SCARLET RAVEN

By

Jewel Adams

Corin McCloud stows away on a refurbished schooner—the Raven. The journey barely begins when a violent storm rolls over the schooner, throwing her world upside down and lands her in Charlotte Amalie, 1725.

Rogan Drake spent the last two years building his reputation as the infamous pirate—Dragon, in order to revenge his brother’s murder. He forgoes following the pirate Billings, to keep an eye on a girl that just entered the city. She certainly wasn’t from here, not dressed so…openly. “Brave little woman, but hardly wise.” The exotic shape of her eyes reminded him of a wild cat. Add in the sensual blend of amber and chocolate, and a man could drown in their depth. “Are you untamed my little stranger?”

Can Rogan give up his quest to revenge his brother’s death in order to keep Corin safe? Will she accept her new life as his wife? Can they both survive the anger of Black Diamond, the most notorious pirate in the Caribbean?

Time Travel Historical Erotic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-935048-11-4 1-935048-11-2 Print

ISBN: 978-1-935048-20-6 1-935048-20-1 Ebook

Word Count: 92,141

EBook $6.49

Trade Paperback

$11.49 plus shipping.

SCARLET RAVEN by Jewel Adams
Corin McCloud stows away on a refurbished schooner—the Raven. The journey barely begins when a violent storm rolls over the schooner, throw-ing her world upside down and lands her in Charlotte Amalie, 1725.
Rogan Drake spent the last two years building his reputation as the infamous pirate—Dragon, in order to revenge his brother’s murder. He forgoes following the pirate Billings, to keep an eye on a girl that just entered the city. She certainly wasn’t from here, not dressed so…openly. “Brave little woman, but hardly wise.” The exotic shape of her eyes reminded him of a wild cat. Add in the sensual blend of amber and chocolate, and a man could drown in their depth. “Are you untamed my little stranger?”
Can Rogan give up his quest to revenge his brother’s death in order to keep Corin safe? Will she accept her new life as his wife? Can they both survive the anger of Black Diamond, the most notorious pi-rate in the Caribbean?
SCARLET RAVEN is an adventure in Time that will fill your heart with love and your soul with life that once roamed the open seas!

You won’t want to miss this extraordinary Romance (Sensual) Time Travel.

I’m going to post an excerpt here, Chapters 1 and 2, let me know what you think.

SCARLET RAVEN
By
Jewel Adams
© 2008

Chapter One
Heart’s Desire

Corin smothered a groan as she stretched out her cramped legs. The easy movement of the Raven through the water soon became the only comfort she found on the third morning in her hiding place.
She raised her arms up touching the bow’s hull above her head. Smiling, she let her hand run down the smooth thick wood that held back the ocean’s strength. All the diagrams she poured over came into use. Her hiding spot was the only place on the schooner no one would likely come.
Patting it, “You’re stronger aren’t you Raven?”
She’d started talking affectionately to the ship that first long day. Stowing away isn’t how she planned to be on board, but it worked. They would be passing the keys today. Once Captain Max sailed beyond them Corin would make her presence known, he wasn’t the type to turn back, no matter how furious he might become. “You, my dear Captain, can get my fare from Mr. Worth and good luck to you.”
Though her decision happened instantaneously, she thought it over for the last two days. If the captain did dump her at the first port, she’d either fly on to France or stay a while and work in one of the resorts. Regardless, she was on her way and refused to let the ill beginning dampen her outlook on the adventure ahead, even as her thought went back to that morning. “Male chauvinist, how dare he refuse to take me on as one of his crew!”
Streaks of rose and amber brushed the horizon as Corin pulled her duffle pack from the trunk of the cab. People were already beginning to stir around the docks, but Corin only looked for one ship.
The dark teak of the Raven’s hull left a shimmer-ing reflection in the waters slapping at her side. Corin tipped her head back to follow the large mast as it rose up to kiss the pale dawn. Closing her eyes she felt a wave of excitement pass over her. She needed to get a hold of her emotions. She took a deep breath, control once again seeped through her delicate frame.
Corin lifted the bag of her possessions over her shoulder and took the first step up the gang-way to board the Raven. The slick deck felt firm and inde-structible beneath her deck shoes. The full ankle pants and long sleeve T-shirt were good choice for the first morning. The air felt chilly, on the open water the wind would demand her jacket.
Corin stood there letting it sink in a moment that she actually stood on the deck, before seeking out the captain.
“Hey you, what are you doing on my ship?”
Corin’s smile wouldn’t be banished by the man’s bark. She held out her hand to the approaching man. “I’m Corin McCloud. You must be Captain Max?”
When he didn’t accept her greeting she nervously pulled her hand behind her back, feeling a chill nip at her excitement.
“Yeah, I’m the captain. Who are you?”
She told him her name once again. The man’s brute attitude stiffened her back. “Mr. Worth…”
“Stop right there… McCloud, right?”
Corin gave him a cautious nod.
“Look, I told that bastard it was up to him to take care of the problem.”
She felt her stomach rollover in warning. The way his gaze raked over her, she knew he considered her a problem.
“Didn’t he gets a hold of you?”
“No.” Corin hated the admission and the suspi-cion unraveling between them.
“Well, you go see him.”
When he would have reached to take hold of her shoulder and push her back toward the gain-way, she avoided his touch.
“Captain, maybe you should explain, here and now, what’s going on?”
“Are you dense?”
The sharp glare she threw him stopped anymore insults. But it didn’t prevent his next words.
“There is no cruise. It’s been called off. All your money will be refunded. If you’ve got a problem it’s with, Worth. Not me.”
She didn’t realize her head shook against his words. Finally, she found her voice, “then you not taking the Raven to France?”
“Oh, I’m taking her all right. I finally got my price for this relic, some rich fanatic wants her for his collection. Look, I’m sorry, but Worth knew about this some time ago, you’d best see him.”
“No!” She fought back the pain in her chest, Co-rin realized she needed to be rational. “Listen, I paid my way and signed on as part of the crew.”
“Yeah, I remember your name now, but if I’d know you were a woman…”
“I don’t think that is relevant. My passage to France is what matters, I see no reason why I can’t still go. I intend to work.”
“One good reason is that I don’t need you. I’ve got my hands. Sorry, but like I said, it’s off.”
Before she could stop him he picked up her bag and heaved it onto the dock.
“You’re next miss. I’ve run out of patience.”
It only took one step towards her to convince Corin to walk off the schooner under her own two feet. Every cuss word she’d ever said or thought filled her mind and was directed at his retreating back.
All the fight left her, sending her to sink down on top of her bag. Corin dropped her gaze from the Raven. Her dreams and hopes were tied to being on that ship. Even if Worth refunded her money she’d never find another ship, she already knew there weren’t any.
Corin pushed the ugly memory away and opened one of her three remaining candy bars that Janice begged her to bring. Corin ate it with guilty relish. Her friend would understand once they met up in France. She settled back into her cubby and fell into more pleasing thoughts about the coming weeks. An-ything to keep her mind off the soon to be raging man up on deck, “At least walking the plank is out-lawed…” She refused to think any further on how he might react to her presence.
The gentle rocking of the ship soon lulled her to sleep.
* * * *
The sudden connection of her head against the hull made Corin rise. A second painful hit reminded her of the cramped position she still sat in. Rubbing her sore scalp, the violent downward thrust of the bow sent her hands out, groping for something to hold onto.
Catching her breath Corin realized the Raven must have sailed into the throes of a violent storm. Another rocking sway brought her out the shock.
“He’ll need my help.” On all fours Corin left the confines of the bow. It took all her strength to make it to the companion way and ladder. After several at-tempts she finally managed to open the hatch, releas-ing a wall of frigid water over the top of her. Sucking in her breath she struggled on deck and using all her weight against the wind’s force she managed to close the hatch.
Holding on to it, she finally got her bearings and located the captain at the helm. Corin made a lunge for the rope rail, her hands locked on to it just as the Raven took a heart stopping drop. The wall of water sucked and pulled at her. Corin struggled not to be taken over with the receding water. Shaken, but knowing she must help, Corin moved hand over hand to reach the captain. His violent curse cut through the howling wind, telling her he saw her progress.
“Damn fool. Get below and crawl back into whatever hole you came out of!”
Undaunted by his anger she yelled out. “I want to help!”
“Help? Prayers will help, I’ve already lost two men! Get the picture little lady!” His hands ran franti-cally over the wheel, turning it to correct the lean that the full sails were causing.
“The main sail is still up!” Corin’s voice held the fear she felt.
“The storm came out of nowhere!” The broken fact didn’t change the danger.
Before she realized what she was doing she started making her way to the mast where the last crew member frantically worked. Corin shouted across the wind. “What can I do?”
His shock at seeing her vanished over the fear she also witnessed in his eyes. “Take the crank and help me bring her down.”
They worked in a silent frenzy to secure the sail. Once down Corin tied down the wild, flapping sail. The wind grew stronger, tearing at Corin as she fought to maintain her hold.
A shattering sound filled the air above the howl-ing gusts. Turning, she saw one of the riggings rip loose, but before she could move, a more frightening force gravitated her to the spot.
Lightening blue, the unnatural glow swept over the entire ship casting it in an eerie blue light. Corin heard a scream not knowing if it came from her or someone else. Entranced by the shimmering, living light, she never saw the object that hit her head, leav-ing only a swirling madness in its wake.

