TIDEWATER SEDUCTION

ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
CHAPTER ONE
It coudnt be him, it hou!dn"t be him# but it $%& St'idin( to$%'d he', %c'o the te''%ce $he'e he $% h%)in( b'e%*+%t,
(i)in( e)e', indic%tion he h%d e-.ected to +ind he' the'e&
/o%nn% (!%nced, h%!+ (ui!ti!,, %bout he', $onde'in( e)en then i+ he $% m%*in( % mit%*e& M%,be he h%d een omeone
e!e0ome othe' (uet& But no& She $% b'e%*+%tin( !%te, %nd the hote! co++ee ho. $% %!mot em.t,, mot o+ the othe' (uet %!! too
e%(e' to %c1ui'e th%t %!!0im.o't%nt t%n& She $% the on!, .e'on ittin( in he' co'ne' o+ the te''%ce, he' o!i)e *in % b'o$n no$ % it
$% e)e' (oin( to (et&
Unc!e Ch%'!e, he' +%the'" b'othe', ued to %,, te%in(!,, th%t he $% the ch%n(e!in( in thei' othe'$ie 23 En(!ih +%mi!,&
With he' d%'* *in %nd i!*, b!%c* h%i', he $% nothin( !i*e he' b!onde %nd b'o$n0h%i'ed .%'ent& She h%d to be % th'o$0b%c* to
ome c%nd%!ou !i%ion in the +%mi!," hito',& But unti! he' m%''i%(e to Co!e M%c%!!ite' he h%dn"t +ound it % .'ob!em& O+ cou'e,
th%t m%''i%(e, %nd the much0.ub!ici4ed di)o'ce th%t h%d +o!!o$ed, h%d '%the' h%*en he' con+idence& But, in 'ecent month, he h%d
m%n%(ed to .ut the .%t behind he'& Unti! thi moment, he %c*no$!ed(ed tene!,, e-.e'iencin( %n %!mot o)e'$he!min( u'(e to 'un,
*ic*in( %nd c'e%min(, +'om % con+'ont%tion he h%d ne)e' thou(ht to h%)e to +%ce&
H%..i!,, he ucceeded in cont'o!!in( th%t com.u!ion, ho$e)e', %nd b, the time he to..ed beide he' t%b!e he h%d e)en
cont'i)ed % +%int!, i'onic mi!e& Wh%t the he!!5 She h%d nothin( to be %h%med o+, he %u'ed he'e!+ t%ut!,, c'oin( one !on( !e( o)e'
the othe' in %n unconciou!, de+eni)e (etu'e& She h%d 6ut % much 'i(ht to be he'e % he h%d&
Hi ('eetin( $% c%'ce!, o'i(in%!, %nd he (%ined %u'%nce +'om hi di++idence& "Co!e," he 'etu'ned coo!!,, to,in( $ith
the h%nd!e o+ he' co++ee0cu.& "Ho$ %'e ,ou7"
"8ine&"
And he !oo*ed it, he conceded 'e!uct%nt!,& E)en thou(h he h%d ne)e' been % con)ention%!!, h%ndome m%n, the h%'h
.!%ne %nd %n(!e o+ hi !e%n +e%tu'e .oeed % much mo'e .otent %tt'%ction& A !%tent e-u%!it, '%di%ted +'om e,e % b!ue %
%meth,t, +'in(ed b, ho't thic* !%he, e)e'%! h%de d%'*e' th%n hi h%i'& The'e $e'e 'u((ed ho!!o$ bene%th hi %'chin( chee*0
bone, %nd he *ne$ hi noe h%d been b'o*en in hi ,outh& But hi mouth $% $h%t d'e$ he' (%4e, thin, %nd h%'d, %nd m%cu!ine, ,et
in+inite!, enu%!, %nd (ent!e' th%n $hen he"d !%t een it&
But the i!)e', b!ond h%i' $% the %me, he noticed, chidin( the t'e%che'ou emotion th%t ti!! +ound be%ut, in hi +%ce&
Lon(e' th%n $% +%hion%b!e, it b'uhed the o.en co!!%' o+ hi ch%mb'%, hi't, the +ine t'%nd u.tu'ned %(%int hi nec*& He $% not %
m%n ,ou cou!d e)e' i(no'e, thou(ht /o%nn% une%i!,, thou(h 9od *ne$ he h%d done he' bet to do o +o' the .%t th'ee ,e%'&
"M%, I 6oin ,ou7"
The 1uetion $% une-.ected, %nd +o' % moment /o%nn% *ne$ the mouth0d',in( ene o+ .%nic he h%d e-.e'ienced $hen
he +i't %$ him comin( to$%'d he'& No, he $%nted to %, h%'h!,& No, ,ou c%n"t& I don"t $%nt ,ou to& I don"t $%nt to t%!* to ,ou& I
don"t $%nt ,ou .oi!in( m, %++ection +o' thee i!%nd b, ,ou' .'eence&
But, o+ cou'e, he didn"t %, %n, o+ thoe thin(&
A!thou(h he *ne$ he $% .'ob%b!, bein( inc'edib!, tu.id, he $% +%' too0.o!ite0to beh%)e o chi!dih!,, o ob)iou!,&
SO inte%d, "Wh, not7" he mu'mu'ed, mo)in( he' (!% o+ o'%n(e 6uice %ide, %nd 'e!oc%tin( the coo!in( .ot o+ co++ee& :Be m, (uet&
"Th%n*&"
With the inhe'ent ('%ce th%t h%d %!$%, eemed o unuu%! in % m%n o+ hi i4e, Co!e .u!!ed out one o+ the )in,!0cuhioned
.!%tic ch%i', %nd, tu'nin( it b%c* to the t%b!e, t'%dd!ed it& Hi bon, *nee, c!%d in c'e%m cotton t'oue', b'uhed the ide o+ he' b%'e
thi(h % he .oitioned hime!+, %nd it $% %!! /o%nn% cou!d do not to +!inch %$%, +'om e)en th%t !i(ht cont%ct& But Co!e eemed not to
notiee %n, $ithd'%$%! on he' .%'t, % he d'%.ed hi %'m %!on( the b%c* o+ the ch%i', %nd c%t % c%u%! e,e o)e' the .%!m0h%ded
t'etch o+ %nd on!, % +e$ ,%'d %$%,&
"Be%uti+u!, in"t it7" he obe')ed, %nd /o%nn% dici.!ined he'e!+ to m%*e the ob)iou 'e6oinde'&
"Be%uti+u!," he %('eed, !oo*in( to$%'d the oce%n, c'e%min( on to the c'uhed co'%!, be,ond the co!ou'ed umb'e!!%, %nd
oi!0!ic* bodie& A!thou(h it $%n"t the C%'ibbe%n, the $%te' c'%d!in( the un0'ich i!%nd o+ the B%h%m% $e'e e)e', bit % $%'m %nd
in)itin(, thei' b!ue0('een de.th % m%(net +o' ,%chtmen %nd unde'$%te' e-.!o'e' %!i*e& "I")e %!$%, !o)ed it&"
";e&" Co!e" mouth com.'eed& ";ou' +%mi!, h%)e % )i!!% he'e, don"t the,7"
Hi b'o$, ditinct!, d%'*e' th%n the %h0.%!e ubt!et, o+ hi h%i', d'e$ to(ethe' .ecu!%ti)e!,, but be+o'e he cou!d )oice
the 1uetion hi $o'd h%d .'o)o*ed /o%nn% +o'et%!!ed him&
"Not %n, mo'e," he t%ted $i+t!,, %)oidin( hi en1ui'in( (%4e& "In %n, c%e, it" not im.o't%nt& And I"m u'e it h% nothin(
to do $ith $h, ,ou"'e he'e&"
"No&" Co!e %('eed $ith he'& "But ,ou %'e&"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him& ";ou *ne$ I $% he'e7" "Ob)iou!,&"
"No, not ob)iou!,&" She +e!t he' n%i! di((in( into he' .%!m, %nd dete'mined!, 'e!%-ed he'e!+& "I %umed ,ou mut be
he'e on ho!id%,& Th%t0th%t thi meetin( $% %ccident%!&"
"H%'d!,&" Co!e 'e(%'ded he' di.%ion%te!,& "Th%t $ou!d be 1uite % coincidence, $ou!dn"t it7"
/o%nn% too* % te%d,in( b'e%th& "Then I thin* ,ou"d bette' !e%)e& O' I $i!!&"
She $%nted to (et to he' +eet& She $%nted to $%!* %$%, +'om the t%b!e, %nd .'etend thi h%d ne)e' h%..ened& Pe'h%., i+
he .inched he'e!+ h%'d enou(h, he mi(ht $%*e u.& Oh, $h%t he $ou!d (i)e to +ind out thi $% %!! % d'e%m0o' % ni(htm%'e5
But he h%d 'un %$%, +'om Co!e once be+o'e, %nd he $% d%mned i+ he"d do it %(%in& He cou!dn"t hu't he' no$& Not %n,
mo'e& And he $ou!d 6ut be .!%,in( into hi h%nd, i+ he %!!o$ed him to ee he h%d u.et he'&
So, $ith %dmi'%b!e 'et'%int, he he!.ed he'e!+ to % c'oi%nt, +'om the n%.*in0!ined b%*et in +'ont o+ he', %nd .ic*ed u.
he' *ni+e to butte' it&
Co!e $%tched he'& She $% %$%'e o+ hi (%4e, thou(h he didn"t %c*no$!ed(e it& He h%d %!$%, h%d the %bi!it, to m%*e he'
%$%'e o+ him, e)en $hen he !e%t $%nted it& The'e $% % b'oodin( intenit, to hi %..'%i%! th%t .ie'ced %n, +%c%de o+ indi++e'ence
he mi(ht '%ie %(%int him& E)en no$, butte'in( he' c'oi%nt, $ith h%nd th%t on!, b, % u.'eme e++o't on he' .%'t 'em%ined te%d,,
he cou!d +ee! hi e,e u.on he'& Wh%t $% he thin*in(7 he $onde'ed& Wh%t did he $%nt7 And ho$ h%d he *no$n $he'e he $%7
"P'ic*!,, %'en"t ,ou7" he %id %t !%t, %nd /o%nn% +ou(ht b%c* the %n(', de+ence th%t .'%n( to he' !i.& "I"m0cu'iou," he
%dmitted, .'oud o+ the !%c* o+ %(('eion in he' tone& "Ho$ did ,ou *no$ I $% he'e7"
<
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
"9'%ce to!d me," he 'e.!ied, mentionin( hi %unt" n%me $ithout in+!e-ion& ";ou mut *no$ $e *ee. in touch& And 6ut
bec%ue he" En(!ih, ,ou hou!dn"t %utom%tic%!!, %ume he"!! t%*e ,ou' ide&"
/o%nn% $%!!o$ed h%'d& 9'%ce, he thou(ht ('im!,&
She hou!d h%)e (ueed& B!ood $% thic*e' th%n $%te', %nd the M%c%!!ite'0e)en et'%n(ed one0e)ident!, be!ie)ed th%t
t'on(e' th%n mot&
"Don"t thin* b%d!, o+ he'," Co!e %id no$, % /o%nn% t%'ed do$n %t the c'oi%nt& "She didn"t h%)e % !ot o+ choice& Not in the
ci'cumt%nce&"
But /o%nn% $%n"t !itenin( to him& D%mn 9'%ce, he $% thin*in(, %b%ndonin( the untouched 'o!! in +%)ou' o+ %nothe' cu.
o+ co++ee& She *ne$, bette' th%n %n,one th%t +o' the .%t th'ee ,e%' /o%nn% h%d done he' utmot to +o'(et Co!e, %nd $h%t he h%d done
to he' !i+e& Ho$ cou!d 9'%ce h%)e to!d him he $% he'e, t%*in( the +i't ho!id%, he h%d h%d in t$ent, o!id month o+ h%'d !o(7 Thi
$% u..oed to be he' 'e$%'d to he'e!+ +o' +inihin( %he%d o+ time& The .%intin( +o' the e-hibition $e'e com.!eted& She h%dn"t e)en
b'ou(ht he' m%te'i%! $ith he'& She h%d intended to h%)e % com.!ete b'e%*& And no$&
"Whe'e"0S%mm,0/e%n7" he dem%nded, !oo*in( be,ond him, % i+ e-.ectin( the othe' $om%n to %..e%'& ";ou did m%'',
he', didn"t ,ou7" She +o'ced % moc*in( !i!t into he' )oice, % he %dded, "S%mm,0/e%n M%c%!!ite'5 Oh, ,e, th%t ound o much bette'
th%n /o%nn% M%c%!!ite' e)e' did&"
Co!e" !i. ti(htened& ";ou $on"t (et %n %'(ument +'om me," he 'eto'ted, but he 'e%!ied to he' %m%4ement %nd de!i(ht0th%t,
+o' once, he h%d (ot unde' hi *in& A +%int t'%ce o+ co!ou' '%n u. bene%th hi t%n, %nd the h%nd 'etin( on the ch%i'0b%c* b%!!ed into
+it&
But then, e-e'ciin( the %me *ind o+ cont'o! /o%nn% h%d ued e%'!ie', he e-.e!!ed hi b'e%th& "I didn"t come he'e to t%!*
%bout S%m," he %id t%ut!,, meetin( he' (%4e& "M, +%the'" d,in(&"
/o%nn% (u!.ed& She cou!dn"t he!. it& R,%n M%c%!!ite' h%d %!$%, %..e%'ed in)incib!e to he'& It c%'ce!, eemed c'edib!e
th%t he $% mo't%!, !i*e the 'et o+ them&
E)en o, he h%d ne)e' been %n, +'iend o+ he', %nd he' d%'* b'o$ 'oe $ithout ,m.%th,& "I th%t u..oed to me%n
omethin( to me7"
Co!e 'e(%'ded he' ('im!,& "He $%nt to ee ,ou&"
"To ee me7" /o%nn%" )oice c%me out e)e'%! de('ee hi(he' th%n no'm%!, but Co!e on!, nodded& "Th%t" $h%t I %id&"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& ";ou c%n"t be e'iou&" "Wh, not7"
"Wh, not7" She m%de % ound o+ dibe!ie+& "Wh, he doen"t e)en !i*e me5"
Co!e" e,e d'o..ed& "M%,be he doe," he %id, .ic*in( u. the .oon th%t $% !,in( beide the unued .!%ce ettin( in +'ont
o+ him& "M%,be he doen"t&" He .un the .oon bet$een hi +in(e'& "In %n, c%e, he %, he $%nt to ee ,ou, %nd th%t" %!! the'e i to
it&"
";ou $ih5" /o%nn% t%'ed %t him inc'edu!ou!,& "I+ ,ou thin* I"m (oin( to (i)e u. m, ho!id%, to (o %nd ee %n o!d m%n $ho
ne)e' e)en (%)e me the time o+ d%,, i+ he cou!d he!. it, ,ou"'e )e', much mit%*en5"
Co!e !oo*ed u., %nd the b!ue e,e $e'e % co!d % tee! bet$een n%''o$ed !id& "A'e ,ou 'e%!!, th%t h%'d7" he %*ed, hi !i.
cu'!in( contem.tuou!,& "9od, M% %id ,ou $ou!dn"t come, but I didn"t be!ie)e he'&"
"Be!ie)e it," %id /o%nn% +!%t!,, .'ein( he' h%nd do$n on the t%b!e %nd (ettin( to he' +eet& "I $ih I cou!d %, it" been %
.!e%u'e, Co!e, but !,in( $% ne)e' m, t'on( .oint5"
"Li*e he!!5"
Co!e h%d *ic*ed the ch%i' out +'om unde' him, %nd $% u. on hi +eet to con+'ont he', be+o'e he cou!d m%*e (ood he'
ec%.e& And, e)en thou(h he tood % (ood +i)e +eet nine inche in he' %n*!e boot, he $% no m%tch +o' hi i- +eet .!u& Add to th%t
b'o%d hou!de', % +!%t tom%ch, %nd !on( mucu!%' !e(, %nd he cou!d ee no me%n o+ 'et'e%t& Sho't o+ c%uin( % cene, o+ cou'e,
%nd /o%nn% didn"t $%nt to do th%t, $hen thi $% on!, the econd mo'nin( o+ he' ho!id%,&
"In"t thi '%the' 'idicu!ou, Co!e7" he %*ed, !oo*in( u. %t him '%the' tene!,& "Wh%t do ,ou ho.e to %chie)e7 ;ou c%n"t
+o'ce me to (o $ith ,ou&"
"C%n"t I"
Co!e" 'e.one $% .'edict%b!e enou(h, but it !%c*ed con)iction, %nd /o%nn% 'e%!ied th%t, +o' %!! hi be! !i(e'ence, he $%
unu'e o+ hi ('ound& It (%)e he' % +ee!in( o+ t'ium.h 6ut $%tchin( him0% 'i..!in( en%tion o+ .!e%u'e he h%dn"t +e!t be+o'e&
"I thin* ,ou"d bette' (et out o+ m, $%,," he %id, not %+'%id to meet hi (%4e& "Wh%t c%n ,ou do to me0th%t ,ou h%)en"t
%!'e%d, done7"
"Son o+ %0"
Co!e bit o++ the e-.!eti)e, but not be+o'e /o%nn% h%d (!im.ed the '%$ +'ut'%tion in hi e,e& It $% the +i't time he e)e'
'emembe'ed him bein( %t % !o +o' $o'd, %nd the'e $% % t%nt%!i4in( en6o,ment in $%tchin( him 1ui'm&
"So, i+ ,ou"!! e-cue me0"
B'uhin( hi chet $ith 6ut the ti. o+ he' +in(e', /o%nn% ed(ed %'ound him0%nd he !et he'& It $% '%the' !i*e b%itin( %
ti(e', he thou(ht, the +!utte'in( e-citement in he' th'o%t th'e%tenin( to cho*e he'& It $% o into-ic%tin( th%t he +e!t 1uite hi(h, %nd
he cou!d h%'d!, cont%in he'e!+ % he de!ibe'%te!, %unte'ed %c'o the te''%ce %nd into the hote!&
She *ne$ hi e,e +o!!o$ed he'& She cou!d +ee! them, bo'in( into he' b%c*, % he $%,ed .'o)oc%ti)e!, bet$een the
t%b!e& And he $% (!%d he $ou!d ee nothin( to bet'%, the emotion%! t'%um% he h%d once $'ou(ht in he' !i+e& He' +i(u'e $% % !im
no$ % it h%d e)e' been, due % much to h%'d $o'* % c%'e+u! dietin(& He' !e( $e'e !on(, %nd ho$n to ome %d)%nt%(e in the +'%,ed
Be'mud% he $% $e%'in( $ith % buttoned )et& E)en he' h%i' h%d the hin, .%tin% o+ (ood he%!th, !on(e' no$ th%n he ued to $e%'
it, %nd c%u(ht %t he' n%.e in % i!)e' b%''ette&
O+ cou'e, he c%me do$n to e%'th %(%in % 1uic*!, % he h%d (one u.& A oon % he $% inide the (!% c'een, $hich
h%d been +o!ded b%c* to %!!o$ +'ee %cce bet$een the indoo' %nd outdoo' ection o+ the 'et%u'%nt, the ene o+ e-hi!%'%tion he h%d
+e!t $hi!e he $% $ith Co!e 1uic*!, %b%ted& Beide, once the dei'e to th$%'t hi .!%n h%d been %ccom.!ihed, he $% t'oub!ed b,
%n %nno,in( t$in(e o+ concience& Wh%te)e' Co!e thou(ht, he $% not % h%'d % he im%(ined& And, %!thou(h it $% t'ue th%t R,%n
M%c%!!ite' h%d ne)e' %cce.ted he' % Co!e" $i+e, he $% %n o!d m%n, %nd d,in(, i+ Co!e $% to be be!ie)ed&
She .%ued in the !obb, o+ the hote!, not u'e no$ o+ $h%t he $%nted to do& She h%d been intendin( to (et % boo* +'om he'
'oom %nd .end the mo'nin( ittin( in the un, but he' con+'ont%tion $ith he' e-0hub%nd h%d !e+t he' ditu'bed %nd 'et!e&
She needed he' $imuit %n,$%,, o, +o'cin( thou(ht o+ Co!e %ide, he too* the !i+t u. to he' 'oom& She $% on the +ou'th
+!oo', 6ut one be!o$ the .enthoue uite& She h%d % !%'(e 'oom th%t $% .%'t0ittin(0'oom, .%'t bed'oom, $ith % $ide b%!con,
=
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
o)e'!oo*in( the At!%ntic& A!! the 'oom h%d b%!conie, but the, $e'e m%de .'i)%te b, the o!id $%!! th%t di)ided them&
A he t'i..ed o++ he' )et %nd ho't %nd .ut on % c%'!et m%i!!ot, /o%nn% cou!dn"t he!. $onde'in( $he'e Co!e $%
t%,in(& She (ueed he mut h%)e +!o$n do$n +'om Ch%'!eton ,ete'd%, e)enin(, %nd it $% in+inite!, .oib!e th%t he $% t%,in(
%t thi hote!& But he h%d .'ob%b!, 6ut boo*ed in +o' one ni(ht& He h%d no doubt e-.ected to .e'u%de he' to +!, b%c* $ith him !%te'
tod%,&
She i(hed, 'e(%'din( he' 'e+!ection in the !on( c!oet mi''o', $ithout 'e%!!, noticin( ho$ $e!! the t'%.!e $imuit
!oo*ed& Pe'h%. he hou!d 6ut un b%the on he' b%!con, thi mo'nin(, he $% thin*in(& She didn"t thin* Co!e $ou!d *no$ he' %ctu%!
'oom numbe', %nd e)en i+ he did he $% un!i*e!, to come !oo*in( +o' he'&
Then he +'o$ned& No, he to!d he'e!+ +i'm!,& She $% not (oin( to 'un %$%, +'om thi& She h%d .'o)ed he cou!d
ch%!!en(e Co!e %nd (et %$%, $ith it& Wh, hou!dn"t he do o %(%in, i+ it $% nece%',7 It didn"t m%tte' $h%t he %id, o' $h%t he
thou(ht o+ he'& She $% % +'ee $om%n& She cou!d do $h%t he !i*ed&
In %n, c%e, he %dded, in % !e th%n '%dic%! %+te'thou(ht, Co!e $% un!i*e!, to h%n( %'ound, once he 'e%!ied he me%nt
$h%t he %id& It $% e%'!, M%,, %+te' %!!& A bu, time o+ the ,e%' +o' him& And i+ hi +%the' $% e'iou!, i!!0
But /o%nn% 'e+ued to thin* %bout it& She $ou!d not %!!o$ he'e!+ to +ee! (ui!t, %bout % m%n $ho h%d %!$%, h%ted he', %nd
he' be!ie+& De%' 9od, he h%d e)en det'o,ed hi o$n on in hi e++o't to (et $h%t he $%nted5
The .hone '%n( % he $% .u!!in( %n outi4e T0hi't o)e' he' he%d& The b%((, cotton (%'ment b%'e!, *immed he' thi(h,
but it hou!de' $ou!d *ee. he' coo! i+ the un (ot too hot& It e')ed the du%! .u'.oe o+ co)e'in( he' $imuit %nd .'o)idin(
.'otection, %nd he !i*ed it bette' th%n ome cutom0m%de 6%c*et&
When the .hone '%n(, he h%ti!, 6%mmed he' %'m into the !ee)e, %nd tu((ed it do$n %'ound he'& Then, h%!+$%, to
%n$e' the c%!!, he h%!ted& Wh%t i+ it $% Co!e7 She $% not u'e he $% 'e%d, ,et +o' %nothe' %!te'c%tion& She needed time to bui!d
he' de+ence& She $%n"t u'e he $% % immune to hi cenu'e % he thou(ht&
But the 'e%!i%tion th%t it $% mo'e !i*e!, to be he' mothe', c%!!in( to m%*e u'e e)e',thin( $% O>, +o'ced he' to thin*
%(%in& Neithe' o+ he' .%'ent h%d been .%'ticu!%'!, *een on he' t%*in( thi ho!id%, %!one, not to mention t'%)e!in( o +%' +'om he' home
in London& In .ite o+ he' %bo'ti)e m%''i%(e to Co!e0o' .e'h%. bec%ue o+ it0the, h%d become inc'e%in(!, .'otecti)e, %nd, %!thou(h
he h%d .honed them on he' %''i)%! t$o d%, %(o, the, .'ob%b!, $%nted %n u.d%te on he' mo)ement&
E)en o, the'e $% % de+inite ed(e to he' tone % he .ic*ed u. the 'ecei)e', %nd the $om%n" )oice th%t ('eeted he'
'e)e%!ed % imi!%' tenion&
:/o7 /o, d%'!in(, i th%t ,ou7 Oh, 9od, ,ou ound o c!e%'& A'e ,ou 'e%!!, thou%nd o+ mi!e %$%,7"
/o%nn%" 'e!ie+ $% %!mot .%!.%b!e, %nd, 'unnin( he' ton(ue o)e' he' d', !i., he moothed one d%m. .%!m do$n the
e%m o+ he' T0hi't& But $ith the 'e!ie+ c%me % *ind!in( o+ 'eentment to$%'d he' c%!!e', %nd he' )oice $% on!, !i(ht!, $%'me' %
he %n$e'ed, ";e& ;e, 9'%ce, it" me& A ittin( duc*, % ,ou e-.ected&"
"Oh, /o5" 9'%ce ounded %n-iou no$& "I *no$ $h%t ,ou mut be thin*in(, but t', to unde't%nd m, .oition& R,%n i m,
b'othe'0in0!%$, %+te' %!!& When0$hen Co!e %*ed $he'e ,ou $e'e, I h%d to te!! him&"
/o%nn% %bo'bed thi in i!ence& A!thou(h he ti!! 'eented the +%ct th%t 9'%ce h%d bet'%,ed he' $he'e%bout, $ithout e)en
c!e%'in( it $ith he' +i't, he $%n"t unmind+u! o+ 9'%ce" +%mi!, 'e.onibi!itie& Oh, it $% e%, enou(h to
dimi them b, 'emindin( he'e!+ th%t 9'%ce" m%''i%(e to R,%n M%c%!!ite'" b'othe' h%d been no mo'e ucce+u! th%n
he' o$n, but the t'uth $% 9'%ce $% mo'e de.endent on the M%c%!!ite' th%n he $%& 9'%ce %nd Lu*e M%c%!!ite' h%d t$o on,
E)%n %nd Lu*e /unio'& I+ he $%nted to continue eein( he' on on % 'e(u!%' b%i, he cou!dn"t %++o'd to o++end the m%n $ho cou!d
den, he' th%t .'i)i!e(e&
"/o7 /o, %'e ,ou ti!! the'e7"
9'%ce" $o''ied tone b'ou(ht /o%nn%" %ttention b%c* to the .hone& It $% he' o$n +%u!t 'e%!!,, he thou(ht& A oon % he'
m%''i%(e to Co!e b'o*e u., he hou!d h%)e +ound he'e!+ %nothe' %(ent& But he h%d *no$n 9'%ce +o' %!mot ten ,e%'& 9'%ce h%d
'eco(nied he' t%!ent !on( be+o'e the $%te'0co!ou' he .'oduced bec%me .o.u!%'& He%)en, it $% th'ou(h 9'%ce th%t he h%d met
Co!e0thou(h the )i'tue o+ th%t .%'ticu!%' int'oduction h%d !on( ince been deb%ed& Ne)e'the!e, he $% +ond o+ 9'%ce, he o$ed
he' % !ot, %nd it $%n"t +%i' to e-.ect he' to 6eo.%'di4e he' 'e!%tionhi. $ith he' o$n +!eh %nd b!ood&
";e, I"m ti!! he'e, 9'%ce," /o%nn% %n$e'ed no$, e-.e!!in( he' b'e%th on % !on( i(h& "O>, I +o'(i)e ,ou& I u..oe ,ou
didn"t h%)e % !ot o+ choice& But, d%mmit, ,ou hou!d h%)e $%'ned me5 I cou!dn"t be!ie)e it $hen < %$ Co!e %c'o the te''%ce&"
9'%ce m%de % ound o+ u'.'ie& ";ou")e een Co!e7" /o%nn% +'o$ned& "O+ cou'e&" She .%ued& "Wh%t did ,ou e-.ect7"
"Oh0I don"t *no$&" 9'%ce ounded doubt+u!& "When he .honed, I (ot the im.'eion he didn"t $%nt to !e%)e Tide$%te' %t thi
.%'ticu!%' time&"
/o%nn% h'u((ed& "We!!, he mut h%)e ch%n(ed hi mind&"
9'%ce heit%ted& "And %'e ,ou (oin( b%c* $ith him7"
"No&"
"No7" 9'%ce ounded dim%,ed& "But /o, R,%n" d,in(5"
"So7" /o%nn% 'e+ued to %!!o$ the othe' $om%n to in+!uence he'&
"He h% c%nce'," 9'%ce .e'ited& "Acco'din( to Co!e, the docto' (i)e him % +e$ $ee* %t mot& /o, he i Co!e" +%the'& C%n"t
,ou +ind it in ,ou' he%'t to +ee! ome com.%ion7 I *no$ ,ou %nd he h%)e h%d ,ou' di++e'ence, but0"
"Di++e'ence5" /o%nn% %!mot .%t the $o'd& "9'%ce, th%t m%n %nd I did not h%)e di++e'ence5 We $e'e tot%!!, o..oed to one
%nothe' in e)e', $%,& R,%n M%c%!!ite' doen"t dee')e %n,one" com.%ion& He" % t$ited, e)i! m%n5"
9'%ce i(hed& ";ou 'e%!!, h%te him, don"t ,ou7"
"Wou!dn"t ,ou7 Don"t ,ou7"
"Not h%te, no&" 9'%ce $% tent%ti)e& "Oh, I *no$ $h%t ,ou"'e (oin( to %,& I+ R,%n h%dn"t m%de uch % bi( thin( o+ m,
$%ntin( ome inde.endence, Lu*e $ou!d ne)e' h%)e +ound the (ut, t'en(th0c%!! it $h%t ,ou $i!!0to m%*e th%t u!tim%tum& But /o, it
$% Lu*e $ho m%de me chooe bet$een t%,in( %t Tide$%te', %nd )e(et%tin(, o' m%*in( % !i+e +o' m,e!+& R,%n mi(ht h%)e +%hioned
the bu!!et, m, de%', but Lu*e +i'ed them&"
";e, but0"
"He%' me out, /o& I $%nt ,ou to *no$ I h%)en"t 'e('etted $h%t I did& Not 'e%!!,& Oh, I mi the bo,, o+ cou'e, but it" not %
i+ the, $e'e b%bie $hen I !e+t& And I")e h%d % (ood !i+e he'e& Runnin( the (%!!e',, becomin( R%," .%'tne'& He %nd I h%)e mo'e in
common th%n Lu*e %nd I e)e' did& Lu*e $% di++e'ent& He $% e-citin(& And I don"t den, th%t R%, %nd I0$e!!, $e don"t h%)e the %me
*ind o+ 'e!%tionhi.& Ou' i mo'e0inte!!ectu%!, i+ ,ou *no$ $h%t I me%n& But I"m not bitte'& I h%)e e)e',thin( I need& I c%n %++o'd to
?
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
+ee! .it,&"
"We!!, I c%n"t&"
/o%nn% .'eed he' !i. to(ethe', %nd 9'%ce b'e%thed dee.!,& "No," he conceded, %+te' % moment& "No, I ee th%t& I u..oe
I"d +o'(otten ho$ much ,ou !o)e Co!e00"
"Lo)ed5" /o%nn% %mended h%'h!,& ";ou"d +o'(otten ho$ much I !o)ed Co!e& Not %n, mo'e& Th%t !o)e died $hen the, *i!!ed
N%th%n& O' did ,ou +o'(et %bout him, too7"
The'e $% i!ence +o' % $hi!e, %nd $hen 9'%ce .o*e %(%in the'e $% 'e('et in he' )oice& "No," he %id o+t!,& "No, o+
cou'e I h%)en"t +o'(otten N%th%n& I"m o'',, /o& N%tu'%!!, ,ou mut do $h%t ,ou thin* bet&"
Con)e'e!,, /o%nn% +e!t (ui!t, no$& Oh, not %bout R,%n M%c%!!ite', he cono!ed he'e!+, but .e'h%. he h%d been h%'d on
9'%ce&
"It doen"t m%tte'," he %id, +o'cin( he' mind on to othe' thin(& "Um0ho$ %'e the %''%n(ement +o' the e-hibition (oin(7 Do
,ou thin* it" (oin( to %tt'%ct enou(h inte'et7"
"A'e ,ou *iddin(7" 9'%ce 'e.onded e%(e'!,, e)ident!, % %n-iou % /o%nn% to tu'n thei' con)e'%tion on to % buine
+ootin(& "I")e %!'e%d, h%d %cce.t%nce to the o.enin( +'om %!! the mot im.o't%nt c'itic %nd e)en Ho$%'d /ennin( h% %('eed to m%*e
%n %..e%'%nce&"
"Oh, (ood&"
/o%nn% t'ied to ummon ome enthui%m +o' the ne$ th%t the edito' %nd .'eente' o+ % month!, te!e)iion %'t .'o('%mme
$% %..%'ent!, inte'eted enou(h to %ttend, but omeho$ the im.o't%nce o+ the e-hibition h%d been b!u''ed& In .ite o+ %!! he h%d
%id, the im%(e o+ Co!e" +%the', ic* %nd d,in( o+ th%t mot .e'niciou o+ die%e, $ou!d not (o %$%,, %nd he $% ino'din%te!,
('%te+u! $hen 9'%ce %id he $ou!d h%)e to (o, %nd '%n( o++&
But, i+ he h%d ho.ed th%t b, e)e'in( the connection $ith 9'%ce he cou!d e)e' %!! thou(ht o+ the M%c%!!ite', he $%
mit%*en& Memo'ie o+ Co!e, %nd hi +%the', %nd Tide$%te' 6ut *e.t on comin( b%c*, %nd it $% $ith %n %n(', ene o+ 'eentment
th%t he n%tched u. the b%( cont%inin( he' boo*, un0c'een, %nd d%'* (!%e, %nd !e+t the 'oom&
CHAPTER TWO
The un $% oothin(& It $% h%'d to thin* o+ %n,thin( $ith it '%, be%tin( %(%int he' c!oed e,e!id, %nd b'in(in( % +i!m
o+ .e'.i'%tion to he' u.ine bod,& It $% hot beide the .oo!, hotte' th%n on the be%ch, $he'e the'e $% %t !e%t % b'ee4e o++ the $%te'
to tem.e' the humidit,& But /o%nn% $e!comed the numbin( e++ect o+ the he%t, %nd the mind!e !eth%'(, it en(ende'ed&
He' h%nd uncu'!ed %(%int the c'e%m to$e! he h%d .'e%d o)e' the !%tted un0bed, %nd he %'ched one !e( in %n
un*no$in(!, .'o)oc%ti)e .oe& Oh, ,e, he decided contented!,, thi $% de+inite!, the !i+e5 She 'e+ued to thin* %bout %n,thin(,
e-ce.t $h%t he $% (oin( to h%)e +o' !unch&
She h%d choen % ch%i' in % ec!uded co'ne' o+ the .oo! dec*& It $%n"t th%t he $% unoci%b!e& It $% 6ut th%t he h%d no
$ih to %..e%' in need o+ com.%n,& She *ne$ .e'+ect!, $e!! th%t % $om%n %!one o+ten %tt'%cted un$e!come %ttention +'om the
o..oite e-, %nd indu!(in( in %n, *ind o+ ho!id%, +!i't%tion $% not $h%t he h%d come he'e +o'& At home, he did %cce.t %n oc0
c%ion%! in)it%tion to dinne', o' the the%t'e, but th%t $% di++e'ent& On the $ho!e, he' eco't *ne$ th%t he $% not inte'eted in %n,
e'iou commitment, %nd i+ %n, o+ them ho$ed the, $ou!d .'e+e' % mo'e intim%te 'e!%tionhi. the, $e'e 1uic*!, dic%'ded& She !i*ed
men, but %t % dit%nce& She $% .o!ite, %nd +'iend!,, but nothin( mo'e& She h%d been hu't b%d!, once, %nd he h%d no intention o+
'e.e%tin( the e-.e'ience&
Cone1uent!,, he $% not % !itt!e i''it%ted $hen omeone c%me to occu., the ch%i' ne-t to he'& Th'ou(h h%!+0c!oed !id,
he (!im.ed the cu++ o+ d%'* b!ue $immin(0ho't, %nd b'o$n, mucu!%' !e( th%t cu')ed bene%th the cu++ into ti(ht m%cu!ine
buttoc*&
D%mn, he thou(ht, c!oin( he' e,e %(%in, %nd .'etendin( he $% un%$%'e o+ him& The'e $e'e %t !e%t +i+t, othe' un0bed
et %t di++e'ent %n(!e %'ound the .oo!& And u'e!, %mon( them $e'e othe' in(!e $omen, $ho $ou!d be +!%tte'ed to 'ecei)e hi
%ttention& Wh, cou!dn"t he h%)e choen one o+ them7 She $%nted to 'e!%-, not .end he' time +endin( o++ .%e&
The educti)e t'o*e o+ % coo! +in(e' %!on( he' %'m b'ou(ht he' e,e o.en $ith % t%'t& The !i(ht, eniti)e touch $%
un$i!!in(!, enu%!, but he $% too %n(', to %dmit it e++ect& Wh%t chee*5 he thou(ht +u'iou!,, .uhin( he'e!+ u.& W% it too much
to e-.ect th%t he hou!d be !e+t %!one7
/e'*in( do$n he' un(!%e, $hich he h%d been $e%'in( % % *ind o+ u''o(%te he%d0b%nd, he tu'ned he' incened (%4e
on the m%n beide he'& And then he' 6%$ %((ed dibe!ie)in(!,& It $%n"t ome .oo!0ide Romeo $ho $% 'etin( on the ch%i' beide
he'& It $% Co!e5
"Hi," he %id non0committ%!!,& "I"m .!e%ed to ee ,ou don"t encou'%(e bo%'de'&"
/o%nn%" %n(e' +!ounde'ed& "Wh%t %'e ,ou doin( he'e, Co!e7" he e-c!%imed& "I thou(ht ,ou"d be on the ne-t +!i(ht b%c* to
South C%'o!in%&"
"Hmm& I (ue ,ou did&" Co!e t'etched hi !on( !e( com+o't%b!,, %nd !%ced hi h%nd bene%th hi he%d& "We!!, % ,ou c%n
ee, I"m ti!! he'e&"
"I $on"t ch%n(e m, mind, ,ou *no$&"
/o%nn%" 'e.one $% h%!+ .ee)ih, %nd he $ihed he h%dn"t +e!t the need to de+end he'e!+, $hen Co!e me'e!, hi+ted to
% mo'e 'et+u! .oition&
"I h%)en"t %*ed ,ou to, h%)e I7 :he counte'ed, !oo*in( u. %t he' th'ou(h the un0b!e%ched ti. o+ hi !%he& "Re!%-, /o& It"
much too hot to +ue! %!! th%t %d'en%!in&" /o%nn% .'eed he' !i. to(ethe' mutinou!,, t',in( to 'e(%in he' com.ou'e& No$ th%t he $%
%u'ed th%t no one $% t',in( to .'o.oition he', he ou(ht to be %b!e to 'e*ind!e he' ene o+ $e!!0bein(&
But, o+ cou'e, he cou!dn"t& A!thou(h he dete'mined!, !%, do$n %(%in, the +ee!in( o+ t'%n1ui!it, h%d !e+t he'& She +e!t on
ed(e, %nd %(it%ted, %nd +%' too %$%'e o+ the m%n on the un0bed beide he'&
Hi %'m $% on!, inche +'om he', he obe')ed co)e't!,, t%ut!, muc!ed, %nd di.!%,in( the tin, t%ttoo o+ % )enomou
buhm%te', $hich he h%d h%d etched $hen he $% 6ut % bo,, %nd +o' $hich, he h%d to!d he', hi +%the' h%d ound!, be%ten him& The
muc!e +!e-ed, % he $%tched it, ti(htenin( %nd h%'denin(, be+o'e 'e!%-in( once %(%in& The *in th%t co)e'ed the 'et o+ hi %'m $%
b'o$n %nd mooth %nd +!%$!e, %!mot h%i'!e, %nd !i(ht!, heen $ith $e%t&
Without %n, )o!ition on he' .%'t, he' bod, 'e.onded to the enu%! %..e%! o+ hi& The i(ht o+ hi b%'e chet, $ith it +!%t
ni..!e, %nd !i(ht dutin( o+ h%i', ditu'bed he'& She +ound he' e,e +o!!o$in( the .'o)oc%ti)e %''o$in( o+ h%i' th%t di%..e%'ed
bene%th the e!%tic%ted $%itb%nd o+ hi ho't& Hi 'et!e mo)ement h%d inched the $%itb%nd o+ the ho't do$n be!o$ hi n%)e!,
%nd hi .e!)i m%de % c'%d!e o+ hi e-&
@
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
9od5 She to'e he' e,e %$%,, %nd t%'ed b!ind!, %c'o the .oo!& Wh%t $% the m%tte' $ith he'7 he chided, % he' h%nd
coi!ed into ti(ht +it& It $%n"t % i+ Co!e" n%*ed bod, $% %n, no)e!t, to he'& She h%d !i)ed $ith him +o' mo'e th%n t$o ,e%', +o'
he%)en" %*e5 She h%d een him in e)e', .oe %nd %ttitude, in e)e', t%te o+ und'e& He h%d % be%uti+u! !e%n bod,0% .e'+ect .ecimen
o+ Ame'ic%n m%nhood& It $% % .it, the content didn"t !i)e u. to the $'%..in(5
"Do ,ou $%nt % d'in*7"
She $% o tied u. $ith he' thou(ht th%t Co!e" +i't 1uetion didn"t 'e(ite'& "I0be( ,ou' .%'don7"
"I %id0do ,ou $%nt % d'in*7" he 'e.e%ted, .'o..in( hime!+ u. on hi e!bo$, d'%$in( u. one !e(, %nd h%!+ tu'nin( to$%'d
he'& "The'e" % $%it'e m%*in( % tou' o+ the dec*, t%*in( o'de'& I thou(ht ,ou mi(ht !i*e omethin( !on( %nd co!d %nd 'e+'ehin(&"
"Oh0" /o%nn% $%!!o$ed, %nd e-.!o'ed he' d', !i. $ith he' ton(ue& "We!!, ,e& I thin* I $i!! h%)e ome !emon%de& But I"!!
