Part 26
The cheerful rays of the sun filtered through the porthole and shone upon the sleeping figures in good morning. None stirred as the heat warmed their bodies and the glare directed itself upon their faces. There were no birds to sing them to wakefulness and the ship fairly glided on the calm waters.
Liz shifted in her sleeping position. She could smell and feel the morning, but she was somehow unwilling to open her eyes to the new day. Indeed she only wanted to burrow deeper in the lovely warmth that surrounded her and fall back into contented sleep. Perhaps she could return to that wonderful dream she was having. It was slightly hazy now after she had awakened but she could still remember the particulars. Eyes closed, she blushed mightily.
She could not believe that her imagination could have such extents. Maybe it was those books she had read. Or the, and she was reluctant to admit, the most unfaltering attraction she harboured against the captain. Whichever it was it had given the most satisfying and gratifying illusion she could hope for about the deed. She knew without a doubt that her cheeks had just grown redder. Oh what scandalous thoughts! No proper lady would have the faintest idea of what Liz had experienced in that dream. Oh but what a dream!
If this was how it truly was then she could understand why some women forgot propriety and surrendered themselves to-as the 'ton' of the society would call them-the baser instincts. Truly it was both inaptly named and aptly names. It was just so...primitive, yet in a most-Liz giggled inwardly as she remembered a certain uttered word-rapturous way. However that wasn't really what she was most concerned about. It was the fact that she had dreamt her experience with Max that unnerved her. And suddenly he seemed even more dangerous than she first assumed. Liz forced herself to shut out the images of the soft seduction, the deep and lustful kisses and touches, and the final initiation.
When she could still see the images playing before her closed lids her eyes snapped open to dispel them. It worked ofcourse, because she promptly forgot about everything except what was right before her. But then, she was expecting the view of the wall, the porthole, the stool, and heck and definitely an empty and unoccupied side to her bed.
Which wasn't necessarily what she got. indeed, she found herself right smack at a solid breathing chest. A male chest to be exact as she gazed at the flat nipples that contrasted darkly with the golden tan of the rest of the flesh. How odd. Perchance she was still dreaming. Because whatever was before her eyes could not possibly be real.
It was then that she started to become more aware of her surroundings and her body. It seemed she was laying on her side, her hands bound before her in an unconscious attempt to huddle into the radiating warmth, her body pressed intimately with..something else that felt suspiciously like another body. But she didn't think about that. Oh not at all, she was too busy marvelling at the iron bands he could feel clamped around her back. Or at least he felt like bands, but Liz knew with sudden absolute certainty that those were just very strong male arms that, she guessed, were connected to that very male chest she was still staring at. Liz thought hazily that they felt rather nice.
It was like they wrapped her up in a warm cocoon that made her feel almost secure. Now she knew how butterflies felt. It was a most lovely sensation. Especially when that cocoon begins to rub your back softly and massaging. It sent tingles down her spine, and when she attempted to huddle closer the chest that she was imagining moved and a deep sigh reverberated around her. No, it was not her. She was sure of it. Because she saw that chest inhale and expand. Because she felt the hair at the top of her head move slightly. And most definitely because, that sounded most definitely like a very, very male sigh.
It took Liz a moment to digest what was. literally right before her eyes. She closed her eyes briefly, not even daring to believe. When she opened them again her fervent wish did not come true. That chest was still there. Liz swallowed nervously. Her hands clenched before her to stop their sudden shaking. No. Impossible. The heat that once suffused her cheeks now drained away. She wanted to touch it. To see her hand go straight through it. To prove to her body that what her eyes see is absolutely a mirage. An illusion.
Tentively she unclenched a fist and shakily started to reach out. She was both terrified and full of anticipation. It was a most uncommon combination. Her fingers burned as they neared their destination. Liz held her breath. Her palm landed, and Liz breathed in a sigh of relief that it was finally over and done with. That was, before she realized the implications. It was pure solid rippling muscle and warm smooth flesh. And definitely, definitely, not her imagination.
And just as quickly her sleepy haziness evaporated and her head was bombarded with various assaults or visual, physical and very emotional images that sent her body in a heat, her heart pounding and her pulse racing. But before they could cloud her common sense, her head assessed the situation. Her conscience leaped at her accusingly. What have i done?
