An excerpt from my new Romantic Steampunk story Arms of Angels...
Soon, Jovan was by himself.
He took in the motion of the Crimson Swan at its peak. Lusty music, giddy banter and people flooded it as the night continued. Dawn was several hours away. He placed his plumed hat on his head and eased back in his chair satisfied with the weight of the gold pieces in the pouch he kept close to his chest. He casually watched as Armand disappeared to a darkened nook at the farthest end from everything. Jovan saw only the kiss he delivered to a smooth, pale hand. It rose up to his lips from the end of an equally enticing arm then, it slipped out of sight.
He wondered if the legs attached to that body were just as graceful.
When Armand came back to his table with more rum, Jovan covered his hand over his empty
cup. ”The delicious looking arm that you just attended, what is she drinking?”
“Captain? Oh... it would not be to your taste.”
“What... is she... drinking?”
“It’s a strong but delicate wine. It is a high price.” Armand answered with a hint of snobbery.
“I will have a bottle.”
Stunned, Armand nodded. “As you wish, Captain.”
He brought the bottle to the Captain then opened it. “Let it breathe a moment.” Then, he rushed off to another table across the crowded room.
Jovan waited. He watched her hand rise and fall until he estimated her glass was half empty. He had a strong stomach for most drink but preferred the finest rum or spirits the islands had to offer. He snatched up the open bottle, poured a bit into his own glass and drank it down. He was surprised. It was a world away from the taste of his liqueur. It was succulent and strange, but not weak as he suspected it would be. The warmth of it hit his gut and the sensation comforted him.
He devised a plan. With the open bottle in hand, he made his way through the dancing mass of bodies to her table.
Now Armand, let's see who you have been hiding.
3.
“Lady, more wine?”
She didn’t look up when he spoke. She gave a curt nod. Jovan took his time in pouring.
He had just seconds to take her in. His senses told him she was no high priced whore. This one had true sophistication in her movements and in her mode of dress. Her oval face was glistening pale with lush, ebony colored hair, piled and pinned back. Silken wisps strayed from the bunch framing her features in a youthful fashion. Her face nestled in the darkness of her hair was like a glimpse of the moon on a cloudless night. A plum colored bodice detailed with black lace and fine, embroidered roses held her breast snug. She was firm but curvy in the proper places.
“You are not the regular help here.” Her low voice was breathy. It surprised him. She had the sound of a fuller, stronger bodied woman.
“How could you know such things, my lady?” He kept his own voice in a more subtle register, so as not to put any alarm in her if he could. He desired to plant a kiss on her shoulders as they were bare as naked thighs.
Her scent was a delicate floral mixture that was both bright and clean. Well-to-do whores were known to bathe with lush musk or overpowering flowers. To his surprise, she leaned closer to him, as he poured her drink. He realized she was inhaling his scent as well. Her manner of dress was a bit sensual for a woman of her obvious higher class, but appropriate for nights in the tropics. He admired her pale breast, strapped in and held just tight enough to swell over the top of the lace like finery.
“You smell of the sea. Anyone who works at these places smells of fatty old meat, or rum, or soap, but not enough to cleanse the body. “
Her comment brought a broad smile to his face. Perceptive and beautiful? Such a rarity in the women around here. She must be new. “You are right, beauty. I am of the sea.”
Her body tensed almost imperceptibly. She eased back into her seat. One of her slender hands slid under the table. His own instinct told him she was keeping a knife or some other defensive item tucked away.
Without further hesitation, he introduced himself. "I am Captain Jovan Miguel Sandoval Contreras--"
“Commander of the Devil Moon?” she questioned.
Jovan nodded. “Yes, that is my girl. You know of her?”
Her body shifted slightly to a more protective posture. He sensed whatever it was that she carried was now in her hand.
He had no clue but his interest was nearing its peak. This one was a true fighter. How is that even possible?
Her sloe, pale eyes gleamed like pearls when she glanced up at him. He hoped he'd made a good visual impression.
He noted a clear hint of interest in the way she looked at him now.
