned the words on the page.

Chelsey,

I’m staying with Thomas and Martin indefinitely. I came into town earlier and caught you and Mister Reiner kissing. I can’t bear to see you or hear your excuses why my loving wife was in the arms of another!

Daisy

A scream formed in Chelsey’s throat and she leapt up from the bed, crushing the paper in her hand. How could she have been so stupid! Her Daisy thought she betrayed her!

She began to run out of the room when she stumbled in the one boot she wore and fell to the floor. Lying there, she slapped the floor, tears building in her eyes until they trickled down her cheeks.

Chapter Five

“I can’t believe after all we’ve been through Chelsey would do such a thing!” Daisy gulped down the rest of the brandy Thomas had given her and hiccupped as a sob left her throat. Her head hurt from all her crying and her eyes felt swollen and dry. When Thomas curved an arm around her shoulder, she hid her face against the crook of his neck.

“Hush, Daisy, all will be well. After you calm down and talk to Chelsey about what you thought you saw—”

“Thought I saw?” Daisy pulled away and gave her brother a disgruntled look. “I know what I saw! My wife, the love of my life, was kissing another man!”

Thomas fingered the bristles on his chin. “Perhaps Reiner was kissing Chelsey, instead of the other way around? He’s quite the Lothario and I wouldn’t put it past him to try and…urm…”

“Get under Chelsey’s skirt or depending on what she’s wearing that day, her breeches?” Martin walked into the small room. He hunched down in front of Daisy and lifted her chin with his fist, twisting her face from side to side as he looked her over.

Daisy blushed under his scrutiny and jerked back when he clucked and shook his head in displeasure.

“You don’t believe me either! I know Chelsey is your oldest and dearest friend, but I’m not lying or jumping to conclusions.”

“We never said you were, lassy.” Martin rose up and swiped a palm over his head. “But we have a big problem here. By now Chelsey has returned home and noticed you’re gone.”

“And she probably read my note.” Daisy crossed her arms.

“She’s going to storm in here like some harpy, expecting Thom and I to let her see you.”

“And will you?” Daisy asked with an arched brow, turning to give her brother the same stare.

Thomas rubbed his knees and stood up from the couch. “She won’t be invited in unless you say so. We’ll let you stay with us as long as you want. Right, Martin?”

Martin glowered and slapped the side of his hip. “I shouldn’t have let Chelsey go off with that mother fu…erm buffoon. I knew he was up too no good. I’m to blame for this. If only—”

“Martin, how could you know? You’re not a mind reader.” Thomas went over to his lover and squeezed the back of his neck. Martin gave him a small smile and patted his shoulder.

Daisy watched the two men unabashed as they looked at one another like they were the only ones in the room. She released a watery sigh and stood. “Thomas is right. You’re not the one who should feel guilty over their actions.”

Martin nodded and with one last intimate stare at Thomas, came over to her and took both of her hands in his. “Why didn’t you walk into Reiner’s office and confront him and Chelsey? Mayhaps if you did—”

“If I did? Then what? I didn’t want to cause a scene. There’s been so much unneeded drama in our lives as is.” Daisy pulled her hands away and tears filled her eyes again. She wiped her nose with the side of her hand. Thomas sat back down next to her and produced a handkerchief for her to use.

“With Chelsey, it’s never a dull moment,” Martin grumbled and wandered over to a table where he poured himself a drink.

Daisy smiled weakly. Martin did have a point about Chelsey. She had always yearned for excitement and adventure, but not this gut wrenching pain she was now feeling.

Her lips trembled and Thomas gave her another hug. He brushed his hand through her hair. “There, there Daisy. This nasty heat and your emotions will make you sick. Why don’t you lie down in the spare bedroom and have a nice nap? After you rested, we can discuss your next course of action.”

“But Thomas, without Chelsey, I have nothing! I can’t go back home to Flaundia and she certainly won’t let me go. The island is too small for us to not see each other.” She twisted away, her back shaking from the onslaught of her tears as she ran from the room and up the stairs.

Both Martin and Thomas called out her name, but she didn’t stop and rushed into the bedroom. She slammed the door and fell onto the bed, hiding her face in a pillow to smother her cries. The last time she’d cried in such a manner was when Chelsey was forced to leave her when she was eighteen. Years later, she never forgotten those dark days, waiting for Chelsey to return and claim her.

That yawning darkness of despair rose up again, and she clutched her stomach, wishing that the woman who now caused her this deep pain was there to hold her and tell her everything would be all right.

* * * *

Martin was standing in front of his half-finished porch, smoking a cigar when Chelsey rode up. Puffs of smoke came out of his mouth and he made no move to help her down from her horse or to meet her.

She hooked the reigns over a prickly bush and walked until she was less than a foot away from him. She fisted her hands on her hips and lifted her chin in defiance.

“I’ve come to bring my wife home. Let me in to see her or send her out,” she ordered, glad her voice wasn’t shaking too badly.

Martin pulled away his cigar. He took a step toward her and she flinched when he pressed his palm against her cheek. “You’ve been crying.”

Chelsey sniffed and shrugged. “Yeah? What if I have?”

Martin sighed and motioned for her to walk with him on the front lawn.

“I can’t let you inside. Thom would never forgive me. He wants to protect his sister. I have to respect that.”

“And what about me?” Chelsey thumped her chest. “Shouldn’t you hear my side of the story? You’re my best friend!” She stomped her foot, her anger growing by the minute.

Martin didn’t react to her tantrum. He continued puffing away on his cigar. “Daisy said she saw you and Reiner kissing for all to see in his office. Figs on a tree, Chelsey. Daisy isn’t the type to make things up or twist them around. Did you kiss him?”

“No!” Chelsey gave her hair a sharp tug. “Before I signed the contracts, I held out my hand for him to shake. His arms locked around me and he jammed his slippery, rotting tongue into my mouth. It lasted but a few seconds until I got over the shock of it. I gave him a knee to the cods and punched him in his stomach. How could you think I’d give up everything I have with Chelsey to be with…that man!” She grimaced and wiped her mouth, as if to erase the stolen kiss that caused all this anguish.

“Didn’t you realize Reiner was eyeing you up and down like a dog with a bone? That’s why I was none too pleased with you when you went off on your merry way with him. You should’ve known better.”

“I’ve been managing pricks like him my whole life.” Chelsey lifted up her hands and backed away. “I need to see Daisy now, and not you nor your pretty boy are going to stop me.”

A growl came from Martin’s mouth and he took hold of her by the arm, giving her a hard shake. “Now listen here, I know you’re upset and all, but no one calls Thom a pretty boy in that tone ‘cept me. Before I wouldn’t have cared if you had your fun with a woman, or a man for that matter, because you weren’t committed to anyone like you are with Daisy. The poor girl has been crying since she came here, a nervous wreck.”

“Then let me see her and I’ll explain what really happened.” Chelsey tried to tug her arm away, but his fingers dug into her skin.

“No can do, C.W.,” he said her old alias with a bite in his voice. “You need to let Daisy stew for a day or two. Then—”

“Are you serious? What if you were in my shoes and Thomas caught you slobbering with another man or a woman? You can’t tell me you wouldn’t seek him out and do whatever you could to make him listen to you.”

“I’d probably absence with him someplace where no one could interrupt us. But you’re not me and don’t expect me to help put you in my shoes.”

“It’s abscond, you bald-headed fool!” Chelsey kicked Martin in the shin and he cursed loudly. She thrust him away and ran toward the house.

“Enough, Chelsey! Stop acting like a child.” Daisy lifted her head out of an open window on the second floor.

Chelsey whispered Daisy’s name. “Daisy, love, please come down and talk to me.”

“I can’t.” Daisy shook her head and wiped her eyes with a piece of cloth.

“Why in the bloody hell not?” Chelsey yelled up, clenching her fists.

Daisy looked down at the sill, tracing her finger across the wood. “It pains me. Every time I close my eyes, I see you and him with your mouths together…” she broke off and lifted a hand to her brow.

Chelsey’s stomach twisted as she spotted how pale Daisy’s face had become and how bloodshot her eyes were.

“Daisy, let me fix this. I can explain everything.”

“You probably can, but right now, I’m too upset to hear your explanations and reasoning. Perhaps it’s best if I stay here tonight and then tomorrow or the next day—”

“The next day?” Chelsey’s voice rose in indignation. Since well before she and Daisy had been married, they’d never spent a night apart. “But tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. What about our plans to celebrate our love?”

“Love?” Daisy snorted. “What I’m feeling right now is far from love.” She hugged herself. “When I’m in a better state of mind, we can talk.”

“And when will that be? How long do you expect me to wait?”

Daisy shrugged. “I’m not certain. Now go home and don’t return until I send for you. Please respect my wishes.”

When Daisy moved away from the window, Chelsey called out her name continuously until her voice grew hoarse. She fisted her hands in her hair and turned to Martin. She whispered his name and he held out his arms, which she fell into.

They remained locked in an embrace as she held back her tears, refusing to cry any longer. She needed to clear her mind and figure out a way to see Daisy and talk some sense into her before their relationship was ruined forever.

