Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“I’m in pajamas.”
“So?”
“I can’t go to a party this way.”
“Yes, you can,” Thayer argued.
When she twisted her lips, the boys crowded around. “Maybe lose the robe?” Nibbs suggested, already stripping the silk covering away.
If the party was at a lagoon they would be outside in the heat, so she didn’t need the layers. Maybe her nightgown could pass for a dress. “I feel silly and underdressed.”
They stared at her chest where her unbound breasts pressed against the thin silk.
“Nah,” Thayer said, swallowing tightly. “You look good.”
Tristan nodded, agreeing with his brother as his stare remained trained on her nipples.
“Very hot,” Cass agreed.
“Sexy,” Nibbs added, licking his lips.
“That’s enough.” She turned around and moved her robe to the back of a chair. “I left my shoes in the forest.”
“It’s a lagoon party. No one wears shoes,” Tate explained.
Nibbs laughed. “Half the people don’t even wear clothes.”
“What?” Her eyes widened. “What kind of party is this?”
“The fun kind.” Peter appeared, stuffing something into his pocket. “Let’s go. We’re leaving.”
They filtered out the back door, and she shivered under the night air. It was much colder than it had been when they arrived. “Maybe I should bring my robe after all. But then I’ll really look like I’m in my pajamas.” At least now, her nightgown might pass as a dress.
“I have an idea,” Cassian said, rushing back inside the house as the others walked ahead. A moment later, he returned with a dark maroon coat. “You can wear this.”
He swept the long duster jacket over her shoulders, and she slid her arms into the silk-lined sleeves. Wool ruffles spilled from the cuffs like waves, and brass buttons trailed along the lapels as if mapping out a hidden treasure. The trim was fine leather with long tails and beautiful detail stitched into the worn wool. It was a high-quality couture coat.
“Where did you get this?”
She sniffed the collar and closed her eyes at the dark, mysterious scent hidden there. Whoever wore this coat before wore it with authority. The masculine energy coming from the weight and detail spoke volumes about its true owner.
“We stole it.”
“You stole it?”
“Yeah, but don’t worry. It’s yours now.”
“Who did you steal it from?” She needed to know who the owner was. Desperately, she craved a name to put to this hypnotic scent.
Cassian grinned and leaned forward. “It belonged to a pirate. Peter snuck onto his ship in the still of the night and stole it right out of the captain’s private chambers.”
“A pirate?” She grinned, intrigued by a tale of danger.
“They call him Black Jack. Peter swears he’s always lingering off the coast, spying on him, but he can’t figure out why. He’s a dangerous man, so stay alert and tell us if you see anything.”
She envisioned a towering man with dark features and limitless authority. “Did Peter get caught when he stole the coat?”
“No, but I’m sure old Jack was furious when he woke up and realized it was stolen from his private chambers. Crooks don’t like it when they’re the ones getting robbed. But Peter’s always gotten a kick out of taunting those who think they’re better than him.”
“How do you know he was a crook?”
“All pirates are criminals. They steal whatever they want and live lawlessly. But Black Jack is the greatest sea devil of all.”
That may be true, but Peter also stole. Did that make him a pirate, too? His friends shamelessly admitted to living without rules. All but one. Perhaps that made Peter the captain of their little crew.
“Well, regardless of who the coat’s true owner is, thank you. I love it.” And now she felt dressed enough to attend a party.
“You’re welcome. We better catch up to the others before Peter gets angry.”
She couldn’t care less about Peter’s happiness at the moment. He was the one who left her behind, after all.
The lagoon was located on the banks of Peter’s island. It wasn’t a far walk, but a muddy one. Due to the jungle’s humidity, surfaces were constantly wet with dew, making everything slippery. Wendy was grateful when they finally reached the sand.
The lagoon was a small grotto that opened to an endless sea. The water sparkled under the moonlight, each little ripple glinting like diamonds dancing beneath the night sky.
Sensual music and wild revelry echoed off the jetties and from the hidden caves. While there were plenty of men present, it was mostly feminine voices Wendy heard. She suddenly felt shy and uncertain by the number of strangers who apparently were all familiar with each other—familiar enough to kiss and touch and—oh my.
Her eyes widened at the couple railing away in the stark openness of the beach. Okay, this was that sort of party. She took Cassian’s arm so she wasn’t standing alone.
Capriciousness carried on the breeze. The Lost Boys were gone, as was Peter. “Where are the others?”