Chapter 2
The Raven

The nightmare struck out again, drawing a frigh-tened whimper from the limp form on the sun drenched deck. Corin tried to roll away and escape the light, but it stayed with her. Beneath her palm the warmth from the deck penetrated her flesh chasing away the strange nothingness filled with frightening unwanted images.
Only the thick black lashes moved and opened enough to chance facing where she might be. The glare of the wood planks spread out before her. A thin line of crystal blue water pulsed where the deck ended.
“The Raven.” Corin’s breathless relief eased the tight hold in her chest. Very cautiously she eased her-self up into a sitting position. The pains started with the movement. Her hands couldn’t stop the roar in her head.
After several seconds it began to ease and she took a tentative look around the schooner. The storm’s ravaging force left its mark over the open deck. Corin forced her feet to move, she looked up and over each mast, breathing a little easier when she failed to find any major damage.
“Captain Mac?”
Wrapping her arms around her waist she moved around the deck unable to shake the feeling she wouldn’t find anyone aboard. She sat out on the cat walk for a long time before coming to terms with what happened, while the Raven drifted in the calm waters. The bright sun and blue seas made it hard to believe the fury she lived through last night.
Brushing away her silent tears, she said another prayer for the men out there, hoping they survived.
Corin took a deep breath and pushed her panic down, “Sitting out here won’t help anyone.”
She forced the terrible thoughts away that they were beyond help as she made her way to the cap-tain’s cabin. As she hoped, she found a ship to shore radio. The Raven didn’t have too much modern equipment, as a relic in the original state as a 19th Century Schooner. Thankfully the captain didn’t fo-rego the radio. After half an hour she failed to hail static let alone a voice. Everything seemed to be working, she couldn’t understand what could be wrong. Even if the storm blew them off course there’d be a ship or something within range.
Corin finally gave up and went back on deck. Seeing nothing with the binoculars she found in the cabin, she kicked off her shoes and began the climb up the main mast. From the crow’s nest Corin made a complete scan of the horizon. She came nearly full circle before seeing the intrusion into the blue water. “Land ho!”
She took a bearing then shimmied down the mast feeling better than she had since coming to on deck. Using the hand crank, Corin raised the forestall sail. Hurrying to the wheel she swung it about to catch the wind. The sail quickly filled to capacity. Corin could only manage the one sail alone. At a slow, but safer pace, the Raven moved easily through the smooth wa-ter.
Lacking a real bearing to determine her course, she hoped the approaching shallows weren’t reef bound.
Corin didn’t see any sign of a port or buildings as she ran parallel with the coast line of what she felt was a large island. She passed up the first cove not liking the brighter shades of blue waters indicating shallows. The Raven had a shallow draft, but distance in water could be deceiving. She did find an open cove free of any tell tale white caps over reefs, but decided to go on a little further.
Checking out the lowering sun she needed to make a decision and soon.
As she came around a point, another larger, open coastline greeted her. Sweeping out wide Corin raced across the deck and lowered the sail to half mast. She ran back to turn the wheel and hold her breath that the deep midnight blue water held no hidden dangers.
In as far as she dare to go, Corin released the anchor. Securing the sail she finally relaxed at the easy rocking of the Raven. “I did it!”
Her victory was a lonely one, but just as thrilling.
Corin paced the deck under the sparkling blanket of stars. The full moon made the white sandy beach glow in silvery enchantment. Tomorrow morning she would go ashore and see if anyone lived on the island. It appeared too large not to have a town of some kind. She’d seen mountains up the coast line. It reminded her of St. Thomas, making her wonder how long she’d been unconscious. She knew of no other island with this terrain.
Where ever she landed, Corin decided to be cau-tious in her approach. The radio still remained silent, even her small portable wasn’t picking up anything. The captain’s might have been damaged by the storm, but hers remained safely stowed in the bow. She would find no answers until tomorrow.
* * * *
Corin rose before dawn to be ready at first light for her swim to the beach. She regretted not being able to wear her jeans to fight off the thick vegetation, the skirt and blouse she choose were light and would dry fast over her bikini.
She wrapped her sneakers and blouse inside the skirt tied around her waist. “Don’t go anywhere Ra-ven, I’ll be back.”
Standing on the rail her sleek dive cut through the crystal blue water. The water felt cool not cold and she quickly adjusted. With strong artful strokes soon brought her to the sandy bottom. Corin stood and walked into the beach, ringing out the water from her thick, waist length hair. She squeezed as much water from her braid as she could before putting on the soaked clothes. The white blouse stuck against her skin making the bright flowers of her bikini show the full rounded curves of her breast. Pulling on the flo-wered skirt she gave up trying to unstick it from her skin and slipped the sneakers on in the water, hoping to avoid the sand.
The beach looked beautiful, everything she al-ways wanted to find. It felt as if no one ever stepped foot on it before today. Corin laughed at the foolish thought and started down the coastline. Every so of-ten she would take a large piece of broken conch shell and mark an X on a palm tree, hoping the fresh scar-ing would be noticeable under the moonlight.
Corin also kept track of the time since leaving the beach. It was nearly nine when she finished a rather treacherous climb over a high cliff face. Collapsing on the thick grass at the top, she’d been walking for three hours and needed a rest.
From her perch, the cove below became visible, the sight was breathtaking. Below her cliff sat a deep inlet that cut into the trees between the cliff and the land. She absently made a mental note that the Raven could easily clear the inlet and be hidden if necessary. From her vantage point she could see the reef in front of the cove’s only entrance. It ran close against the land side and would be a dangerous sail, but it could be done.
She swam the inlet to reach the cliff, but from here Corin could see an easier passage around the cliff base. She tried to avoid the jungle growth fearing she might get lost, but at night it would be a better route.
Rest time went too fast and upon rising she found an easier slope going down. Looking further she almost shouted out. “I knew it!”
The small cluster of white buildings was the town she came to find. It was set back against the rise of escalating hills. Before it the massive harbor was filled with large ships. “Another hour and I’m home free.”
All the while she fought her way through the trees and undergrowth Corin kept asking herself why she hadn’t gotten anything on the radio.
Hot and tired she broke out of the jungle and onto a crushed shell road. Pushing back the damp bangs she started following it. “On the way back I’ll stick to the beaches.” She thought it would be shorter to leave the shoreline, she wouldn’t make that mistake again.
It was nearly eleven before she started to hear the activity of the town she approached. Corin pulled the blouse knot beneath her breast tighter, letting the shirt tails hang lazily down below her exposed midriff.
A woman carrying a lace parasol on the arm of a white suited man passed her. Corin smiled at them, the man politely touched his panama hat until the lady jabbed him in the ribs.
Corin giggled wickedly, pitying the man for the tirade he undoubtedly would get once they were out of the public eye. She reminded herself never to be the jealous type.
As she made her way down the street, winding its way into the town, things began pricking at her mind. Odd, minor things like the style of the clothes on the men and women alike, the lack of cars. Her head still turned when a donkey drawn cart passed by her.
But they were insignificant in light of the very bold curiosity coming from the men she passed. They themselves earned her own guarded glances. Gawd, they looked positively barbaric. Most of them carried swords or large knives and pistols brandished from their thick belts. Many wore high leather boots with wide cuffs at the knees. The pants were tight of a light fabric and large blousy shirts.
Corin nearly turned full circle at the man now passing her. She bit her lip to keep the laughter from bubbling up and over because of his large dark hat with an elaborate feather coming down the side. “Gawd, it’s red besides!”
She became enthralled by the people and didn’t notice the fact that she walked into the middle of town. She came to an immediate halt when she caught a glance of the harbor and nearly collapsed over the sight.
Large mast ships of all sizes and shapes dotted the water. At the docks stood what couldn’t be mista-ken for anything but a “Spanish Galleon…”
“She’s beautiful, I’ll give you that.”
Not looking at the voice that cut through her as-tonishment, Corin suddenly grew very nervous and moved off the walk to avoid the man.
Rogan had been following her for some time. The beauty caught nearly every man’s eye since she entered the town. His heated gaze fell to the natural swing of her fully curved and enticingly small hips. Raising his gaze to the satin flatness of her bronzed waist, Rogan felt his loins tighten with an alarming velocity.
The exotic caress of that thick roped hair held the color of polished teak and his fingers itched to feel the softness fall through his fingers.
Where ever she appeared from he knew she cer-tainly wasn’t from here, not dressed so…openly. He would give her credit, she was braver than most the women he knew, but hardly wise. Looking closer, Rogan watched the way her eyes took in the docked ships, floating from one to the next, all the while their deep rich brown grew larger. No, he was wrong, her eyes weren’t just brown, but amber and chocolate all mixed into a sensual blend a man could drown in. Their shape intrigued him, almost wild like a cat. “Are you untamed my little stranger?”
Keeping his distance, Rogan ignored Big Dan’s wave to go, Billings could wait, Rogan suddenly found a more interesting priority.
Corin nervously ran her fingers through the fea-thered bangs that hid her eyes from his. He still fol-lowed her. She pretended to stop and look over a fri-gate showing an odd but decidingly British flag. Her gaze seemed unable to get their fill of the man.
Man, oh yes he was more of a man than she’d ever seen. Broad, powerful shoulder, she needed to breathe hard over the temptation they inspired. For a second she let herself daydream over how it would feel to be held by such strength. She could envision her fingertips tracing the bold line of rigid muscles. They would travel down across the large wall of cop-per skinned chest, sprinkled with bronze hair. Hea-vens, he looked like Hercules, only better with that wild blonde mane of silky waves.
Corin swallowed hard, she didn’t dare look beyond the deep open vee that exposed the corded expanse of his trim waist. She forced her eyes away from the bulging thighs and, other more potent evi-dence of his masculinity and looked directly into those relaxed blue eyes.
Sucking in her breath their crystal depths trapped her own. He definitely witnessed her brazen scrutiny and silently told her he liked what saw when he took the liberty to see of her as well.