Chapter Six

“I’m still mighty pissed at you,” Chelsey said, taking a gulp of her ale and then a shot of her scotch. She slouched down in her seat in the back of the room in one of two taverns on the island.

Martin sat on her right with a good amount of space between them. He downed his shot and gave the room a glance. “You’ve been out of sorts with me before. This ain’t the first and won’t be the last.”

Chelsey snorted. A warm, fuzzy feeling filled her head and her stomach no longer clenched in pain. She was on her way to getting rip roaring drunk, even though she was in a sour mood with Martin. But, he was the best person to be with while drinking. After she came close to breaking down in his arms for failing in her appeal to Daisy, he recommended they have drinks in town.

The setting sun gave the inside of the tavern a cozy feel as both men and women drank, talked and played card games. She spotted Reggie and some of her old crew up at the bar. Reggie gave her a wave and saluted her with his glass. She did the same and finished off her ale.

“What if I make Reiner talk to Daisy and tell her what he did?” Chelsey asked, wishing she had him in front of her so she could kick him in the balls in the hopes he became a eunuch.

“Daisy’s not the only one upset with you.” Martin rested his elbows on the table and gave Chelsey a pointed stare. “Reiner doesn’t like to be made a fool of and you’ve gone ahead and made him look like a first rate one. Not only have you rejected him, but you emasc…what’s it called?”

“Emasculated?” Chelsey replied dryly and lifted up her hand to catch the server’s attention.

“Yeah, emasculated him. Expect him to try some type of revenge for the stunt you pulled.”

“Stunt?” She sat up straight. “I swear, if you go off jabbering at the mouth blaming me for being stupid—”

Martin lifted his palm up. “Stunt, as in kicking him in his nads and getting the upper hand. As for the other, that’s on your shoulders.”

Chelsey dug her fingers into the wood of the table. She refused to take responsibility for the kiss forced on her. She crossed her arms and brooded until the server bought them back more shots and ale. She drank silently, contemplating the unfortunate turn of events that had her drinking among strangers –Martin excepted–when she could be with Daisy, having an early dinner and talking about their respectful day’s events. She nudged her bag with her boot, closing her eyes over the rush of emotion that came over her as she thought back to the wedding bands. Would Daisy accept hers now or turn away?

She sighed and sipped her drink, feeling the need to run back to Daisy and make her see reason. But she wouldn’t be able to do that because of the hulking man next to her. The only way she could was if she knocked Martin unconscious. She would need help in taking him out and then sneak into his house and grab Daisy so they could go someplace and talk uninterrupted. She rubbed her chin, going over the various scenarios in her head.

“I’m not liking that look on your face, missy. It’s the same one I’ve seen many times before we robbed some ship. What ungodly thoughts are running around in that head of yours?” Martin tapped his own as he downed his shot.

Chelsey gave him a sneaky grin. She opened her mouth to give him some fib, when a group of men walked out of the back room. Among them was Reiner.

She tracked his movements over to a table a few feet away. He and one of his companions sat down. She felt a rattle in her chest form from her growling.

“Chelsey, calm yourself,” Martin said in a warning and reached over to place a hand on her shoulder.

She brushed him off and continued scrutinizing Reiner as he laughed and talked like he didn’t have a care in the world. She’d wait until the moment was right and then she’d—

“Congratulations on a job well done!” the man in the bright red jacket sitting with Reiner said and clapped him on the shoulder. He took out a stack of bills from the inside of his jacket and handed them over. “This is the part I hate the most, but it was well worth it for the entertainment value.”

“At first I thought I was crazy taking on such a bet, but I do have a way with the ladies. They never refuse me.” Reiner didn’t bother to speak in modulated tones, announcing to the entire room what he’d achieved. He sat back in his chair, preening like some peacock as he took the money.

His friend shook his head and slapped his knee. “Taking a kiss from a woman and having her enjoy it is one thing, but stealing one from a woman who’s into unnatural desires and prefers her own sex, is a different matter altogether. I thought it couldn’t be done with the Ms. Dreadin. Good show, old man!”

A red haze filled Chelsey’s vision. Oh hells no, they weren’t talking about her!

Reiner grabbed the pitcher of beer the server bought over and poured some into their glasses. “As you well know, the ladies can’t help but want me, even ones who haven’t enjoyed a man’s cock in a long time. You should have seen the lady Dreadin’s face when I planted one on her and felt up those sweet ass globes of hers.” Reiner lifted his fingers up to his mouth and kissed them.

“I’m surprised she didn’t plant her fist in your face.”

Reiner shrugged and smiled, tugging on the collar of his shirt. “Um, yes, well you heard from one of my workers what they witnessed as proof that I’m telling the truth. I expected at least a slap, but all she did was push me away flustered with her chest heaving. Why, even her nipples were hard. I could tell she enjoyed it! Those tits of hers would make a man get down on his knees and…” He leaned in close to his companion and whispered something Chelsey couldn’t catch. Both men roared and they clinked their glasses together.

“He humiliated me all for the benefit of a bet,” she said in an eerily calm tone.

Martin slid over next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Ah lass, he’s a cruel prick. Let it go. No sense in starting anything here.”

Chelsey gave him a grave look. “You think I should walk out of here without confronting him? Oh boyo, then you really don’t know me well at all.”

She reached down and grabbed her bag. When she pulled away from Martin, he grabbed her tighter. “Don’t do this. People will talk and then all eyes will be on you and Daisy. We’re supposed to stay out of trouble. If words of this gets back to the mainland, we’re done for,” Martin hissed.

“The mainland is five hundred miles away. You’ve become too sedate, old man. Now let me go before I start a scene with you first.”

Martin grunted. He crossed his arms and tapped his finger on his bicep. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

She almost gave him a comforting pat, but anger ate away at her that was directed at the smug bastard sitting across from her. “Reiner and I are going to have a friendly conversation, that’s all.”

“Friendly?” Martin snorted.

“And if our conversation becomes heated and I end up clocking the prick, can I count on you to have my back?” she asked, sliding away from the table.

Martin shrugged his shoulders and stared ahead.

“Fine. Enjoy your snit,” she said and stomped over to Reiner.

She stood behind Reiner and glowered down at him. His seat mate shook his arm and nudged his chin in her direction. Reiner twisted in his seat and scanned her from head to toe. He cleared his throat and his lips fell into a smirk.

“Fancy seeing you here, Ms. Dreadin. Shouldn’t you be home with your…lady? How is the lovely Daisy this evening?”

Chelsey gritted her teeth. “You have no right to talk about my lady. Not after what you pulled on me earlier this afternoon.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Reiner propped his arm on the back of his chair. “From the strong smell of alcohol oozing from your person, you’ve had too much drink and aren’t thinking correctly, my dear.”

She jabbed his arm and he gave her an irritated look. “I’m not drunk and I’m not your dear. I overheard your conversation with your buddy here. Was trying to steal a kiss the only thing you bet on or were you just stringing me along for your own amusement and never meant to form a business partnership?”

Reiner fixed the cuffs of his shirt and brushed a finger across his mouth. His eyes glowed in humor. “My dear Ms. Dreadin, why in the world would I go into business with a woman?” He curled his lips and stared right at her chest. “You were an easy target. Next time you’ll be more careful who you do business with.”

“Perhaps next time, if you’re still breathing, you’ll be more careful of who you fuck with.” Chelsey pulled out her pistol and pointed it right between his eyes.

The entire room went silent. Reiner’s friend jumped out of his seat and backed away.

Reiner’s eyes went cross-eyed as he stared at the barrel of the gun. He cursed loudly and moved his face back an inch. Chelsey cocked the trigger.

Gasps filled the room.

Reiner licked his lips. “Chelsey, my dear, why don’t we—”

“I told you not to call me that. Only my wife has the permission to do so,” she barked.

Reiner lifted up his palms. His eyes pleaded with her. “If your wife were here now, what would she think of your unruly behavior?”

Chelsey was very calm and collected. Her arm didn’t shake and she didn’t sweat. She’d been in much worse situations than this and wanted Reiner to feel like shit for all the problems he caused. She’d give him a lesson he’d never forget. Her lips tilted up in a cruel smile and she dug the barrel deeper into to his forehead. “My wife would be upset with me, but seeing as she already is based on your selfish and immature actions, I have nothing to lose.”

“What do you want from me? An apology? You should have known better who you were tangling with. I can’t help it if your wife can’t keep you satisfied.”

Whispers came from the onlookers. Chelsey scanned the room. The table she’d been sitting at was vacant.

Where did Martin go off to? If he left me here—

“The reason you’re lashing out at me is because I gave you something you’ve been missing and was curious about. I admit I made a cruel bet and tricked you into believing I wanted you as a business partner. Perhaps you needed, shall we say, something harder to work and play with to keep you amused because you’re not getting what you need at home.” Reiner said in a reasonable tone, although his eyes glittered with malice.

“And you took it upon yourself to prove this to me? What a cocky son of a bitch you are. Nevertheless I demand an apology and you’ll take the earnings you won and donate it to the church.”