(et m, o$n& ;ou don"t h%)e to bothe'&"
"It" no bothe'," Co!e %u'ed he', $in(in( hi +eet to the ('ound& He mo)ed $i+t!,, o th%t b, the time the bi*ini0c!%d
$%it'e 'e%ched them he $% t%ndin( u., %nd /o%nn% %$ to he' ch%('in th%t hi outhe'n cou'te, did not (o unnoticed&
";ou didn"t h%)e to t%nd u.," he mutte'ed i''it%b!,, % he 'eumed hi e%t, %nd Co!e" mouth ti!ted&
"No, I *no$," he %('eed, b'uhin( %n inect +'om hi thi(h $ith % !%4, h%nd& "But it cot nothin( to be .o!ite&"
"Wou!d ,ou h%)e tood u. i+ it h%d been % m%n7" he .e'ited, %nd Co!e" !i. .%'ted to 'e)e%! % 'o$ o+ e)en $hite teeth&
"I (ue," he %id, hi e,e !e%)in( he' to mo)e ino!ent!, o)e' he' bod,& "Wh%t" the m%tte', /o7 Somethin( e%tin( ,ou7"
/o%nn% hi+ted une%i!, bene%th hi t%untin( (%4e, %nd he $% %$%'e th%t he $% ti!! %'oued +'om he' thou(ht e%'!ie'&
He' o$n ni..!e $e'e % t%ut % button, %nd he tu((ed u''e.titiou!, %t the +'ont o+ he' $imuit to hide thei' .'o)oc%ti)e di.!%,&
Un%b!e to thin* o+ %n %n$e' h%'. enou(h to .unctu'e hi moc*in( e!+0con+idence, he tu'ned he' he%d, %nd .'etended to
$%tch the %ntic o+ t$o ,oun( .eo.!e in the .oo!& The, $e'e teen%(e', he (ueed, ho!id%,in( to(ethe' +o' the +i't time, %nd +'om
the $%, the (i'! d'%.ed he'e!+ %'ound he' com.%nion the, $e'e not i(no'%nt o+ e%ch othe'" bodie& The'e $% %n intim%c, bet$een
them th%t .o*e o+ !on( ni(ht e-.!o'in( the int'ic%cie o+ !o)e& She %nd Co!e h%d once e-.!o'ed thoe %me int'ic%cie, he
'emembe'ed& Du'in( thoe !on( outhe'n ni(ht, be+o'e thin( t%'ted to (o $'on(&&
The $%it'e 'etu'ned $ith t$o t%!! (!%e o+ !emon%de, !ibe'%!!, .i*ed $ith ice& Co!e too* one +o' hime!+, %nd he!d the
othe' out to$%'d /o%nn%, %nd %!thou(h he $% !o%th to t%*e %n,thin( +'om him it $ou!d h%)e been chi!dih to 'e+ue& So, ittin( u.,
c'o0!e((ed, he too* the .e'.e- tumb!e' +'om him, d'in*in( +'om it thi'ti!,, be+o'e ti..in( he' he%d b%c* on he' hou!de', %nd
!u-u'i%tin( in the intene he%t&
Co!e $% ti!! ittin( ide$%, on the un0bed, !e( .'e%d, b%'e +eet 'etin( on the ti!ed u'+%ce o+ the .oo! dec*& It me%nt
he $% cont%nt!, %$%'e o+ hi e,e u.on he' but, de.ite he' i''it%tion, he u..oed hi .'eence $% dete''in( %n, un$e!come
%ttention&
";ou !oo* (ood," he %id udden!,, %nd he' e,e 6e'*ed to$%'d hi be+o'e he cou!d .'e)ent them&
"Th%n* ,ou," he 'etu'ned, t'i)in( +o' % c%'e!e tone % he too* he'e!+ in h%nd %(%in& "So do ,ou& S%mm, /e%n" e)ident!,
doin( omethin( 'i(ht&"
Co!e" e-.'eion h%'dened +o' % moment, but then he 'etu'ned to the %tt%c*& ";ou %!$%, $e'e % be%uti+u! $om%n," he
mu'mu'ed& "And, i+ %n,thin(, ,ou !oo* bette' no$ th%n ,ou did $hen $e (ot m%''ied&"
"Then I mut be doin( omethin( 'i(ht, too," dec!%'ed /o%nn% ho't!,, im.%tient %t the $%)e o+ co!ou' th%t $e.t into he'
nec* %t hi $o'd& "Li)in( in London in"t %!! b%d, $h%te)e' ,ou thin*& Ou' c!im%te m%, not be % (ood % ,ou', but it h% it
com.en%tion&"
Co!e" b'o$ %'ched +o' % moment, %nd then he !oo*ed do$n %t hi d'in*, 'etin( in h%nd h%n(in( !ooe!, bet$een hi
thi(h& "I (ue it doe," he conceded %t !%t& "I"m u'e 9'%ce $ou!d %('ee $ith ,ou&"
"I"m u'e he $ou!d&" /o%nn% nodded& But he didn"t !i*e thi con)e'%tion& It $%n"t $h%t Co!e $% %,in( th%t t'oub!ed he'
e-%ct!,& But the tone he $% uin( did& He $% o .o!ite& Hi !%4, outhe'n d'%$! c'%.ed %c'o he' ne')e, !i*e % n%i! o)e' '%$ i!*,
%nd e)e', time he !oo*ed %t he' he ('e$ mo'e %nd mo'e tene&
"Um00ho$0ho$" ,ou' mothe'7" he %*ed, ho.in( to di)e't the con)e'%tion %$%, +'om he'e!+, %nd Co!e !i+ted hi he%d&
"M%" O>&" Hi e,e *immed he' mouth, %nd %!thou(h he h%d 6ut d'un* %bout % 1u%'te' o+ % .int o+ !emon%de /o%nn%"
!i. +e!t .%'ched&
"She" (ettin( o!de', !i*e the 'et o+ u& But he ti!! $o'* 6ut % h%'d % e)e'&"
"And0%nd Ben %nd /oe7" /o%nn% +e!t com.e!!ed to *ee. him t%!*in( %bout hi +%mi!,& "And the t$in7 I bet Ch%'!e, c%n
$im no$, c%n"t he7 Did the, t%'t hi(h choo! ,et7 Oh, ,e, o+ cou'e, the, mut h%)e done&"
Co!e 'e(%'ded he' bet$een n%''o$ed !id& "A'e ,ou 'e%!!, th%t inte'eted7" he 1ue'ied, hi b'oodin( (%4e b'in(in( %
dee.enin( o+ co!ou' in he' chee*&
"Su'e, Ben %nd /oe %'e +ine& /oe" m%''ied no$, %nd hi $i+e" e-.ectin( thei' +i't b%b,& Ch%'!e, %nd Donn% t%'ted hi(h
choo! !%t ,e%', %nd S%nd," (oin( to 6oin them come +%!!&" He .%ued& "I (ue th%t %bout co)e' it, $ou!dn"t ,ou %,7"
/o%nn% bent he' he%d, the $ei(ht o+ he' h%i' !idin( o)e' one hou!de' to e-.oe the )u!ne'%b!e cu')e o+ he' nec*& "I $%
6ut bein(0.o!ite, th%t" %!!," he %id, h%!+ de+eni)e!,& "I0!i*e ,ou' b'othe' %nd ite'& And, I ued to thin* th%t the, !i*ed me&"
"The, did&" Co!e hoo* the ice %'ound in hi em.t, tumb!e'& "Ch%'!e, o+ten ued to t%!* %bout the time ,ou %nd he (ot tuc*
out on P%!me'" I!%nd& I+ ,ou h%dn"t $um b%c* to (et he!., ,ou mi(ht both h%)e been $e.t %$%,&"
"Oh0" /o%nn% m%de % de.'ec%tin( (etu'e& ";ou"d %!'e%d, dico)e'ed $e $e'e miin(& When the bo%t $% $%hed on to the
b%n*, ,ou"d h%)e (ueed $he'e $e $e'e&"
"M%,be not oon enou(h," he inited, %nd /o%nn% +e!t % 'emembe'ed ene o+ %..'ehenion& She cou!d ti!! 'ec%!! ho$
c%'ed he h%d been in the $%te', +i(htin( he' $%, %(%int the cu''ent, +ee!in( he' %'m (ettin( $e%*e' b, the minute& She h%d been
un%b!e to t%nd, $hen he h%u!ed he'e!+ out o+ the 'i)e'& I+ Co!e %nd hi b'othe' h%dn"t been e%'chin( +o' them, it mi(ht ti!! h%)e
been too !%te& The +!oodin( to''ent o+ the Tide$%te' Ri)e' h%d !e+t P%!me'" I!%nd unde' e)e'%! +eet o+ $%te' +o' hou'& No one cou!d
h%)e u')i)ed it +u',, !e%t o+ %!! ten0,e%'0o!d Ch%'!e,, $ho cou!dn"t e)en $im&
/o%nn% ('im%ced no$, un$i!!in( to thin* o+ th%t ne%' t'%(ed,, %nd Co!e t'etched out hi h%nd to$%'d he'& She thou(ht +o'
one he%'t0to..in( moment th%t he $% (oin( to touch he', %nd he intincti)e!, d'e$ b%c* %(%int the ch%i'& But, %!thou(h hi !i.
+!%ttened +o' % moment, 'e)e%!in( hi %$%'ene o+ he' 'e%ction, %!! he did $% !i+t the em.t, tumb!e' out o+ he' h%nd&
"I"!! (et 'id o+ thee," he %id, d'o..in( one inide the othe', %nd $hi!e he t'ied to 'eco)e' he' e!+0.oeion he %unte'ed
%c'o the dec* to dum. the tumb!e'&
B, the time he he%'d the de.'eion o+ hi ch%i'" .!%tic !%t, he $% once %(%in 'ec!inin( on he' to$e!, on he' tom%ch
2
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
thi time, $ith he' e,e c!oed, %nd he' +%ce tu'ned de!ibe'%te!, %$%, +'om him& Su'e!, he $ou!d (et the me%(e, he thou(ht tene!,&
She didn"t $%nt to h%)e to .e!! it out +o' him %(%in& He $% $%tin( hi time i+ he thou(ht he cou!d (et he' to ch%n(e he' mind& The,
h%d % %,in( in the outh, %bout c%tchin( mo'e bee $ith hone, th%n $ith )ine(%', but i+ th%t $% Co!e" intention it $%n"t (oin( to
$o'*& He $% %n %tt'%cti)e m%n, u'e, %nd, e)en thou(h he h%d mo'e 'e%on th%n mot to 'e('et the +%ct, he $ou!dn"t h%)e been %
$om%n i+ he h%dn"t +ound him e%, to !oo* %t& But th%t $% %!!& She $%n"t %tt'%cted to him& Not %n, mo'e&
";ou"'e (oin( to (et bu'ned," hi !%4, )oice obe')ed, 'e)e%!in( hi *in $% thic*e' th%n e)en he h%d thou(ht, %nd /o%nn%
c!%m.ed he' 6%$ to(ethe'&
"No, I"m not," he 'eto'ted, th'ou(h he' teeth& "M, *in" too d%'*, 'emembe'7"
"It" %!o ued to % co!de' c!im%te," Co!e 'e.!ied, %nd he he%'d him (et u. +'om hi ch%i' %(%in&
9od5 /o%nn% !%, com.!ete!, ti!! +o' % moment, %nd then, un%b!e to $itht%nd the u.ene % moment !on(e', he 'o!!ed
o)e' on to he' b%c*06ut % Co!e $% !o$e'in( hi $ei(ht on to the ide o+ he' !%tted m%tt'e& It $% 6ut b, % $i+t 'emo)%! o+ he'
%'m th%t he %)oided bein( %t on %nd he' e,e .%'*!ed indi(n%nt!, %t hi unin)ited .'eum.tion&
"Wh%t the he!! do ,ou07" he $% be(innin(, $hen Co!e ho$ed he' the tube o+ un0c'eenin( c'e%m in hi h%nd&
"Thi i ,ou', in"t it7" he %*ed, %nd he (ueed he h%d 'i+!ed it +'om he' b%(& "Tu'n o)e'," he %dded, unc'e$in( the c%.
%nd 1uee4in( % cu'! o+ it content into hi .%!m& "The'e" no .oint in to'tu'in( ,ou'e!+ 6ut to .ite me&"
/o%nn% .'eed he' !i. to(ethe' %nd t%'ed u. %t him, 'eentment oo4in( +'om e)e', .o'e& The !%t thin( he $%nted $%
hi he!., in %n,thin(& And he ce't%in!, didn"t $%nt him touchin( he'& But once %(%in he h%d he' %t % di%d)%nt%(e, c%u(ht bet$een the
dei'e to ho$ he' 'e%! +ee!in(, %nd the *no$!ed(e th%t b, doin( o he $ou!d be h%ndin( him %!! the c%'d&
So, inte%d o+ n%tchin( the c'e%m out o+ hi h%nd %nd hu'!in( it into the .oo!, he +o'ced % ti(ht mi!e %nd obedient!, 'o!!ed
o)e' %(%in& Let him do hi $o't, he thou(ht, ti+!in( he' %n(', 'e%ction %(%int the to$e!& A+te' %!!, %!thou(h he' *in didn"t t%n, it did
bum ometime, %nd he cou!d do $ithout th%t %(('%)%tion % $e!!&
Co!e" h%nd $e'e %m%4in(!, coo! %(%int he' hot +!eh&
O+ cou'e, he h%d 6ut been h%nd!in( the tumb!e' cont%inin( the ice, he 'eminded he'e!+ ('im!,, % hi !on( +in(e' !id
%c'o he' hou!de', %nd hi thumb +ound the nubb, co!umn o+ he' .ine& She +ound it $% im.o't%nt to *ee. % ene o+ .'o.o'tion,
% hi .'obin( h%nd +ound e)e', inch o+ e-.oed *in& She $% 'e!ie)ed he $%n"t $e%'in( % bi*ini& At !e%t the modet m%i!!ot !e+t
he' ome di(nit,&
But not % !ot, he h%d to concede, % the inuou b'uh o+ hi +in(e' be(%n to !u!! he' into % +%!e ene o+ ecu'it,& It $ou!d
be o e%,, he thou(ht, to (o $ith the +!o$# to %!!o$ he' +!eh to 'e.ond to the enuou touch o+ hi# to %dmit he $% en6o,in( hi
e-.e't minit'%tion& Bec%ue o+ the !imit%tion o+ the un0bed, hi !e( $% $ed(ed beide he' hi., %nd %!thou(h the $imuit
.'otected the u..e' h%!+ o+ he' .e!)i hi h%i'0'ou(hened thi(h $% %(%int the e-.oed cu')e o+ he' bottom& It me%nt th%t e)e', t'o*e
o+ hi h%nd on he' hou!de' b'ou(ht % co''e.ondin( inc'e%e o+ .'eu'e %(%int he' hi., %nd the im%(e th%t e)o*ed $e'e %!! e-u%!&
"I0thin* th%t $i!! do," he dec!%'ed +i'm!,, %'chin( he' b%c* %$%, +'om hi +in(e', %nd (ettin( u. on to he' *nee& "I"m not
.!%nnin( to t%, out he'e th%t much !on(e'&"
"No7" With % 'ei(ned h'u( o+ hi hou!de', Co!e mo)ed obedient!, b%c* to hi o$n ch%i'& "Wh%t %'e ,ou .!%nnin( to do,
then7"
/o%nn% didn"t !oo* %t him& "I thin* th%t" m, buine, don"t ,ou7"
"I (ue&" Co!e c'e$ed the to. b%c* on the tube o+ un0c'e%m %nd d'o..ed it c%'e!e!, into he' b%(& "On!, %*in", !%d,&"
"And I"m te!!in( ,ou, it" none o+ ,ou' buine," %id /o%nn% ho't!,& "In %n, c%e, don"t ,ou h%)e % .!%ne to c%tch, o'
omethin(7"
"Not unti! tomo''o$," Co!e 'e.!ied, $i.in( hi ('e%, h%nd o)e' hi *nee&
"So'',&"
"I hou!d h%)e (ueed&" /o%nn%" im.%tient (%4e d%'ted o)e' him& ";ou ob)iou!, c%me .'e.%'ed&"
";ou me%n thee7" Co!e hoo*ed % thumb into the $%itb%nd o+ hi ho't& "I bou(ht them thi mo'nin( in the ho., he'e in
the hote!& A!on( $ith % cou.!e o+ .%i' o+ unde'.%nt, %nd % +'eh hi't&"
/o%nn%" !i. .u'ed& "Re%!!,&"
";e, 'e%!!,&" Co!e inc!ined hi he%d& "It $%n"t m, intention to t%, %$%, +'om Tide$%te' %n, !on(e' th%n I h%d to&"
/o%nn% d'o..ed he' un(!%e do$n on to he' noe %(%in& She h%d .uhed them u. into he' h%i', $hi!e he h%d been !,in(
on he' tom%ch& But no$ he +e!t the need +o' them %(%in, %nd the doubt+u! .'otection the, .'o)ided&
"I (ue thi i % (ood .!%ce to .%int, huh7" Co!e mu'mu'ed, (%4in( n%''o$0e,ed to$%'d the oce%n& "9'%ce to!d me ,ou")e
(ot %n e-hibition comin( u.&"
"Oh0,e&" /o%nn% $onde'ed $h%t e!e 9'%ce h%d to!d him& "The0e'0the o.enin(" % cou.!e o+ $ee* %+te' I (et b%c*&"
"A cou.!e o+ $ee*7" Hi e,e +!ic*e'ed& "M%,be I hou!d bu, % tic*et& 9et m,e!+ %n in)etment +o' the +utu'e&"
";ou"'e not e'iou5"
/o%nn%" 'e%ction $% un(u%'ded, %nd he tu'ned to !oo* %t he' $ith mi!d en1ui',& "Wh, not7" he counte'ed& "I c%n te!!
e)e',one it $% .%inted b, m, e-0$i+e& Shou!d %dd % !ic* o+ (!%mou' to the .'ice, i+ I e)e' $%nt to e!! it&"
"Th%t" ic*5"
"I it7 Wh,7 /ut "c%ue m%,be I $%n" omethin( to 'emembe' ,ou b,7"
"Don"t t%!* !i*e th%t5"
Co!e" b'o$ %'ched& "Li*e $h%t7"
"Li*e ,ou didn"t *no$ bette' 'eto'ted /o%nn% c'o!,& "Oh0do $h%t ,ou !i*e& I c%n"t to. ,ou&"
Hi hou!de' hunched, %nd $hen he .o*e %(%in hi )oice $% !o$ %nd hu*,& ";ou cou!d h%)e dinne' $ith me toni(ht&"
"H%)e dinne' $ith ,ou7" /o%nn% $% t%*en %b%c*&
"Su'e& Wh, not7"
"We!!0" /o%nn% +!ounde'ed& "I0c%n"t&"
";ou h%)in( dinne' $ith omeone e!e7"
"No&"
The 'e.one $% %utom%tic& But he cou!d h%'d!, %, he $%, $hen i+ he $%!*ed into the 'et%u'%nt he $ou!d +ind he'
e%tin( %!one& Too !%te he 'e%!i4ed he cou!d h%)e (one out to e%t, o' o'de'ed 'oom e')ice, but he h%d %n$e'ed $ithout thin*in(& In
%n, c%e, he didn"t ee $h, he h%d to m%*e %n e-cue& It $%n"t % i+ he $%nted to h%)e dinne' $ith him&
A
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
";ou %+'%id to e%t $ith me7" he u((eted !,!,, %nd he' 'eentment +!%'ed %ne$&
"No," he denied t%ut!,& "Wh, $ou!d I be7 But I don"t thin* ,ou' +%the', o' S%mm,0/e%n, $ou!d %..'o)e o+ ou' oci%!i4in(,
do ,ou7"
"And th%t" $h, ,ou"'e 'e+uin(7 Bec%ue ,ou don"t $%nt to o++end m, +%the'7"
"No5" /o%nn% to'e the d%'* (!%e o++ he' noe, %nd t%'ed %t him +'ut'%ted!,& "Co!e, $h, %'e ,ou doin( thi7 ;ou *no$ ,ou
don"t 'e%!!, $%nt to h%)e dinne' $ith me %t %!!&"
"Don"t I7" Hi dee. b!ue e,e '%n(ed ditu'bin(!, o)e' he' +!uhed +%ce& "M%,be I do& 8o' o!d time" %*e& Wh%t do ,ou %,7"
/o%nn%" h%nd c!enched %'ound the tem o+ he' (!%e& O+ cou'e, he did *no$ $h, he $% doin( thi# he to!d he'e!+&
Co!e $% nothin( i+ not ten%ciou, %nd he h%d e)ident!, (ot it into hi he%d th%t oone' o' !%te' he $ou!d c'%c*& The m%!! t%!*, the
!emon%de, %nd the m%%(e $e'e %!! intended to o+ten he' u., to m%*e he' mo'e 'ece.ti)e, $hen he mentioned hi +%the'" i!!ne
%(%in& He h%d e)en bitten the bu!!et %nd %*ed %bout the e-hibition& Th%t mut h%)e 'e%!!, (%!!ed him& He' $o'* h%d %!$%, been %
ou'ce o+ con+!ict in the .%t&
He' !i. t$ited& So ho$ +%' $% he .'e.%'ed to (o, to (%in hi o$n end7 I+ he %('eed to h%)e dinne' $ith him, $h%t then7
He cou!d h%'d!, t%!* %bout omethin( % e'iou % c%nce' o)e' the 'ed n%..e'& So, $hen did he intend to m%*e hi ne-t mo)e7 And
ho$7
An im. o+ )en(e%nce ti''ed inide he'& It mi(ht be %muin( to +ind out& In .ite o+ the c%u%! $%, he h%d h%nd!ed the
con)e'%tion thi mo'nin(, he h%dn"t +o'(otten hi 'e%ction $hen he tu'ned the t%b!e on him& So !on( % he $% on the de+eni)e, he
h%d nothin( to +e%'& But i+ he decided to .!%, % di++e'ent (%me &&
Cou!d he do it7 Th%t $% $h%t he h%d to %* he'e!+&
She h%dn"t to +o'(et th%t .eo.!e $ho .!%,ed $ith +i'e ometime (ot bu'ned& But he $% o)e' Co!e, com.!ete!, %nd
i''e)oc%b!,& He' bod, mi(ht ti!! 'e.ond to the e-u%!it, o+ hi, but he' mind $% not in)o!)ed& And ho$ he choe to beh%)e $% no
one" buine but he' o$n&
T%*in( % dee. b'e%th, he c%me to % deciion& "A!! 'i(ht," he %id, !idin( the d%'* (!%e b%c* into .!%ce& "8o' o!d time"
%*e& Wh, not7"
P'otected b, the (!%e, he c%u(ht the +!eetin( t'%ce o+ u'.'ie th%t c'oed hi +%ce %t he' $o'd& E)ident!, he h%d
e-ce.ected it to be h%'de' to (et he' to ch%n(e he' mind& None the !e, he 'eco)e'ed hime!+ $ith %dmi'%b!e e++icienc,, %nd hi !%4,
mi!e tu((ed the come' o+ hi mouth u.$%'d&
"O>," he %id, m%*in( no ob6ection $hen he be(%n to (%the' he' be!on(in( to(ethe' $ith the ob)iou intention o+ !e%)in(&
"I"!! meet ,ou in the !obb, o+ the hote! %t e)en o"c!oc*, 'i(ht7"
"Ri(ht&
/o%nn% +o'ced % m%tchin( mi!e& But he' e-.'eion $% ditinct!, c%t0!i*e, % he ne(!i(ent!, m%de he' de.%'tu'e&
CHAPTER THREE
/o%nn% decided to *i. !unch, %nd (o into to$n& She h%d intended to (et % n%c* +'om the .oo!ide b%', but the .'o.ect th%t
he mi(ht 'un into Co!e %(%in be+o'e the e)enin( decided he' %(%int it&
Beide, he h%dn"t been into N%%u ince he' %''i)%!&
The inte'n%tion%! %i'.o't on Ne$ P'o)idence $% itu%ted %t the no'th0$ete'n end o+ the i!%nd, %nd the Co'%! Be%ch Hote!
$% on the co%t th%t !%, bet$een the %i'.o't %nd the to$n o+ N%%u& The .'e)iou d%, he h%d .ent 'eco)e'in( +'om he' 6et !%(, %nd
b%*in( in he' ne$0+ound +'eedom& But tod%, he +e!t too t'un( u. b, the thou(ht o+ the e)enin( %he%d to 'e!%- %n,$he'e& She
needed %ction, %nd dit'%ction, %nd the ch%nce to .end ome o+ the do!!%' he h%d b'ou(ht $ith he'&
A+te' t%*in( % ho$e' to 'emo)e the combined e++ect o+ the he%t %nd the .'otecti)e c'e%m Co!e h%d %..!ied, /o%nn%
d'eed in the ho't %nd o+t boot he h%d $o'n e%'!ie'& But inte%d o+ the )et he donned % !ooe +ittin( T0hi't& No .oint in 'i*in(
unbu'n, he to!d he'e!+ %'donic%!!,& Not $hen he $%nted to !oo* he' bet th%t e)enin(&
She too* % t%-i +'om the hote! into to$n& The (%''u!ou B%h%mi%n d'i)e' d'o..ed he' in B%, St'eet, %nd he .ent %
.!e%%nt cou.!e o+ hou' b'o$in( th'ou(h the ho. %nd the St'%$ M%'*et& She bou(ht he'e!+ % !en(th o+ )i)id!, .%tte'ned cotton, to
$e%' %'on(0$ie %'ound the .oo!, %nd % chun*, h%nd+u! o+ b'%ce!et, cu!.ted +'om he!!, th%t c!%tte'ed %tt'%cti)e!, e)e', time he
mo)ed he' $'it& She %!o t'e%ted he'e!+ to % ne$ $imuit, % bi*ini thi time, .%tte'ned $ith the m%n, e-otic +!o$e' o+ the i!%nd&
Be+o'e (oin( b%c* to the hote!, he bou(ht he'e!+ % c%n o+ Co*e, %nd t'o!!ed do$n to the h%'bou' to d'in* it& A hu(e
c'uie !ine' $% tied u. %t P'ince 9eo'(e" Wh%'+, %nd he %t +o' % $hi!e on the e%0$%!!, $%tchin( the %cti)it, %'ound the hi.&
P%en(e' c%me %nd $ent, to'e $e'e t%*en on bo%'d, membe' o+ the c'e$ too* time out to t'etch thei' !e( on d', !%nd,
%nd !oc%! ,outh on bic,c!e mi!!ed %bout the 1u%,& I+ he h%d h%d he' *etch .%d $ith he', /o%nn% *ne$, he $ou!d not h%)e been %b!e
to 'eit t',in( to c%.tu'e the cene on .%.e'& The'e $% o much co!ou' %nd e-citement, %nd $hen he e)entu%!!, !e+t the h%'bou' the
im%(e $e'e ti!! bu44in( inide he' he%d&
Pe'h%. he ou(ht to bu, he'e!+ % *etch .%d, he thou(ht, t'o!!in( u. into R%$on S1u%'e& She h%d no doubt he $ou!d
be %b!e to (et $h%t he $%nted %!on( B%, St'eet& A!thou(h it $%n"t .'etentiou, it $% one o+ the mot com.'eheni)e ho..in(
t'eet in the $o'!d,
But then he hoo* he' he%d %nd h%i!ed % t%-i to t%*e he' b%c* to the hote!& Thi $% u..oed to be % ho!id%,, he chided
he'e!+& /ut bec%ue Co!e h%d come, u.ettin( he' c%'e+u!!, %''%n(ed chedu!e, %nd 'emindin( he' th%t he h%d once ued he' $o'* %
% me%n o+ ec%.e, $% no 'e%on to (o 'uhin( +o' the ch%'co%!& She cou!d h%nd!e Co!e no$& She h%d .'o)ed it e%'!ie'& And thi
e)enin( he $ou!d 'e%!i4e he $% no !on(e' the )u!ne'%b!e (i'! he h%d m%''ied %nd di)o'ced&
Se!ectin( $h%t to $e%' th%t e)enin( $% '%the' mo'e di++icu!t th%n he h%d e-.ected& Whi!e he $%nted to !oo* .'o)oc%ti)e,
he did not $%nt to %..e%' t%c*,& Se-, c!othe $e'e %!! )e', $e!!, but it $% %!! too e%, to (o o)e' the to.& Luc*i!,, he h%d (one
ho..in( be+o'e he !e+t En(!%nd, o he' choice $% not !imited& But $hethe' it hou!d be % mini coc*t%i! d'e, o' % !in*, t'oue' uit,
$% not %n e%, deciion to m%*e&
She e)entu%!!, choe to $e%' % d'e& A i!*0%tin he%th in h%de o+ ('een %nd .u'.!e th%t com.!imented he' d%'*
co!ou'in(, %nd b'ou(ht out the t%$n, hi(h!i(ht in he' e,e& It $% ho't, b%'e!, 'e%chin( mid0thi(h, %nd the on0the0hou!de', o++0the0
hou!de' nec*!ine e-.oed the c'e%m, be%ut, o+ he' *in& She $o'e no b'% o' ti(ht, on!, % !%c, b'ie+, +o' modet," %*e& It m%de he'
!oo*0inte'etin(, he decided& Th%n* 9od the e-t'% inche he h%d %c1ui'ed %+te' the di)o'ce, $hen e%tin( %nd d'in*in( h%d eemed
he' on!, cono!%tion, h%d %!! been co%-ed %$%, b, c%'e+u! dietin(& Thee d%,, the ene'(, he (%)e to he' $o'* bu'ned o++ %n,
un$%nted c%!o'ie& And %ttendin( % $ee*!, $o'*0ou' c!% *e.t he' bod, !e%n %nd u..!e&
She !e+t he' d%'* h%i' !ooe, ecu'in( it %$%, +'om he' +%ce on one ide $ith comb& A!thou(h it $% i!*, t'%i(ht, it $%
B
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
thic* %nd hinin(, %nd $un( mooth!, %(%int he' hou!de'& Li*e the 'et o+ he', it $% !ee* %nd he%!th,, %nd he .%'ed % moment"
un$i!!in( conide'%tion +o' the m%n $ho"d ent Co!e he'e&
I+ the thou(ht o+ ho$ $h%t he $% .!%nnin( to do mi(ht %++ect S%mm,0/e%n ditu'bed he', he dimied it& S%mm,0/e%n
h%d ho$n no 1u%!m %bout educin( he' hub%nd, o $ou!dn"t it be i'onic no$ i+ he cou!d 'etu'n the com.!iment7 Not th%t he
$%nted Co!e b%c* %(%in, he %u'ed he'e!+& But t%*in( him %$%, +'om S%mm,0/e%n did h%)e % ce't%in m%!iciou %..e%!&
She needed )e', !itt!e m%*e0u.& He' !%he $e'e n%tu'%!!, d%'*, %nd on!, % !itt!e du*, e,e h%do$ $% needed to %dd
m,te', to the de.th o+ he' e,e& A t'%ce o+ b!uhe' o)e' he' chee*bone (%)e % !itt!e co!ou' to he' +%ce, %nd % hin, %mbe' !i.0%!)e
enh%nced the eniti)e +u!!ne o+ he' mouth&
When he )ie$ed he' 'e+!ection in the mi''o', be+o'e (oin( do$nt%i', he $% 'e%on%b!, content $ith he' %..e%'%nce&
She !oo*ed ,oun(, %nd e-,, but t%nt%!i4in(!, 'emote&
The !obb, o+ the Co'%! Be%ch Hote! $% %n %t'ium, %'chin( to % hi(h, (!%0)%u!ted cei!in(& The e)e'%! +!oo' o+ 'oom
cu')ed 'ound the cent'%! %'e%, $hich e')ed % both 'ece.tion %nd ho..in( m%!!& T%!! .!%nt %nd +!o$e'in( h'ub +i!!ed e)e',
%)%i!%b!e .%ce, $ith % tone0c%')ed +ount%in .'o)idin( % +oc%! .oint&
A /o%nn% c%me do$n the t%i'c%e +'om the me44%nine, he cou!d ee Co!e $%itin( b, the +ount%in& She h%d choen to (et
out o+ the !i+t %t the +!oo' %bo)e ('ound !e)e!, o th%t he mi(ht obe')e him be+o'e he %$ he'& It $% % c%'e+u! .!o,, bo'n o+ he' dei'e
to cont'o! e)e', %.ect o+ the e)enin( the, $e'e to .end to(ethe'& Beide, it (%)e he' the o..o'tunit, to com.oe he' ent'%nce&
St'e%min( out o+ the !i+t, $ith % th'on( o+ othe' .%en(e', 'i(ht $he'e he $% t%ndin( $% not $h%t he h%d in mind&
A he h%d ho.ed, he %$ he' be+o'e he 'e%ched the bottom o+ the t%i'& Hi e%'chin( (%4e %!i(hted on he' !ende' +i(u'e,
% he ne(oti%ted the !%t th'ee te., %nd %!thou(h he %++ected not to h%)e een him he $% int%nt!, %$%'e o+ hi h%'. 'e%ction& He
didn"t come to meet he', but hi e,e +o!!o$ed e)e', mo)e he m%de& Much the $%, the n%*e he h%d t%ttooed on hi hou!de' $%tched
it )ictim, he mued +%nci+u!!,& But th%t $% not % com.%'ion he $%nted to m%*e&
He $% $e%'in( % 6%c*et, he noticed, % conceion to the +%ct th%t it $% e)enin(& He ce't%in!, didn"t need it, e)en in the
%i'0conditioned !obb, o+ the hote!& B%h%mi%n ni(ht $e'e de!iciou!, $%'m %nd in)itin(& But the mo'e e-c!ui)e 'et%u'%nt inited on
thi m%!! +o'm%!it,, o e)ident!, the, $e'e dinin( ome$he'e e-.eni)e&
And 9od, didn"t he !oo* (ood5 She %c*no$!ed(ed ob6ecti)e!,& So (ood, in +%ct, th%t +o' % moment he doubted he' %bi!it,
to .u!! thi o++& But then the 'e!uct%nt %dmi'%tion he %$ in hi e,e 'eto'ed he' con+idence& E)en i+ he h%d dee'ted he' bed +o'
S%mm,0/e%n", he $% not indi++e'ent to he'& Thou(h he (ueed he $ou!d h%te to %dmit it&
"Hi," he %id, % he c!oed the .%ce bet$een them& "I ho.e I h%)en"t *e.t ,ou $%itin(&"
Co!e h'u((ed, hi b'o%d hou!de' mo)in( inuou!, bene%th the bei(e t$i!! o+ hi 6%c*et& "I h%d nothin( bette' to do," he
%id, hi e,e +!ic*e'in( $i+t!, o)e' the t%nt%!i4in( cu')e o+ he' b'e%t, e-.oed b, the di..in( nec*!ine o+ the d'e& Then, !oo*in(
be,ond he', he %dded " I didn"t 'e%!ie the'e $e'e (uet mom on the me44%nine&"
/o%nn%" d%'* b'o$ %'ched en1ui'in(!,& "Doe it m%tte'7"
";ou $%!*ed do$n +'om the me44%nine," Co!e 'eminded he' %'donic%!!,& "8unn,& < (ot the im.'eion ,ou $e'e t%,in( on
one o+ the hi(he' +!oo'&"
/o%nn% bid % mi!e& E)ident!,, Co!e h%d m%de it hi buine to +ind out e-%ct!, $he'e he $% t%,in(, but he h%d been
.'e.%'ed +o' hi 1uetion, %nd he' !i. ti!ted ch%'min(!,&
"I m%de % mit%*e," he !ied 'ue+u!!,& "The !i+t to..ed %nd < (ot out&" She ('im%ced& "Si!!, me5"
"Hmm&"
Co!e" ('unt o+ %ent $% h%'d!, ,m.%thetic, but /o%nn% h%d %chie)ed $h%t he $%nted to %chie)e, %nd he cou!d %++o'd
to be (ene'ou& "Doe it m%tte'7" he e-c!%imed, !oo*in( u. %t him di%'min(!,& "I"m he'e no$& So0$he'e %'e $e e%tin(7"
Co!e" mouth +!%ttened& "I thou(ht $e mi(ht e%t %t the Commodo'e C!ub& The, h%)e %n e-ce!!ent 'et%u'%nt, %nd ,ou mi(ht
!i*e to )iit the c%ino !%te'&"
/o%nn% nodded& "Sound (ood to me&" She tuc*ed he' !e%the' b%( %(%int he' ide, %nd !id he' +in(e' %'ound hi %'m& "Sh%!!
$e (o7"
The muc!e o+ hi u..e' %'m $e'e t%ut bene%th he' ('i.& She ened he $ou!d !i*e to 'e!e%e hime!+, %nd he $onde'ed
ho$ he h%d e-.ected he' to beh%)e& It $% ob)iou he $% con+ued b, he' %..%'ent $i!!in(ne to co0o.e'%te, %nd he $% $%', o+ he'
%..e%'%nce, %nd the .'o)oc%tion it .'eented&
A 'o$ o+ t%-i $%ited on the +o'ecou't o+ the hote!, %nd % b!%c*0uited m%6o'0domo ummoned one %t Co!e" 'e1uet&
/o%nn% c!imbed into the b%c* o+ the c%b un%ided, moothin( do$n he' ti(ht *i't % he c'%mb!ed %c'o the e%t& She h%d noticed
be+o'e th%t no one bothe'ed to $%!* 'ound the c%b, %nd (et in %t the o..oite ide& And Co!e $% no e-ce.tion % he +o!!o$ed he'
inide&
But he noticed he *e.t hi dit%nce du'in( the +i+teen minute 'ide to the Commodo'e C!ub& Hi d%'*0c!%d thi(h0h%d he
bou(ht % $ho!e $%'d'obe %t the hote! ho.70'eted on the $o'n !e%the' u.ho!te',, e)e'%! inche %$%, +'om he'& And, bec%ue the
m%6o'it, o+ t%-i /o%nn% h%d een $e'e o!d Ame'ic%n !imouine, the'e $% .!ent, o+ 'oom&
9ettin( out o+ the t%-i, he $% ob!i(ed to o++e' he' hi h%nd& Wh%te)e' e!e he mi(ht be, Co!e conide'ed hime!+ %
(ent!em%n& One o+ the South C%'o!in% "(ood o!e bo,", thou(ht /o%nn% c,nic%!!,& /ut !i*e hi +%the', %nd hi +%the' be+o'e him&
E)en o, .uttin( he' h%nd into Co!e" $% % ditu'bin( e-.e'ience& Hi h%nd $% coo! %nd +i'm, $ith c%!!ue %t the b%e o+
hi +in(e'& And $hen thoe +in(e' cu'!ed %'ound he' he $% h%'d0.'eed not to ho!d on&
But, e)en i+ he"d $%nted to, Co!e h%d to .%, the +%'e&
A+te' he!.in( he' out, unde' the t'i.ed c%no., o+ the c!ub, he bent to .e%* to thei' d'i)e'& Then, 'etu'nin( hi $%!!et to hi
hi. .oc*et, he t'%i(htened, u'(in( he' into the +o,e', $ith hi h%nd in the m%!! o+ he' b%c*&
It %)ed touchin( he' *in, /o%nn% thou(ht 'ue+u!!,, % the, te..ed on to the ec%!%to' $hich $ou!d t%*e them u. to the b%'
%nd 'et%u'%nt& She $onde'ed $h%t he $% thin*in(& Someho$, he ened he $% not (oin( to h%)e it %!! he' o$n $%,&
"Do ,ou $%nt % d'in* be+o'e $e e%t7" Co!e %*ed, % the, c'oed the c%'.eted u..e' +!oo', %nd /o%nn% ti!ted he' he%d&
"Mmm," he %id& "Somethin( !on( %nd coo!, $ith % bite to it& Wh%t $ou!d ,ou 'ecommend7"
Co!e" e,e (!inted& "I"m u'e I"!! thin* o+ omethin(," he %id, (uidin( he' to$%'d %n em.t, t%b!e& "I eem to 'emembe' ,ou
h%d 1uite % +%nc, +o' mint06u!e.& ;ou ued to do$n 1uite % +e$ o+ them, $hi!e P% %nd I $e'e out in the +ie!d&"
/o%nn%" !i. ti(htened +o' % moment, % the memo'ie hi $o'd e)o*ed c%me b%c* to h%unt he'& But $hen he !oo*ed %t
him none o+ he' %n(uih ho$ed in he' +%ce& ;ou hou!dn"t h%)e %id th%t, Co!e, he thou(ht m%!e)o!ent!,& I"m (oin( to m%*e ,ou .%,
+o' e)e', !itt!e di( ,ou m%*e5
C
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
"So I did," he $%'b!ed no$, %nd no one !itenin( to he' $ou!d h%)e im%(ined the o++ence he h%d +e!t %t hi $o'd& B%t%'d,
he %id i!ent!,, $hi!e he' e,e .%'*!ed $ith mi'th& "< $% % .%in, $%n"t I7 No $onde' ,ou .'e+e''ed S%mm,06e%n to me&"
It $% Co!e" tu'n to !oo* bitte' no$, but the %''i)%! o+ the $%ite' to t%*e thei' o'de' .'e)ented him +'om )entin( hi .!een&
Beide, he (ueed he cou!dn"t be enti'e!, u'e e-%ct!, ho$ he h%d me%nt it, %nd %!thou(h he mi(ht u.ect he' moti)e he 'e%!!,
h%d no .'oo+&
"Bou'bon %nd b'%nch," he %id ou'!,, "%nd omethin( S$eet +%' the !%d,& Wh%t do ,ou u((et7"
"Ho$ %bout .ine%..!e 'um7" %*ed the $%ite' chee'+u!!,& "Pine%..!e 'um, Coconut 'um, %nd .ine%..!e 6uice, h%*en o)e'
ice& De!iciou5"
"It ound it," .ut in /o%nn% mooth!,, c'oin( he' !e(, %nd 'unnin( .'e%d +in(e' o)e' he' *nee& She mi!ed %t the m%n&
"Co!d, but hot& E-%ct!, $h%t I need&"
The $%ite'" e,e d%nced& ";e, i'," he %id, S$in(in( on hi hee!, %nd $%!*in( b%c* to the b%'& "A D%!entine" S.eci%!,
m%n," he o'de'ed +'om the b%'0*ee.& "And m%*e it 'e%! co!d5"
Co!e" e,e $e'e +%' +'om +'iend!, $hen he !oo*ed %t /o%nn% %(%in& "/ut $h%t the he!! do ,ou thin* ,ou"'e doin(7" he
dem%nded, hi tone h%'d %nd e-.!oi)e& "Do ,ou $%nt e)e',one to thin* ,ou"'e uin(7"
"Uin(7" /o%nn%" e,e $idened innocent!,& "Uin( $h%t7"
";ou *no$5" 'eto'ted Co!e %)%(e!,& "He!!, m%,be ,ou %'e& Wh%t $ou!d I *no$ %bout it7"
/o%nn%" humo' e)%.o'%ted& "< don"t ue0o' hoot u.0o' m%in!ine0 o' %n, o+ the othe' $%, .eo.!e t%*e d'u(," he dec!%'ed
co'n+u!!,& "I $% h%)in( +un, th%t" %!!& 8un5 O' h%)e ,ou +o'(otten the me%nin( o+ the Wo'd7"
Co!e" mouth com.'eed& ";ou $e'en"t 6ut h%)in( +un," he %'(ued& "9od, ,ou $e'e comin( on to the m%n5" /o%nn%" b'ie+
.u't o+ %n(e' died& "Wh%t" the m%tte', Co!e7" he %*ed moc*in(!,& ";ou 6e%!ou7"
Thei' d'in* c%me be+o'e Co!e cou!d m%*e %n, 'e.one, but hi b'oodin( e-.'eion $% e!o1uent o+ hi +ee!in(& Oh, thi
$% +un, thou(ht /o%nn%, % !itt!e b'e%th!e!,& Wh, h%d he ne)e' 'e%!ied it $% +%' mo'e e-citin( to be b%d7
The .ine%..!e 'um $% de!iciou& It c%me com.!ete $ith %n %o'tment o+ t'o.ic%! +'uit, $ith % !on( cu'!in( t'%$ to
en%b!e he' to %)oid the tin, t'i.ed& Umb'e!!%& The umb'e!!% bo'e the !o(o o+ the Commodo'e C!ub, %nd he $% tem.ted to *ee. it %
% ou)eni' o+ the e)enin(&
"H%)e ,ou %nd S%mm,0/e%n h%d %n, +%mi!, ,et7" he 1ue'ied %+te' % moment, 'i*in( Co!e" di.!e%u'e ,et %(%in& She
*ne$ .e'+ect!, $e!! th%t h%d Co!e become % +%the' he $ou!d h%)e he%'d %bout it& 9'%ce $ou!d u'e!, h%)e to!d he'& But $h, hou!d
he %)oid % ub6ect th%t $% c!e%'!, o e-.!oit%b!e7
Co!e 'e(%'ded he' o)e' the 'im o+ hi (!%& "No," he %id, %nd he cou!d te!! b, hi tone th%t he $% not un%$%'e o+ he'
intention& "But it" not +o' $%nt o+ t',in(, i+ th%t" $h%t ,ou"'e im.!,in(&"
/o%nn% !oo*ed do$n into he' d'in*& He' h%nd h%d ti(htened %'ound the tem, %nd, noticin( he' $hite *nuc*!e, he +o'ced
he'e!+ to 'e!%-& I+ he $%n"t c%'e+u!, the (!% $ou!d b'e%*, %nd Co!e $ou!d im%(ine he h%d co'ed % Dicto',& Wh%t did it m%tte' to
he' ho$ m%n, time Co!e m%de !o)e $ith S%mm,0/e%n7 S%mm,0/e%n $% hi $i+e no$, %nd he, /o%nn%, didn"t (i)e % d%mn5
"Somethin( $'on(7" Co!e" b!ue e,e $e'e mu(!, intent, %nd /o%nn% e-.e!!ed he' b'e%th on % 'ue+u! i(h& "No," he %id,
de!ibe'%te!, $it+u!& "I $% 6ut 'emembe'in( ho$ (ood ,ou $e'e in bed&"
"9ood 9od5" Co!e" 6%$ h%'dened& ";ou don"t (i)e u., do ,ou7" He $%!!o$ed the 'em%inde' o+ hi d'in* in one )io!ent
(u!., %nd (etu'ed +o' the $%ite' to b'in( him %nothe'& "Wh%t do ,ou $%nt +'om me, /o7 B!ood7"
/o%nn% *ne$ % +!eetin( ene o+ concience, but then the $%ite' %''i)ed to 'e.!%ce Co!e" (!%, %nd he cono!ed he'e!+ b,
t%*in( %nothe' mouth+u! o+ he' o$n d'in*& But he' !i. %'ound the .in* t'%$ $e'e unconciou!, .'o)oc%ti)e, %nd Co!e utte'ed %n
im.'ec%tion % he !i+ted hi bou'bon to hi mouth&
";ou +o!* dinin"7" en1ui'ed the $%ite', %nd %t Co!e" cu't nod he +!ou'ihed t$o eno'mou menu +'om unde' hi %'m& "T%*e
,ou' time," he %dded, hi *no$in( (%4e t%*in( in the itu%tion %t % (!%nce& "I" !! be b%c* !%te' to t%*e ,ou' o'de'&"
P'o..in( he' menu on the t%b!e in +'ont o+ he', /o%nn% continued to en6o, he' d'in* % he tudied it content& The'e $% %
)%t %''%, o+ dihe to chooe +'om, $ith im.o'ted Ame'ic%n te%* %nd !oc%!!, c%u(ht e%+ood .'o)idin( the m%in e!ection& The'e
$% +'ied chic*en, too, .'e.%'ed $ith the +%mi!i%' ".e% "n" 'ice", $hich $% % n%tion%! .%ion&
"Wh%t do ,ou $%nt7" %*ed Co!e, %+te' % +e$ minute, hi tone coo! %nd un+'iend!,, %nd /o%nn% +e!t % t'%ce o+ 'e('et&
"The ('ou.e', I thin*," he %n$e'ed, mentionin( the n%me o+ the mot .o.u!%' +ih in the %'e%& "And me!on, to be(in $ith&
I"m not )e', hun(',&"
Co!e %c*no$!ed(ed he' choice $ith % b'ie+ inc!in%tion o+ hi he%d, %nd the $%ite', $ho h%d e)ident!, been *ee.in( %n
inte'eted e,e on thei' t%b!e, c%me to t%*e thei' o'de'&
Co!e o'de'ed the ('ou.e', too, but $ith % %!%d t%'te'& "And b'in( the !%d, %nothe' o+ thoe," he %id, % /o%nn% et do$n he'
em.t, (!%& "And I"!! h%)e bou'bon&"
/o%nn% %'ched he' b'o$, h%!+ in .'otet, but the $%ite' $% %!'e%d, %unte'in( %$%, bet$een the t%b!e& Beide, the d'in*
h%d been de!iciou, he conceded& And +%i'!, innocuou, too, 6ud(in( b, the c!e%'ne o+ he' he%d&
The'e $% i!ence bet$een them +o' % $hi!e& /o%nn% cou!d h%)e b'o*en it $ith ome othe' %ud%ciou comment, but he
'e%!ied he $% in d%n(e' o+ %!ien%tin( Co!e com.!ete!,, %nd th%t h%dn"t been he' intention %t %!!&
So, inte%d o+ ni.in( %t him, he .'etended %n inte'et in thei' +e!!o$ (uet, th%n*in( the $%ite' +o' he' d'in* $hen it
c%me, $ithout %n, +u'the' %ttem.t to .'o)o*e he' com.%nion&
And, % he h%d h%!+ e-.ected, Co!e $% e)entu%!!, +o'ced to %, omethin(& She (ueed he $% not un%$%'e th%t thei'
!%c* o+ communic%tion h%d been noticed b, the .eo.!e %t the ne-t t%b!e, %nd % he h%d been the one to c%ue thei' io!%tion he choe to
be the one to end it&
"Do ,ou ee much o+ 9'%ce7" he %*ed, in % )oice th%t $ou!d h%)e c'%c*ed ice, %nd /o%nn% tu'ned he' (%4e +'om % bo$! o+
e-otic .!%nt to !oo* %t him&
"Th%t de.end," he %id, moitenin( he' !i. $ith the ti. o+ he' ton(ue&
"On $h%t7"
The 1uetion $% $'un( +'om him, %nd /o%nn% mi!ed& "On $hethe' I"m $o'*in( o' not," he dec!%'ed mooth!,& "9'%ce i
m, %(ent& She" on!, inte'eted in $hen I"m (oin( to +inih m, ne-t .%intin(&"
"I"m u'e th%t" not t'ue&" Co!e" tone h%d !ot ome o+ it chi!!ine& "9'%ce %!$%, !i*ed ,ou& She conide' ,ou % +'iend&"
"Mmm&" /o%nn% ti''ed he' d'in* $ith the t'%$& "We!!, !et" %, thin( h%)e been % !itt!e t'%ined bet$een 9'%ce %nd me,
ince $e0b'o*e u.&"
E
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Co!e +'o$ned& "I don"t be!ie)e it& He!!, I"d h%)e thou(ht ,ou %nd he h%d % de%! in common&"
"Wou!d ,ou7" /o%nn% !oo*ed %t him th'ou(h he' !%he& ";ou hou!d *no$ 9'%ce $on"t h%)e % $o'd %id %(%int ,ou'
+%the'&"
Co!e" mouth thinned& "Un!i*e ,ou, huh7"
"I don"t h%)e t$o on $hoe !i)e!ihood i de.endent on omeone e!e" (ood$i!!," he counte'ed !i(ht!,& ";ou' +%the' c%n"t
hu't me, Co!e, %nd th%t mut be % 'e%! ou'ce o+ %(('%)%tion to him&"
"I doubt i+ he c%'e th%t much, one $%, o' the othe'," 'eto'ted Co!e bitte'!,& "But ,ou %!$%, h%d to +%ce him do$n, didn"t
,ou7 ;ou"d ne)e' %dmit th%t ometime he 6ut mi(ht be 'i(ht5"
"Li*e $hen he %ccued N%th%n o+ !ee.in( $ith ,ou' $i+e7" he en1ui'ed t%ut!,, %nd then, eein( the d%'*, to'mented,
e-.'eion he' $o'd h%d .'o)o*ed, he 1uic*!, 'e('eed& "8o'(et I %id th%t& It doen"t m%tte'& He did u both % +%)ou', didn"t he7
Oh00he'e" the $%ite'& Ou' t%b!e mut be 'e%d,&"
CHAPTER 8OUR
A +ou'0.iece Wet Indi%n b%nd $% .!%,in( in the ('i!! 'oom, %nd /o%nn% $% (!%d th%t the muic ne(%ted %n, 'e%!
