FicWad

CHAPTER TEN


The following morning, I made the crab-filled corncakes with Walks Softly’s supervision. He kept lobster and crab traps in the water almost full time when in port. Other items, such as sausages, beef and chicken he had delivered from the villa. Ice also arrived almost every day. On this island a man could lose himself in anonymity and yet live like a king.


I made tea for us, and danced attendance upon my indian. He caught my jaw in his big hand. Gazing into my eyes he said gently, “You need not work off your error. I forgave you at once.”


His keen insight filled me with awe. As we sat in the floor, finishing our meal and sipping cold tea, I admitted, “I did not realize what I did. Nonetheless, my eagerness to learn is sincere.”


He kissed me, brief and unbelievably sweet.


#


That day, Captain Diego Gamboa rather limped into harbor. Walks Softly and I rode toward town. In past days, my lover had a big, dark bay mare of some Spanish decent brought out for my use. She proved a fast steed as we covered the ground in much haste.


A series of herald cannons with carefully categorized codes announced all ships. Walks Softly had explained the warning of danger in their deep-throated barks. We arrived, armed and ready for action. A handsome vessel somewhat worse for the wear cruised into the harbor. I knew the Prideful Folly. She possessed a reputation for immediate, vigorous reprisal against attackers.


James arrived astride Venganza, his infamous large bore pistols in his belt, sword at his side. With his golden hair clubbed back and dressed as a gentleman, he presented a unique picture of aristocratic outlaw. “Have we a fight,” he asked coolly.


Walks Softly replied, “We know not yet.”


We sat astride, waiting for the event to unfurl. As it happened, Captain Gamboa arrived sans a harasser. He rowed to dock. We dismounted, gave over our mounts to two adorable black boys that appeared as twins, then went to greet the Spaniard.


A dark gash split his frilled white shirt and dark skin. Smiling whitely, he greeted, “Brought you a load of wounded, but a hold filled with plunder.”


Walks Softly examined the ugly wound. I watched his beautiful hands, noting their gentle competency. “You require cleaning and stitching,” he told Gamboa.


James and I made almost identical sounds of sympathy. Looking to my confederate, I queried, “Is there anything more devilish than that powder of his?”


Walks Softly’s white brother shook his head. “If such exists, I know naught of it.”


#


That evening we returned from the harbor and much work helping the injured. Walks Softly managed a bath for us both and we washed in all haste. Afterward, we ate a meal of cold fowl and bread with butter. Then, shared a brandy.


Walks Softly kissed me, sucking my lower lip into his mouth, releasing it under a rasping whisper of strong, sharp teeth. “Might you wish to explore your sexuality?”


“With you,“ I replied, “always.”


“I have fantasized about something.”


Scooting closer, I smiled. “Do tell.”


He sipped brandy, handed it to me. “Better yet, I shall show.”


I watched as he fetched a chair from along the wall. Next, he carried out the looking glass from behind the privacy screen. Placing the glass against the wall near our bedding, he then brought the chair close. He sat, adjusted the glass, altered the angle of the reflector, then sat again in the chair. Seemingly content with his work, he rejoined me.


“I must warm you up first.”


I set the libation aside and reclined. “I am at your disposal.”


Walks Softly shed his clothing. I became rather too warm in mine. Then he came down to me. As he kissed me, I shivered and removed my constricting garments.


He kissed my body all over, rolling me front to back, then oiled his fingers, sucked my erection into his very welcoming mouth, and pressed into my ass. The sensation thrilled me. He caught something up in me between his very able fingers and rubbed it as he drew upon me. I climaxed in a violent torrent, pouring myself out in a near unending eruption.


I lay panting for breath as my indian kissed my mouth and chest, then slicked his rampant erection. He rolled upright, went to sit in the chair. His wide, long cock glistened. My lover invited, “Come sit on me.”


I rose, feeling feeble as a newborn. Going to him, I about-faced, straddled his muscular thighs and slowly allowed him to guide himself into me. I lowered myself, trembling and on fire. His caring hands supported me, cautious and loving. He spread my thighs wider. My phallus bucked and went marble stiff.


My lover’s deep voice held an edge of sexual roughness. “Look to our reflections.”


Recalling the glass, I gazed at it and saw his glorious cock pushing up into me. My thighs shook. “I cannot,” I gasped. “This shall ruin me.”


My lover supported my hips with the strength of his arms. “I have you, Etienne. Pleasure yourself that I might watch.”