A firing blush crept up her graceful throat, in-flaming her high cheeks, deepening the rich hue of her smooth complexion. Unable to end what she started, her eyes fell upon the parted lips smiling confidently at her from that fierce square jaw. Instead of being insulted, Corin felt an unfamiliar heat strike hard and fast in the most womanly part of her body.
What the hell was wrong with her? Corin never reacted to any man like this, never wanted to, but she seemed incapable of breaking the spell that wove be-tween them.
The sudden ringing of a loud bell made her jump. Having broken his invisible hold over her, she moved with the crowd, hoping to lose the man and the un-wanted power he could wield over her.
“Hear Ye all, citizens and visitors of the gracious Governor of Charlotte Amalie . ‘Tis a warrant for the arrest of the pirate called Dragon.”
Someone in the crowd called out. “How much is the bounty man?”
“Thirty gold pieces my friend, if you’re brave enough to bring him in alive. Twenty if he’s dead.”
A man in back of her laughed out. “Taint’ worth me life! That one’s no ordinary pirate.”
Corin didn’t know what to make of all this. Their jest didn’t camouflage the serious intensions. Her own humor deserted her.
She rubbed her bare arms when the man began to hammer the notice on the board. She didn’t like any of the feelings taking hold of her since seeing the har-bor and what it held. Whispering to herself, “Char-lotte Amalie? But how?”
The crowd began to break up. She walked on un-steady feet, drawn to the notice, yet afraid of what she might find. The elaborate hand writing flowed over the crisp parchment. Her eyes raced over the words until they found what they searched for. With shaking fingers she traced the date as if confirming its existence.
“June 18th, 1725…”
“It should be at least 100 gold pieces.”
Jumping back, Corin’s frighten voice spoke out, “What?”
“The reward, ‘tis not enough.”
Confused by her own thoughts, having Hercules standing in front of her made Corin sway.
When his hand captured her wrist she tried to break free from the burning in his touch.
“Dear lady, I fear you are overcome by Charlotte Amalie’s noon sun.”
“Yes, I guess. Please let go of me.”
His release came slow as if he regretted obliging her request.
“Thank you.”
Something close to anger flared inside him over the fear stealing the beauty’s vibrancy. “Does the talk of pirates frighten you?”
“What? Oh no, I guess not, I’ve never known any.” Her words sounded as ridiculous to her ears as to the soft laughter they earned from the man. His nearness must be confusing her, Corin couldn’t stop feeling that she’d missed something important. She needed to think and started to walk away, but he fell in step with her.
“I hope you don’t have the call to see any, my la-dy.”
“Why would I?”
Rogan’s brows drew close over her lack of knowledge. The fear he glimpsed wasn’t because of the notice. Neither did he think it was his presence. He quickly lost any argument he should not care what her problems were, he couldn’t make himself leave her side. Rogan didn’t have to look around to know of the hungry eyes following her.
“The waters are full of them.”
Corin heard about the thieves on the open seas. How unsuspecting ships stumbled onto drug drops and were killed for their mistake. But why didn’t she think he meant that. Why?
“Then I will be careful.”
“Are you sailing soon?”
“I…no, maybe.” Corin’s thoughts became occu-pied by the coach coming down the street, causing her to stop and stare as it passed.
“That’s a coach.” She could have kicked herself for not keeping her thought to herself.
His blue eyes were following her intent interest in the common vehicle passing them. “Where are you from?”
“New Orleans.”
Rogan hid his surprise.
“Well, originally Bridgetown, Massachusetts.”
He started to ask her what part of New Orleans but she abruptly stopped, he almost overran her.
Her ashen pallor made Rogan fear that she’d swoon. “What is it? Answer me!”
Her arm came up and pointed, he could see her lips were shaking too much to speak. The girl’s en-larged eyes never left the unfortunate soul the gover-nor hung that morning. Rogan detested the practice of leaving such a sight up as a warning to others not to thieve.
Taking hold of her shoulders he turned her about and away from the ugly scene. Rogan brought his arm about her waist and gently drew her against him. An unfair advantage, due to her shocked senses, but he wasn’t beyond taking it as he led her away. His palms were alive against the gentle woman in their hold. Slim, she felt like satin and she moved sensually be-neath his hold. The slight flare of her lovely hips brushed against his thigh, creating a fierce response in his tightening groin. Pure strength and willpower kept him from embarrassing them both by displaying what he wanted from the lady. Rogan didn’t remember ex-periencing such a strong and instant attraction for any woman, it felt unsettling yet extremely stimulating.
But for all her bold attire or lack of it, he didn’t believe the lady would willing submit to the roughish thoughts taking hold of him at the moment.
“Why did they do such a thing?”
Caught off guard, “What?”
“Hang that poor man and then leave him there. Why it’s barbaric and sick!”
“ ‘Tis the way and not uncommon, why even in New Orleans they still practice hanging.”
His statement made her steps falter.
Corin wanted to run, be sick and cleanse away the fear taking root. It couldn’t be possible. Pushing the thoughts away she tried to concentrate on why she came here.
“I must find the police.”
“Po…lice?”
“Law, someone in authority.”
“There is the Governor…”
“I guess he’ll do. Where is he?”
He fought with answering, “it is that way.” No, he couldn’t tell her how inappropriate her attire might be. Rogan searched the crowd looking for Big Dan and Terry, waving them back to follow.
Corin didn’t understand why he stayed with her. The eerie feelings inside her only grew more pro-nounced as they walked through the strange streets. The looks she received made her grateful for the large man’s presence. More than once she caught the le-cherous way men’s eyes followed her. But the disgust she glimpsed and felt from the women made her be-gin to shake. It didn’t take a fool to realize she wasn’t up to their standards. The only group she came close to fitting into made her own sensibilities revolt.
He felt every response, no matter how slight from the woman at his side. That she didn’t refused his hold stopped surprising him, he almost wondered if she realized he remained. No, the lady’s attention be-came captured by what she saw around her and she’d taken the insults given to her entreating smiles very hard. Instinctively, Rogan realized this woman wasn’t what she appeared to be. Women that gave their trea-sures freely weren’t affected by what the others thought. She suffered the reaction of an lady unaccustomed to the ways of the streets.
And yet he couldn’t place her with the women proper or society dames.
When they entered the cool interior of the place he brought her to, Corin took a moment to adjust to the opulent surroundings.
The nervous way she tucked her hair in back and tried to straighten her slight blouse tore at Rogan’s senses.
When the uniformed man looked curiously up from his papers Corin couldn’t put it off any longer. She turned to her escort. “Thank you for bringing me, I hope it wasn’t out of your way.”
“You can be sure it wasn’t, my lady.”
The formality he used made Corin straighten. Calling on her pride she didn’t want to show him any-thing that would demean herself in his eyes. She didn’t care why she felt so strongly, she just wanted the respect he held her in to stay in those beautiful blue eyes.
“I better go.” Turning away from him she forced herself to walk determinedly to the desk.
“I need to see the Governor, please.”
The man’s eyes were shameful the way they went over her. The half smile he gave her infuriated Corin beyond all the others.
“He’s busy.”
“Really, and if I screamed at the top of my lungs, would he still be busy?”
His eyes grew large over her threat. Corin took a deep breath to insure he believed her. She’d done the same thing once in grade school and both times it worked beautifully.
“Come this way please.”
He opened the double doors and she followed. A portly man was seated behind a ridiculously large desk. The brocade waistcoat and vest he wore over the lace ascot shirt nearly became her undoing. All she could think is that the man must be dying in all those garments and in this heat. Taking a peak beneath the table, she almost spoke out her thoughts over the lace stockings and garters that he wore.
“Whom shall I say is requesting an audience?”
“Miss Corin Elizabeth Ann McCloud.” She wished she possessed ten more names to throw in just so the pompous ass would have to repeat them. The whole procedure sounded comical, the man being no more than ten feet in front of them.
All he got for his effort was a rude ‘humph’.
Turning back to her, he asked. “And what is the nature of your audience?”
Having had more than she could tolerate, Corin walked past the red faced man and came to stand di-rectly in front of the desk. She waited patiently for the man’s spectacled eyes to come up and look at her.
“Good day Governor.”
She put him in an uncomfortable position and en-joyed his dilemma.
“Good day to you, Miss McCloud.”
“I have some very tragic information to tell you, sir. If it is alright I would prefer to tell you face to face.”
The man leaned back in his chair and seemed to contemplate her rather rushed outburst before waving the man throwing daggers at her away.
Corin couldn’t help but turn and watch him be dismissed. It was then she realized her escort never left at all, but stood only a foot or so behind her. Flus-tered, she didn’t dare look him and maintain her com-posure, but before she turned back to the Governor, her self appointed guardian winked at her.
“Well young woman, what is the tragedy?”
She came here to tell them, but suddenly it seemed so pointless. “I, there was a fierce storm at sea.”
“How long ago?”
“I’m not sure exactly, I must have been uncons-cious for some time.”
“What port did you sail from?”
“Port? It would be New Orleans.”
“When did you leave?”
“Saturday morning…”
“That’s only five days ago. Rogan, isn’t it too far to be that much off course?”
Corin tried not to show her agitation over the man bringing him into their conversation. Rogan? Such an unusual name, but it did fit him.
“Miss?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I asked what happened?”
“The storm, it was awful, there was this frighten-ing blue light…When I came around there was no one left.”
“You mean the whole crew washed over?”
“Yes sir. Can you take out a search party?”
“And where might we start? You hail from New Orleans and in five days you are in Charlotte Amalie . I’m sorry, but you were unconscious for some time I’m afraid. When did you wash up?”
“Wash up?” His words and the meaning seemed to move through her at an incredible speed, like the blue light. Closing her eyes at the memory. “I…the date…on the notice…”
“Rogan! For God’s sake catch her!”
John didn’t need to yell, Rogan sensed her weak-ness even before her knees gave out, lifting her up in his arms.
“John, I’ll take care of the lady, she obviously has no relatives about.”
“I think it would be wise, she must get some de-cent clothes Rogan. Though it is a treat…”
Rogan gave his friend a warning glance that ended an old man’s musing.
“If you don’t mind I’ll take our leave by the back entrance, she’s already created quite a stir in your city.”
“By all means.”
John held the door for the man. “Rogan we need to talk.”
“Tonight John, right now I’ve other more entic-ing duties to perform.”
_________________
Watch for Scarlet Raven to be released in March 2008

I would love for you to post a comment and I hope you like the new look.

