The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,44

before plunging back into her and holding still. He’d never done that before. Never entered a woman again after spilling. He’d always rolled off and usually gotten out of bed without looking back. But something compelled him to remain coupled with Moira, having only left her body to keep from impregnating her. She wrapped her arms around his ribs and her legs over his calves. “You won’t break me.”

Kyle brushed back damp hair from her forehead and kissed her temple. He eased more of his weight onto her, but he still held most of it on his forearms. He’d never felt so connected to a woman in his life. He’d lusted after plenty, bedded many, but cared about none. He wished to hold Moira every moment of every day for the rest of time. The feeling terrified him.

Moira enjoyed the silent companionship and closeness they shared in the aftermath of their passion. She wished she could drift off to sleep before Kyle moved off and away from her, wanting to slip away into perfect oblivion. But her mind was abuzz with questions she didn’t dare ask but were still burning a hole in her mind. She stroked her nails along his back as her other hand rested at his waist, affection replacing desire. They turned their heads at the same time, and their mouths once more found each other. The kiss conveyed emotions neither understood. It wasn’t love, or even tenderness. It wasn’t impatient desire. It was deep satisfaction from sharing something so intensely intimate. It communicated their enjoyment as well as signaled their silent agreement that they both wanted this to happen again.

When Kyle finally rolled away, he pulled Moira into the cradle of his arms and stroked her hair. She nuzzled his neck before sighing. He wondered if she would fall asleep, but her fingertips ran over the bristle of his unshaven chin. With his hand on her backside, he pulled Moira’s body flush with his, kissing her once more. Their bodies were too drained to recommence so soon, but they reveled in the feel of being pressed together. As the drugging effects of their coupling wore off, but fatigue set in, Kyle peered down at Moira.

“I can see about getting you some hot water. You’re small enough that you will likely fit in one of the barrels if you’d like to soak in a hot bath,” Kyle offered.

Moira grinned and snickered. “Are you trying to catch me in a fib, so you can add another spanking to my growing list?” At Kyle’s sheepish expression, Moira giggled. “You know I snooped the first morning. That’s why you warned me not to go into any small spaces even with Braedon. I’m certain you know I spied your tub in the galley. You’re testing me.”

“Mayhap a little.” Kyle kissed the tip of her nose, then sobered. “Moira, you did earn two spankings today, but I’m setting them aside. Don’t expect that to be the norm. But you’ve been through much in the last few days, and you have yet to learn my expectations. I also fear that your body isn’t meant to be treated as roughly as I’ve done since you came aboard. I’ve pushed you too hard.”

“You sound as though you regret it. Regret me being here,” Moira pulled back. Her heart sank as rejection flooded her.

“No,” Kyle snarled as he pulled her back against him. “I do not regret you being here. I should. I should do the right thing and take you wherever you wish. I should take you somewhere safe, so you never have to face the danger you will if you remain with me. You should make a life on land with a man who can provide for you. But I won’t. I can’t. I’ve touched you, been inside you, and I can’t let you go, Moira.”

Moira tucked a lock of russet hair behind Kyle’s ear before she cupped his cheek. “Let me stay until we both decide this has run its course. I have nowhere to go, and I’m in no hurry to find one. I want to be on your ship, in your bed. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re drugging me. I’m still confused by why I like your heavy-handedness and desire to discipline me. I know I don’t want this to be the last time we couple. And I confess, I’m curious.”

“Curious? You still wish to learn more from me?” Kyle purred, more like a big cat stalking its