The Bluestocking's Pirate by Audrey Harrison

Author:Audrey Harrison [Harrison, Audrey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

***

William had run to Florry, lifting her from her seat, swung her around and kissed her soundly. What was meant to be a chaste kiss of celebration turned into a passionate embrace, as if they both knew it would be the last one they shared.

Eventually parting, both breathless, William smiled at her. “Not only are we being rescued, but it is the Freedom.”

“Your own ship? Are you sure?”

“Yes, the cannon fire is Luke’s signal telling me to be patient. What did I tell you? I knew they would be searching for us.”

Florry could not help but laugh at his delight. “It seems you must not be the devilish pirate after all. I am very disappointed.”

Kissing her once more, William whispered. “You will always be the one to bring out the devil in me.”

Florry was placed back on her seat, watching as William returned to the shoreline, rescuing his shirt and putting on the sleeveless clothing, which was little more than a rag now.

As he stood, hands on hips, feet apart, Florry could not help but admire him. He was such a fine figure of a man who was funny and caring. It was no wonder she was utterly smitten with him, fallen completely in love. The realisation made her ache with longing.

Being experienced enough to know that happy endings were not always guaranteed, she brushed her tears away angrily. There was no point in self-pity; she would never have survived after her mother had died if she had given in to her despair. If her suspicions were right that the connection they had shared was purely because of their situation, she would have to find a way of coping. However hard it was going to be.

When the rowing boat launched from the ship, Florry asked for help to get to the shore. She winced as they moved, making William pause in their hopping shuffle back to the shoreline.

“What is it?”

She grimaced. “I think I must have caught a twig, and it stabbed me.”

“Carrying you would be easier and quicker.”

“I need to practice getting around. I cannot rely on being carried until my foot heals.”

“It is not unreasonable, and I like having you in my arms.”

“Stop your flirting. Ouch.”

“What is it?”

“That twig stung like hell. I really do need to look where I am walking.”

William smirked at her cursing. “Would you like me to take a look?”

“No, it will just be a scratch. I have become soft since joining society.”

“Perhaps your clumsiness is because you are constantly in awe of me?”

Florry poked him in the ribs. “You keep thinking that if it gives you comfort.”

“I really need to teach you the art of flattery.”

“Watching you tells me all I need to know.”

“Why does that sound like an insult?”

Florry smiled at him before they were interrupted by the arrival of the welcome party. She wriggled out of his hold and pushed him towards his men. The backslapping and the merriment of the sailors greeting their captain convinced her that he was very well regarded by those under his command.

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