Ghost Walk

Chapter Seventeen

June 28, 1789- I find that I quite enjoy being watched in the throes of passion. It’s why I don’t cover up that peephole. There is a voyeuristic pleasure in having another know you’re being well-pleased by a man.

From the Journal of Miss Lucinda Wentworth

“The fireworks go off in an hour.” Grace looked around the town square, frowning at the crowd of people who’d already gathered. “We know that Clara vanishes sometime around then. We have to find Gregory Maxwell quickly and get his thumbprint for comparison.” Unfortunately, she didn’t see him anywhere.

“Never thought I’d ever be trying to find Gregory Maxwell.” Jamie mused with the lazy unconcern of a man who didn’t know he was scheduled to hang in a few hours.

Grace still didn’t see the point in telling Jamie that this was the day he died, but she couldn’t get it out of her head. Sometime before midnight, Jamie would be lynched, unless she could figure out a way to save him. She took a deep breath and glanced up at his stunning profile. “Maybe we should split up, so we can find him faster.”

“Not bloody likely.” He shook his head with a dismissive scoff. The setting sun reflected off his hair, turning it an even more amazing shade of auburn-gold. “If you’re right and a murderer is about to strike, you’re staying right where I can see you.”

“This is important , Jamie. You have no idea what’s at stake. ”

“Nothing is more important than your life.” He retorted stubbornly. “Gregory isn’t here, yet. When he is here, I’ll hold him down and you can cut off his whole hand if you like. Satisfied?”

She debated arguing with him, but Jamie didn’t look like he was going to budge and she didn’t have time to make him. “Fine. Let’s find someplace out of sight to keep watch until then. I don’t love the idea of being tried as a witch again today.”

They headed up a small hill, towards a secluded area at the edge of the park. The town munitions were stored there, in an octagonal stone building that was “guarded” by men who’d snuck off to the celebration. If they somehow survived into the twenty-first century, the guys would make wonderful additions to the Harrisonburg Historical Museum’s crack security team.

“Of course, if he doesn’t show up, Plan B is just to kidnap Clara ourselves.” Grace mused. “She can’t be murdered by a serial killer, if we have her tied up on your ship all night. We’ll just grab her and get the hell out of town.”

He chortled, delighted with both the idea and the swearing. “You’ve got a pirate’s soul, Grace Rivera.” He slung an arm around her shoulders. “T’is one of the many reasons I love you.”

It was the first time this version of Jamie had said those words and Grace beamed up at him. “I love you, too.”

“I know.” He winked at her.

She snorted at his Han Solo-y confidence. “You know, huh?”

“Aye. There’s no other explanation for why a lovely woman like you would want a jackass like me.”

“Well, I’m not exactly normal.”

His mouth curved in amusement, love shining from his eyes. “All versions of me are yours, Grace Rivera. Now and forever.”

“I know.” She leaned up to kiss his jawline. “You’re my whole future, Jamie. And I’m going to save you tonight. So, I’m serious about kidnapping Clara. Plan B won’t catch the killer, but we’d at least save her life.” (And Jamie’s.) “If something goes wrong, she has to be our first priority.”

“ You are my first priority. Always.” He frowned a bit. “Wait, how are you saving me tonight? I accept that you’re my savior. I’ve always felt that. But what is going to happen that…?”

Grace winced and cut him off. “Just make sure Clara doesn’t die. Trust me. It would be bad for us.”

The armory was partially surrounded by a brick wall for security. Embrasures in the masonry had been built so guns could be fired from the square openings, but they also provided a clear vantage point of most of the park below.

“Okay.” Grace nodded, pleased with their hiding spot. “Now if we can just continue to avoid the guards who are supposed to be watching the munitions, we can…”

“Son of a bitch! ” Jamie suddenly clutched his head, dropping to one knee like he was in agonizing pain.

The air froze in Grace’s lungs. “Jamie?” She reached out to touch his shoulder, terrified that he was having a seizure. “Jamie, are you alright?” He didn’t look alright. Oh God. What could eighteenth-century medicine do to help him if he was really sick? It was all leeches and gangrene. They’d need magic. She’d go get him magic. “What’s wrong? Do you want me to…?