ob!i(%tion to t%!* $hi!e the, $e'e e%tin(& Not th%t he %te % !ot& The me!on !id do$n mooth!, enou(h, but the +ih, $hich $% e')ed
$ith % bou1uet o+ )e(et%b!e, $% '%the' mo'e di++icu!t to $%!!o$& Inte%d, he tu'ned to the $ine Co!e h%d o'de'ed to %ccom.%n, the
me%!, d'in*in( e)e'%! (!%e o+ the chi!!ed C%!i+o'ni%n Rie!in(&
The'e $% % m%!! d%nce0+!oo' be,ond the t%b!e, $he'e thoe (uet $ho h%d +inihed thei' me%! indu!(ed in % !itt!e %+te'0
dinne' e-e'tion& /o%nn% .ent mot o+ he' time $%tchin( them, unc%'in( +o' once i+ Co!e $% !oo*in( %t he'& With he' e!bo$ .'o..ed
on the ed(e o+ the t%b!e %nd he' chin cu..ed in one !ende' h%nd, he $% un%$%'e o+ the d'e%m, e-.'eion th%t c'oed he' +%ce %
he $%tched the $%,in( cou.!e& 8o' % $hi!e, he $% com.!ete!, ob!i)iou o+ he' u''oundin(, %nd it too* % de+inite e++o't to
concent'%te %(%in $hen the $%ite' c%me to %* i+ the, $%nted % dee't&
"/ut co++ee," %id Co!e, $ithout conu!tin( he', %nd /o%nn% .u!!ed %n indi(n%nt +%ce&
"I mi(ht h%)e !i*ed % dee't," he .outed, %nd %!thou(h he u.ected he $% on!, %ctin( Co!e" +%ce o+tened& "Co++ee +i't,
!i*e b%c* home," he inited $',!,& "I don"t $%nt to h%)e to c%'', ,ou out o+ he'e&"
"Wou!d ,ou do th%t7" he %*ed hu*i!,, % +ee!in( o+ he%t $ee.in( o)e' he', %nd %!thou(h it $%n"t %!! th%t e%, to +ocu on
hi !e%n +%ce he thou(ht hi e,e d%'*ened %t he' $o'd&
"I+ I h%)e to," he %n$e'ed& "Wh,7 Ho$ do ,ou +ee!"7"
"Mu44,," he %dmitted, emittin( % 'ue+u! !itt!e !%u(h& "M%,be I do need th%t co++ee, %+te' %!!&"
";ou %!$%, $e'e % che%. d'un*," he %id, but +o' once the'e $% no m%!ice in hi tone, %nd /o%nn% *ne$ %n o)e'$he!min(
u'(e to m%*e him % %$%'e o+ he' % he $% o+ him&
Concent'%tin( h%'d, he t'etched out he' h%nd %nd '%n he' +in(e' o)e' hi thi(h& He 6e'*ed b%c* %utom%tic%!!,, but not
be+o'e he h%d +e!t the intincti)e t%utenin( o+ muc!e unde' he' touch& 8'om hi ('oin to hi *nee, hi !e( ti++ened de+eni)e!,, %nd
hi !%4, humou' di%..e%'ed bene%th % co$! o+ i''it%tion&
But $hen he $ou!d h%)e .uhed he' h%nd %$%,, he th$%'ted him $ith %n %..e%!in( mi!e& "D%nce $ith me," he in)ited,
tu'nin( he' h%nd into hi, %nd !ettin( he' thumb d'i+t %(%int hi .%!m& "P!e%e, Co!e& To ho$ ,ou"'e not m%d %t me& 8o' o!d time"
%*e, % ,ou %id&"
He $%nted to 'e+ue& The e)idence o+ th%t $% c!e%' in hi +%ce& And he 'eented he' +o' uin( hi $o'd %(%int him& But
omethin(0the memo', o+ $h, he h%d come he'e, .e'h%., o' % dei'e to .'o)e he $% in cont'o! o+ hi o$n detin,, $ho *ne$70
m%de him heit%te !on( enou(h +o' he' to d'%$ him to hi +eet&
"I don"t d%nce," he %id, then, hi )oice c!i..ed %nd h%'h, "I thin* $e hou!d (et out o+ he'e& ;ou need ome +'eh %i'&"
"Do I7"
/o%nn% $%,ed, mot con)incin(!,, $hich $%n"t too u'.'iin( conide'in( the $ine h%d m%de he' +ee! decided!, unte%d,
on he' +eet& But he cou!d h%nd!e it, he to!d he'e!+, not .'e.%'ed to !oe the %d)%nt%(e no$&
";e, ,ou do," he mutte'ed, % he continued to c!in( to hi +in(e'&
"/o, $h%t do ,ou thin* ,ou"'e doin(7 Thi in"t the $%, to the e-it&"
"I"!! !e%)e %+te' $e")e d%nced," dec!%'ed /o%nn% +i'm!,, tu((in( him %+te' he'& "We ued to d%nce be+o'e& Don"t ,ou
'emembe'7"
"Th%t $%n"t d%ncin(," n%..ed Co!e, but /o%nn%" beh%)iou' $% %tt'%ctin( %ttention, %nd he cou!d ee he didn"t !i*e it&
"Wh%te)e'," he mu'mu'ed, 'e%chin( the 1u%'e o+ .o!ihed ti!e, %nd tu'nin( into hi %'m& "Don"t be % .oi!0.o't, d%'!in(&
Don"t ,ou $%nt to d%nce $ith me7" Co!e co$!ed, but the'e $% no tu'nin( b%c*& Beide, the +%ce he tu'ned u. to hi $% innocent o+
%!! deceit, the %mbe' e,e .!e%din( $ith him to (i)e in&
And he did& With % ('im ti(htenin( o+ hi !i., he ('i..ed he' $%it, %nd he!d he' %$%, +'om him& Then, +i-in( hi (%4e on
ome dit%nt .oint %bo)e he' he%d, he be(%n to mo)e '%the' %$*$%'d!, in time to the muic&
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' !o$e' !i. bet$een he' teeth, % % mi!e tu((ed %t the come' o+ he' mouth& Oh, !o'd, he (u!.ed, t',in( to
cont%in he' mi'th, he h%d +o'(otten $h%t % ho.e!e d%nce' Co!e $%& He h%d ne)e' m%te'ed %n, te., be,ond the 1u%'e d%nce he
h%d !e%'ned in choo!, %nd on!, he' (uid%nce h%d m%de him h%!+ decent on % d%nce0 +!oo'&
But not !i*e thi, he conceded d'i!,, $ith %t !e%t i- inche bet$een them& She didn"t $%nt to 'emembe' the othe'
occ%ion $hen the, h%d d%nced to(ethe', but he cou!dn"t he!. it& Then, the te. the, ued h%dn"t been im.o't%nt& The, h%d mo)ed to
the 'h,thm o+ thei' bodie06ut !i*e $hen the, $e'e m%*in( !o)e &&&
She hi)e'ed, %nd the +e%the'in( o+ he' +!eh 'eminded he' o+ $he'e he $%, %nd $h%t he $% doin(& The d%nce0+!oo' $%
(ettin( c'o$ded, %nd $hen % c%'e!e e!bo$ nud(ed he' in the 'ib he' dete'min%tion h%'dened& She cou!d h%)e $ithtood the .%in+u!
6%b 1uite e%i!,, but he choe not to& With % t%'t!ed c',, he !%unched he'e!+ %(%int him, ucce+u!!, di!od(in( hi h%nd, %nd
c!utchin( hi !%.e!&
"9od5"
Co!e" 'e%ction $% 6ut % )io!ent % he h%d %ntici.%ted, but $hen he $ou!d h%)e d'%$n b%c* %(%in he' h%nd !id u. to
hi nec*&
"So'',," he b'e%thed, he' b'e%th $%+tin( $eet!, %c'o hi chee*, %nd % ne')e 6e'*ed .%modic%!!, %t hi 6%$ !ine&
"Wh%t in he!! do ,ou thin* ,ou"'e doin(7" he dem%nded, hi h%nd 'e%chin( u. to ('%b he' +o'e%'m, $ith the ob)iou
intention o+ h%u!in( them do$n +'om hi hou!de'& "D%mn ,ou, *ee. ti!!5"
"I"m 6ut d%ncin(," he .'oteted innocent!,, 'ot%tin( he' hi. %(%int hi& "Don"t be o touch,5 ;ou need %!! the he!. ,ou c%n
<3
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
(et&"
"I did $%'n ,ou," he ('%ted, %nd $ith % !itt!e i(h /o%nn% %!!o$ed him to .u!! he' %'m do$n to he' ide&
But he didn"t mo)e %$%, +'om him& And, %!thou(h Co!e $ou!d c!e%'!, h%)e .'e+e''ed to !e%)e the d%nce +!oo', the, $e'e
t'%..ed $ithin the ci'c!e o+ the othe' d%nce'&
"I thi o b%d7" he %*ed, !oo*in( u. %t him $ith $ide t%$n, e,e, %nd he %$ the (!itte'in( %$%'ene ente' hi& He
mi(ht not $%nt to %dmit it, but hi 'e%on +o' *ee.in( he' %t % dit%nce $e'e not bec%ue he didn"t !i*e d%ncin( $ith he'& And $hen
hi (%4e d'o..ed to the %..e%!in( cu')e o+ he' o+t mouth /o%nn% +e!t he' o$n ene h%'.en&
"We"'e !e%)in(," %id Co!e %b'u.t!,, t%*in( he' u..e' %'m bet$een hi +o'e+in(e' %nd thumb, %nd .uhin( he' dete'mined!,
th'ou(h the $%,in( .'e o+ .eo.!e& Hi n%i! bit into he' +!eh % he tee'ed he' b%c* to thei' t%b!e& "9et ,ou' b%(& I"!! .%, the bi!!&"
"But $h%t %bout ou' co++ee7" he %'(ued, !oo*in( !on(in(!, %t the b'e%*+%t0i4e cu. o+ the %'om%tic b'e$ $%itin( on the
t%b!e, but Co!e $% un'e.ent%nt&
";ou c%n (et ome co++ee b%c* %t the hote!," he t%ted b!e%*!,, %nd ummoned the t%'t!ed $%ite' $ho h%d e')ed them&
Outide, /o%nn% did +ee! !i(ht!, unte%d, in the ni(ht %i'& But Co!e" e-.'eion +o'b%de %n, %ttem.t to ue hi %'m +o'
u..o't, %nd $hen the t%-i c%me he co!!%.ed ('%te+u!!, into the b%c*&
Co!e (%)e the d'i)e' hi int'uction, %nd then 6oined he' on the b%c* e%t& But hi mouth $% co'n+u! in the h%!+0!i(ht&
";ou 'e%!!, %'e m%hed, %'en"t ,ou7" he dec!%'ed, h%*in( hi he%d& "M, 9od5 And I thou(ht $e mi(ht h%)e % e'iou con)e'%tion&" &
/o%nn% tu'ned he' he%d to$%'d him, he' d%'* h%i' +%!!in( enuou!, o)e' one hou!de'& "Wh%t %bout7" he %*ed i!*i!,,
$ee.in( it b%c* %(%in& "The +%ct th%t ,ou ti!! $%nt me7"
Co!e $o'e, %nd tu'ned hi he%d %$%,& ";ou $ih," he n%'!ed, c!enchin( hi +it& "9od, $h, did I e)e' %('ee to thi
.oint!e e-e'cie7"
"Bec%ue D%dd, %*ed ,ou to," 'eto'ted /o%nn% ho't!,& "And ,ou %!$%, do e)e',thin( D%dd, %,, don"t ,ou7 ;ou"'e
D%dd," b!ue0e,ed bo,& E)en i+ it me%n %c'i+icin( othe' .eo.!e in the .'oce5"
Co!e" 6%$ c!%m.ed& "Shut u.5"
"Wh,7" /o%nn% +e!t +%i'!, %+e in b%itin( him, $ith the com+o'tin(!, b'o%d hou!de' o+ the B%h%mi%n t%-i d'i)e' +i'm!, in
)ie$& ";ou don"t !i*e to he%' the t'uth, Co!e& In +%ct, ,ou don"t he%' %n,thin( but $h%t D%dd, %,& I"m u'.'ied ,ou e)e' !e%'ned ho$
to h%)e e- $ith % $om%n5 O' $% D%dd, in on th%t, too0007"
Co!e mo)ed then, co)e'in( the .%ce bet$een them in one $i+t !un(e& Hi h%nd c!oed %bout he' th'o%t, cuttin( o++ he'
$o'd $ith une-.ected )io!ence, %nd hi e,e (!itte'ed d%n(e'ou!, in the t$i!i(ht $o'!d o+ the c%b&
"Shut u.," he comm%nded %(%in& "Shut the he!! u.5" And then, % he' e,e +ou(ht $ith hi, %nd te''o' ('i..ed he' tom%ch, he
utte'ed % mu++!ed o%th %nd b'ou(ht hi mouth do$n on he'&
A *ie $ent, it $%n"t .!e%%nt& With Co!e" h%nd .'%ctic%!!, cuttin( o++ the %i' to he' $ind.i.e, /o%nn% cou!d h%'d!,
h%)e been e-.ected to en6o, it& On to. o+ th%t, de.ite the !i(htne o+ hi h%i', %nd the +%ct th%t he h%d .'ob%b!, h%)ed be+o'e comin(
out, Co!e" chin $% %b'%i)e!, m%!e& And % hi mouth ('ound %(%int he' teeth, %!! /o%nn% cou!d thin* o+ $% ho$ %bued he $%
(oin( to !oo* $hen he !et (o o+ he'&
But omethin( h%..ened $hen he *ied he'& A!thou(h hi o'i(in%! intention h%d been to hu't %nd humi!i%te he', th%t
me!din( o+ thei' mouth educed hi 'e%on& A ('o%n o+ %n(uih 'umb!ed in hi th'o%t, %nd he to'e hi mouth +'om he', on!, to 'etu'n
%(%in $ith %n u'(ent im.'ec%tion&
And $hen he did o, hi +in(e' 'e!%-ed, 'e!e%in( he' th'o%t +'om hi th'ott!in( ('%.& Inte%d o+ b'uiin( he' +!eh, the,
bec%me %chin(!, (ent!e, moothin( the to'tu'ed *in $ith % enuou c%'e&
No$, /o%nn% +e!t % i+ he' b'e%thin( h%d been u.ended& He' chet 'oe %nd +e!! $ith the tumu!t o+ he' emotion, but he
didn"t eem to be (ettin( %n, o-,(en into he' !un(& Indeed, the'e didn"t eem to be enou(h o-,(en in the c%', %nd he' ene $%m
di44i!, bene%th hi e%'chin( touch&
Co!e" *i bec%me hun(',, %nd +ie'ce!, dem%ndin(&
Hi ton(ue +o'ced it $%, into he' mouth, %nd he !et it h%)e it $%,& Th%t hot, $et in)%de' $% ditu'bin(!, +%mi!i%', %nd
he' ton(ue t$ined %'ound it, he!.!e to 'eit& The'e $% nothin( (ent!e %bout him no$, but hi dem%nd in.i'ed % m%tchin( need&
He' !e( .!%,ed, he' he%d di..ed !o$ %(%int the 1u%b, %nd $hen hi h%nd !id inide the nec*!ine o+ he' d'e %nd touched he'
b'e%t he +e!t he' %'ou%!, c!e%' do$n to he' thi(h&
The c%b, b'%*in( outide the b'i!!i%nt!, !it +o,e' o+ the Co'%! B%, Hote!, b'ou(ht Co!e, be!%ted!,, to hi ene& With % ('o%n
o+ %n(uih he .uhed hime!+ u. %nd %$%, +'om he', but not be+o'e the mi'*in( t%-i d'i)e' h%d (!im.ed $h%t h%d been (oin( on&
/o%nn% t'u((!ed u. $ith '%the' !e ene'(,& She $% ti!! bemued b, the u.he%)%! o+ he' ene, %nd it $% di++icu!t to
thin* cohe'ent!,, $hen he' bod, $% de$, $ith .e'.i'%tion& He' h%i' $% mued %bout he' hou!de', %nd e)en in the emi0(!oom o+
the c%b he (ueed he' $o!!en !i. h%d not (one un 'em%'*ed& And e)en Co!e m%de % .oint o+ buttonin( hi 6%c*et % he (ot out o+
the c%'&
She *ne$ $h,, thou(ht /o%nn% tene!,, tumb!in( out %+te' him& St%ndin( on the +!ood!it +o'ecou't, he $et he' b'uied !i.
$ith % oothin( ton(ue& Co!e h%d been % %'oued % he $%& She h%d +e!t the he%), he%t o+ hi m%nhood %(%int he' tom%ch, it
th'obbin( tumecence t'%inin( %t the 4i. o+ hi t'oue'& >no$n, too, th%t Co!e" e!+0cont'o! h%d been !i..in(& He h%d $%nted he'#
he *ne$ it& And i+ the, h%dn"t been inte''u.ted&&
"Let" (et inide&"
Co!e" h%nd %t he' e!bo$, %nd hi h%'h im.e'on%! tone b'ou(ht he' $i+t!, b%c* to e%'th& With % (etu'e th%t $% b%'e!,
ci)i!, he eco'ted he' inide the hote!& Then, %+te' %ccom.%n,in( he' to the b%n* o+ e!e)%to', he inc!ined hi he%d %nd 'e!e%ed he'&
But, $hen he $ou!d h%)e $%!*ed %$%,, /o%nn% c%u(ht hi %'m& "Whe'e %'e ,ou (oin(7"
Co!e" e,e +!ic*e'ed o)e' he' +!uhed +%ce, $hich ti!! bo'e the i(n o+ hi %%u!t, but the'e $% no com.%ion in hi
(%4e& "I need % d'in*," he 'e.!ied, 'emo)in( he' h%nd +'om hi !ee)e& "9o to bed& ;ou"'e % me5"
/o%nn% $inced %t hi c%!!ou choice o+ $o'd, but he didn"t !et him ee he h%d hu't he'& "And i+ < %m7" he t%unted& "Whoe
+%u!t i th%t7 Wh%t" the m%tte', Co!e7 Don"t ,ou !i*e eein( the .'oo+ o+ ,ou' $e%*ne7"
"D%mn ,ou," he %id, but he (ueed hi choice o+ e.ithet $% +o' othe' e%' th%n he' o$n& I+ the, h%d been %!one, he $ou!d
not h%)e been o .o!ite& She cou!d thin* o+ othe'0+ou'0!ette'0$o'd he h%d ued $ith !e .'o)oc%tion& "I don"t $%nt to ee ,ou %(%in,"
he %dded, hi mouth cu'!in( contem.tuou!,& "I"!! be !e%)in( in the mo'nin(& I+ ,ou h%)e %n, ene, ,ou"!! t%, out o+ m, $%, ti!! then&"
/o%nn% he!d u. he' he%d& "A!! 'i(ht," he %id& "I+ th%t" $h%t ,ou $%nt&" And %+te'$%'d he bitte'!, 'e('etted the need to
th$%'t him th%t h%d t%*en o)e' he' %!'e%d, b%tte'ed e(o& "But don"t ,ou thin* ,ou ou(ht to te!! me $h%t time $e"'e !e%)in(7 I")e (ot to
<<
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
.%c* %nd .%, m, bi!!& And I"d !i*e to .hone 9'%ce, %nd m, .%'ent, 6ut to !et them *no$ $h%t I"m doin(&"
In he' 'oom, ome time !%te', /o%nn% $% ti!! %..%!!ed %t the .'edic%ment he' im.u!i)e ton(ue h%d (ot he' into& M, 9od,
he thou(ht, % i+ he cou!dn"t 6ut h%)e been ('%te+u! th%t Co!e $% !e%)in(, $ithout %chie)in( $h%t he h%d come he'e to do5 He h%d
%!'e%d, been % m%d % he!!& She *ne$ th%t& He $ou!d h%)e !i*ed nothin( bette' th%n to !%m hi +it into he' +%ce +o' the c'%4, $%, he
h%d %cted in the t%-i& But no& /ut bec%ue he h%d choen to )ent ome o+ hi .!een on he', he h%d 'et%!i%ted in the mot %inine $%,
im%(in%b!e& She h%d %ctu%!!, %('eed to do the )e', thin( he h%d $o'n he $ou!d ne)e' do, (o b%c* to Tide$%te'&
She $% o tu.id, he ('o%ned no$, +!in(in( o++ the %tin he%th, %nd m%'chin( into the b%th'oom& She h%d (ot he' $%,,
%nd he h%d +!u++ed it& She h%d com.!ete!, c'e$ed u.& Inte%d o+ $%)in( Co!e % moc*in( +%'e$e!!, he h%d %('eed to (o $ith him& She
cou!dn"t b%c* out no$ $ithout !oin( %!! he' c'edibi!it,&
And, %!thou(h Co!e h%d been incened b, he' %nnouncement toni(ht, th%t h%d on!, been hi *nee06e'* 'e%ction& Soone' o'
!%te', he $% (oin( to 'e%!ie e-%ct!, $h%t it me%nt& He h%d (ot hi o$n $%,, $ithout %n, +u'the' e++o't on hi .%'t&
A co!d ho$e' !%te', /o%nn% $% ti!! in no t%te to t', %nd (et ome !ee.& Beide, he u..oed he ou(ht to m%*e ome
%ttem.t %t he' .%c*in(& A!thou(h Co!e h%d 'e+ued to dicu hi t'%)e! %''%n(ement $ith he', % $i+t c%!! to the hote! concie'(e h%d
e!icited the in+o'm%tion th%t the Ch%'!eton +!i(ht !e+t %t e!e)en0thi't, the ne-t mo'nin(& Th%t me%nt !e%)in( +o' the %i'.o't oon %+te'
nine, $hich $ou!d !e%)e he' )e', !itt!e time +o' o'(%ni4in( he' %++%i'& O+ cou'e, $h%t the concie'(e h%d not been %b!e to te!! he' $%
$hethe' the'e $e'e %n, e%t %)%i!%b!e on the +!i(ht& The %i'!ine o++ice $e'e c!oed +o' the ni(ht, o th%t $ou!d h%)e to $%it& But, one
$%, o' %nothe', he $% committed to m%*in( the e++o't& And i+ the +!i(ht $% +u!!, the'e $ou!d be othe'&
9'o%nin(, he +!o..ed do$n on to the ide o+ he' bed, hitchin( u. the to$e!, $hich $% he' on!, co)e'in(& She needed to
t%!* to omebod,, he thou(ht unh%..i!,& P'e+e'%b!,, omeone $ho $ou!dn"t te!! he' he $% %!! *ind o+ %n idiot +o' (ettin( he'e!+
into thi me& The'e on!, $% one .e'onF 9'%ce&
Pic*in( u. the .hone, he di%!ed +o' %n outide !ine, %nd $hen the di%! tone c%me th'ou(h he .unched in 9'%ce" London
numbe'& It eemed to 'in( +o'e)e', %nd he $% on the .oint o+ 'e.!%cin( the 'ecei)e' $hen 9'%ce .ic*ed u. the .hone&
";e7" he %id, %nd the'e $% % !%4i!, .ee)ed ed(e to he' )oice& "Who" the'e7"
"Me& /o& /o%nn%," he 'e.onded unch%'it%b!,& "Whe'e $e'e ,ou7"
"T', bed," 'eto'ted 9'%ce ho't!,& And then, "/o, do ,ou h%)e %n, ide% $h%t time it i he'e7"
"Oh, !o'd5" /o%nn% .uhed b%c* he' d%m. h%i' $ith % (ui!t, h%nd& "Oh, he!!, 9'%ce, I"m o'',& I ne)e' thou(ht0"
"Ob)iou!,&" But 9'%ce" im.%tience $% (i)in( $%, to %n-iet, no$& "So, $h%t i it7 Wh%t" $'on(7"
"Oh, 9'%ce5" /o%nn% i(hed& "Loo*, it" not th%t im.o't%nt& I"!! t%!* to ,ou tomo''o$0"
"Don"t ,ou d%'e5" 9'%ce %id omethin( in % mu++!ed %ide0to R%,, /o%nn% u.ected, +ee!in( e)en $o'e %nd then continued
+o'ce+u!!,, "Come on, /o& S.it it out& It" Co!e, in"t it7 Wh%t" h%..ened7 H% he been th'e%tenin( ,ou7"
I+ on!,, thou(ht /o%nn% 'ue+u!!,, +!in(in( he'e!+ b%c* on the bed& Hi th'e%t he cou!d de%! $ith& It $% hi +'ut'%tion he
+ound o %..e%!in(&
"No," he 'e.!ied no$, e-%minin( the +in(e'n%i! o+ one h%nd, in %n e++o't to ut%in no'm%!it,& "No, he h%n"t been
th'e%tenin( me, 9'%ce&" She .%ued, %nd then %dded .%in+u!!,, "I")e %id I"!! (o $ith him&"
"To Tide$%te'7"
9'%ce $% e)ident!, %tounded, %nd /o%nn% cou!dn"t b!%me he' %+te' $h%t he h%d %id& But, ";e," he %('eed, +indin( it no
e%ie' to co.e $ith no$ th%n he h%d e%'!ie'& "So te!! me ho$ I c%n (et out o+ it, $ithout !oo*in( % com.!ete idiot&"
"But, /o, ,ou %id0"
"I *no$ $h%t I %id, 9'%ce& But0$e!!, Co!e m%de me m%d, %nd I 6ut %id the +i't thin( th%t c%me into m, he%d&"
"Th%t ,ou"d (o to Tide$%te'7"
";e&"
"But $h,7"
It $% ob)iou th%t 9'%ce cou!dn"t com.'ehend he' 'e%onin(, %nd $ithout %n, e-.!%n%tion o+ the +%ct /o%nn% cou!d
unde't%nd he' be$i!de'ment& But ho$ cou!d he te!! 9'%ce $h%t h%d h%..ened in the t%-i7 Ho$ cou!d he e-.!%in $h%t Co!e h%d
done7 In 'et'o.ect, it %!! eemed !i(ht!, inc'edib!e %n,$%,, e)en to he'&
"He0%id omethin(," he mumb!ed no$, h%!+ $ihin( he h%d ne)e' m%de thi c%!!& But he h%dn"t *no$n th%t R%, M%'den
$ou!d ti!! be the'e& 8'om $h%t 9'%ce h%d to!d he' in the .%t, he h%d %umed thei' 'e!%tionhi. $% ti!! +%i'!, .e'+uncto',& But, i+
R%, $% !ee.in( %t the (%!!e', &&
"Somethin( '%the' im.o't%nt, b, the ound o+ it," 9'%ce .ut in d'i!,, $hen /o%nn% %id nothin( mo'e& "I t%*e it ,ou")e not h%d
econd thou(ht7"
"About hi +%the'7" /o%nn%" !i. ti(htened& "No&"
"I ee" 9'%ce ounded t'oub!ed& And then, to he' com.%nion, "Te%7 Oh, ,e, d%'!in(, th%t $ou!d be !o)e!,&" /o%nn% .uhed
he'e!+ u. %(%in& "I"d bette' (o0000000"
";ou"d bette' not&" 9'%ce no'ted& "O>& R%," (one to (et u ome te%, b!e him& So, $h, don"t ,ou te!! me $h%t thi i
'e%!!, %!! %bout7"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& "I")e to!d ,ou0"
"Th%t ,ou"'e (oin( b%c* $ith Co!e7 ;e, I *no$& But $h%t did he %,, +o' 9od" %*e7 And $h, $ou!d %n,thin( he %id
.e'u%de ,ou7 ;ou eemed o0%d%m%nt5"
"I $%& I %m&" /o%nn% hunched he' hou!de'& "Oh0 $e!!, i+ ,ou mut *no$, he0he m%de % .% %t me&" A .%7 Li%'5
"He m%de % .% %t ,ou7" 9'%ce $% c!e%'!, +!%bbe'(%ted& "When7 Whe'e7"
/o%nn% !ic*ed he' d', !i.& "He0too* me out +o' dinne'&"
"L%t ni(ht7"
"We!!, toni(ht, %ctu%!!,," mu'mu'ed /o%nn% 'ue+u!!,& "It" on!, e!e)en o"c!oc* he'e&"
"O+ cou'e&" 9'%ce (%)e % 'ei(ned i(h& "So $he'e i he no$7"
"Whe'e i he7" /o%nn% +'o$ned& "Wh%t do ,ou me%n, $he'e i he7 He" in hi 'oom, I u..oe& P'ob%b!, +%t %!ee. b, no$&"
"Hmm&" 9'%ce heit%ted& "We!!, I ho.e ,ou h%)en"t done %n,thin( tu.id5"
/o%nn% b!in*ed& "An,thin( tu.id7" he echoed& "Don"t ,ou c%!! %('eein( to (o b%c* to Tide$%te' tu.id7"
";ou *no$ $h%t I me%n, /o&"
"No, I"m %+'%id I don"t&" /o%nn% $% tot%!!, con+ued& "A'e $e t%!*in( %t c'o .u'.oe he'e7"
9'%ce ('o%ned& "/o, $h%t I"m %*in( i, %'e ,ou ti!! t%*in( the .i!!7"
<=
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
"The .i!!7" 8o' % be%t, 9'%ce" me%nin( $% !ot to he'& "Wh%t .i!!7"
"The .i!!," e-c!%imed 9'%ce, not $ithout ome im.%tience& "8o' .it," %*e, /o, ,ou *no$ $h%t *ind o+ .i!! I"m t%!*in(
%bout&"
"Oh5" /o%nn% +e!t the hot co!ou' 'un u. he' +%ce, %nd $% (!%d no one e!e cou!d ee it& "Th%t .i!!&" She $%!!o$ed& "We!!, no,
o+ cou'e not&"
"/o5"
/o%nn% (%.ed& "I h%)en"t h%d e- $ith him, 9'%ce5" She hoo* he' he%d& "Wh%t do ,ou t%*e me +o'7"
"We!!, th%n* he%)en +o' th%t&" 9'%ce ounded ditinct!, 'e!ie)ed& "When ,ou %id0"
"When I %id Co!e m%de % .% %t me, I didn"t me%n $e"d been to bed to(ethe'&" /o%nn% $% indi(n%nt&
"So $h, %'e ,ou o u.et7"
"I hou!d h%)e thou(ht th%t $% ob)iou&"
"Bec%ue ,ou")e %id ,ou"!! (o $ith him7"
"Th%t" 'i(ht&"
"W% th%t be+o'e o' %+te' he m%de % .% %t ,ou"7"
"A+te', o+ cou'e&"
"Wh,, o+ cou'e"7" 9'%ce ounded %'donic& "/o, i+ ,ou $e'e u.et bec%ue Co!e0$e!!, bec%ue o+ $h%t he did $h, on e%'th
did ,ou te!! him ,ou"d (o $ith him"7"
"Bec%ue it m%de him m%d5" 'eto'ted /o%nn% c'o!,&
"He0'eented the +%ct th%t he ti!!00$e!!, th%t I cou!d ti!!00"
"< (et the .ictu'e&" 9'%ce" tone $% d',& "We!!, !o)e, I don"t ee ho$ ,ou c%n b%c* out no$& Not un!e ,ou $%nt Co!e to
thin* ,ou"'e %+'%id o+ him& But, .!e%e be c%'e+u!& I don"t thin* ,ou 'e%!ie ho$ )u!ne'%b!e ,ou %'e&"
CHAPTER 8IDE
/o%nn% h%d he%'d Ch%'!eton com.%'ed to %n ei(hteenth0centu', Denice, %nd +'om the %i' th%t dec'i.tion eemed e)en
mo'e %.t& With it o!d but e!e(%nt houe, .%inted $hite %nd (!e%min( in the un, it h%d %n indomit%b!e %i'& A it tood on % .eninu!%,
$ith the e% ne)e' +%' +'om it b%c* doo', it $% not u'.'iin( th%t it 'e%! he,d%, h%d been in the !%tte' ,e%' o+ the ei(hteenth
centu',, $hen the ('e%t %i!in( +!eet +'om Eu'o.e h%d +o!!o$ed the t'%de $ind to the C%'ibbe%n& T$entieth0centu', Ch%'!eton $%
'%the' !e ucce+u!, but it 6umb!ed t'eet %nd %nte0be!!um co!oni%!im $e'e .'ee')ed he'e % no$he'e e!e&
Not th%t /o%nn% *ne$ the cit, )e', $e!!& In the e%'!, d%, o+ thei' m%''i%(e, Co!e h%d ho$n he' the tou'it" )ie$ o+
Ch%'!eton, %nd the mi!it%', %c%dem,, %nd the cu')ed e.!%n%de, *no$n % the B%tte',, $e'e +%i'!, +%mi!i%' to he'& But Tide$%te'
P!%nt%tion $% ome dit%nce +'om the cit,, %nd the m%!! to$n o+ Be%um%'i $% thei' m%in u..!ie'&
None the !e, it h%d (i)en he', he' +i't t%te o+ South C%'o!in%, %nd he cou!d ti!! 'emembe' the he%t %nd the humidit,,
%nd the '%in, $hich h%d come in % bone0chi!!in( de!u(e& But he h%dn"t c%'ed in thoe d%,& She $% in !o)e $ith Co!e, %nd he $ou!d
h%)e !i)ed in the he%'t o+ % )o!c%no, i+ he h%d %*ed he' to&
Ho$ +oo!ih he h%d been, he thou(ht no$, tu'nin( he' he%d to !oo* %t he' %nt%(onit, !oun(in( c%'e!e!, in the e%t
beide he'& Ho$ n%i)e5 In thoe d%, !i+e h%d eemed o im.!e, o uncom.!ic%ted& She h%d %ctu%!!, be!ie)ed in h%..,0e)e'0%+te'& But
th%t $% be+o'e he h%d met Co!e" +%mi!,, %nd 'e%!ied th%t, o +%' % the, $e'e conce'ned, Co!e h%d m%de % te''ib!e mit%*e& In
m%'',in( he', o+ cou'e, he %..ended h%'h!,& M%c%!!ite' did not m%'', outide', .%'ticu!%'!, not $omen, $ho h%d too much to %,
+o' theme!)e&
/o%nn% i(hed& She h%dn"t conide'ed he $% .%'ticu!%'!, o.inion%ted be+o'e he $ent to !i)e in Tide$%te' Count,& No'
e.eci%!!, 'e)o!ution%', eithe', unti! R,%n M%c%!!ite' .ut he' t'%i(ht& M%c%!!ite' didn"t mi- $ith the .oo'e' +%mi!ie o+ the dit'ict&
The, didn"t et u. m%te'nit, c!inic, o' t'e%t the .!%nt%tion $o'*e' % oci%! e1u%!& Not o.en!,, %n,$%,& The +%ct th%t R,%n
M%c%!!ite' .'omu!(%ted one .o!ic,, %nd .'%ctied %nothe', $% $h%t h%d b'ou(ht /o%nn% into o.en con+!ict $ith he' +%the'0in0!%$&
And i(n%!!ed the end o+ he' m%''i%(e, he %c*no$!ed(ed bitte'!,& Th%t &&& %nd N%th%n" de%th &&
But he didn"t $%nt to thin* %bout N%th%n no$& The .%in o+ th%t t'%(ed,, %nd the u(!, !ie th%t h%d c%ued it, didn"t hu't he'
%n, mo'e& Not % !ot, %n,$%,& Time h%d !%id it he%!in( b%!m o)e' thoe o!d $ound, %nd he $ou!d be un$ie to tet it 'eit%nce& It
$% enou(h th%t Co!e h%d .'o)ed he $% not immune to the .%t, %nd it $% (oin( to be %muin( ho$in( hi +%the' e-%ct!, ho$ +uti!e
hi cheme h%d been&
O' $ou!d it7 /o%nn% che$ed unh%..i!, %t he' !o$e' !i.& She $% not n%tu'%!!, % )indicti)e $om%n, %nd the un$i!!in(
memo', o+ $h, he $% he'e b'ou(ht it o$n unce't%int,& Ho$ cou!d he t%nd u. to % m%n $ho $% %!'e%d, d,in(7 Wh%t c'ue!e'
'et'ibution cou!d the'e be7 And he ti!! h%d to +ind out $h, he hou!d $%nt to ee he'& A +%' % he $% %$%'e, the, h%d nothin( mo'e
to %, to one %nothe'&
The te$%'de" $%'nin(, to t%*e note o+ the "8%ten Se%tbe!t" i(n, %nd to e-tin(uih %!! ci(%'ette, 'eminded he' o+ the
imminence o+ thei' %''i)%!& Chec*in( th%t he' e%tbe!t $% ecu'e!, in .!%ce, /o%nn%" e,e b'ie+!, !oc*ed $ith Co!e"& But he cou!d
'e%d nothin( +'om hi e-.'eion %nd, in %n, c%e, he !oo*ed %$%,& A he h%d done ince thi mo'nin(, $hen the, h%d h%'ed % c%b to
the %i'.o't on Ne$ P'o)idence& He h%d m%de it b!%t%nt!, ob)iou th%t he h%d decided to 'emo)e hime!+ ment%!!,, i+ not .h,ic%!!,,
+'om %n, cont%ct bet$een them, %nd, +o' the time bein(, /o%nn% $% .'e.%'ed to !et him&
Th%t the, $e'e t'%)e!in( to(ethe' %t %!! $% %nothe' m%tte'& /o%nn% h%d +e!t 6uti+i%b!, +u'iou $hen he $o*e u. th%t
mo'nin(, %nd +ound the .!%ne 'ee')%tion th%t h%d been .uhed unde' he' doo'& She h%d not !e.t .%'ticu!%'!, $e!!, %nd, n%tchin( u.
the +o!de', he h%d dico)e'ed, to he' ch%('in, th%t the boo*in( h%d been m%de the .'e)iou d%,& It $% (%!!in( to thin* th%t, e)en %+te'
%!! he h%d %id, Co!e h%d been o u'e o+ he' com.!i%nce& A oon % he %cce.ted hi dinne' in)it%tion, he mut h%)e thou(ht it $% %
+o'e(one conc!uion& The on!, com+o't he h%d $% th%t the e)enin( h%d not (one e-%ct!, % he h%d .!%nned& He mi(ht h%)e (ot hi
o$n $%,, but %t $h%t cot to hi e!+0eteem7
An hou' !%te', /o%nn% $% %!'e%d, +ee!in( the e++ect o+ the .'e0umme' be%t in thi emi0t'o.ic%! co'ne' o+ the United
St%te& Co!e" b'othe', Ben, h%d met them %t the %i'.o't& A+te' % '%the' %$*$%'d ('eetin(, he h%d !o%ded Co!e" +!i(ht b%( %nd he' o$n
uitc%e into the b%c* o+ the o!id +ou'0b,0+ou' et%te c%', be+o'e t%*in( the $hee! +o' the d'i)e to Tide$%te'& He h%d been .o!ite, but
h%'d!, +'iend!,, %nd % Co!e h%d been e%(e' to he%' %bout thei' +%the' the, h%d immedi%te!, e-c!uded he' +'om thei' e%,
communic%tion&
Not th%t he c%'ed, thou(ht /o%nn%, not %!to(ethe' honet!,& /ut bec%ue he %nd Ben h%d once been +'iend $% no 'e%on
to +ee! !i(hted no$& It $% ob)iou th%t he $ou!d t%*e hi b'othe' %nd hi +%the'" $o'd be+o'e he' o$n& And he h%d no doubt he'
n%me h%d +i(u'ed in ome bitte' con)e'%tion&
<?
