“Mademoiselle!” A boy rushed up to them. “A carriage has arrived. The driver says he is Pierre.” Faras stomach sank. “He works for my uncle. It seems he wishes my return. Eric, it is time you tell your captain I must leave.” He nodded and left to find his master. Fara shook her head desolately. This, too, was predictable. Things would return to normal as soon as she entered the house. Her uncle would not be happy with her absence either. It was not proper. It was very tiresome to always be so careful. “I hear youre leaving us.” She turned to see Grant approach her. “Yes, my uncle has sent transportation.” “Its a pity. I would have kept you longer.” “Oh?” Alarm ran along the back of her neck and raised the hairs in some kind of strange anticipation. What did he mean by that? “Oui. Im sorry I was away so long. The business of being a captain has its moments of tedium.” “Thats all right. Every position has its disadvantages.” He then took her by the hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle.” “Likewise, Capitaine.” “Your carriage awaits, my lady.” He gestured to the vehicle waiting down below at the dock. She nodded, barely glancing at her uncles property, and looked up at him. His face relaxed into an expression of contentment, and she wondered if her departure was the source of it. Had she given him cause to want to be rid of her? The prospect didnt seem fair for shed never been anything more than herself. Hadnt he just expressed otherwise? Fara chastised herself. He was a captain of a ship. His opinion should not matter to her at all -- but strangely it did, and she couldnt find a reason for it. She cleared her throat to cease the silence. “I regret to say I never quite thanked you for your most timely interference last night.” He grinned. “I think your show of gratitude this morning was quite enough. I require no more, Mademoiselle.” She flushed scarlet beneath his captivating gaze. No doubt he referred to that morning, when she awakened in his arms. Like a lady, she should have apologized profusely and probably should still for acting so familiar with a man, but she was certain he would not accept it. “Nevertheless, Capitaine, I am grateful for you truly spared me humiliation, if you understand my meaning.” He nodded. “I do. But, I suggest you forget the ordeal. They were rogues intent on doing any manner of harm possible, and it is just fortunate you got away.” “You are too humble, Capitaine.” He shook his head. “Now, Fara, I am sure you must attend to your duties as I must to mine.” He grasped for her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Perhaps we will meet again, Mademoiselle...” Like a perfect gentleman, she thought, and was grateful he hadnt done something impulsive. “Oui, Monsieur. Perhaps we will. I bid you farewell, Capitaine Hill.” He released her hand, and she turned to go, but with a sudden tight grasp of her wrist, he reeled her back. Crushing her against the wall of his chest, Grant covered her lips with his. It was too late to pull away for he held her against him and Fara was lost in the sensation of his kiss. Lord, if shed found the man aesthetically pleasing, his kiss was so much more. She parted her lips on a sigh as he burned her, igniting a fire deep inside in her body. She had no time to respond to him completely though. Before she knew it, hed set her away from him. Gasping for breath, she searched his eyes, expecting to see something akin to triumph. There was only brightness. The deep and dark charcoal shed witnessed before turned soft and subtle, appearing as the land when the sun comes up and light spills to the ground, staining every surface and contour. Fara cleared her throat again, aware that propriety should have mandated she slap him, but she couldnt muster the will to do it. “Goodbye, Grant,” she whispered as she made her way down the gangway to the ground below. Pierre assisted her into the carriage and she turned to stare up at the tall figure of Grant Hill. She wondered if he really was pleased to see her go. Certainly a kiss like that could only mean the opposite. amazon/Upon-Your-Return-ebook/dp/B00BFX8YLI/
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 19:17:18 +0000
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