I gripped my starved cock, jerked, and in a few moments began to climax. The image of our bodies in the glass shattered me. I saw him fucking me, witnessed my stroking myself to peak.


Walks Softly growled, “I am going to fill you with come.”


“Sil vous plait.”



CHAPTER ELEVEN


We had spent a glorious week together on this truly wonderful island. Aside from my unreasonable jealousy, we had cohabitated in perfect accord. This morning we had shared a meal of seared fresh beef and fried eggs, gone to the falls to bathe, then came back and repaired to bed. My indian lie stretched upon his broad back. I wondered if he dozed. Scooting up and over him, I braced my weight on my left elbow. I reached with my right hand to caress his face. His eyes opened. Closing mine, I leaned down to bring my lips to his.


The flavor of him sent a jolt of pleasure through me. I played with his loose silky hair, explored his mouth and moaned often at the experience. He growled low in his chest, reached up to grip my shoulders. Lifting my head, I continued to stroke him, my gaze moving over his face, noting every nuance of his harshly handsome features. Equally jet lashes surrounded his eyes. I saw my reflection in them and lowered my head to again taste him.


It felt very right to savor him like this, to enjoy him and relax. Soon we would have to return to our dangerous business.


#

We went to dine at the villa that night. With only Captain Gamboa, James and we two, the evening proved a very companionable affair. I delighted in every course, taking special delectation in the pork roast stuffed with apples and cornbread. The oysters baked on the half shell under cheese and fresh herbs ranked a close second. We consumed much wine amid feasting.


After an offering of cocoa cake with vanilla bean-spiced cream, my indian and I took our leave. We rode in darkness back to his home. My mount chivied his. Once there, we put the horses into the corral, then walked hand-in-hand inside. Walks Softly released me to close and lock the door.


He turned to me. “Have you enough trust in me to let me tie you?”


“Oiu.” Not only did I trust him enough, it excited me. I had realized that despite my many encounters, I lacked the refinement of my lover’s careful exploration.


Walks Softly said, “I must fetch what I require.”


I kissed him. “Sil vous plait.”


#


My lover brought back a bed in a wagon.


Astonished, I quizzed, “How shall you explain this?”


He smiled. “Your wound required close tending and naturally we could not sleep together.”


I felt a bit slow. “What of the driver?”


He shot me an amused glance. “The man is deaf. And far from stupid. I trust him implicitly.”


“For a gentle soul you possess much clout.”


He grinned.


We set up the bed. I helped him tie restraints to the four posts. Stripping off my clothes, I went to lay upon it. My lover knotted me into position. I tested the bindings. The bed frame creaked.


My savage went to a chest, removed a black scarf and folded it as he walked back to me. He tied it over my eyes. Helplessness enveloped me. “Non.”


My lover kissed me. In the darkness under the blindfold, the taste of his mouth seemed pronounced. “You know I shall do naught save please you.”


I knew this.


Heartbeat accelerated, I lie there. I heard Walks Softly moving, then I felt his slick hair. The silky strands dragged over my thighs and chest, whipped my cock and ballocks.


Then, he licked the sensitive skin behind them. I wished to spill.


In the dark, restrained, I experienced his licking my hard cock, the starving flesh behind my balls, and then my ass.


I roared when his tongue laved me there. A moment after, his slick finger probed me. A second followed.


Undone, “I asked, “What now?”


“My beautiful Frenchman.”


After I had begun to shake and moan, my lover withdrew his fingers. I groaned and arched up as he slicked my rampant cock. I felt Walks Softly straddle me, then his hand guided my erection into him.


I wished I could see him riding me, fucking me as he did. Yet, I lie there, staked out like a sacrifice. I loved the feel of his body clasping me. I began to climax.


“Walks Softly, I peak.”


“Me as well.”


His hot semen dropped onto my chest. I erupted inside him.


My lover’s fingers brought his thick sweet semen to my mouth by the fingerful. I ate it from his hand and loved it.



CHAPTER TWELVE


I had known my indian for a little over a fortnight and four days, though a bit of it had kept us on separate ships. We had but two days left on the island. I felt the press of time. My wound had closed very well and only pained when I mounted using a stirrup. Did I swing astride in the fashion Walks Softly taught me, I had no trouble.


We rode up to the villa following a runner bringing us an invitation to have the midday meal.