Her words ended in a squeak as his palm shot out and caught hold of her wrist. One second her fingers were resting on his sleeve, the next her hand was captured in his. Startled, Grace instinctively tried to pull free, but Jamie wasn’t letting go. He held onto her like the world had just tilted on its axis and she was the only thing keeping him steady.

“Fucking hell.” His free hand came up to cover his eyes as if he was trying to unsee something horrible. “They hanged me from that fucking tree. They fucking hanged me. That’s why you’re here.”

He remembered.

Grace’s heart slammed into overdrive. The memory potion had finally worked. This Jamie had caught up with his ghost-self, two hundred years of experiences dumping into his head like a tidal wave. Jesus, no wonder he was freaking out. It must have been like someone setting his brain on fire. She couldn’t even imagine how confusing it would be to have another whole existence downloaded into your skull.

“I know.” She said softly. “But it’s okay. You’re safe, now. I’m here. No one will hurt you this time.”

Her voice seemed to cut through his overwhelmed haze. His hand dropped from his face and he blinked. “Grace.” It was an awed breath. “ Grace .” Blue eyes slashed up to meet hers, wild and hungry, and Grace’s throat went dry. Both Jamies were the same person, with all the same memories. …Which meant this man knew what she looked like totally naked.

And now he could touch her.

She gave her wrist another experimental tug and was perversely turned on when he still didn’t release her. Clearly, she had been spending waaaay too much time around a certain pirate, because there was something undeniably erotic about being captured. Still, it would be best for him if he took a moment and processed all this.

“Jamie, let’s just stop, so you can get your bearings.” She tried breathlessly. “This has all got to be messing with your head.”

His response to that was to rise to his feet and pull her closer. With her body flattened up against his, she could hear the frantic pounding of his heart and feel the hard length of his growing arousal. He made a sound like a caged animal suddenly let loose on a meal.

“Oh God.” Her insides turned to liquid, already wanting more.

Jamie’s free hand came up to tangle in her hair. “Can’t wait.” He got out. “Please, Grace. Can’t wait.” His mouth sealed over hers, kissing her like it was a religious experience. Like he was starving for her. “Love you so much.” Somehow, he managed to pin her arm behind her, ensuring that she was at his mercy while his lips plundered hers.

He needn’t have bothered holding her still. She wasn’t exactly trying to escape.

Grace let out a whimper as he backed her up against the brick wall. Other people could come to the armory. She knew that. She also knew that Jamie was about to explode. Nearly two and a half centuries of not being able to touch anything had just come to a head. Grace had never expected anyone to ever need her as much as he did, right then.

“Grace. Grace.” He was chanting her name, his body rubbing against hers. “I can’t… I need… Oh fuck .” He couldn’t seem to get the words out, his control gone.

Grace knew what he needed to hear. She pulled back to meet his glazed eyes. “Take what you want.” She touched his face with her free hand, trying to calm him. “I’m yours, Jamie. You know that. Take whatever you need.”

He let out a shuddering breath, already lifting her skirts up. “Need you. Just you.”

His fingers grasped the edge of her anachronistic panties, ripping them off of her in his haste. Holy shit . Grace’s body clenched as he tossed the practical cotton underwear aside and exposed her core. She hadn’t expected to be so turned on by the lack of finesse. She’d intended to give Jamie some relief and worry about finding her own pleasure later.

But his primitive need to claim her was amping up her own desire. Jamie wasn’t trying to seduce her. Like a stallion let loose on mare, his only goal was to be inside of her. Now . This was going to be rough and untamed and world changing. She could already tell and it was really, really hot.

He gave a primal snarl of lust, scenting her desire. “ Fuck . I need you so much.”

She could hear other voices on the hill below, getting closer, but there was no way Jamie was going to stop. She didn’t even want him to. He lifted her up, supporting her weight, and tugged her neckline down to expose her breasts. Greedy lips latched on, biting down on the soft globe like he wanted to mark her. Grace’s head went back with a gasp, as she wrapped her legs around his waist and tried to hold on. He jerked her body forward, so she was completely open to him. It was like being caught in a maelstrom of male passion .

“Now, Grace.” He wanted her so badly his hand shook as he opened his breeches. “Please.” Throbbing flesh brushed against her, but he didn’t go any farther. She realized he was worried. He wanted to make sure she was really going to allow this. He braced a palm beside her head, his desperate eyes meeting hers. “Please, my love.”

