The Red Drifter of the Sea (Pirates of the Isles #3) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,54

the only woman available. But he’s said little things here and there that make me think it’s more than that. But how can it be? I’m doubting how he feels, but how do I feel? What am I doing not trying to escape? Why don’t I escape? Why do I have more questions than answers?

He could tire of me at any time, and then what? He dumps me ashore somewhere. I’m already supposed to be at the O’Driscolls. Do they know? Are they expecting me? Can I get Kyle to take me to Senga and Ruairí? Shite. I don’t want to leave Kyle. No man has ever made me feel like Kyle does. Not even Aidan.

Moira shifted to look at Kyle.

Has he sent someone to the O’Malleys? Would he send me to Dermot for a ransom? I can’t imagine why he would. He wouldn’t get enough for me to make it worth it. We’re close enough to them that he could have already taken me ashore. I just don’t know. The only thing I understand better about Kyle at this point is how he likes to bed his women. His women? Don’t fool yourself, Moira. You’re his mistress, and you don’t mind in the least. Why would I mind when I’m enjoying myself? Maybe one day I will end up married to a man I can’t stand. At least I’ll look back at my time here and remember the way Kyle made me feel. But… I need to go back to sleep. I won’t figure anything out now. I’m just going to confuse myself more.

Moira yawned as she nestled closer to Kyle, but she nearly jumped out of her skin when he kissed her forehead. She hadn’t realized that he was awake.

“You grew restless. What are you thinking about?” Kyle’s groggy voice filled her ear.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Moira whispered.

“I’m a light sleeper. What’s bothering you?” Kyle pressed. Moira remained quiet, uncertain how to tell Kyle any of her thoughts without revealing more than she was ready to tell. Kyle’s hand roamed over her breasts, then tweaked her nipple. Hard. Her nipples were still sore from the clamps, so the sensitive skin reacted immediately. Need bolted from Moira’s breast to her core. “You still don’t trust me, Moira.” Kyle murmured.

Kyle kissed along her neck as he shifted until he could suckle her breast. He was ravenous as he drew her flesh into his mouth, sucking over and over as Moira squirmed. Moira struggled to speak between gasps. “And you’re still manipulating me with pleasure.”

Kyle’s head lifted from her breast. “No. I’m showing you that I’ll tend to your needs.”

“My physical needs. Will you hold my release hostage again if I don’t tell you what you wish to hear?” Moira’s arousal was fading as she realized Kyle’s tactic. He moved across her and left the bunk in search of the candle and flint. Once it was lit, he returned to the bed and slid next to her. He realized that he’d slept on the inside more than once, and he remonstrated himself for being so careless. He should have slept closer to the edge and the door in case he needed his sword to protect Moira. He was so used to having the bunk to himself that he hadn’t thought of which side he should sleep on. “Kyle? You’re not even listening.”

“I am, Moira. But I admit I’m distracted.”

“By my breasts?”

“They are highly distracting, but no.” Kyle shook his head as he glanced at where his sword rested at the foot of the bed.

“Now you won’t tell me what you’re thinking because I won’t share my thoughts. You’re still manipulating me.” Moira sighed and tried to roll away from Kyle.

“I was thinking how stupid I was not to notice that I left you unguarded by sleeping on the other side of the bed. I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed fast enough to protect you if we’re attacked,” Kyle confessed. Moira’s brow furrowed as she considered what Kyle said. She glanced at him, then his sword, then the door. A shiver of fear slid down her spine. “Moira, I don’t want to just take care of your physical pleasure. I know I need to learn how, but I would see to more than just bringing you to climax.”

“Why?” Moira blurted.

“Because—” Kyle paused as he thought about why this seemed so urgent. “Because I want you to trust me. The only people whose trust really matters to me