Those two adorable black stable boys raced out to handle our mounts. One pushed the other in good-natured competition, saying, “Je veux mener le cheval couvert de taches de rousseur.”

He wanted to handle Sweet William, the ‘freckled’ horse. I replied, “ Petit monsieur, la jument de compartiment est juste comme beau.” I had told him the mare rivaled the spotted animal’s beauty.

My indian smiled as the boys worked out their differences. “Would you teach me your language, Frenchman?”

“Only if you shall make me so acquainted with your own tongue, indian.”

He caught my hand in a brief squeeze and my double entendre won me a low rumble of mirth.

As we walked into the dining room, we passed an angelic-looking young woman of mixed Negro blood. Walks Softly spoke to her in greeting. After she continued, I remarked, “She is lovely.”


“Her name is Eza. James rescued her from a ship carrying woman destined for brothels when she had scarce reached twelve winters. He brought those of the females without family or home here, even before he assumed residence.”


We walked down to the big dining room. Sets of French doors stood open and the scent of frangipani wafted inside on a strong breeze. I heard the sound of a scuffle and my hand went to the hilt of my sword. Then I saw James and Gamboa, sans shirts, grappling out in the courtyard. Their powerful bodies flexed and strained as they fought for dominance. Gamboa gasped and lost his grip due to the yet healing wound on his shoulder. James released him at once.


Gamboa cursed, “Damn it, James. An enemy will have no such compunction. I must know my capacity.”


To that, his opponent replied, “If I cause you to break those stitches, Walks Softly will have my head.” He looked up at us then, slapped Gamboa on the back in companionable affection. “Our guests arrive.”


The Spaniard turned. “A bit of wrestling before luncheon, gentlemen?”


Walks Softly and I had tussled in Port Royal. Gamboa might mean us with one of them. However, the idea of physically fighting with my lover in the spirit of fun excited me. Glancing at him, “Shall we have a go, mon ami?”


My savage removed his shirt and my mouth watered. I whipped mine over my head. We removed our weapons as well. I took my garments and weapons and my lover’s to drape over a chair on the verandah. Returning, I bent from the waist to flatten my hands upon the grass. To my surprise, my indian did the same and also put his straightened arms behind, laced his fingers and lifted his arms almost to shoulder height. I stored that flexibility information for later.


We circled one another. I noticed his exotic stance and recognized Eastern training. I launched an offensive and immediately found myself taken to task. His hands moved so swiftly, I could but attempt to remain from his grasp. Correcting my mistake, I drove low and managed to shove him backward and bear him to the ground. Like smoke, he evaded me. I twisted and rolled to my feet. Before I could hardly think, he attacked me and I turned away the blows on sheer instinct. In a moment, I lie face down beneath him, my arms restrained high on my back. Without seriously harming him, I could do nothing.


I felt every muscle of his chest and belly with arousing definition.


He put his mouth very near my ear. “Do you yield?”


“Oui.”


#


After our meal, we rode back to Walks Softly’s home. We tended the horses, went inside to wash off and change into clean clothes. I looked over at him as we garbed ourselves. One moment we stood putting garments on, the next we hungrily removed each other’s.


I dragged him to the new bed and asked, “May I bind you?”


“Aye, my Frenchman.”


I tied him as he had me and then blindfolded him with the same scarf. Humbled by his trust, I kissed him. Our mouths mated, long, slow, hot and damp. Lifting my head, I whispered, “You’ve only to tell me if I displease you.”


I played with his lips, licking and drawing them into my mouth. My heart seemed destined to perform acrobatics in the presence of my indian. I traced the cords of his throat with my tongue. His dark skin tasted delicious, like fresh air and virile male. My lover moaned as I slowly explored his chest and belly via my palate. In places, the flavor of him varied. I watched the gooseflesh spread over him. At times I nipped and he growled.


Despite my greed to descend, I made my way slowly down his dark, smooth body. At last reaching his big, flexing erection, I felt my own echo the reaction. Pre-orgasmic fluid steadily leaked onto his belly. I lapped it.


On fire, I tormented his heavy ballocks, leaned down to give him the same loving he had gifted to me. That satiny skin between his testicles and anus invited my stimulation. I held his cock in my hand as I used my tongue to tease.


Walks Softly strained the rope, making the bed creak mightily. “Frenchman.”

Enflamed, I asked, “What do you wish? You in me or me in you?”


He groaned. “You in me.”


