Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 03] Read Online Free PDF

settle himself closer. One of his legs came over hers while his arms crept back around her waist. If anyone were to come along and see such a scandalous sight... She was thankful that the lamp had been doused and that the only sound of movement was the muffled tramping on the deck above.
    Octavia had no idea how long she sat in such a compromising position, but her presence seemed to bring a modicum of comfort to her companion, so she made no effort to move. Neither did she attempt to converse. Only when the force of the storm gave signs of abating did she give a gentle shake to the man's shoulder. "Sir, I believe the worst is over. We cannot sit here all night, you know. You must get up and let me help you to your cabin."
    Her words finally seemed to roust him from his stupor. He groped for a handhold and slowly pulled himself to his feet, her arm still steadying his progress.
    "Which way?" she demanded.
    "I... I'm not sure," came the vague reply.
    "Well, think !"
    He swayed slightly. "Ah... left."
    "Then move, sir! I cannot carry you there."
    He stumbled forward, leaning heavily on Octavia'a shoulder. Somehow, she kept him upright, despite the constant pitch and roll.
    "It's this one," he said, a bit uncertainly as he lurched to a stop before one of the tiny cabins. "At least, I think it is."
    She opened the door a crack, praying that he was right. The last thing she needed was to be observed with a thoroughly foxed man hanging around her neck. Thankfully, the tiny space was indeed empty. She shoved him inside, then quickly pulled the door shut behind them. Only then did it occur to her that matters would be even worse if she was seen leaving his cabin.
    "Oh, damnation," she muttered to herself. At least it was dark in the narrow passageway so the chances of being caught were slim. In any case, there was little to do about it now. "Will you be all right? Do you need some assistance in removing your coat?"
    He appeared to have regained control of his emotions, for the half mocking, sensuous smile had returned. "It is a tempting offer, my dear, but I do not relish another encounter with a certain part of your anatomy." He grabbed hold of the side of his narrow berth to steady himself. "However there are other parts I would dearly love to feel," he couldn't resist adding.
    Her face flamed. "Let me out of here."
    He made no attempt to stop her. "Before you go, would you be so kind as to pass me a bottle of brandy from the chest behind you?"
    "I think you've had enough."
    "The hell I have," he said softly.
    She hesitated for a moment, then handed him the spirits with an exaggerated shrug of her shoulders. "Go ahead then, drown whatever it is that you are running from—and yourself along with it. Good night, sir."
    Whether it was the lurch of the ship or his own willful steps, his broad chest was suddenly between her and the door. "Good night, Miss," he murmured, his head bending closer to hers. "And... thank you."
    Octavia swallowed hard. "Sir, I warn you, I'll not stand for anymore of your nonsense. If you try to kiss me again—"
    There was a low rumble of amusement in his throat. "Kiss you? That was not a kiss back there, my dear. This is a kiss."
    His lips came down on hers, firm but gentle, sending both shivers and sparks down her spine. They parted and his tongue brushed against her own tightly shut mouth, urging her to open to him. She made to protest, but no words came forth as he slid inside her. He tasted of fiery brandy and the salty tang of the sea. It was like nothing she had ever imagined—and certainly nothing like the fumbling advances of her cousin. For a moment, she found herself responding to the heat of his embrace. She melted into his chest and tilted her head back, allowing him to deepen the embrace, if only for a brief instant.
    Suddenly, she came to her senses and pushed away from him with a small cry of outrage. "How dare you!"
    "I warned you that you might enjoy it," he murmured with a roguish