In her bewilderment she shook her head helplessly. Max-she knew it was he like she knew her own self- groaned and his arms tightened even more around her. Any tighter and he would constrict her breathing. She could not go into hysterics now. She must stay calm. If only to preserve her peace of mind and dignity. Trying to separate her mind from her body so she wouldn't have to do battle with following instincts and staying in his arms or pulling away in anxious fear and righteous anger. She needed only her mind for this. She must take this one step at a time. Her brain was too addled at the moment to think straight and so she decided-belatedly- to move out of his arms for more security, and breathing space.
Carefully Liz glanced up beneath her lashes and what she saw caught her breath.
Golden eyes with fire within their depths gazed at her with such intensity that her own eyes widened in wonder as she was momentarily caught offguard. There was a brief silence were none of them spoke as their eyes locked in a strange dance of awe and battle.
"Good morning" Liz's eyes instinctively and without volition moved to his lips as the words came out, full of husky and satisfied sleep. Liz blinked when those lips turned up into a semblance of a smile. She did not answer as her thoughts frantically scattered around and all she could do was swallow.
The arms tightened around her and she let out a surprised gasp and her eyes flew back to his. Those amber pools were unreadable but it was very clear that he was awaiting a response. Taking a deep breath, or as much as she could manage, she opened her mouth not sure what will come out when she did.
"Your arms are too tight and i can't breathe" it came out so primly and yet so breathlessly, and she watched in fascination as he threw his head back, his neck exposed, and a deep and strangely musical laugh echoed about the room.
"Ah sprite, you are such a joy to wake up with in the morning" he commented and Liz blushed to the ends of her toes, not sure how to respond to that. Not sure she wanted to at all. Nevertheless he loosened his hold but did not relinquish it completely. Relieved, Liz moved away from him. Or as far as she could go, which wasn't far at all. But she was glad at the space. Silence once again reigned the room. And Liz began to feel very nervous, and apprehensive. Her gaze slid from his and shifted downward to avoid his penetrating stare.
It was then that his hands began a slow, almost sensuous movement up and down her back. She shivered as the pads of his fingers slid upon her bare skin. And then she froze.Because for the first time, she realized that she was naked. Her cheeks bloomed with intense colour and her eyes flew once more to his. Only to find him watching her with an almost devilish grin tugging upon his lips. As if he knew her thought exactly.
The hands now began to drift upward and around and Liz tensed as she realized what he was doing. Involuntarily she felt heat pool between her thighs and her blood surge through her veins. His fingers were sending delightful shivers down her spine and trailing little shocks over her skin wherever they travelled. And right now they were travelling over her ribcage towards her breast. Unconsciously she strained toward him, waiting for the final touch, much against her will.
In an attempt to struggle against those drowning emotions she squirmed and pushed away from him. She kicked with her legs and used her hands to push away from his chest. But that did not deter him in the least. His legs purposefully tangled with hers until he had them trapped between his own. His hands left their voyage and went ahead to grip her own hands and effortlessly lift them away from him to pin them over their heads.
Liz gasped in outrage and began to struggle in earnest, but Max would not give an inch. She stopped, breathing raggedly, and glared at him. Max had the audacity to chuckle at her helpless condition.
"Truly i find i fancy this situation very much" he whispered huskily and then pushed his muscular body against hers. Her breasts became crushed against his chest and the lower half of his torso fitted intimately with hers. Liz's breath hitched in her throat when she felt the evidence of his desire. She could not deny her own sudden pure desire as she recalled the pleasure she had experienced the night before. And a part of her, a wicked, very wicked part of her could not help but wish for a repeat.
But then the practical side of her resurfaced and she realized the folly of her thoughts.
"Let me go" she hissed and tried once again to escape his embrace.
Max looked at her for a long moment without answering. That short pause drained away her burst of angry confidence and indignation. Ofcourse that wasn't the only reason. There was also that look in his eyes again. Those flames were much stronger now. And they were burning straight at her.