Reiner pursed his lips and dipped his head, spitting a wad of phlegm on the top of her boot. “That’s the only apology you’ll get from me you, bitch. Do what you will with it.” His smile grew as he glanced past her shoulder.

Someone called out Chelsey’s name in a warning. She spun on her heels and squatted down as a fist came at her face. She kicked her assailant in between his legs and slipped, losing hold of her gun. The man she kicked was one of Reiner’s employees, now hunched over in pain. He roared, and when he lurched forward, she punched him hard in the face. He fell to the ground screaming in agony and that’s when the room erupted into chaos.

Glasses and chairs started flying, and shouts and screams filled the air. Chelsey faced Reiner, who jumped up and pulled a knife from a sheath on his back. They circled one another and she cursed when she spotted her gun under the table.

“Now I’ll give you a new scar on your left cheek to match the ugly one on your right,” Reiner snarled and thrust his knife at her face.

Chelsey jerked back and landed against the table. As Reiner came at her, she lifted up her legs and kicked him in the chest. He stumbled, dropping the knife as she sprung at him and grabbed his hair, giving it a hard yank.

Reiner shouted for help and she punched him in the gut. He landed back on a table and she reached for the knife he dropped. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and stuck the sharp edge of the blade under his chin.

“I should cut up your pretty face. But since I’m a reasonable woman and care too much about my wife’s feelings, I’m going to let you live, you low down, dirty dog. But I’m taking this for all the trouble you caused me.” She took the wad of bills from his jacket and slipped into her bag.

“You should kill me because I’ll get my retribution, Dread. You’ll always be looking over your shoulder in fear.”

“You don’t know me very well. I’m always looking over my shoulder, but never in fear.” She finally released him and waited for him to make his next move. He didn’t disappoint, and rushed toward her. Her fist shot out and she caught him under the jaw. She then gave him a punch in the side and once in the stomach. He stumbled back and his head hit the edge of the table. He fell to the floor and didn’t move.

She knelt down to check if he was still breathing. He was, although the side of his head was covered in blood. She gave his cheek a slap and stood. When someone touched her back, she swung around, ready to fight.

“Chelsey, it’s Martin.”

She shook her head and viewed her friend. He didn’t look any the worse for wear, unlike herself, with bruised knuckles and shortness of breath.

“You look like shite,” Martin shouted over the rabble and ducked when a pitcher flew at his head.

“It’s been some time since I’ve been in a good fight.” Adrenaline rushed through her. “I’m in a much better mood than before. Why don’t we go back to your house and let me talk to Daisy now that you know the truth.”

“Sorry, the answer is still no.”

Chelsey flexed her fist, the need to hit something else. She rose up on her toes to ask Martin why he still refused her, when a flying chair smashed him upside the head. He folded to the ground.

“Martin!” she shouted and as she knelt down next to him, Reggie and two other members of her former crew appeared at her side.

“Captain! We have to go. The sheriff and his men are right outside the front door,” Reggie said. “We can leave through the back before they catch on.”

“Good idea. Let’s grab Martin. If I’m thrown into jail, Daisy will never forgive me,” Chelsey said and looked around the room. People still fought without any indication of stopping.

Reggie, along with brothers, Rogan and Giles, grabbed Martin by the arms. Chelsey shoved people out the way as they made their escape. When they were safely outside, they hurried over to a group of horses. The men lay Martin over one. Chelsey checked him over, wincing over the cut on his head and the large bump forming near his ear. She felt like crying. Martin was hurt because of her!

“Let’s take Martin to Doc Stepp. I don’t trust the infirmary right now, especially since most of the crowd at Moff’s will be there getting fixed up,” she recommended. She’d make certain Martin was taken care of and then deal with the aftermath of her actions.

“Good idea, Cap,” Reggie said and climbed on his horse, holding Martin close. “Come on, lads, to Doc Stepp we go!”

Chelsey climbed up behind Rogan, the slimmer and shorter of the two brothers, and they galloped away. The tropical wind whipped over her face and her eyes grew damp. Her stomach was riddled in knots. Now, due to her anger, she had a whole new slew of problems and the outcome was more uncertain.

Chapter Seven

Chelsey stared out the window. The sounds of the nighttime creatures rose up in a harmony. Usually those noises lulled her into a sense of tranquility, but now wasn’t the case. She turned and waited for Doc Stepp to finish his examination of Martin. She trusted him to give his patients the best possible care, like he’d done so many years for the crew who once sailed under her mentor and uncle, when he was their captain.

Doc Stepp removed the stethoscope from Martin’s chest and fixed the bandage around is head. Loud snores came from his mouth.

She smiled softly and her shoulders finally relaxed. “I guess Martin snoring is a good sign.”

“So it seems. He’ll live, but will have one hell of a headache.” Doc Stepp walked around the bed and motioned her to accompany him from the room. They walked down the hall to his office.

“How long will he be out for?” she asked.

“Until morning. I’ll have one of my staff check on him throughout the night just to be safe,” Doc Stepp said, and crossed his arms as he leaned back against the desk. Chelsey faced the older man, waiting for him to interrogate her. From the look on his face he was none too happy with her.

“Reggie gave me the condensed version of what occurred. I expected better of you now that you decided to give up your pirating ways.”

“I did also, but that blasted Reiner played me for a fool. I couldn’t let him get away with it.”

Doc Stepp didn’t agree with her as she expected him to. He rubbed his chin and shook his head in disapproval. “It’s a good thing many of the residents here respected your uncle. He helped most of them start over again. Because of your family connection, I don’t think the sheriff will be after your head for what you did—”

“I may have overreacted, but it’s not like Moff’s never had a roaring fight before. I plan on paying—”

“Chelsey, you can’t throw money someone’s way and expect to make it all better. Your generosity, much like your Uncle’s, has endeared the people here, but there will come a time when they’ll say enough is enough. I don’t think you want it to come down to that.”

Chelsey scraped the sole of her boot against the floor and gave Doc Stepp a half nod.

“I recommend you disappear for a few days. Aren’t you going to surprise Daisy tomorrow with your new ship? Why don’t you take it out for a sail for a day or two? By the time you return, things should be back to normal.”

“Um, that was my plan, even before my…issue with Reiner and what happened at the tavern, but Daisy isn’t too thrilled with me right now. She won’t go with me, especially after she hears what happened. The only way is to kidnap her and force her on the ship,” Chelsey muttered the last statement, knowing in this case she might not have a choice but to do exactly that.

* * * *

Chelsey and the three men with her slipped out of a cropping of bushes and trees and scanned the area. All were dressed in dark clothes, while she was in black—her typical wear from when she was once a pirate. She decided not to wear a mask to hide her identity as she used to when at sea. But she did carry a pistol on her just in case. She never thought she’d wear such clothes or carry such a weapon again. But since she was going to storm a house and kidnap a woman who didn’t have much tenderness for her at the moment, she felt the need to play the part. She made certain her pistol was empty of bullets and would only be used to cajole Daisy in to doing what she wanted.

Captain C.W. Dread had returned with a small number of her motley crew, who, when she told them what she was planning, didn’t try to talk her out of it. They went to their homes and got dressed appropriately while she hastened to hers to quickly bathe and get changed.

She glanced down at her pocket watch, the moonlight allowing her to see the time. It was shortly after midnight and the two siblings were abed. She expected Thomas to wait up for Martin to return, but Martin had told him he was going into town with her to help her calm down. He probably thought they were still drinking.

Thomas would be in for a nice surprise. He’d probably be out of sorts with her much like his sister was when he found out what happened to Martin. What they were going to do to him in order to get Daisy to go with her…

She’d have much to make amends for when this was all said and done.

“Cap, we’re ready when you are.”

She nodded at Reggie and gave Rogan and Giles her attention. “Rogan, you and your bother will sneak into Mister Thomas’s bedroom and tie him up, but not too rough. I only want him incapacitated until I can grab Daisy and get her to the ship. The kitchen staff arrives right before dawn. One of you will then deliver a message about Martin’s whereabouts so Thomas has one less person to worry about. Do you both understand?”

“Yes ma’am,” they said in unison.

“Good, good.” Chelsey gave Reggie’s shoulder a pat. “You’re with me. I’ll need you to help me with Daisy. She’s quite the fighter when she gets going but I can trust you to handle her with care.” She swallowed and winced as acid rose in her throat. Her stomach had been queasy ever since she decided to do this crazy thing. Daisy would be spitting mad. She just had to get her on the ship away from all other influences so they could be alone and speak their minds without any interruptions. And if Daisy still refused to listen to her, she would resort to seduction.

“Cap? Should we go?” Reggie gave her arm a soft shake and she blinked, coming out of her musings.

“Right. Gentleman, cover your faces and be very quiet. The windows are open. We don’t want to announce our arrival too soon.”

The three men all nodded and covered the lower part of their faces with bandanas. Chelsey led the way, darting to the front of the house and landing up against the side. She waved her cohorts over and they carefully climbed up onto the half-finished porch. Thankfully the wood didn’t creak, and when she touched the doorknob, it turned and the door opened.

