He did at first, but even though there was pain, the need pulsing through her blood demanded a faster tempo. She writhed beneath him, gasping as she clung to his backside. His breathing sped with the cadence of his thrusts.

“Come for me, Divana!”

As she clung to him, the glorious wave of passion took her to the stars for the second time that night. And with it came Kennan’s bellow. He withdrew and spilled onto her belly. Perspiration peppered his brow while he continued to pant, hovering above her.

She gazed into those delicious green eyes. “That was astonishing.”

“You are astonishing.” He nuzzled into her neck. “I’ve known it all along. I just have been afraid of hurting you.”

“Because ye must…”

He tapped her lips with his finger. “We are bonded now, you and I. Nothing else matters.”

Oh, how his words warmed her.

“How are you feeling? Are you sore?”

“A little. ’Tis nay bad, though.”

“I’m glad of it.” Grinning, he rolled to his side and cleaned her stomach with his shirt. “You must remember, lass. When the cabin door is unlocked, you are still Davy and I’m the captain. Nothing has changed as far as the crew is concerned. Ye ken?”

Rather than respond, she kissed him. A great deal had changed. But Divana understood what he meant.

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Divana stood in front of the mirror bolted to the wall above Kennan’s ornately carved trunk and tied her hair back with a leather thong, then donned her feathered cap. “Are ye looking forward to our arrival in Nassau?” By their heading, they were expected to reach the Bahamian island today if not on the morrow.

“Indeed. I’ve waited a long time for this.”

He moved behind her and trailed feathery kisses along her neck. Would the floating ever cease? She hoped not.

“Do ye reckon Captain Vane will be there?”

Kennan opened the trunk and retrieved his weapons. “’Tis a possibility.”

“What if he’s not?”

“Then we’ll resupply and move on.” He shoved his dirk into his belt. “Come, ’tis time for my morning inspection.”

“And I’ll be in the crow’s nest today.”

“Would you like me to assign someone else? This close to Nassau, there’s a chance we’ll meet with trouble.”

“Would that not be preferential treatment?”

Kennan’s gaze meandered down her body. “Are you growing accustomed to the height?”

“I’ve learned how to tie meself in. Me arms are stronger as well.”

“I could assign you to the galley.”

She shifted her fists to her hips and gave a saucy snort. “Why didn’t ye do that in the first place?”

“Galley work is usually reserved for the older sailors, or those with injuries who cannot stand up to the rigors of manning the decks.”

“So galley work is preferential treatment as well?”

“If I give the order, no one will balk.”