Liz gulped. Max began to slowly and sensuously against her. The movement made his chest to graze her nipples over and over again causing them to stiffen to pebbles in response. Hid pelvis thrust into hers in a telltale motion, that was oh so familiar. His manhood pressed against her thigh. Hot hard and smooth as silk against the bare skin of her leg. Liz squirmed in growing arousal and discomfort. What was happening to her? It was as if she was growing drunk with the simple rotation of his hips in time with hers. Her body moved on its volition. She could not fight it. Now she knew for sure the night before was no dream of hers. It was real because she was experiencing it now again. And if that were possible, it felt even better than the first time.
At that time it was sweet, seductive, full of sensual promise. Now as Max looked down at her with savage hunger in his eyes and as their bodies strained and moved frantically against each other, it was different. More primal, primitive, instinctive. Passionate.
Lost in the heady drug, her head flung back and she gasped as they locked eyes once again. Satisfaction shone within the depths of his eyes. Before Liz could accumulate what it meant his head swooped down and he caught her lips in a deep intense kiss. Acting on instinct-her body to be exact- her mouth opened and Max's tongue wasted no time in claiming the sweet nectar of the cavern.
He thrust it in and out, in imitation she knew of the real act. Infact his hips were conveying very clearly what they wanted as they too thrust against her. His tongue then stopped and settled atop hers. Bewildered of what he was doing and feeling like wrenching her mouth from his and demanding to know why he was stopping, Liz waited impatiently to see what he would do next.
It was not long before it moved again. This time it began to massage slowly and sensually over her tongue, flicking it here and there. As if wanting to illicit a response. It came to a particularly ticklish spot and Liz's tongue snapped up to counter it, sending it away. The contact was shocking to her senses. But he came back with a vengeance, darting and thrusting while she finally got the hang of it and started to parry his blows. It was a savage duel. One she knew she was bound to lose. And the notion not bothering her in the least.
She was too caught up with the feelings he was evoking within her and she would be a prude and a liar, if she said she was not enjoying every minute of it. The hands that held hers so tightly slowly began to loosen, and were soon sliding down her arms and to her shoulders which were gripped as well. With her hands now free Liz gave no more thoughts off pushing him from her, instead they too travelled downwards to land atop his head, her fingers threading through his already ruffled hair. Heavens that hair was such a joy to ones touch. Her digits delighted in them and she cradled his skull within her palms abandoning all thoughts of horror and conscience.
In an instant she was rolled fully onto her back, Max's body weighing her down into the mattress. She revelled in the contact. His skin was hot and already perspiring as the air around thickened and grew hot. Liz gasped in dismay when Max's lips broke away from hers. Only it didn't last long, for they quickly latched onto her neck were he started sucking and nibbling, almost ravaging it as he attacked it with relish.
"Max" Liz sighed his name. Her grip on his hair tightened as he ministered to a most pleasurable spot. Max growled roughly and rose up to plunder her lips once again. Liz, lost , returned his actions with fervour. His hands moved from where they gripped her shoulders and journey downward, palms searing her flesh and before she knew it, they cupped her breasts and weighed them. Liz moaned in pleasure, her nipples stood out, her mounds heavy and aching with need. His thumbs grazed her nipples.
"Oh-oh please" she whispered on a hitched breath, not sure what she asking for but knowing she wanted it terribly.
"Liz, oh Liz" Max rasped as he broke away from her once more, coiled his frame, and before she could form a single thought,ducked his head and latched onto an aching nipple, lavishing his complete attention upon it. Liz keened and almost screamed with pleasure. His mouth was hot and wet, the suction hard but gentled by the occasional soothing flick of his tongue.
His hands travelled down to grip her hips and he ground his pelvis once more against her, as he switched his ministrations to the other breast. Liz's hands became restless and she moved them down his neck, over his shoulders, across his back, feeling the raw and smooth power emanating from his frame. Her body would not stop moving. She squirmed and then bucked beneath him. Wanting. Wanting. Pleading for what only he could give. Begging for the ultimate release.
Max appeared to have reached the end of his endurance as well for he raised himself up once more and claimed her mouth again. His knee thrust her knees apart, but Liz was not alarmed. He moved between her legs and settled snugly. As if in instinct, her legs rested themselves around his waist and her arms wound around his neck and held on tightly. Her body bucked up another time. Demanding.
