Fire and Ice Read online

  Her worrying was interrupted when Bobby delivered her lunch. She picked at her food, and most of it returned to the galley untouched. Afterward, she sat in the rocker and stared out the porthole, lost in remembrances of happier times at home with Mama and Papa and Nanna. When Bobby reappeared with tea, Kathleen was startled to realize it was midafternoon already. She sipped slowly, letting the warm liquid soothe her shattered nerves. Finally she lay down across the bunk, resting her arm on her forehead, and tried to sort through her confusion.

  She must have dozed for quite a while, for when she awoke the shadows in the cabin told her it must be near the dinner hour. She turned her head and saw Reed standing in the connecting doorway, again dressed in a clean black outfit. He arched a dark eyebrow at her. “You have time to freshen up before dinner is served. We will dine in my quarters,” he told her and returned to his cabin, leaving the door ajar.

  Kathleen rose and washed quickly. She smoothed her gown and brushed her hair lightly. She waited until she heard dinner arrive, and only then did she venture into Reed’s quarters.

  The cook had outdone himself. There was succulent pink pork roast, sliced thin, mashed potatoes and gravy, fluffy golden biscuits with butter, and cauliflower with cheese sauce.

  Reed seated her opposite himself at the small table and filled both their goblets with wine. Raising his glass to hers, he said, “I propose a toast to us. May this marriage be more successful than either of us now supposes it will be.”

  She smiled at this, realizing that he too had doubts similar to hers. Too nervous to eat much, Kathleen nibbled sporadically at her food. During dinner she nervously plied him with questions about Savannah. What was the weather like? What was the town like? How big was it?

  He answered her courteously, explaining patiently.

  Too soon, Bobby came to clear away the meal. When they were alone once more, Reed walked to his dresser, took something out of the top drawer, and turned to her. “Kat, I have something for you.” He took her left hand and slipped onto her finger a large square-cut emerald surrounded by diamonds.

  She was dazzled by the beauty of the ring. “Oh, Reed, it is breathtaking,” she whispered, daring a look up at him.

  “So are you,” he stated huskily, pulling her gently into his arms. Before she could protest, he lowered his lips to hers in a long slow kiss that set her heart pounding. His tongue sought to part her lips, and she opened them to him. With her own tongue she tentatively touched his, tasting sweet wine. A shock wave of warmth spread through her. His fingers nimbly unfastened the buttons of her gown and he pushed it from her shoulders to fall to the floor in a rustle of silk. Her shift and camisole and pantalettes joined it in a heap.

  Releasing her lips, he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Bending over her, he kissed her again, this time running his hands lightly over her bare skin. She trembled beneath his touch. His mouth sought her breast, and she caught her breath at the thrill she felt. Adeptly he removed her slippers and stockings, creating even more delight by his touch. Then his hand slipped up the inside of her leg, and she gasped when he touched the flesh between. He caressed her gently, his mouth devouring hers. She opened eyes wide with wonder to gaze into the sky-blue depths of his.

  “Reed?” she questioned shakily.

  “Trust me, kitten,” he reassured her in a whisper. Bending his head, he gently tugged at her hardened nipples with his teeth. The heat growing between her thighs intensified, and she unconsciously spread them wider, allowing him better access.

  Then she was aware of him rising from the bed. He discarded his clothing quickly and rejoined her. Kathleen felt the warmth of him against her. Her fears transferred themselves to him through her trembling body, but soon he had her senses drowning once more as he caressed and stroked her. His kisses became more demanding, and his touch set her on fire as he explored her most intimate places.

  He entered her carefully, moving tentatively a few times and suddenly plunging deeply into her. Silencing her cry with his lips, he continued an easy rhythm. When he lunged into her the pain startled her, but as he continued his steady movement, the hurt became a tingling feeling, and now he was arousing sensations she had never dreamed of. She raised her hips to his and began to naturally match his movements. Low moans of pleasure escaped her lips. She ran her hands along his back, feeling the muscles move beneath her fingertips.