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
But, +o' no$, he cont%ined he' +ee!in(, %nd +%nned he'e!+ $ith % !%n(uid h%nd& A!thou(h he $% %!mot u'e the )ehic!e
.oeed %n %i'0conditionin( ,tem, Ben $% d'i)in( %!on( the co%t%! hi(h$%, $ith %!! the $indo$ o.en& In cone1uence, the
moit %i' $% c%uin( he' hi't %nd cotton cut0o++ to c!in( to he' d%m. bod,, %nd it $% enou(h to t', %nd +ind % com+o't%b!e .oition&
Ne)e'the!e, he )ie$ed the b%c* o+ Co!e" he%d $ith ome 'eentment& He $% on hi o$n ('ound he'e, %nd the he%t didn"t bothe'
him % c'%.& ;et, +o' %!! he' +'ut'%tion, /o%nn% cou!dn"t den, the %tt'%ction o+ the %'e%& Humid it mi(ht be, but it $% %!o !uh, %nd
co!ou'+u!, %nd e-t'eme!, be%uti+u!& The co%t%! 'e(ion $% % m% o+ !%*e %nd $%te'$%,, $he'e %!t m%'he me!ted into %c'e o+
%nd dune, %nd houe $e'e bui!t hi(h +o' coo!ne& At thi time o+ the ,e%', (%'den $e'e %!i(ht $ith c'imon %nd .in* %4%!e%,
b!oomin( %mid 6%mine %nd 'oe, $%-, $hite c%me!!i% %nd +!o$e'in( do($ood& Wite'i% o)e'hun( $%!! %nd .o'che, %nd $ide
)e'%nd% .o'ted te''%cott% tub, %nd c%ne +u'nitu'e& Thi $% the !o$ count',, %nd !i+e mo)ed %t % !e hectic .%ce th%n in the cit,&
Decidin( he $%n"t .'e.%'ed to be i(no'ed +o' the $ho!e 6ou'ne,, /o%nn% un+%tened %nothe' button on he' hi't, %nd
dete'mined!, !e%ned +o'$%'d& Retin( he' %'m %!on( the b%c* o+ the e%t in +'ont, he e-.e!!ed % i(h th%t 6ut h%..ened to $%+t
c!oe to Co!e" e%', %nd +o'ced % mi!e&
"So0ho$ %'e ,ou, Ben7" he en1ui'ed, i(no'in( Co!e" udden int%*e o+ b'e%th& "9ot ,ou' o$n .!%ce ,et7"
"Um00" Ben c%t % $o''ied !oo* in Co!e" di'ection, be+o'e h%*in( hi he%d& "N0no& Not ,et& Too much to do %'ound
Tide$%te'&"
/o%nn%" !i. +!%ttened& "But I thou(ht ,ou $%nted % .!%ce o+ ,ou' o$n," he .e'ited, %nd Co!e tu'ned hi he%d to (i)e he' %
d%'* !oo*& "We!!, he did," he %dded, 'e.ondin( to th%t ('im $%'nin(& "Ho$ o!d %'e ,ou no$, Ben7 T$ent,0+i)e7 T$ent,0i-7"
"He" t$ent,0+ou'," t%ted he' e-0hub%nd ho't!,&
"T$o ,e%' ,oun(e' th%n ,ou, % I"m u'e ,ou *no$ )e', $e!!&"
";ou 'emembe'ed5" /o%nn%" b'o$ %'ched $ith te%in( intent& "Th%t m%*e ,ou thi't,, doen"t it7" She tu((ed the nec*!ine
o+ the hi't %$%, +'om he' moit th'o%t& "M,, %'en"t $e (ettin( o!d7"
Co!e didn"t di(ni+, he' 'em%'* $ith % 'e.!,& He me'e!, $un( 'ound in hi e%t %(%in, !e%)in( /o%nn% to e%'ch $i!d!, +o'
omethin( e!e to %,& But he h%d no intention o+ !ettin( him intimid%te he', )e'b%!!, o' othe'$ie, %nd $hen he' e!bo$ b'uhed hi
nec* he $% mo'e th%n %ti+ied b, hi h%'. $ithd'%$%!&
"Co!e te!! me /oe" m%''ied no$," he ine'ted, into % con)e'%tion %bout the cu''ent t%te o+ !%nd e'oion& She h%d
%dd'eed he' 1uetion to Ben %(%in, %nd, once mo'e, he !oo*ed %t hi o!de' b'othe' be+o'e 'e.!,in(&
, "S 'i(ht," he mutte'ed, c!e%'!, not en6o,in( bein( .i( 0 in 0 the0midd!e, but /o%nn% cou!dn"t %++o'd to conide' %n,one"
+ee!in( but he' o$n&
"And he ti!! !i)e %t home7" he .'om.ted& "It" 6ut % $e!! it" % bi( houe& With th'ee +%mi!ie !i)in( in it&"
No$ Ben (!%nced %t he'& "Th'ee +%mi!ie7" /o%nn% nodded& "We!!, % Co!e %nd /oe both h%)e $i)e00"
"Co!e doen"t00" he be(%n im.u!i)e!,, %nd then he b'o*e o++, hi +%i' *in u++ued $ith co!ou'& "Th%t i00" He $%!!o$ed
con)u!i)e!,, hi Ad%m" %..!e .'ot'udin( th'ou(h hi t%ut *in, %nd he (%)e hi b'othe' % ide!on( !oo*& "Didn"t Co!e te!! ,ou7"
"Ob)iou!, not&" Co!e .o*e be+o'e /o%nn% cou!d %, %n,thin( e!e to emb%''% him& He !oo*ed %t he' no$, but hi b!ue
e,e $e'e % co!d % (!%cie'& "S%mm,0/e%n !e+t Tide$%te' ome time %(o," he to!d he' b!e%*!,& "She !i)e in C%!i+o'ni%, % +%' % I
*no$& Doe th%t %ti+, ,ou7"
It didn"t, but /o%nn% $% too u'.'ied to %, %n, thin( %t th%t moment& No, mo'e th%n th%t, he %dmitted& She $% hoc*ed&
Atounded& A+te' %!!, S%mm,0/e%n h%d been R,%n M%c%!!ite'" choice o+ % $i+e +o' hi e!det on& And /o%nn% *ne$ the othe' $om%n
h%d been %+te' Co!e e)e' ince the, $e'e in hi(h choo! to(ethe'& She h%d m%de no ec'et o+ it& She h%d been c'%4, %bout him& And
c'%4, +o' him& So $h%t h%d (one $'on(7
With he' mind %!'e%d, .'obin( the im.!ic%tion o+ thi %nnouncement, the ob)iou 1uetion .'%n( to he' !i.& "A'e0%'e
,ou di)o'ced7"
Co!e" e-h%!%tion o+ b'e%th $% %)%(e& ";e," he %id cu't!,& "No$ c%n $e !e%)e it7 It" no conce'n o+ ,ou'&"
W%n"t it7 /o%nn% $onde'ed& Wou!d he h%)e come he'e %t %!!, i+ he h%d *no$n S%mm,0/e%n $%n"t (oin( to be %'ound to
.'otect he'7 She $%n"t .'e.%'ed to conide' %t thi moment $h, he hou!d thin* he needed %n, .'otection& Su++ice it to %, th%t
9'%ce" +in%! $o'd udden!, h%d % dee.e' me%nin(&
"Doe0doe 9'%ce *no$7"
She h%d to %*, %nd Co!e utte'ed %n %(('%)%ted o%th&
"I %id $e $ou!dn"t t%!* %bout it&"
"No, but00"
"9od5" He '%*ed %n(', +in(e' %(%int hi c%!.& "Wh%t doe it m%tte'7" And then, %+te' %!!o$in( hime!+ % minute to c%!m
do$n, he %dded, "O+ cou'e he *no$& Wh, $ou!dn"t he7 It" not % ec'et, +o' 9od" %*e&"
"Then $h, didn"t he te!! me7" dem%nded /o%nn%, %nd then $ihed he h%dn"t, $hen %'donic e,e $e'e tu'ned in he'
di'ection&
"Who *no$7" t%unted Co!e, en6o,in( he' dicom+o't& "Pe'h%. he $% %+'%id ,ou mi(ht come 'uhin( b%c* to com+o't me&"
/o%nn%" h%nd c!enched on the !e%the' b%c* o+ the $ide e%t, but, %!thou(h he' initi%! 'e%ction $% to 'et%!i%te in *ind, thi
time he thou(ht be+o'e he .o*e& "Pe'h%. I $ou!d %t th%t," he mu'mu'ed, %$%'e th%t Ben" he%d h%d $un( 'ound %t he' $o'd& He
$% ob)iou!, be$i!de'ed b, the udden $itch in em.h%i, %nd he ho$ed it&
"Did ,ou need com+o'tin(7"
"Not b, ,ou," dec!%'ed Co!e 'ude!,, %!)%(in( $h%t he cou!d +'om the $'ec*%(e& "When I need % $om%n, I c%n %!$%, .%,
+o' one&"
"/ut !i*e ,ou' d%dd,," 'eto'ted /o%nn%, tun( in .ite o+ he'e!+&
8!in(in( he'e!+ b%c* in the e%t then, he t'ied to i(no'e the udden .%in hi $o'd h%d b'ou(ht he'& It $% %!! )e', $e!!
t'%din( inu!t $ith him, but +o' %!! he' dete'min%tion he' *in $% not % thic* % hi& She co$!ed ou'!, out o+ the $indo$& B%t%'d,
he thou(ht, +indin( ome 'e!ie+ in c%!!in( him n%me, e)en i+ he cou!dn"t he%'& /e'*5 C'ee.5 Ho$ cou!d he h%)e %!!o$ed he'e!+ to (et
into thi itu%tion7
The, .%ed the e-it +o' Be%um%'i, %nd the i(n th%t 'e%d ";ou %'e no$ ente'in( Tide$%te' Count,", but /o%nn% h%'d!,
noticed& She $% too $'%..ed u. in +ee!in( o+ bitte'ne %nd +'ut'%tion, %nd it $%n"t unti! the, tu'ned bet$een the (%te o+
Tide$%te' P!%nt%tion th%t % ene o+ .%nic ('i..ed he' tom%ch& The, $e'e he'e, he (%((ed& The, $e'e 'e%!!, he'e& Tide$%te'5 Whe'e
he h%d $o'n he $ou!d ne)e' et +oot %(%in&
She t'ied to c%!m he'e!+& A''i)in( %t the houe in % t%te o+ $i!d emotion $ou!d (et he' no$he'e& She needed e)e', bit o+
<@
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
e!+0con+idence he .oeed to +%ce Co!e" +%mi!,& Not to mention % ti++ b%c* %nd % t'on( $i!!, he %dded ('im!,& No one $% (oin(
to m%*e % +oo! o+ he' %(%in&
The, %..'o%ched the houe th'ou(h %n %)enue o+ !i)e o%* !ibe'%!!, hun( $ith S.%nih mo& The c'ee.e' (%)e the t'ee %n
ee'ie, (hot!i*e %..e%'%nce, .%'ticu!%'!, %t ni(ht, $hen d%m.ne 'oe +'om the 'i)e' to c!o%* the houe in % d'i+tin( ('e, mit& At
othe' time, $ith the moon hinin( th'ou(h the $%,in( tend'i!, it cou!d be 1uite 'om%ntic, %nd /o%nn% +ound he'e!+ 'emembe'in( the
+i't ni(ht he h%d .ent he'e, $hen Co!e h%d t%*en he' to ee the 'i)e', %nd the, h%d m%de !o)e on % bed o+ $i!d th,me &&&
She e-.e!!ed % h%'h b'e%th, %nd h%u!ed he'e!+ u. in the e%t& No$ $% not the time to t%'t 'emembe'in( thin( !i*e th%t,
he chided he'e!+ ('im!,& She h%d been inc'edib!, +oo!ih in thoe d%,& She h%d %ctu%!!, be!ie)ed th%t !o)e cou!d con1ue' %!!& Ho$
tu.id cou!d ,ou (et7
8o'cin( he'e!+ to !oo* %'ound, /o%nn% c%t % det%ched e,e o)e' the !uh .%ddoc* th%t !%, be,ond the $hite +ence th%t
ed(ed the d'i)e$%,& 9!o,0co%ted m%'e, %nd thei' +o%!, c'o..ed %c'e o+ ('een, ('een ('%, %nd the b'ee4e th%t in)%ded the
$indo$ o+ the c%' c%me t'%i(ht +'om the %!t m%'he& She *ne$ it $% .oib!e to ee the oce%n +'om the +i't0+!oo' b%!con, o+ the
houe, %nd $ith the 'i)e' !%..in( not too +%' +'om it doo' ,ou $e'e ne)e' +%' +'om the i(ht %nd ound o+ $%te'&
But, %!thou(h Tide$%te' h%d not ,et uccumbed to the !u'e o+ tu'nin( ite!+ into % tou'it %tt'%ction, % o m%n, othe'
.!%nt%tion h%d done, it no !on(e' 'e!ied on it cu!ti)%tion o+ 'ice %nd indi(o to *ee. it o!)ent& No$%d%,, m%n, o+ the 'ice +ie!d h%d
been d'%ined, %nd (i)en o)e' to the '%iin( o+ c%tt!e, %nd tho'ou(hb'ed ho'e !i)ed in t%b!e th%t h%d once 1u%'te'ed it immi('%nt
$o'*0+o'ce&
Not th%t /o%nn% h%d t%*en %n, .%'t in the 'unnin( o+ the et%te& A Co!e" $i+e, he h%d been entit!ed to !i)e in the houe,
%nd e%t %t the t%b!e, but %n,thin( mo'e th%n th%t h%d been denied to he'& R,%n M%c%!!ite' %nd hi on '%n the .!%nt%tion, %nd hi $i+e
'%n the houe& And M%'(%'et M%c%!!ite' h%d $%nted no he!. +'om %n,one, !e%t o+ %!! % (i'! he' on h%d m%''ied %(%int thei' $ihe&
A hi)e' +e%the'ed %!on( /o%nn%" .ine& No$ th%t he $% he'e, o m%n, memo'ie c%me +!oodin( b%c* to he'& Ho$ cou!d
he h%)e +o'(otten the m%n, humi!i%tion he h%d u++e'ed %t Co!e" mothe'" h%nd0the .ett, !i(ht %nd i(nominie th%t Co!e h%d
*no$n nothin( %bout7
She c%u(ht he' !o$e' !i. bet$een he' teeth % he 'emembe'ed& She h%d come +'om % no'm%!, !o)in( +%mi!,, % +%mi!, th%t
h%d $e!comed Co!e into thei' midt $ith no 'e%! 'ee')%tion& E)en thou(h it h%d me%nt /o%nn% !e%)in( he' home, %nd he' count',, to
(o %nd !i)e in ome dit%nt co'ne' o+ the Ne$ Wo'!d, he' .%'ent h%d %cce.ted it& The, h%d %cce.ted th%t he !o)ed Co!e, %nd he !o)ed
he', %nd th%t he *ne$ $h%t he $% doin(& The, h%d ('%nted he' the .'i)i!e(e o+ be!ie)in( he' o!d enou(h to m%*e he' o$n deciion,
%nd %!thou(h the, $e'e (oin( to mi he' te''ib!, the, h%d been (ene'ou in thei' u..o't&
Not o Co!e" +%mi!,& 8'om the be(innin(, /o%nn% h%d been !e+t in no doubt % to thei' di%..'o)%! o+ the m%''i%(e, %nd,
%!thou(h in thoe e%'!, d%, Co!e h%d de+ended he' %(%int %n, o)e't c'iticim, $hen he $%n"t the'e he $% )u!ne'%b!e& The t'uth
$%, he h%d ne)e' encounte'ed th%t *ind o+ %nt%(onim be+o'e, %nd M%'(%'et M%c%!!ite' h%d !ot no o..o'tunit, to be!itt!e he' in
+'ont o+ he' hub%nd&
It ti!! hu't& T%m.in( do$n the cho*in( ene o+ indi(n%tion th%t 'oe in he' th'o%t& /o%nn% +o'ced he'e!+ to 'emembe' th%t
thi time it $% (oin( to be di++e'ent& She h%dn"t $%nted to come he'e# the, h%d ent +o' he'& And he $% %n inde.endent $om%n no$,
not % !o)eic* (i'!, $ith no e-.e'ience o+ !i+e&
She cou!d 6ut im%(ine ho$ he' mothe' $ou!d 'e%ct, $hen he +ound out $he'e he' d%u(hte' h%d (one& Th%t $% $h, he
h%d .'e)%i!ed on 9'%ce to 'in( he' .%'ent %nd te!! them $h%t he $% doin(& She h%d *no$n th%t, i+ he h%d .o*en to he' mothe',
M'& Seton $ou!d h%)e done he' utmot to (et he' to ch%n(e he' mind& And, +o' %!! he' dete'min%tion, /o%nn% h%d not been u++icient!,
con+ident o+ he' o$n %bi!it, to $itht%nd uch %n on!%u(ht&
No$, % the, %..'o%ched the houe, /o%nn% be(%n to $onde' i+ it $ou!dn"t h%)e been mo'e enib!e to (et he' mothe'"
o.inion& M%,be he $% m%*in( % te''ib!e mit%*e&
But the ound o+ b%'*in( do( %nd the !o$in( o+ the et%te c%' m%de uch mi(i)in( imm%te'i%!& A bend in the d'i)e h%d
'e)e%!ed the houe, t%ndin( 1u%'e!, %(%int % b%c*d'o. o+ o%* %nd .ine t'ee& It $hite .%inted $%!! %nd )e'%nd% t'etched
m%6etic%!!, to$%'d % *, .!%hed $ith the co!ou' o+ e%'!, e)enin(, %nd /o%nn%" ne')e .'ic*!ed in %ntici.%tion& 9'i!!, !%ttice,
!ou)'ed hutte'# it h%d %!! the e!e(%nce o+ % b,(one e'%& And, %!thou(h the o'i(in%! .!%nt%tion houe h%d !on( ince +%!!en into dec%,,
thi out$%'d +%cimi!e, bui!t bet$een the t$o ('e%t $%', $% e)e', bit % im.oin( % it %ntecedent&
/o%nn% ti++ened& /ut eein( the houe, %nd the h%nd+u! o+ +o-hound th%t 'uhed e-cited!, to meet the c%', b'ou(ht %n
un$e!come +ee!in( o+ de6% )u& On!, it h%d been o!d Moe, one o+ the ('oom, $ho h%d met he' %nd Co!e on th%t +i't occ%ion& A
$%'nin( o+ the o..oition the, h%d h%d to +%ce&
The bi( Buic* c%me to % h%!t, %nd Co!e h%d hi doo' o.en %!mot be+o'e the $hee! h%d to..ed tu'nin(& O'de'in( the
hound %$%,, he tu'ned to o.en /o%nn%" doo', 6ut % % t%!!, $e!!0bui!t $om%n eme'(ed +'om the houe&
/o%nn%" tom%ch ho!!o$ed& M%'(%'et0M%((ie0M%c%!!ite' h%dn"t ch%n(ed& She $% ti!! % +o'mid%b!e % e)e', he' b'o%d0
hou!de'ed +i(u'e c!%d in one o+ the +!o'%! .'int he +%)ou'ed, %nd he' !on( ('e, h%i' $ound in % .!%ited co'onet %'ound he' he%d&
"Co!e," he %id, in % )oice th%t $% h%!+ %ccuin(, h%!+ 'e!ie)ed, "th%n* 9od ,ou"'e home5"
"Wh,7" Le%)in( /o%nn%" doo' %6%', Co!e .'%n( u. the +!i(ht o+ te. to $he'e hi mothe' $% $%itin( on the )e'%nd%&
"Nothin(" h%..ened, h% it7 P%" not00"
"No, no& He" the %me&" 9'i..in( he' e!det on b, the hou!de', M%((ie M%c%!!ite' !oo*ed %t him $ith te%' (!itenin( in
he' e,e& "I $% 6ut0o $o''ied& When ,ou didn"t come b%c* ,ete'd%,007"
She didn"t +inih the entence, but /o%nn%, c!imbin( 'e!uct%nt!, out o+ the c%', thou(ht it me%nin( $% unmit%*%b!e& Co!e"
mothe' $% 'emindin( him o+ hi 'e.onibi!itie, %nd uin( the o..o'tunit, to ho$ he' e-%ct!, $h%t to e-.ect&
"I"m o'',&" Co!e %!!o$ed hi mothe' to .u!! him into %n e%(e' emb'%ce, %nd /o%nn%, h%u!in( out % he%), uitc%e %nd he'
+!i(ht b%(, cou!dn"t he!. but (!im.e the !oo* o+ t'ium.h M%((ie M%c%!!ite' c%t in he' di'ection& ;ou mi(ht h%)e educed him %$%,
+'om hi +%mi!, once, th%t !oo* eemed to %,, but, % ,ou c%n ee, it $on"t h%..en %(%in&
Won"t it7 thou(ht /o%nn% ('im!,, tu((in( %t the econd uitc%e& We"!! ee, ,ou o!d h%''id%n5 We"!! ee $ho h% the !%t
!%u(h5
"He'e0I"!! do th%t&"
/o%nn% $% o intent on (i)in( b%c* t%'e +o' t%'e th%t he h%d been un%$%'e o+ Ben comin( 'ound the )ehic!e to he!. he'&
"Let me," he inited, !i+tin( the econd c%e e++o't!e!, on to the c'uhed0he!! +o'ecou't, %nd /o%nn% (%)e him % $innin(
mi!e th%t $% %!! the $%'me' bec%ue o+ it %udience&
"Th%n*," he %id, de!ibe'%te!, ti..in( he' he%d to one ide, %nd !oo*in( him o)e'& "I"d +o'(otten ,ou $e'e o t'on(&" She
<2
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
touched hi bice. $ith te%in( +in(e'& "So!id muc!e5"
"And no b'%in," %id Co!e %b'u.t!,, .u!!in( hime!+ out o+ hi mothe'" %'m, %nd comin( b%c* do$n the te. to $he'e Ben
$% 'ed0+%ced!, t',in( to h%nd!e %!! the !u((%(e& He (%)e /o%nn% % chi!!in( !oo*, %nd too* one o+ the c%e +'om Ben& "Come on& I"!!
ho$ ,ou ,ou' 'oom&"
But not $ithout meetin( M%, b'ooded /o%nn% un$i!!in(!,, +o!!o$in( him u. the te.& No one $% %!!o$ed to do %n,thin(
%'ound he'e $ithout M%" .e'miion& And 'i(ht no$ M%((ie M%c%!!ite' $% $%tchin( thei' e-ch%n(e $ith ('im0e,ed di%..'o)%!&
/o%nn% t%'ted to .!uc* he' hi't %$%, +'om he' bod, % he +o!!o$ed Co!e u. to $he'e hi mothe' $% $%itin(, but then
he ch%n(ed he' mind& Wh%t did he c%'e i+ M%((ie M%c%!!ite' thou(ht he $% b'%4en, bec%ue the d%m. m%te'i%! $% c!in(in( to he'
t%ut b'e%t7 The, $e'e nice b'e%t0%nd Ben h%d e)ident!, thou(ht o, too06ud(in( b, the $%, hi e,e h%d ne%'!, .o..ed out o+ hi
he%d&
E)en o, it too* %n eno'mou %mount o+ cou'%(e to +%ce the $om%n $ho h%d he!.ed to det'o, he' m%''i%(e& 8o' %!! he'
'eo!ution, it $%n"t e%, to +o'(et the !%t time he h%d tood on thi )e'%nd%& O' dimi the .%in %nd %n(uih th%t he $ou!d %!$%,
%oci%te $ith he' de.%'tu'e&
Ne)e'the!e, the'e $% % di++e'ence& A /o%nn% mounted the !%t t%i' %nd c%me u. beide Co!e, he 'e%!ied $h%t it $%&
Whe'e% be+o'e he h%d been e%(e'0+oo! th%t he $%0to m%*e % (ood im.'eion, no$ he didn"t h%)e to& It didn"t m%tte' to he' $h%t
Co!e" mothe' thou(ht, %nd %!thou(h he didn"t %ctu%!!, )oice the $o'd he %$ the d%$nin( com.'ehenion in M%((ie M%c%!!ite'"
e,e&
The'e $% %n %$*$%'d moment, $hi!e the t$o $omen %..e%'ed to i4e one %nothe' u.& And then, $hen it bec%me %..%'ent
th%t he' e't$hi!e d%u(hte'0in0!%$ $% not (oin( to be the +i't to .e%*, Co!e" mothe' c'%c*ed % +'ot, mi!e&
"/o%nn%," he %id, 'e(%'din( the ,oun(e' $om%n" %..e%'%nce $ith undi(uied did%in& ";ou !oo* hot&"
"Oh, I %m&" /o%nn% e-.e!!ed he' b'e%th in %n u.$%'d d'%u(ht& "I c%n"t $%it to t'i. o++ thee ti(ht t'oue'&"
M%((ie" mouth com.'eed& "I"m u'e," he mu'mu'ed, e-ch%n(in( % .e%*in( !oo* $ith Co!e& "I+ ,ou $%it % moment, I"!!
(et S%!!, to ho$ ,ou to ,ou' 'oom&"
"Oh, but & & &" /o%nn% .'etended % con+uion he ce't%in!, $%n"t +ee!in(& "Co!e %id he"d ho$ me $he'e I"m to !ee.&" He'
!oo* $% %!! $ide0e,ed innocence& "In"t th%t 'i(ht, hone,7"
It $% h%'d to decide $ho $% the mot incened b, he' 'em%'*, but Co!e 'eco)e'ed +i't& "Th%t" 'i(ht," he %id te'e!,,
.ic*in( u. he' c%e %(%in, %nd m%*in( +o' the o.en doo'$%,& "We don"t $%nt the'e to be %n, mit%*e, do $e7"
"He!!, no&"
Be+o'e M%((ie cou!d m%*e %n, endo'in( t%tement, /o%nn% .u!!ed % 'ue+u! +%ce& "I mi(ht +ind m,e!+ h%'in( % b%th'oom
$ith ,ou, u(%'&"
"Un!i*e!,," the o!de' $om%n %u'ed he' co!d!,, h%)in( no choice but to +o!!o$ them into the houe& "I don"t thin* %n, o+ u
i !i*e!, to +o'(et the .%t, /o%nn%& Le%t o+ %!! Co!e&"
/o%nn%" 6%$ com.'eed, but, t', % he mi(ht, he cou!dn"t thin* o+ %n, +!i. comment to m%*e& And $hi!e he $% in th%t
t%te o+ unce't%int, Co!e" e!bo$ nud(ed he' in the b%c*&
"Let" (o," he %id, 6e'*in( hi he%d to$%'d the +o'*ed t%i'c%e th%t !ed u. to % (%!!e'ied !%ndin(& "Be+o'e I"m tem.ted to .ut
% +oot in th%t bi( mouth o+ ,ou'&"
CHAPTER SIG
/o%nn% !in(e'ed in the ho$e', 'etin( he' !im b%c* %(%int the co!d ti!ed $%!!, %nd %!!o$in( the .umme!in( .'%, to do it
$o't& But it $% o (ood to +ee! coo! %(%in, %nd he $% !o%th to te. out into the moit e)enin( %i'&
Be,ond he' $indo$, the )e!)et, d%'*ne $% %!i)e $ith the $hi''in( %nd 'ut!in( o+ the ni(ht& Hu(e moth be%t thei'
$in( %(%int he' b!ind, %nd he"d %!'e%d, h%d to di.oe o+ % +%mi!, o+ te'mite th%t h%d t%*en u. 'eidence on he' )e'%nd%& She"d
+o'(otten ho$ m%n, mino' d'%$b%c* the'e $e'e to !i)in( %t Tide$%te', %nd he' cit, enibi!itie needed to be 'ede+ined&
But he h%d $%nted to c%!! +o' he!. $hen he +ound % coc*'o%ch in the ho$e'0t%!!& She h%ted the u(!, inect, $ith thei'
h%'d he!!, th%t c'unched i+ ,ou tood on them& Ne)e'the!e, he h%d de%!t $ith it he'e!+& A+te' the h%'h $o'd he %nd Co!e h%d
e-ch%n(ed, he doubted he $ou!d h%)e been $i!!in( to %ccommod%te he'& And, %!thou(h he cou!d h%)e ummoned one o+ the
e')%nt to %ttend to it, he $% un$i!!in( to ho$ %n, o+tne in thi houe&
Beide, he $%n"t uu%!!, o 1ue%mih& It $% 6ut th%t it h%d been % !on( d%,, %nd thee m%!! di++icu!tie $e'e $e%'in(
%$%, he' de+ence& She needed time to %d6ut0to %d%.t to he' itu%tion, %nd 'eto'e he' e1ui!ib'ium& But, i+ Co!e h%d hi $%,, he
$%n"t (oin( to (et it& In +i+teen minute, he $% e-.ected to (o do$nt%i' %nd 6oin the +%mi!, +o' the e)enin( me%!&
Puhin( he'e!+ %$%, +'om the $%!!, he 'e%ched out %nd tu'ned o++ the t%.& Then, $ee.in( the cu't%in %ide, he
te..ed out on to the m%'b!e0ti!ed +!oo'& A hu(e $hite b%th heet enc%ed he' +'om he' nec* to he' %n*!e, %nd, d'%.in( it ecu'e!,
%bout he', he .%dded th'ou(h to the bed'oom&
Die$in( he' %..e%'%nce in the (i!t0ed(ed .ie'0(!%, he +e!t % ene o+ 'ei(n%tion& He' h%unted e-.'eion $% not $h%t
he $%nted to ee, %nd the t%'* $hitene o+ the to$e! %ccentu%ted the d%'* 'in( %'ound he' e,e& She !oo*ed0de+e%ted, he thou(ht
im.%tient!,& ;oun(, %nd )u!ne'%b!e, %nd0de+e%ted& And %!! bec%ue he $% hot, %nd ti'ed, %nd de.e'%te to ee % +'iend!, +%ce&
The *noc* th%t c%me %t he' doo' %t th%t moment $% b%d!, timed& At the ound, %!! he' de+ence .'%n( into %cti)e !i+e, %nd
$ith he' h%c*!e u., %nd he' h%nd c!enched ti(ht!, in the +o!d o+ the to$e!, he dete'mined not to %n$e' it&
But $hen the doo'0h%nd!e '%tt!ed he tened in dim%,&
The'e h%d been no *e, to !oc* the doo', %nd %!thou(h he h%d $ed(ed the b%c* o+ the ch%i' bene%th the h%nd!e be+o'e he
$ent +o' he' ho$e' he doubted it $ou!d be u++icient dete''ent to o dete'mined % )iito'&
Then he he%'d omeone %, he' n%me, %nd he' mi(i)in( +!ed& The )oice $% unmit%*%b!, +eminine, %nd $hen the $o'd
$% 'e.e%ted in huhed, u'(ent tone he +!e$ %c'o the 'oom to 'emo)e the ch%i'&
She .'%ctic%!!, +!un( o.en the doo', %nd the (i'!, $ho h%d been inc!ined to$%'d the .%ne! outide, %!mot +e!! into the
'oom& "/o," he %id %(%in, he' +%ce +!uhed $ith %n-iou co!ou'& "Oh, /o, I c%n"t be!ie)e it5"
"Ch%'!e,5" Secu'in( the to$e! bene%th he' b'e%t, /o%nn% $ithtood the on!%u(ht % Co!e" +i+teen0,e%' o!d ite' !%unched
he'e!+ %t he'& "9oh, Ch%'!e,, it" (ood to ee ,ou&"
<A
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
";ou, too&" Ch%'!e, hu((ed he' $ith %!! the t'en(th o+ he' tu'd, ,oun( +'%me, %nd then d'e$ b%c* to (%4e %t /o%nn% $ith
unconce%!ed de!i(ht& "Ho$ !on( %'e ,ou t%,in(7"
"I0I"m not u'e&" /o%nn% 'e%!ied th%t th%t $% omethin( he h%dn"t (i)en % !ot o+ thou(ht to& "A +e$ d%,, m%,be&" She
b!in*ed b%c* %n e''%nt te%'& "So0ho$ %'e ,ou7 And Donn%7 And S%nd,7 I (ue he mut be t$e!)e no$, i th%t 'i(ht7 He%)en, %'en"t
,ou ('o$in( u.5"
"We"'e O>&" Ch%'!e, (%)e % c%'e!e h'u( o+ he' hou!de'& She b'uhed b%c* the thic* b'%id, $hich $% e)e'%! h%de
d%'*e' th%n Co!e" h%i', %nd ('im%ced& "Donn%" ti!! Donn%, %nd S%nd, ti!! +o!!o$ Co!e %'ound, !i*e he %!$%, did&"
/o%nn% nodded& Donn% $% Ch%'!e," t$in, but the t$o ite' h%d ne)e' been 'e%!!, c!oe& Me%n$hi!e S%nd,0A!e-%nde'0
$% the ,oun(et membe' o+ the +%mi!,&
"I (ue ,ou *no$ %bout P%," Ch%'!e, continued no$, % /o%nn% c%t % doubt+u! (!%nce u. %nd do$n the co''ido' outide
be+o'e c!oin( the doo'& The (i'! %unte'ed %c'o the 'oom, e)ident!, d'eed +o' u..e', in he' $hite !inen tunic, %n*!e oc*, %nd
.%tent hoe, %nd .ic*ed u. /o%nn%" h%i'b'uh +'om the d'ein(0t%b!e& "He" .'ett, ic*&"
";e&" /o%nn%" mouth d'ied, %nd he hitched the to$e! % !itt!e ti(hte'& "I"m0o'',&"
"Wh, hou!d ,ou be7" Ch%'!e, $un( 'ound to +%ce he'& "It in"t % i+ ,ou e)e' !i*ed him&"
/o%nn% moitened he' !i.& "No," he conceded e)en!,& "He"0not %n e%, m%n to !i*e&"
"Te!! me %bout it&" Ch%'!e, '%ied he' e,e to$%'d the cei!in( in % (etu'e th%t $% u'.'iin(!, %du!t +o' omeone o+ he'
%(e& ";ou *no$ he" %!'e%d, to!d me I")e (ot to (o to co!!e(e5"
"We!! && &" /o%nn% !i+ted he' hou!de'& "Th%t doen"t eem too un'e%on%b!e0"
"Not to ,ou, m%,be&" Ch%'!e, toed he' he%d& "/o, I don"t $%nt to (o to co!!e(e& Donn%" the %c%demic one, not me& I"d 6ut
% oon t%, he'e %nd he!. M%&"
/o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& ";ou m%, ch%n(e ,ou' mind& I me%n, it" % +e$ ,e%' ,et0"
"I $on"t&" Ch%'!e, co$!ed& ";ou don"t unde't%nd, /o&I0I0$%nt to (et m%''ied&"
"M%''ied7" /o%nn% $% %tounded, %nd ho$ed it, %nd Ch%'!e, hu''ied on&
";e, m%''ied," he %id, c!%.in( he' h%nd to(ethe' %nd +%cin( /o%nn% $ith % tubbo'n !i(ht in he' e,e& "Ne-t ,e%'& When
I"m i-teenF
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' !o$e' !i. bet$een he' teeth& ";ou")e (ot omeone in mind, I (%the'&"
"O+ cou'e&" Ch%'!e, !oo*ed co'n+u!& ";ou 'emembe' Bi!!, 8enton, don"t ,ou7 Hi mothe' ued to )iit the c!inic& ;ou
he!.ed he'0"
"I 'emembe' Bi!!, 8enton," /o%nn% inte''u.ted 1uic*!,, he' .i'it .!ummetin(& The 8enton $e'e % .oo' $hite +%mi!, $ho
occu.ied % one0'oomed h%c* on the ed(e o+ the et%te& Bou!c)%'d0Bu!i08enton ued to be em.!o,ed in the t%b!e, unti! hi c'%)in(
+o' !i1uo' %nd hi em.!o,e'" .%tience co!!ided& R,%n M%c%!!ite' h%d th'o$n him out, indi++e'ent to the bu'den Bu!!" bein( $ithout %
6ob $ou!d .ut on hi enti'e +%mi!,&
Not th%t .eo.!e h%d b!%med Co!e" +%the' +o' $h%t he"d done& It $% % $e!!0*no$n +%ct th%t Bu!! $% bone id!e# th%t he be%t
hi $i+e %nd *id, %nd th%t he h%d et u. % $hi*e, ti!!, ome$he'e b%c* in the $ood& O+ cou'e, the .o!ice h%d ne)e' +ound %n,
e)idence to con)ict him $ith, but the 'umo' .e'ited, %nd o did Bu!!" d'un*enne&
But it $% Bu!!" $i+e, Su%n, /o%nn% h%d +e!t o'', +o'& A!thou(h the (i'! h%d been !itt!e mo'e th%n he' o$n %(e, he h%d
%!'e%d, h%d e)en b%bie, th'ee o+ $hom h%d been ti!!bo'n& She $% % !itt!e moue o+ % c'e%tu'e, %+'%id o+ he' b'ut%! hub%nd, ,et
$ithout the $i!! to !e%)e him& A!! /o%nn% h%d been %b!e to do $% (i)e he' the me%n to .'e)ent the ,e%'!, .'e(n%ncie, %nd ('%du%!!,,
o)e' % .e'iod o+ month, he h%d een the $om%n 'e(%inin( he' e!+0'e.ect&
Bi!!, h%d been he' o!det chi!d, %nd th%n*+u!!, nothin( !i*e hi +%the'& /o%nn% (ueed he mut be i-teen o' e)enteen no$,
%nd .'ob%b!, 1uite % he'o to omeone !i*e Ch%'!e,& But Ch%'!e, $ou!d .'ob%b!, ne)e' h%)e noticed him i+ he h%dn"t he!.ed /o%nn% %t
the c!inic du'in( he' choo! ho!id%,& And, $hi!e it $% un+%i' to 6ud(e Bi!!, bec%ue o+ hi b%c*('ound, /o%nn% *ne$ the'e $% no
$%, Ch%'!e," +%mi!, $ou!d counten%nce uch % !i%ion&
"Wh, %'e ,ou !oo*in( !i*e th%t7" the (i'! dem%nded no$, e)ident!, enin( omethin( +'om /o%nn%" i!ence th%t /o%nn%
he'e!+ h%d ho.ed to conce%!& ";ou thin* I"m too ,oun(, don"t ,ou7 We!!, I"m not& And no one" (oin( to end me %$%, to co!!e(e, i+ I
don"t $%nt to (o&"
/o%nn% b'e%thed % !itt!e mo'e +'ee!,& In he' conce'n %bout Bi!!," uit%bi!it,, Ch%'!e," %(e h%dn"t e)en come into it& But
no$ he ei4ed on the (i'!" $o'd $ith ome 'e!ie+&
"I thin* it" too oon to be thin*in( %bout ne-t ,e%'," he 'e.!ied c%'e+u!!,& "He%)en, ,ou cou!d ch%n(e ,ou' mind ne-t
$ee*&"
"I $on"tF Ch%'!e, ounded )e', de+inite& "So0$i!! ,ou t%!* to Co!e %bout it7 He ne)e' !iten to me, but I *no$ he"!! !iten to
,ouF
"Co!e5" /o%nn% %!mot !%u(hed& "Ch%'!e,, Co!e" h%'d!, !i*e!, to !iten to %n,thin( I h%)e to %,&"
"He mi(ht&" Ch%'!e, hunched he' hou!de'& "And %nd i+ P%" d,in(, Co!e" (oin( to be the one to m%*e the deciion %'ound
he'e, in"t he7"
/o%nn% e-.e!!ed he' b'e%th he%)i!,& "I0!oo*, Ch%'!e,, $e c%n"t t%!* no$& I")e (ot to (et m, h%i' d'ied, %nd (et d'eed +o'
u..e'& Let0e'0Iet me thin* %bout it, O>7 No$, o++ ,ou (o& Be+o'e ,ou' mothe' t%'t $onde'in( $he'e ,ou %'e&"
"A!! 'i(htF Ch%'!e, beto$ed %n im.u!i)e *i on he' chee*, %nd *i..ed %c'o to the doo'& "I"m o (!%d ,ou"'e b%c*, /o& I
6ut *no$ thin( %'e (oin( to $o'* out& ;ou"!! ee&"
/o%nn% $ihed he cou!d +ee! % o.timitic, % he hu''ied!, d'ied he' h%i', %nd .u!!ed on i!* !e((in( %nd %n o)e'0i4e
hi't th%t b%'e!, *immed the to. o+ he' thi(h& The !e((in( %nd hi't $e'e c'e%m, %nd he !otted the end o+ % chun*, b!%c* be!t
to(ethe', %nd %!!o$ed it to 'et !ooe!, on he' hi.& 9!o, hoo.ed e%''in( $un( %(%int he' nec*, %nd he !et he' h%i' !ooe, % +%!! o+
b!%c* i!* th%t +'%med he' de!ic%te!, %'ched chee*bone, %nd di..ed into the e-.oed ho!!o$ o+ he' th'o%t& O+ cou'e, he $% !%te&
E)en $ithout Ch%'!e," %..e%'%nce, he $ou!d h%)e been h%'d0.'eed to m%*e it do$nt%i' %t the %..'o.'i%te time& A it $%, he
h%d the dubiou .!e%u'e o+ bein( the !%t to %..e%', %nd %!thou(h he h%dn"t intended to m%*e %n ent'%nce it tu'ned out th%t $%,&
The $ho!e +%mi!, $% $%itin( +o' he' in the !ib'%',&
E)en thou(h it $% mo'e th%n th'ee ,e%' ince he"d !e+t Tide$%te', /o%nn% h%d *no$n e-%ct!, $he'e he $ou!d +ind
them& E)en the !i(ht!, mut, me!! o+ the boo* $% the %me& And nine .%i' o+ e,e %c*no$!ed(ed he' %..e%'%nce, mot!, %!i*e in
thei' e-.'eion o+ di%..'o)%!&
"I"m o'',," he %id, $%!*in( into the 'oom $ith %n %i' o+ con+idence he $% +%' +'om +ee!in(& "I ho.e < h%)en"t *e.t ,ou
<B
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
$%itin( !on(&"
And it $% % he $% beto$in( %n %..e%in( mi!e on the 'oom in (ene'%! th%t he 'e%!ied one o+ the .%i' o+ e,e th%t
h%d monito'ed he' %''i)%! $% R,%n M%c%!!ite'"& Un!i*e hi on, he $%n"t t%ndin(, $hich $% $h, /o%nn% h%dn"t noticed him %t
once& He $% e%ted in % $in(0b%c* ch%i', beide the +!o$e'0+i!!ed +i'e.!%ce, %nd e)en % .%in( (!%nce $% enou(h +o' he' to 'e%!ie
th%t Co!e h%d not been e-%((e'%tin( $hen he %id hi +%the' $% )e', i!!& S*e!et%!!, thin, R,%n eemed to h%)e h'i)e!ed to % h%do$
o+ hi +o'me' e!+, %nd in .ite o+ the he%t in the 'oom, $hich the tu'nin( +%n on!, mo)ed %'ound, he $% $'%..ed in % P%i!e, h%$!,
$ith % b!%n*et o)e' hi *nee&
/o%nn% $% tem.o'%'i!, non.!ued& She didn"t *no$ $h%t to %, to him& It $% ob)iou omethin( $% e-.ected o+ he',
but +o' % moment he +e!t inc%.%b!e o+ .eech& He' e,e +!ic*e'ed unce't%in!, o)e' the othe' membe' o+ the +%mi!,& /oe, the b'othe'
c!oet to Co!e In %(e, $% the'e, %nd he %umed the '%the' h%'. +%ced $om%n %t hi ide mut be hi $i+e& Ce't%in!,, the Wom%n
$% 'e(%'din( he' $ith undi(uied hoti!it, much !i*e he' mothe'0in0t%$, thou(ht /o%nn% d'i!,& O+ cou'e, Ch%'!e," $% % +'iend!,
+%ce, %nd e)en Ben" !i. mo)ed in i!ent %..'ob%tion& But Donn% $% too much !i*e he' mothe' to o++e' %n, u..o't, %nd S%nd, $%
too ,oun( to count& A +o' Co!e &&&
/o%nn%" (%4e tu'ned +'om hi (u%'ded +%ce to M%((ie"& Co!e" mothe' $% o.en!, contem.tuou, but $hethe' th%t $% +o'
he', o' +o' $h%t he $% $e%'in(, he cou!dn"t be u'e& It $% ob)iou he didn"t con+o'm to the t%nd%'d et b, M%((ie %nd he'
d%u(hte', c'i. hi't$%it %nd $hite toc*in( h%d ne)e' been % .%'t o+ he' $%'d'obe&
/o%nn% d'e$ % te%d,in( b'e%th, %nd, 'e%!iin( it $% u. to he' to ho$ %!! o+ them th%t he cou!d not be intimid%ted, he
%..'o%ched the o!d m%n" ch%i'& "M'& M%c%!!ite'," he %id, %nd he' coo! En(!ih )oice '%n( out !oud %nd c!e%'& She h%d ne)e'
.'o('eed be,ond c%!!in( him M'& M%c%!!ite', %nd he %$ no 'e%on to ch%n(e th%t no$& "Ho$ %'e ,ou7"
R,%n M%c%!!ite'" mouth com.'eed& "Ho$ do I !oo*7" he en1ui'ed h%'h!,, %nd /o%nn% 'e%!ied he h%d !ot none o+ hi
i'%cibi!it,&
She heit%ted& "Not (ood," he %id %t !%t, to the conce'ted ound o+ e)e'%! ind'%$n b'e%th& "But I"m u'e ,ou %!'e%d,
*no$ th%t&"
R,%n" e,e n%''o$ed& The, h%d once been % b!ue % hi on", but no$ the, $e'e %n indete'min%te h%de o+ ('e,& "P'ett,
u'e o+ ,ou'e!+, %'en"t ,ou7" he mutte'ed, bon, +in(e' *ne%din( the em.t, (!% in hi h%nd& "Ho.e I didn"t m%*e % mit%*e b'in(in(
,ou b%c* he'e& I don"t $%nt %n, t'oub!e& Not +'om ,ou, o' %n,one e!e&"
/o%nn% +e!t %n in%ne dei'e to !%u(h& He didn"t $%nt %n, t'oub!e& De%' 9od, u'e!, he didn"t thin* he did5 "Wh, did ,ou
%* me to come he'e, M'& M%c%!!ite'7" he en1ui'ed .o!ite!,, but Co!e" +%the' $% not .'e.%'ed to m%*e it th%t e%, +o' he'&
";ou"!! +ind out," he %id ('u++!,, %nd then, ho!din( out hi em.t, (!% to Co!e, he mutte'ed, "9et me %nothe' d'in*, $i!!