If you know me, you know that is not all I’ve been up to. Bridghid Parkinson and I have a great new project called Words of Love. Words of Love is for all the writers out there and the ones that want to write. I want to impart the knowledge I’ve gain over the last thirty years of writing. At the moment I have 20 parts to my Words of Love Series, there are three posted on the Coffee Time Romance’s Writer’s Cafe and I’ll be posting one each week. You can ask questions about the Parts I post or about your writing. If you ever wanted to write there is no better time than now.

I hope you will go over and check it out, it is probably as unorthodox as I am, but that’s the fun part

Words of Love

The damsel is rescued by our hero, they rush into each others arms, passion rules and love conquers all in Words of Love. Those three words can tie Romance Fiction up in a neat tidy bow. All the genres, all the authors with their special stories, want one thing for the reader—to feel their Words of Love.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=183

Jewel Adams’ Words of Love Series © 2007

Best selling author Jewel Adams writes in a variety of romance and erotic-ahh romance genres: Time Travel, Gothic, Fantasy, Paranormal, Historic, Western and Contemporary. Jewel hopes that by sharing her experience and outlook on writing Romance Fiction, she will assist aspiring authors in accomplishing their writing goals.

Her ongoing series is available to everyone and she will be glad to answer any questions you might have concerning your writing.

Go and see what you think, I hope if you have ever wanted to write that this will help you achieve that dream.

On top of that, I have also had another digest come out, ROMP Intrigue Digest, my Catching Shadows and Cara North’s Wild on Tuesday are in this digest.

Catching Shadows,

By Jewel Adams

CHARITY BECKER’S lover kisses her lips with searing passion and melts away as the morning light strikes her bedroom window. She steps through the fine line that separates the present from the past. Waiting for her on the other side is JACOB KINGSMAN, a man claiming her as his wife. Can Charity’s passion to discover the truth regarding the real Mrs. Kingsman, free Jacob of his guilt?

Together they scorch time with a hot, erotic passion in CATCHING SHADOWS.

This is a fantastic Gothic Time Travel, Erotic-ahh Romance, don’t miss it if you did the first time it was released in the Romp single title line. Oh, and it is now in print

MOONDOCK, goodness, I do love this story and so do a lot of my readers. Moondock is BEST SELLER for March! WoooHooo! You just have to read this Fantasy romance, it is such an adventure. Wylan, the King of MOONDOCK well let’s just say he can come visit me anytime he likes LOL

 http://www.midnightshowcase.com/Moondock.htm 

I hope you have a wonderful Spring, read lots and lots of books, and just feel the life all around us.

Take Care and stay safe,

Jewel

__________________

You are receiving this newsletter because you indicated that you wanted it when you entered the TRS Book A Day, giveaway, or asked to be put on my mailing list. If you wish to be taken off my list and miss all my great news, contests and information, just email me jeweladams  @gmail.com (without the space) and I’ll do as you wish and delete you.

SPELLFIRE Harvest of Heroes

Journey to yesteryear and today, with ghosts and other ghoulish creatures who once donned a uniform, and shared their lives and their Thanksgivings with those whom they still love. In this paranormal town, whose Veteran League is made up of many beings, who fought for valor and more; here are stories of the heart and soul of those special heroes.
Yellow Ribbon by Jewel Adams
When an Black Ops mission backfires, injuring Noah, his empathic powers reach out to Stella Comfry, but can she help him get free before they both die?
http://www.midnightshowcase.com/Spellfire_Heroes.htm  to read the great excerpts of all the stories in this digest.

By

Jewel Adams

A Pinky Swear between friends, brings Andrea her best friend’s baby and all the danger that comes with him. Can Andie keep the child safe from the man that brutally murdered his mother?

“Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon,” is exactly what Tanner sees in the woman that captures his attention at the airport. When all the trouble he sensed, follows him home, something tells him that nothing, including his heart, will ever be the same again.

Chapter 1

 

Flying about her apartment in a cloud of euphoria, Andrea checked her mental list one last time. “Appliances shut off, plants watered, mail and paper stopped…” She’d have to call and start them a week earlier. She could have kissed Mr. Wang for his announcement this morning. What was a lost week of vacation over the promotion she always wanted? Besides, a week with her mother would be more than enough time for a visit.

“Guilt.” Sighing, Andrea knew it was the only reason she finally agreed to her mother’s persistent calls and letters over the visit. “At least he isn’t there anymore.”

A chill passed through her with the thoughts of her stepfather. “Even dead, he still scares the hell out of me!”

Was that why her thoughts kept returning to Tina? All those terrible memories existed back there, at her mother’s. Tina, what would she have done without her?

Against her will time moved backwards before her eyes . . .

“What did he do to you?”

“Let it alone, Tina.”

“Damn you, Andrea Michaels, if you don’t tell me what happened I’ll tell Vincent Manelli you are madly in love with him!”

Andrea’s thirteen-year-old face crinkled up in horror. To her, Vincent the Bully, was just a smaller version of the monster she’d just run from.

“Alright!”

“Come on, tell me.”

Tina’s dark complexion looked red under the anger hardening her friend’s dark eyes. Sometimes, Andrea feared the depth of her friend’s emotions.

“He tried to touch…it was horrible!”

Tina’s hand reached out and gripped Andrea’s. The painful hold became the most reassuring feeling she could ever remember from another person. “Did he hurt you?”

Shaking her head, Tina’s sneer grew so vicious Andrea wished she never told her.

“Please Tina, you can’t tell mother.”

“No offense, Andie, but your mother is a blind old bat that can’t see her own nose! No, I’ve got a better way to stop that bastard.”

“Tina!”

“Shut up, Andie. You want I should do nothing and let the creep rape you?”

Groaning because she feared Tina’s shocking words would become reality, she shook her head. “No, I’m really scared. Why did she marry him?”

“My grandmother always said a woman is a complete fool when it comes to hell’s love.”

Andrea wasn’t sure either of them understood the woman’s meaning, but Tina’s grandmother was the wisest and oldest woman they knew.

“You’re coming home with me. Tony . . .”

“No! No, Tina, you can’t tell your brother.”

Tina patted Andie’s hand. “Of course I can, you just pretend he doesn’t know a thing and Tony will never act like he does.”

But Andrea’s heart and Tina’s assuring words weren’t in agreement. Of all the boys in their neighborhood, Tony Marcella was the heartthrob of the female population. He was also the leader of the most ruthless gang in little Italy.

Tagging behind the girl, Andrea knew Tina was tough. In fact, all the Marcella’s carried themselves as if they owned the streets. Andrea wasn’t blind. Tony’s protective influence encircled his sister like an impenetrable force field. Andrea’s own well being automatically fell within his care by her association with his sister. How Tina and she became friends never ceased to amaze everyone.

Tina was Italian, Andrea Irish. Tina was street wise; Andrea feared crossing any street. If confidence came by association Andrea received a good dose the day she’d met Tina Marcella.

True to her announcement, Tina did tell her brother. Andrea sat in Tina’s bedroom crying and listening to the furious shouting coming from Tony.

She stayed at Tina’s for three days and would have stayed forever, only Tina announced it was safe to go home.

Tina went with her. Andrea didn’t quite know what to expect, but the black and blue bandaged face of the hated man, told her exactly what Tony had done. That her stepfather hated her for the Marcella’s protection didn’t matter, because she also saw how much he feared her friends.

Every night until Andrea was old enough to leave the hell her home became, she said a prayer to God to watch over all the Marcellas. Her stepfather never tried to assault her again.

Tina and her were inseparable, at least until Angelo Benetto entered Tina’s life. At sixteen Tina found the love her grandmother kept calling ‘hell’s love.’

Andrea hated Angelo from the start. Tina said it she must be jealous, but Andrea felt something more about Angelo, something that scratched her instincts raw. Because of her dislike and growing wariness of the man, Andrea saw less and less of Tina.

It wasn’t long until her own home life became unbearable and she left home. Leaving Tina hurt worse than anything that they ever faced before. When Tina burst out crying, Andrea wrapped her arms around her friend until they both calmed down..

“Swear to me, Andrea, that if you need me for any reason you will come back to me. No matter what it is.”

They stared into each other’s eyes a long time before Andrea spoke. “Only if you swear the same. Tina, you have done more for me than anyone in my life. I owe you that and more.”

Tina actually blushed over Andrea’s heart felt declaration. “Alright, Andie, we’ll both swear…pinky swears are forever.”

They locked their pinky fingers together, than ran from each other before the misery of parting overtook them once again.

“It’s been a long time, Tina.” Would Tina still be in New York? Andrea hoped so; she failed to realize how much she missed her. She swore, not even Angelo would keep her away from her friend. Andrea didn’t like the sudden desperation she started feeling for Tina. Shaking it off, Andrea told herself it must be the trip and her emotions that brought it on.