  Burying his face in her hair, he whispered, “Kat, my sweet, my darling.” His cadence increased, and with it their passion. Suddenly they were exploding into a world of ecstasy. The universe seemed to spin, flinging stars in a spectrum of color.

  Kathleen cried out at the wonder of it, astonished by the force of her emotions. Reed groaned and held her tightly as they slowly seemed to float back to earth. He rolled to her side and held her tenderly as she lay quivering in the aftermath of their lovemaking. He sighed deeply. She turned to him with eyes and lashes moist. “Did I hurt you, darling?” he asked, brushing away her tears.

  “No,” she said softly. “I’m not really crying. It is just that it was so beautiful, so wondrous. I never imagined.”

  “That is just the beginning, Kat. It gets better, and there is so much more to learn. The first time is not generally so enjoyable for a woman. You really are full of surprises.” She snuggled close, her head on his shoulder, and he held her tightly until she drifted off to sleep.

  Early the next morning, Kathleen awoke still wrapped in Reed’s strong arms. She studied him as he slept. He was a magnificent figure of a man, well built and ruggedly handsome. “He must have many women chasing after him in Savannah,” she thought. “He is extremely goodlooking and very nice when he wants to be. Maybe we do have a chance in this marriage after all.”

  She ran her fingers across his chest, playing with the curly black hairs growing thickly there, and followed the line they traced down his stomach. Unexpectedly his hand covered hers, and she raised her eyes shyly to meet his.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Taylor,” he drawled.

  “I didn’t mean to wake you,” Kathleen said softly.

  “I’m glad you did. I’m very hungry this morning,” he answered with an easy grin.

  “Shall I ask Bobby to bring breakfast?”

  “It’s not food I’m wanting, Kat. It’s you.” He brought his lips to hers in a long, tantalizing kiss, running his hands along the length of her slim body. Her trembling became desire, and soon they were caressing each other, both becoming aroused to a fever pitch. Then he mounted her and once more took her hurtling with him toward the stars and beyond. A rainbow of colors burst within her as she felt her tensions released in an explosion of such magnitude that she was left trembling in its wake.

  “Reed. Oh, my darling! You make me feel so strange. I’m absolutely giddy!” she exclaimed.

  He laughed, “See, I told you the second time would be better. Now, let me up before this ragtag crew of mine has us heading for China.”

  “Second time,” she echoed with a frown as he rose. She eyed him suspiciously. Scooting aside, she discovered her dried blood staining the sheets. “Oh, God! I’m right!” she raged. “Last night was the first time for me! That is why there was pain last night and none this morning. You deceived me, you blackhearted beast! You let me believe you’d taken my virginity the night before last. You horrid, low-down liar!” She flung herself from the bed. Grabbing her dress from the floor, she covered herself with it and backed toward the door to her cabin.

  “I don’t know why you tricked me into marrying you, but I’m through playing your games, Captain Taylor. Don’t you ever touch me again, I warn you!”

  “And don’t you make the mistake of thinking you can stop me if I so desire, Mrs. Taylor,” he stressed in a low, tightly controlled voice. He fastened his belt, gave her a mocking look, and left.

  Kathleen scrubbed as if to rid herself of his very touch, then dressed and went on deck. She picked a spot at the rail out of his sight. Dan tramped up and leaned on
the rail next to her. He watched her silently, then spat out a stream of tobacco juice and stated flatly, “Well, Cap’n, I guess congratulations are in order. Though, personally, I think it was a stupid move on your part. Thought ye had more sense.”

  “Let’s just say he pulled the wool over my eyes before I realized what was happening,” she answered glumly.

  “Yea, well, he’s a handsome one all right, and a good captain, too. Guess he’s right happy to own a frigate like the Kat-Ann.”

  “What are you talking about, Dan?”

  “It’s his now, Cap’n, by law. You really messed up good this time. Everything ye owned is his now, ye know.”

  “I never thought of that!” she exclaimed, then added, “but I’ll bet that snake did.”

  “O’course he did. Any man would unless he was daft in love,” Dan agreed, nodding. “Didn’t think ye would do somethin’ that stupid.”