She hadn’t expected the door to be locked; most people on the island didn’t lock up their houses. But after tonight, she wouldn’t be surprised if a few started. She walked quietly into the foyer and her men followed on her heels. They were silent as mice as she pointed them to the stairs. Rogan and Giles went first, taking each step slowly. The wood barely creaked as they walked, and when they reached the second landing, they turned left and snuck down the hall.

When they disappeared from sight, Chelsey scurried up the stairs with Reggie behind her. She cocked her ear and listened for any sounds of a struggle coming from Thomas’s bedroom. There was complete silence.

She arrived at the second bedroom where Daisy slept. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. Lying in the bed and facing the window Daisy slept dressed only in a chemise.

Sweat covered Chelsey’s forehead as she walked toward the bed. The floorboards creaked and she stopped, biting down on her lip. Daisy moaned and shifted onto her back. Her arm landed over her head and her nipple peeked out from under her lace.

She glanced behind to check if Reggie was ogling her wife. Instead, he sifted through the bag he held, taking out two scarves.

Cracking her head from side to side to release the tension in her shoulders, she sat down on the bed and leaned over her sleeping wife. “Princess,” she whispered, her mouth close enough to Daisy’s to kiss.

Daisy didn’t awaken and Chelsey whispered her name this time. She pushed aside the strands of Daisy’s hair sticking to her cheeks and pressed a kiss to her lips. Daisy moaned, her arms coming around and tugging her across her body.

“Chelsey?” Daisy asked in a drowsy whisper and she opened her eyes, giving her a sleepy smile when she broke off the kiss.

Chelsey kissed Daisy again, wishing she could undress and make love to her all night long.

Daisy opened her mouth to receive her tongue, but then inhaled and moved back. Her palms landed on Chelsey’s chest and she frowned. “This isn’t a dream. What in the world is going on?”

Chelsey sat back and started to speak when Daisy released a short yelp, grabbed the sheet and jumped out of the bed.

“What is he-he do-doing here?” Daisy pointed a finger in Reggie’s direction as she held up the sheet to cover her half naked body.

“Reggie is here to help me in case you won’t come of your own accord.”

“Whatever is going on? Is this some sort of joke? Where’s Martin?”

“Martin is indisposed. I’ll explain later, but we need to leave now. I have a nice surprise waiting for you.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m still very angry! You and your friend here can leave and I’ll call for you when I’m ready to talk.”

“Sorry princess, we’re playing by my rules for a change.” Chelsey crossed her arms and gave Daisy a stony stare.

“Thomas!” Daisy screeched.

Chelsey winced. “Call for your brother all you want. My other mates are making certain he doesn’t interrupt us.”

Daisy gave her an incredulous look. “Have you lost your mind? And why are you dressed all in black with a pistol at your hip?”

“Like I said a moment ago, I’ll explain everything, but you have to come with me.” Chelsey took a step closer. “Your beloved wife Chelsey has left and Captain C.W. Dread has risen again to take her place.”

“I don’t know what you drank tonight, but clearly the alcohol has gone to your head. Enough with this silliness. I’ve had the most exhausting day and want to be left alone.” Daisy pointed at the open door. “Leave now before I grow even more annoyed than I already am with you.”

“No can do, princess,” Chelsey said in a drawl and lifted up her hand at Reggie. He gave her the scarves. “Now we can do this the easy way. You walk out with me without any problems, or I gag you, tie you up and carry you off to where my ship is waiting to take us on an extended holiday.”

Daisy lifted her chin. “You wouldn’t dare gag and tie me. Why do you have to resort to such dramatics to get your way?”

“It’s who I am. You knew who you were taking on when you promised yourself to me, to spend all the days of your life by my side—”

Daisy’s hand shot out. “I don’t have a ring to prove this oath and I sure as hell didn’t promise to stand by someone who would allow men to kiss them and fondle their backside while I stay at home. You-you can go the devil!”

Chelsey flinched from the harsh tone in Daisy’s voice. She’d come this far and wouldn’t be deferred.

“It’s going to be the hard way then?” Chelsey walked over to Daisy and pursued her until she backed herself in the corner.

Daisy screamed, using her nails to scratch Chelsey’s face. But in the end, Chelsey got the upper hand and Daisy lost the fight. She lay on the bed with her wrists tied together and her mouth gagged. Her eyes were wet with angry tears and when Chelsey tried to tie her hair back, Daisy turned her head away and closed her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Chelsey said and brushed her hand down Daisy’s head. Daisy didn’t acknowledge her.

When Reggie picked Daisy up like she was fragile glass, she stared straight ahead. Chelsey found Daisy’s robe and draped it over her.

Her stomach twisted in even more knots as they walked outside and over to their horses. And when Chelsey sat on her horse and Reggie placed Daisy in front of her, she wrapped her arms around her precious bundle and proceeded to tell Daisy the events of earlier in the evening that led to her taking such drastic action.

Daisy didn’t give her any indication she heard or cared.

Chapter Eight

Daisy grunted as Reggie lifted her over his shoulder as he climbed up the side of the ship. She was shaking, not in fear, but with indignation over the lengths her wife had taken to get her on this new ship she knew absolutely nothing about. She would have continued to give Chelsey the evil eye, as she heard it described from a few locals on the island. But since her hair fell over her face and her head hung down over Reggie’s back, there wasn’t much she could do with her eyes other than close them and wait. But the moment she could, she would stare at Chelsey with such anger! And when her gag was removed, she’d give Chelsey a talking down the likes the former pirate had never heard before.

She bounced against Reggie as he climbed on the deck, keeping a tight hold on her and making certain her robe kept her covered. Why Chelsey couldn’t have at least dressed her in a nightgown was beyond her. When Chelsey kidnapped her the first time, she’d been wearing a beautiful ball gown. Now her unmentionables were flapping in the wind, so to speak.

Hands brushed her hair away. She lifted her head up and glared. Chelsey squatted down to her level, tying her hair back with a ribbon. Why couldn’t Chelsey have done that before she was hauled around like a sack of potatoes?

She glowered and said a few choice words against her gag. Chelsey didn’t react, although her eyes darted across her face, a sign she had to come to know as nervousness. The only other time she had seen her in such a way was when her deranged ex-fiancé, coincidentally Chelsey biggest enemy, had threatened to rape her.

Chelsey rose to her feet and Daisy dropped her head back down to stop the crick in her neck from reforming.

“Reggie, take Daisy to my cabin. You can untie her there and make sure she’s comfortable.”

Reggie rumbled out a reply and started walking. Daisy grabbed hold of the back of his shirt and held on as he descended into the belly of the ship. He opened a door and his footsteps became muffled from walking across a rug of some sort. He stopped and dipped forward, catching her by the back of her neck and head as he sat her on the bed.

She gave him the same evil stare she’d given Chelsey, but he either didn’t notice or ignored it. While he untied her wrists, the ship lurched to one side and then the other.

When her bonds came away, she rotated her wrists, surprised there was no bruising and tugged down the scarf from her mouth, taking in deep breaths. Reggie walked over to a table and poured a glass of clear liquid from a pitcher and bought it over to her.

She would have knocked it out of his hand, but someone had to be reasonable. And she was thirsty.

She mumbled a thank you and sipped her drink, eyeing Reggie while he watched her.

After drinking half the glass, she drew her robe tighter around her and crossed her legs. “Maybe you can tell me why Chelsey has proceeded with this insane notion.”

Reggie clearly looked uncomfortable from the flush on his cheeks to the way he kept squeezing the back of his neck.

“I’m not certain what I should or shouldn’t say. The Cap is in charge here—”

“The Cap told me everything on the ride over about how Mister Reiner forced himself on her and the events at the tavern. Why she couldn’t wait to tell me this in a few hours and on land is beyond me! And why go through all these shenanigans?” Daisy rubbed her forehead where a throbbing ache had formed.

“I think part of it has to do with celebratin’ Valentine’s Day and the other where she needed stay out of sight from the authorities. Maybe she didn’t want to be with only me and the boys for company and was lonely without you?” Reggie shrugged. “You’ll have to ask her yourself. She should be down shortly.”

“I think I will.” Daisy slid back on the bed that reminded her of the one she and Chelsey shared at home, but with burgundy satin sheets instead of white cotton. She ended up sitting against the headboard and listened to the slapping of the waves as the ship moved.

“I should go up above and help out with the crew. You won’t get into any trouble if I leave you by your lonesome?”

Daisy gave Reggie a smirk. “What type of trouble can I get into here? It’s not like I’m going to jump out the window and swim back to shore or destroy the room in a rage. Unlike Chelsey, I’m a lady in all things and I won’t end up in hysterics, cursing you all to hell.”

Reggie nodded and backed away, keeping an eye on her the entire time as she smiled maliciously at him.

When he walked out of the room and locked her in, she grabbed a pillow and punched it, wishing she could tear it apart to release the frustration and anger she was feeling. She started to do just that when her hand cramped.