I oiled my jerking phallus, then gently eased it into his welcoming body. With his legs spread thusly, I might have brutally used him. My emotions held me captive. This beautiful man might lie in bondage, yet I endured it all the more. My devotion to his pleasure enslaved me.


I oiled his cock so my hand would slide pleasingly over it. As I slowly made love to him, I echoed the rhythm on his erection with my hand.


Holding painfully back, I pleasured him. Sweat beaded upon me, began to dampen my hair. The sounds of sexual delight my lover made threatened my sanity. “Tell me when you wish to climax,” I rasped.


“Not yet.”


Locked together in a lingering exchange of motion, I wondered if I might burn live in the flames of my lust.


Finally, Walks Softly moaned, “Finish me.”


I thrust hard inside his hot, welcoming body, jerked his cock, and erupted in a volcanic orgasm as his semen pelted his chest and shoulders.



CHAPTER THIRTEEN


The next afternoon we hid from the world, making love and sipping tea poured over ice between amorous bouts. I lie upon my back, Walks Softly’s lower body along my leg, his upper body mostly atop mine. In the dim interior his black eyes seemed to catch every little speck of light and glitter like black diamonds. His silky hair flowed over my upper chest and throat as he propped his chin on my breast bone and gazed up at me.


“You have very arresting features, Frenchman. Almost Romney.”


“My sire looks much the same.”


He studied my face intently. “Does your family know what you do?”


I ran my hand up his back, savoring the smooth taught skin over hard muscle. “They believe I dabble in exotic trading.”


He flashed that dazzling smile. “You do, after a fashion. After all, you trade volleys for submission and surrender for ships, men and happily ill-gotten gain.”


I chuckled, enjoying him immensely. “Why does James seek revenge upon this Navy officer?”


He hesitated. I saw his strong neck work as he swallowed once, then again. “The man fired upon a ship carrying naught save passengers and some stores of grain. To cover his mistake, he hanged a few rebellious men for pirates, then sank the ship with all aboard.” The pain in him reached me and I embraced him, wishing to absorb his suffering and bear it for him. Walks Softly added, “The British officer hanged our father and young brother. Our mother,” his voice caught, “she died in the initial assault, we believe.”


Having seen the love between he and his brother, I could only imagine the love that had existed among their family. “Mon Dieu.” I held him tighter. “Mon bon sauvage.”


He rubbed his face against my chest, then lifted it to look at me. “I feel sorry for this English girl we shall abduct. In this, she remains blameless. Yet, no doubt she shall suffer terribly from fear.”


“Think naught of her,” I advised, wishing to ease his mind. “A means to an end.”


For several moments we lay in silence. Then, my lover asked, “Have you religion?”


“I feel that a snare in wait.”


He shifted and reached up to stroke my jaw. “Nay. I wished but to find some common ground between us aside from lust.”


Something profound whipped through me. I rolled him over, staring down at him, willing him to feel what filled my heart. “I did not believe before I met you. Now, I see you and know some higher power must have created such perfection.”


To my complete surprise, he caught my face in his big, capable hands and said, “I fall in love with you, Etienne.”


I shivered, shook and longed to run. If he loved me, had I lost my freedom? Freedom to go where? I wished to remain at his side. Did that mean I had begun to fall in love with him, as well? “Who are you?”


“Your lover, friend, ally, confidant, confessor, healer, protector, and mate if you can accept it.”


Undone, I asked, “Could we make a life together?” This had never occurred.


He pressed a lingering kiss to my chest, then scooted higher until a very mere distance separated our faces. “I will vow to do whatever it takes to make my path yours. If you will do the same, what can stop us?”


“It frightens me.”


“Desire you another?”


His query struck my heart. I held him tighter. “Non. I burn only for you.”


His voice lowered. He met my gaze, serious and potent. “And I for you. Let us make the most of this grand fortune, and serve the passion between us.”


Feeling trapped, I demanded, “What if I find I cannot?”


He brought his mouth to mine, kissed me until I longed for him. Lifting his head, he replied, “Try you to leave me.”


#


That night we swam at the falls, bathed then returned to his house. My indian shut and locked the door. We stripped. I shook my still-wet hair, then met his gaze. Instantly aroused, I murmured, “What would you do to me?”


Walks Softly shoved the bed farther from our way and bore me to the furs and linens. I went in all willingness. He ravished my mouth with his. I submitted. He pushed his long, oiled fingers into me and I groaned. Then he put me upon my back, oiled his big cock, pushed my bent legs high and eased inside me.


