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The door opened and Havana walked out. Her long chestnut hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and she wore a hunter green dress, the bodice pushing her beautiful breasts up.
“I’m ready.” Her smile beamed and if the sun needed a warm place to hide, it could do it there.
I rubbed the side of her cheek, wanting to keep her below deck for a bit more.
She tilted her head. “Leon?”
“Aye, let’s go.” I removed my hand from her face, realizing I was crossing too many lines. My idea of staying a gentleman was slowly fading with the tides.
Taking her hand in mine, I led her out onto the deck. The sun was just about to rise, and I wanted her to see the Oasis the way I had the first time. “We’re going to the crow’s nest.”
“Okay.”
We climbed into the nest, me hoisting her up once we hit the top. Up here, we were far enough from my men that I could have a moment of privacy.
“I see nothing.” She held her hand above her eyes, squinting at the horizon.
I moved behind her and placed my hands on her hips. “You will. Keep looking ahead.”
Orange and pink light cascaded across the water. The sea awakening in a warm glow.
Havana leaned over the railing. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes, it is.” I yearned to see that smile of hers, but I knew any moment the Oasis would reveal its splendor, and I wouldn’t take that from her.
Slowly, the sun rose, highlighting the tops of the trees, but it was the pink sands and rolling green mountains that I knew would make her gasp.
“Oh, Leon.” She reached back to squeeze my hand. “This is breathtaking.”
The closer we moved, the more she awed. Beautiful orange and pink light melted into the sands. Clear waves crashed against the beaches surrounded by vivid green palms and black rock.
Havoc steered the ship toward the docks, and Havana broke away from me to turn and watch the Oasis.
“I can’t wait to explore everything.”
Taking her hand, I tugged her around to face me. “And we will.”
Her mouth parted and if I had been any other man, I would have kissed her, and even though I was that type of scoundrel, I had given my word. When you lived amongst thieves, honor and oath were the only currencies that mattered—besides, gold, silver, and rubies. I loved rubies.
“Will you stay with me?” she asked. “Like you promised?”
“Of course, love. I’ve some business to attend to, but this afternoon you will experience the ecstasy of the Oasis.”
“Mmmm.” She bit her bottom lip and I stepped away, needing a bit of space.
This human was slowly undoing me.
The ship docked and my crew began anchoring us. “Let’s get down. I’ll take you to where we’re staying.”
I climbed over the nest first, then she followed. “Is it an inn?”
“I have a place I rent there. Once I can secure you a safe room, I’ll move you in there later. My room is quite large with a sitting area and a washroom. You’ll have everything you need, including a bath.”
“Are you suggesting I stink?”
I laughed. “Just as much as I do, love.”
When we reached the deck, I took her hand and helped her off the rigging.
