The Tides of Loss and Longing (Love from the Deep #1)

Chapter 14

Drake

D rake was growing much too accustomed to these peaceful days with Aurelia. What had begun as a great misfortune now felt more like a blessing in disguise.

Preparing for the night ahead, Drake was eager to see his little mermaid’s reaction to the massive bonfire he built. She had only seen the small flames of a torch, and this would be an entirely new spectacle for her. He ignited the wood with flint and steel, tending the flames until they blazed high and bright against the twilight sky.

He prayed this would work, that Sebastian hadn’t given up on him yet.

In the hidden cave, Drake found Aurelia wrapped in linens and ropes again, sorting through her treasures. When her eyes met him, they immediately softened. “Is your surprise ready yet?” she asked with a playful tilt of her head.

“Not quite. First, we must get you ready, my lady,” he replied with a short bow, amusement dancing in his voice.

Drake moved toward the chest he had opened that first night—an evening that felt like a lifetime ago. Lifting the lid, he rifled through the colorful gowns, his fingers brushing over soft silks and delicate lace until he found what he sought. A light blue dress adorned with lace and tiny pearls. He felt it would complement her coloring perfectly. He held it up to Aurelia with a grin. “Come here, little mermaid.”

Her uncertainty melted into excitement, her eyes lighting up. “You’re going to help me wear human clothes?” she asked eagerly.

“Yes,” Drake murmured. “Now, come.”

Aurelia wrapped the linens tighter around herself and bounded across the cave toward him, her eagerness palpable.

“You will have to drop the linens,” he said.

Aurelia looked down shyly, her cheeks flushed, but gingerly let go, allowing the fabric to pool at her feet. For a moment, Drake stood, unable to tear his eyes away from her. Her long copper locks cascaded over her shoulders, brushing against her small, pert breasts, while the gentle curves of her body beckoned him. His body stirred in response. Cursing under his breath, he forced himself to look away, willing his desire back under control.

“Did I anger you?” Aurelia asked, startled.

Drake shook his head, a reassuring smile forming. “No, you’re just much too tempting.”

“Oh—I see.” Her blush deepened, but a small, pleased smile curved her lips.

Drake cleared his throat to regain her attention. “Now, step into this.”

As she slipped into the gown, Drake pulled the soft silk over her shoulders and carefully laced the back. He had undressed many women in his time, but dressing one? That was new. Still, he managed the laces with ease, making sure not to pull them too tightly. She had never worn clothes before, let alone a corset, and he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable.

When he was finished, the dress was only slightly loose, but it hugged her body perfectly. Stepping back, he admired how the pale blue fabric contrasted against her skin, making her glow.

“Turn for me,” he said.

Aurelia twirled, her eyes alight with joy as she ran her hands down the front of the gown, admiring the dress. “How do I look?” she asked softly.

“Radiant,” he said. Indeed, she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. She beamed, her smile so bright it stole his breath away. “Shall we go, my lady?” he said, offering her his arm.

She giggled and placed her arm in his. Drake led her through the cavern to the back entrance and around the waterfall. The roar of the flames grew louder as they neared the beach, the bright light flickering through the trees. When they stepped out onto the sand, Drake glanced down at Aurelia, eager for her reaction.

She did not disappoint.

Her eyes widened with awe, the flames reflecting in their turquoise depths. “Wow,” she whispered, pressing her hands to her face. “It’s so hot. I can feel it from here!”

Drake smiled, bringing one of her hands to his lips. “Yes, it’s scorching. Get too close, and it'll burn your lovely skin,” he warned, kissing the back of her hand.

Aurelia only nodded, still mesmerized by the blazing bonfire.

“May I have this dance?” he asked softly.

Aurelia tore her gaze from the fire, meeting his eyes in confusion. Without waiting for a response, Drake swept her into his arms. She stumbled slightly before settling into his hold, her uncertain eyes flickering up to meet his. “Wha—what are you doing?” she asked breathlessly.

“Dancing.” He grinned down at her.

“Dancing?”

“In London, we had grand parties, where gentlemen like myself,” he winked at her, “would take beautiful ladies in their arms and twirl them across ballrooms.”

“That sounds wonderful!” Her face lit up with such joy that Drake nearly stopped right there, tempted to abandon the dance and ravage her on the spot.

Under the canopy of stars and to the rhythmic crash of the waves upon the shore, Drake led Aurelia in a slow, graceful dance. The beach glowed with the fire’s flickering light, their shadows swaying on the sand as they moved together, bodies intertwined.

Drake hadn’t danced in a long time, but he found the steps coming back to him with ease. In his old life, he had been a skilled dancer, never lacking partners at high society events. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to imagine what his life might’ve been like had he not been framed for Jonathan’s murder. He would still be in London, surrounded by luxury, spending his days in indulgence and ease.

But he would have been bored out of his mind—drifting aimlessly without purpose.

Despite the tragedy, Drake liked the life he had now. Leading his crew on the open seas, free to do as he pleased, unshackled by society’s constraints—he had found purpose. His gaze shifted down to the beautiful woman in his arms. She fit perfectly against him as if she’d always belonged there. He would never have met her had his life not taken such a drastic turn. With her, he felt a sense of peace he hadn’t known in years, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time, he could think of his brother’s death without drowning in grief.

Here, on this island, he had found something more valuable than treasure. Pirates were known for their ruthless plundering, but tonight, he would take her gently. As gently as he could, at least.