,ou7 And $h%te)e' he $%nt&"
"R,%n5" A he' on mo)ed to do hi +%the'" biddin(, M%((ie too* %n in)o!unt%', te. +o'$%'d& "R,%n, ,ou *no$ $h%t the
docto' %id&"
"Don"t I 6ut7" The o!d m%n (%)e he' % co'n+u! !oo*& "Wh%t" the m%tte', M%((ie7 ;ou he%'d $h%t /o%nn% %id& I don"t !oo*
(ood& And I u'e % he!! don"t +ee! (ood& So $h, $ou!d I 'et'ict m,e!+ to one d'in*, $hen t$o, o' e)en th'ee, m%*e me +ee! o much
bette'7"
M%((ie" thin !i. ti(htened, %nd the !oo* he c%t in /o%nn%" di'ection $% b%!e+u!& But, th%n*+u!!,, /o%nn% $% %b!e to
(i)e he' %ttention to chooin( % d'in*, %nd i+ Co!e" e-.'eion $% no !e +o'biddin(, %t !e%t he *e.t hi o.inion to hime!+&
"/ut +'uit 6uice, .!e%e," he %id, decidin( th%t in thi com.%n, it $ou!d be $ie to *ee. he' $it %bout he', %nd on!, the
+%int d'%$in( to(ethe' o+ Co!e" b'o$ indic%ted hi 'e%ction to it&
Then, % i+ %t ome i!ent i(n%! +'om thei' +%the', the othe' membe' o+ the +%mi!, c!ute'ed 'ound he'& /oe unbent
u++icient!, to de.oit % $i+t *i on he' chee*, be+o'e int'oducin( hi $i+e, A!ici%, %nd e)en Donn% +in(e'ed the mooth, %tin, +%b'ic
o+ he' hi't, %nd e-.'eed % $ih th%t he h%d one !i*e it&
";ou"'e too +%t," 'em%'*ed Ch%'!e,, $ho h%d ne)e' h%d %n, t%ct, %nd Donn%" 'eent+u! e,e tu'ned on he' t$in&
"/o ued to be +%t, too," he 'eto'ted, %nd /o%nn% thou(ht ho$ t,.ic%! it $% th%t he hou!d be m%de the b'unt o+ thei'
%'(ument&
"Th%t $% bec%ue he d'%n* too much," counte'ed Ch%'!e,, unc%'in( o+ /o%nn%" +ee!in(& "P% %id o&"
"P% %id % !ot o+ thin(," %id Ben, in % !o$ )oice, te..in( bet$een the t$o ite'& "Th%t doen"t me%n it $% t'ue& No$,
$h, don"t ,ou t$o to. emb%''%in( /o, %nd (o %nd he!. L%ce,7"
"L%ce, doen"t need %n, he!.," %id Ch%'!e,, but he (%)e /o%nn% % 'ue+u! mi!e % he did o& "So'',& I didn"t me%n ,ou ued
to be 'e%!!, +%t& /ut06ut0"
"O)e'$ei(ht"7" u((eted /o%nn% d'i!,, %nd Ch%'!e, (%)e % )i(o'ou nod&
"C!e%' o++," o'de'ed Ben, not %t %!! %..e%ed b, hi ite'" %ttem.t %t %n %.o!o(,, %nd the t$in mooched %$%,, ti!!
continuin( thei' %'(ument& "So," he %dded, $hen the, $e'e %!one, "i it % b%d % ,ou e-.ected7"
/o%nn% %!!o$ed he'e!+ % $', mi!e& "Wo'e7" he u((eted !i(ht!,, %nd then hoo* he' he%d& "No& Not $o'e& Di++e'ent&"
"Bec%ue o+ P%," mu'mu'ed Ben, mo)in( o th%t he $% bet$een he' %nd hi +%the', %nd /o%nn% nodded& "It" +unn,," he
%id, on!, 6ut 'e%!iin( th%t it $% t'ue& "He doen"t c%'e me %n, mo'e& Wh," th%t, do ,ou u..oe7"
"Bec%ue he" i!!7"
"No&" /o%nn% +'o$ned& "At !e%t, I don"t thin* o& He" ti!! % be!!i(e'ent % e)e', %nd it" ob)iou he ti!! h% %!! o+ ,ou
'unnin( 'ound %+te' him&"
"E-ce.t Co!e," %id Ben o+t!,, %nd /o%nn% !oo*ed u. %t him in u'.'ie&
"Wh%t do ,ou me%n7"
";ou"!! +ind out&" Ben h'u((ed& "Co!e" ch%n(ed& He" not the %me % he ued to be&"
/o%nn% (!%nced to$%'d he' e-0hub%nd, $ho $% .'eent!, m%*in( hi $%, to$%'d them, % t%!! (!% o+ +'uit co'di%! in hi
h%nd& "He eem the %me to me," he mutte'ed, in %n unde'tone, %nd Ben '%ied hi e,eb'o$ me%nin(+u!!, % Co!e 6oined them&
"One +'uit 6uice," he %id, h%ndin( /o%nn% the (!%, be+o'e (i)in( hi b'othe' % tudied !oo*& "Did I inte''u.t omethin(7"
"Hec*, no&" Ben co!ou'ed % !itt!e no$, %nd /o%nn%" +ee!in( to$%'d him $%'med, %t thi indic%tion o+ hi ,outh& "We $e'e
6ut dicuin( P%, th%t" %!!&"
Co!e tu'ned hi he%d to $he'e /oe %nd A!ici% $e'e t%ndin( o)e' hi +%the'" ch%i', %nd then .u!!ed % $', +%ce& "He eem
mo'e %nim%ted toni(ht th%n I")e een him in % $hi!e&" Hi coo! (%4e mo)ed to /o%nn%& "Pe'h%. $e h%)e ,ou to th%n* +o' th%t&"
"Oh, he%)en +o'bid th%t ,ou hou!d h%)e to th%n* me +o' %n,thin(," /o%nn% 'e.onded moc*in(!,& She t%ted he' d'in*, %nd
<C
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
then .ut out he' ton(ue to !ic* the !%t d'o. o+ m%n(o 6uice +'om he' !i.& "Hmm, thi i de!i(ht+u!5 I"m (!%d ,ou m%de it, Co!e& I"m u'e
,ou' mothe' $ihe it $% hem!oc*5"
";ou c%n"t b!%me m, mothe' +o' not t'utin( ,ou," dec!%'ed Co!e, in % !o$, h%'h tone, %nd Ben, e)ident!, +ee!in( u'.!u to
'e1ui'ement, $ent to to. S%nd, +'om to'mentin( the t$in& ";ou didn"t e-%ct!, m%*e thin( e%, +o' he'&"
"It $%n"t m, +%u!t th%t ,ou' +%the'" du.!icit, c%me home to 'oot," 'e.onded /o%nn% ho't!,, %nd then, +o'cin( he'e!+ not
to (et in)o!)ed in %nothe' %'(ument $ith him, he %dded, "I S%'%h ti!! !i)in( in Be%um%'i, b, the $%,7 I"d !i*e to ee he' $hi!e I"m
he'e&"
"Th%t" not % (ood ide%," %id Co!e, t%'in( %t ome .oint o)e' he' he%d& "I doubt i+ th%t $% $h, m, +%the' b'ou(ht ,ou
he'e&"
"I doubt i+ it $%," %('eed /o%nn% .!e%%nt!,& "But, ne)e'the!e, I intend to ee he'& With o' $ithout ,ou' %..'o)%!&"
Co!e" e,e $e'e d%'* $ith %n(e' $hen the, d'o..ed to he' %(%in& "Don"t," he %id %)%(e!,& ";ou"!! on!, c%ue he' mo'e
.%in& N%th%n" de%d %nd the'e" nothin( %n, o+ u c%n do %bout it&"
"And %'en"t ,ou (!%d7" he 'eto'ted, udden!, +indin( the +'uit 6uice too $eet +o' he' t%te& She et do$n he' (!%, %nd
!oo*ed 'ound +o' Ben& "E-cue me# I need ome +'eh %i'&"
"W%it5"
Co!e" h%nd %'ound he' u..e' %'m %''eted he', %nd e)en th'ou(h the m%te'i%! o+ he' hi't he cou!d ene the +'ut'%tion in
thoe +in(e'&
";e7" She ti!ted he' +%ce u. to hi, %nd, %!thou(h on!, econd be+o'e he h%d been (o%din( him $ith memo'ie o+ hi de%d
b'othe', udden!, the %i' bet$een them +%i'!, c'%c*!ed $ith e!ect'icit,&
"P!e%e," he %id, %nd he ened ho$ h%'d it $% +o' him to .!e%d $ith he'& He' tom%ch ho!!o$ed %t the !oo* o+ t%'*
%n(uih in hi +%ce, %nd +o' % moment he $ou!d h%)e .'omied him %n,thin(& "St%, %$%, +'om S%'%h," he %dded thic*!,& "St%, %$%,,
o'0o' I"!!0"
He b'o*e o++ %b'u.t!,, but /o%nn% h%d ti++ened& "O' $h%t, Co!e7" he t%unted, he' $e%*ne co%(u!%tin( into % h%'d co'e o+
'eentment inide he'& ";ou c%n"t th'e%ten me& I+ I $%nt to ee S%'%h, < $i!!& Wh, hou!dn"t I7 We h%)e % !ot in common& We both
t'uted men $ho bet'%,ed u&" And, !i+tin( hi +in(e' +'om he' !ee)e, he $%!*ed $i+t!, %$%,&
"/o5"
Hi )io!ent ue o+ he' n%me +e!! on de%+ e%', %nd hi mothe', $ho h%d been $%tchin( thei' %!te'c%tion $ith e)ident
mi(i)in(, no$ c%me %+te' /o%nn%&
"I omethin( $'on(7" he dem%nded, 'e%chin( the !ou)'ed doo' 6ut %he%d o+ he' 1u%'',& "Wh%t h% Co!e been %,in(7"
/o%nn%" !oo* o+ dibe!ie+ $% not +ei(ned& "I be( ,ou' .%'don7"
"I %id0"
"I *no$ $h%t ,ou %id&" /o%nn% !oo*ed %bout he' $ith ome +'ut'%tion& "But I don"t thin* it" %n, o+ ,ou' buine, do ,ou7"
"He doen"t $%nt ,ou b%c*, ,ou *no$&" M%((ie" thin !o$e' !i. cu'!ed& "He m%, h%)e %('eed to b'in( ,ou he'e, bec%ue hi
d%dd, %*ed him to& But it $%n"t hi ide%&"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& "Th%n* +o' the )ote o+ con+idence& "
"Don"t (et %, $ith me, (i'!5"
"I"m not&" /o%nn% +e!t % !itt!e o+ he' tenion dio!)e&
O)e't hoti!it, he cou!d de%! $ith& It $% the othe' *ind th%t (n%$ed %$%, %t ,ou' com.ou'e& "Don"t $o'',, M%((ie& I
don"t $%nt ,ou' .'eciou on&" She .%ued, %nd then % !itt!e im. o+ michie+ m%de he' %dd, o+t!,, "Not on % .e'm%nent b%i, %n,$%,&"
Co!e" mothe'" +%ce tu'ned c'imon& ";ou0 ,ou0"
"Ci%o," mu'mu'ed /o%nn% i!*i!,, %nd, decidin( to 1uit $hi!e he $% %he%d, he %unte'ed %$%,&
/OANNA !e.t u'.'iin(!, $e!! She h%dn"t e-.ected to& Not %+te' the '%the' ne')e0'%c*in( e)enin( he h%d .ent& But
.e'h%. it $% the +%ct th%t he h%dn"t !e.t much the ni(ht be+o'e& Wh%te)e' the 'e%on, he !ot concioune % oon % he' he%d
touched the .i!!o$, %nd it $%n"t unti! one o+ the m%id o.ened he' cu't%in th%t he 'e%!ied it $% mo'nin(&
"Mo'nin(, mi0m%"%m," +umb!ed the (i'!, $hom /o%nn% didn"t 'eco(nie %t %!!& E)ident!, he h%d been em.!o,ed ince
/o%nn% !e+t Tide$%te', %nd he' unce't%in e-.'eion mi''o'ed he' ine-.e'ience&
"Mi $i!! do," %id /o%nn% !%4i!,, !e)e'in( he'e!+ u. on he' .i!!o$, % the de!iciou cent o+ co++ee d'i+ted to he' not'i!&
"Wh%t" ,ou' n%me7"
"Rebecc%, mi," %n$e'ed the (i'!, comin( +o'$%'d to !i+t the b'e%*+%t t'%, +'om the bedide c%binet& She et the !e( %t
eithe' ide o+ /o%nn%" 'ecumbent +o'm, %nd +ued %bout, tid,in( the cut!e',, $hich h%d !i..ed % he mo)ed the t'%,&
"Th%t" O>& Honet!,&" /o%nn% he!d u. % dete''in( h%nd& She !oo*ed do$n %t the t'%,& "Hmm& Thi !oo* $onde'+u!&"
"/uice, e((, %nd h%m, to%t %nd co++ee," dec!%'ed Rebecc%, b!uhin( in con+uion& "An,thin( e!e I c%n (et ,ou, Mi
M%c%!!ite'7"
"It" Seton," %id /o%nn% d'i!,& "I"m /o%nn% Seton& I ued to be M%c%!!ite', but not %n, mo'e&"
"I unde't%nd&" Rebecc% co!ou'ed %(%in& ";ou c%'e +o' ome .%nc%*e, to (o $ith ,ou' e((7"
"Oh, no&" /o%nn% mi!ed, %nd hoo* he' he%d& "No, th%n*& I doubt i+ I c%n m%n%(e %!! thi&"
Rebecc% heit%ted& "We!!, i+ ,ou"'e u'e0"
"I"m u'e," dec!%'ed /o%nn%, ti+!in( % ,%$n& "Um $h%t time i it7"
"We!!," Rebecc% 'e+!ected, "Mi4 M%c%!!ite' %id to b'in( u. ,ou' t'%, %t ten o"c!oc*& I (ue it mut be % 1u%'te' %+te' th%t
no$&"
"A+te' ten5" /o%nn% $% %..%!!ed& She ne)e' no'm%!!, !e.t o !%te, %nd he cou!d 6ut im%(ine $h%t Co!e" mothe' $ou!d be
thin*in(& M%((ie h%d c%!!ed he' % !%4, !ut, in the not0too0dit%nt .%t& And !,in( in bed ti!! ten o"c!oc* $% % (ood % 6uti+,in( the
%ccu%tion&
But it $%n"t t'ue& It h%d ne)e' been t'ue& I+ /o%nn% h%d t%,ed in bed in the .%t, it $% bec%ue the'e h%d been nothin( to
(et u. +o'& M%((ie $ou!dn"t !et he' do %n,thin(# not % thin(& And e)en he' $i!! to .%int h%d been ti+!ed in the c!oed %tmo.he'e o+
Tide$%te'&
"Ain"t nothin( .oi!in(, mi," Rebecc% %dded, % !itt!e ditu'bed %t /o%nn%" hoc*ed 'e%ction& "M'& M%c%!!ite'0he don"t (et
u. much be+o'e noon thee d%,, %nd the bo,0the,"'e !on( (one&"
"The bo,," echoed /o%nn% 'ue+u!!,, +!o..in( b%c* %(%int he' .i!!o$, %nd Rebecc% !e%.t +o'$%'d to te%d, the t'%,&
"A!!" ce.t S%nd,," he %('eed, t'%i(htenin( u. %(%in& "The ,oun( "un, the,"'e %!! o++ to choo!& Th%t Ch%'!e,0he didn"t
<E
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
$%nn% (o& S%id ,ou %nd he h%d thin( to t%!* %bout& But Mi4 M%c%!!ite' m%de he' (o, 6ut the %me&"
She $ou!d, thou(ht /o%nn% b'oodin(!,, but he didn"t %, o& Beide, Ch%'!e," .'ob!em $ou!d h%)e to $%it& Ri(ht no$,
he $% mo'e conce'ned $ith +indin( out $h, R,%n M%c%!!ite' h%d b'ou(ht he' he'e&
"I bette' (o&" Rebecc% eemed to thin* /o%nn%" i!ence $% %n indic%tion th%t he h%d been (oi.in( too much, %nd it too*
1uite %n e++o't to %u'e he' th%t thi $%n"t o&
"Th%n* %(%in," /o%nn% o++e'ed, % the m%id hu''ied to$%'d the doo'& "It" been nice meetin( ,ou& I ho.e $e (et to t%!*
%(%in&"
"Oh0" It $% $o'th it to ee Rebecc%" chee* b!oom& ";e, I do, too," he %..ended, %nd, $ith % !itt!e con.i'%to'i%! mi!e,
he !et he'e!+ out o+ the 'oom&
A+te' he $% (one, /o%nn% $'i((!ed u. into % ittin( .oition, %nd !i+ted the t'%, to one ide o+ the hu(e, co!oni%! +ou'0
.ote'& Then, !idin( he' +eet to the +!oo', he tood u.&
The'e $% %n e-.%ne o+ c'e%m h%( c%'.et bet$een $he'e he $% t%ndin( %nd the $indo$, %nd he c'oed it $i+t!,&
The bed'oom %t he' %.%'tment in St /ohn" Wood $ou!d h%)e +itted % cou.!e o+ time into thi hu(e 'oom& A.%'t +'om the bed, the'e
$e'e %n %o'tment o+ he%), chet %nd c%binet, %n %nti1ue ch%ie0!on(ue, % $e!! % the +'ee0t%ndin( mi''o' /o%nn% h%d ued the
ni(ht be+o'e& The'e $% %!o % $%!*0in c!oet, $ith +itted 'obe, % )%nit, unit %nd % !on(, )e!)et0.%dded bench to it on&
E)e',thin( %t Tide$%te' $% !%'(e' th%n !i+e, he thou(ht $',!,, d'%$in( the Iou)'ed hutte' %ide %nd te..in( out on to
he' b%!con,& Inc!udin( it inh%bit%nt, he conceded, $ith % ce't%in ti(htenin( in he' tom%ch&
It h%d been +%i'!, $%'m in he' bed'oom, in .ite o+ the hutte', but outide the he%t $% %!mot .%!.%b!e %!'e%d,& It Soon
b%thed he' in % c!o%* o+ .e'.i'%tion, %nd e)en the cotton ni(hthi't he $% $e%'in( c!un( d%m.!, to he' *in& And thi $%n"t e)en
the hottet it cou!d (et, he 'emembe'ed, 'e%!iin( he $ou!d once h%)e 'e(%'ded thi % on!, tem.e'%te& ;et, +o' %!! th%t, the'e $%
omethin( decided!, enu%! %bout uch %n %bund%nce o+ n%tu'e" bount,, %nd the cent +'om the (%'den be!o$ $e'e .oiti)e!,
into-ic%tin(&
But it $% the dit%nt !ine o+ the oce%n th%t c%u(ht he' e,e& A b'ee4e, both $%'m %nd %!t,, 'u++!ed the !ooe tend'i! th%t
cu'!ed %t he' tem.!e, %nd he .ut he' h%nd %(%int the b%c* o+ he' nec* to !i+t the $ei(ht o+ h%i' %$%, +'om he' *in&
And th%t $% $hen he %$ Co!e& He h%d e)ident!, been out $ith the ho'e, %nd $% .'eent!, un%dd!in( % hu(e b!ood
b%, in the .%ddoc* ne%'et to the houe& He h%d een he', too& A he t'%i(htened +'om !ooenin( the (i'th, he !oo*ed t'%i(ht %t he'
b%!con,, %nd e)en +'om % dit%nce he cou!d ene hi %n(e' %nd hi hoti!it,&
But he !oo*ed (ood, he thou(ht 'ue+u!!,, he' ne')e .'ic*!in( in un$i!!in( %ntici.%tion& In ti(ht 6e%n, !e%the', %nd % hi't
o.en h%!+$%, do$n hi chet, he )iib!, b'e%thed e-u%!it,, %nd the he%t th%t en)e!o.ed he' %t th%t moment h%d nothin( to do $ith the
c!im%te& Hi h%i', d%'*ened b, hi e-e'tion, !%, d%m.!, %(%int hi he%d, %nd ome uncont'o!!%b!e .%'t o+ he' !on(ed to 'un he' +in(e'
into the i!)e', (o!d t'%nd c!in(in( to hi n%.e&
With o-,(en udden!, becomin( % c%'ce commodit,, /o%nn% d'%((ed % (u!. o+ %i' into he' !un(& Then, bec%ue he
ened hi un$i!!in(ne to be c%u(ht !oo*in( %t he' b%!con,, he '%ied % h%nd in moc*in( %c*no$!ed(ement& He mi(ht not $%nt he'
he'e, but, $h%te)e' com.u!ion he .oeed, he $% not un%$%'e o+ it& And, be+o'e he cou!d do %n,thin( to 'ob he' o+ th%t
con)iction, he tu'ned %nd $%!*ed b%c* into the 'oom behind he'&
Ne)e'the!e, he' o$n h%nd $e'e not 1uite te%d, % he .ou'ed he'e!+ % cu. o+ the co++ee Rebecc% h%d b'ou(ht he'& She
.e'ched on the ed(e o+ the bed to d'in* it, 'e%!iin( he $%n"t ued to thi *ind o+ e-u%! (%mem%nhi., %nd, $hi!e he $%
dete'mined to *ee. the .'eu'e on Co!e, it $% decided!, $e%'in( on the ne')e&
The e(( %nd h%m $e'e con(e%!in( on the .!%te, but he *ne$ he cou!dn"t +%ce %n,thin( % ubt%nti%! % % +'ied b'e%*+%t
%t thi time& She $% $onde'in( i+ he cou!d $'%. them u. in % .%.e' n%.*in, %nd u''e.titiou!, +eed them to the do(, $hen common
ene 'e%e'ted ite!+& She didn"t h%)e to e%t the me%!, +o' he%)en" %*e& /ut bec%ue, %t one time, he $ou!d h%)e done %n,thin( to
%)oid % con+'ont%tion $ith Co!e" mothe', he $% %!!o$in( he'e!+ to be educed b, he' u''oundin(& No$ he cou!d do e-%ct!, %
he !i*ed, %nd i+ M%((ie h%d %n, comment to m%*e %bout $%tin( +ood, o $h%t7
Ne)e'the!e, he *ne$ he h%d to e%t omethin(& Thi $% not the time to t%'t t%')in( he'e!+& She $ou!d need %!! he'
$it %bout he' in the ne-t +e$ hou', %nd % !ice o+ to%t %nd ome o'%n(e 6uice ounded )e', .%!%t%b!e&
A it tu'ned out, he cou!dn"t 'eit e%tin( t$o !ice o+ to%t .'e%d $ith the chun*, m%'m%!%de th%t $% m%de +'om
o'%n(e ('o$n on Tide$%te' !%nd& Then, 'e%!iin( he $% on!, de!%,in( the ine)it%b!e, he $ent +o' he' ho$e'&
H%!+ %n hou' !%te', he $% 'e%d, to (o do$nt%i'&
White ho't, %nd % c%'!et )et, $hich em.h%ied the 'ounded cu')e o+ he' b'e%t, eemed uit%b!, .'o)oc%ti)e, %nd he
h%d th'e%ded he' i!*, h%i' into % in(!e .!%it th%t bobbed %(%int he' b%'e hou!de'& She .uhed he' +eet into 'o.e0o!ed e.%d'i!!e,
%nd then, $ith % +in%! (!%nce %t the !en(th o+ !e( he $% e-.oin(, he th'e$ he'e!+ % 'ue+u! ('in, %nd .ic*ed u. the t'%,&
He' uite o+ 'oom $% itu%ted %t the outh0$ete'n co'ne' o+ the houe& A $hite0.%ne!!ed co''ido' !ed to the (%!!e'ied
!%ndin( th%t o)e'!oo*ed the h%!! be!o$, %nd he t'%)e'ed it $i+t!,, .%uin( on!, once to %bo'b the once +%mi!i%' con+i(u'%tion o+ the
bui!din(& The 'oom he %nd Co!e ued to occu., $e'e in the o..oite $in(, %nd he (ueed M%((ie $% 'e.onib!e +o' he' .'eent
itu%tion& O' it mi(ht h%)e been Co!e, he conceded, (uein( he .'ob%b!, occu.ied the othe' uite& The m%in %.%'tment $e'e %!! in
the othe' h%!+ o+ the houe, $hich $% in+inite!, coo!e' th%n $he'e /o%nn% $% !ee.in(& De%' M%((ie, he mued %'donic%!!,,
t%'tin( d%$n the t%i', %!$%, doin( e)e',thin( in he' .o$e' to m%*e he' +ee! un$e!come&
The !o$e' +!oo' $% coo!e'& It h%d been dei(ned to %!!o$ +o' % +'ee +!o$ o+ %i' +'om +'ont to b%c*, %nd bec%ue the cei!in(
$e'e hi(h %nd $ide it $% .oib!e to +ee! the bene+it o+ the cont%nt!, tu'nin( +%n& It 'eminded he' th%t Co!e h%d $%nted to int%!! %n
%i'0conditionin( ,tem, $hen he c%me to !i)e %t Tide $%te'& But hi +%the' h%d dec!%'ed th%t $h%t h%d been (ood enou(h +o' hi
+%the' $% (ood enou(h +o' him, %nd, in %n, c%e, It $% %n unnece%', e-.ene&
P%' +o' the cou'e, he thou(ht d'i!,, (!%ncin( b%c* u. the t%i', %nd then did % doub!e0t%*e $hen he %$ the ub6ect o+
he' muin( (%4in( do$n %t he' +'om the u..e' +!oo'&
"Wh%t ,ou doin( $ith th%t t'%,, (i'!7" R,%n M%c%!!ite' dem%nded, %nd %!thou(h hi )oice didn"t c%'', the %me %utho'it, it
h%d once done, he t%'t!ed he'&
"The t'%,7" /o%nn% echoed, % !itt!e b!%n*!,& And then, 1uic*!, (%the'in( he' com.ou'e, "I"m t%*in( it to the *itchen&" She
+o'ced % .o!ite mi!e& "Ou(ht ,ou to be out o+ bed7"
A!thou(h Co!e" +%the' $% c!in(in( to the '%i! o+ the (%!!e', $ith ob)iou neceit,, hi bon, +e%tu'e too* on %n
indi(n%nt co$!& "I"m not de%d ,et," he ('%ted& "Put th%t t'%, do$n, %nd (et ,ou'e!+ u. he'e& I $%nt to t%!* to ,ou&"
/o%nn% .'eed he' !i. to(ethe', but he 'e+ued to be intimid%ted& "A+te' I")e t%*en the t'%, to the *itchen," he dec!%'ed
=3
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
.!e%%nt!,& "I $on"t be !on(0"
"Un!e ,ou $%nt me to t%*e % di)e do$n thee t%i', ,ou"d bette' +o'(et %bout the b!%ted t'%, %nd (et ,ou' butt u. he'e,"
n%..ed R,%n h%'h!,, %nd %!thou(h /o%nn% $%n"t tot%!!, con)inced o+ hi ince'it, he' concience $ou!dn"t !et he' t%*e th%t 'i*&
With % he!.!e h'u( o+ he' hou!de', he de.oited the t'%, on the i'on0bound chet th%t tood in the !ee o+ the t%i', %nd
'%n b%c* u.& She h%d (ueed th%t Co!e" +%the' $% h%'d!, !i*e!, to %* he' +o' he!. un!e he h%d to, %nd ce't%in!, the +in(e' th%t
('%.ed he' %'m +o' u..o't +e!t uit%b!, de.e'%te&
"9od0d%mned die%e5" he mutte'ed, c%uin( he' to t%((e' % !itt!e, % he t'%n+e''ed %!! hi $ei(ht +'om the b%nite' to he'
hou!de', %nd he 'e%!ied he h%d not been 6o*in( %bout +%!!in( do$n the t%i'& It 'e%!!, $% %n e++o't +o' him to (et %'ound %t %!!&
"T%*e it e%,," he o++e'ed, % the, m%de %n unte%d, .'o('e b%c* to hi bed'oom, %nd R,%n (%)e %n obcene e-c!%m%tion&
"Who"'e ,ou to te!! me to t%*e it e%,7" he e-ho'ted b'e%th!e!,& "Do ,ou *no$ $h%t it" !i*e to +ee! !i*e % +eeb!e0minded
(e'i%t'ic7 /ud% P'iet, I"d be bette' o++ de%d5"
"I don"t thin* ,ou' +%mi!, $ou!d %('ee $ith ,ou," mu'mu'ed /o%nn% e)en!,, e%in( o.en hi bed'oom doo' $ith he' hi., %nd
he!.in( him to c'o the h%((ed c%'.et, %nd R,%n no'ted&
"But ,ou $ou!d, $ou!dn"t ,ou7" He too* % !%bou'ed b'e%th %nd he%)ed hime!+ on to the ide o+ the bed& ";ou $ou!d,
$ou!dn"t ,ou, (i'!7 "Co ,ou"d *no$ I"d +ee! the %me, i+ it $% ,ou&"
/o%nn% te..ed b%c*& He didn"t need he' he!. no$&
He $% .e'+ect!, c%.%b!e o+ 'in(in( the be!! beide the bed& i+ he needed %n, +u'the' %it%nce& And, 1uite honet!,, %!! he
$%nted to do $% .ut % much dit%nce bet$een them % the !imit%tion o+ Tide$%te' $ou!d %!!o$&
But $hen he mo)ed to$%'d the doo' hi )oice to..ed he'& "Whe'e"'e ,ou (oin(7"
/o%nn% tee!ed he'e!+ %nd tu'ned& "I thin* ,ou hou!d 'et, M'& M%c%!!ite'&"
"Do ,ou7" He m%de % ound o+ contem.t& "/ut bec%ue < hu't ,ou' +ee!in(, ,ou"'e (oin( to $%!* out on me, 'i(ht7"
"Ri(ht&"
"W'on(&" He e%ed hime!+ b%c* %(%int hi .i!!o$& "We h%)e to t%!*, %nd < don"t *no$ ho$ much time I")e (ot&" He
('im%ced& "Humou' me&"
"Wh, hou!d I7"
"9ood 1uetion00" But he b'o*e o++ to (i)e % h%c*in( cou(h, %nd /o%nn%" 'eit%nce +ounde'ed& "Loo*," he %id, "I"!! come
b%c*& I .'omie& When ,ou"'e +ee!in(0t'on(e'&"
"Huh&" He $i.ed hi mouth on the b%c* o+ hi h%nd& "I (ue thi i % t'on( % I"m (oin( to (et& Beide, $h%t do ,ou c%'e7
Seein( me !i*e thi mut be the $eetet *ind o+ 'e)en(e0"
"No5"
"No7"
"No&" /o%nn% $%!!o$ed& "H%'d % it m%, be +o' ,ou to be!ie)e, I do h%)e ome com.%ion&"
"Ah&" The o!d m%n" !i. cu'!ed $ith e)ident %ti+%ction& "I ho.ed ,ou"d %, th%t&"
";ou did7" /o%nn% b!in*ed& "Wh,7"
"Bec%ue I $%nt m, on b%c*," dec!%'ed R,%n %b'u.t!,& "And ,ou"'e the on!, one $ho c%n do th%t +o' me&"
";ou' on7" /o%nn% +e!t tot%!!, con+ued& "Wh%t on %'e ,ou t%!*in( %bout7"
"Don"t .!%, (%me $ith me, (i'!&" He' %n$e' $% ob)iou!, not the one he h%d %ntici.%ted& ";ou *no$ $hich on I me%n&
Co!e, o+ cou'e& I $%nt ,ou to te!! him I $%n"t to b!%me +o' hi b'othe'"0%ccident5"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& "N%th%n," he %id, th'ou(h d', !i.& "Th%t" $h%t %!! thi i %bout& N%th%n5"
"No5" R,%n" )oice $% %)%(e, %nd i+ he cou!d h%)e 'e%ched he' he $% u'e he $ou!d h%)e !%..ed hi h%nd %c'o he'
mouth to i!ence he'& "I")e to!d ,ou $h%t it" %bout," he ('%ted& "Co!e& I $%nt Co!e to t'e%t me !i*e % +%the' %(%in& I $%nt him to (i)e me
hi 'e.ect& D%mmit, the bo," m, on5 He o$e me th%t much&"
/o%nn% cou!dn"t t%*e thi in& "But I thou(ht0"
"I don"t c%'e $h%t ,ou thou(ht&" R,%n uc*ed in % (u'(!in( b'e%th& "/ut !iten to me&" The %i' $hit!ed in hi !un( % he
ou(ht to c%!m hime!+& ";ou did thi& ;ou tu'ned him %$%, +'om me& ;ou %nd ,ou' .'i, !ibe'%! ide%& Te%chin( .eo.!e to $%nt
thin( the, c%n"t h%)e& I $on"t +o'(i)e ,ou +o' $h%t ,ou did& I"!! ne)e' +o'(i)e ,ou& But I need ,ou' he!., d%mmit, %nd ,ou"'e (oin( to
(i)e it to me5"
The %i' outide $% doub!, $eet %+te' the c!o,in( %tmo.he'e o+ the ic*'oom& Ste..in( do$n +'om the h%ded co!umn o+
the )e'%nd%, /o%nn% c'oed the ne%t!, cut tu'+ to the .%ddoc*& Retin( he' h%nd on the $hite0.%inted '%i!, he too* e)e'%! dee.
b'e%th o+ the moit0cented %i'& Then, he %((ed %(%int the +ence& She +e!t d'%ined, both emotion%!!, %nd .h,ic%!!,, %nd the e!e(%nt
houe behind he' $% % .'ion +'om $hich he h%d m%de on!, % tem.o'%', ec%.e& She $% t'%..ed, %nd he *ne$ it&
But o+ %!! the 'e%on $h, R,%n M%c%!!ite' hou!d h%)e $%nted to ee he', u'e!, hi 'e1uet $% the !e%t e-.ected& To
%* he' to .e%* to Co!e on hi beh%!+5 To .e'u%de Co!e th%t hi +%the' h%d not been 'e.onib!e +o' $h%t h%..ened to N%th%n# th%t he
h%d .!%,ed no .%'t in hi de%th5
/o%nn% hi)e'ed in .ite o+ the un bu'nin( do$n on he' b%'e hou!de', %nd c!oed he' e,e& When Co!e h%d to!d he' hi
+%the' $%nted to ee he', he h%dn"t (i)en it % !ot o+ thou(ht& She h%d been too intent on m%*in( Co!e" t%* % di++icu!t % .oib!e,
%nd, % he h%d no intention o+ comin( he'e, %n, cu'ioit, he mi(ht h%)e +e!t $ou!d h%)e eemed % i(n o+ $e%*ne& O+ cou'e, $hen
he h%d been o 'ec*!e % to ch%n(e he' mind, he h%d $onde'ed then, but ne)e' in he' $i!det d'e%m cou!d he h%)e .'edicted
R,%n" 'e%onin(& Bec%ue he .oeed %n immut%b!e co'e o+ com.%ion inide he', he h%d n%tu'%!!, %umed Co!e" +%the' mut
be the %me& She h%d %ctu%!!, ente't%ined the notion th%t he $%nted to be( he' +o'(i)ene +o' $h%t he h%d u++e'ed %t hi %nd
M%((ie" h%nd&
She o.ened he' e,e %(%in, % % !o$ mo%n ec%.ed he' !i.& 9od5 Ho$ $'on( cou!d ,ou be7 R,%n M%c%!!ite' didn"t h%)e %
com.%ion%te muc!e in hi bod,& He $% %!! un+o'(i)in( bone5
A !%n*,0!e((ed co!t, e)ident!, ued to bein( .oi!ed, c%me to nu44!e %t he' $hite0*nuc*!ed h%nd, %nd /o%nn% (%)e him %
'ue+u! mi!e&
"I"m %+'%id ,ou"'e out o+ !uc*," he %id, di.!%,in( he' em.t, .%!m& ";ou %nd me both&"
"8ee!in( o'', +o' ,ou'e!+7" en1ui'ed % d'%$!in( )oice, %nd, tu'nin( he' he%d, /o%nn% %$ he' e-0hub%nd t'o!!in( %c'o
the ('% to$%'d he'& 8o' the .%t +e$ moment, he h%d +o'(otten he h%d een Co!e in the .%ddoc* e%'!ie', %nd no$ it too* % ditinct
e++o't to +%ce hi undi(uied hoti!it,&
"I (ue ,ou"d !i*e to thin* o," he 'eto'ted, %)oidin( hi (%4e& She (etu'ed to$%'d the co!t& "Wh%t" hi n%me7"
=<
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Co!e h%!ted %t the othe' ide o+ the +ence, .u!!in( %n %..!e out o+ hi .oc*et to (i)e to the m%'e, $ho h%d come to ee $h%t
he' o++.'in( $% doin(& "He doen"t h%)e % n%me ,et," he 'e.!ied, hi !e%n +in(e' e%i!, b'e%*in( o++ % co'ne' o+ the %..!e to (i)e to
the co!t& "Hen', c%!! him Be%u, +o' ob)iou 'e%on&"
"Hmm&" /o%nn% t'etched out he' h%nd %nd t'o*ed the co!t" du*, he%d& "He i be%uti+u!, in"t he7" And then, 'e%ctin( to the
n%me Co!e h%d ued, he !oo*ed u.& "Hen'," ti!! he'e7"
"Wh, $ou!dn"t he be7" %*ed Co!e ho't!,& "He $o'* he'e&"
";e but0"
"H%)e ,ou een m, +%the' ,et7"
Co!e cut into he' $o'd $ith % t%ut en1ui',, %nd %!thou(h he $ou!d h%)e .'e+e''ed to .u'ue he' !ine o+ thou(ht, '%the'
th%n hi, the 1uetion $% too u'(ent to be i(no'ed&
"I0,e," he %id b'itt!e!,, decidin( to be honet& "Th%t" $h, I"m he'e& I needed to (et ome +'eh %i'&"
Co!e" b'o$, $hich $e'e e)e'%! h%de d%'*e' th%n hi h%i', decended in % (!o$e'in( !oo*& "Mut ,ou %!$%, be o
o++eni)e7" he dem%nded, .uttin( hi h%nd on the to. b%', %nd )%u!tin( o)e' the '%i!in(& "The m%n" d,in(, +o' 9od" %*e& C%n"t ,ou
ho$ him ome 'e.ect7"
"A ,ou do7"
The $o'd .'%n(, un(u%'ded!,, +'om he' ton(ue, %nd he $% h%'d!, u'.'ied $hen Co!e 'e%cted to them& "Wh%t the he!!
do ,ou me%n7" he mutte'ed, (!%'in( %t he' $ith %n(', e,e, %nd /o%nn%" he%'t *i..ed % be%t % he th'ut hi +%ce c!oe to he'&
"Wh,, $h%t do ,ou thin* I me%n, d%'!in"7" he t%unted, 'e%!iin( thi $% he' on!, me%n o+ de+ence& She !i+ted he' h%nd %nd
!et he' *nuc*!e !ide do$n hi chee*, $hich $% 'ou(hened b, % +ine tubb!in( o+ i!)e',0b!ond be%'d& "I $% on!, te%in(, $%n"t I7
E)e',one *no$, ,ou"'e D%dd," b!ue0e,ed bo,5"
Co!e" h%nd c!%m.ed %bout he' $'it, d'%((in( it do$n to hi ide& ";ou c%n"t $%it to c%ue t'oub!e, c%n ,ou7" he n%'!ed,
%nd %!thou(h hi ('%. $% .%in+u! the bu'nin( +'ut'%tion in hi e,e $%n"t&
"C%'e+u!, d%'!in"," he mu'mu'ed, he' !im +in(e' 'e%chin( out to t'o*e the t%ut muc!e o+ hi thi(h, e-.oed b, the ti(ht0
+ittin( denim& ";ou' mothe' mi(ht be $%tchin(, %nd $e $ou!dn"t $%nt he' to thin* $e c%n"t (et %!on(&"
CHAPTER EI9HT
/o%nn% %te !unch $ith M%((ie %nd Ben& Co!e didn"t come to the t%b!e, %nd Ben to!d he' th%t /oe %nd A!ici% h%d bui!t thei'
o$n houe on the .'o.e't,, %nd .ent mot o+ thei' time the'e& The th'ee ,oun(e' membe' o+ the +%mi!, $e'e %t choo!, o+ cou'e, %nd
the con)e'%tion du'in( the me%! $% decided!, t'%ined& But %t !e%t R,%n M%c%!!ite' didn"t 6oin them, +o' $hich he $% ('%te+u!&
She needed time to decide $h%t he $% (oin( to do, be+o'e con+'ontin( him %(%in&
A+te' !unch, he !e%'ned th%t Co!e h%d (one into Be%um%'i& M%((ie too* ('e%t de!i(ht in in+o'min( he' th%t he $ou!dn"t be
b%c* unti! th%t e)enin(& /o%nn% m%n%(ed not to ho$ %n, emotion to hi mothe', but he $% %nno,ed 6ut the %me& I+ he"d *no$n he
$% !e%)in(, he"d h%)e +ound ome $%, to (et him to t%*e he' $ith him& But .'ob%b!, he h%d *no$n th%t, too, he %c*no$!ed(ed,
$hich $% $h, he h%dn"t mentioned it&
So, un$i!!in( to 'i* %nothe' encounte' $ith R,%n M%c%!!ite', /o%nn% .ent the %+te'noon in he' 'oom& It did c'o he'
mind th%t he cou!d (o do$n to the t%b!e, %nd 'ene$ he' %c1u%int%nce $ith Hen',, but he $% !o%th to o.en th%t .%'ticu!%' c%n o+
$o'm tod%,& Inte%d, he *ic*ed o++ he' e.%d'i!!e, %nd t'etched out on the bed& Pe'h%. he"d +ee! bette' %+te' % n%.&
But he didn"t (o to !ee.& He' b'%in $% too %cti)e to %!!o$ he' to 'e!%-& E)en thou(h the e)ent o+ the mo'nin( h%d t%*en
thei' to!!, he' mind *e.t 'e0'unnin( the 'e%on th%t h%d b'ou(ht he' he'e& She"d thou(ht he"d .ut the .%t behind he'& She"d thou(ht
he $% immune to %n,thin( the M%c%!!ite' cou!d do to he'& But comin( b%c* to Tide$%te', meetin( Co!e" +%mi!, %(%in, h%d %cted
!i*e % c%t%!,t on he' emotion& She mi(ht be tou(he' th%n he ued to be, but he $%n"t out o+ d%n(e'&
Ho$ t'%n(e it $%, he thou(ht, th%t one m%!! incident cou!d ch%n(e ,ou' $ho!e !i+e& She ce't%in!, h%dn"t e-.ected %
+%u!t, +ue! .um. to be he' te..in(0tone to +%me %nd +o'tune& And ,et th%t $% e-%ct!, ho$ it h%d h%..ened&
A the ,oun(et chi!d o+ o!de' .%'ent, bo'n $hen the o++.'in( c!oet to he' in %(e $% %!'e%d, ten ,e%' o!d, /o%nn% h%d
!i)ed % +%i'!, o!it%', e-itence unti! he $ent to choo!& She h%d become ued to ente't%inin( he'e!+, %nd he' %.titude +o' d'%$in( did
not (o unnoticed& But, %!thou(h he' .%'ent $e'e .'oud o+ he' %'titic *i!!, the, did not conide' them % )i%b!e occu.%tion& /o%nn%
$% encou'%(ed to $o'* h%'d %t he' %c%demic tudie, %nd e)en thou(h he inited on !e%)in( choo! %t ei(hteen, to (i)e he' mo'e
time to tud, he' %'t, he .ent he' d%, in the me'ch%nt b%n*, $hich he' +%the'" +%mi!, h%d +ounded&
When the tuto' %t the ni(ht c!% he %ttended u((eted .uttin( % cou.!e o+ he' .%intin( on e-hibition %t the !oc%! !ib'%',,
/o%nn% h%d ne)e' e-.ected %n,one to be inte'eted& But 9'%ce, $ho h%d been d'i)in( b%c* +'om %n e-hibition in Sue-, de)e!o.ed %
+%u!t $ith he' c%' in 9ui!d+o'd Hi(h St'eet, %nd $hi!e it $% bein( mended he $%nde'ed into the !itt!e (%!!e',&
O+ cou'e, /o%nn%" ucce didn"t h%..en o)e'ni(ht&
But 9'%ce h%d u++icient +%ith in he' to o++e' he' the ch%nce to ho$ he' Wo'* in the Wet End (%!!e', he m%n%(ed& /ut
one .%intin(, %t +i't, %nd, $hen th%t o!d +%i'!, 1uic*!,, %nothe', unti! b, the time /o%nn% $% t$ent,0one he $% %b!e to (i)e u. the
b%n*, %nd de)ote he'e!+ to he' %'t&
In the me%ntime, he %nd 9'%ce h%d become c!oe +'iend& In .ite o+ the di++e'ence in thei' %(e, the, h%d % !ot in common,
%nd %+te' /o%nn% +ound he'e!+ % +!%t in London 9'%ce bec%me he' %(ent % $e!!& And, n%tu'%!!,, the, h%'ed con+idence& 9'%ce he%'d
%!! %bout /o%nn%" !one!, chi!dhood, %nd /o%nn% !e%'ned th%t 9'%ce h%d once been m%''ied to %n Ame'ic%n, %nd th%t he h%d t$o
teen%(e on !i)in( in South C%'o!in%&
Which $% $h,, $hen the t%!! Ame'ic%n t'o!!ed into the (%!!e', one d%,, $hen /o%nn% $% %!one, %nd %*ed $he'e 9'%ce
$%, he (%)e him % '%the' coo! 'ece.tion& She h%d (ueed he mut be ome 'e!%tion o+ 9'%ce" e-0hub%nd0in .ite o+ he' %nti.%th,
to$%'d him, he h%d not been %b!e to den, the %tt'%ction o+ hi !%4, outhe'n )oice0but, % he $% too o!d to be eithe' o+ 9'%ce" on,
he h%d %umed 9'%ce $ou!dn"t be too .!e%ed to ee him&
Ho$e)e', % $ith o m%n, thin( %bout Co!e, he thou(ht 'ue+u!!,, he h%d been $'on(& When 9'%ce 'etu'ned, +o'tun%te!,
on!, % +e$ minute !%te', he h%d ('eeted him $ith 'e%! %++ection, %nd it h%d been ob)iou th%t, $h%te)e' 'e!%tionhi. he h%d $ith he'
e-0hub%nd, hi ne.he$ $% % ('e%t +%)ou'ite o+ he'&
And, bec%ue 9'%ce h%d been o initent th%t the, hou!d become +'iend, /o%nn% h%d un$i!!in(!, %cce.ted the in)it%tion
to 6oin them +o' dinne' th%t e)enin(& R%, M%'den h%d 6oined them, too& To m%*e u. % +ou'ome, 9'%ce h%d %id, %!thou(h ube1uent
e)ent h%d !ed /o%nn% to m%*e % di++e'ent inte'.'et%tion o+ th%t %''%n(ement& In %n, e)ent, the, h%d %!! en6o,ed one o+ 9'%ce" home0
coo*ed me%!, e')ed in the tin, %.%'tment he occu.ied %bo)e the (%!!e',& And %+te'$%'d Co!e h%d t%*en he' home&
Loo*in( b%c* no$, /o%nn% 'eco(nied th%t, de.ite he' initi%! mi(i)in( %bout him, he h%d .'ob%b!, +%!!en in !o)e $ith
==
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Co!e th%t )e', e)enin(& He h%d been o %tt'%cti)e, o %muin(0%nd o do$n'i(ht e-,0th%t he h%dn"t tood % ch%nce& A!thou(h he $%
on!, +ou' ,e%' o!de' th%n he, he $% %eon o!de' in e-.e'ience, %nd $hi!e common ene $%'ned he' to be c%'e+u! he' !e%.in( ene
h%d !e+t he' !itt!e 'oom +o' com.'omie&
N%tu'%!!,, he h%d *no$n bette' th%n to 'uh he'& The'e h%d been no +u'ti)e ('%..!in( in the h%!! outide he' %.%'tment, no
%bo'ti)e %ttem.t to in)%de he' .%ce $ithout he' in)o!)ement& Th%t +i't e)enin(, he h%d eco'ted he' home $ithout e)en %ttem.tin(
to *i he' (oodni(ht& He h%d been .o!ite, %nd cou'teou, %nd he h%d been the one !e+t $ith % ditu'bin( ene o+ !o& Indeed, he h%d
h%!+ $onde'ed i+ he h%d on!, im%(ined the !in(e'in( !oo* he h%d c%t in he' di'ection du'in( the cou'e o+ the e)enin(& Pe'h%. he
$%n"t %tt'%cted to he', %+te' %!!& Pe'h%. it h%d 6ut been (ood o!d +%hioned outhe'n (%!!%nt',&
The'e h%d been no 'e%on +o' he' to (o to the (%!!e', the +o!!o$in( d%,, but, %+te' .endin( % $%ted mo'nin( %t he' e%e!,
he decided to (o +o' % $%!*& It $% e%'!, umme', %nd the 'hododend'on $e'e out in the .%'*& A (ood enou(h 'e%on, he thou(ht,
+o' he' to c%t % c'itic%! e,e o)e' them&
She t%,ed out +o' % cou.!e o+ hou'& She $% !o%th to (o b%c* to +%ce % b!%n* heet o+ *etchin( .%.e'& She *ne$ e-%ct!,
$he'e he $%nted to be, but he $%n"t con+ident enou(h to (o +o' it& Inte%d, he bou(ht 8'ench b'e%d %nd c'e%m c%*e& She"d decided
to cono!e he'e!+ $ith t%'ch&
But $hen he (ot b%c* to he' %.%'tment he +ound he h%d % )iito'& Co!e $% ittin( on the !o$ $%!! th%t *i'ted the (%'den
o+ the Dicto'i%n con)e'ion& In ti(ht +ittin( 6e%n th%t c!un( to hi !on( !e(, %nd % b!%c* T0hi't, he !oo*ed !e%n, %nd t%nned, %nd
mucu!%', hi b'o$n h%nd 'etin( on the $%!! %t eithe' ide o+ hi !%4,, !oun(in( +'%me&
The co!ou' '%ced to /o%nn%" +%ce, but he cou!dn"t he!. it& She h%d been thin*in( %bout him %!! d%,, %nd e)e', im%(e he"d
h%d h%d been %ccu'%te& He $% 6ut % %tt'%cti)e % he 'emembe'ed, %nd he' %'tit" e,e !in(e'ed !o)in(!, on hi b'o%d hou!de' %nd
'i..!in( muc!e& The be!t th%t ecu'ed hi 6e%n 'eted !o$ on hi n%''o$ hi., the i!)e' buc*!e d'%$in( he' e,e !i*e % m%(net&
Seduced them, too, to the $o'n c!oth o+ hi +!,, %nd the un0b!e%ched denim th%t cu..ed hi e-&
But he *ne$, i+ he $% honet, it $% not hi m%!e be%ut,, % % ub6ect +o' he' e%e!, th%t c%ued the b!ood to '%ce m%d!,
th'ou(h he' )ein %t th%t moment& 8o' the +i't time in he' !i+e, he *ne$ $h%t it $% !i*e to %ctu%!!, $%nt % m%n& She $%nted to !oo* %t
him, %nd touch him, %nd +o' him to touch he'& But he h%dn"t the +%intet notion o+ ho$ to b'in( th%t %bout&
In %n %(e $hen beh%)in( .'omicuou!, $% the 'u!e '%the' th%n the e-ce.tion, /o%nn% $% ti!! % )i'(in& Oh, he h%d h%d
bo,+'iend& She $% ,oun( %nd, in he' e,e, mode'%te!, %tt'%cti)e, %nd he h%d ne)e' h%d %n, !%c* o+ %dmi'e'& But, .e'h%. % % 'eu!t
o+ bein( bo'n to o!de' .%'ent, he h%d %c1ui'ed thei' )%!ue, '%the' th%n thoe o+ he' o$n (ene'%tion& In cone1uence, he h%d %!$%,
'e(%'ded e- % % +%i'!, o)e''%ted occu.%tion& Ce't%in!,, none o+ the ,oun( men he h%d d%ted h%d in.i'ed %n, ('e%t dei'e to
e-.e'iment in th%t $%,& Which $% $h, he' int%nt%neou %tt'%ction to Co!e $% o %tonihin( to he'& Atonihin(, %nd ditu'bin(&
She $%n"t enti'e!, u'e he $%nted th%t *ind o+ com.!ic%tion in he' !i+e&
"Hi," he %id, (ettin( u. %t he' %..'o%ch, %nd t%*in( the b%( o+ ('oce'ie +'om he'& "Let me he!. ,ou $ith th%t&"
/o%nn%" ton(ue m%de % h%t, ci'cuit o+ he' u..e' !i.& "H%)e0h%)e ,ou been $%itin( !on(7" he %*ed0% i+ he"d been
e-.ectin( him, he chided he'e!+ i''it%b!,& "Um0I")e been ho..in(&"
The b%n%!it, o+ he' 'e.one m%de he' c'in(e, but he cou!dn"t he!. it& She didn"t *no$ $h%t e!e to %,& I+ on!, he h%d .ut
on % d'e be+o'e he $ent out, he +'etted& He' .u'.!e dun(%'ee $e'e .!%hed $ith .%int&
"I (ue < hou!d h%)e c%!!ed +i't&" Co!e 'emo)ed %n, ene o+ emb%''%ment $ith hi e%, ch%'m& "But I didn"t *no$ ,ou'
!%t n%me, %nd < didn"t c%'e to %* Aunt 9'%ce&" He (%)e % 'ue+u! ('in& "She mi(ht not h%)e %..'o)ed o+ m, eein( ,ou %(%in&"
/o%nn% b!in*ed& "Oh7" She !i+ted he' !im hou!de', %nd the hou!de'0t'%. o+ he' dun(%'ee +e!! o++ one hou!de'& "Wh,
not7"
Co!e" mouth +!%ttened& "She mi(ht thin* I $%n"t to be t'uted," he conceded o+t!,, .uttin( out hi h%nd %nd 'eto'in( the
t'%. to it .'o.e' .oition& Hi +in(e' !in(e'ed %(%int he' hou!de' %nd, %!thou(h he $% $e%'in( % cotton hi't unde' the dun(%'ee,
hi touch e%'ed he' +!eh& "She" )e', +ond o+ ,ou&"
"And0%nd I"m )e', +ond o+ he'," t%mme'ed /o%nn%, hi+tin( o th%t hi h%nd +e!! h%'m!e!, %$%,& "She he" been )e', (ood
to me&"
"The $%, I ee it, ,ou")e been .'ett, (ood to he', too," 'e.onded Co!e& "Without the commiion he" t%*en +'om ,ou'
$o'*, he $ou!dn"t h%)e been %b!e to bu, into the (%!!e',& M%'den" no +oo!& He %$ the %d)%nt%(e o+ t,in( 9'%ce into th%t
.%'tne'hi.&"
/o%nn% mo)ed he' he%d& "I"m Su'e ,ou"'e e-%((e'%tin(&"
"I don"t thin* o&" Co!e 'e(%'ded he' te%di!, +o' % +e$ ditu'bin( moment, %nd then (!%nced behind him& "A'e ,ou (oin( to
in)ite me in7"
"Wh%t7 Oh5" /o%nn% 'e%!ied he $% bein( un+o'(i)%b!, 'ude& Wh%te)e' he +e!t %bout him, he h%d t%*en the t'oub!e to
come he'e, %nd he h%d been ho!din( he' ho..in( b%( +o' the .%t +e$ minute& "I0o+ COu'e&" She +umb!ed +o' he' *e,& "It" u. e)e'%!
