The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,101

to her, she knew what she wanted to do next. She slipped from Kyle’s lap and looked expectantly at his knees, but he didn’t move, didn’t allow her to kneel between his thighs to make restitution.

“Not until we bathe, Moira. I’ve been in the gaol. It’s bad enough I’ve kissed you and touched you at all. But I couldn’t wait,” Kyle clarified.

“I couldn’t wait either,” Moira said sheepishly, then grinned.

“Cheeky,” Kyle muttered as he went to the door and called for a tub and hot water. He returned to Moira and pulled at the laces to her gown. “Where did you get this?”

“At the dressmaker’s shop a few streets over. Tomas and Snake Eye are very convincing when they’re in a hurry,” Moira chortled.

“I know Dónal found you. Did he not give you any clothes?” Kyle’s eye twitched as he watched Moira retreat. He knew she would tell him what happened, and she was trying to decide how best to do it, but it only fueled his temper. “Moira?”

“I will tell you everything. But can we wait until the bath comes? I suspect that when I tell you what happened, I will have another spanking coming. I’d rather not be interrupted or have servants see my bare arse,” Moira said.

“Very well. I see you have a chemise on. Slip off the gown, and I’ll send it to be cleaned,” Kyle said. Moira looked up at him, gauging his mood.

“Yes, Capt’n.” Moira let the dress drop to the floor and stepped out of it.

“Sweet one,” Kyle said as he wrapped his arm around Moira and cupped her cheek. “Whatever you tell me may earn you another trip over my knee or worse, but right now, I’m Kyle. We are on equal footing right now.”

Moira nodded. She pecked his jaw since she couldn’t reach any higher, even on her toes, without Kyle leaning forward. “Thank you, mo grá.” At Kyle’s expectant face, Moira smiled softly. “It means my lover…Or my love.”

“Mo ghaol,” Kyle translated into Scottish Gaelic. “My love.”

The couple stood together, neither moving nor saying anything, just gazing at one another until a knock signaled their bath’s arrival. Moira hung back, out of the way, since she wore only a chemise and stockings. He grimaced when he opened the door and found Daisy on the other side. She reached out for him, but he grasped her wrist.

“I understand. You wish to bathe first. Shall I scrub your back like I usually do? Maybe wash your lady’s flower. She wasn’t able to do much more than move her petals earlier,” Daisy asked, following Kyle when he stepped back to allow the team of servants to enter with the tub and buckets of steaming water.

“And I told you I wasn’t interested, and Moira is not in a position to enjoy your ministrations,” Kyle snapped.

“Testy? Has she not eased the ache, Kyle?”

“What did you call me?” Kyle snarled and took a menacing step forward.

“I—I—” Daisy stammered.

“There is only one woman allowed to call me by my given name, and you are not her,” Kyle growled.

“But she—” Daisy pointed toward Moira.

“She’s the only one. Don’t test me, Daisy. You know I don’t like you when you’re not on your knees.” Kyle ignored both women’s gasps. He was being crude, and he realized his comment was hurtful to Moira, but it was true. He didn’t trust Daisy, nor did he like her. But when her mouth was occupied, she was tolerable.

“Yes, Captain,” Daisy smiled weakly as she stepped back into the passageway. Kyle turned back to Moira, so he missed the hateful glare Daisy shot the couple. It made ice run through Moira’s veins.

“She’s going to tell Dónal where we are,” Moira whispered.

“What?” Kyle asked as he glanced back over his shoulder.

“You spurned her and humiliated her. You didn’t see her face, but I did. She's going to find Dónal.”

“Let us bathe and eat, then we’ll return to the Lady Charity. Would you like that?” Kyle offered.

“Only the bath. We can eat aboard your ship,” Moira countered.

“She makes you that uneasy?” Kyle asked.

“Yes. Immensely.”

“Then come, sweet one. We’ll bathe and be on our way,” Kyle agreed with a kiss to her cheek. He helped Moira into the tub and stepped in after her. Kyle’s enormous frame took up much of the tub, but Moira’s tiny one fit snugly against him. She leaned her head back as her eyes drifted closed. Kyle lathered a linen square and ran it over Moira’s arms and legs before washing her