She smiled and leaned in closer to his ear. “Make me come, Jamie. You’re the only one who can.”

He gave a hoarse groan and surged inside of her so hard that Grace saw stars. There was no halfway with a pirate. He took every inch she had and a few more she hadn’t even known existed. Stretched and full and at his mercy… That was all it took to send her over the edge. God, she really was a pizza-tramp with this guy. Nobody else could bring her to orgasm, at all. Jamie could do it within a matter of seconds. He was sooooo her Partner.

Grace’s cry of passion was quickly silenced by Jamie’s palm. He let go of her wrist so he could seal a hand over her mouth. Jamie didn’t slow his thrusts, but he did make sure she couldn’t scream out her pleasure. Her body rippled around him, trying to milk his seed, but the iron length of him stayed firm.

God, she wanted him to come inside of her. She needed it. Even in the midst of one climax another one began to build.

Jamie felt her muscles tighten on him and he growled in satisfaction. “Mine.” His mouth went back to her breast, lapping at the taunt nipple. “Finally.”

As usual, the possessive words were like dumping kerosene on a fire. Grace tilted her head to dislodge his palm and slipped his finger between her lips instead. Jamie let out a hiss of pleasure as she sucked in time with his thrusts, her tongue tracing over the pad of flesh. She wanted more of him inside of her. She wanted everything.

Jamie’s eyes gleamed. “I am so in love with you, woman.”

Laughter sounded from somewhere nearby .

Grace could see figures moving through the opening in the brick wall. People were only a few hundred feet away now. In another moment, they could stumble upon them. Shit. She automatically tried to squiggle free of the embrace, but Jamie wasn’t having it.

“No.” He said softly, holding her still. “I’m not finished with you, yet. I’ll be making you come again, before you’re going anywhere .”

God, she loved it when he got commanding in bed.

Grace tried to think, but it was impossible with him filling her again and again. Jamie slipped his finger deeper into her mouth, demanding that she resume suckling and she helplessly complied.

He made a low sound of approval, liking her acquiescence. “That’s my good lass.” He tunneled even deeper and Grace’s body clenched. “So hot and wet and tight. Fuck, you’re so tight .” He sounded strained, his free hand moving to squeeze her breast.

Her body arched and she made a choked sound of submission, wanting more. For a woman who’d spent most of her life thinking she was semi-frigid, it was all pretty scandalous. …And pretty frigging awesome.

This was why all the nice girls of the world secretly wanted to be ravished by a pirate.

“I’ve changed my mind. I need you to come twice more.” He decided. “I’m going to make sure your body knows who you belong to. Twice more, Grace. You hear me?”

She shook her head. No way. Not even he could do that.

Right?

“You donea think I can do it?” He guessed. “Why I’m surprised by your lack of faith, love. Haven’t we been working on your positivity? I’m about to claim my second one already. I know you’re ready again.”

She shook her head again, more vigorously this time. Not with people so close by. Was he crazy?

Jamie gave her a smug look and withdrew his wet finger from her lips. “Your poor starved body can’t wait much longer.” He commiserated. “No one’s been treating it right, all these years, so it’s dying for some fun. You’re needing some release. What kind of Partner would I be if I denied you?”

Uh oh… Grace held her breath as he slid his hand down between her legs. “Please.” She whispered, unsure if she was asking him to stop or begging him not to. “Please, Jamie.”

Either way, pleading with a pirate was useless.

The thick weight of his finger pressed into her straining flesh and Grace was lost. His mouth swooped down to cover hers as she sobbed, swallowing her sounds of fulfilment. The other people took another path, away from the armory, and Grace didn’t even notice. Her body shivered in his arms, giving him everything she had.

Jamie watched her with a greedy expression, drinking in every small shudder. “My turn.” He said gruffly. “Can’t hold on much longer.” His face was taunt as he pulled back from her.

Her dazed eyes met Jamie’s, ready to do whatever he asked.

He stared down at Grace’s befuddled face for a beat and let out another groan. “Need you so fucking much .” He gave her an open-mouthed kiss and then spun her around to face the wall. “Donea want you getting distracted again. It’s just you and me.” He bent her forward so her hands were braced on the brick and then nudged her legs farther apart. “You and me, lass.” He lifted her skirt up, his hand running over her exposed backside. “Now and forever.” He slammed into her from behind.