She continued, “I am being rude. My name is Amanda... Amanda Collier." She extended her free hand. Jovan took it. It was both delicate and strong.
He laughed in utter surprise. “So you are the one that is making my advisor half mad!”
She answered dryly. “Alan Lancer.”
“Yes! He is in fits!” In a sweeping gesture, he removed his hat then added, “It is a pleasure to meet one so talented.” Is this what a man of some breading and stature thinks of as "mildly attractive?" Has he lost his damn mind?
His thumb rubbed the top of her hand before he planted his lips in the same spot. He felt her body ease. Still, her hidden limb had yet to reappear.
He heard the owner of The Crimson Swan stirring behind him.
“Evadez-vous d’elle!” He spilled out words, slathered in his French Accent. “I’m so very, very sorry, Madame! My deepest apologies, I didn’t know the captain was here being a bother to you."
At that moment, Jovan looked deep into her eyes. They were large, startling and pale blue in color, with lashes that cast mysterious shadows. She drew her hand back from his kiss and placed it around her glass.
It was then that something subtle but distinct, gripped his mind.
For an instant, he swayed as if he had drank more than he had. It was the feeling of a wave sweeping him off his balance. A twinge of fear hit him. What the hell? he almost said aloud. He felt disarmed and odd, almost vulnerable.
Everything went still. He heard nothing around himself.
His sudden alarm quieted in him and pleasure arose in its place. He wanted only the quiet he felt coming from behind those eyes of hers. It was as if he had worked in the hottest sun all day and she was a lake of cool, soothing calm. Locked with her gaze, he was sure that the cause of this originated from within her. He felt afloat. He realized to his utter amazement, he had fallen into some part of her mind. There was no doubt in him. There was no more panic. He felt he could have pulled away but this thing, this...being inside her, thrilled him in ways he could not have imagined. A powerful need to go even deeper into her swept him. He wanted it just like he desired the contented comfort of swimming in mountain pools of crystalline water.
Her slender brows raised as her pupils opened wide. She had the look of surprise with the innocence of a child. He felt a sudden blast of excitement and confusion from her. The feelings raced through him in delicious ways. Her bow lips parted shaping a near perfect "O" as her hidden hand returned to the table. She'd felt the sudden mystical thing that passed between them. It had been only seconds.
Surprise came again as he sensed her push him out of her mind.
"No." The word was clear to him but not spoken. He felt her ease him away and back into his body as if not to shock him further. He was inside himself again.
For a few moments, he was speechless.
Armand was still gushing apologies. Jovan raised his hand in a quick silencing gesture. His voice felt distant and strange. He said, without looking at him, “Armand, you have never gotten on my bad side. Don’t do it now. No eres suficientemente hombre para recibir la paliza que te daría esta noche. You are not man enough to take the beating I would give you tonight.” Armand’s effeminate voice grew low and dark. He answered Jovan without a waver in his tone. “Captain, I will not have to beat you. I have hulking monsters I pay very well to throw you the fuck out of here, if I must. Don’t make me call them. Leave the Lady be!"
“Sir... Armand... he is no bother to me.” Amanda said in a hushed tone.
In an instant, Armand stopped his threats. "My apologies, Madame. Can... can I interest you in a special plate?"
“Aye...” she said in a more sultry voice, not looking away from Contreras.
She added, “Would you join me for dinner, Captain? Armand always prepares something unique for special occasions.”
For a moment, every nerve in Jovan’s body sparked. He bowed his head. It was almost hard for him to talk to her now. He so wanted that sensation to return and sweep him away.
He found his voice. “If... you wish. My business dealing for this night is done. It would be an honor. Won’t... your companion mind?”
“Companion?”
“Yes... A fine woman like you must be here with someone. Please, find no offense in how I say this but ... any ass that should bring you to such a hovel and not make it his business to guard you at every moment is beyond my comprehension.” He took the seat opposite hers, placing his hat beside him. He made sure he kept both of his hands on the table for her to see.
She lowered her head but not her eyes. They were almost unblinking. Now, a touch of humor softened them. Her lashes were dark and very long. She laughed a little, “I am here of my own accord, Captain. No one will be meeting me, except my driver at a later time.”