She lugged the suitcases to the door just as the cab pulled up and honked. The phone rang, she motioned the cabby towards the bags and rushed back inside to answer the phone. “Yes, hello.”

The rapid spit of excited Spanish on the line made her look in question at the receiver. The blast of her earlier ill feelings made her grip tighten on the phone. “Senora? English, por favor?”

“Si, Andrea Michaels?”

“Yes.”

“Tina, she tell me to call you, you come now, very urgent.”

“Tina?”

“Si! Si! Come now…”

The woman rattled off an address, cursing under her breath, Andrea scribbled it on the flight ticket. “Alright, I will be there soon.” The line fell silent before she could finish. “Oh God, Tina what have you gone and done?”

That her friend was here in Chicago didn’t help alleviate Andrea’s growing dread. The word premonition kept swirling in her head as she gave the cab driver the address.

Realizing Tina lived only twenty minutes from her and never contacted her, made her heart beats echo in her head.

“Please wait for me.” Giving the man half a twenty hopefully insured he would. Looking around her, the neighborhood turned into a familiar reminder of what she left in her past. She didn’t have to wait long for an answer to her knock.

“Hurry! Por favor senorita.”

Disengaging the woman’s hold on her arm, the woman propelled Andrea into the apartment. Andrea tried to listen to the excited woman. “Here, come, Tina left you this.”

Andrea made her hand to rise and take the large envelope that the woman thrust at her. “Where is Tina? Donde es Tina?”

The paling look and blast of excited Spanish nearly made Andrea groan. When the woman left her standing at the table Andrea sank into the chair. Staring at her name printed on a smaller envelope, taped to the outside of the larger one, she reluctantly pried it loose. Her fingers were shaking, she recognized Tina’s child like handwriting. Fighting back the tears, she forced her eyes to focus on the letter’s words.

Hey Andie,

I guess my fears have come to past and Maria needed to contact you. Sorry about not letting you know I was here in Chicago, but I thought it best.

You really should have argued more with me over Angelo. I probably wouldn’t have listened. You and grandma were right. Hell’s love, that’s what I have been living. Oh God, Andie, he is the devil! But even after all the pain he inflicted, I probably never would have left him until he killed me. That was before I got pregnant with Bobby.

Ahh Andie, he is a precious baby, so loving and sweet. I never thought of myself as the motherly type, but having your own kid makes changes in your thinking. He comes before anything or anyone.

I couldn’t let Angelo hurt the baby. He would have killed it inside of me if I stayed with him. He is vicious and if he ever finds me, I know he will kill me.

If you are here, I guess he has.

Taking a sharp breath, “No! Oh Tina, no…” Never knowing Tina to exaggerate, especially over anything like this, Andrea’s body started to shake.

You see Andie, you are the only person I can count on, the only one I have ever trusted. Funny isn’t it, me needing your help. You know I always needed you. You were somehow my rock and always kept me straight. You pulled me back when I went too far. I wish, I should have listened to you about him. But then I wouldn’t have Bobby. I have never had a person so dependent on me or one that took all my love without question as my son does. You will love him too, Andie. You always possessed the loving, gentle heart so lacking in our lives.

It became nearly impossible for Andrea to move her gaze down to the next line, as if she knew what would be written, why she’d been called. Her head shook against the words.

Andie, I no longer need you, but my son does. I am giving you Bobby. Please don’t deny him, he is the most precious gift I could ever give to the one person I have always held dear in my heart. We were special together, weren’t we Andie?

“Oh yes, Tina…very special.”

I’ve taken care of everything so that Angelo will never find you or Bobby. Believe me when I tell you he will try to follow and he will kill my son. He hated him since the day he learned of his conception. Angelo is a sick, vindictive creature. You must never forget that…never!

Take care of yourself and Bobby…forever Andie,

Pinky Swear,

Tina

“Oh God, don’t let this be true…Tina?”

“You go now.” Maria came rushing back in before Andie had time to fully realize the implications of Tina’s letter. Before she could utter an answer, the woman pushed a small bundle into Andrea’s arms.

All the emotions building inside her collided the instant she felt the warm, tiny body in her arms. In breathless wonder, the cooing pink lips and dark luminous eyes captured her heart.

“Bobby…” He looked like Tina. So small, he couldn’t be more than a few months old. “Oh Tina.”

“Si, you must go, too dangerous here. Please, take the chico, go.”

The woman’s fear felt like a splash of ice water. “But his mother…Tina! Where is she?”

“She is no more, go!”

Shoving the envelopes and diaper bag at her, the woman pushed them out the door. Andrea jumped over the door slamming against her back.

Curious neighbors peeked through cracked doors at her. In a protective jester, her hand moved the soft blanket around the baby to shield him from their stares. Realizing what she just did, she inwardly groaned, knowing Tina’s request was already taking hold.

Clutching the baby to her chest, she raced to the cab. Her eyes kept searching the sidewalk for any signs of Angelo or his thugs. She prayed over and over that he no one watched her escape. “Jesus, Tina, this can’t be happening.”

Yet even as she tried to deny her own fears, the memory of the man that possibly killed her best friend came at her like a blast from a hot furnace.

“Where to, miss?”

“The airport.”

Am I really doing this? Tina’s letter burned in her fist. She needed time to see what her friend put in the envelope and then think everything over. But the baby in her arms wouldn’t let her turn away from what might happen if she didn’t act quickly.

Staring down at the dark curls and angelic face, now silent in sleep, Andrea couldn’t believe anyone could be capable of harming him. Anyone but his father!

Was Tina really dead? Her body shook violently at the possibility. Andrea realized there were no choices but to think the worse.

Juggling her purse, a diaper bag and the baby proved a new experience for Andrea. The truth that what she knew about babies could be shoved into a thimble sank in fast. With the help of the red cap, she managed to reach the ticket counter without any mishaps.

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so. I have a ticket for New York.”

“That flight leaves from gate nine.”

Andrea’s eyes dropped to Tina’s baby. ”I want to change it.”

“All right, where to?”

“Where?” Don’t panic, Andrea. The warning nearly drowned in a wave of fear. Raising her eyes to the tote board in back of the clerk. “Salem.”

Massachusetts wasn’t New York, but close enough. She could contact someone and try to find out what was going on with Tina.

“Round trip?”

“No, one way please.” Holding the baby at least kept her from biting her nails to the nub, an old habit she’d lost the urge to do, up till now. “I’ll probably never wear nail polish again.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing, it’s not important.”

“Here is your new ticket and your change of $136.00. I hope you enjoy your flight. They say the weather in Oregon is perfect this time of year.”

“Oregon?”

“Why yes, is there a problem?”

“No, thank you, Oregon is fine.”

Andrea listened as she directed her to the proper gate. The flight didn’t leave for over an hour. Finding a quiet spot towards the back of the waiting area, she gently settled the baby into the couch, hoping he stayed asleep.

Taking her first real look at the child, her fingers absently stroked his velvety cheek. “So much like your mother, beautiful.” Were baby boys called beautiful?

Fighting back the choking tears, Andrea tried to rationalize all that just happened. “Maybe I am overreacting.”

Pressing her lips together, “No Andie, Tina wouldn’t have done this without a good cause.” Shivering over her memory of the lady and the fear she witnessed on her face, Andrea prayed Oregon would be far enough to escape whatever Tina feared from Angelo.

Controlling the shaking in her fingers, Andie managed to tear the large envelope open. The first item to fall out was another letter size envelope. Opening it, Andie sucked in her breath over the stack of large bills inside. Her hand shook over what she felt it might mean to her friend. She tried to control her nerves, forcing herself to reach for the note stuck in the money band. Andrea took a deep breath to read what Tina wrote.

Andi,

The money is clean, it is my inheritance from my mother. Please use it to start a new life for you and my son.

Love, Tina

Almost afraid to see what else Tina gave to her, Andie forced herself to pull out the other articles. She held the papers, knowing that once she looked at them she couldn’t turn back. Funny how she realized that, but knowing Tina, Andrea’s instincts took on a keen sense.

Forcing herself, she focused hard on the birth certificate in her possession. All the normal information was there, but when her gaze passed over the mother’s name it froze in horrifying clarity. “Andrea Dunbar?”

Trying not to panic, she reached for another and another document until she’d looked over every one; California driver’s license with her picture on it, social security card, Andrea Dunbar’s dog-eared birth certificate and college transcripts. There was even a marriage license and…death certificate, “Robert Dunbar.”

Shuffling through the papers she retrieved the baby’s birth certificate. Scanning down the document she found what she suspected. “Father, Robert Dunbar…deceased.”

Taking a steadying breath, Andrea tried to deny everything Tina obviously accomplished. That her friend could and did obtain all this wasn’t a surprise. Tina certainly knew the right people and means to get this done. Andie wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they were real; at least no one would ever doubt their validity. Andie couldn’t begin to imagine how much money Tina paid for all this.

Looking at the envelope with the money in it and remembering the large amount inside, “No, I don’t want to know how she did it.”

 

Chapter 2

 

For the past half-hour, Tanner sat watching the play of emotions crossing the girl’s face. That she wasn’t aware of his scrutiny didn’t startle him. “Trouble as deep and as wide as a canyon.”

Yeah, that’s what he saw in her. Common sense said to stay away, and yet Tanner seemed to be having a hell of a time listening to the warnings.

She wasn’t exactly a raving beauty. Tanner figured most men would walk past without really noticing her. He liked women that could mount a horse without a stool. She might reach his shoulder…on tiptoe. And her nose, like a young girl’s, small, or maybe it was just that those honey brown eyes were surrounded by brightest coppery lashes that matched her long hair. He owned a mare at his ranch with that color coat, all shiny and sleek. So thick, he wondered what it would feel like falling through his fingers.