Grace’s eyes went wide in shock and pleasure.

No one had ever taken her that way before. It felt wanton and vulnerable. Her body was so wet, and Jamie’s angle was so devastating, that the entire massive length of him disappeared inside of her. She let out a keening wail, uncaring if anyone heard. She instinctively tried to move, but Jamie was holding her still, his hand on the back of her neck. The territorial feel of it just enflamed her more.

Jamie gave one more small nudge, proving he was completely home, and then he held himself still for a moment. Making sure she could feel how thoroughly he claimed her.

“ Jamie! ” She was panting for breath, desperate for relief. “Oh God . Oh please .” He needed to come inside of her, this time. It was the only thing that would satisfy her.

He leaned over her body, his mouth by her temple. “ I am your Partner, Grace. I am the one you need. I am your husband material. There is no other for you. Just me. Only me .”

She would have agreed if there was any oxygen left in her lungs. There hadn’t been any doubt in her mind who he was, from the first night she’d met him. Jamie was the one she’d been waiting for her whole life.

He eased out of her and then slid allllll the way back in. “Tell me you’re mine.” He ordered, his body covering hers like a dominant animal. One large hand flattened next to hers on the wall, giving himself better leverage. “Tell me you belong to me, because I sure as fuck belong to you.”

“God, you are so good at this it should be illegal.”

“In this century, I’m sure it is.” His teeth grazed her ear. “Tell me, Grace. Tell me what I want to hear and I’ll give you everything you need. You know I will.”

She turned her head to meet his eyes. “I’m yours and you’re mine, James Riordan. Now and forever. You’re the only man who could ever be my husband or my Partner. I need you so much it scares me.”

“God, yes!” His thrusts began again, less measured and more desperate. “You are every good part of me, Grace. Alive or dead, I’ll go back to nothingness if I ever lose you.” Jamie let loose a roar, finally coming deep inside of her. “ Grace! ”

His release triggered her own. Grace’s body spasmed, her mouth opening in a silent scream. The orgasm was stronger than anything she’d ever experienced, wiping every thought from her head. For a timeless moment, all she knew was bliss and Jamie.

Unfortunately, three times in a row was all her system could take. Grace’s legs gave out. She would have toppled forward, but Jamie caught her against him, balancing them both. He settled them on the ground, holding her in his lap, while aftershocks trembled through her body. His lips found the side of her throat, kissing her and making soothing noises as she tried to regain her equilibrium.

After a long moment, Grace turned to blink up at him, swallowing hard.

Jamie winced at her distressed expression, seeming to come back into himself. “Shit. What did I just do?” He gave his head a clearing shake. “ Shit. I’m sorry. Grace, I’m so sorry.” He smoothed her hair back, his eyes tortured. “I was too rough. I took you in ways you weren’t ready for. I know that. I just lost control. I realized I could touch you, and that you really came back here for me, and I had to have you. I didn’t stop to think…”

“I’m not upset about that .” She whispered, cutting him off. “Are you crazy? I was an active participant in every awesome moment of it.”

Jamie frowned in relief and confusion. “Then what has you looking worried?”

She chewed her lower lip. “You’re kind of loud.” She told him as diplomatically as she could. “Somebody probably heard you shouting my name when you came.”

“Oh.” Jamie smirked, not the least bit repentant. “Well, if they did, I guarantee you, they’re nothing but bloody jealous.” He touched her bruised cheek, his face becoming more serious. “You’re sure you’re alright? That wanker Robert didn’t hurt you too badly earlier?”

“No. I’m fine. Thanks to you.” She leaned against Jamie, her head on his shoulder, loving the simple fact that she could touch him. “Thank you for helping me. For staying with me. I know it was hard for you, not being able to just beat him into a sticky, bloody mess.”

“You have no idea how much I hate that man.” Jamie rested his chin on her hair, holding her tight. “But it’s nothing compared to the love I have for you, Grace. I would die for you, all over again. ”

“I’d rather you didn’t . Hence my time traveling adventures.” She moved to kiss him. “Now, I love you, too, but we have to be more quiet. We’re probably wanted by the police. Or the Watch or whatever the law enforcement around here is called. We’re not going to help anyone if we’re locked up in jail.”

