“Perfect, you didn’t have to go to such trouble.” Victor smiles and her heart accelerates. Feeling daring she steps close and runs a hand up the back of his neck and draws him in.
“You should thank me properly.” She kisses him slowly, savoring the taste of him.
“Gladly,” Victor grabs her waist and pulls her against his body, deepening the kiss. She parts her lips to him, and he traces hers with his tongue, softly at first, then shamelessly, penetrating her mouth in hot strokes that sends fire through her body. Victor moans deeply as he kisses her.
His lips slide over her mouth, gliding across her cheek and jawline. Summer quivers, letting her head fall back to ease the way for his exploration. He kisses a path down the curve of her shoulder before stopping at the delicious curve of her breast. Summer burns with a need she has never felt for any man. Victor looks up into her shocked eyes and smiles with satisfaction.
“More!” She kisses him back, holding on to him, hoping he will not stop. When his mouth leaves hers again, she mimics the movements of his mouth on her, trailing across his jaw and tasting the salt of his skin.
Victor groans, “Summer, we must stop…” he takes hold of the upper portion of her arm and sets her away from him. Hearts pounding and lips swollen he can't help but stare at her in surprise. “Who are you, Summer Denning?”
Summer blushes and turns away from him, “Victor, I feel things for you I have never felt for another man. I’m sorry if I offended you. What will you think of me now?”
He laughs and pulls back against his chest, “Summer, I want you! I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you how much, just say yes!” His hot mouth trails over her bare shoulder and chills erupt. He nips at her neck, and she arches back into his body, causing him to moan and suck the pulsing skin into his mouth.
“Yes, Victor,” she whispers swiveling in his arm. “Now kiss me again.” They spend the next hour torturing each other and laughing.
“You will be glad to know that Alex will not have to kill you now,” Summer declares as they share dinner.
“Glad to know it, but we will keep our distance from each other or the next few weeks will be hell for both of us.” Victor decides with a grin.
He grabs the wine and pours two glasses for them, and they share a toast, “To the future, Mrs. Yates, I promise to spend the rest of my life making your dreams come true.” A tear shimmers in her eyes.
“I like the sound of that.”
Chapter 31
Early the next morning they load the carriage and travel for several hours until they reach the town of New Bedford. It is a coastal town busy with people and freight being moved from one location to the next. The scent of the sea breeze combined with the burning wood turns her stomach, and her anxiety begins to rise.
“Do you know how to use a pistol, Summer?” Victor asks, taking out a small pistol from beneath his coat.
“Of course, if I must.” Summer replies and reaches for the pistol. Jonah watches with big eyes as Victor gives her his shoulder holster and adjusts it to fit beneath her coat. He tucks the gun inside of her jacket.
“I want you to be able to protect yourself and Jonah if the need arises again.”
“Thank you,” she says quietly. The thought of having to use the firearm scares her, but her brother taught her how as a younger girl.
“We should stick together. Come with me.” Victor sells the carriage along with the horses, then attempts to buy passage. Summer and Jonah stay close to him as they work through the crowd of people and cargo being loaded. The bangs and clank of wood planking ring out as the dock workers struggle to work quickly while bosses yell over the din of the crowd. It is deafening and chaotic, causing Jonah to clutch her hand tightly.
“Sorry, we are at capacity.” Victor is told over and over again at three different ships until finally directed to a ship that may have room for them. “Give me a minute.” He runs to the boarding gate just as they begin to untie the gangplank from the dock.
“My name is Victor Yates, I need passage on your ship for my family,” Victor says.
“Captain Francois at your service,” the man says with a quick salute. “We have room, but we aren’t your typical family ship. You should try another.”
“I have already tried, you are the only one with space. We only need one room.” Captain Francois looks at the young family and sighs.
“We are a gambling, ship, Mr. Yates. I can get you there, but you are responsible for their safety. Do we understand each other?”
“Absolutely,” Victor replies.
“No weapons allowed, check them at the end of the plank with the crewmen.”
They work out a price and discuss the terms. Captain Francois gives the order for their trunks to be collected and loaded while Victor pays and waves for Summer and Jonah to come forward.
When they finally reach the boarding dock, Victor turns and swears under his breath. He didn't stop to think about how this would affect her. Her blue eyes are huge in her pale face, and her terror is almost palatable. Summer stares at the massive ship behind him. Memories flood her mind, and the noise around them fades away. She spins dropping Jonah's hand with the intention of running, but Victor has moved in front of her.
“I can’t do it… you don’t understand, please can we…” He grabs her by