Shifting uneasily in his seat, his booted feet crossed over each other as he stretched out his long legs. He tried to pull his intent gaze away from her, but found he didn’t really put much strain on himself to succeed.

His eyes followed the line of soft facial features. She looked like the type to let trapped flies out the screen door. Nicely proportioned, rather thin and too pale, probably worked inside and never went out in the sun. “Burns easily, I’d stake Jedadiah on it.”

Thinking of his stallion, he didn’t think she’d ever been on a horse; city bred was written all over her. “Definitely not your type, Tanner, besides she’s too young.”

He figured she couldn’t be much over twenty-four. At thirty-nine, Tanner made it a rule not to get involved with the young ones. They still carried stars in their eyes. The happily ever after kind and Tanner walked well past that stage in his life.

But, when the baby started crying, Tanner found he couldn’t look away. He’d never seen a mother so skittish with a baby. Damn, what was it about her?

* * * *

http://www.romps.midnightshowcase.com/pinkyswear1.html  

Purrly…Gnome Magic by Jewel Adams

Molly’s move and new start begins the moment she conks Karl Novac over the head. Can a gnome find true love with—a cat shifter?
Read the full excerpt here: http://www.midnightshowcase.com/spellfirehearts2.htm
…

Gathering up the last of the boxes Molly started down the back stairs to take them out to the dumpster. The boxes kept getting caught on the rail and nearly made her miss a step, so she threw them all down the stair well.
“Hey! What are you trying to do? Kill me!”
The angry male voice seemed to echo off the walls. Molly wasn’t sure if she should run to help the voice she didn’t recognize or go lock herself into the apartment. “I’m sorry…” She called down as she started down the stairs, knowing she must be sure he wasn’t hurt. “I didn’t know anyone was here, opps!”
“Opps, is it, I ought to…” Karl turned around ready to fight the person that just rammed into him, but who he saw staring at him, with as much shock as his own, halted his assault in mid-air.
“Ohhh, I’m so sorry, really I am.” Molly’s lips refused her order not to smile, nothing could have prepared her for the man that stood…yes, he was standing, before her. Only problem she saw was that his eyes seemed glued to her breasts, making her wish she didn’t have on the cut off tee shirt. She automatically tried to pull it down, realizing he could see up and under the material and she wasn’t wearing a bra.
“Too late, I forgive being hit with the horde of boxes for the beautiful look I just took.” He smiled over the rush of deep pink flooding her cheeks. It always surprised people to see him the first time, being a gnome had its down side, but right now it sure carried an up-side.
Molly’s giggle escaped and when his joined hers, she stepped back ending his lavish view of her unencumbered breasts and planted herself down on the step behind her. She couldn’t help but laugh over his disappointed look, at least now they were the same height. Dang, but he is cute.
“I’m Molly.”
He took the hand she held out to him. “I’m Karl Novac, I own the other side of the building.”
“Oh yes, the Spooktacular Drug Store.”
“That’s the one. You must be Molly Purrly of Purrly For You Salon?”
“One and the same, I’m moving in above the salon.”
“I heard you were.” He smiled at the questioning rise of her brow. “News travels like lightening through Spellfire.”
“It must, I just decided on the move a couple days ago.”
“How do you like it, so far?”
“It’s nice, a lot better than I’d first thought. I still have so many things to move in, but it is coming together nicely. Would you like to come up?” She couldn’t believe she just invited him to her place. It seemed Mr. Novac brought out a lot of unexpected actions from Molly.
“I would love to, my replacement should be coming in for his shift in about half an hour. Do you mind if I come up then?”
“Not at all, it will give me time to freshen up.” She automatically crossed her arms over her breasts when his gaze fell to them.
“A shame, I suppose you won’t be wearing another top like this one.”
She grinned, “I think I’ll find something long and thick, cover up head to toe.” With that she turned, laughing her way up the stairs. His groan followed her, she looked back to see him still watching her. She gave him a quick wave and left him standing there.
Once the door shut, Molly leaned back against it and blew out her breath. “He sure doesn’t lack in the sexual appeal department.”

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? When Ali plays a wishing game with her goddaughter nothing could have prepared her for the trip back in time, where arrows fly and men are as large and powerful as the great Wild West!

Do You Believe In Magic

By

Jewel Adams

Chapter One

“Come on, Ali. Pleazzz come with me.”

“Evie, I have so much to do, can’t we stay here and watch a movie?”

“It isn’t the same, this is in a theater. Besides, you will really liked the movie, Ali. The Captain is handsome and everyone rides horses.”

“Good looking, huh?” She ruffled Evie’s blonde curls, swallowing down her agitation that she’d have to be in her eighties just know who the actor might be. Watching an old, black and white movie about the old west just wasn’t in her plans for the night. Neither was babysitting her godchild, Evie. “How do you know he is handsome?”

“Oh, my friend told me.”

“One of your friends went to see this movie?”

The girl nodded her head.

What kind of parents give their ten year olds tickets to a rundown theater, to watch old movies? Ali picked up the tickets and looked at them. They looked as old as the movie probably would be. “Are you sure your mom gave you the tickets, Evie?”

“Oh yeah, she got them from some charity event.” Evie’s little girl face lit up as she looked at Ali and took hold of her hand. “You will like it, Ali. It is so nice back in the old days.”

“I am sure I will.” God, she sounded like a kid, herself. It must be babysitting that did this to her, a grown woman just didn’t do this anymore, even if Tracey was her cousin. If Ali were honest, she would admit what she just didn’t like about the situation.

Evie wasn’t just hungry for attention, she must be starved for it to want her godmother as company. Ali didn’t think most kids would want to go see an ancient movie. “Where did you say she got these tickets, Evie?”

“I think she said a ’silent auction’ or something like that.”

Now that, Ali could believe. Tracey carried the charity event queen label, along with her other activities. So many that she had no time for little Evie. Like tonight, another class or other. “Alright Evie, but after this movie is over I need to get home and do the work I brought home.”

“Oh, it won’t take long, you’ll see”

“I need to change first.”

Evie followed her into the bedroom.

“You better start thinking about the place.”

“Why?” Ali slipped out of her work suit and kicked off her heels, half listening to the girl.

“The movie is in this small town, what would you want to be back then?”

As she walked past Evie to the dresser, she twisted Evie’s pigtail. “Don’t push your luck, Evie. I’m going, and right now all I want to see is some good looking dude on that screen.”

The giggling Evie fell back on the bed.

When she pulled on her sweater, Ali looked at the girl. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh Ali, you have Chet.”

“Hmm, he’s definitely good looking, but forget the have part.” Ali recalled their conversation from last night, he certainly didn’t agree with her standards.

” Ali, your ideas are archaic.”

“I don’t think waiting until we’re married, to go to bed with you, is an ancient philosophy.”

“The is the twentieth-first century Ali, wake up!”

Ali closed her eyes over how hard he slammed her door, “It’s how I feel…”

“What is Ali?”

She brought her attention back to the girl. “Nothing, honey. Where were we?”

“We are going to the movies.”

“Right.” Ali held up the tickets before slipping them into her jean pocket

“We should live in the old west.”

She gave Evie a rueful look. “Oh sure and what could I be?”

“My mother?”

Ali rolled her eyes up to the ceiling.

“Sister?”

“You could be a teacher. In the movie the lady is a school marm.”

Ali conjured up the image of a spectacled spinster. “It doesn’t sound very flattering.”

“You are prettier than she is and she gets the cowboy.”

“He better be tall, dark, and extremely handsome if I have to teach a room full of kids.”

Ali reached out and started tickling Evie. “Come on, we better get to this theater of yours.”

* * * *

“You have to sit here, Ali.”

Ali followed the girl down the dimly lit aisle, glad that she stopped half way. Leaning back to see any movie wasn’t something Ali wanted to experience. Seeing as the place was empty, they could have any seat they wanted.

On the drive here, Evie never stopped talking. She explained to Ali that they needed to do a wishing game at the theater. Ali just nodded, deciding she’d play along with the girl.

Ali lowered herself down into the seat beside Evie.

“Now we have to think together about the same thing.”

“Set the stage?” At the girl’s questioning look, Ali took the lead, trying to make the evening fun for Evie. “I see blue sky all around.”

Evie chimed in, “And mountains, big ones.”

“Green grass and rolling hills.”

“Looks pretty, Ali.”

“Now what do we do, Evie?” The girl’s attention was on the movie starting to play.

“We close our eyes and wait.”

Ali wondered how they would watch the movie. “What about the movie, Evie?”

The girl asked for the tickets. When Ali held them out, Evie took hold of them, but didn’t take them.

“It is starting, Ali, so we need to begin our wishes.”

“Pretend we are there and the movie works its magic.” Thankfully, Evie was still too young to hear Ali’s sarcasm.

“See, it’s easy, Ali.”

Maybe Evie’s game wasn’t so bad. The girl needed the escape it lent from her rocky home life. What with Tracey and Bob always at each other, Ali couldn’t see the harm.

“You have to close your eyes, Ali.”

“Right. I forgot, sorry.”

It proved hard to play along, the movie was beginning, and Ali kept thinking about all the work waiting for her at home. She watched the opening credits roll by and wondered why Evie would want to watch an old western.

“Ali, you aren’t playing.”

“Yes I am, I was just wondering how we will know when it works.”

“Oh, you will know.”

Ali took a deep breath and forced her eyes to shut. She tried to clear her mind, whispering to herself “Blue sky, mountains and green rolling hills…”

She let her mind go with the imaginary scene, she could hear gunshots and racing horses from the movie. Ali began to relax under the spell’s silent peace. A strange feeling of calm washed over her as if she were floating on a cloud. Snow capped mountains encircled the expanse of countryside. Wild flowers covered the open slopes of the hills moving past. A rocking sensation rolled over her, she smiled and wondered how Evie was doing.