The sensation became totally different. It felt delicious, yet as if I might burst from the size of him. I could not even articulate as I reached past my hips to grip his.


Looking down at me, he rasped, “I know. Give yourself a moment.”


I fought to breathe, realized I trembled all over. “Non. No more.”


He halted the advance, did not more than carefully ease himself in and out by increments. I actually wished for some unjustifiable reason to deny him. Then as he teased me, I felt my body welcome him. Ignited, I bid, “Give me more of you.”


Ever so politely he courted me, until my flesh opened completely. I cried out, sweat as if I labored and surrendered into his loving hands. He gradually worked his big cock into me, praising and stimulating me. With my legs high and wide, he penetrated me at a new and deeper angle.


It became too much. I climaxed without further attention, and with such power, yet again the world dimmed.


Sounding as if he spoke under water, I heard, “I have you. I have got you, my love.”



CHAPTER FOURTEEN


I must have succumbed for several moments, and slowly surfaced to find myself lying on my back. As before, he lay on his side, head propped on his hand, shiny liquid silk hair pooling upon the nest, looking at me. Vaguely I realized he must have tended me with a damp cloth as I remained senseless from an overload of pleasure. Boneless from the force of my orgasm, I murmured, “How truly undignified of me to swoon like a damsel.”


“It finishes me at once,” he confessed. “I could not halt my spending if my very life depended upon it.”


I had to chuckle. “A lucky thing, as you would suddenly find yourself short a participating partner.” What a treasure of a lover I had found. I moved over to him, so replete with carnal bliss I could scarcely make the short distance. He welcomed me into his arms and I closed my eyes. “How can I feel so much, so strongly, in such a short spate of time?”


“Immense good fortune,” he replied and pressed his lips to the top of my head.


#


The following day, James, Gamboa, Walks Softly and I met at the villa along with ships’ officers for a war council. We had a small caravan of British men-of-war to sack. The head man, a Colonel Bloombury, often aided Major Huntington, the naval officer James targeted in his revenge. We planned to lie in wait with the smaller vessels under the cover of a small string of islands. The Blood Vengeance would begin the assault and then the rest of us would join the fray.


The more British navy slain, the better.


Walks Softly and I returned to his home. He cooked midday meal as I set about rectifying the damage we had done to the dwelling the night before. As he worked, he burned some incense that made the space redolent of expensive musk. I recognized his attention to detail, noting my preferences. Turning to gaze at him, I found myself spellbound anew. His beauty and grace enthralled me. I adored his sense of humor, reveled in his sexuality.


Humbled yet again, I attempted to assimilate my emotions.


#


That night we rode by moonlight, bathed at the falls, then returned. A meal delivered by way of the villa’s staff waited for us. I made up a shared plate of cold fowl, spicy rice cooked with peppers, fresh bread, sharp cheese and poured us a snifter of brandy. Wearing naught save breeches, we ate sitting out on the porch. I fed him from my fingers, sipped from the glass where his lips had touched and admired the way the silver lunar illumination cast shadows under his fierce cheekbones.


Afterward, I helped him with each chore. The domestic tasks gave me a curious peace. I had never tended myself this way, rather always relied on a servant of some sort. As I stood, drying cloth in hand awaiting the plate he washed, I leaned down and kissed his hard shoulder.


With everything set to rights, I knew my moment had arrived. I planned to do my best to give him the same nerve-sizzling climax he had given me yester night. I drew him into my arms and gently brought my face to his. Our lips met. His eyes closed and their long lashes swept low. I held him to me, loving the way our bodies felt together. I teased him, delving into is mouth then retreating and nibbling. His hands moved over my back and chest with increasing ardor and he gave a rumbling purr that made me instantly rigid.


Kissing him with increased passion, I backed him to our lovely nest. Together we slowly sank into it. I pushed him onto his back and situated myself on my knees, both to his left side, near his chest. I unbuttoned his breeches.


“Shed those, “I said.


Walks Softy divested himself of the garment. His big rampant erection made my mouth water. I moved down and licked his cock all over like a sweet. Then I began mimicking the stimulation of intercourse with my mouth. His hands settled on my head.


In moments, my lover began to peak.


I dragged his cock down my throat, laved him with my tongue, and swallowed his sweet semen.


