Ashes and Ecstasy by Catherine Hart

Author:Catherine Hart [Hart, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Class Ebook Editions, Ltd.
Published: 2018-10-01T16:00:00+00:00

From that day on, Pierre became one of Kathleen’s most staunch defenders. Even Jean was surprised at the loyalty his brother displayed. It soon became apparent to everyone that this was not merely a passing fancy. He took his debt to her very seriously, and devoted all his considerable energies proving his trust and friendship. Kathleen could not have shaken him loose from her shadow if she had wished to. Now that she was finally assured that Pierre’s offer of friendship was not a trick, and that he had overcome his lust and desire for revenge, she found herself growing to like him a little. His loyalty was admirable, his laughter contagious, and his cock-of-the-walk attitude amusing, though he hid his intelligence beneath a slovenly facade. While Jean maintained the image of a gentleman privateer, Pierre preferred the role of ruthless pirate, playing the part to perfection, and loving it.

After a month at sea, they decided it was time to return to Grande Terre to allow Jean to catch up on business there. The island was every bit as beautiful as Kathleen remembered it. Vividly colored flowers and birds delighted the eye, and delicate butterflies flitted among the blossoms and greenery. Soft sea breezes wafted floral and tangy ocean scents. Puffy white clouds dotted the brilliant blue sky, and the sun sent down its blessings nearly every day. If Eden was half as lovely as this tropical paradise, Kathleen thought Adam and Eve must have deeply regretted losing it. For the first time since Reed’s death, Kathleen was fully appreciative of the beauty about her. It was a spectacular place, indeed—one she had come to love during her short stay here with Reed just after their wedding. With the overpowering beauty came the pain of remembrance; but it was a bittersweet pain, and she bore it gladly. With poignant heartache, she recalled their time together in this tropical paradise so right for young lovers.

Passing the tavern and warehouses on the docks, she remembered how she had found Reed with Rosita and been so blindly jealous. At the slave arena, she stood imagining the night it had been transformed for the fiesta, and she had entranced Reed by dancing for him. Walking by the bay, she remembered Reed’s amazement when she had rescued the beached dolphin and frolicked with it in the water.

Nearly everywhere on the island, sweet memories assaulted her, but most of all along the sandy shore where she and Reed had often strolled on sun-dappled days and moonlit nights. Her heart yearned for him so in this idyllic heaven of bright colors, soft scents, and balmy breezes, that Kathleen almost fancied Reed alongside her. Often she felt that if she should turn suddenly, she would find him there; tall, dark, and so achingly handsome, his blue eyes out-sparkling the sea. . . . Lying on the sun-warmed sand, she could almost feel his presence as she vividly recalled their lovemaking on this very spot. If she closed her

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