His Seafaring Siren (Caledonia's Captives) Read Free

thought about the rhythmic, spontaneous sex that had erupted between them and said, “I love it too.”
    ***
    Mowriyah sat clutching Abagail’s hand while watching Decimus and Septimus load the ship with provisions. Though they were not truly related, the two men looked similar. They both had the same sun-tattered coloring, distinguished jaw line, and dark tousled hair. However, Decimus was a few years older and the first signs of gray were showing around his temples. Septimus still had that wild look of youth in his clover green eyes, though clearly he was nearing his thirtieth year as well. Both men were muscular and looked as if they were carved to mimic statues of the gods, though Mowriyah noticed that Septimus’s shoulders and arms were larger than Decimus’s.
    She felt Abagail squeeze her hand and heard a light sniffle. She turned and saw her sister’s eyes welled with tears. “You have to come back,” Abagail murmured through quivering lips.
    “You know I will.” She clutched her hand in reassurance.
    Abagail rubbed her stomach. “We need you. This child will need family.” The wind caught her straight chestnut hair and strands of it blew across her face.
    Mowriyah patted Abagail’s stomach. “You better wait for me to get back, little one.”
    Abagail turned her head and met Mowriyah’s gaze. “You won’t be gone that long, will you?”
    “Of course not.” Mowriyah reached her hand to Abagail, pushed the blowing hair out of her face, and tucked it neatly behind her ear. “The plan is a month. But if things are different from what we expect, or if something happens, it may take us a little longer.” She wiped a tear from Abagail’s cheek. “I’ll be back, Abby, and with Leihla. We will all be together again soon, and this baby will have all the family he or she needs.” She moved her hand back to her sister’s belly.
    A loud, sharp whistle assailed Mowriyah’s ears. She stood and looked toward the ship. Septimus was on deck waving her to him. “I guess it’s time to go. Walk with me?”
    They walked together to the dock in silence. Decimus met them at the ship’s ladder. Mowriyah saw worry in his eyes as his gaze darted between Abagail and herself. Abagail pulled her hand, jerking her back. She hugged her tightly and Mowriyah felt like she couldn’t breathe, not from Abagail’s strength, but from a sneaking fear that suddenly clutched her throat.
    Mowriyah tried to calm her breathing and remain strong. “I’ll see you soon.” Unfortunately, a quiver in her voice released the dam and she gave way to a stream of tears.
    She straightened her shoulders, determined to look more confident for her sister’s sake. “When I escaped from the palace, I swear I saw Leihla. I’m sure I can find her there.”
    “You saw her? And you never told me?”
    “I told you I knew she was alive. I just didn’t tell you everything. And you know Leihla, she’s stronger and more stubborn than either of us. She’s going to be fine, and I will find her.”
    She glanced over her shoulder to Decimus. “You are so lucky. He truly loves you, to not only marry you once, but also choose to marry you again in God’s eyes. He is willing to stay behind with you and protect you. Everything is going to be fine here. And everything will be good for us on our trip as well.”
    Septimus shouted down from the bow of the ship. “Let’s go, first mate!”
    Mowriyah reached forward once more and hugged her sister. “Okay, Abby, I have to go.” Suddenly filled with excitement, she stepped back and winked.
    She walked to Decimus. “You take care of my big sister.” She grabbed him around the waist and hugged him as well. “And take care of that baby.”
    Decimus patted her on the back in reassurance.
    “Hey!” Septimus shouted.
    Decimus gave a hearty chuckle and released her. He bent down to her ear and whispered, “He really does care for you. Give him time.”
    Mowriyah backed up and pushed her lips together in a