+!i(ht o+ t%i', I"m %+'%id&"
"Te!! me %bout it&" Co!e $% %'donic& ";ou +o!* don"t (o much +o' e!e)%to', do ,ou7"
/o%nn% un!oc*ed the oute' doo', %nd mi!ed& "The (%!!e',7" he u((eted, %nd Co!e nodded&
";ou (ot it," he %('eed& "No Wonde' 9'%ce *ee. he' +i(u'e& I"d be % .h,ic%! $'ec* i+ I h%d to c!imb thoe t%i' e)e', d%,&"
/o%nn% !ed the $%, u. the +i't +!i(ht o+ t%i'& "I doubt it," he mu'mu'ed, (i)in( him % u''e.titiou (!%nce, %nd Co!e" e,e
n%''o$ed %..'%iin(!,&
"Do ,ou7" He hi+ted the ho..in( b%( to hi othe' %'m& "But ,ou don"t *no$ %n,thin( %bout me0,et&"
"<0< don"t thin* ,ou"'e !i*e!, to be0to be $o'n out b, % +e$ t%i'," he inited, % the, t%'ted u. the econd +!i(ht&
"I th%t o7" Co!e" tone o+ en1ui', b'ou(ht he' e,e to him %(%in, %nd he mied % te., %nd h%d to ('%b +o' the b%nite'&
";,e," he %n$e'ed, +ee!in( % com.!ete +oo!& And the'e%+te' he concent'%ted on $h%t he $% doin( unti! the, 'e%ched
he' +!oo'&
/o%nn%" %.%'tment $% on the thi'd +!oo' o+ the o!d bui!din(& O'i(in%!!, ued % the e')%nt" 1u%'te', in the d%, $hen the
houe h%d been !i)ed in b, on!, one +%mi!,, the 'oom h%d been m%!! %nd %i'!e, $ith tin, $indo$ et u. hi(h in the $%!!& But %
+%'0i(hted de)e!o.e' h%d *noc*ed do$n $%!!, hei(htened cei!in(, %nd int%!!ed $ide .ictu'e $indo$ th%t (%)e % m%(ni+icent )ie$
o+ the u''oundin( %'e%& He h%d %!o h%d the +o'ei(ht to en!%'(e %n e-itin( *,!i(ht, %nd no$%d%, th%t 'oom $% ued % /o%nn%"
tudio&
No$, /o%nn% un!oc*ed the doo', %nd !ed Co!e into % '%the' untid, !i)in(0'oom& When0he $% $o'*in(, he tended not to
notice he' u''oundin(, but no$, !oo*in( %t the 'oom th'ou(h hi e,e, he $ihed he h%d concent'%ted on he' houe$o'*, inte%d o+
=?
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
moochin( %bout in the .%'*&
It $% b%ic%!!, % t$o0bed 'oomed %.%'tment, $ith the *itchen %d6oinin( the !i)in(0'oom, %nd he' bed'oom, b%th'oom, %nd
the tudio o.enin( +'om the h%!! th%t !ed o++ the !i)in(0'oom& The'e $% no dinin(0'oom, % uch, %nd he $% u'e it $% much
m%!!e' th%n %n, %.%'tment Co!e $% ued to0e-ce.t .e'h%. 9'%ce"& But it h%dn"t been che%., %nd he $% .'oud o+ it& It $% %
,mbo! o+ he' ucce, %nd % uch he !o)ed the inde.endence it i(ni+ied&
Whi!e he $% +'ettin( o)e' the $i!ted c%'n%tion, d'oo.in( in thei' )%e, %nd the .%.e' t'e$n %c'o the couch, Co!e h%d
!e%ned %(%int the doo' to c!oe it, %nd $%!*ed %c'o the 'oom to %dmi'e the )ie$&
"Im.'ei)e," he %id, both %'m $'%..ed %'ound the u.e'm%'*et b%(, %nd, 'emembe'in( he' m%nne', /o%nn% $ent to t%*e
it +'om him& "/ut ho$ me $he'e ,ou $%nt it," he intoned hu*i!,, %nd, %$%'e o+ the doub!e entend'e, he tu'ned 6e'*i!, to$%'d the
*itchen&
"He'e," he %id, (etu'in( to$%'d the !e%t c!utte'ed $o'*0to., %nd Co!e de.oited the b%( $he'e he h%d indic%ted& But,
$hen he (%)e the *itchen %n e1u%!!, inte'eted in.ection, he %dded, hu''ied!,, "I"m o'', the .!%ce i uch % me& I0e'0I $%n"t
e-.ectin( )iito'&"
Co!e" e,e d%nced& ";ou on!, c!e%n the .!%ce $hen ,ou"'e e-.ectin( com.%n,, i th%t 'i(ht7"
/o%nn% +!uhed& "No," he %id de+eni)e!,& "It" not uu%!!, !i*e thi&"
"No $e%t&" Co!e h'u((ed hi b'o%d hou!de', %nd tuc*ed hi thumb into the !o$ be!t th%t ci'c!ed hi hi.& "I didn"t come
to ee the %.%'tment %n,$%,&"
/o%nn% ti++ened % .ine th%t $e%*ened e)e', time he !oo*ed %t he' in 1uite th%t $%,& "I+0i+ ,ou"d !i*e to (o %nd it do$n, I"!!
m%*e ome co++ee," he dec!%'ed, in he' mot 'e.'ei)e tone, but Co!e m%de no mo)e to do % he h%d 'e1ueted&
"Ho$ %bout $e (et % bee', %nd it do$n to(ethe'7" he u((eted, %nd /o%nn%" tom%ch ho!!o$ed %!%'min(!,& "I"m %+'%id I0
don"t h%)e %n, bee'," he o++e'ed %.o!o(etic%!!,& "/ut06ut Co*e&"
"Co*e" +ine," Co!e %u'ed he', noddin( to$%'d the +'id(e0+'ee4e'& "In the'e7"
/o%nn% nodded, $%tchin( he!.!e!, % he $un( o.en the +'id(e doo', %nd too* t$o c%n o+ Co*e +'om the he!+&
I!!umin%ted b, the !i(ht inide, hi +%ce $% ditu'bin(!, enu%!, %nd he $onde'ed %t he' o$n %bi!it, to h%nd!e the itu%tion& But
$hen the doo' c!oed, %nd the !i(ht $ent out, he' mothe'" t'%inin( %e'ted ite!+ %(%in& "The0e'0the (!%e %'e in he'e," he mu'mu'ed,
o.enin( one o+ the $%!! cu.bo%'d&
But Co!e on!, (%)e he' % !%4, (!%nce& "T%te bette' out o+ % c%n," he %u'ed he'& H%ndin( he' one o+ the ice0co!d
cont%ine', he to'e the t%b o++ hi %nd '%ied the c%n to hi !i.& The b'o$n co!umn o+ hi th'o%t 'i..!ed % he $%!!o$ed the !i1uid, %nd
/o%nn% cou!dn"t he!. $%tchin( him, he' e,e % $ide %nd t%'t!ed % thoe o+ % meme'i4ed '%bbit&
Then, (%the'in( he' c%tte'ed ene, he d'%((ed he' (%4e %$%,& 8o' he%)en" %*e, he chided he'e!+, he $% on!, % m%n5
But it $% h%'d to concent'%te on %n,thin( %nd he' %ttention !i..ed %(%in, o th%t the t%b c%me o++ une)en!,, %nd n%((ed the .%d o+
he' thumb&
Co!e h%d t%'ted to $%!* into the !i)in(0'oom, $ith the c%n ti!! '%ied to hi !i., $hen he he%'d he' mu++!ed e-c!%m%tion&
9!%ncin( 'ound, he %$ %t once $h%t h%d h%..ened, %nd, !%mmin( do$n hi d'in*, he c%me to t%*e he' h%nd&
"Ho$ the he!! did ,ou do th%t7" he e-c!%imed, but hi tone $% indu!(ent& T%*in( the in6u'ed +in(e' into hi mouth, he !ic*ed
the b!ood %$%,& "Wh%t % .it, it $%n"t ,ou' !i.& Then I"d h%)e h%d %n e-cue to do thi&" And, !o$e'in( hi he%d, he b'uhed he' mouth
$ith hi ton(ue&
/o%nn%" !e( $obb!ed& He $% +%t, he thou(ht, t',in( to *ee. % ho!d on he' ene& He h%dn"t been in the %.%'tment
+i+teen minute, %nd %!'e%d, he h%d *ied he'& O' $% th%t 'e%!!, *iin(7 It h%dn"t h%..ened to he' be+o'e, o he didn"t 'e%!!, *no$&
";ou O>7" he %*ed, %nd he 'e%!ied he $% $%tchin( he' +%i'!, c!oe!,& C!oe enou(h to (!im.e the unce't%int, in he'
e,e, he thou(ht& C!oe enou(h to 'e%!ie he $% (ettin( out o+ he' de.th&
"I"m0+ine," he (ot out hu''ied!,, he' tone tene %nd c!i..ed& "I thin* I"d bette' (et % .!%te'& < don"t $%nt to (et b!ood
e)e',$he'e&"
"A .!%te'7" Co!e !oo*ed .u44!ed +o' % moment, %nd then hi +%ce c!e%'ed& "Oh, ,ou me%n % B%nd0%id&" He nodded& "Ri(ht&"
"Ri(ht&" /o%nn% d'e$ he' h%nd +i'm!, %$%,, b'e%thin( % i(h o+ 'e!ie+, $hen he !et he'& "Wh,0e'0$h, don"t ,ou (o %nd +inih
,ou' d'in*7 < $on"t be % minute&"
Co!e didn"t mo)e& "I omethin( $'on(7" he 1ue'ied, %nd /o%nn%, $ho h%d t%'ted 'umm%(in( %bout in % d'%$e' +o' the
.%c*et o+ E!%to.!%t he *ne$ $% the'e ome$he'e, (%)e him % (ui!t, !oo*&
"Somethin( $'on(7" he echoed, t',in( to ound u'.'ied& "No& No& Wh, $ou!d the'e be7"
";ou te!! me&"
/o%nn% hoo* he' he%d, +ee!in( mo'e %nd mo'e %$*$%'d& "I don"t *no$ $h%t ,ou me%n&" She +ound the bo- o+ .!%te', %nd
he' +in(e' +%tened $e%*!, %bout it& "Re%!!,0I $on"t be !on(&"
Co!e 'e(%'ded he' intent!, +o' $h%t eemed %n ino'din%te %mount o+ time, %nd then, mo)in( +o'$%'d, he too* the bo- +'om
he'& "Let me do it," be %id, %nd %!thou(h /o%nn% $%nted to %'(ue it $% e%ie' to (i)e in&
Beide, he h%d to %dmit !%te', he h%d m%de % ne%t 6ob o+ $'%..in( the .!%te' 'ound he' thumb& It $% ce't%in!, ne%te'
th%n he cou!d h%)e m%n%(ed& But, $hen he o.ened he' mouth to th%n* him, he +o'et%!!ed he'&
"Te!! me omethin(," he %id, ho!din( on to he' +in(e' $hen he $ou!d h%)e $ithd'%$n them %(%in& "Did I (et the $'on(
i(n%! he'e7"
/o%nn% $%!!o$ed& "The $'on( i(n%!7"
";e%h&" Co!e moothed hi thumb o)e' the b%c* o+ he' h%nd& "Do ,ou $%nt me to (o7"
/o%nn%" 6%$ %((ed, %nd he mo)ed he' hou!de' in % he!.!e (etu'e& He' *in $% .'ic*!in( $ith %$%'ene %nd,
ome$he'e do$n in he' tom%ch, he cou!d +ee! % du!! .%in& "I0$h,, no," he %id %t !%t& "Wh, hou!d ,ou thin* th%t7"
Co!e h'u((ed& "The $%, ,ou %cted $hen I touched ,ou," he 'e.!ied&
/o%nn% t'ied to %ct c%u%!!,& ";ou"'e touchin( me no$," he .ointed out !i(ht!,, but Co!e didn"t mi!e&
";ou *no$ $h%t I me%n," he %id +!%t!,& "I thi % tu'no++7"
Such $o'd he ued5 /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& She didn"t *no$ ho$ to %n$e' him& She h%d ne)e' met %n,bod, $ho %*ed
uch .e'on%! 1uetion be+o'e& He' de%!in( $ith hi e- h%d been +%i'!, im.!e u. ti!! no$& The men he h%d d%ted h%d been the *ind
o+ men $ho !et he' dict%te the .%ce o+ thei' 'e!%tionhi.& And, bec%ue he h%d ne)e' been emotion%!!, in)o!)ed be+o'e, thei'
encounte' h%d ne)e' been in %n, d%n(e' o+ (ettin( out o+ h%nd& But Co!e $% di++e'ent& She h%d *no$n th%t % oon % he met him&
Wh%t he h%dn"t 'eco(nied $% ho$ di++e'ent& And, in he' e%(e'ne to *no$ him bette', he h%d $%!*ed into % itu%tion he im.!,
=@
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
didn"t *no$ ho$ to de%! $ith&
"I don"t thin*0$e hou!d 'uh thin(," he (ot out %t !%t, $onde'in( ho$ the %b'%i)e b'uh o+ hi thumb cou!d c%ue uch
h%)oc inide he'& "We0$e h%'d!, *no$ one %nothe'&"
"Don"t $e7" With % !itt!e 6e'*, he b'ou(ht he' un$%', bod, to$%'d him& Then, be+o'e he h%d % ch%nce to .'otet, he
'e!e%ed he' +in(e' %nd .ut both hi h%nd on he' hi.& The $ei(ht o+ thoe h%'d h%nd bu'ned th'ou(h the thin m%te'i%! o+ he'
dun(%'ee, %nd bec%ue, unde'ne%th, he' hi. $e'e b%'e, the, $e'e ditu'bin(!, intim%te, too& "So," he c'ooned o+t!,, "!et" (et to *no$
one %nothe' bette'&"
"Oh, 'e%!!,5" /o%nn%" h%nd .'e%d %(%int hi hi't+'ont& It $% % .un, de+ence %nd he *ne$ it, but e)ent $e'e mo)in( +%'
too $i+t!,& "I $ih ,ou $ou!dn"t do thi&"
"Do $h%t7" %*ed Co!e hu*i!,, !oo*in( do$n into the o.en D o+ he' hi't, %nd c%uin( % $%)e o+ he%t to en)e!o. he'& "S%,,
%'e ,ou $e%'in( %n,thin( unde' thi co)e'%!!7"
";ou *no$ I %m&" /o%nn%" 'e.one $%n"t heit%nt thi time, %nd Co!e" e,e (!imme'ed $ith undi(uied %muement& But,
con)e'e!,, hi humou' u.et he' %!mot % much % hi %d)%nce h%d done, %nd in % ti(ht, %n(', tone he %dded, "I u..oe ,ou thin*
thi i )e', +unn,5"
Co!e" e,e o+tened& "Don"t be o touch,&" He !i+ted one h%nd %nd t'o*ed it do$n he' chee*& "I %!! ,ou' *in % o+t %
thi7"
/o%nn%" b'e%thin( +e!t cont'icted& "Co!e0"
"Hmm&" Hi h%nd h%d !e+t he' chee*, %nd h%d no$ coi!ed %'ound he' nec*& Hi thumb $% 'ubbin( the *in on the unde'ide
o+ he' 6%$, % i+ he $% tetin( +o' %n %n$e' to the 1uetion he h%d %*ed e%'!ie', %nd hi +in(e' bene%th he' h%i' $e'e h%'d %(%int
he' n%.e& It $% t'%n(e, he thou(ht bemued!,, ho$ hi b%nd $e'e o h%'d, $hi!e he' $e'e o o+t& E)e',thin( %bout him $% h%'d
%nd m%cu!ine, %nd he h%d the c'%4iet u'(e to !e%n into him %nd +ee! hi h%'dne 'i(ht do$n he' bod, &
"Co!e, I thin* 0 I thin* $e hou!d (o into the othe' 'oom," he t%mme'ed, % the 'e%!i%tion o+ $h%t $% h%..enin( to he'
b'ou(ht he' b'ie+!, to he' ene& "I cou!d m%*e u omethin( to e%t&"
"I")e (ot omethin( to e%t," 'eto'ted Co!e hu*i!,, bendin( hi he%d to t'o*e hi ton(ue +'om % .oint 6ut be!o$ he' e%' to
the cu')e o+ hou!de' he $% e-.oin(& He ti..ed o++ the t'%. o+ he' dun(%'ee, %nd !i..ed hi h%nd into the nec*!ine o+ he' hi't&
"9od, ,ou t%te (ood," he mutte'ed, t%*in( % tende' ci'c!e o+ +!eh bet$een hi teeth %nd tu((in( it into hi mouth& "So (ood && &"
/o%nn% t'emb!ed& A!! the 6uice in he' bod, eemed to be me!tin( %nd e-.%ndin(, 'iin( to the u'+%ce o+ he' *in %nd
dio!)in( he' 'eit%nce& She *ne$ he $% (oin( to h%)e % b'uie on he' nec* !%te', but the'e $% nothin( he cou!d do %bout it& He'
ene $e'e b!indin( he' to e)e',thin( but the need he $% bui!din( inide he', %nd he' e,e c!oed intincti)e!,, Shuttin( out the
$o'!d&
He .u!!ed he' %(%int him, hi h%nd +indin( the $o!!en +u!!ne o+ he' b'e%t& The en(o'(ed %u'eo!e u'(ed %(%int hi
.%!m, %nd he 'ubbed it eniti)e ti. u'(ent!,& Then he !o$e'ed hi he%d %nd d'%((ed the %chin( ni..!e into hi mouth&
/o%nn%" !e( %((ed& Li*e % d'o$nin( $om%n no$, he $'%..ed he' %'m %'ound him, %nd .'eed he' +%ce %(%int hi
chet& Hi hi't $% h%!+ o.en, %nd the h%i' th%t c!ute'ed in the D $% 'ou(h %(%int he' chee*& But the cent o+ hi *in $% he%)en!,,
%nd he o.ened he' mouth $ide to t%te hi +'%('%nce&
Co!e mo)ed into he' then, im.'ionin( he' %(%int the $%!! behind he', %nd 6e'*in( he' mouth u. to hi& Hi hun(', ton(ue
u'(ed into he' mouth, +ie'ce %nd .oei)e, %nd hi 6e%n0c!%d thi(h $% initent % it e%ed it $%, bet$een he' !e(& Hi %%u!t
$% dem%ndin(, but $eet!, enu%!& And nothin( h%d .'e.%'ed /o%nn% +o' he' o$n need to 'e.ond&
Thi cou!dn"t be h%..enin(, he to!d he'e!+ in one !ucid moment, $hen the coo!ne o+ the %i' %'ound he' thi(h $%'ned
he' th%t he' dun(%'ee $e'e in % he%. %'ound he' %n*!e& Co!e h%d +!i..ed the othe' t'%. +'om he' hou!de', %nd the !ooe0+ittin(
o)e'%!! h%d !i..ed c!e%n!, do$n he' bod,& No$ hi h%nd $e'e cu..in( he' 'ounded bottom % he tu((ed he' e)en c!oe', %nd not
e)en the ti(ht0+ittin( denim cou!d hide hi hu(e %'ou%!&
But $h%t t'oub!ed he' mot $% he' o$n $i!!in(ne to (i)e in to him& The +i'm .'eu'e o+ hi mouth %nd the enuou
in)%ion o+ hi ton(ue $e'e becomin( % im.o't%nt to he' % b'e%thin(& Innocent he mi(ht be, i(no'%nt e)en, o+ the m%n, +o'm o+
e-u%!it,& But he' intinct $e'e %!! 'ebe!!iou, %nd he' b!ood +e!t % i+ it $% on +i'e& The touch o+ hi h%nd %(%int he' b%'e +!eh# the
mu*, cent o+ hi bod,& She cou!d thin* o+ nothin( mo'e dei'%b!e th%n to +ee! hi n%*ed +!eh %(%int he'& And, %ctin( $ithout
thin*in(, he tent%ti)e!, touched the bu!(e o+ hi e'ection&
"Oh 9od!"
Co!e" 'e%ction $%0not enti'e!, une-.ected!,0)io!ent& When he' !im %'tit" +in(e' t'%,ed %!on( the t'%inin( teeth o+ hi
4i., he )iib!, hudde'ed& With % bu'nin( im.%tience, he !ou(hed o++ hi be!t %nd to'e o.en hi 6e%n& Then, he too* he' do$n on to
the +!oo' in the %me int%nt th%t hi h%'d m%nhood u'(ed into he' h%nd&
"9od, ,ou"'e be%uti+u!5" he mutte'ed, c'%d!in( he' he%d on one %'m, %nd uin( the othe' to .ee! %$%, he' hi't& And,
%!thou(h common ene $% te!!in( he' he mut not !et thi (o %n, +u'the', the %dmi'%tion in hi e,e $% %n o)e'.o$e'in(
tem.t%tion&
Beide, he' cu'ioit, %bout him $% 6ut % com.e!!in(& P'ob%b!, mo'e o, he %dmitted, !oo*in( do$n %t hi m%(ni+icent
bod,& It $% the +i't time he h%d een % m%n n%*ed %nd %'oued, %nd e)en thou(h he h%d on!, b%'ed hi e- it '%m.%nt .o$e' $%
meme'i4in(&
Co!e" he%d b!oc*ed he' )ie$, % he bent to !%, % t'%i! o+ *ie +'om the ti. o+ one b'e%t to the ho!!o$ o+ he' n%)e!& Hi
+o'e+in(e' hoo*ed into the b%nd o+ he' bi*ini b'ie+, tu((in( them out o+ hi $%,, %nd then hi mouth conc!uded it 6ou'ne, in the
moit cu'! th%t hid he' $om%nhood&
She 6e'*ed then, he' ine-.e'ienced !imb 'e.ondin( to the +e)e' he $% c'e%tin(& He' !e( .!%,ed, %nd then he c!%m.ed
them ti(ht to(ethe'& De%' 9od, he thou(ht dibe!ie)in(!,, did he $%nt him to thin* he $% che%.7 But, in .ite o+ %!! he'
mi(i)in(, Co!e e%ed he' !e( %.%'t %(%in& Whi!e hi ton(ue e%'ched the he!.!e c%)e'n o+ he' mouth, hi +in(e' !id inide he',
+indin( the de$0d'enched hone,comb, %nd the eniti)e bud o+ he' e-&
He' e,e, $hich h%d d'i+ted hut, no$ o.ened in %!%'m, but Co!e" e-.'eion $% enuou, 'e)e%!in( he $% 6ut %
in)o!)ed % he $%& And he 'e!%-ed % he !oo*ed %t him, 'e)e!in( in the *no$!ed(e th%t he +ound he' be%uti+u!& He $% be%uti+u!,
too# be%uti+u! %nd e-,& She $%nted him to (o on touchin( he', %nd he hudde'ed %t the need he $% %'ouin(&
=2
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
"Do it," he %id hu*i!,, %nd he 'e%!i4ed he cou!d 'e%d he' thou(ht % $e!!& "He'e&" He too* one o+ he' t'emb!in( h%nd %nd
!%id it on him& ";e, th%t" 'i(ht ,ou"'e % n%tu'%!& Oh, 9od, /o, I $%nt ,ou& And I don"t thin* I c%n $%it %n, !on(e'&"
CHAPTER NINE
"9od, /o, ,ou hou!d h%)e to!d me5"
Co!e !%, beide he' on the coo! ti!e o+ the *itchen +!oo', one %'m '%ied %c'o hi e,e, %nd the othe' !,in( b, hi ide& It
$% +unn,, /o%nn% thou(ht, but he cou!d ne)e' h%)e im%(ined he $ou!d !oe he' )i'(init, in uch un!i*e!, u''oundin(& When he
h%d occ%ion%!!, d%,d'e%med %bout ho$ it $ou!d h%..en, % bed h%d %!$%, been in)o!)ed& % bed# %nd ch%m.%(ne# %nd % '%the'
+etchin( ne(!i(ee&
"It doen"t m%tte'," he %id no$, $onde'in( i+ he 'e('etted it %!'e%d,& 8o' he'e!+, he h%'d!, *ne$ $h%t he $% +ee!in(& It
h%d been o much !e0%nd ,et o much mo'e0th%n he h%d %ntici.%ted th%t he +e!t %!mot numb& She $% hoc*ed b, $h%t h%d
h%..ened, ,e# but he $% %!o %n-iou th%t it mi(ht ne)e' h%..en %(%in&
And he $%nted it to h%..en %(%in, he *ne$ th%t&
Wh%te)e' *ind o+ % di%..ointment it h%d been +o' Co!e, he h%d e-.e'ienced +ee!in( he h%d not e)en d'e%med $e'e
.oib!e& He h%d in)%ded the !imit o+ he' e-u%!it,, %nd time %nd .!%ce me%nt nothin(, com.%'ed to the en%tion th%t h%d ('i..ed
he'&
E)en no$, he 'emembe'ed e)e', moment o+ hi .oeion& The u'(in( he%t o+ hi m%nhood, .'ein( it $%, inide he'&
The moment%', $ithd'%$%!, $hen he h%d +e!t he' ine-.e'ience& He h%d $%nted to d'%$ b%c* then, he *ne$ it& But he' h%nd
c!utchin( hi buttoc*, %nd the undoubted in)it%tion o+ he' e-.%ndin( muc!e, h%d com.e!!ed him to (o on& Beide, the'e $% % !imit
to hi endu'%nce# he h%d (ueed th%t +o' he'e!+& He h%d $%nted he'& He h%d %id o& And the %chin( +u!!ne o+ hi !oin h%d
dem%nded it o$n 'e!e%e&
But he h%d d'%$n b%c* be+o'e hi hudde'in( .%m in+o'med he' o+ hi c!im%-& And the mind!e '%ce inide he' h%d
come %b'u.t!, to it end& But, e)en thou(h the !itt!e *no$!ed(e he .oeed to!d he' th%t the'e h%d to be mo'e, he $% ino'din%te!,
('%te+u! th%t it h%d been Co!e $ho h%d t%*en he' )i'(init,& No othe' m%n h%d e)e' %'oued the +ee!in( inide he' th%t he %'oued, %nd,
%!thou(h he *ne$ he ou(ht to +ee! ome me%u'e o+ 'e('et +o' $h%t h%d h%..ened, he didn"t&
And, $hen he 'o!!ed on to hi e!bo$ to !oo* do$n %t he' $ith 'ue+u! e,e, he +e!t no emb%''%ment +o' he' nudit,& On the
cont'%',, i+ nothin( e!e, Co!e h%d t%u(ht he' th%t he $% be%uti+u!, in hi e,e %t !e%t, %nd he mo)ed intincti)e!,, unconciou!,
in)itin( hi %..'o)%!&
"It m%tte'," he %id %t !%t, but the'e $% % enu%! t$it to hi mouth % he bent to touch he' !i. $ith hi& "9od, /o, I")e
ne)e' done %n,thin( !i*e thi be+o'e&"
"H%)e ,ou $%nted to7" he %*ed, un*no$in(!, .'o)oc%ti)e, %nd he hoo* hi he%d, the $e%t0t'e%*ed b!ond h%i' b'uhin(
he' enitied *in&
"No," he %dmitted ('u++!,, but $hen he' %'m cu')ed %'ound hi nec* he cou!dn"t .'e)ent the *i +'om dee.enin(&
Thi time, /o%nn%" ton(ue $% the in)%de', te%in( hi !i. %nd hi ton(ue, unti! Co!e !ot cont'o! %nd d'o)e do$n dee.
into he' mouth& /o%nn% $% o)e'$he!med $ith the need to (et c!oe' to him& H%!+ e-.e'iment%!!,, he coi!ed one !e( %bout him,
'e)e!!in( in the $%, it b'ou(ht the !o$e' h%!+ o+ hi bod, ne%'e' to he'& Sudden!,, he cou!d +ee! the 'i(id th'ut o+ hi hi., %nd the
h%i', t%utne o+ hi thi(h 'idin( %(%int he'& But it $% the muc!e bet$een hi !e( th%t t'%ined %(%int he'& He $% %!'e%d, h%'d
%(%in, he dico)e'ed& H%'d %nd hot, %nd % %tin0mooth % )e!)et %(%int he' tom%ch&
"We hou!dn"t do thi," he mutte'ed, $hen he' h%nd t'o*ed .oei)e!, o)e' hi buttoc*, %nd /o%nn% +ound the cou'%(e to
!oo* u. %t him&
"Wh, not7" he b'e%thed& "Don"t ,ou $%nt to7" But he' 1uetion bec%me unim.o't%nt $hen he c'uhed he' bene%th him
%(%in& 8o' Co!e $%n"t immune to the need o+ hi o$n bod,, %nd the 'e%dine o+ he' $% %n i''eitib!e tem.t%tion& She $% $et
$ith !on(in( he h%d c'e%ted, %nd he' ti(ht, 'eit%nt muc!e c!oed e%(e'!, %bout him&
8e)e' ('i..ed /o%nn%" bod,& She $% ti!! %'oued +'om thei' .'e)iou cou.!in(, %nd the emotion he h%d +e!t be+o'e
.'%n( into +e')ent !i+e& Li*e %n %th!ete $ho h%d +%!te'ed be+o'e the +in%! hu'd!e, he' bod, $% e%(e' to 'ed'e the b%!%nce, %nd $hen
Co!e" 'h,thm 1uic*ened he m%tched him .%ce +o' .%ce&
And, in o doin(, he +ound he' o$n ene !i..in( %$%,& A mind!e .!e%u'e $% encom.%in( he' !imb, me!tin( he'
bone, d'o$nin( he' inhibition& She $%n"t %$%'e o+ m%*in( %n, ound %t %!!, ,et he cou!d he%' (%., %nd mo%n, %nd %n(uihed
.!e% ec%.in( he' !i.&
"S%, it" (ood," Co!e b'e%thed %(%int he' tem.!e, %nd the )oice th%t %n$e'ed him ounded nothin( !i*e he' o$n& It $%
o+t, %nd hu*,, %nd inc'edib!, enu%!, %nd Co!e" %ti+%ction too* him e)en dee.e' inide he'&
";e, ,e," he c'ied, he' n%i! di((in( into hi hou!de', %nd the $i!d e-citement th%t h%d been bui!din( %nd e-.%ndin(
inide he' bec%me unbe%'%b!, $eet& And then it h%..ened& A .u!in( $%)e o+ .u'e .!e%u'e en)e!o.ed he', $ee.in( he' u. %nd u.,
unti! he $% h%!+ %+'%id he $% (oin( to !oe concioune, %nd he didn"t $%nt th%t& She didn"t $%nt to !oe % moment o+ uch
inc'edib!e be%ut,, %nd $hen Co!e $ou!d h%)e d'%$n b%c* he $'%..ed he' !e( %'ound him& The +!oodin( he%t % he .i!!ed hime!+
inide he' 6ut %dded to he' en6o,ment, %nd thi time $hen hi bod, hoo* he he!d him c!oe to he' b'e%t&
O+ cou'e, %+te'$%'d, %+te' Co!e h%d (one, %nd he $% %!one, /o%nn% $% %..%!!ed %t the $%nton $%, he h%d %cted& Th%t
he, $ho h%d %!$%, 'e(%'ded he'e!+ % bein( tot%!!, e!+0.oeed, hou!d h%)e !ot cont'o! o com.!ete!, $% b%d enou(h& But th%t
he hou!d h%)e done o $ith % m%n he h%d *no$n !e th%n t$ent,0+ou' hou' eemed %!mot indecent& He $ou!d thin* he h%d been
de.e'%te to !oe he' )i'(init,, he thou(ht, %nd +o' d%, %+te' th%t he 'e+ued to %n$e' eithe' the te!e.hone o' the doo'be!!, in c%e it
hou!dn"t be him& She h%d con)inced he'e!+ he $ou!dn"t $%nt to cont%ct he' %(%in, %nd he ubme'(ed he'e!+ in he' $o'* to the
e-c!uion o+ e)e',thin( e!e&
E)entu%!!,, it $% 9'%ce $ho mo*ed he' out# 9'%ce $ho in+o'med he' th%t, +%' +'om not $%ntin( to ee he' %(%in, Co!e
h%d been .'%ctic%!!, (oin( out o+ hi he%d $ith $o'',, bec%ue he cou!dn"t 'e%ch he'& And, bec%ue he $% u'e /o%nn% mut b!%me
him +o' $h%t h%d h%..ened, he h%d con+ided in hi %unt, %nd %*ed +o' he' %it%nce&
L%te', /o%nn% h%d unde'tood $h%t it mut h%)e cot him to %..'o%ch 9'%ce& When he !e%'ned mo'e %bout him, %nd %bout
hi b%c*('ound, he h%d 'e%!ied ho$ (%!!in( it mut h%)e been +o' R,%n M%c%!!ite'" on to %* % $om%n +o' %n,thin(, .%'ticu!%'!,
omeone hi +%the' both di!i*ed %nd de.ied&
But, %t the time, he h%d been too o)e'$he!med b, Co!e" inte'et in he' to conide' ho$ hi +%mi!, mi(ht 'e%ct to %nothe'
En(!ih$om%n in thei' midt& She %nd Co!e h%d een one %nothe' e)e', d%,, %nd thei' 'e!%tionhi. 6ut (ot bette' %nd bette'& So much
o th%t Co!e de!%,ed hi 'etu'n to South C%'o!in% !on( enou(h to .e'u%de he' to m%'', him&
=A
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
O+ cou'e, 9'%ce h%d h%d mi(i)in(, %nd he h%d )oiced them& The M%c%!!ite' $e'e % )e', c!oe +%mi!,, he %id& The,
$e'en"t !i*e /o%nn%" .%'ent, $ho h%d t%*en to Co!e +'om the t%'t& On to. o+ $hich, Tide$%te' $% %nothe' $o'!d, $ith it o$n !%$,
%nd it O$n t'%dition& She h%dn"t been h%.., the'e, %nd he didn"t *no$ i+ /o%nn% $ou!d be, .%'ticu!%'!, % Co!e $% 6ut %
.oei)e % hi unc!e&
But /o%nn% h%dn"t $%nted to !iten, e)en thou(h the on!, %'(ument he %nd Co!e h%d $e'e %bout he' $o'*& He 'eented the
time he de)oted to it %nd not to him, %nd, %!thou(h he $% con)inced th%t once the, $e'e m%''ied it $ou!dn"t be % .'ob!em, it $% %
com.!ic%tion he h%d +oo!ih!, i(no'ed&
The $eddin( $% .!%nned +o' the end o+ /une, %nd Co!e h%d +!o$n home to (i)e hi +%mi!, the ne$& But $hen he h%d
+!o$n b%c* %(%in, on!, % cou.!e o+ d%, be+o'e the $eddin(, not one o+ hi +%mi!, h%d come $ith him& "The, cou!dn"t !e%)e the
.!%nt%tion," he h%d %id, hi +%ce 'eddenin(& Hi ,oun(e' b'othe' %nd ite' $e'e ti!! in choo!, %nd the'e $% im.!, too much to do,
.%'ticu!%'!, ince he $% %$%,, too&
And /o%nn%, not $%ntin( to emb%''% him %n, +u'the', h%d %cce.ted hi e-cue& But 9'%ce h%d h%d no uch 'ee')%tion&
The ni(ht be+o'e the $eddin(, he h%d $%'ned /o%nn% o+ $h%t he mi(ht h%)e to +%ce %t Tide$%te', %nd i+ he h%dn"t been +%thom
dee. in !o)e /o%nn% mi(ht h%)e !itened to he'& A it $%, he con)inced he'e!+ th%t 9'%ce $% e-%((e'%tin(, %nd the $ee*
immedi%te!, +o!!o$in( thei' $eddin( $e'e the h%..iet $ee* he cou!d 'emembe'&
But th%t h%d been $hi!e the, $e'e on hone,moon, he conceded d'i!,& Co!e h%d t%*en he' to T%hiti, %nd du'in( thoe e-otic
d%, %nd ni(ht he h%d h%d no doubt th%t nothin( %nd no one cou!d come bet$een them& The, h%d been time!e d%,, $hen the,
h%d been d'un* $ith e%ch othe'" .oeion& D%, o+ un %nd h%..ine, %nd !uciou, !%n(uid ni(ht& Then the, h%d 'etu'ned to
Tide$%te'&
To be(in $ith, /o%nn% m%n%(ed to con)ince he'e!+ th%t the, $ou!d $o'* it out& E)en thou(h hi mothe' m%de no ec'et o+
he' di%..'o)%! o+ the m%''i%(e, %nd hi +%the' $% b%'e!, ci)i!, he 'e+ued to !oe he%'t& When the, !e+t the .!%nt%tion houe, %nd (ot
% home o+ thei' o$n, he to!d he'e!+, hi .%'ent" %ttitude $ou!dn"t m%tte'& In the me%n$hi!e, it $% u. to he' to t', %nd m%*e it
+'iend!,&
And, %!thou(h Co!e" .%'ent cou!d cont'o! hi d%,, he cont'o!!ed hi ni(ht& Whi!e the he%t %nd the humidit, o+
midumme' &m%de othe' .eo.!e te'e %nd i''it%b!e, he %nd Co!e continued to 'e)e! in thoe hot,!ee.!e ni(ht& He t%u(ht he' o
much %bout he' bod,, %nd he $% % $i!!in( .u.i!& She !e%'ned th%t e)en the mot un!i*e!, %'e% cou!d .'o)e $i!d!, e'otic, %nd Co!e
.ent hou' t'%cin( ne')e %nd eniti)e .u!e, %nd ettin( them on +i'e $ith hi ton(ue& Thei' !o)em%*in( 6ut (ot bette' %nd bette',
%nd he 'e.onded to hi dem%nd $ith %!! the u'(enc, o+ he' ,outh&
But, i'onic%!!, enou(h, it $% th%t )e', e%(e'ne to .'o)e he'e!+ th%t o$ed the eed o+ he' det'uction& In t',in( to %)oid
con+!ict, /o%nn% on!, 6oined the +%mi!, +o' me%! i+ Co!e $% (oin( to be the'e& She h%d +ound he' *in $% too thin to $itht%nd the
b%'b %nd inu!t hi +%the' th'e$ %'ound $hen he $%n"t, %nd he $% too .'oud to te!! Co!e $h%t the, $e'e doin( to he'&
Beide, $h%t cou!d he h%)e %id7 Co!e hime!+ %dmitted he $%n"t ued to the *ind o+ !i+e the, !ed %t Tide$%te', %nd he
$ou!d be the +i't to %('ee th%t he $% much o+te' th%n the outhe'n $omen he $% ued to& And to com.!%in th%t hi mothe'
'e(%'ded %n, e++o't he m%de to he!. %'ound the houe $ith contem.t $ou!d h%'d!, %'oue hi indi(n%tion& He $ou!d .'ob%b!, h%)e
$onde'ed $h, he c%'ed, $ithout unde't%ndin( ho$ im.o't%nt it $% +o' /o%nn% to +ind he' o$n .%ce&
E)en thei' o$n 'oom $e'e not %c'o%nct& M%((ie thou(ht nothin( o+ comin( into thei' bed'oom $ithout *noc*in(,
e-ce.t $hen he *ne$ he' on $% the'e& 8!o$e' $e'e 'e%''%n(ed# +u'nitu'e /o%nn% h%d %!te'ed $% 'e.!%ced# %nd e)en he' c!oet $%
not +'ee +'om hi mothe'" in+!uence& 8%)ou'ite d'ee $ent miin(# hi't he e.eci%!!, !i*ed de)e!o.ed une-.!%ined te%', o' !ot
button# %nd %n, time he $o'e %n,thin( %t %!! .'o)oc%ti)e, he $% m%de to +ee! o che%. th%t he t%'ted bu,in( c!othe th%t didn"t
ho$ he' h%.e&
/ut thin*in( %bout it no$ m%de /o%nn% +ee! .h,ic%!!, ic*& 9'%du%!!,, o)e' % .e'iod o+ time, the, h%d c%ued he' to doubt
he'e!+, %nd he' o$n %nit,, %nd once th%t h%..ened he $% on % do$n$%'d .i'%!&
But th%t h%d come !%te'0%+te' the i!!ne, $hich h%d c%ued the +i't +%int c'%c* to %..e%' in thei' 'e!%tionhi.& Bec%ue o+
the he%t, %nd bec%ue he $% neithe' e%tin( no' !ee.in( enou(h, thoe !on( .%ion%te ni(ht too* thei' to!!& A chi!! de)e!o.ed
1uic*!, into .neumoni%, %nd $hi!e he $% $e%* %nd he!.!e Co!e" .%'ent too* thei' ch%nce&
B, the time he $% !ucid enou(h to *no$ $h%t $% h%..enin(, Co!e" be!on(in( h%d been mo)ed into %nothe' uite o+
'oom enti'e!,& Hi mothe' h%d on!, been thin*in( o+ he', he %id, $hen /o%nn% ('e$ t'on( enou(h to o++e' he' ob6ection& The'e $%
no $%, he cou!d h%)e continued to h%'e he' 'oom $ithout ditu'bin( he'& And the, %!! $%nted to do thei' bet, o th%t he $ou!d oon
be $e!! %(%in&
It $% % 'e%on%b!e e-cue, %nd one $ith $hich Co!e e)ident!, %('eed, but /o%nn% $% une%,& She $% mo'e une%, ti!!,
$hen R,%n M%c%!!ite' et u. % buine t'i. +o' Co!e to South Ame'ic%, thu de!%,in( hi 'etu'n to he' bed e)en !on(e'& In othe'
ci'cumt%nce, Co!e %u'ed he', he cou!d h%)e (one $ith him& But % he h%d been o i!! &&
The ni(ht be+o'e he $ent %$%,, he h%d t'ied to t%!* to him %bout thei' +utu'e& When $e'e the, (oin( to (et % home o+ thei'
o$n7 he .!e%ded& The,"d been m%''ied mo'e th%n th'ee month no$, %nd it $% time he t%'ted !oo*in( %+te' he' hub%nd he'e!+&
Co!e h%d %)oided % di'ect %n$e', he 'emembe'ed&
No$ $% not the time +o' he' to t%'t $o'',in( %bout thin( !i*e th%t, he %id& She needed to (et he' t'en(th b%c*& Bette'
he !e%)e the houe*ee.in( to hi mothe' +o' the time bein(& I+ he 'emembe'ed co''ect!,, dometic dutie h%d ne)e' been he' t'on(
.oint&
He $% %$%, % month, %nd, %!thou(h he .o*e to him +'e1uent!, on the te!e.hone, b, the time he c%me b%c*, thin( h%d
ch%n(ed& /o%nn% u..oed he h%d been .%'t!, 'e.onib!e +o' th%t ch%n(e, but ho$ cou!d he h%)e *no$n $h%t he' innocent
be+'iendin( o+ N%th%n Smith $ou!d ti' u.7 At the time, he h%d 6ut been de.e'%te +o' ome timu!%tin( %du!t con)e'%tion&
She i(hed& Pe'h%. he h%d been n%i)e, he .onde'ed& It $%n"t % i+ %!! the M%c%!!ite' h%d been hoti!e& Ben %nd /oe h%d
been 1uite +'iend!,, o !on( % thei' +%the' $%n"t %'ound# %nd the t$in, e.eci%!!, Ch%'!e,, h%d de)e!o.ed 1uite % c'uh on thei' ne$
ite'0in0!%$& And the'e $% S%nd,0thou(h he h%d been too ,oun( to 'e%!!, Count&
But, .e'h%. bec%ue he $% becomin( o eniti)e to %n, c'iticim !e)e!!ed %t he', /o%nn% ne)e' +e!t enti'e!, 'e!%-ed
%'ound the houe& She h%d done )e', !itt!e *etchin( o' .%intin( ince he !e+t En(!%nd, o no$, once %(%in, he ende%)ou'ed to
ubme'(e he' unh%..ine in he' $o'*& The'e $% ce't%in!, .!ent, o+ co.e +o' %n %'tit %mon( the )i)id )%'ietie o+ t'ee %nd h'ub
%bout the .!%nt%tion, %nd he too* to t%*in( he' *etch boo* $ith he' e)e', time he $ent +o' % $%!*&
A!thou(h he ne)e' )entu'ed too +%' +'om the houe, he bec%me +%mi!i%' $ith the t%b!e, %nd the .%ddoc*, %nd the %!t
m%'he be,ond& She o+ten cu'!ed u. beide the 'i)e', !u!!ed b, the (ent!e muic o+ the $%te', o' c'%mb!ed o)e' the mud0+!%t %t !o$
=B
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
tide, in e%'ch o+ he!!& A!thou(h he' o!i)e *in ne)e' t%nned, it ('e$ un $%'med %nd he%!th,, %nd he' h%i' ('e$ !on( %nd $ind
toed, %ccentu%tin( he' (,., %..e%'%nce&
And, du'in( thi time, it ne)e' occu''ed to he' not to be +%mi!i%' $ith the $o'*e' on the .!%nt%tion& The ('oom %'ound the
t%b!e, the h%nd $ho e-e'cied the ho'e, e)en the m%id in the houe, %!! bene+ited +'om he' +'iend!, di.oition& She didn"t thin* it
h%d been % conciou e++o't to o..oe Co!e" +%the' %nd mothe'& It $% 6ut he' $%,& But he ne)e', e)e' d'e%med $he'e he' %ttitude
mi(ht !e%d he'&
N%th%n didn"t $o'* on the .!%nt%tion& A!thou(h he didn"t *no$ th%t the mo'nin( he u'.'ied him on the 'i)e'0b%n*& He
h%d been !e%nin( out o)e' the 'i)e', t'%i!in( hi h%nd in the $%te', %nd %t th%t time it $% doubt+u! $hich o+ them h%d been the mot
hoc*ed b, the encounte'&
But $hen he 6um.ed to hi +eet, $ith the e)ident intention o+ !e%)in(, /o%nn% h%d to..ed him& "Wh%t $e'e ,ou doin(7" he
%*ed, tuc*in( he' *etch .%d unde' he' %'m, %nd te..in( %c'o the ('%, b%n* to$%'d him& She !oo*ed do$n into the $%te', but
cou!d ee nothin( o+ )%!ue& "Did ,ou d'o. omethin(7"
N%th%n hoo* hi he%d& He $% % h%ndome ,oun( m%n, $ith d%'* cu'!, h%i', b'o$n *in, %nd the b'o%d noe %nd +u!!
