Tiger Eyes by Kimberly Nee

Author:Kimberly Nee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2010-12-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Gabby stood on the foredeck, taking in the beauty of the island of St. Phillippe. The storm had blown them slightly off-course, but finally, they arrived. She’d never seen a more beautiful sight. Pale pink sand stretched out before them, and there were a handful of children running along the beach chasing seabirds. A lush jungle of dark green rose up along the hills behind the harbor, while villas of varying sizes with their pink stucco roofs broke up the swath.

A tangy-sweet aroma of roasted meats, spices and smoky, charred wood carried over the water toward them like a welcoming party. It mingled with the saltiness of the ocean air to create a delightful perfume and set her stomach to rumbling with appreciation, not to mention hunger. She was tired of stew and hardtack and couldn’t wait to sit down to a true meal.

A cove protected the harbor, with twin stone forts on the promontories on either side of its entrance. Beyond that cove stretched a tranquil harbor. Tranquil, but active, as ships flying flags of many different countries were either berthed or anchored there. Beyond the berths, a bustling marketplace teemed with life. Vendors shouted out their wares beneath canopies of turquoise and coral striped canvas. The number of dockside harlots was fewer than Gabby was accustomed to seeing, but that was most likely because St. Phillippe was a hidden jewel in the Caribbean.

She had dressed for her first visit to St. Phillippe in the brilliant blue and coral linen gown Fiona reluctantly loaned to her. Her hair, freshly washed and combed, fell loosely about her shoulders and swirled about her hips. It had been ages since she felt so pretty—almost giddily so. For some reason, she couldn’t wait to see Diego, to see his reaction.

As she stepped out into the golden sunshine, Diego awaited her at the gangplank, his back to her. She sighed softly at the sight of him—broad shoulders encased in sapphire blue silk, slim hips and long legs in snug black breeches, boots polished and gleaming. It was no wonder he turned so many heads. He truly was a sight to behold.

A hint of playfulness darted through her and she stepped up to poke him between his shoulder blades. “Shall we?”

He peered over one shoulder, then a slow smile spread across his face as he turned completely to caress her with a slow up-and-down gaze. “St. Phillippe agrees with you already, Gabby,” he replied, his voice on the husky side as he held out an arm. “Are you coming?”

“Yes. That would—”

“Diego?”

Gabby’s reply died on her lips and her arm froze before making contact with him. A tall, slender woman with skin the same reddish color as Finn’s and flowing dark hair paused at the top of the walkway, her eyes perfectly round as she stared at Diego. Her pink and lavender skirts billowed on the breeze as she stood there, arms folded over her chest, top lip pulled between her teeth.

His arm lowered as he turned to face the woman, and Gabby's gut kinked as he said, “Adeline.

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