  “Well, there’s nothing I can do about it right this minute, but I’ll certainly have a few words for that stinking Yankee pirate! I’ll make him pay for this treachery!” she promised, her eyes flashing green sparks. “And a neat piece of thievery it was, too. How could I have been so blind?” She paced a section of the deck, thinking furiously. “Dan, I need a favor.”

  “Sure thing, Cap’n. Name it.”

  “Half of this crew is Irish. Most know me and have sailed under me. I want you to tell them that Captain Taylor has stolen the Kat-Ann from me by marrying me under false pretenses. Don’t let on to Taylor’s men at all, but tell ours not to let it slip out that Papa owned more ships. So far Reed assumes the Kat-Ann is the only one, and I suppose he realized about the estate in Ireland. As long as I can hide the fact of Papa’s shipping line from him, I’ll have something I can call my own at least.”

  “Consider it done.” Dan grinned, spat again, and ambled away.

  A little while later Reed stalked quietly up, appearing at her elbow. “Out for some air, Mrs. Taylor?”

  “Drop dead, Reed,” she said tersely.

  “Now why would I want to do that when I’ve just acquired such a charming wife?” he taunted.

  “Acquired,” she repeated angrily, “like you so recently acquired the Kat-Ann and an estate in Ireland by marrying the owner, you conniving cur?”

  “By George,” he mused. “Thank you for bringing it to mind, Kat. To tell the truth, it hadn’t dawned on me until you just mentioned it. It is nice to know there is some compensation for being married to an ill-tempered Irish wildcat with a nasty mouth!”

  “You wouldn’t know the truth if it stood up and bit you! Don’t try to tell me you didn’t have the Kat-Ann in your sights from the outset. You are no better than a pirate, Reed Taylor, and I’ll not be forgetting it,” Kathleen stormed. She turned heel and headed for the passageway.

  Reed strode after her, caught her arm, and swung her around to face him. “Kat, I swear by all that’s holy I never gave the ship a thought. I was concerned about your reputation and your safety. If we’d been closer to port, and I didn’t have the cargo to worry about, I’d have turned back and the devil take you and your ship. Marriage just seemed to be the best solution to a sticky problem.”

  “Even so, you decided the best way to convince me was to let me think you had defiled me! That was a rotten, lousy trick to pull, Reed. For that alone I could tear your eyes out.”

  “I admit my guilt on that count, Kat, but I was at a loss as to how to convince you, and when you made your suspicions so obvious, I just took advantage of the situation. I’m sorry,” he said earnestly.

  “And I played right into your hands,” she groaned.

  “Look at all the fun you’d have missed otherwise.” He grinned at her rakishly.

  Kathleen blushed. “You’re incorrigible, an arrogant, smooth-talking Yankee devil, and I want nothing more to do with you!” She brushed his hand aside and ran to her cabin.

  Upon entering her cabin, Kathleen stopped short. Not only had the door which connected her cabin with the captain’s been taken down, but her bunk had been dismantled and removed. Reed’s voice sounded amused behind her, “I decided a little redecorating was in order in celebration of our wedding. I hope you like it.”

  She whirled to face him. “You scoundrel! You know darned well I don’t! Get my bunk and that door put back up immediately!” she ordered, stamping her foot angrily.

  “Don’t order me around, kitten,” Reed cautioned with a low growl. “You forget. I am not only the captain of this frigate, but its owner as well. If anyone takes orders from now on it will be you, my sweet. It seems you could use some practice in how to be a meek, soft-spoken, obediant wife.”

  She reacted exactly as he expected. “Have you been out in the sun too long?” she demanded. “You really should not delude yourself with such fantasies! Face it. You married the wrong woman, if that is the kind of wife you are looking for. Furthermore, I’ll sleep on the deck tonight if you refuse to return my bunk.”

  “And what do you propose to use for blankets and pillow?” he questioned calmly. “Unfortunately for you we are not into warmer climes, yet.”

  When she said nothing he added, “I’ll not be having lunch with you today, but be ready at eight for dinner, Kat. We’ll dine alone. I’m sure my officers will understand since we’re newly wed.”