Suddenly the fight went out of her and she lay on the bed, clutching the pillow to her chest. The rocking of the boat soothed her. She stared up at the night sky through the window, watching the stars twinkling above. She’d never forget the times she and Chelsey would lay together in Chelsey’s bed aboard her old ship, The Lady Desire, loose limbed and sated from their lovemaking. Those nights were very precious to her because that was when they sailed off together to the island they now called home. From the instant they had admitted their love, they had never spent a night apart, always sleeping next to one another with their arms and legs entangled, much like their hearts were.

I miss you so much, Chelsey, even though I could ring your bloody neck!

She imagined Chelsey tied to the bed and her on top, with her hands around Chelsey’s throat, gently squeezing as she rubbed her mound against Chelsey’s wet one. She shuddered. Her nipples hardened and a familiar tingling formed in between her legs whenever she thought about making love to Chelsey.

Chelsey…She yawned and nestled deeper into the bed, wishing she was here so they could talk. She would get to the bottom of Chelsey’s careless and ridiculous actions. This wasn’t how she envisioned spending her Valentine’s Day. As soon as she saw Chelsey, she would tell her that and so much more.

She missed Chelsey’s arms around her and the way her breath would tickle the back of her neck as she slept. She blinked, trying to stay awake, but the incidents over the past hour had exhausted her. She’d sleep and mostly likely awaken when Chelsey came to her…

* * * *

Chelsey had no idea what to expect from Daisy when she unlocked the door and entered her cabin. She could have been met with something hard thrown at her head or a furious Daisy spewing curses at her. What she found instead was a sleeping Daisy huddled under her robe. Her foot stuck out and her toes twitching. Chelsey smiled, remembering how one morning she sucked on each one of Daisy’s toes and ended up licking up her legs and in between her thighs. She’d love to do that now, but instead of Daisy’s caresses, she might get a swift kick to her head.

She stopped at the edge of the bed and yawned. She still had so much to do before the morning, which would arrive in a few hours. She studied her sleeping wife and the comfortable looking bed, hoping to catch a quick nap before she finished with Daisy’s Valentine’s Day surprise.

She ached to hold Daisy. Never one to walk away from a challenge, she took off her boots and slipped carefully into the bed. She lay on her side, curving her arm around Daisy and snuggling up against her back. Daisy mumbled her name and took hold of her hand, moving back against her and then going silent.

Chelsey listened to Daisy’s breathing, the tension in her body disappearing as she settled down to sleep. She set her internal clock to wake her as the sun rose and kissed Daisy’s hair, whispering how much she loved her and hoped Daisy would forgive her for her actions of late.

She fell asleep to the rocking of the ship and to Daisy’s soft snores that sounded like music to her ears.

Chapter Nine

Something soft nudging her nose woke her out of a deep sleep. Daisy wiped her face and stretched. The smell of roses lulled her back into a doze.

Roses?

Her eyes snapped open. She wasn’t in her bedroom at home where she could hear the surf of the ocean and smell coconuts from the coconuts trees outside her window. She stared above at the unfamiliar ceiling and then sat up, blinking her eyes. Last night came back to her in a rush and she pushed back her hair in irritation. A rose petal fell on her lap. She lifted her hands to her mouth, swallowing a gasp. The bed was covered in white roses! She crawled to the end of the bed and saw the floor was blanketed with more petals. Bundles of roses also hung from the walls.

“Oh my,” she whispered and surveyed the room. Roses were everywhere, covering every table and chair. Her eyes widened when she spotted the closet. A gown that looked exactly like the one she wore for her marriage ceremony hung over the door.

She stood up from the bed and walked over to the dress, trying not to slip on the silky petals as they stuck to the bottom of her feet. When she reached the closet, she noticed a note was pinned to the dress, written by Chelsey.

Princess,

After you finished bathing and eating your breakfast, please put on your wedding dress and join me above deck for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

Your loving pirate wench

Bemused, Daisy detached the note and read it over again. She sighed and shook her head, looking around for water and a towel to bathe herself with. She found neither.

The door rattled and Reggie entered, dressed in a crisp black jacket and matching breeches, a white ruffled shirt underneath and his hair combed. He bowed as he stood in the open doorway.

“Good morning, Ms. Dreadin. If you join me, I’ll escort you to the bathing room where you can use the bath at your disposal and partake in the light repast there. Bring your dress with you, erm…women’s underthings are also waiting for you to put on.”

Reggie apparently looked uncomfortably mentioning her undergarments, but she only smiled and didn’t bother to tease him. She took her dress that was freshly laundered and ironed, and followed Reggie out into the hall where more roses petals awaited, scattered across the floor.

“Oh my, this is lovely!” she exclaimed. She took Reggie’s arm he offered her and led her into the bathing room where a large ceramic tub filled with warm, floral scented water waited. Next to the bath was a table with a steaming pot that smelled of coffee and a basket of pastries. The whiff of strawberries came from within and when she peeked inside, the majority of the pastries were strawberry tarts, the same ones she loved to make with Chelsey’s mother, who, when she was a girl, was once her cook.

“I’ll come back for you in an hour,” Reggie announced and shut the door behind him.

Happy tears filled her eyes and she lifted a tart and took a big bite. She carried her treat with her and got undressed and settled into the bath. She gave herself a good soaking, curious as to what else Chelsey had in store for her.

* * * *

Daisy took one final look at herself in the mirror, pleased with her unbound hair flowing across her shoulders and down her back, much like she’d worn it on her wedding day. If only I had a wreath of flowers or some sort of fancy clip to decorate my hair. She couldn’t criticize the way her dress fit and turned to the side, nodding in approval that she hadn’t gained any weight. Surprisingly she had lost weight, most likely from her fretting about Chelsey.

Before she could contemplate further, there was a knock on the door.

“You may enter,” she commanded, and Reggie opened the door, still wearing his genteel outfit.

“Are you ready to meet the Cap…erm I mean, Chelsey?” he asked, tugging on his cravat.

“I’m ready as I’ll ever be. My bath and breakfast were wonderful. Please give my compliments to whomever helped set up the room and took the time to scatter the roses around.”

Reggie gave her a smile. “Me and the boys pitched in while Cap…Chelsey gave the orders.”

“I’ll have to thank the men then,” Daisy said softly and accompanied Reggie above.

The sunlight blinded her as she climbed up the ladder and onto the deck. Not a cloud marred the sky and the clear, cerulean ocean went on forever. She walked over the shiny, waxed deck and circled in wonder at the white streamers and bows hanging from the ship. She longed to explore and discover the ship’s mysteries, just like its captain, who stood above near the fore sail, staring down at her. Their eyes met and Daisy walked across the deck, climbing the stairs to meet her wife who was also wearing the same gown she wore on their wedding day. Unlike hers which was ivory, Chelsey’s was more an off white with silver and black ribbons running along the hem and bodice. Her hair was also loose but a small, pink lily snuck out from behind her ear.

“I can’t believe you’re wearing your wedding dress,” Daisy said in surprise.

“You’ve seen me in dresses before, princess,” Chelsey replied in a drawl and placed a white rose among Daisy’s curls

Daisy’s eyes flickered when Chelsey’s fingers brushed over the side of her neck.

“You look beautiful,” she said and pressed her cheek into Chelsey’s palm.

Chelsey’s hand dropped away. “I thought if I dressed for the occasion, you’d forget the past day or so.”

Daisy took a step back and folded her hands, uncertain how to proceed.

A frown crossed Chelsey’s face. “Daisy?”

“We still have to talk about your rash actions and how agitated I am at the lengths you took to bring me on your ship. A ship I was clueless about.” Daisy wagged her finger.

“We will, but later,” Chelsey murmured, a beseeching look in her eyes showing she wanted the opposite. “But first, will you let me show you the ship I built in your honor? This is one of the many surprises I had planned for you for today.”

A ship just for me? Daisy lifted her hands to her chest and stared at Chelsey in wonder. And when Chelsey turned around and produced a bouquet of pink lilies for her, she wanted to grab Chelsey and give her kisses across her face and other places better suited to be done in private.

“These are for you.” Chelsey held out the flowers. “I remember how happy you were to have them at our marriage ceremony. I also haven’t given you flowers since then. I needed to rectify that.”

Daisy took the flowers and lifted them up to her nose. “I haven’t given you flowers either. From now on I’ll make certain fresh flowers are in the rooms on the ground floor and in our bedroom every week.”

“This means you’re not leaving me and won’t be moving in with your brother and Martin?” Chelsey asked and pushed one of Daisy’s curls off her shoulder.

“Chelsey, I was upset and angry at what I saw between you and that horrible man. I wasn’t going to leave you. I just needed time to think things through and calm down before I did something unlady like and threw the china at your head.”

Chelsey half nodded, but disbelief still lurked in her eyes. Daisy opened her mouth to argue, but Chelsey placed the pads of her fingers over her mouth.

“As I said before, it’s better if we leave this important discussion for when we’re alone.” A soft smile filled Chelsey’s face. “But first I must show you the dolphins that have been swimming alongside the ship all morning.”

Daisy allowed her hand to be taken by Chelsey as they walked down the stairs to watch the dolphins together.