Still lost in their kiss Max surged forward and sheathed himself within her. Liz's lips were wrenched away from his with bruising speed and she threw back her head to cry out at the deep fulfilment that came hand in hand with the mind blowing pleasure. The feel of him inside her then registered and she felt him stretch and fill her completely. Liz's eyes flew open and she found herself staring into his blazing eyes.
And then he began to move. Just like before and this time, Liz followed him completely, revelling in the emotion it evoked. Their bodies slid together easily with their combined perspiration. Their heavy and fast breathing filled the room. The coil at her core began to tighten. Their eyes never left each other. She felt herself swirling higher and higher. Ultimate pleasure just beyond her fingertips. She knew. And then the coil sprung loose. And she cried out. Exultant. Max expanded inside her and then shuddered mightily, his satisfied shout filled the room.
He collapsed atop her, burying his head in the side if her neck, breathing hard and attempting to regain his strength. Liz floated in the haze of pleasure for long moments before coming back down to earth. That was when it hit her. And her eyes widened in horror.
Oh Heaven above. What had she done?
She felt Max shift and sigh on her, and Liz's insides, once burning with heat now froze with fear. She felt Max's lips kiss her neck and she jumped at the contact. A deep chuckle vibrated against her and she almost sighed in utter relief when Max moved off and to the side. Trying to stop trembling she surged to the other side the moment his weight left her. But it was not to be. An iron hand gripped her wrist and was rolled back across to his side. Liz grew dazed for moment before being able to see straight.
Max's eyes were twinkling. With amusement.
"where did you think you were going?" he asked seriously but his voice was tinged with humour. Liz swallowed nervously but did not offer a reply. His upper lip curved and he lightly touched her nose with his finger.
"You do not have to play the shy maiden with me any longer" he said matter-of-factly with a smile. Liz recoiled from the touch as he said so. She could not bear the thought of what she had done. WHAT HAD SHE DONE! She couldn't have...no it was not her. She would never do such a thing. She was a virtuous lady. How could she have acted in such a...disgraceful manner? What had she done.
The action did not go unnoticed by Max and a frown immediately marred his handsome face.
"What is this?" he demanded and started to pull her toward him to draw her into his arms. Even after her shameful guilt Liz could not help the little devil inside her that whispered just how good those arms felt around her. But she gathered her strength an resisted with all her might.
"No, stop it" she ordered and strained against him, not willing to touch an inch of him. More for her own piece of mind than disgust. Max stopped and his frown turned into a scowl.
"What is the matter with you woman?" he asked roughly.
"N-nothing i simply do no want you..." she was going to say 'to touch me' but Max raised his brow in a way that appeared sceptically amused. Ofcourse it belied the sudden steel in his now shuttered eyes.
"How absolutely contradictory of you" he stated softly "When just moments ago you were begging for my touch". At that Liz flushed in shame and guilt. She started to tremble as she relived the past minutes. A lump rose in her throat and she made another desperate attempt to move away.
But Max held fast. His eyes slashed over her and she caught the first flash of carefully controlled anger before it disappeared.
"Well?" he demanded, his voice even softer. Liz was not fooled by his voice for a minute. "Do you deny you were aching" he moved closer "burning" and closer "exploding in ecstasy" he growled, his face only threatening inches from hers.
If it was possible the heat in her cheeks intensified. Could she deny it? Shameful she recalled everything. No. She couldn't. But she did not tell him so. Her silence was answer enough. it would be too humiliating to say aloud how much she enjoyed committing this pleasurable sin.
"Please, let me go." her lips trembled helplessly as she pleaded. Careful not to look at him.
"And what if i will not?" he countered and Liz was forced to raise her eyes to him. His expression was blank and drawn. His eyes no longer glowed, but glittered and she could not help the feeling of foreboding that crept up her spine. She tried to extract her hand from his grasp, and when he would not let go, ridiculously she started to get angry.
