Fiery Pursuit (Passionate Pursuits, Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page A

arms.
    * * * * *
     
    His yacht was steaming and ready when Lars reached the obscure bay where he’d left it. Saluting his captain with a nod, Lars told him to lift anchor at once and head for Dover. And to send hot water to his cabin as soon as possible. He could feel the powerful engines throb as they built up pressure. They’d soon be at sea where the sails could take over.
    He headed for his own cabin, a luxurious suite suitable for this special girl. He’d sleep in the guest cabin. He’d be close enough to hear her if she cried out in her sleep. Doubtless she’d have nightmares after her hellish experience, although he planned to enter her mind and calm her each night before she slept. Now he needed to see to her injuries.
    Laying her gently on the bed, he removed her ugly headdress, letting her hair and features free. Sitting beside her, he lifted her injured feet onto his lap. The silken soles of her slippers hung in shreds from her lacerated feet.
    “My dear gods, child, why didn’t you say something? This is even worse than I thought. Ah, here comes the hot water. I’ll be as gentle as I can, but your feet must be cleansed.”
    He trusted his voice didn’t betray his horror. How had one slight girl endured so much? He’d never forgive himself for not noticing sooner.
    She reached up one hand and patted his face. “I didn’t want to hold you back. Believe me, I’d endure pain much worse than this to escape slavery. I am now safe, am I not?”
    Her great eyes searched his and another shudder shook her body. His heart leapt in his chest and his damned cock swelled uncomfortably.
    “Yes, my dear. You are safe and I promise to keep you that way. Now sleep a little while I bathe your feet.”
    She smiled and willingly succumbed to the sleep spell he laid on her. The hot water arrived, and he carefully began washing the cuts, even as he cursed himself. When he was done, he applied an ointment of his own making and bandaged each foot. Even with his powers she’d need several days to heal. Pleased he’d given her the master cabin where she’d be more comfortable, Lars went to talk to the chef. He wanted a light meal ready soon, and then he’d waken her. She must have been too anxious to eat large meals for quite a while, even if she’d been offered them. She mustn’t have too much at once.
    When he came back he found her still asleep. He sat on the bed beside her, admiring her beauty. Though exhausted and disheveled, the purity of her features turned his heart over. He leaned over and kissed her luscious lips. Suddenly hot desire almost overwhelmed him. He stroked her pale cheeks and then her lovely hair. A few strands lay like streaks of gold across the pillow. He reached up and ran his fingers through the rest so the magnificent mass flowed around her shoulders, reaching to her waist.
    He simply stared, his physical response evident as his cock stretched more tightly against his pants.
    He’d never wanted any woman as he wanted her.
    Why now, when it would complicate the whole situation?
    What a hell of a predicament, when he was honor-bound to protect her, not ravish her.
    With a groan and one last touch to her cheek, he left the bed and walked as far away from her as the small cabin allowed. Peering out the window, he saw they were at sea and steaming fast for Dover. Leaning against the wall with folded arms, he waited while he willed his erection under control, and then left to check on the food.
    He was in one big damned mess.
    * * * * *
     
    He let her sleep three hours and then wakened her with a slight shake.
    She snapped awake, eyes alert and terrified, and he leaned farther down so she could see his face.
    “It’s all right, Sophia. It’s only me, and you know I won’t hurt you.”
    She bolted upright. “Yes, I know that in my heart. It’s only that right now I have little trust left.”
    “And no wonder.” Lars brought the tray to a table beside the bed. “Here is some light food.