* * * *

By mid-day Chelsey had grown antsy. Daisy was acting as if all were right between them, but the forlorn look that would come and go in her eyes told her things weren’t progressing as she’d have liked. She had to fix this somehow and regain Daisy’s trust. She didn’t want her to pretend like everything was fine. She was tuned in to her princess’ emotions well enough to know when she was unhappy. The past few months she’d ignored it, blaming fatigue and the long hours she worked. But no longer. She would fix this here and now, and when they returned home everything would go back to the way it once had been in the first months of their marriage.

Daisy leaned over the edge to watch the dolphins, and that had put a huge smile on her face. She wanted to be the one to make Daisy smile. Her hand crept over until she placed it over Daisy’s and left it there, watching Daisy’s face, the face she never stopped thinking about even when she slept.

“You’re staring at me,” Daisy said, glancing at her from the corner of her eye.

“I’m staring because you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Each day you grow lovelier than the last.”

A blush filled Daisy’s cheeks. Soon she would see if she could make Daisy’s entire body turn red by the pleasures she gave her once they returned to their cabin down below.

“You and your pretty compliments.” Daisy sighed and finally looked away from the water and straight at Chelsey. “I’m ready for our talk now.”

Chelsey wiped a palm down her mouth. Now her face felt hot. There was no use pushing off the inevitable any longer.

“Would you like to convene below in our cabin? We can chat there and enjoy some wine and snacks until dinner.”

Daisy nodded and folded her hands in front of her. “Lead the way. I’ll follow you wherever you want to go.”

Chelsey’s chest tightened over Daisy’s words. “Daisy love, I would never expect you to follow me. It should be the other way around. But I prefer you to be by my side always…wherever our paths may take us.”

Daisy gave her a genuine smile that met her eyes this time.

Chapter Ten

The room was as Daisy had left it, but Chelsey had her wait outside with the door closed while she—‘fixed the room to rights’. After a few minutes, the door swung open and Chelsey stood there, her eyes roaming across Daisy’s face. Every time Chelsey stared at her in such a manner, she grew slick with need and felt the urge to disrobe and allow Chelsey have her wicked way with her. But first they had to open the lines of honesty between them again.

“Are you willing to enter my abode, Ms. Daisy?” Chelsey twined a piece of her hair around her finger and gave her a sultry look.

Daisy pressed her palms to her cheeks and opened her mouth in fake shock. “I may be taking my life into my hands if I do.”

“There’s that possibility.” Chelsey held out her arm. “But I’ll be here to protect you from all harm.”

“And who will protect me from you?” Daisy replied in a saucy tone, flipped her hair over one shoulder, and walked in.

Not much had changed. The roses still hung on the wall and the floor and bed were covered in petals. But now lit candles stood on shelves and their meal had been laid out on a table. A small velvet box lay on a plate and next to it was a slim, wider one.

Daisy rested her palm over her stomach. “I’m suddenly famished.”

“You didn’t eat much of your breakfast?” Chelsey asked and drew her forward.

“I had a strawberry tart or two,” Daisy replied and sat down in the chair Chelsey held out for her. “Those were a nice touch.”

“I thought you’d enjoy them.” Chelsey sat down next to her. “It makes me remember better times with my mum, and of you when you were all sweet and innocent.”

“I’m still sweet.” Daisy picked up a red grape and popped it into her mouth. “But no longer innocent, thanks to you.”

Chelsey sat back, silently watching as Daisy chewed. She grew self-conscious but brave enough to speak up. “You always stare at my mouth when I eat. Is it because you’re recalling all those naughty ways I use my mouth on you?”

Chelsey cleared her throat and tapped her lip. “When I thought of us having our discussion, I didn’t think it would lead to you flirting with me.”

“When you set the room for seduction, what else should I think?” Daisy lifted a brow and popped another grape into her mouth.

“We could always skip our important chat and put those grapes you’re sucking down to good use, including the wine I can’t wait to lick off your titties. But then nothing would be resolved between us.”

Daisy almost choked over Chelsey’s blunt words, but coughed lightly and poured herself and Chelsey another glass of the wine. “True.” She took a sip, enjoying the flavor. “Why was it so important for you to become partners with such an unscrupulous fellow like Mister Reiner, who apparently was up to no good in the first place?”

Chelsey sipped her wine. “I didn’t realize how unscrupulous he truly was. I thought I could handle him. Why didn’t you voice your concerns about Reiner right from the start? I would’ve listened to what you said and took it into major consideration.”

Daisy stared down at her lap. “It made you happy. The last time I saw you that way was the day we married. I could tell how bored you had become and that you missed sailing on the open seas.” She bit down on her lip. “I didn’t want you to resent me for taking that away from you. I know you loved your life even though it was dangerous and illegal.”

When Chelsey’s hand brushed over her cheek, she glanced up. Chelsey had a sick look on her face that made her stomach knot. “Chelsey, dear, what is it? Please don’t hate me for being honest—”

Chelsey rested lips against her quivering ones for a moment and then broke away. She cupped her cheeks in a warm grasp. “I would never resent you. Get that out of your head right this minute. Yes, I’ve missed sailing like the Dickens, but I was willing to give it all up for you. My life as a pirate is in the past. You’re my present and future. I thought…by owning something substantial and legal, you could look upon me with pride. I was blinded by what Reiner offered and ignored all the signs. That’s why when I found out he’d placed a bet on me and won, I lost all reason. I reacted poorly and I ask for your forgiveness. Never again will I find myself in that situation.”

Daisy blinked back tears and rubbed her nose back and forth against Chelsey’s. “I can’t stay angry at you any longer. I hope you can forgive me for not speaking up sooner and for becoming a nervous Nelly who started to twisted things in her head based on nasty gossip and unfounded innuendos.”

“How about we call it even?” Chelsey asked with a teasing lilt to her voice. She gave Daisy a happy smack on her mouth, which Daisy received all too gladly.

“Sounds wonderful to me.” Daisy wiped the corner of her eyes.

“I hated feeling this way. It was like my chest was constantly on fire and wouldn’t stop.” Chelsey tapped her chest with her fist.

Daisy took Chelsey’s fist in both her hands and kissed her healing knuckles. “I had such a painful pressure between my eyes. But now I find it’s gone.”

“That burning sensation hasn’t left me yet.”

Daisy rubbed her fingers across Chelsey’s hand in concern. “Because of the cuts on your hands from your fight?”

“It’s lower, near my stomach.”

“Perhaps something you ate—”

“Princess, I’m trying to be funny. If you noticed, my nipples are practically spearing the bodice of my dress. The annoying burn has changed into something much nicer and has sunk down below where only your touch can douse the flames.” Chelsey took Daisy’s hand and slid it down across her stomach and in between her legs.

“The wine and all these candles have made me too warm. I simply must take off my dress.” Daisy removed her hand and stood. She backed away, slowly untying the bodice of her dress. She purposely took her time undressing as Chelsey watched.

Chelsey lifted her hands to her own bodice and loosened her ribbons there.

Daisy’s dress and drawers pooled at her feet until she was left in only a short, lacy chemise. She toed off her slippers and lifted her arms over her head, causing her nipples to rise over the edge of the fabric.

Chelsey pushed her chair aside and rose. She didn’t undress as Daisy’s expected her to but walked over until she stood in front of her. She cupped Daisy’s breast in reverence.

“I love how you touch me,” Daisy whispered and when Chelsey placed a kiss on her nipple, she rested her cheek on top of Chelsey’s head.

Chelsey arms came around and her fingers rubbed gentle circles across her back. Her mouth ran over the tops of Daisy’s breasts, causing her dew to form until she was quite wet down below. She grabbed hold of Chelsey’s hand and spread her legs apart, pressing Chelsey’s palm over her mound so she could feel her desire for her.

“Let’s go to bed,” Daisy ordered and tugged Chelsey.

Chelsey halted her move and lifted her hand away, taking a deep sniff of her fingers. Daisy swallowed, trembles taking over her arm and legs.

“Hmm, sweet, Daisy puss, only for me.” Chelsey nipped Daisy’s mouth, flicking out her tongue to lick Daisy’s lips. “But before we love one another, you must open the small box first and wear what’s inside.”

“Can’t it wait?” Daisy asked, moving her head back when Chelsey tried to kiss her again.

“No. It can’t. I want to see it on you while I kiss every part of your unclothed body. The other gift is only if you’re open to receiving it. Sit on the bed and I’ll bring them over to you.”

Intrigued by the two mysterious gifs, she sat on the edge of the bed and rested back on her elbows, opening her legs wide. She wanted to taunt Chelsey with her arousal and have her lose control.

Chelsey came back with the two velvet boxes and stared at Daisy with an intensity that left her quaking. “I see I’ve taught you well. But if you wait a few minutes longer, you’ll get the reward you so rightly deserve.”

“And you will as well,” Daisy purred. “Take off your dress.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Chelsey set the boxes down on the floor and then pulled off her dress, showing how naked she was underneath.

“How naughty of you to not even wear a chemise or corset, only your stockings. Keep them on,” Daisy said, running her tongue across her lower lip. Chelsey’s breasts stood proudly on display, her nipples a deep cherry red that had her salivating to devour.

Chelsey cupped her breasts and lifted them in the air. “Does my princess want a taste?”

