The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,34

Kyle prompted. Moira’s head would soon ache from how Kyle jumped from one topic to another, but she was beginning to get used to it.

“Do you mean did he hit me? No. Never. I think I relented because he was the only person who didn’t make me self-conscious. He never berated me or manhandled me like Dónal did. Going out riding and fishing meant I had a reprieve from the duties I carried all day, every day.”

“No, sweet one,” Kyle whispered. His heart thudded when Moira sighed and nestled closer to him. Two words made her relax. He’d never imagined that such could be the case. That what he could say, something so simple as a term of endearment, could make a woman trust him, make a woman submit to him. “I didn’t mean hit you. I will never do that. I will never spank you out of anger either.”

“What about my first night? Or when I came up on deck in the leine? Or when I threw the book at you? You seemed furious.”

“Not when I spanked you. I’m captain of this ship, and that won’t change no matter what goes on between us. You were not respectful, nor were you forthcoming with what you’ve done or your reasons. You’re aboard my ship.”

“But you’ve been set on manipulating me. I haven’t felt very trusting,” Moira countered.

“That’s why we’re talking now.” Kyle stroked back Moira’s hair and kissed her temple again. “Do you understand why you’ve deserved them?”

“Because I’ve been incredibly defiant and unconscionably disrespectful several times. I know what you expect, and I did what I wanted, anyway. You’re the captain aboard this ship. If I ever defy you openly, others might think they can too. The day you boarded my clan’s ship, you could have killed me, but you didn’t. You could have forced me, but you haven’t. You could abuse me, but you won’t.”

“And in return?” Kyle prompted.

“And in return, I should respect your authority.”

“Did Aidan decide how and where you coupled?” Kyle asked. He wasn’t certain that he wanted to hear about Moira’s past, but he needed to understand how much experience she had.

“Sort of. I mean, the places were rather limited. And I knew nothing that he didn’t teach me, so I suppose he did decide how.” Moira looked at Kyle and realized he expected her to say more, to be more specific. “I don’t know what else you want to know, Kyle.”

“I know you must have taken him in your mouth, and I know he returned the favor to you. But when you coupled, was he always on top?”

“Kyle!” Moira gasped.

“Did he take you from behind? Did he pull your hair or bind your hands? Did he enter your rosebud?” Kyle rattled off the questions he wanted to know before either of them lost the nerve to discuss this.

“Do you mean behind like an animal?”

“That’s one way. But standing or lying down, maybe bent over something,” Kyle clarified.

“Yes.” Moira couldn’t look at Kyle. She turned her head away and closed her eyes, but gentle fingers nudged her chin back toward him. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

“I’m not judging you, sweet one. I just want to know what you understand about how a man and woman can enjoy coupling.”

“Enjoy? Are these things you like?” Moira murmured.

“They are. And they’re things that I would like to enjoy with you.”

“You wish to pull my hair?” Moira’s brow wrinkled.

“You enjoy when I spank you and when I pinch your nipples. You like it rough, Moira. Don’t you?” Kyle prodded.

“I didn’t know I did until I met you.” Moira’s lips pursed and turned down as she considered how she felt about her brief time with Kyle. “Why do I like it?”

“I can’t say for sure. At least, not yet. But I suspect that while I may cause you pain, you also know that I won’t injure you. I may have control, and I may be bigger and more dominant, but I will never purposely hurt you. You’ve said you don’t fear what will come next because you can predict it. Maybe you want to give up having to be in control all the time. In control of how you react; in control of your emotions lest Dónal or Lizzie, or even Aiden, see too much. In control of running a keep where no one appreciates what you do.” Kyle pressed his lips gently to Moira’s, offering a tenderness he didn’t know he possessed. He enjoyed women,