"I do not appreciate being handled with brute strength" she replied as she continued to jerk on her hand. After a beat of tense silence her hand was abruptly released and Max muttered an intelligible oath. Before she could move he had rolled away and sat up on the side of the bed, his back to her. She watched the muscles contract, and she could not help but stare. She did not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Either way she chose not to ponder upon it and hastily grabbed the sheets to cover her nudity. She watched him carefully and apprehensively. Who knew what he was capable of doing at the moment.
When he stood Liz whipped her head away, blushing in embarrassment. It seemed so strange that she should feel that way after what they had shared but she could not help it. She could hear him moving around and the rustle of clothing. There was another muttered oath after she heard a low thump and then complete silence.
Liz was too nervous. She did not know what to do. She did not know what she had done. How could it have progressed so out of hand? Perhaps he paid it no mind because he thought her a woman of low class but she was a lady. She knew that. And she should have put a stop to it. But she didn't. And she did not want to answer why. She was too embarrassed. And nervous. Indeed she did not know what was going to happen now. They had woken and made love. She had been a willing participant. So indeed neither time was rape she had to admit . Not when both people were equally as eager. And she had been that. But soon after she had realized what had happened and she had recoiled. And in turn so had Max.
He had not expressed any rage yet. Anger or at least frustration. He did not display a hint of any emotion she expected. But ofcourse, that fact worried her even more. The silence had become too tense and she hesitantly turned around. And caught her breath. It had become a habit every time she looked at him. He was standing in his boots, breeches and shirt. He was stock still and his eyes were gazing intently into hers. And then he started to move toward her.
Liz jerked back and clutched the covers around her like a lifeline. She was paralysed with dear. What was he going to do? Somehow, in the back of her mind she was not so alarmed because she knew for some reason that he would not harm her.
Indeed when Max reach her side, he stood staring at her, his eyes perusing her hidden form. And then in a flash he jerked the sheets away to leave her naked and vulnerable to his gaze. Liz shivered and bit back a gasp. Defensively she crossed her arms over her breasts. But he did not nothing more than look.
"Beautiful" he whispered, but Liz was not sure she heard him right. Then his eyes moved to stare at something at her side and after a moment Liz could not resist a peek. There in the middle of the bed was a circle of dry blood on the sheets. She did not she could flush so many times in less than an hour. It was him ofcourse. He had that affect on her. And for once she resented it.
She looked back to see him looking at her once more. "Perhaps you will think twice now before bestowing such a precious gift on a brute like me" he said flatly and Liz visibly winced.
"I cannot anymore now can i? It is already given" she found the will to reply. She stared steadily at him, trying not to waver, her chin tilted upward. Max's jaw clenched and she could almost feel his teeth grinding against each other.
Menacingly he leaned down. "Aye so it is. And just you remember how freely it was given."
Liz paled at that bold and shamefully true fact. Indeed she did not offer one ounce of resistance. She was not sure what to answer. But she felt sure of one thing at this very moment. She could not allow it happen again. She had a deep feeling that this could prove very dangerous to her very sanity.
"Well...regardless. It will not happen again" she stated with more bravery than she felt. Max immediately straightened and she saw his mouth tighten, his eyes flash, but assumed he would just walk out now.
Before she knew what was happening he had bent down again , gripped her hair and pulled her toward him. his lips ravaged hers and she was too surprised to offer resistance. But when the shock wore off, all she did-or rather all her body could do- was melt, and return the assault eagerly. Her mind screamed in protest, but she paid it no heed. It was this man. He did things to her. She would fear and deny him one moment and then he would kiss her and she would become pliant to his will.
"We will see" was whispered like a promise in her ear, then a door was open and slammed shut.
Liz was left alone, stunned at the events that had just occurred. She was afraid. Oh so deathly afraid, and her emotions were too raw for her to do anything but obtain some respite by letting all those pent up tears since her capture to fall freely down her face. She wanted to go home. She wanted her parents back again. She wanted to be on safe ground and secure. And worse, she wanted with every fibre of her being to sin again with the same man who took her virginity, out of wedlock. No matter what her honour demanded. She was weak. And she was wanton. She could not allow herself to surrender. She had done so twice and somehow she knew, just knew, that the next time, would cost her her soul.