Daisy nodded. “Bring them to me now,” she demanded and opened her mouth to receive her wife’s bounty.

Chelsey laughed and instead of climbing on the bed and lying over her as Daisy expected, she knelt. She planted the larger box of the two on the bed and lifted up the smaller one. “First open this.”

Daisy sat up straight and held out her palm. Chelsey put the box in her hand. She turned the box from side to side and shook it.

Chelsey gave her a firm kiss. “Stop trying to figure out what’s inside and just open it.”

Daisy opened the lid and what she saw on the small bed of velvet made her jaw drop. “It-it’s rings.”

“These are our wedding bands.” Chelsey took one and twisted it so Daisy could see the engraving on the inside that indicated their names and the date of their wedding in elegant script.

“Oh my.” Daisy sniffed, blinking away her tears. Her hand shook as Chelsey slipped one of the rings onto her finger. Daisy took the other ring, kissed it and put it on Chelsey’s finger. She linked their hands and bowed her head over them.

“I’ll always cherish this gift above all others,” Daisy said and kissed the top of Chelsey head. She wanted to dance around the room! Finally, they had proof of their love to show the world.

“Thank you for accepting this gift and pardoning my actions and anything else I might have done to upset you,” Chelsey whispered and hugged Daisy.

Daisy held her close and rubbed her mouth over Chelsey’s shoulder. “I have nothing to give you. All I had planned was cooking you dinner and then seducing you in a very risqué nightie I was going to wear before we went to bed.”

“You’re my gift. I don’t need anything else from you but your trust and your love.”

“You have both. You always will,” Daisy said strongly and lifted Chelsey’s face where her cheeks were wet from her tears. She kissed her face slowly until she reached her mouth. Chelsey’s tongue came out and she sucked down, moaning softly. She wanted to consume all of her and fell back on the bed, pulling Chelsey down on top.

Daisy flicked Chelsey’s nipples while Chelsey lifted her chemise and caressed her stomach and thighs. She grew wet and arched, wanting Chelsey’s fingers to pet her wet puss and invade her deep inside.

“Chelsey...” she whimpered when one of Chelsey’s fingers traced her slit. She bit her lip and turned her face to the side, rocking against Chelsey’s hand. Chelsey laughed softly and sucked down on her chest, her teeth nipping over her sensitive nipples.

She lifted up and threw off her chemise. It landed near the other box she had yet to open.

“Chels… oh…” Daisy tried to ask what was in the box, but she couldn’t catch her breath as Chelsey’s mouth ventured down her stomach and navel to nuzzle over her mound.

“No more talking. I only want to hear your cries of pleasure,” Chelsey ordered and pushed Daisy’s legs apart.

Daisy fisted her fingers into the silk coverlet. “First tell me what’s in the other box. Is it a necklace or bracelet to match our rings?” She envisioned Chelsey and herself wearing jewels and nothing else. They would take turns licking and kissing their naked bodies among the rubies…emeralds…diamonds…

Chelsey bit down lightly on the inside of Daisy’s upper thigh. “Not jewelry, but something extraordinary that will only be shared between us.”

Finding Chelsey’s statement odd, Daisy began to ask her for clarification when she cried out, her question forgotten as Chelsey’s tongue slithered inside her feminine folds and licked. Chelsey’s mouth came over her core and sucked and pulled, making her embarrassingly wet.

Daisy rocked over Chelsey’s sinful mouth and tongue that caused her body to quicken. She squirmed under Chelsey hold, lifting her legs up, but was soon held captive by Chelsey who tightened her arms around her, trying to keep her immobile.

“I can’t…it’s too much.” Daisy cried out, her inner muscles starting to spasm and leading toward that build up tension and warmth that would make her orgasm.

Chelsey lifted her mouth away and smiled. “Hold off. I have something that will make you climax like you never have before. Do you trust me?”

“Yes! Yes!” Daisy shouted, wanting Chelsey’s mouth on her pussy so she could find her release. She was so close, yet so far still.

“Close your eyes and no matter what you feel near your cunt, don’t open them.”

Daisy jerked from Chelsey crude words and forceful statement, but she obeyed. She closed her eyes and lifted her arms over her head and waited. At first all she heard was her heavy breathing, but then the sounds of something opening and Chelsey chuckling.

Chelsey must have opened the box! She licked her lips, anxious to know what Chelsey planned to do to her and with what.

Something smooth and hard tapped her upper leg. She started to open her eyes, but then remembered to keep them closed. She wiggled her hips when the object bumped across her pussy. And when Chelsey spread her folds apart and the blunt object pushed in and brushed over her enflamed clit, she sat up and opened her eyes regardless of what Chelsey wanted.

“What in the world—” Daisy yelped as she caught sight of a long, wooden implement with ridges halfway inside of her. The protruding instrument made her entire body stiffen and when Chelsey circled it against her cunt, she jolted and swallowed a cry of pleasure.

“Do you like this?” Chelsey asked, her voice husky.

Daisy swallowed and when Chelsey slid the instrument in further, the stretching made her inner muscle squeeze around the stiff intrusion. “It…feels strange.”

“Very different from my tongue and fingers, heh?” Chelsey asked and jabbed it in deeper.

Daisy fell back on the bed and lifted up her knees, grabbing hold of them as Chelsey pumped the tool back and forth. “What is it?”

“This is a dildo. I had it made for us. We can use it to increase our pleasure while we love one another. Do you like it?”

Daisy panted, her inner muscles squeezing tighter around the apparatus Chelsey continued pumping into her. “How far in can it go?”

“As far as you can take it. But since it’s your first time, let’s take things slow, shall we?”

Chelsey climbed over Daisy until she straddled her. Chelsey gave her a hard kiss, their teeth mashing together and their tongues dueling with one another. She held Chelsey by her hair and lifted up, wanting more of the device inside of her.

“I’m going to join you. You can pretend the dildo is a part of me and I’m fucking you, just like a man would,” Chelsey whispered over her mouth and twisted her hips until she gasped and her eyes rolled in back of her head.

“What is it, Chelsey?” Daisy asked in concern, looking in between their bodies. Her eyes widened when she saw how Chelsey’s pussy had taken the other end of the dildo inside her.

“Must get accustomed first,” Chelsey gasped and rested her face over Daisy’s chest. She rocked her hips and Daisy groaned from the dildo sliding in her further.

“It’s been a while since I had one of these inside of me,” Chelsey groaned and lifted her face up. Sweat beaded her brow and her mouth trembled.

Daisy dug her fingers into Chelsey’s shoulders. “I don’t think I can last much longer.”

“All right, princess. Let’s find our completion together. Lift up your hips and then I’ll move down. We’ll both give ourselves a ride we won’t forget. Are you game?”

“Yes, hurry!” Daisy grabbed hold of Chelsey’s hips as she started rocking.

“Yes…just like that,” Chelsey hissed and slapped her palms next to Daisy’s head. Staring down at Daisy, she lifted up and down, cursing under her breath.

Daisy cried out, rotating her hips each time Chelsey’s pressed down on her. Their nipples poked one another and their abrading made Daisy shake in such extreme pleasure that her head started to throb and her vision blurred.

Chelsey’s hand shifted in between them, and when she found Daisy’s spongy button that always made her gush more of her dew, she finally fell apart. She shouted out Chelsey’s name and started to come hard, so much so that when she bit down on her lip, she drew blood.

Chelsey shouted her name in return and fell over her, trembling and crooning softly in her ear. Daisy could feel the pounding of Chelsey’s heart against her chest and she held hugged her tightly.

Chelsey flinched as she lifted her hips. Daisy watched, mesmerized while Chelsey drew the dildo out of her. The smell of sex and musk filled her nose. She was equally exhausted and sated in ways she’d never felt before.

“Short nap,” Daisy said and rubbed her face into the covers as Chelsey ran her fingers up and down her side.

“Love you so much,” Chelsey whispered, her voice scratchy and uneven.

“Love you back…trust you forever,” Daisy replied and smiled when she saw her ring. She moved her hand over Chelsey’s hand and linked their fingers together.

Chapter Eleven

Daisy stoked the dildo Chelsey had cleaned after their lovemaking. Remnants of food and the bottle of wine were spread out before them. Chelsey rested on her elbow, charting Daisy’s movements with a hooded look.

“Keep playing with your new toy like that and I’ll use it on you again.”

“Is that a threat? Doesn’t sound much like one,” Daisy replied, placing the dildo off to the side and lying down to face Chelsey.

“I’m glad you like your gift. I wasn’t sure how you would respond it to.”

“I responded to it very well,” Daisy said cheekily and tapped Chelsey’s nose.

Chelsey took hold of her hand. “Your screams showed your appreciation. I don’t think I can face the boys above just yet. The walls on this vessel aren’t as thick as the ones on The Lady Desire.”

Daisy almost rolled her eyes. They had more than a few lusty screaming matches in Chelsey’s cabin on her old ship.

“I can’t help that I have such a passionate wife,” Daisy teased.

“Looks like I have the same problem with my wife as well,” Chelsey said and tugged her in closer.