Ali sighed, letting the tranquility block out reality…if only for a little while.

But a sudden lurch jarred Ali out of her peaceful dream.

She blinked furiously against the glaring sunlight. “What…sunlight?”

Ali bit her lip to silence what she didn’t want to hear, but her senses betrayed her efforts.

The changes came at her like arrows. The assault’s speed left her breathless as one reality slipped pass and became replaced by another foreign one.

“Evie?” Ali didn’t like the fear she heard in her voice.

Shaking her head against what she felt and still refused to let her mind comprehend, Ali flatly refused to let this go any further!

She took a steadying breath and silently laughed at what she almost allowed herself to believe. Old theaters and movies didn’t make the imagination come alive. She forced her eyes open to seek out the old row of seats…

What came made her denial strengthen against the frightening reality taking hold of her. She squeezed her eyes shut, and forced them to reopen, sure she’d been overcome by Evie’s game.

“No!…it can’t be real.” The stage coach…Oh God, it really is one. Another rut sent the coach swaying and she bounced all over the seat. Automatically her hand reached out to grip the open door frame. Ali couldn’t breathe over what shouldn’t be there to hold.

“Evie?”

Ali turned against the swaying, thankful that she found the girl beside her. She reached for her, “Evie?”

The girl looked up at her with the same confusion Ali felt. “Come here, honey.”

Evie needed no coaxing to accept Ali’s embrace.

“Lady, get down!”

Her mouth opened more from the realization that a man sat across from them than his shouted order.

The curse he directed at her was nothing compared to the blast of the gun in his hand that cut loose.

Ali instinctively fell over Evie to shield her. “What is going on?” She shouted over the blasting noise.

“Are you blind?” He cursed and kept shooting. “Damn Easterners. Stay down or those arrows the redskins are shooting will give you the answer!”

“Indians?”

Ali’s gasps drew Evie’s frightened whimper. “Ali, I don’t want to be here anymore.”

“I know, Evie.” The swish and thud above their heads confirmed all the man’s threatening words. The arrow wasn’t imaginary, neither was the fear it instilled.

“Hush, Evie, it will be okay.”

“Ali, it’s not right, what happened?”

“I don’t know, honey, I don’t know.” The arguments waged inside her head that none of this could be happening. A stupid old movie couldn’t make something this crazy happen. Could it?

Another bone jarring jolt of the stagecoach made her teeth bite down against the answer.

Arrows kept flying, she could hear the war-hoops of the attacking men, yet all she could do was look at the clothes on Evie and then herself.

“Calico?” The tiny flower print dress looked a far cry from her jeans. Her hand rose and touched the bonnet secured by the satin blow under her chin. A light, short traveling cape fell about her shoulders. Ali truly wished it could shield them from the danger.

“Ugh!”

She looked up at the man’s cry. Ali swallowed her scream over the arrow protruding from the man’s chest.

“Ali!”

“Don’t look, Evie.”

The sideway lean of the coach stole her transfixed gaze from the dead man. A bare arm and hand moved about the open door panel, followed by the painted chest.

“Oh, no way!”

Looking to the man for help, she groaned. She tried to look away, catching the site of the gun still clutched in his lifeless hold. “I’m not really doing this…” Ali kept repeating the lie as she pried his fingers away from the weapon.

It took both hands for her to hold the heavy gun up and point it at the Indian now fully in view, clinging to the door. His eyes went to the weapon, then her. The vicious sneer that crossed his face sent ice through her veins. When he raised his arm, she saw the knife, the gun in her hands fired as if it held its own agenda.

The horrible scream filled her ears. Dropping the gun, she tried to block it out with her hands, but Evie demanded her attention. Cradling the child in her arms, Ali heard the reassuring words she spoke to Evie, while she silently demanded that they be brought back!

Ali gave up the effort over the new sound of a bugle and the slowing of the stagecoach.

“Where is it?” She scrambled about the floor with her hands, searching under the folds of dress material for the gun, nearly crying when she finally felt the warm metal.

“Evie, stay behind me.”

She held the gun before her. Ali waited for the next savage to appear. Her only thought was to protect Evie, nothing else mattered any more…

by 

Romance Time Travel

Determined to be the Chicago Sun’s top foreign reporter, Cassandra Malone is on her way to Riyadh. Cassie’s adventure turns ugly when a group of terrorist highjack the jet. Gunfire fills the plane and bullets rip through the hull, Cassie’s only thought is to survive the explosion.

Captain Blaine Sterling’s last voyage on the Stargazer is more profitable than he ever imagined when the ocean depths surrender a beautiful woman! Once given the gift, Blaine refuses to let death take the girl. The first time their gazes touch they both know their future is sealed.

Together they face an adventure in love that takes them on a journey through the American wilderness of 1784. Cassie’s modern knowledge might protect Blaine’s thriving new settlement from the British allies, but can Blaine protect Cassie from the uncivilized frontier and the dangers lurking in every shadow.

Stargazer is a story of love that thrives despite all the diversities thrown in its path. Don’t miss this touching story of Cassie and Blaine’s shared adventure in time.

 

Prologue

“Damn it all Cassie, you don’t have to do this!”

Unruffled by his outburst the exasperating woman stuffed another file into her already crammed briefcase. “You’ll have a coronary if you don’t calm down and Mable will blame me.”

“I don’t give a good Gawd d…!” John silently finished his heated thought. For all her I’m an equal attitude, Cassie Malone blushed like a trooper. God, she was a constant headache for him. With a rueful smile, he knew she was also the one thing in this dilapidated newsroom that kept him young and sane.

Watching her unorganized search for what must be another vital bit of data, hidden somewhere in the mess Cassie called a desk, his temper began to cool down. Cassie usually got her way. Grumbling to himself, somewhere young lady there’s a man that you won’t be able to wrap around that pretty pinky of yours. Though, as often as he wished it to happen, John Cummings didn’t think there was a man around that could accomplish the feat.

At twenty-five, Cassandra Malone was the epitome of the independent woman.

Ah, James, if only you’d not left her to her own devices. To this day, he wondered if his friend could have changed his daughter. Probably not, even if he’d lived after that plane crash five years ago, she’d still have gone her own way. As her Godfather, John gave up trying to control her and settled on lending advice and guidance.

Proud as he was over her abilities he couldn’t help but worry. Cassie possessed a powerful need to prove herself. Sadly, John knew it stemmed from her dad’s death. Always a driven man, James Malone liked to push too far in order to get an inside story. He feared his friend’s daughter was bent on doing the same thing. Once she flew out of Chicago he would lose all control to prevent any disastrous course she might decide upon. “Look Cassie, Tim is already over there…”

“And he’s scared of his own shadow. Gees, he’s spent more time in the shelters than on the wire. We haven’t had a story in two days from Riyadh. You’ve heard the reports, nothing has really happened, so what’s holding him back?”

Arguing when she was so right wasn’t possible!

“Where is it?” Cassie tossed another file onto the desktop.

John watched as she impatiently pushed back the long spiraling hair. The girl only concentrated on what she perceived as important and her looks weren’t part of the goals. In fact, she’d probable say it was an annoying nuisance. A striking combination of dark and light, an artist couldn’t have captured a more perfect balance. Black as a moonless night, the long thick curls fell in a satin curtain about her slim shoulders, nearly reaching her waist. He’d seen her efforts in the past to capture the full-bodied waves into some kind of order, but as usual they always broke free with a will of their own.

“I found it!”

“I don’t know how…” Cassie’s desk became the office joke.

Tossing the hand-held tape recorder into her shoulder bag, along with a notebook and tickets, she snapped the purse and case shut. “There I’m ready.”

“Well I’m not.” John stepped forward, “You think this is some snap assignment. It’s dangerous over there, maybe Tim has the right idea. Chemicals and bombs are nothing to laugh at, little lady.”

The darkening in her sharp gaze came from the hurt inflicted by his unfair words. She wasn’t a fool. “Who’s laughing John? Hey, I’ll be careful, I promise.”

The girl gave him a reassuring kiss on his reddened cheek. “I’ll be sure to stay low, no chances, alright?”

“Make sure you remember that.”

* * * *

…A deafening noise blocked out everything; all Cassie heard was the rapid fire of the gun and then a monstrous ripping sound like nothing she ever experienced. A sudden flash…burning…Oh God, it was so hot! A fire seemed to be racing through her body. Another roll of the plane sent her falling back into something hard that connected with her head…

…Dark dreams filled with strange, heart stopping screams and explosions came, one after another, surrounding her, yet she felt above it all…so unreal. She could have been floating on a cloud, watching as everything started to pull away in a thousand different directions. Spinning out of control, she felt jettisoned away from the horrible scenes taking place…then it stopped.

The silence brought a soothing peacefulness over her, leaving her in a cool weightless world. Nothing seemed to matter as she floated, adrift in a peaceful existence. Closing her eyes, it became too hard to keep them open as the dream took over, “I must be dead…heaven must be a pool.” The cool lapping took away the burning sensation until it stole the last of her touch with reality.

CHAPTER ONE – The Gift 

“Looks to be a beautiful morning, Mr. Brunson.”

“Aye, that it does Captain.”

Grabbing the rail with both hands, Blaine leaned into the brisk wind. The sea was the only one of nature’s powers that a man could pit his strength against and still see the beauty beneath the beast. Crystal blue, the rolling expanse vibrated over the hidden life within its secret depths. The sea held his fascination as nothing else could; he’d not like leaving its majestic boundaries. Even now his nostrils flared over the scent of approaching land. Two, maybe three days were all that remained of his life at sea.