Afterward, knowing his sensitivity, I held him down and continued to draw upon him. Walks Softly thrashed and groaned. I suckled his softening cock with pure intent to torture him.


“Frenchman, nay!”


I sucked harder, held my indian down to take it. Raising, my head briefly, I ordered, “Beg me.”


His hands settled on my head. “Please.”


I released his delicious penis, and rose to kiss my trembling lover. “Now you may cause me to swoon again.”



CHAPTER FITEEN


We slept little. At dawn we rode again to the falls to bathe and then returned in naught save breeches. When the locked door stood between us and the world, Walks Softly led me to the scene of so many lovings. He stripped us both, urged me down to stretch out and he kissed and touched me from head to foot.


I savored the attention and generous pleasure-giving. Our almost desperate hunger had spent in the night. This last time we lingered over one another, murmuring what amounted to little more than praise and adoration. I spoke whatever occurred to me, about the smell of his skin, taste of his mouth, the silkiness of his long hair and the way he made me feel. We kissed long and slow, able to play with each other now that our fierceness had spent.


I gladly welcomed him inside me, lying upon my back, holding him tightly to me. I wondered at how so much of him could penetrate me. Yet, my body opened in ready welcome and swallowed his cock until his hips pressed flush to my ass.


Afterward, I refused to release him. He remained deep inside me, throbbing lazily and kissing me with almost unbearable tenderness.


Finally, the time arrived that we must ready ourselves. Wordlessly, we checked pistols and blades, tested the integrity of buckles and straps. We dressed each other and took turns assisting one another with donning weapons. I gazed at him, garbed in his heathen raiment, feathers studding his braided hair. To my admiring gaze, he looked beautifully masculine and attractive. Other men would see a savage, capable of ruthlessly killing at the least, and God alone knew what at most.


I took his big, dark, capable hands in mine. “I say this out of gratitude alone, mon ami. No dark portent lies within. You have my most humble thanks for allowing me to share your body and home. The richness of your life beggars a king’s, and I feel privileged to have enjoyed it with you.”


“You have become my home,” he replied. “But if this dwelling pleases you, I offer it along with aught else I possess.”


We embraced, as much like friends as lovers. Then we made final inspection of the arsenals on our persons and went to fetch our mounts for the ride to the harbor.


I had never feared battle. For the first time, as I watched my lover row out to the Vengeance with his brother, I suffered dread. The thought of his body exposed
to blade and shot terrified me. Taking a deep breath, I resolved to trust his fighting prowess and keep my mind on our mission.


#


We sailed to the prearranged ambush point. My ships and Gamboa’s Folly concealed ourselves and waited for the first cannon shots to summon us. I paced the deck of the Cleopatra, ready to fight, anxious to aid my confederate.


Lifting a glass, I saw the British vessels and the Vengeance. The waiting proved the worse. I stalked aft for another look. From here, I could but see my ally’s vessel’s wake. My quartermaster, Monsieur Neff, offered, “Our summons shall soon come,”


I itched for an engagement, paced, then yelled orders to make sail in all haste when the first shot rang out. After the opening volley, the thunder of cannon and musket roared. It seemed forever as we approached the convoy. A ball splintered the rail not a man’s length from me and I felt a hot streak over my right arm. Not my sword arm, I rationalized.


My ship rammed the second in the line of Navy vessels and I went with the boarders. The fighting continued until more corpses than live men prevailed. I turned away and went behind a group of my men to again lift the glass Monsieur Neff rushed to provide.


I searched the deck of the Vengeance for Walks Softly. To no avail. I swept my gaze over the closest British ship. I saw him. My heart turned an acrobat’s trick. He and his brother fought back-to-back. Blades flashing, movements coordinated as if by magic, they worked.


Of a sudden, a mob of British appeared through the smoke and charged Walks Softly and James. I watched as my gentle lover mowed men down like a farmer might wheat.


Pride swelled in me. In that moment I knew I loved him.


#

Sorting out wounded and dead among ships at sea always proved problematic. We tied all together and hauled the vessels close to form a flotilla. I worked with Walks Softly and James among the wounded as before.


The British casualties, James offered a choice, service or death. An honest pirate offer, I thought. None chose service. We killed them quick and painless.


As James and I converged over a sailor with a grievous belly wound, he said, “Captain De Moulins, the wound on your arm wants tending. Walks Softly will assist you.”


I met his gaze. “Other men require his help more than I, “I returned. “My thanks. But I would rather help.”