  “I’ll see if I can arrange to have arsenic added to your portions,” she snarled, “but with your disposition you’d probably thrive on it.”

  “Such honeyed words from my sweet young bride,” he taunted.

  She slammed the door behind him as he swaggered out.

  Chapter 4

  KATHLEEN fumed for the rest of the day. Finally evening arrived and she dressed for dinner. She selected a sleeveless green silk gown, high waisted, with a darker green sash under the breasts. The bodice was cut from the shoulders in a very low vee that revealed much of her breasts. The pale green of the gown enhanced the emerald of her eyes, and the cut of the fabric made it cling smoothly to her figure. She swept her hair high on her head in an artfully careless array of curls.

  Exactly at eight she heard Reed enter his cabin. He walked directly to her doorway, surveyed her from head to toe, and said congenially, “Good evening, Kat. Give me a few moments to clean up and I’ll call for dinner. Be a sweetheart and pour us both some wine, will you please?” He returned to his cabin and chuckled softly as he heard her muttering oaths under her breath while she poured the wine. He shook his head slightly. It would take all his wits to tame this little Irish spitfire.

  Dinner went smoothly. Reed entertained her with talk of Savannah, and even had her smiling reluctantly a few times during his discourse. After the meal, he suggested, “Let’s take a turn around the deck, Kat. Maybe some fresh air will remove that sour look from your face.”

  “I doubt that seriously and I really don’t relish your company, but if you insist.” She prepared to rise.

  “I do insist,” he replied, holding her chair for her. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm. When she attempted to remove it, he clamped it tightly, silently daring her to defy him.

  They walked slowly, saying little. The evening was cool and Reed drew her close to him. Kat grimaced, but refrained from commenting. She was at a loss as to how to deal with him. He was certainly not the type she could control or manipulate. Ordering him about only made him more difficult.

  Kathleen turned her attention to the night. The sky was brilliant with stars. The air was crisp and clean, smelling of salt and wet wood. It filled her senses and buoyed her spirits. She revelled in life at sea. Nature at her best and worst. The sea could be calm, soothing, like an old friend; or churning, angry, challenging, a dangerous enemy. Kathleen loved it either way, feeling a kinship similar to that of a daughter for her mother. The sea seemed to reach out to her, envelop her being, whisper secrets. Kathleen had developed a strange sense of communication with the sea and learned to read the signs of its varying moods. Kat was truly a daughter of the deep, green sea,
temperament, and all.

  Without realizing it she had stopped walking. She stood peering into the dark depths as though mesmerized. Her lips parted in a slight smile, her arms were extended as if reaching out in supplication. An eerie calm pervaded her, giving her an aura of shining serenity that transformed her face with an ethereal beauty.

  Reed stood quietly at her side. He sensed her withdrawal and was awestruck at the intensity of her mood. He studied her intently, beholding the beauty of the metamorphosis taking place before his eyes. The wonder of it left him with a feeling of reverence, as though he were witnessing something holy. The spiritual contact Kathleen was encountering communicated itself to him almost tangibly, like the light brush of a feather.

  Love of the sea was not new to Reed. He had long revelled in the feel of a deck rolling beneath his feet, the power of the waves and the wind, and the sense of freedom it brought. He, too, enjoyed the sea and held a deep respect for it, but he had never felt the overpowering sensations he realized Kathleen was experiencing. He marveled at the depth of her concentration, and wondered to himself.

  “It is almost as though she is part of the sea itself; as if she has sprung from it, like some strange sea nymph sailors speak of. Will I ever fully understand this complex, mysterious wife of mine with her changing moods and hidden facets? She is a magnificent, fiery creature, a masterpiece of nature’s work in all her varying forms and states. If only I could find the means to tear down that great wall she is trying to build up between us. If I could just reach out and touch her; know how to make her respond to me honestly and without reserve, without hatred. I must make her understand that I am not the thieving beast she mistakes me for. To melt her anger; to feel her soft and tender beside me instead of bristling at my every move or twisting my deeds and words. God, what a magnificent woman she could be then!”