mouth th%t .o*e o+ % mi-ed he'it%(e& /o%nn% %umed he !i)ed in the h%c* th%t bo'de'ed the et%te to the $et& M%n, o+ the $o'*e'
!i)ed in the h%c* %t P%!me'" Point, %nd Co!e h%d %id th%t he %nd hi +%the' $e'e .!%nnin( on 'e0houin( the +%mi!ie& Ho$e)e', %+te'
!itenin( to R,%n M%c%!!ite'" )ie$ on hi .oo'e' em.!o,ee, %nd !e%'nin( o+ hi contem.t +o' .eo.!e $ho h%d mo'e chi!d'en th%n
the, cou!d %++o'd, /o%nn% $% !e con)inced& She h%d the +ee!in( th%t, $h%te)e' Co!e %id, hi +%the' $% not % committed % hi on&
"So $h%t $e'e ,ou doin(7" he %*ed no$, %nd %!thou(h the ,oun( m%n $ou!d h%)e ob)iou!, .'e+e''ed to %)oid %n$e'in(
he tood hi ('ound& "Tic*!in( +ih," he %id, hi !e%n +e%tu'e t%*in( on % 'ue+u! e-.'eion& "I $%n"t t%*in( m%n,& On!, one o' t$o&"
/o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& ";ou me%n0,ou c%n %ctu%!!, c%tch +ih th%t $%,7" he e-c!%imed& Then he %$ the b'%ce o+ t'out
'etin( on % b'o%d .%!metto !e%+, %nd mi!ed& "I ee ,ou c%n&"
N%th%n e-.e!!ed hi b'e%th on % !on( i(h& ";ou mut be Co!e" $i+e," he %id, %nd he $onde'ed $h, he !oo*ed o 'ue+u!
$hen he %id it& She didn"t +!%tte' he'e!+ th%t he $% the 'e%on +o' hi dicontent& But hi tone $% Int'i(uin(, %nd he dete'mined to
(et to the bottom o+ &
So, ";e," he %('eed, ho!din( out he' h%nd to$%'d him& "I"m /o%nn% M%c%!!ite'& Who"'e ,ou7"
Hi heit%tion $% on!, notice%b!e bec%ue he $% %$%'e o+ it& "N%th%n," he %id, %+te' % moment&
"N%th%n0Smith&" He hoo* he' h%nd $ith ome 'e!uct%nce, %nd he $onde'ed $h,& "But < $ih ,ou $ou!dn"t te!! %n,one
,ou"d een me he'e&"
/o%nn% +'o$ned& "Bec%ue o+ the +ih7" he e-c!%imed& "Oh, I"m u'e0"
"Bec%ue < hou!dn"t be on the .'o.e't,," N%th%n cut in $i+t!,& "I *no$ it" %*in( % !ot, but I"d %..'eci%te it&"
/o%nn% b!in*ed& ";ou don"t $o'* +o' m, hub%nd o' hi +%the', then7"
"No&"
"But ,ou *no$ them& ;ou *ne$ < $% Co!e" $i+e&"
"E)e',one *no$ th%t," 'e.!ied N%th%n d'i!,& Then, $ith % 'ue+u! (!%nce %bout him, "I thin* I"d bette' (o&"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' !i. bet$een he' teeth& "Not on m, %ccount," he .'oteted& "I $on"t te!! %n,one ,ou $e'e he'e&" She
('im%ced, 'emembe'in(& "The'e" no one to te!!& Co!e" %$%, %nd I"m not e-%ct!, on the bet o+ te'm $ith hi mothe' %nd +%the'&"
N%th%n heit%ted& "Loo*, ,ou don"t *no$ me& ;ou don"t *no$ %n,thin( %bout me&" He .u!!ed % $', +%ce& "I cou!d be %
mu'de'e' o' % '%.it, +o' %!! ,ou *no$&"
/o%nn% 'e(%'ded him conide'in(!,& ";ou h%)e %n honet +%ce," he %id, %nd then, eein( the +%int mi!e th%t ti!ted the
co'ne' o+ hi mouth, he %dded, "I"m .'e.%'ed to t%*e the 'i*, i+ ,ou %'e& Wh, don"t ,ou ho$ me $h%t ,ou $e'e doin(7 Pe'h%. <
cou!d !e%'n to c%tch +ih, too&"
And th%t $% ho$ he %nd N%th%n h%d become +'iend, he b'ooded .%in+u!!,& A ch%nce meetin(, %nd udden!, he $%
emb'oi!ed in % itu%tion he h%dn"t e)en *no$n e-ited& Wou!d N%th%n ti!! be %!i)e, i+ he h%dn"t .e'u%ded him to t%,7 It $%
enti'e!, .oib!e& But N%th%n" !i+e h%d %!$%, been in 6eo.%'d,, !on( be+o'e he c%me on the cene&
Sti!!, in the month th%t +o!!o$ed, the, did become c!oe +'iend& He $% inte'eted in he' .%intin(, %nd encou'%(ed he' not
to ne(!ect he' t%!ent& And he +ound hi *no$!ed(e o+ the %'e%" hito', both in+o'm%ti)e %nd +%cin%tin(, %nd he $% not %t %!!
u'.'ied to !e%'n th%t he t%u(ht %t the B%.tit choo! in Be%u'n%'!&
But, thee u.e'+ici%! +%ct %ide, he !e%'ned )e', !itt!e %bout hi .e'on%! !i+e& He to!d he' he $% unm%''ied %nd !i)ed $ith
hi $ido$ed mothe' in Be%um%'i, but th%t $% %!!& He $ou!dn"t t%!* %bout the M%c%!!ite', o' $h, % +eud hou!d e-it bet$een them&
He .o*e o+ Co!e, %nd /oe, %nd Ben, but the, $e'e not +'iend o+ hi& I+ he h%d %n, +'iend, he ne)e' he%'d %bout them, %nd bec%ue
he $% !one!,, too, he %cce.ted hi io!%tion 1uite ('%te+u!!,&
At thi time, he' 'e!%tionhi. $ith Co!e $% dete'io'%tin( '%.id!,& She didn"t *no$ $h,, but ince hi 'etu'n +'om A'(entin%
he' hub%nd h%d become inc'e%in(!, 'emote& She *ne$ he 'eented the +%ct th%t he h%d t%'ted *etchin( %(%in, but it $% mo'e th%n
th%t& And $hene)e' he b'o%ched the ub6ect o+ mo)in( into % home o+ thei' o$n hi on!, %n$e' $% th%t the .!%nt%tion houe $%
bi( enou(h +o' %!! o+ them&
It $% ce't%in!, bi( enou(h +o' him to continue !ee.in( in % e.%'%te bed'oom, he 'e+!ected bitte'!,, 'emembe'in( the
%'(ument the, h%d %bout th%t& Co!e" on!, e-cue $% th%t % he (ot u. e%'!, in the mo'nin( %nd $ent to bed much !%te' th%n he did
%t ni(ht he didn"t $%nt to ditu'b he'& But /o%nn% (ueed it $% hi mothe'" %nd +%the'" ide%& Anothe' $%, to *ee. them %.%'t&
A continuin( ou'ce o+ con+!ict $% /o%nn%" +%i!u'e to concei)e& Co!e mi(ht occu., % di++e'ent 'oom, but he ti!! c%me to
he' bed e)e'%! time % $ee*& She u.ected it $% % $e%*ne he $ihed he cou!d con1ue', %nd bec%ue he cou!d be o me%n to he' %t
othe' time he ometime +ou(ht %(%int hi .oeion& But he %!$%, o)e'c%me he' e++o't& The +e)e'ih m%tin( o+ thei' bodie h%d
!ot none o+ it +e')ou'# it $% tot%!!, obei)e to both o+ them, %nd e)en Co!e cou!dn"t den, the hun(e' in hi b!ood&
Ne)e'the!e, % the month $ent b, %nd he didn"t (et .'e(n%nt, Co!e bec%me u.iciou& Ob)iou!, hi doubt h%d been
+ue!!ed b, the thin( hi .%'ent im.!ied, %nd he +ound him one d%, e%'chin( he' bedide d'%$e' +o' cont'%ce.ti)e& He' %n(e' %t
+indin( him the'e $% o)e'$he!min(, %nd mo'e th%n e'%ed %n, %d)%nt%(e he mi(ht h%)e (%ined bec%ue hi e%'ch h%d .'o)ed
unucce+u!& But hi .%'tin( comment, th%t he .'ob%b!, hid them ome$he'e e!e, $% the +in%! t'%$& Th%t ni(ht, he !oc*ed he'
doo' %(%int him, 'e+uin( to %n$e' $hen he h%mme'ed on the .%ne!& She e)en !oc*ed the b%!con, doo' %nd c!oed the hutte',
.'e+e''in( the %i'!e %tmo.he'e to the h%me+u! dem%nd o+ he' +!eh&
Loo*in( b%c* no$, he %$ ho$ +oo!ih!, he h%d .!%,ed into R,%n M%c%!!ite'" h%nd& Co!e $% % .'oud m%n& He
$ou!dn"t be( he' to un!oc* he' doo'& Wh%t h%d be(un % %n %n(', 'e)o!t %(%int hi !%c* o+ +%ith in he' 1uic*!, %cce!e'%ted into % +u!!0
=C
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
b!o$n e.%'%tion& In % m%tte' o+ d%,, he %nd Co!e $e'e %ctin( !i*e t'%n(e' %'ound one %nothe'& And, be+o'e he cou!d .!uc* u. the
cou'%(e to .e%* to him, omethin( h%..ened th%t %!te'ed he' mind i''e)oc%b!,&
The .%t +e$ month mi(ht not h%)e been the mot h%.., time in he' !i+e, but he h%d %!$%, be!ie)ed th%t, bec%ue he
%nd Co!e ti!! h%d uch % (ood e-u%! 'e!%tionhi., oone' o' !%te' thei' .'ob!em $ou!d be 'eo!)ed& I+ he h%dn"t be!ie)ed th%t, he
cou!dn"t h%)e continued in the m%''i%(e& But Co!e ti!! !o)ed he'# he $% u'e o+ it& And, in time, he $ou!d ee it he' $%,&
She h%d been (i)en the ue o+ %n o!d t%tion $%(on, m%in!,, he u.ected, bec%ue it en%b!ed he' to t%*e the ,oun(e'
chi!d'en to choo!, $hen no one e!e $% %)%i!%b!e& But it did (i)e he' % ce't%in %mount o+ +'eedom, %nd he %nd Ch%'!e, o+ten $ent
into Be%um%'i %t $ee*end, to .otte' %bout the m%!! to'e, %nd $%tch the +ihin( bo%t comin( %nd (oin( +'om the h%'bou'& O+ %!!
the M%c%!!ite', %.%'t +'om Co!e, he !i*ed Ch%'!e, bet& The !itt!e (i'! h%d become he' h%do$ ince the incident in the .'in(, $hen
/o%nn% h%d .!%,ed uch % c'uci%! .%'t in 'ecuin( he' +'om the i!%nd in the 'i)e', $he'e the, h%d been .icnic*in(& Thei' 'o$0bo%t h%d
come %d'i+t, %nd /o%nn% h%d h%d to $im to the ho'e to (et he!.& It h%d been % ne%' thin(, %nd +o' % $hi!e %+te' $%'d he %nd Co!e
eemed to (et c!oe %(%in& But ube1uent e)ent, .%'ticu!%'!, the incident o)e' the cont'%ce.ti)e, h%d det'o,ed thei' unde't%ndin(,
%nd $hen /o%nn% d'o)e into Be%um%'i th%t S%tu'd%, mo'nin( he $% ti!! mu!!in( o)e' $%, to m%*e %mend&
And then he %$ Co!e&
He $% .%'*ed in the cent'e o+ to$n, 'i(ht $he'e he uu%!!, .%'*ed, !e%nin( %(%int the bonnet o+ the dut me%'ed .ic*0
u. he in)%'i%b!, d'o)e, !%u(hin( $ith % b!onde in % hot .in* 6um.0uit&
/o%nn% h%d thou(ht he $% e-e'ciin( the ho'e $ith Ben& He h%d (one out e%'!ie' th%t mo'nin(, %nd th%t $% $h%t hi
mothe' h%d to!d he', $hen he h%d %*ed $he'e he $%& But it $% ob)iou +'om hi d'e hi't %nd $e!! cut t'oue' th%t he h%d ne)e'
h%d %n, intention o+ (oin( 'idin(&
"He!!5"
Ch%'!e," un(u%'ded e-c!%m%tion echoed the 'e%ction /o%nn% $% +ee!in(& The (i'! $% +!i'tin( $ith Co!e no$, +in(e'0
$%!*in( u. hi hi't, %nd %'chin( he' bod, to$%'d him& The'e $% % $e%!th o+ con+idence %nd intim%c, in he' %ttitude, %nd /o%nn%"
tom%ch ho!!o$ed %t the ob)iou e-.!%n%tion&
But Ch%'!e," beh%)io' cou!d %t !e%t .'o)ide he' $ith h%!+ %n %n$e'& "Who i he7" he %*ed ti++!,, %nd Ch%'!e, ti+!ed %
('o%n&
"S%mm,0/e%n But!e'," he mutte'ed 'e!uct%nt!,, .u'in( u. he' +%ce& "D%mn, $h%t" he doin( $ith he'7"
T',in( not to ound % ic* % he +e!t, /o%nn% t'ied to m%*e !i(ht o+ it& "Who *no$7" he %id, te..in( on the b'%*e, %nd
tu'nin( the t%tion $%(on into % .ot e)e'%! ,%'d +'om $he'e he' hub%nd $% t%ndin(& "It !oo* % i+ the, 6ut '%n into one %nothe'&"
She $et he' !i.& "I he %n o!d (i'!+'iend7"
Ch%'!e, hunched he' hou!de'& "I (ue&"
"We!!, i he, o' in"t he7"
Ch%'!e, ni++ed& "M% %nd P% $%nted Co!e to m%'', he' one time," he %dmitted& "See, the But!e'" .!%ce i ne-t to Tide$%te',
%nd P% %nd M'& But!e' ued to t%!* %bout ho$ (ood it $ou!d be i+ Co!e %nd S%mm,0/e%n && &"
/o%nn% 'emembe'ed ho$ h%'d it h%d been +o' he' to (et out o+ the t%tion $%(on %+te' th%t, to (o %nd .e%* to he' hub%nd&
And, $hen he +ound the .ic*0u. $%n"t the'e %n, mo'e, he didn"t *no$ $hethe' to be (!%d o' o'',& But it e')ed % bitte' .u'.oe&
She *ne$ he $ou!d ne)e' t'ut Co!e %(%in&
CHAPTER TEN
Ch%'!e, c%me to +ind /o%nn% % oon % he (ot home +'om choo! he' *noc* %t the bed'oom doo' $% 'eminicent o+ othe'
occ%ion, $hen the (i'! h%d .ent mo'e time $ith he' ite'0in0!%$ th%n he did $ith the othe' membe' o+ he' +%mi!,& But in thoe
d%, /o%nn% h%d ou(ht com+o't +'om he'& No$, it $% Ch%'!e, $ho needed commie'%tion&
"Donn%" % bitch5" he dec!%'ed, %+te' /o%nn% h%d !et he' into the bed'oom %nd 'eumed d',in( he' h%i' in +'ont o+ the mi''o'&
"T$in %'e u..oed to u..o't one %nothe', %'en"t the,7" He' 6%$ 6utted& "She 6ut en6o, c%uin( me %(('%)%tion5"
/o%nn% tu'ned o++ the d'ie', %nd 'e(%'ded he' )iito' $ith ,m.%thetic e,e& "Coo! do$n," he %id& "It" too hot to (et o 'i!ed
u. o)e' %n,thin(& Wh%t did Donn% do, +o' he%)en" %*e7 Ste%! ,ou' bo,+'iend7"
"Wo'e th%n th%t5" e-c!%imed Ch%'!e,, +!in(in( he'e!+ do$n on the end o+ the bed, %nd t%'in( b'oodin(!, %t the c%'.et&
"She" 6ut (one %nd to!d M% th%t Bi!!, %nd me %'e (oin( te%d,&"
"Oh&" /o%nn% $'%..ed the i!* d'ein(0(o$n he h%d !i..ed on %+te' he' ho$e' c!oe' %bout he' !im +i(u'e& "I ee&"
"I th%t %!! ,ou c%n %,7" c'ied Ch%'!e,, he' e,e $ide %nd indi(n%nt& "M%" ('ounded me +o' the ne-t month, %nd he %, i+
I t', to ee Bi!!, %(%in he"!! (et P% to th'o$ him out o+ P%!me'" Point&"
/o%nn%" mouth ti(htened& R,%n M%c%!!ite' $% (ood %t th%t, he thou(ht contem.tuou!,& He $% (ood %t det'o,in(
.eo.!e" !i)e& Loo* $h%t he"d done to S%'%h5
"Did ,ou t%!* $ith Co!e ,et7" Ch%'!e, $% %*in( no$, %nd /o%nn% .ut he' o$n ('ie)%nce %ide to %n$e' the (i'!&
She hoo* he' he%d& "Ch%'!e,, < on!, %''i)ed ,ete'd%,&"
"Did ,ou t%!* to P%, then7 Did he te!! ,ou $h, he $%nted to ee ,ou7"
"I")e .o*en to him, ,e&"
"And7"
/o%nn% i(hed& "Ch%'!e,, I"d '%the' not t%!* %bout th%t 'i(ht no$&" She .%ued, %nd then %dded, "Loo*, I $i!! te!! Co!e $h%t"
h%..ened& But < c%n"t m%*e %n, .'omie&"
Ch%'!e, .uhed he'e!+ u. +'om the bed& ";ou $on"t need to te!! Co!e," he mutte'ed& "Le%)e it to M% to do th%t& < 6ut ho.ed
,ou"d h%d % ch%nce to t%!* $ith him be+o'e it %!! c%me out& D%mn, $h%t %m I (oin( to do7 I !o)e Bi!!,& I c%n"t (i)e him u.&"
/o%nn% mo)ed to .ut he' %'m %'ound the (i'!& "Don"t !oe he%'t," he %id& And then, bec%ue he unde'tood on!, too $e!!
ho$ Ch%'!e, $% +ee!in(, he $ent on, "A I %,, < c%n"t .'omie %n,thin(, but the'e mi(ht be omethin( < c%n do& Le%)e it $ith me&
And don"t ,ou do %n,thin( tu.id&"
"I $on"t&" Ch%'!e, (%4ed %t he' ho.e+u!!,& "I %$ the $%, Co!e $% !oo*in( %t ,ou !%t ni(ht& He" ti!! tuc* on ,ou, in"t he7
9ee, no $onde' S%mm,0/e%n ne)e' tood % ch%nce&"
"Wh%t do ,ou me%n7"
/o%nn% *ne$ he hou!dn"t h%)e %*ed the 1uetion, but he im.!, cou!dn"t he!. it, %nd Ch%'!e, mi'*ed& "Come on," he
%id& "I he%'d Ben te!!in( ,ou, thin( h%)en"t been the %me %'ound he'e ince ,ou $%!*ed out&"
"Oh&" /o%nn% $onde'ed $h, he udden!, +e!t o de+!%ted& "We!!, % < %,, I"!! do $h%t < c%n %bout ,ou %nd Bi!!,& No$, I
thin* ,ou"d bette' (o& I")e (ot to (et 'e%d, +o' dinne'&"
=E
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Toni(ht, /o%nn% decided to $e%' !ooe0+ittin( i!* cuto++ th%t %!!o$ed the %i' to +!o$ +'ee!, %'ound he' !e(& The, $e'e t%n,
%nd combined %tt'%cti)e!, $ith the c'e%m %nd (o!d bo- 6%c*et he choe to $e%' $ith them& The 6%c*et h%d % hi(h nec*, $ith %n
u.t%ndin( Chinee co!!%', %nd bec%ue o+ it b'e)it, it occ%ion%!!, e-.oed %n inch o+ o!i)e *in %'ound he' mid'i++& He' e%''in(
$e'e (o!d %(%in, be%ten 1u%'e o+ met%! th%t %ccentu%ted the !ende'ne o+ he' nec*& And he $e.t he' h%i' u. into % !ooe *not,
%!!o$in( e)e'%! t'%nd o+ midni(ht i!* to d'oo. beide he' e%'&
To he' u'.'ie, the !ib'%', $% em.t, $hen he $ent do$n& O+ cou'e, he $% % !itt!e e%'!ie' th%n the ni(ht be+o'e, %nd it
$% .oib!e he $% the on!, .e'on dinin( %t home& A.%'t +'om Co!e" +%the', o+ cou'e, but the'e $% no (u%'%ntee th%t he $ou!d
6oin he'& In %n, e)ent, /o%nn% decided to he!. he'e!+ to % d'in*& She"d h%d nothin( but t%. $%te' ince !unchtime, %nd he +e!t he
needed ome timu!%nt to (et he' th'ou(h the e)enin( %he%d& E)en i+ he h%d to .end it %!one, he cono!ed he'e!+ ('im!,& The'e $%
omethin( %bout thi .!%ce th%t %!$%, .ut he' ne')e on ed(e&
The d'in* c%binet h%d been 'e.!enihed, %+te' the ni(ht be+o'e, %nd he' h%nd ho)e'ed o)e' the $hi*e, +o' % moment,
be+o'e mo)in( on to the $ine& Bette' he *ee. he' $it %bout he', 6ut in c%e, he thou(ht d'i!,& No one $% (oin( to %ccue he' o+
o)e'0imbibin( thee d%,&
She $% '%iin( the (!% o+ $ine to he' !i. $hen he 'e%!ied he $% no !on(e' %!one& Whi!e he h%d been concent'%tin(
on not .i!!in( %n, o+ the $ine o)e' the .o!ihed u'+%ce o+ the c%binet, Co!e h%d come to t%nd in the doo'$%,& With hi hou!de'
.'o..ed %(%int the 6%mb, he $% $%tchin( he' %ction $ith n%''o$ed e,e, %nd $hen /o%nn% bec%me %$%'e o+ him he +e!t % mo0
ment" 'e('et&
He !oo*ed o %tt'%cti)e t%ndin( the'e, hi h%i' d%m. %nd ti!! c!in(in( to hi he%d %+te' hi ho$e'& The $%te' h%d d%'*ened
it i!)e',0b!ond t'%nd, c%tin( %n %'ti+ici%! h%do$ %c'o hi +%ce, %nd, in .ite o+ the +%ct th%t he h%d h%)ed, % (!itenin( o+ b'it!e
!%,o)e' hi 6%$ !ine& He $% $e%'in( n%), t'oue' %nd % 'o!!0 nec*ed cotton $e%te' in % !i(hte' h%de o+ b!ue& The he%t ne)e' eemed
to bothe' him, /o%nn% 'e+!ected, but o+ cou'e he $% ued to it& And then, .%'t o+ the he%t he $% +ee!in( $% e!+0induced, b'ou(ht
on b, the un$i!!in( memo', o+ he' thou(ht th%t %+te'noon&
"A!! %!one7" he en1ui'ed, (oin( on the o!d %d%(e th%t it $% e%ie' to %tt%c* th%n de+end& "C%n I (et ,ou % d'in*7" She he!d
u. he' (!%& "The $ine" )e', (ood& I c%n 'ecommend it&"
Co!e %id nothin(, but he t'%i(htened +'om hi !oun(in( .oition %nd c%me %c'o the 'oom to$%'d he'& Ho$e)e',
%!thou(h he' *in .'ic*!ed, %nd %!! he' .u!e et u. % $i!d t%ttoo, he didn"t touch he'& Inte%d, he !i+ted the bou'bon bott!e %nd .ou'ed
hime!+ % (ene'ou me%u'e o)e' ice, $%!!o$in( % mouth+u! be+o'e %c*no$!ed(in( he' comment&
He me!t (ood, too, he noticed, the cent o+ the o%. he h%d been uin( d'i+tin( to he' not'i!& She cou!d e)en me!! the
he%t o+ hi *in, c!e%n, %nd +%int!, mu*,, %nd inc'edib!, m%cu!ine&
9od5 She b'ou(ht he'e!+ u. the'e, +o'cin( he'e!+ to 'emembe' $he'e he $%& A the 'e%!i%tion o+ $h%t he $% thin*in(0
%nd $h%t it $% doin( to he'0$e.t o)e' he' in mind!e $%)e, he %$ the ,%$nin( .it he $% di((in( +o' he'e!+& He $% he' e-0
hub%nd, +o' .it," %*e5 Not omeone o+ c'itic%! im.o't%nce in he' !i+e& And he h%d come to *no$ hi cent % $e!! % he' o$n, o bi(
de%!5 She cou!d !i)e $ith th%t& She too* % b'e%th& She h%d to&
"We"!! be dinin( %!one," he %id, % he t'u((!ed to %ume % c%u%! deme%no', %nd he $onde'ed $hoe ide% th%t $%& Not
hi mothe'", he $% u'e& M%((ie $ou!d ne)e' condone uch % u((etion&
"I ee," he mu'mu'ed, he' b'o$ %'chin( in1uiiti)e!,, %nd, % i+ enin( % %'c%m he $% +%' +'om +ee!in(, Co!e $ent on,
";e&" He .%ued& "M%, S%nd, %nd the t$in %'e h%)in( u..e' %t /oe"& And 00 Ben h% % d%te thi e)enin(&"
"Re%!!,7" 9i)in( he'e!+ time to thin*, /o%nn% too* %nothe' i. o+ $ine& "I thou(ht Ch%'!e, $% ('ounded&"
Co!e +'o$ned& "9'ounded7"
/o%nn% conide'ed 1uic*!,& She h%d no $ih to in)o!)e Ch%'!e, ,et& Not unti! he h%d h%d % ch%nce to ound out the
itu%tion& "I0it" not im.o't%nt," he %id& Then, ti!tin( he' he%d, "Wi!! ,ou' +%the' be 6oinin( u7"
"Not toni(ht&" Co!e" mouth com.'eed %nd he tu'ned to .ou' mo'e bou'bon into hi (!%&
"Oh7" /o%nn% moitened he' !i.& "Wh, not7 He" not0"
"Wo'e7" Co!e $un( %'ound, c'%d!in( hi (!% bet$een hi t'on( +in(e'& "Do ,ou c%'e7"
/o%nn% ende%)o'ed to 'em%in unmo)ed& "I h%'d!, thin* ,ou' mothe' $ou!d be .endin( the e)enin( %t /oe", i+ he $% in
%n, d%n(e'," he 'e.!ied mooth!,, %nd Co!e %umed %n i''it%ted e-.'eion&
"No," he %id %+te' % moment& "No, ,ou"'e 'i(ht, o+ cou'e& He" no $o'e %nd no bette' th%n he $%& But0" the $o'd $%
he%), $ith me%nin(" 0he thin* it $ou!d be % (ood ide% i+ $e0t%!*ed to one %nothe'&"
No$ /o%nn% unde'tood& But, "T%!*ed7" he 1ue'ied, $ith 6ut the 'i(ht %mount o+ con+uion in he' )oice& "Wh%t %bout7"
Co!e" 6%$ h%'dened& "Wh%t do ,ou thin*7"
"I don"t *no$, do I7"
He ('unted& "He $%nt u to0'econci!e0"
"Reconci!e5" No$ /o%nn% cou!dn"t *ee. the dibe!ie+ out o+ he' )oice& ";ou me%n, he $%nt u to (et to(ethe' %(%in7"
"No5" Co!e $o'e& "Not th%t& He" i!!, but he" not eni!e5" He e-.e!!ed hi b'e%th on % h%'h i(h& "No, he im.!, $%nt u to
t', %nd he%! ou' di++e'ence# to be ci)i!0$ith one %nothe' %(%in&"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him& "Wh,7"
"Wh,7" Co!e h%d ob)iou!, thou(ht o+ thi hime!+, but he didn"t h%)e %n %n$e' +o' he'& "I0$h, do ,ou thin*7 He" ic*&
Ne%' to de%th& Peo.!e $ho %'e d,in( ometime h%)e thee c'%4, ide%& I (ue he $%nt to to0"
"S%!)e hi o$n concience7" u((eted /o%nn% i!*i!,, %nd Co!e" +%ce u++ued $ith %n(', co!ou'&
";ou $ou!d %, th%t, $ou!dn"t ,ou7" he n%'!ed& "I hou!d h%)e *no$n bette' th%n to ho.e ,ou"d ho$ ome com.%ion&"
/o%nn% h'u((ed& "M%,be ,ou hou!d," he %('eed, .uttin( do$n he' (!%& She h%d udden!, !ot %!! t%te +o' the $ine& "O'
.e'h%. ,ou hou!d !e%'n to h%)e ome com.%ion ,ou'e!+&"
"Wh%t" th%t u..oed to me%n7"
/o%nn% heit%ted& ";ou h%)en"t %*ed me $h, ,ou' +%the' $%nted to ee me&"
Co!e" mouth +!%ttened& "I *no$ $h,& I")e 6ut to!d ,ou $h,&"
"No, ,ou h%)en"t&"
He co$!ed& "Sto. bu!!in( me, /o& ;ou *no$ d%mn $e!! ho$ h%'d thi i +o' me0+o' both o+ u& Don"t don"t m%*e it %n,
$o'e b, !,in( %bout it&"
/o%nn% +e!t % moment" indi(n%tion, but it .%ed& "I"m not !,in(," he %id& ";ou' +%the' doen"t c%'e i+ $e h%te e%ch othe'"
(ut5 M, 9od, he %nd ,ou' mothe' did $h%t the, cou!d to b'in( th%t %bout& Wh, hou!d he +ee! %n, di++e'ent!, no$7 I"m ti!! the
?3
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
+o'ei(ne'5 The outide'5 The un$%nted int'ude', $ho .oi!ed %!! the .!%n ,ou' d%dd, h%d +o' ,ou5"
"Th%t" hito',, /o& Let it (o& It" not % i+ ,ou m%de %n, %ttem.t to +it in he'e& I don"t 'emembe' ,ou doin( much e!e but
mo%n %bout thi .!%ce& ;ou didn"t !i*e the $%, $e !i)ed, the $%, $e t'e%ted the $o'*e', the !%c* o+ he%!th c%'e on the et%te, He
hoo* hi he%d& "No, %!! ,ou did $% c%ue t'oub!e&"
"M,, oh, m,5" /o%nn% b'ou(ht he' h%nd to(ethe' in % !o$ c!%.& ";ou"'e !e%'nin(, Co!e& I cou!d %!mot be!ie)e th%t $% ,ou'
d%dd, t%!*in(&"
"Shut u.5"
"No& Wh, hou!d I7" /o%nn% $% *ee.in( he' %n(e' in chec* b, % u.'eme e++o't& "It" the t'uth& Te!! me, $hen %'e ,ou
M%c%!!ite' (oin( to 'e%!ie thi i the t$entieth centu',7"
Co!e too* % te. to$%'d he', but, $h%te)e' hi intention h%d been, the %..e%'%nce o+ % m%id, to in+o'm them th%t u..e'
$% $%itin(, +o'et%!!ed him&
"Ri(ht, S%!!,, $e"!! be 'i(ht the'e," he mutte'ed, %nd, $%!!o$in( the 'em%inde' o+ the $hi*e, in hi (!%, he (etu'ed +o'
/o%nn% to .'ecede him out o+ the 'oom& And he did o, une%i!, %$%'e o+ he' e-0hub%nd" ('im .'eence behind he'&
Su..e' $% e')ed in % hi(h0cei!in(ed %!on, $he'e % .%i' o+ 'e)o!)in( +%n ende%)o'ed to *ee. the %i' ci'cu!%tin(& It $%
$he'e the, h%d %!! e%ten the ni(ht be+o'e, but thi e)enin( on!, t$o .!%ce $e'e et %t the !on( .o!ihed t%b!e& P'edict%b!,, Co!e %t in
the ch%i' hi +%the' h%d occu.ied the ni(ht .'e)iou!,, $ith /o%nn% %t hi 'i(ht h%nd& It $% ne%'e' th%n he $ou!d h%)e !i*ed, but %t
!e%t the, $e'en"t ittin( o..oite one %nothe'& She didn"t *no$ ho$ he $ou!d h%)e co.ed $ith uch %n un(u%'ded %..'%i%!&
A it $%, he ende%)o'ed to concent'%te on he' +ood, %nd he' u''oundin(, to the e-c!uion o+ %!! e!e& She needed time to
conide' ho$ he $% (oin( to .'oceed, %nd it didn"t he!. th%t Co!e h%d hi o$n .'econcei)ed ide% o+ $h, he $% he'e& The t'oub!e
$%, he didn"t *no$ $h%t he $% (oin( to do& She h%d +o'(otten ho$ it $% he'e& Someho$, the he%t %..ed he' .o$e' o+
'e%onin(& Wh%t h%d %..e%'ed o cut %nd d'ied in N%%u no !on(e' eemed o e%,&
Loo*in( %t him out o+ the co'ne' o+ he' e,e, % he %tt%c*ed the chun*, +ih ou., %nd 1u%i! tu++ed $ith co'nb'e%d, he
$onde'ed $h, he didn"t 6ut te!! R,%n M%c%!!ite' to do hi o$n di't, $o'*, %nd (et out o+ the'e& She didn"t $%nt to t%,& And it $%
ob)iou Co!e didn"t $%nt he' he'e& She didn"t o$e hi +%the' %n,thin(& Nothin( (ood, %t !e%t&
"Do ,ou e)e' ee S%'%h7" he %*ed %b'u.t!,, *no$in( it $ou!d %nt%(onie him, but 'ec*!e none the !e& An,thin( to 'id
he'e!+ o+ thi +ee!in( th%t he $% $e%*enin(& She h%d to 'emembe' e-%ct!, $h%t he"d done&
Co!e .ut do$n hi +o'*, %nd 'e%ched +o' the (!% o+ $ine beide hi .!%te& "Wh,7" he %*ed, %+te' 'inin( hi .%!%te& "Wh%t
'e!e)%nce doe th%t h%)e to thi itu%tion7"
/o%nn% bit he' !i.& "I"d !i*e to *no$ i+ he" %!! 'i(ht&"
"She i&"
"And Hen',7"
"I")e to!d ,ou& Hen', ti!! $o'* in the t%b!e&" /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& "Ho$ c%n he7"
"Ho$ c%n"t he7 He ti!! h% to !i)e& He e%'n enou(h to *ee. hime!+ %nd hi mothe' %t Tide$%te'&"
"Concience mone,5"
She $% c%thin(, %nd % ne')e 6e'*ed in Co!e" chee*& "M%, I 'emind ,ou th%t Hen', $o'*ed %t Tide$%te' !on( be+o'e ,ou
*ne$ %n,thin( %bout hi b'othe'7 He !i*e the $o'*& He" (ood $ith ho'e&"
"The'e %'e othe' .!%ce000,"
"Not +o' omeone !i*e Hen',," 'eto'ted Co!e %)%(e!,& "8o' 9od" %*e, $h%t $ou!d ,ou h%)e u do7 De.'i)e him o+ hi
ch%nce to h%)e ome e!+0'e.ect7 I+, % ,ou %,, ,ou thin* it" concience mone,, thin* %bout ho$ he"d !i)e i+ he didn"t come to
Tide$%te'& In %n, c%e, it" $h%t S%'%h $%nt& No$, $i!! ,ou (i)e it % 'et7"
/o%nn% too* % te%d,in( b'e%th& "Wh, don"t ,ou $%nt me to ee S%'%h7"
Co!e c!oed hi e,e +o' % moment& "Wh, do ,ou thin*7"
"I don"t *no$, do I7 I"m %*in( ,ou&"
Co!e heit%ted& "A!! 'i(ht& In $o'd o+ one ,!!%b!e, he doen"t $%nt to ee ,ou&"
/o%nn% (%.ed& "I don"t be!ie)e ,ou&"
"Ne)e'the!e, it" the t'uth&"
/o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& "I don"t unde't%nd&"
"T',& ;ou' .'eence he'e c%n on!, b'in( b%c* unh%.., memo'ie +o' he'&"
"It doe7" /o%nn% $inced& "Doe he0doe he h%te me7"
"No5" Co!e $% im.%tient& "S%'%h doen"t h%te %n,one&"
"Not e)en ,ou' +%the'7"
"Not e)en him," dec!%'ed Co!e +!%t!,& ";ou *no$ S%'%h& She doen"t h%)e % )indicti)e bone in he' bod,& No$ $h, don"t ,ou
to. thin*in( e)e',one" ,ou' enem,, %nd t', %nd en6o, ,ou' time he'e7"
/o%nn% !ic*ed he' !i.& "With ,ou, ,ou me%n7" he )entu'ed, he' .u!e udden!, '%cin(, %nd Co!e" e-.'eion ti(htened&
"I+ th%t" $h%t it t%*e," he %id (u%'ded!,& "I b'ou(ht ,ou he'e& I (ue I h%)e to t%*e m, h%'e o+ the 'e.onibi!it,&"
"9ee th%n*"
/o%nn% $% %'c%tic, but he ti!! cou!dn"t cont'o! the 1uic*enin( '%te o+ he' he%'tbe%t& A +e$ d%, $ith Co!e, he mued,
$ith ome ne')oune& W% th%t $h%t he 'e%!!, $%nted7 Wh%t he cou!d h%nd!e7 And $% he (oin( to .!e%d hi +%the'" c%e, o'
$% he (oin( to %!!o$ him to (o on thin*in( th%t %!! hi +%the' $%nted $% ome co4, 'econci!i%tion7
Co!e h%d .ic*ed u. hi +o'* %(%in, but, +'om the $%, he $% .uhin( the me%t %nd .e% %'ound hi .!%te, +ood $% the !%t
thin( on hi mind& A+te' % +e$ moment, he th'e$ the +o'* do$n %(%in, %nd $i.ed hi mouth on hi n%.*in&
"Tomo''o$," he %id, %nd he *ne$ the $o'd $e'e bein( d'%((ed out o+ him, "tomo''o$, $e"!! t%*e % 'ide out to P%!me'"
Point&" He .%ued& "The'e" omethin( ,ou mi(ht !i*e to ee&"
"Wh%t7" /o%nn%" e,e $e'e cu'iou&
";ou"!! +ind out," he %id, .uhin( b%c* hi ch%i', %nd (ettin( u. +'om the t%b!e& "No$, i+ ,ou"!! e-cue me, I h%)e $o'* to
do&"
"Wo'*7" /o%nn% !oo*ed *e.tic%!!, to$%'d the in*, d%'*ne outide, $he'e +i'e+!ie %nd hu(e, h%i', moth c!ute'ed
?<
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
%(%int the $indo$0.%ne& "Wh%t $o'*7"
"P%.e'$o'*," Co!e in+o'med he' b'ie+!,, noddin( to the m%id to come %nd c!e%'& "Someone h% to 'un Tide$%te', no$ th%t
m, +%the' in"t %b!e to do it& M%', Lou $i!! (et ,ou %n,thin( e!e ,ou $%nt& I"!! ee ,ou in the mo'nin(&" He $% $%!*in( to$%'d the
doo' $hen %nothe' thou(ht occu''ed to he'& Tu'nin( he' he%d, he %id, "Co!e5" %nd, $ith % .e'ce.tib!e ti++enin( o+ hi hou!de', he
h%!ted in the doo'$%,&
";e7"
"Wh%t time in the mo'nin(7" he %*ed innocent!,, t$inin( % t'%nd o+ i!*, d%'* h%i' %bout he' +in(e' % he .o*e, %nd
Co!e" e,e n%''o$ed&
"Se)en," he t%ted h%'h!,, !%..in( one h%nd %(%int the 6%mb, %nd, $ithout $%itin( +o' %n, 'e.one, he t'ode out o+ the
'oom&
/o%nn% $% $%!*in( %!on( the u..e' co''ido' to he' 'oom $hen he he%'d % $hi.e'in( ound behind he'& 8o' % moment, it
unne')ed he'& She h%dn"t he%'d % doo' o.en, o' %n,one c%!! he' n%me, %nd bec%ue the !%m. th%t !it the !%ndin( $e'e +e$, %nd inc!ined
to +!ic*e', he *ne$ % moment" .%nic& The o!d houe $% !i*e th%t& Bo%'d c'e%*ed# hutte' b%n(ed# %nd 6ut occ%ion%!!, the
e!ect'icit, +%i!ed %!to(ethe'&
She $un( 'ound, h%!+ .'e.%'ed to +%ce $h%te)e' demon $% .u'uin( he', %nd then c%u(ht he' b'e%th %t the i(ht o+ R,%n
M%c%!!ite', +o!!o$in( he' in hi $hee!ch%i'&
"Did I c%'e ,ou7" he %*ed, in % !o$ )oice, %nd he *ne$ d%mn $e!! he *ne$ he h%d& But he 'e+ued to (i)e him th%t
%ti+%ction&
"I th%t ho$ ,ou (et ,ou' *ic* thee d%,, M'& M%c%!!ite'7" he %*ed, *ee.in( he' )oice te%d, %nd %do.tin( %
.'o)oc%ti)e t%nce& She ti..ed he' he%d, %nd 'eted one h%nd on he' hi.& "And he'e I $% thin*in(" ,"%!! h%d tu'ned o)e' % ne$ !e%+"
I+ he' $o'd, %nd the $%, the, $e'e de!i)e'ed, %n(e'ed him, he did %n %dmi'%b!e 6ob o+ hidin( hi +ee!in(& Inte%d, he
$hee!ed hime!+ c!oe', o th%t i+ he h%d choen to t'etch out he' !e( he cou!d h%)e touched the +oot0'et& Then, !oo*in( u. into he'
(u%'ded +e%tu'e, he dem%nded, "Did ,ou do it7"
/o%nn% too* % te. b%c*& It $% %n in)o!unt%', mo)ement, %n %utom%tic 'ecoi! +'om the %)idit, o+ hi e-.'eion& He didn"t
+'i(hten he', but he did ditu'b he', %nd toni(ht he $% in no t%te to counte' hi be!!i(e'ence&
"Did I do $h%t7" he 'e.onded no$, (uein( th%t .'etendin( i(no'%nce $% the on!, $%, to th$%'t him& "I h%d dinne' $ith
Co!e, i+ th%t" $h%t ,ou me%n& ;ou hou!d h%)e 6oined u& The 1u%i! $%0"
"9odd%mmit, don"t me $ith me, (i'!5" R,%n" )oice 'oe in conce't $ith hi +u',, %nd he c%t %n im.%tient (!%nce o)e' hi
hou!de'& Then, c%!min( hime!+ $ith %n e)ident e++o't, he %dded h%'h!,, ";ou *no$ $h%t I"m t%!*in( %bout& Did ,ou t%!* to him7 Did
,ou te!! him $h%t I to!d ,ou7"
"We")e t%!*ed&" /o%nn% thou(ht %bout .'e)%'ic%tin(, but he +ound he didn"t h%)e the ene'(,0o' the enthui%m& "Th%t" %!! I
c%n te!! ,ou&"
"Wh%t %bout7" R,%n" 6%$ c!%m.ed&
"Thi %nd th%t&" /o%nn% i(hed& "No$, i+ ,ou don"t mind, I"d !i*e to (o into m, 'oom& I"m ti'ed&"
"D%mmit, I *no$ ,ou %nd Co!e t%!*ed %bout N%th%n," R,%n b!ute'ed %n('i!,& "H%nnib%! he%'d ,ou %*in( %bout Hen',, %nd
Co!e %,in( omethin( %bout S%'%h not b!%min( %n,one +o' N%th%n" de%th0"
";ou h%d H%nnib%! ., on u7" b'o*e in /o%nn% dibe!ie)in(!,, he' di(ut %t the %ct tem.e'ed b, he' ,m.%th, +o' R,%n"
e!de'!, )%!et& H%nnib%! h%d been %t Tide$%te' ince be+o'e R,%n $% bo'n, %nd hi !o,%!t, to hi em.!o,e' h%d ne)e' been in doubt&
"Not %!! the time," mutte'ed Co!e" +%the' i''it%b!,, but the'e $% no 'emo'e in the $o'd& "The o!d +oo!" h%!+ de%+ %n,$%,&
But don"t ,ou t', to b!u++ me, (i'!& I %!$%, *no$ $h%t" (oin( on in thi houe&"
"Then ,ou $on"t need me to te!! ,ou, $i!! ,ou7" 'eto'ted /o%nn% ho't!,, %nd, th'utin( o.en he' doo', he !%mmed into the
'oom&
/OANNA h%!+ thou(ht he mi(ht t', to +o!!o$ he', but he didn"t& E)en thou(h he !%, b%c* %(%int the c!oed .%ne! +o'
e)e'%! minute, 'e%d, to 'eit i+ he hou!d t', to +o'ce hi $%, inide, the'e $% no +u'the' int'uion& E)ident!, Co!e" +%the' h%d
decided he h%d %id enou(h +o' one ni(ht& He h%d t%'t!ed he', %nd %ttem.ted to intimid%te he', %nd +in%!!, to!d he' he $% bein( .ied
on& Wh%t e!e cou!d he do7
When he e)entu%!!, .uhed he'e!+ %$%, +'om the doo', he' mo)ement $e'e he%), %nd !eth%'(ic& It $% %!! )e', $e!!