“I can be quiet, so long as I’m doing something else with my mouth.” His lips grazed her neck and then started down her body.

“Stop that!” She laughed and scrambled to her feet, adjusting her skirts before he distracted her. “We’re supposed to be looking for Gregory. I’m sure you remember what happens tonight. I’ll give you a hint: It involves you, a rope, and me becoming a widow before I even get a wedding.”

Jamie glanced up at the vanishing sun. Twilight was upon them. “Aye. One hanging this lifetime was plenty.” He glanced at her, smiling as she Velcro-ed her top into place. “You sure you wouldn’t rather just go to Jamaica right now? We could be heading for azure blue waters within the hour, leaving this dreary little town behind us for good.

“Your name would never be cleared, if we did that.”

“Donea much care.”

“You’ll care when armed men come to hunt us down.” She retorted. “Plus, Clara would still be killed. Crazy nut-job or not, we can’t just let that happen. We have to stop this now . All we need to do is find Gregory and check his thumbprint.”

“And if he’s not a match?”

“Then we’re onto Plan B and the whole kidnapping thing. Don’t worry. I brought knock out powder, just in case we have to drug Clara and carry her out of here.”

“I do love the way your mind works, lass.” Jamie bounded to his feet, adjusting his clothes. “When is our wedding, anyway?”

Grace arched a brow. “Maybe when you actually propose.” She teased.

“Miss Rivera, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

She blinked, surprised by the instantaneous and completely civilized proposal. “Just like that? No Captain Hookish threats to make me walk the plank if I refuse? I thought pirates didn’t take chances on their brides slipping away.”

“I donea think I’m taking a chance. Because I donea think my bride is going to refuse. Because I think she’s my Partner, too.”

Grace gave him a slow smile. “I think you’re right.”

Blue eyes glowed with love. “So say ‘yes’ then, lass.”

“Yes.”

He beamed at that simple answer and gave her a smacking kiss. “You are the only Sunday school teacher in all of history abnormal enough to tie herself to a pirate.”

“Well, I’m expecting one heck of an engagement ring, considering you have a buried treasure around here some…” Grace stopped short, her eyes going wide. “There he is!”

Jamie turned to look and made a face when he saw Gregory, who was losing a game of ninepins to a group of ten year olds down the hill. Clearly, the Colonial version of bowling was serious business for the “Hero of Yorktown,” because he was loudly bitching at the kids as they kicked his ass at it.

“Bloody hell. If that moron truly becomes governor, we’re never returning to this state.” Jamie gave his head a disgusted shake and headed towards him. “Wait here while I go get his fingerprints.”

“While you get his fingerprints? I’m the one trained to collect evidence, Jamie.”

“You’re also the one Gregory voted to burn at the stake a few hours back. No one’s planning to lynch me until tonight.” He sounded quite smug about his popularity. “I’m clearly the better choice to get close to the asshole.” He paused. “Also, I have a gun.”

“Which is unloaded.”

“ He doesn’t know that, though. It will be fine.” Jamie glanced at her over his shoulder. “All we need is something he touched, right?”

Grace considered his arguments and gave a reluctant nod. It would take longer to talk Jamie out of doing this than it would to just let him do it in the first place. “Get his beer tankard. There’s gotta be usable prints on there. And don’t just grab it from him. Try to be subtle about it.”

“Pirates donea do ‘subtle,’ love.” He winked at her and loped off, no doubt planning to grab the tankard right out of Gregory’s hand.

Grace rolled her eyes in exasperated affection. If there was ever a man worth giving up twenty-first century life for, it was that irrepressible jackass. Who needed Netflix and iPads, when she had Jamie around to occupy all her attention? Of course, he was also a little bit high-maintenance. If she wasn’t proactive about keeping him out of trouble, God only knew what kind of mess he’d get himself into.

Since it was a lousy idea to let him handle Gregory on his own, she started down the hill after him. They were Partners in this. In everything. There was no way…

“Help!” Eugenia Wentworth came running up, cutting off her thoughts. “Quick! You have to come quickly! I think he’s going to kill Clara Vance!”