He opened his mouth, stunned.
She must be joking! She maybe able to fight but this is Port Royal! Some drunken group of bastards would devour her like ripe fruit and leave her for dead in a darken corner! Someone must be here protecting such a marvelous creature!
He started to speak, but she raised a hand.
With a soft smile she began again, “We inventors are a curious lot. We must be both adventurous and cautious in our work. I am that way in my life. I go where I choose to go, with or without a male beside me, yet I have my own protective systems in place.”
Jovan smirked. “Funny, you say that about inventors. My man has become a recluse. He doesn’t go on adventures the same way you seem to suggest is a quality of your kind.”
She nodded. “Alan Lancer is one of many men who doesn’t know when enough is enough. He is a thorn in my side, sir.“
3.
“Lady, more wine?”
She didn’t look up when he spoke. She gave a curt nod. Jovan took his time in pouring.
He had just seconds to take her in. His senses told him she was no high priced whore. This one had true sophistication in her movements and in her mode of dress. Her oval face was glistening pale with lush, ebony colored hair, piled and pinned back. Silken wisps strayed from the bunch framing her features in a youthful fashion. Her face nestled in the darkness of her hair was like a glimpse of the moon on a cloudless night. A plum colored bodice detailed with black lace and fine, embroidered roses held her breast snug. She was firm but curvy in the proper places.
“You are not the regular help here.” Her low voice was breathy. It surprised him. She had the sound of a fuller, stronger bodied woman.
“How could you know such things, my lady?” He kept his own voice in a more subtle register, so as not to put any alarm in her if he could. He desired to plant a kiss on her shoulders as they were bare as naked thighs.
Her scent was a delicate floral mixture that was both bright and clean. Well-to-do whores were known to bathe with lush musk or overpowering flowers. To his surprise, she leaned closer to him, as he poured her drink. He realized she was inhaling his scent as well. Her manner of dress was a bit sensual for a woman of her obvious higher class, but appropriate for nights in the tropics. He admired her pale breast, strapped in and held just tight enough to swell over the top of the lace like finery.
“You smell of the sea. Anyone who works at these places smells of fatty old meat, or rum, or soap, but not enough to cleanse the body. “
Her comment brought a broad smile to his face. Perceptive and beautiful? Such a rarity in the women around here. She must be new. “You are right, beauty. I am of the sea.”
Her body tensed almost imperceptibly. She eased back into her seat. One of her slender hands slid under the table. His own instinct told him she was keeping a knife or some other defensive item tucked away.
Without further hesitation, he introduced himself. "I am Captain Jovan Miguel Sandoval Contreras--"
“Commander of the Devil Moon?” she questioned.
Jovan nodded. “Yes, that is my girl. You know of her?”
Her body shifted slightly to a more protective posture. He sensed whatever it was that she carried was now in her hand.
He had no clue but his interest was nearing its peak. This one was a true fighter. How is that even possible?
Her sloe, pale eyes gleamed like pearls when she glanced up at him. He hoped he'd made a good visual impression.
He noted a clear hint of interest in the way she looked at him now.
She continued, “I am being rude. My name is Amanda... Amanda Collier." She extended her free hand. Jovan took it. It was both delicate and strong.
He laughed in utter surprise. “So you are the one that is making my advisor half mad!”
She answered dryly. “Alan Lancer.”
“Yes! He is in fits!” In a sweeping gesture, he removed his hat then added, “It is a pleasure to meet one so talented.” Is this what a man of some breading and stature thinks of as "mildly attractive?" Has he lost his damn mind?
His thumb rubbed the top of her hand before he planted his lips in the same spot. He felt her body ease. Still, her hidden limb had yet to reappear.
He heard the owner of The Crimson Swan stirring behind him.
“Evadez-vous d’elle!” He spilled out words, slathered in his French Accent. “I’m so very, very sorry, Madame! My deepest apologies, I didn’t know the captain was here being a bother to you."