Daisy rested her cheek on Chelsey’s shoulder and brushed her fingers back and forth across her chest. “What’s this ship’s name?”

“It doesn’t have one yet. I’m waiting for my wife to name it.”

Daisy glanced up at Chelsey to see if she was serious. The look in Chelsey’s eyes told her so. “This is a big responsibility. It may take me a few days to come up with the perfect name.”

“We have more than a few days for you to come up with something.” Chelsey rubbed her fingers over one of Daisy’s curls.

“How long are we going to stay out at sea? We’ll have to return home eventually and face the music.”

“You mean I’ll have to face the music.”Chelsey sighed and rubbed her palm up and down her face. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Martin has commandeered a ship and is searching for us now. He’s going to be very sore at me for not only invading his home and stealing you, but tying up Thomas.”

“Oh Chelsey, you didn’t!” Daisy groaned and lifted up on her elbow.

“I made sure he wasn’t roped too tight,” Chelsey grumbled and drew Daisy back into her embrace.

“You must also make restitution for the destruction you helped caused at Moff’s, explain things to the sheriff so he doesn’t throw you into jail and return Mister Reiner’s money back to him.”

“Why would I return the money to that ass?”

Daisy gave Chelsey’s cheek a pat. “He did win fare and square.”

Chelsey gave her an incredulous look. Her mouth fell into a sulk and she stared up at the ceiling. “I hate to say it, but you’re right. I guess I’ll have to apologize to Reiner also for acting so rude.”

“Rude? Chelsey dear, you were a great deal more than rude. It will be hard, but you need to make nice with him. I would hate to think he’ll want revenge for making him look foolish like he did you. We can invite him over for dinner and all have a nice chat. You can explain you’re both even now and should forgive and forget.”

“Even? How so?” Chelsey asked.

Daisy stopped from rolling her eyes. “He won the bet and you in turn had a tantrum. You acted like children and now you both are paying for it. Reiner with bruises and cuts marring his handsome face, and you taking responsibility for your unnecessary actions.”

Chelsey continued staring up at the ceiling until Daisy straddled her waist. Chelsey rubbed her hands over Daisy’s hips. “If it makes you happy, I’ll swallow my pride and do what you want.” Chelsey wagged her finger in front of Daisy’s face. “But don’t expect me to become bosom buddies with the cheat or return his money to him. I have a better use for it.”

Daisy took Chelsey’s finger and gave it a nip. “You don’t have to be friends, just polite neighbors. As for the winnings, I really think you shouldn’t be self—”

Chelsey pressed her finger over Daisy’s mouth. “Before you accuse me of being selfish, why not listen to what I want to do with the money?”

Daisy lifted her brow. “Go ahead then.”

Chelsey pulled Daisy down on top of her and whispered in her ear. Daisy then gave her a big smile and proceeded to kiss her.

When Daisy’s kisses grew more amorous, Chelsey grabbed their new toy and used it on Daisy first, in order to make her scream out her pleasure until she lost her voice.

Only when they were both satisfied, did they take a quick bath, got dressed, and watched the sunset. They laced their fingers together where the light from the setting sun bounced off their wedding bands.

Epilogue

Father Nelson was going over the church accounts. He shook his head in misery. At this rate he’d be saying mass outside since there wasn’t nearly enough in the coffers to pay for a new roof. The donations were so little that expanding the school next door would be next to impossible.

A knock on his door gave him the break he longed for. Cracking his neck and stretching his arms above his head, he called out for the person to enter.

Sister Francis came in holding an envelope. The young nun with the happy smile gave him a small curtsey. “Father, I found this sticking out of one of the collection boxes. I thought it best to bring to you.”

Nelson stood up from his desk and came around, taking the bulky envelope. Written on the outside of the envelope was—‘For the church roof, and more’.

Sister Francis twisted her hands. A worrying look crossed her face. He gave her arm a soft pat. “Maybe it’s a hefty donation,” he joked sadly.

“Perhaps God has answered our prayers.” The kindly sister lifted her folded hands to her mouth.

When he opened the envelope, bills popped out, some falling to the floor. Francis bent down and picked them up, her eyes widening. “Dear Lord, Father, these are twenty pound notes!”

Nelson brushed a thumb across the bills, his chest growing tight. “Let’s count these, shall we?”

By the time they had counted the money, the number tallied was one-thousand pounds.

Father Nelson pulled Sister Francis into his arms and they danced round his small office in joy. Not only would they have a new roof, but could add an extra room to the school house and buy more books and writing tools, all because of some unknown, generous soul.

The End

More Books You’ll Love from Ravenous Romance

The Princess’s Bride by KT Grant

“This author truly writes the best f/f romance that I have ever encountered.”

--Happily Ever After Reviews (4.5 “teacups”)

Daisy de Fleurre, an exiled princess from a faraway land, longs for true love. She is engaged to a man who wants to offer her the world- but Daisy still longs for a woman she has never forgotten...

But when the dastardly lady pirate C.W. Dread kidnaps the princess-to-be, Daisy has much to lose- and a secret to discover.

Valentine Cyborg by Trinity Blacio

It’s the year 2035 and erotic author Jaya Rayford has been running from a stalker fan for over three years. Now she is tired of running, and of being always afraid. Her only comfort has been her electric lover, the robot Bot Bryn. But all technology needs an upgrade, so when a recent stalker sighting gets Jaya spooked, she orders the biggest, toughest, most perfect android on the market- and tricks him out with the latest defense and pleasure technologies.

But Bot Bryn has a secret that will change everything. He has waited for over two years to be with his bonded. Six light years away from his world, Bryn is bound to tie his female to him. For years she thought of him as a computer, but this computer had a Valentine’s surprise for her.

Hard Candy, Soft Cream by Chloe Stowe

Join Mercer and Saul from the novel Hard Wood, Soft Heart in a standalone Valentine’s Day novella that will bring heat, tears and laughter to your cold winter days.

Mercer is a former baseball player whose career was stolen from him by a chronic heart condition. Saul Tidewater is a heart surgeon who moved to Las Vegas to escape a bitter divorce and the tragedy at the break-up’s core.

They’ve known each other for nine months, but their love is strong and passionate. But when a secret is kept on Valentine’s Day not only is the strength of their relationship put to the test, but their very lives!

Valentine Cowboys by Cat Johnson

Ranch hands Justus White and Dakota Washburn have known each other forever, or at least since fifth grade when Melody Zane, the coolest girl in school, gave them both valentines.

That Valentines Day ended in a school yard fight, and a lifelong friendship. 12 years later, they now both live and work on the Maverick ranch and have vowed never to let a girl get between them again… Until they meet Melody again in a bar. Then they decide to preserve the friendship maybe the best thing is to keep her between them both.

Never Too Many Valentines: A Collection of Ménage Novellas

by Trinity Blacio, Kristabel Reed, and Bethany Michaels

Can’t get enough of hearts and flowers and chocolates? Why should you? Curl up with our Valentine’s Day collection of romantic stories about three in love.

You’ll find lusty spies who just can’t keep their hands off each other while tracking down a serial killer, shape-shifters with secrets that can only be shared between mated lovers, and a hot story about a country music trio that will make all their female lead singer’s Valentine’s dreams come true...

So pour the champagne, open that box of chocolates, and enjoy the ride!

Running in Fear: Cupid’s Venom by Trinity Blacio

Six years of living in a cell sure can be hell on a girl. Not to mention the fact that Cecil was only sixteen years old when her family was taken away for scientific experiments. After escaping, all Cecil wanted to do was die, but the snake DNA that they’d injected into her wouldn’t let that happen - and neither will her mates.

In a one-week time span, alpha males Tug, Rory, and Clayton must protect their female from the scientists Cecil has escaped. Not only is her life in danger, but also her son’s, and the future of every shifter around. The war against good and evil is coming to a head and their journey is just part of the story you’ll find in this fourth installment of Trinity Blacio’s best-selling series!

Werewolves in Love edited by Lori Perkins

Written by Kate Early, Azura Ice, and Trinity Blacio

In this collection, you’ll find three sizzling novellas of supernatural love and romance!

In Heart of a Were by Azura Ice, you’ll find out what happens when a were mated for life is widowed.

Best-selling menage author Trinity Blacio shows us what happens when Cupid gets hit by his own arrow, and Kate Early’s M/M BDSM werewolf lovin’ in Enforced Will should leave you panting for more!

About the Author

KT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. Under her alter-ego, she is a well known book reviewer and blogger who doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion. A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and known for writing “out of the box” romances. KT has been quoted in such publications as the Romance Writers Associations’ Romance Writers Report and Night Owl Reviews. She has also been mentioned in the Guardian.UK, Publisher’s Weekly’s Beyond the Book and at Bookseller.com. You can visit her at http://ktgrant.com/ and at her personal blog at http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

Copyright Information

A Ravenous Romance™ Original Publication

www.ravenousromance.com

Copyright © 2012 by KT Grant

Ravenous Romance™

100 Cummings Center

Suite 123A

Beverly, MA 01915

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60777-492-1

This book is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Content

Dedication:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

More Books You’ll Love from Ravenous Romance

About the Author

Copyright Information