Those aggressive blue-green eyes studied me. “Very well.” He staunched blood flow with a cloth, said to me, “Peace between us, Frenchman.”


#


The fallout after the battle proved lucrative for us and lethal for the British navy.


I loved the fact we now had enough time to do what sailor’s did best.


Luxuriate.



CHAPTER SIXTEEN


I spoke with James at length concerning a change in our business arrangement. I planned to remain on with him even after he vanquished his Colonel nemesis. We re-negotiated me in for a cut, and I offered something further. I promised that if aught happened to him before such time as his enemy arrived to exchange himself for his fiancé, I would stand with Walks Softly to see their loved ones avenged.


We sailed our newly acquired ships to the man James used to rather launder stolen vessels. Then, we went on to Porto Blanco Harbor. The island boasted every sort of indulgence. The men of our crews rowed ashore, already hooting and ready to hoist their sheets. Walks Softly, James, Diego and I rowed to dock more quietly. Once ashore, James charged a young runner with two deliveries. One to an establishment in a very expensive, but indulgent area catering to pleasure, a second to an address I did not recognize.


We walked to the first address, a conservative-looking establishment named the Sugar Sand Inn. The door opened before we scarce made step upon the portico. I glanced at the uniformed black man attending the entry. He appeared very regal and reserved. A lovely woman with striking gray eyes glided into the foyer of the inn, gowned at the height of Paris fashion.


“James!” Her exclamation of delight made me smile. His masculine beauty did dazzle.


He embraced her. “Greetings, Helene. We are men desirous of much comfort, and soon expecting company.”


She drew back, leaving a lingering hand upon his chest. I noticed the care she took of her long nails. “You delectable man. I shall inform staff and make all the arrangements. Follow me.”


I looked to Walks Softly. He seemed at ease and I realized he must have frequented this house before. We ascended to an upper room as large as many formal salons. I gave a moment’s consideration to the awkwardness created with mine and my lover’s refusal of female attention. Then, I realized James must have thought of it.


I settled myself upon a dark blue velvet settee. Midnight blues and cream dominated the décor. Walks Softly sat beside me. James and Gamboa chose deep chairs. A slim maid arrived with rum, brandy and wine. I chose brandy, as did my lover. James opted for rum and Gamboa chose a rich Spanish red wine.


The door but closed behind the maid when a knock came and James bid, “Enter.”


Four beautiful women my gut instinct identified as courtesans entered. James held out his arms and three swarmed to him, settling themselves, two upon his lap, one on the arm of his chair. Their exclamations of feminine delight erupted amid their opening the laces of his shirt and kissing him. The fourth woman swayed toward Gamboa, seductive and yet coy.


“You’ve stayed away long enough, “she drawled.


“I am returned.” He yanked her into his lap and the kissing and moaning began.


I watched James, curious and excited as he shared his mouth between those on his lap. He had a hand in one lady’s bodice and the other under the second female’s dress. The third took down his hair and ran her fingers through it. They touched him all over, the hunger in their hands palpable. The ‘lady’ enjoying his touch under her skirts began to moan almost at once, then clearly reached her peak.


I turned to Walks Softly, “Might we repair?”


“Aye.”


Sizzling lust consumed me as we rose and he led me from the salon into and down the hall. A sweet-scented room with two lamps burning in greeting waited. He closed and locked the door. I attacked him.


“Mon bon sauvage, I love you.” I bore him to the lily-scented bed. My cock went marble hard. I had him now, where I could hold him to me and adore him. Pressing him down, I stripped us both, licked, bit and sucked his dark, smooth body until I shook.


“I adore you,” I growled, switching about to love his erection with my mouth. Walks Softly took me into his mouth and the sharp bolt of lust undid me.


#


Later in the dark watches, I reached over and Walks Softly intercepted my hand. He laced his long fingers with mine. Vulnerable and desperately enamored, I said, “Please return my devotion, indian. You have my body, soul and heart.”


He rolled atop me. His silky hair swept down to curtain us. “All of what I am is yours.” He kissed me and I felt shattered.


#


The following morrow I roused and tended my ablutions. My beautiful lover yet slept stretched upon his back. I returned to perch upon the bed’s edge to watch him. I wanted him so much my cock jerked and bounced. Yet his peace in sleep made a slave of me to the wanting.


I leaned down and pressed a kiss to his hairless, dark chest.


He rumbled in his sleep and embraced me.