At that moment, Jovan looked deep into her eyes. They were large, startling and pale blue in color, with lashes that cast mysterious shadows. She drew her hand back from his kiss and placed it around her glass.
It was then that something subtle but distinct, gripped his mind.
For an instant, he swayed as if he had drank more than he had. It was the feeling of a wave sweeping him off his balance. A twinge of fear hit him. What the hell? he almost said aloud. He felt disarmed and odd, almost vulnerable.
Everything went still. He heard nothing around himself.
His sudden alarm quieted in him and pleasure arose in its place. He wanted only the quiet he felt coming from behind those eyes of hers. It was as if he had worked in the hottest sun all day and she was a lake of cool, soothing calm. Locked with her gaze, he was sure that the cause of this originated from within her. He felt afloat. He realized to his utter amazement, he had fallen into some part of her mind. There was no doubt in him. There was no more panic. He felt he could have pulled away but this thing, this...being inside her, thrilled him in ways he could not have imagined. A powerful need to go even deeper into her swept him. He wanted it just like he desired the contented comfort of swimming in mountain pools of crystalline water.
Her slender brows raised as her pupils opened wide. She had the look of surprise with the innocence of a child. He felt a sudden blast of excitement and confusion from her. The feelings raced through him in delicious ways. Her bow lips parted shaping a near perfect "O" as her hidden hand returned to the table. She'd felt the sudden mystical thing that passed between them. It had been only seconds.
Surprise came again as he sensed her push him out of her mind.
"No." The word was clear to him but not spoken. He felt her ease him away and back into his body as if not to shock him further. He was inside himself again.
For a few moments, he was speechless.
Armand was still gushing apologies. Jovan raised his hand in a quick silencing gesture. His voice felt distant and strange. He said, without looking at him, “Armand, you have never gotten on my bad side. Don’t do it now. No eres suficientemente hombre para recibir la paliza que te daría esta noche. You are not man enough to take the beating I would give you tonight.” Armand’s effeminate voice grew low and dark. He answered Jovan without a waver in his tone. “Captain, I will not have to beat you. I have hulking monsters I pay very well to throw you the fuck out of here, if I must. Don’t make me call them. Leave the Lady be!"
“Sir... Armand... he is no bother to me.” Amanda said in a hushed tone.
In an instant, Armand stopped his threats. "My apologies, Madame. Can... can I interest you in a special plate?"
“Aye...” she said in a more sultry voice, not looking away from Contreras.
She added, “Would you join me for dinner, Captain? Armand always prepares something unique for special occasions.”
For a moment, every nerve in Jovan’s body sparked. He bowed his head. It was almost hard for him to talk to her now. He so wanted that sensation to return and sweep him away.
He found his voice. “If... you wish. My business dealing for this night is done. It would be an honor. Won’t... your companion mind?”
“Companion?”
“Yes... A fine woman like you must be here with someone. Please, find no offense in how I say this but ... any ass that should bring you to such a hovel and not make it his business to guard you at every moment is beyond my comprehension.” He took the seat opposite hers, placing his hat beside him. He made sure he kept both of his hands on the table for her to see.
She lowered her head but not her eyes. They were almost unblinking. Now, a touch of humor softened them. Her lashes were dark and very long. She laughed a little, “I am here of my own accord, Captain. No one will be meeting me, except my driver at a later time.”
He opened his mouth, stunned.
She must be joking! She maybe able to fight but this is Port Royal! Some drunken group of bastards would devour her like ripe fruit and leave her for dead in a darken corner! Someone must be here protecting such a marvelous creature!
He started to speak, but she raised a hand.
With a soft smile she began again, “We inventors are a curious lot. We must be both adventurous and cautious in our work. I am that way in my life. I go where I choose to go, with or without a male beside me, yet I have my own protective systems in place.”
Jovan smirked. “Funny, you say that about inventors. My man has become a recluse. He doesn’t go on adventures the same way you seem to suggest is a quality of your kind.”
She nodded. “Alan Lancer is one of many men who doesn’t know when enough is enough. He is a thorn in my side, sir.“
