Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

passed by the alley quickly and were on their way, never looking toward where Jake and Anna stood. Once sure they were gone, Jake’s tension eased, allowing him to fully appreciate the feel of the gentle curves of the woman he held. A hardness beneath his slacks told Jake it was several days since last he sated this particular hunger. He pulled back enough to look down into Anna’s upturned face, confusion replacing the tears which were in her earthen eyes moments before.
    Jake allowed her to push him back this time when she moved away, but he kept his body blocking her from the view of the main road. “Care to tell me why you’re running from the royal Guards, Love?”
    Anna hesitated before she spoke, crossing her arms in a sign of defiance and self-preservation. “Not especially.”
    “Very well,” Jake bowed his head in respect.
    “That’s it?” Anna asked. “No inquisition?”
    “Everyone is entitled to their secrets, Love.” Jake gave her a half smile, trying not to show how pleased he was to once again be in her presence.
    Anna seemed to mull over his answer for a moment before nodding. “I need to go,” Anna pushed past him toward the street.
    “Anna,” Jake latched onto her arm, turning her around to face him. “I wish to see you again.”
    “I don’t think that would be wise,” sadness returned to Anna’s eyes at her answer to his request.
    “Come now, Love, surely I deserve some favor for saving you from your pursuers.” Jake could see Anna wavering and stepped closer, sliding his gloved hands from her elbows to her shoulders. “Tonight, just before sunset, meet me here.”
    “I,” Anna began, but hesitated. “I don’t even know your name.”
    “You may call me Jake,” Jake offered. Anna nodded once and pulled away from him. “Is that a yes?” Jake called after her.
    “I’ll think about it,” Anna turned for a moment to answer, disappearing into the crowd before Jake could say another word. As he continued on his own path, Jake couldn’t prevent a smile at the interaction. He usually didn’t pursue a woman so intently when she was obviously uninterested in what he offered. Jake knew enough women to know Anna was not one to indulge in a casual affair with a Pirate. The woman would probably run away if she knew who and what he truly was. It would be better for everyone if he backed off.
    Still, Jake couldn’t stop thinking about the brown-haired beauty. Perhaps it was her immunity to his normally effective charms, or the loneliness in her brown eyes which matched his own inner pain. Whatever the reason, Jake knew he had to possess her. Surely the strange feeling in his chest when he was near Anna would fade after he bedded her.

 
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    The heat from the day was fading, leaving a breeze which spoke of yet another cool evening. Though the calendared summer began weeks before, the temperature in this realm seemed to miss the memo. Anna held back a shiver as she walked through the narrow town streets. She wanted to believe the shaking in her limbs was from the breeze, but the purpose of her quest had her doubting. On her way through unfamiliar streets to meet a strange man she literally ran into twice, Anna couldn’t deny her apprehension played a part.
    Her steps slowed as she neared her destination, her eyes drawn to the empty alley. Memories assailed her from earlier in the day, as her anger and tears had caused a desperate flight. Her temper quickly faded into tears, blurring her vision and causing her to run headlong into the alley. She remembered the hard mass of the stranger’s chest, warm and sheltering as he shielded her from the view of the Guards. Jake hadn’t questioned her motives for fleeing the soldiers as he willingly accepted her secrets and seemed to understand her need for them. It was for this reason and his lack of demand which convinced Anna to take the chance and return. He held no expectations for her, which left her freedom to be who