Read Online Fiery Pursuit (Passionate Pursuits, Book One) by Jean Hart Stewart - Free Book Online

to be in complete control of himself while he taught her a little of physical love.
    They’d have all the years of their lives to improve and glory in their desires.
    As she quieted she smiled up at him, a radiant smile. “Maybe I should think of a better word than ‘interesting’.”
    His tone was grave as he answered. “I hope to teach you many new lessons in love, and trust you’ll find many better words.”
    Her startled expression showed her uncertainty of his meaning, but she said nothing more.
    To Lars’ dismay he was as ready to take her as he’d been before their sexual union. She’d be too sore to take again so quickly. Pulling on his trousers wasn’t easy, but he grimaced and managed. Then he went to the cabin door and called for bath water.
    “Take all the time with your bath. You need to relax in warm water. I don’t want you to be too sore from our ‘interesting’ exercise.” He grinned at her blush. “I’d better go up on deck and check on what arrangements have been made for that hell-sent villain. I’ll be back later.”
    * * * * *
     
    Lars found his ship’s captain in a seldom-seen fury.
    “To think such a miserable rat of a man actually was hired on my watch. I intend to find out how this happened, sir, and I assure you it won’t happen again. In the meantime, I suggest you allow me to flog him. A minimum of twenty lashes, I’m thinking. I’ll wield the flogger myself, sir.”
    Lars went still. The man certainly deserved that and more. His angry mind was screaming at him to let Captain Stevens flay him. But Lars needed to know who’d hired him, and he’d never find out if they flogged him so he holed up like the animal he was. He wanted the villain able to walk off the ship, although of course it was necessary to punish him. Lars intended to question him, knowing it would do little good, and then have him followed when they docked. He’d have to report to his master, the man who’d hired him, and Lars wanted his suspicions confirmed before striking out at the wrong man. The brute’s mind was such a maelstrom and he didn’t trust the impressions he got from entering it. He felt nauseated from the evil thoughts and didn’t care for a repeat performance.
    “No, and I hate to say so, Captain Stevens, but I don’t want him flogged. I want you to keep him secure, but as uncomfortable as possible. And then detail a good man to follow him on land. I need to know his contact, much as I’d like to flog him myself. As many strokes as he deserves might incapacitate him and I don’t want him to hole up to recuperate. I want him disciplined enough to be angry, but still scurry to report to his boss while I’m around to follow him.”
    The captain stared at him, disapproval oozing from his scowling face. “Aye, sir, if that’s what you want. Though it’s not good for the rest of the men to see him get away with this.”
    “I didn’t exactly order that, did I?” Lars’ tone was mild as he quirked one eyebrow. “I think I said as uncomfortable as possible. But walking.”
    Stevens’ face cleared. “As uncomfortable as possible? Aye, sir, that I can do.”
    “What’s the bastard’s name?”
    Stevens snorted again. “He signed on as John Smythe. I should have been suspicious right then.”
    Lars turned away. They were about five days from Dover, and he knew they’d be hellish days for the captive. As they should be. The brute would probably prefer the flogging if he had his choice. Lars loosened his tight fingers that had fisted themselves and went back to the cabin and Sophie. He’d take care of the wharf rat eventually. Now he wanted to be with Sophie.
    * * * * *
     
    Lars tried to stay away from her, fearing he’d taken advantage of her vulnerability when under his protection. His resolve didn’t last long. The next night he waited until she was in bed, giving her time to fall asleep, and then entered the cabin and went to his chair. Whether they were lovers or not,