Embrace Amidst Orange Blossoms
Blurb:
He is pleased to find his uncle’s ship the Santa Theresa in the harbor and more so when he is told he is sailing for Valencia. As the ship departs, Iago is delighted on discovering his uncle’s beautiful daughter, Elena, is also aboard.
However the scars of battle and a mental conflict of loyalty with his uncle have Iago wondering if love with Elena is possible?
Will Iago’s inner demons prove to be too large an obstacle or will he be able to overcome his feelings of guilt?
Buy links:
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/453557
Secret Cravings Store: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=10&products_id=894
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-amidst-orange-blossoms-louise-roberts/1119885162?ean=2940149728930
Excerpt
Laughing and
music emerged from various tavernas which were scattered along the
waterfront, but to her, the sounds seemed muted as she slipped in and out of
her own private thoughts. She wondered about the future and what her Valencian
family was like. She had heard about them from her father, and now she longed
to meet them, especially Dorotea who was of similar age.
A sudden
noise made her turn around. The crew had begun to make the ship ready for their
departure at midnight when high tide was expected. Men were running up the
ratlines to the yards. The Bosun was calling out instructions, as men ran
barefoot for ‘ad and aft carrying bits of nautical equipment. Provisions were
being brought up from the quay in large nets and were lowered into the hold by men
pulling ropes which had been strung up through pulleys suspended from mast
jibs. There were barrels of fresh water and casks of wine, barrels of salted
fish, sacks of flour and grain, boxes of fruit and vegetables.
Elena was
slowly becoming dizzy by all the activity, and although she wished to return to
the safety of her cabin, she did not dare to move for fear of being knocked
over by any of the mariners who were rushing about. If only her father would
rescue her, as captain of the ship however he was far too busy somewhere else.
She turned back to face the town, at least psychologically, it provided her
with a temporary sanctuary from the hectic madness about her. She had been
aboard since late afternoon when her grandparents had accompanied their granddaughter
to their son-in-law’s vessel. Don Gregario had arrived a mere two days
previously to arrange for his daughter, Elena, to accompany him to their
family’s property in Cullera in the province of Valencia.
As she
stared into the darkness she could see two men who appeared to be arguing. One
of them seemed relatively young, perhaps not much older than herself. She could
vaguely make out that he was well attired, and looked like one of the soldiers
she and her grandfather had seen in the port a few days before. From what she
could make out he appeared tall though of a stocky muscular build. The other
man was much older and more rugged. He was looking over the young man’s horse.
She surmised they must be arguing over a price for the animal.
Finally
after a great deal of gesticulations on the part of the older man the
transaction seemed to conclude. The young man rubbed the horse’s nose as if to
say farewell. After removing the saddle and bags from its back, he swung them
over his own shoulder, his distinct posture buckling from their weight.
As the
rugged man moved away leading his new acquisition, she saw the younger man
trudge up the gang plank onto the ship. Curiosity and unexpected excitement
gripped her, making her heart race. She edged forward, leaning over the
guardrail enabling her to glance amidships. Elena followed his progress as he
stepped on board. Light from several lanterns which had been secured to the
main mast shone onto the stranger.
She saw the
Bosun stop momentarily from his duties and walk over to him. They seemed
genuinely pleased to meet as they wrapped their arms about each other in a
friendly hug. Another old mariner also approached his voice loud amongst the
bustle of surrounding sounds to offer a welcome and to assist the young man
with his baggage. Their exchanges were jovial and Elena could hear them
laughing at some inaudible comment. She watched the Bosun shake the young man’s
hand before he returned to his duties.
Elena froze
as the stranger and the old sailor walked toward where she was standing. As
they approached, she could now see that she had been right in her assessment of
his height and build, but now she could also make out he had certain handsome
features. Her eyes remained fixed on him as they came nearer to the doorway
which led to the cabins beneath the stern quarterdeck. Although she had thought
he had not seen her, when they arrived at the entrance, he stopped, looked up
at her, removed his hat in a sweeping motion, and bowed low.
Even though
it was just a mere instant that their eyes had met in the dim light, she could
feel a strong sensuality about him which sent ripples of pleasure through her
skin and her nipples hardened. Her breathing became shallower. She felt a warm
wetness between her thighs and her pulse quickened when she saw his face
clearly in the light of the doorway lantern. Although he was smiling at her,
she sensed something was not quite what it seemed. The uncertainty of her
earlier carnal reaction made her shiver as though cold, making her long for the
warmth of her cabin. Elena downcast her eyes and made a simple short curtsey in
response. When she looked up again, he was gone.
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Twitter: @LouiseRobertsAu
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