“By God and the devil, you’re such a deliciously beautiful woman I can’t think past my need to be deeply entrenched between your thighs.” He drew in a breath and rubbed his eyes. “Just a few more matters to discuss, such as what I’ve been doing for the past two hours.” His lips twitched. “I visited Jobah in his cabin.”

My head jerked back. “Why?”

“I wish to propose the end to your crew’s raiding and plundering of His Majesty’s Ships. I may be a Royal Navy deserter, but I’m still an Englishman who loves his country. I understand that all major decisions are made by popular vote and thereby written into the Articles. But that’s not why I sought out Jobah. I have another proposal for your men and ran it by him first.”

“What proposal?” I asked. “Why Jobah? I’m the captain of this ship.”

“I’ll tell you once I’ve worked out the details. Lay aside your impatience and give me your trust, woman.”

“Fine.” I blew out a breath. “You have it.”

“Very good.” He stood and motioned at me to turn. “Bend over the desk.”

My pulse sped up, and a chill gripped my spine. “Last time you gave that order, you beat my arse until I couldn’t sit.”

“Then you know what’s coming.” He clasped his hands behind his back and stared down his haughty nose at me.

“You’re going to spank me? For what reason?” I looked at Priest as if he might have the answer.

“Don’t make him wait.” Priest didn’t move from his sprawl on the bed, the bastard.

My blood tingled as I turned and bent over the desk. “Is this you, establishing your role as my captor in the bedchamber?”

“This is me, beating your arse for the unforgivable bargain you made with Madwulf. For putting yourself in his hands and away from our protection. And for leaving me a week ago after making demands and trying to run our lives on your terms. This relationship is a three-way democracy, not a dictatorship ruled by one insolent woman.”

“Says the man who dictated that I bend for his—”

The slam of his palm against my backside shattered my thoughts and stole my breath. Then he struck me again. And again. With a large open hand and a ruthlessly strong arm, he spanked me brutally, passionately, and without quarter. He set fire to my flesh until I felt every ounce of fear and rage he’d experienced as a result of my actions. By the time he straightened and adjusted his clothes, I was properly apologetic and equally aroused.

He wasn’t finished.

Before I could rise from the desk, he impaled himself inside me. With his thrusts and his kisses, he demonstrated how much he’d missed me as Priest watched with approval.