The ship creaked. Footsteps sounded. Arms came around me from behind, and his warm physique, naked as I was, pressed against my back.

“Too much time has passed between raids.” He pulled my hand from my mouth and inspected my fingernails. “You’ve chewed them down to the quicks.”

“I miss the open sea. I need to sail.”

“Soon.” He leaned his hips against my backside, letting me feel the state of his morning hardness.

He was always in a state of hardness. The man had the appetite of a wolf in mating season.

His hands roamed my hips, caressed upward, and encircled my bare breasts. While waiting for Ashley, we’d spent the past week in this cabin—in the bed, on the floor, against the wall, bent over the desk, rocking against any surface that would support us.

I knew he was anxious about Ashley. But rather than talk about his nervous energy, he preferred to fuck it out of himself while between my legs. It was also his way of showing me his commitment. Not just of body but his commitment of the soul. He was here with me, choosing me, no matter what.

“As long as you stare at that dock, he isn’t going to show.” His mouth inflicted havoc on the sensitive parts of my neck.

Reynolds had spent the past month readying Jade for the six-week journey across the Western Ocean. Food, water, wood, everything we needed had been collected and hauled on board. The only thing missing was Ashley.

“It’s not dawn yet.” I licked my lips, watching Priest’s hands, muscled and tanned, knead the white globes of my chest. “He’ll be here.”

“What’s your plan if he isn’t?” He tweaked a nipple.

“I’ll strap on my blades, steal the fastest horse in his stable, ride like the wind to London, and arrive before he relieves his bride of her maidenhood.”

“You’ll kill her.”

“Depends. If she’s curled up on the floor and crying in fear, perhaps I would take pity.”

“If her virgin eyes saw the size of his cock, she would undoubtedly be in that position.”

“Oh, yes, his superior breeding.” I shook my head and laughed. “His words.”

“Arrogant prick.” His smile tickled my neck. “I think we got through to him.”

“You do?” I turned in his arms to see his handsome whiskered face.

“Aye.” He dipped his head and captured my lips.

It was a soft, languid kiss, one that drew my mouth to his in irresistible sips.

“You don’t believe for a minute that he married her,” I said between sweeps of his tongue.

“No. But…” His hand slipped down my flat belly and pressed firmly against the folds between my legs. “One week wasn’t enough time for him to disband his life in London and walk away. He won’t make it here by your deadline.”