Knuckles whitened beneath the strength of his conviction. His green eyes drove out to capture what would soon be denied to him. The year went by swiftly and what a fine voyage. Honesty made his eyes brighten in eager anticipation. Already he longed to set sight on his new home and life.

White Haven… a gamble, like none he attempted before and one that issued a fine share of challenges over the last two years. Buying more than ten thousand acres, sight unseen, in an unopened territory, had been considered, not only foolish, but also lethal, by most of his associates. Insuring he retained his rights to claim it, before the ink dried on the Paris Treaty, took even his mettle to the limits. A landowner he wanted to be and handing over six ships to the right individuals brought a tremendous amount of insurance.

Blaine’s only regret came in leaving the sea, but then White Haven proved to be the most beautiful ground he’d ever laid eyes on. Situated in a lush, emerald valley between two mountain ranges, the virgin soil took to any seed that landed in its moist depth. Every cent he’d accumulated from his shipping business went into developing the land and building his home. Finding the right man to manage it turned into a stroke of luck. Mr. Long, a dreamer in his own right, proved to be a rare find. To insure the man’s enthusiasm continued in his absence, Blaine set five hundred acres aside, which Long would secure ownership to at the end of the third profitable year from White Haven.

A self made, wealthy man, Blaine knew what to expect before White Haven could stand on its own. The location alone stood as a major problem, but always a man to look ahead, he knew that very shortly the newly opened lands would be thriving with new settlers. Because Blaine needed all the capital he could acquire, before dissolving Sterling Shipping Line, these last years were devoted to accomplishing his goal.

The last voyage of Sterling Shipping did better than he hoped. With the major outlay already taken from his past holdings, the take from the final run gave him the capital he would need until White Haven was established.

“Might be a storm brewing to the south, Captain Sterling. The wind’s picking up a might fast for the trades this time of year.”

Judging the mainsails, Blaine’s senses stiffened. “It’s a good possibility. Keep a close watch. It could come up fast.”

“Aye, sir.”

His powerful strides moved with comfortable ease over the rolling deck. The Stargazer rode deep in the water under a full cargo. He faced a gut full of risk this last year; the remaining days at sea would be captained in safety. Blaine called down his orders for the men to secure the cargo, both above and below deck.

Only hearing of his father’s death during his absence dampened Blaine’s pleasure over his success. His sister’s letter also carried the unsettling news that their mother remarried shortly after father’s passing. Blaine’s homecoming wouldn’t be as welcomed, as he would have liked. Alisa didn’t actually write about a problem, but her hints were clear enough.

John Gallagher wasted little time in taking over his father’s shipping line and warehouses. The man was a sorry lot, making it hard to understand his mother’s choice. But then, the uncaring haste of her marriage should be expected, from such a selfish woman. His eyes darkened over what he would soon face in Williamsburg. Blaine could make their lives miserable should he take the legal recourse available to him. All his father’s property was by rights his. It would serve them right if he did go to the courts, but he couldn’t afford to be away from White Haven.

“Captain! Off the port bow.”

“What is it Mr. Brunson?”

“An object sir, can’t quite make it out.”

Running to the bow, Blaine took up the glass and scanned the rolling waves. “There, I’ve a fix on it. What the…” Bringing the glass down, he stared at the small object bobbing up and over the waves. He could only shake his head over what he felt positive he saw.

“Lower the longboat! Mr. Brunson, cut the mainsail and bring her around.” Never releasing his sight on the object, Blaine swore violently as a large swell washed over the silvery piece of flotsam.

Pulling off his boots and shirt with the urgency taking hold of his stomach, he went up, balanced upon the rail. He took a final sighting before pushing off, his clear dive slipped into the water.

“Captain’s gone over, Mr. Brunson!”

“Toss out the floats, Mr. Whitney!”

“Aye sir!”

A deep dive, his strong legs propelled him through the cool waters. Breaking the surface with a rush, Blaine saw it. He also saw the clinging object slowly sink beneath the surface.

“Hold on, damn it!” Powerful, long reaching strokes drove him forward, but when he looked again the silver piece was clean. Diving deep he refused to give up. Searching the sightless water, he was finally forced to surface. Filling his lungs, he went down again. Come on where are you?

The depth he went to drove the pressure hard against his ears. Blaine shook his head to clear it…there! He couldn’t go back for air. No, he needed to reach her now! As shocking as it may be, the floating dark wisp of hair could only belong to a woman. Barely reaching her, he wrapped his fingers into the vanishing black lace. Kicking upward he pulled them both to the surface.

Gasping as he broke the surface his arms never stopped pulling her up. Like a babe bursting from the womb that didn’t want to release its precious treasure, he flung her out of the sucking depths. Holding her upon his chest to keep her out of the water, he pulled the dark wet blanket of hair away from her face. The pale beauty made him suck in the air he forgot to take.

“Breathe! Damn you, I’ll not lose what I’ve just found. Breathe!” Kicking with every ounce of strength he possessed Blaine struggled to reach the ship. Bumping into the hull, he gripped the ropes. “Come on men, get her up!”

No one said a word. The frantic tone of his voice was enough to tell them what he feared. Over and over, Blaine willed her to breathe. The battle he waged against death’s hold, could now be witnessed in her graying pallor.

Following her up, he landed on the deck just as they laid her out. Death by drowning wasn’t a new experience, but he refused to accept this one. “No! You will breathe, even if I have to force you!”

Stunned by the vehemence that drove their captain, the crew watched as he carried out his threat against the poor limp form. More than one man crossed himself against the deed. Blowing into her mouth, Blaine covered her cold, purple lips with his warm ones. Taking a deep breath, he repeated the process, refusing to give up. As he cradled her head against him, he could feel her body’s heat against his own. The evidence drove him on until first, only a small gag, and then a wrenching revulsion of water poured from her mouth. Holding her so she could expel the ocean, “Breathe! Now take in some air, my lady! Damn it, I said breathe!”

A great, vibrating gasp came as if she heard his command and was unable to refuse his order.

“Again, that’s the way.” She sucked in the air and Blaine’s joy drove the laughter from him.

Coughing…Ugh, the pain! It hurt so…Stop! It hurts. I don’t want to listen anymore. But she couldn’t refuse the demanding voice in her head.

“That’s it, slow now, take it slow.”

One of the men placed a blanket over the woman. “Is she…?”

“She’s fine.”

“You brought her back. You did Captain.” The man’s breathless exclamation made Blaine cringe.

“She’d barely gone under when I reached her. She was just afraid to breathe, fearing she’d find only water to suck in. She’s a strong willed lady.” Seamen were a superstitious lot and after what happened he couldn’t blame their fear filled looks. But neither could he allow it to take hold. The elation over the life in his arms became too important. Aware of the seizing shivers taking hold of the woman, Blaine lifted her up in his arms.

“Ugh!” Her sharp moan drew his brows together. There, where the blanket slipped down, a crimson blotch began to spread.

“Mr. Blackwell, bring the medical chest! Mr. Brunson you have the bridge!”

“Aye, Captain!”

Entering his cabin he gently lowered her into the bed. The woman was caught in the throes of a chill, there was only one thing to be done.

“The medical kit Captain.” A big man, Blackwell didn’t need any help to see the problem.

“Thank you, please leave us, Mr. Blackwell.”

“Aye, Captain, I should get some hot water, it might help to warm her.”

“Yes, thank you.”

His man shut the door. Blaine heard him dismiss the few curious men away. Blackwell wasn’t a man to argue with.

Taking a steadying breath, Blaine started to rid the girl of the wet clothes. As much as he wanted her conscious, he said a silent plea she would not wake until he’d finished.

Discarding the heavy boots and soaked skirt, he was surprised she held on as long as she did under their weight. The balance of her lower garments were too few, in ways that made him blush for the first time in his life. “A strange mermaid the sea has given to this mortal man.” But there was nothing at all wrong with what laid beneath those garments.

Carefully easing the jacket and blouse away from her shoulders, his eyes burned in fierce awareness over the injury. There was only one instrument that made that kind of a mark.

“A bullet?” Whistling out in disbelief, Blaine quickly finished with the remaining clothes. The burst of questions were stored away in light of her injury. “Ach, lady, I can hardly wait to hear your story.”

Rubbing her briskly with a drying cloth, he slipped one of his shirts over her. Blackwell would have to extract the bullet, still lodged inside. “You better have nine lives, madam.”

That willpower he’d spoken of to his crew, better be there as well. Taking a bullet from a man wasn’t a pleasant experience. The pain she’d suffer made his own body shake. Doing all he could for her, he called Blackwell back in.

Blaine stood over him as he inspected her wound.

“That’s a bullet hole!”

“I know.”

“Who would shoot a woman? It will have to come out.” Their gazes met in troubled understanding. “Waiting won’t help her any. God sir, I hope she doesn’t come around, you’d best hold her just in case.”

Silently, Blaine begged the lady’s forgiveness. Madam, believe me when I say—this is painful for both of us.

There was only one way Blaine could insure the woman didn’t move. Easing himself over her, he pinned her lower body down with his powerful thighs. Holding the uninjured arm above her head he braced his other across her chest. The searing awareness of the soft curves beneath him proved an uncomfortable position in which to find himself. Telling himself she was gravely ill and it must be done, didn’t blind his traitorous male senses, to the full swells and dips of every feminine curve and mound within his possession. More than a little angry with himself, he issued his harsh command. “Get on with it!”

“Don’t let her move, if she jumps she might make me drive it deeper.”

“Alright, I’ve got her.”

“I hope so sir. She’s waking up.” Beneat