.uttin( u. % de+i%nt +'ont $ith the M%c%!!ite', but the'e $% no doubt it d'%ined he' emotion%!!,& She h%d to be cont%nt!, %!e't,
cont%nt!, on he' (u%'d& Wh%t % ho!id%,, he 'e+!ected 'ue+u!!,& She"d h%)e h%d !e t'e $hite0$%te'0'%+tin( in the Roc*ie5
She und'eed $e%'i!,, %nd %+te' !uicin( he' +%ce in the b%th'oom he c'%$!ed into bed& She 6ut $%nted to +o'(et %!! %bout
Co!e %nd hi +%mi!, %nd (o to !ee.& M%,be tomo''o$ thin( $ou!d be c!e%'e'& M%,be tomo''o$ he"d +ind % 'e%on +o' bein( he'e&
But !ee. e!uded he'& She toed %nd tu'ned +o' hou', %nd e)entu%!!, h%d to (et u. to (o to the b%th'oom& Pee'in( %t he'
.%!e +%ce in the mi''o' %bo)e the $%hb%in % he 'ined he' h%nd, he bemo%ned the +%ct th%t he $% (oin( to !oo* %n %bo!ute h%(
in the mo'nin(0$hen Co!e too* he' 'idin( to P%!me'" Point&
She +'o$ned& Wh, the'e7 She b'ooded& The h%c* %t P%!me'" Point h%d %!$%, been % bone o+ contention bet$een them&
And it $% h%'d!, % be%ut, .ot, %!thou(h it did o)e'!oo* the mouth o+ the Tide$%te' Ri)e'& It $% $he'e the Smith h%d !i)ed, be+o'e
Ad%m died, %nd R,%n M%c%!!ite' +ound S%'%h %nd he' t$o on % houe in (e%um%'i& And it $% $hi!e S%'%h $% !i)in( %t P%!me'"
.oint th%t R,%n +i't noticed he'&
N%th%n" mothe' h%d been be%uti+u! $hen /o%nn% *ne$ he', %nd it didn"t t%*e much im%(in%tion to 'e%!ie th%t %t ei(hteen
he mut h%)e been 1uite '%)ihin(& With he' !oe0d%'* e,e, %nd he' t%!!, t%tue1ue +i(u'e, he mut h%)e .'eented 1uite % ch%!!en(e
to the %''o(%nt m%te' o+ Tide$%te'&
S%'%h %nd Ad%m h%d been m%''ied +o' th'ee ,e%', %nd thei' on, Hen',, h%d been t$o ,e%' o!d, $hen R,%n +i't t%'ted
t%*in( %n unn%tu'%! inte'et in the Smith& Hen', $% %!'e%d, ho$in( i(n o+ !o$ne, o+ not bein( % b'i(ht % the othe' chi!d'en
$ho !i)ed in the h%c*, %nd R,%n ued the bo," di%bi!it, % % 'e%on +o' )iitin( the +%mi!,& He %''%n(ed +o' the bo, to ee %
.eci%!it, %nd inited on eco'tin( S%'%h into Ch%'!eton hime!+& And he .%id +o' the chi!d to %ttend % .eci%! choo!, o th%t Hen',
cou!d h%)e % 'e%! ch%nce o+ !e%din( % no'm%! !i+e&
O+ cou'e, hi 'e%on $e'e not .hi!%nth'o.ic& R,%n M%c%!!ite' ne)e' did %n,thin( +o' %n,one $ithout dem%ndin(
.%,ment& And, %!thou(h S%'%h *ne$ th%t $h%t he $% doin( $% $'on(, he cou!dn"t he!. bein( +!%tte'ed b, the o!de' m%n"
%ttention& Beide, he cono!ed he'e!+ $ith the *no$!ed(e th%t he $% he!.in( Hen',, %nd on!, $hen he +ound he'e!+ .'e(n%nt
$ith the othe' m%n" chi!d did the +e%' o+ ho$ he' hub%nd $ou!d 'e%ct $hen he +ound out com.e! he' to con+'ont R,%n $ith he'
?=
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
di!emm%&
To R,%n, the %n$e' $% im.!e& She mut (et 'id o+ the b%b,& He $ou!d (i)e he' the mone, to h%)e %n %bo'tion& He *ne$
o+ % $om%n in Ch%'!eton $ho $ou!d do the deed, $ith no 1uetion %*ed&
S%'%h 'e+ued& She $% hu't %nd %n-iou, but nothin( $ou!d .e'u%de he' to do %$%, $ith he' b%b,& She $ou!d h%)e the
chi!d, he %id, %nd i+ Ad%m dio$ned he', o be it& She $ou!d (et % 6ob %nd u..o't both he' chi!d'en& She $ou!d u')i)e&
But omethin( h%..ened th%t m%de he' $o''ie %bout he' .'e(n%nc, me'e!, %c%demic& Ad%m $% *i!!ed0in % +'e%* %ccident
in the +ie!d& He $% 'un do$n b, % mech%nic%! .ic*e', %nd in he' ('ie+ %t !oin( the m%n he h%d !i)ed $ith +o' mo'e th%n th'ee ,e%'
S%'%h $% once %(%in )u!ne'%b!e to R,%n" .e'u%ion&
It $% +%i'!, e%, +o' him to con)ince he' th%t he $ou!dn"t be h%..,, t%,in( in the h%c*, $hich mut cont%in o m%n,
u.ettin( memo'ie& Inte%d, he et he' u. in % houe in Be%um%'i0 +%' enou(h +'om Tide$%te' o th%t $hen he' b%b, $% bo'n no one
$ou!d %oci%te it $ith him, %nd ne%' enou(h o th%t he cou!d continue to )iit he' on % 'e(u!%' b%i&
N%th%n h%d to!d /o%nn% thi, $hen, he%'t b'o*en o)e' Co!e" beh%)iou', he h%d (one to him +o' u..o't& N%th%n h%d been
the on!, .e'on he cou!d dicu Co!e" un+%ith+u!ne $ith& And, $hethe' to com+o't he', o' to e-.un(e ome o+ the bitte'ne he ti!!
.oeed, he ne)e' *ne$, but he to!d he' the $ho!e, unh%.., to',&
/o%nn% h%d been hoc*ed, but not % hoc*ed % he mi(ht h%)e been be+o'e !e%'nin( o+ Co!e" un+%ith+u!ne& And, in the
$ee* th%t +o!!o$ed, he too* he' to meet hi mothe', %nd he !e%'ned mo'e& She dico)e'ed th%t R,%n ti!! occ%ion%!!, )iited the
houe in Ac%ci% St'eet& She dico)e'ed th%t in %!! thee ,e%' M%'(%'et M%c%!!ite' h%d 'em%ined un%$%'e o+ N%th%n" e-itence& She
!e%'ned th%t he' +%the'0in0!%$ !i)ed t$o ditinct !i)eF one %t Tide$%te' P!%nt%tion, %nd the othe' $ith hi mit'e in Be%um%'i&
She didn"t b!%me S%'%h& N%th%n" mothe' $% one o+ !i+e" )ictim& /o%nn% h%d no doubt th%t $hen R,%n +i't %++ected %n
inte'et in Hen', S%'%h h%d t%*en hi *indne %t +%ce )%!ue& She mut h%)e been +!%tte'ed th%t he' on h%d been in(!ed out +o'
%ttention, %nd, h%)in( een the h%c* %t P%!me'" Point, /o%nn% cou!d unde't%nd he' di!emm%&
It $% th'ou(h t%!*in( to S%'%h th%t /o%nn% e)entu%!!, )iited the h%c* +o' he'e!+& N%th%n $ent $ith he', %nd, %!thou(h %t
+i't the $omen $e'e u.iciou o+ he', ('%du%!!, he $on thei' con+idence& To be(in $ith, it $% 6ut omethin( to do, ome$he'e to
(o $hen Co!e $% $o'*in( o' %$%, +'om the .!%nt%tion& She too* he' *etch .%d $ith he', %nd .ent hou' .'oducin( !i*enee o+ the
chi!d'en +o' thei' mothe'& She t%!*ed to the chi!d'en, %nd encou'%(ed them to t%!* to he'& And, in time, thei' mothe' be(%n to t'ut
he', te!!in( he' thei' .'ob!em, %nd %*in( he' %d)ice&
She u..oed it h%d been % (i(%ntic te. +'om the'e to %ctu%!!, t%'tin( the mothe' %nd b%b, c!inic, but o m%n, o+ the
$omen h%d h%d chi!d'en $ho"d died, %nd othe' $e'e $e%', +'om o m%n, .'e(n%ncie& He%!th c%'e $% e-.eni)e, %nd /o%nn%, $ho
$ou!d h%)e !o)ed % b%b, o+ he' o$n, $h%te)e' Co!e thou(ht to the cont'%',, $% mo'e th%n e%(e' to he!.& Some o+ the o!de' $omen,
$ho $e'e .%t chi!d0be%'in( theme!)e, but $ho $%nted % bette' !i+e +o' thei' d%u(hte', he!.ed too& A de'e!ict h%c* $%
%..'o.'i%ted, %nd bet$een them the, 'e.%i'ed %nd .%inted the inide, %nd hun( the .ote' /o%nn% h%d .'o)ided& The'e $e'e c%!e to
$ei(h the b%bie, %nd % c'e%*, o!d couch, $he'e the mothe' $e'e e-%mined& He' bi((et cou. $% in .e'u%din( the ho.it%! in
Be%um%'i to o++e' the e')ice o+ % docto', +'ee o+ ch%'(e, one %+te'noon % $ee*, to .'o)ide the medic%! *i!! nece%', +o' the c!inic
to ucceed&
It $% i'onic, he thou(ht, th%t, $hi!e he $% o ucce+u! in he!.in( othe' .eo.!e, he $% o unucce+u! in he!.in(
he'e!+& He' m%''i%(e h%d +%i!ed& She %nd Co!e e!dom .o*e to one %nothe' %n, mo'e& Oh, he u..oed, i+ he h%d been $i!!in( to
o)e'!oo* hi in)o!)ement $ith S%mm,0/e%n, the, mi(ht h%)e been %b!e to $o'* omethin( out& I+ he h%d been $i!!in( to humb!e
he'e!+, %nd be( him to come b%c* to he'& But he h%d he' .'ide, %nd he 'e+ued to b%'te' it, e)en thou(h ometime the need to touch
him $% !i*e % '%(in( %che inide he'&
And then, one %+te'noon, Co!e c%me to the c!inic %nd +ound N%th%n he!.in( he'& /o%nn% h%d *no$n he $% %$%'e o+ the
c!inic" e-itence& Hi +%the' *ne$ %bout it, %nd he h%d $o'n he $ou!d (et the .!%ce c!oed do$n& He ob6ected to hi d%u(hte'0in0!%$
bein( in)o!)ed, %nd he h%d to!d Co!e to de%! $ith it& But, % he %nd Co!e '%'e!, h%d % con)e'%tion thee d%,, nothin( h%d h%..ened,
%nd % the $ee* $ent b, he h%d c%utiou!, be(un to ho.e the, $e'e %+e&
Co!e" %..e%'%nce h%d det'o,ed th%t ho.e& She h%d been con)inced he cou!d h%)e no othe' 'e%on +o' comin( to the c!inic
th%n to do hi +%the'" biddin(& Th%t $% $h, he h%d 6um.ed 'ec*!e!, into the %tt%c*, %ccuin( him o+ bein( hi +%the'" !%c*e,, %nd
o'de'in( him o++ the .'emie&
In 'et'o.ect, he cou!d ee it h%d been the $'on( thin( to do& She h%d immedi%te!, c'e%ted % )o!%ti!e itu%tion, %nd the 'o$
th%t h%d enued h%d been e)e', bit % )io!ent % he h%d %ntici.%ted& And, $hen N%th%n .'%n( to he' de+ence, thin( (ot 'e%!!, u(!,&
E)en tod%,, it $% h%'d to unde't%nd Co!e" +u', to$%'d N%th%n& Roundin( on the ,oun(e' m%n, he h%d de!i)e'ed one o+
the mot %bui)e .eeche o+ hi enti'e !i+e& He h%d %ccued N%th%n o+ e)e', c'ime he cou!d thin* o+, +inihin( $ith % $%'nin( th%t he
hou!d t%, %$%, +'om M%c%!!ite' $omen %nd o++ M%c%!!ite' !%nd&
And th%t $% $hen /o%nn% h%d to!d him& I(no'in( N%th%n" $%'nin( h%nd on he' !ee)e, he h%d in+o'med Co!e e-%ct!,
$ho N%th%n $%& Hi n%me mi(ht be Smith, he %id ici!,, but th%t $%n"t the n%me o+ hi +%the'& Hi +%the'" n%me $% M%c%!!ite',
6ut !i*e hi& In +%ct, he $% .e%*in( to hi b'othe'&
Co!e h%d been tunned& Loo*in( b%c* no$, he h%d to %dmit th%t, o+ %!! the M%c%!!ite', Co!e h%d t%*en it the h%'det& 8o',
o+ cou'e, he h%d con+'onted hi +%the' $ith the %ccu%tion, %nd othe' e%' h%d he%'d R,%n" %n(', outbu't& The ne$ h%d .'e%d !i*e
$i!d+i'e, %nd $h%t h%d 6ut been % 'umou' bec%me % )e'i+ied +%ct&
M%((ie M%c%!!ite' ho$ed !itt!e 'e%ction, .'o)in(, to /o%nn% %t !%t, th%t Co!e" mothe' mut h%)e *no$n $h%t $%
h%..enin( %!! %!on(& But, % !on( % it $%n"t t%!*ed %bout, %nd R,%n $% dic'eet, he h%d been .'e.%'ed to i(no'e it& A+te' %!!, N%th%n
$% t$ent,0one& She mut h%)e thou(ht the $o't $% o)e'&
And it mi(ht h%)e been, i+ R,%n h%d been .'e.%'ed to !e%)e it the'e& A+te' %!!, it $%n"t uch %n unuu%! to',& Without
+u'the' c%nd%! to +eed on, the to', $ou!d h%)e been nothin( mo'e th%n % nine0d%, $onde'& But R,%n $% %n(',& He $%nted
'et'ibution& And, bec%ue it $% /o%nn% $ho h%d bet'%,ed him, he choe to ue he' to (et hi 'e)en(e&
The +i't th%t /o%nn% *ne$ %bout it $% $hen he ne-t $ent into Be%um%'i to ee S%'%h& A!thou(h he *noc*ed %t the doo'
o+ the houe in Ac%ci% St'eet, no one %n$e'ed, %nd $hen he $ent to the c!inic, ee*in( N%th%n, he +ound the h%c* h%d been
bu!!do4ed to the ('ound& And none o+ the $omen $%nted to t%!* to he'& The, $e'e coo!, %nd o++h%nd, %)oidin( he' e,e $hen he t'ied
to (et them to te!! he' $h%t h%d h%..ened, c%!!in( thei' chi!d'en %$%,, % i+ he $% to b!%me +o' e)e',thin(&
She *ne$ it $% R,%n M%c%!!ite' $ho $% behind it&
She cou!d im%(ine the th'e%t he h%d m%de not 6ut to thee $omen, but to S%'%h % $e!!& W% th%t $h, S%'%h $%n"t
%n$e'in( he' doo'7 W% th%t $h, N%th%n $% %)oidin( he'7
??
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
She thou(ht %bout (oin( to the choo! $he'e N%th%n t%u(ht, %nd %*in( him $h%t he thou(ht he hou!d do, but the t'oub!e
$%, he +e!t (ui!t,& A+te' %!!, i+ he h%dn"t bet'%,ed S%'%h" con+idence, none o+ thi $ou!d h%)e h%..ened& It $% he' +%u!t th%t it h%d
%!! (one $'on(& He' +%u!t th%t %!! he' h%'d0e%'ned e++o't $e'e $%ted&
She *ne$ the'e $% on!, one .e'on he cou!d %..e%! to, %nd th%t $% Co!e& She h%dn"t .o*en to him once ince th%t d%,
%t the c!inic, but omeho$ he h%d to m%*e him ee th%t it $%n"t +%i' to .unih othe' +o' he' mit%*e& N%th%n $% uch %n
honou'%b!e m%n& It $%n"t 'i(ht th%t he hou!d h%)e to u++e' +o' im.!, bein( the'e& He h%dn"t %*ed to be bo'n& He h%dn"t choen hi
.%'ent&
She $ent to Co!e" 'oom th%t ni(ht, !on( %+te' hi .%'ent h%d (one to bed& She *ne$ it $% the on!, time $hen he mi(ht
(et to .e%* to him %!one, but he' h%nd $e'e t'emb!in( % he tied the co'd o+ the i!* $'%..e' %'ound he'& He' %..e%'%nce didn"t
.!e%e he'& Since he %nd Co!e h%d been !i)in( e.%'%te !i)e, he h%d .i!ed on the $ei(ht, %nd he' hi. $e!!ed un%tt'%cti)e!, be!o$
the be!t o+ the 'obe& He' b'e%t $e'e bi((e', too, 'ound %nd )o!u.tuou, bouncin( %!on( bene%th the $'%..e' !i*e t$o me!on in % b%(&
But, %!thou(h he .ent e)e'%! minute t',in( to %tt'%ct Co!e" %ttention, he didn"t o.en the doo'& And, $hen he e)entu%!!,
.!uc*ed u. the cou'%(e to te. inide, he +ound the 'oom $% em.t,& The m%id h%d tu'ned do$n the bed, but it h%dn"t been occu.ied&
She $% deb%tin( $hethe' to (o b%c* to he' o$n 'oom, $hen he he%'d % ound behind he'& Co!e h%d e)ident!, 6ut %''i)ed
home, %nd $% t%ndin( in the doo'$%,, $%,in( !i(ht!, on hi hee!&
"We!!, $e!!," he %id un.!e%%nt!,, "to $h%t do I o$e thi honou'7
Hi )oice $% !i(ht!, !u''ed, % i+ he h%d been d'in*in(& But the $o'd he ued $e'e de!ibe'%te, %nd /o%nn% co!ou'ed& "I
$%nted to t%!* to ,ou, Co!e," he %id, $ihin( no$ he h%d $%ited ti!! the mo'nin(& "I00but it doen"t m%tte'&"
Ho$e)e', $hen he $ou!d h%)e (one .%t him, he te..ed inide %nd c!oed the doo'& "9o %he%d," he %id& "I"m !itenin(&
;ou"!! !ee. bette' i+ ,ou .it it out& The, %, th%t con+eion" (ood +o' the ou!5"
"Con+eion7"
/o%nn% $% con+ued, but Co!e me'e!, un+%tened the 'em%inin( button on hi hi't %nd .u!!ed it +'ee o+ hi t'oue'&
"Su'e," he %id, toin( hi 6%c*et %ide %nd 'unnin( e-.!o'in( +in(e' %c'o hi chet& ";ou"'e (oin( to te!! me ho$ o'', ,ou %'e +o'
m%*in( % +oo! o+ me $ith N%th%n& Te!! me %bout it& I he%' he" .'ett, im.'ei)e in th%t de.%'tment& 9ot %!! the 'i(ht e1ui.ment, i+ ,ou
ee $h%t I me%n0"
"Shut ,ou' +i!th, mouth5"
/o%nn%" h%nd $un( to$%'d hi chee* $ith %!! the +o'ce he cou!d mute', but Co!e on!, $%,ed b%c* on hi hee! %nd
%)oided the $o't o+ the b!o$& Beide, he $% .'ob%b!, %n%etheti4ed %(%int %n, .%in b, the %mount o+ %!coho! he h%d $%!!o$ed,
he thou(ht bitte'!,& Un!i*e he'&
"He,, th%t" $h%t the, %,," Co!e .'oteted, hi !e%n +e%tu'e ho$in( on!, % moc*in( di'e(%'d +o' he' %n(e'& "Don"t b!%me
me i+ he" +ound omeone e!e5"
/o%nn% eethed& "He h%n"t +ound %n,one e!e5" he e-c!%imed, +'ut'%ted!,, "Th%t i, ou'0ou' 'e!%tionhi. $%n"t !i*e th%t5"
"Oh, come on, /o5 I *no$ $h%t % hot !itt!e bod, ,ou")e (ot& And i+ ,ou"'e not coo!in( it $ith me && &" He h'u((ed
e-.'ei)e!,&
/o%nn% (%.ed& "I th%t %!! ,ou c%n thin* %bout7 Se-7" Co!e" +%ce obe'ed& "Wh%t e!e i the'e7" he %*ed h%'h!,&
/o%nn% $inced& "I thou(ht $e !o)ed one %nothe'0"
"Oh, .%'e me th%t5" Co!e $% c%thin(& ";ou don"t !o)e me& ;ou ne)e' did& A!! ,ou !o)e %'e thoe b!ood, .%intin( o+
,ou'5 The,"'e ,ou' +%mi!,, %'en"t the,7 ;ou' chi!d'en5 When $e (ot m%''ied, I thou(ht ,ou"d +o'(et %!! %bout th%t nonene& I thou(ht
,ou"d be o bu, h%)in( m, b%bie, ,ou $ou!dn"t h%)e time to thin* %bout %n,thin( e!e& But th%t" not $h%t ,ou h%d in mind& Chi!d'en
%'e % nui%nce& The,"d (et in the $%, o+ ,ou' Wo'*& And he%)en he!. %n,thin( th%t inte'+e'ed $ith th%t5"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him& ";ou %ctu%!!, e-.ected me to h%)e chi!d'en he'e7 In thi houe7"
"Wh, not7 ;ou ne)e' (%)e m, +%mi!, % ch%nce& ;ou $e'e o bu, +indin( 'e%on +o' not !i)in( he'e, ,ou didn"t ee $h%t
,ou $e'e doin( to u5"
"< didn"t do %n,thin( to u5 < $%n"t the one $ho mo)ed out o+ ou' 'oom& < $%n"t the one $ho $ent o++ to South Ame'ic%
+o' $ee* %t % time, o th%t $hen ,ou c%me b%c* $e $e'e !i*e t'%n(e' $ith one %nothe'&"
"And $hoe +%u!t $% th%t7"
"We!!, it $%n"t mine0000"
"Not e)en $hen < +ound out $h%t $% (oin( on7" /o%nn% b!in*ed& "Wh%t $% (oin( on7"
"Do < h%)e to .e!! it out7" Co!e th'ut hi h%nd into hi t'oue' .oc*et, %nd /o%nn% h%d to d'%( he' e,e %$%, +'om the
t%ut c!oth& "We")e been m%''ied o)e' % ,e%', /o& Wh, %'en"t ,ou .'e(n%nt7"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& "Pe'h%. ,ou ou(ht to %* ,ou'e!+ th%t," he 'eto'ted indi(n%nt!,& "It t%*e t$o to m%*e % b%b,,
,ou *no$&"
Co!e" e,e d%'*ened& ";ou bitch5"
"Oh, ,e, I"m % bitch, %'en"t I7 /ut bec%ue < u((et th%t (ood "o!e Co!e M%c%!!ite' mi(htn"t h%)e $h%t it t%*e0"
"Shut u.5"
Co!e 'e%ched +o' he' then, %nd, %!thou(h he t'ied to %)oid hi h%nd, he $% !e into-ic%ted th%n he h%d thou(ht& Hi
+in(e' +%tened %'ound he' th'o%t $ith b'uiin( intent, %nd $hen he h%u!ed he' u. in +'ont o+ him he' e,e o.ened $ide $ith
%..'ehenion&
";ou *no$ $h%t < hou!d do, don"t ,ou7" he n%'!ed& "I hou!d $'in( ,ou' !,in( !itt!e nec*5"
"Bec%ue ,ou c%n"t t%*e the t'uth7" /o%nn% t%unted, c%'ed, but de+i%nt too, %nd Co!e ('o%ned&
"Wh%t the he!! %'e ,ou t',in( to do to me7" he dem%nded, hi +in(e' +indin( he' $ind.i.e %nd e-e'tin( %n unte%d,
.'eu'e& "9od in he%)en, ,ou"d t', the .%tience o+ % %int5"
"And $e both *no$ ,ou"'e no %int, don"t $e7" $hi.e'ed /o%nn%, th'ou(h d', !i.& "9o on, Co!e& Do it5 Put u both out o+
ou' mie',5"
Co!e" h%nd ti(htened, %nd +o' % moment he thou(ht he $% (oin( to m%*e (ood hi th'e%t& And then the, (ent!ed,
moothin( the *in o+ he' th'o%t, %nd t'%cin( the .u!in( )ein th%t h%d 'ien, th'e%d!i*e, to the u'+%ce&
";ou *no$ $h%t I 'e%!!, $%nt to do $ith ,ou, don"t ,ou7" he mutte'ed, hi b'e%th $%+tin( %c'o he' +%ce, on!, !i(ht!,
tin(ed $ith the %!coho! he h%d conumed& Hi h%nd !id do$n, o)e' he' 1ui)e'in( hou!de', %nd +ound the '%m.%nt +u!!ne o+ he'
b'e%t& He 1uee4ed them h%'d, th'ou(h the !i..e', i!* o+ he' $'%..e'& Then he bent hi he%d, %nd uc*ed one o+ the button0h%'d
.e%* into hi mouth, uc*!in( it th'ou(h the c!oth, %nd endin( % $%)e o+ !on(in( u'(in( into he' thi(h&
?@
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
She thou(ht he $% (oin( to co!!%.e, he' *nee +e!t o $e%*& But, % i+ enin( thi, Co!e .ut hi h%nd bene%th he'
bottom, %nd !i+ted he' into hi %'m& He' !e( cu'!ed %utom%tic%!!, %bout him, %nd he $ound he' %'m %'ound hi nec*& The +ee! o+ hi
mooth *in +e!t o (ood bene%th he' h%nd, %nd $hen hi ton(ue .'obed he' !i. he met it $ith he' o$n&
"9od, I $%nt ,ou5" He h'u((ed o++ hi hi't, %nd hi b%'e chet $% unbe!ie)%b!, enuou %(%int he' %chin( ni..!e& She
$%nted to te%' o++ the $'%..e', %nd 'ub he'e!+ %(%int him& A it $%, the d%m. c!oth on!, enitied he' %$%'ene o+ the m%cu!ine
be%ut, o+ hi bod,&
Hi ton(ue in)%ded he' mouth, !idin( %c'o he' teeth, %nd c%'ein( the moit inne' he!!& It ('eed, .oeion imit%ted
the th'utin( %'ou%! o+ hi bod,, %nd he cou!d +ee! hi $e!!in( h%'dne 'iin( bene%th he' hi.&
When he c%''ied he' to the bed, %nd c%me do$n on to. o+ he', he to..ed t',in( to %n%!,e $h%t $% h%..enin(& Pe'h%.
he $% doin( thi bec%ue he h%ted he'& Pe'h%. he $% uin( he' to %u%(e hi !ut +o' S%mm,0/e%n& But he didn"t c%'e& Wh%t he
$% doin( to he' $% $h%t he $%nted him to do to he', %nd the 'e%on +o' hi u'(enc, didn"t 'e%!!, count& She $%nted him0on he',
%nd in he', me!din( thei' bodie to(ethe', %nd b'in(in( he' to % .e%* o+ +u!+i!!ment on!, he cou!d %chie)e& She $%nted to ho!d hi !ee*
!en(th inide he', the +u!!ne o+ him t'etchin( not 6ut he' muc!e, but the !imit o+ he' concioune& And he $%nted to +ee! the
!i1uid he%t o+ hi eed, !ub'ic%tin( the d',ne o+ he' ou!&
And he $% hun(', +o' he'& O+ th%t, the'e cou!d be no doubt& To he' 'e!ie+, the i!* $'%..e' $% 1uic*!, th'o$n %ide, %nd
hi teeth tu((ed .%in+u!!, %t he' ni..!e, % hi h%nd +umb!ed %$*$%'d!, $ith hi buc*!e& She $%nted to he!. him, but he $ou!dn"t !et
he'& Inte%d, he de%!t $ith hi o$n be!t %nd 4i., $hi!e hi mouth 'o%med +'ee!, o)e' he' +!eh&
"W%tch me," he o'de'ed once, $hen he' d'i+tin( ene c%ued he' e,e to c!oe& "Loo* %t me5" And he did, % he nud(ed
he' thi(h %.%'t, %nd .oied, e'ect %nd (!itenin( %bo)e he'& Then, ('o%nin( $ith %ti+%ction, he e%ed hime!+ into he' ti(ht he%th,
%!!o$in( he' muc!e to c!oe %bout him $ith %n e%(e'ne he cou!dn"t hide& F
It $% % +'%ntic !o)in(, % de.e'%te meetin( o+ ou!, $hoe on!, out$%'d connection $% th'ou(h thei' bodie& ;et it $% %
.i'itu%! b!endin(, too, % m%(ic%! e-.e'ience, $hen the .oundin( dei'e o+ .oeion bec%me %n u'(ent in)oc%tion o+ the ub!ime&
The end c%me %!! too oon& D'i)en to the hei(ht o+ .%ion, it $% +%' too tem.tin( to tumb!e o)e' the b'in*& Co!e $%nted
to .'o!on( it& She *ne$ th%t b, the $%, he t'ied to .%ce hime!+& But $ith he' !e( %'ound hi $%it, %nd the !uciou be%ut, o+ he'
mouth !u'in( him on, the need he $% c'e%tin( $e'e too .o$e'+u! to ubdue& Beide, the dei'e to 'e%ch th%t t%nt%!iin( .e%* $%
d'%((in( e)e', ounce o+ t'en(th +'om him, %nd $hen he +e!t he' $i!d con)u!ion he cou!dn"t .'e)ent hi o$n e-.!oion& A
hudde'in( $%)e o+ tenion $e.t th'ou(h him, %nd then he !um.ed he%)i!, on to. o+ he'&
And it $% $hi!e the, $e'e !,in( in the $e%t0!ic* %+te'm%th o+ thei' !o)em%*in( th%t Co!e" doo' o.ened& Unti! then,
/o%nn% h%d c%'ce!, been %$%'e th%t the !%m. $e'e ti!! on, o' th%t %n,one cou!d come into the 'oom %nd +ind them& Beide, it $% o
!%te& She h%d be!ie)ed e)e',one $% in bed& But it $% Co!e" +%the' $ho tood in the doo'$%,, %nd +o' % moment he %$ th%t hi +%ce
$% % hoc*ed % he' o$n&
Co!e" 'e%ction $e'e !o$e', mo'e !eth%'(ic0e)en de+i%nt, /o%nn% %dmitted no$& At hi +%the'" ho%'e e-c!%m%tion, he
didn"t immedi%te!, .'in( u. +'om the bed, % he mi(ht h%)e e-.ected& Oh, no& He me'e!, 'o!!ed on to hi b%c* beide he', %nd tu'ned
hooded e,e in hi +%the'" di'ection& "Wh%t do ,ou $%nt7" he dem%nded te'e!,& "We"'e t',in( to (et ome !ee.&"
No$ /o%nn% .uhed he'e!+ %$%, +'om the b%th'oom b%in, %nd $%!*ed $e%'i!, into the bed'oom& And, % he did o, he
'e%!ied it $% the +i't time he h%d %ctu%!!, 'ec%!!ed the e-%ct $o'd Co!e h%d ued to hi +%the' th%t ni(ht& Wh%t h%d come %+te'$%'d
h%d been o ho''ib!e th%t he h%dn"t been %b!e to thin*& And time, %nd the dei'e not to 'emembe', h%d e'%ed the $ho!e cene +'om he'
mind&
8o' R,%n h%d come to te!! hi on th%t N%th%n $% de%d& He h%d been .u!!ed out o+ the 'i)e' %n hou' be+o'e, %nd hi mothe'
h%d inited th%t Co!e" +%the' hou!d be in+o'med& In %ddition to $hich, the he'i++ $%nted him to (o do$n to the mo'(ue 'i(ht %$%,,
to identi+, the bod,& S%'%h $% too dit'%u(ht to ee he' on 'i(ht no$, %nd R,%n h%d %('eed to do it& But he $%nted Co!e to (o $ith
him& He needed hi e!det on" u..o't&
And Co!e h%d (one, /o%nn% 'emembe'ed, !e%)in( he' to .u!! he'e!+ to(ethe', %nd 'etu'n to he' o$n 'oom in % d%4e o+
dibe!ie+& N%th%n de%d5 She cou!dn"t be!ie)e it $% t'ue& And $h, h%d he died in the 'i)e'7 8o' 9od" %*e, cou!dn"t he $im7
He' mind *immed o)e' the %$+u! e)ent o+ the ne-t +e$ d%,& I+ he %nd Co!e h%d e)e' h%d % ch%nce o+ 'e(%inin( $h%t
the, h%d once h%d, N%th%n" de%th h%d det'o,ed it& She cou!dn"t he!. b!%min( him +o' the $%, he h%d t'e%ted hi h%!+0b'othe'& And he
.oiti)e!, de.ied R,%n +o' hi e!+ihne %nd b!%t%nt !%c* o+ +ee!in(&
And then, %t the +une'%!, omethin( e)en mo'e d'e%d+u! h%..ened, omethin( th%t h%d /o%nn% .%c*in( he' b%(, %nd
$e%'in( he $ou!d ne)e' et +oot on Tide$%te' !%nd %(%in& S%'%h, '%c*ed $ith ('ie+, %nd d'i)en to the ed(e b, he' on" untime!,
demie, h%d %ccued R,%n M%c%!!ite' o+ c%uin( it& He h%d hounded he' on, he %id, e)e' ince he dico)e'ed th%t /o%nn%# %nd
N%th%n $e'e +'iend& He h%d %ccued him o+ educin( hi b'othe'" $i+e, o+ t%*in( 'e)en(e +o' hi o$n unh%.., ci'cumt%nce b,
det'o,in( hi b'othe'" m%''i%(e& And /o%nn% h%d encou'%(ed him, R,%n h%d %dded& Li*e too* to !i*e, he h%d nee'ed, $ith % c%thin(
'e+e'ence to /o%nn%" d%'* co!ou'in(&
O+ cou'e, R,%n h%d denied it& Red0+%ced %nd b!ute'in(, %n(',, no$, th%t he h%d ubmitted to hi on" con)iction th%t the,
hou!d %ttend the +une'%!# he h%d !%hed out %t %n,one $ho h%d %'(ued $ith him& But /o%nn% h%d een hi (ui!t, %nd de.ied him +o'
it& And de.ied Co!e, too, +o' !ettin( it h%..en to % m%n $ho h%d been o *ind, o (ent!e, o tot%!!, !%c*in( in the %''o(%nce hi +%the'
h%d in uch %bund%nce&
8o' month %+te'$%'d, !on( %+te' he h%d 'etu'ned to London, %nd 'eumed he' !i+e the'e, /o%nn% to'tu'ed he'e!+ $ith
thou(ht o+ N%th%n on th%t ni(ht& She cou!dn"t be!ie)e it h%d been %n %ccident& She h%d een him +ihin( in the 'i)e' o m%n, time,
%nd he $% u'e he $ou!d ne)e' h%)e d'o$ned un!e he h%dn"t $%nted to !i)e& And, o+ cou'e, he h%d b!%med he'e!+, not on!, +o'
e-.oin( R,%n %nd c%uin( him to tu'n on hi on, but %!o +o' bein( the un$ittin( too! hi +%the' h%d ued %(%int him& She cou!d
ne)e' +o'(i)e R,%n& Ne)e'& The .'ob!em $% did he $%nt to +o'(i)e hi on7
CHAPTER TWELDE
It $% ,e%' ince /o%nn% h%d been on % ho'e& She h%d !e%'ned to 'ide % % chi!d, %nd, $hen he +i't $ent to !i)e %t
Tide$%te', he h%d occ%ion%!!, 'idden $ith Co!e& But on!, occ%ion%!!,& A+te' he' i!!ne, %nd thei' ube1uent et'%n(ement, he h%d
h%d no he%'t +o' uch % .u'uit& It $ou!d h%)e eemed too much !i*e .u'uin( him, %nd he' .'ide h%d b%!*ed %t the ide%&
But, %+te' % !ee.!e ni(ht .ent 'e!i)in( the .%t, he once %(%in +ound he'e!+ in the %dd!e& Co!e h%d h%d % be%uti+u!
.e%'!0('e, m%'e 'e%died +o' he', %nd the %nim%! hi+ted % !itt!e ne')ou!, % /o%nn% ett!ed he'e!+ on it b%c*& She *ne$ th%t ho'e,
!i*e othe' %nim%!, cou!d ene ne')oune in hum%n, but in he' c%e it $%n"t +e%' o+ 'idin( th%t u.et he' tom%ch& It $% he' un0
$i!!in( %$%'ene o+ the m%n 'idin( beide he'& And the une%, 'e%!i%tion o+ ho$ %tt'%cted to him he ti!! $%&
?2
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Not th%t Co!e eemed %$%'e o+ he'& He %..e%'ed coo! %nd det%ched, tot%!!, in cont'o! o+ hi o$n detin,& Le%the'0c!%d
thi(h mou!ded the ide o+ the hu(e b!ood b%, he $% 'idin(, %nd hi booted +eet 'eted con+ident!, in the ti''u.& He $% $e%'in( %
c'e%m hi't, o.ened do$n the +'ont to %!!o$ $h%te)e' b'ee4e the'e $% to coo! hi *in, %nd % b'o%d0b'immed h%t ti..ed +o'$%'d to
h%de hi e,e&
He !oo*ed !e%n %nd h%'d, %nd intene!, m%!e, hi 'e!%-ed h%nd 'etin( on the 'ein, ne)e'the!e e-udin( %n unmit%*%b!e
ene o+ .o$e'& Sometime, eein( him !i*e thi, +ee!in( $h%t hi e-u%!it, $% doin( to he', /o%nn% $onde'ed ho$ the, h%d e)e'
d'i+ted %.%'t& But then he 'emembe'ed N%th%n, %nd S%mm,0/e%n, %nd he' $e%*ne bec%me % hu't+u! co'e o+ indi(n%tion&
";ou need % h%t," he in+o'med he', %..'%iin( he' out+it o+ .in* cotton cut0o++ %nd % !ooe0+ittin( m%n" hi't $ith ome
contem.t& But $h%t did he e-.ect he' to $e%', +o' he%)en" %*e7 She %*ed he'e!+ 'eent+u!!,& She h%dn"t *no$n $hen he +!e$ out to
the B%h%m% th%t he $ou!d end u. 'idin( t'%i! in South C%'o!in%& ";ou don"t $%nt to (et he%tt'o*e, do ,ou7"
/o%nn% h'u((ed& "I $ou!dn"t h%)e thou(ht ,ou"d c%'e," he counte'ed, 'e%!iin( he mutn"t !et him (ue ho$ he ditu'bed
he', %nd %do.tin( %n %..e%!in( mi!e& But Co!e on!, $un( do$n +'om the b%,, %nd t'ode b%c* into the t%b!e&
He eme'(ed % +e$ moment !%te' $ith % '%the' $o'n %nd .otted teton, %nd 6%mmed it on to the .omme! in +'ont o+ he'&
"Put it on," he o'de'ed, ('%.in( the b%," 'ein %nd 'eumin( hi e%t in the %dd!e& "It" not .'ett,, but it hou!d e')e the .u'.oe&"
"Wh,, d%'!in", %'e ,ou %,in" th%t %h"m .'ett,7" /o%nn% (o%ded him, e-%minin( the h%t $ith ome did%in, %nd Co!e" mouth
com.'eed&
"Do ,ou need me to te!! ,ou th%t7" he 'eto'ted, *i!!+u!!, tu'nin( the t%b!e, %nd /o%nn% .u!!ed % +%ce %t hi b%c*, % he
'e!uct%nt!, t'ied the h%t +o' i4e&
It $% % c!oe +it, %nd it immedi%te!, di!od(ed the *not he h%d m%de o+ he' h%i' +o' coo!ne& The i!*, t'%nd c%me
tumb!in( do$n %bout he' hou!de', %nd, he%'in( he' (%. o+ i''it%tion, Co!e (!%nced 'ound&
"H%)in( .'ob!em7" he en1ui'ed %'donic%!!,, %nd, 'e+uin( to (i)e him the %ti+%ction, /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d&
"Nothin( I c%n"t h%nd!e," he %id, bund!in( %!! he' h%i' inide the teton, %nd 6%mmin( it on he' he%d& "B, the $%,, $he'e"
Hen',7 O' %m < not %!!o$ed to %, he!!o to him eithe'7"
Co!e m%n%(ed not to utte' the 'eto't th%t $% e)ident!, t'emb!in( on hi !i., %nd inte%d he *ic*ed the b%, into motion&
"Hen', on!, $o'* he'e %+te'noon," he %id, % /o%nn% h%ti!, nud(ed the m%'e into +o!!o$in( him& "He he!. hi mothe' %t the (uet
houe mo'nin(&"
/o%nn% b!in*ed& "The (uet houe"7" he echoed& "S%'%h $o'* %t % (uet houe"7"
"She 'un % (uet houe," Co!e co''ected he' ho't!,&
I(no'in( he' !oo* o+ u'.'ie, he c%t %n e-.e't e,e o)e' he' h%nd!in( o+ the m%'e& ";ou +it +o' % !itt!e c%nte'in("7"
/o%nn%" h%nd ti(htened on the 'ein& "An,thin( ,ou !i*e," he dec!%'ed %bent!,, ti!! mu!!in( o)e' $h%t he b%d %id %bout
S%'%h, but $hen Co!e (%)e the b%, it he%d he $% +o'ced to .ut he' thou(ht on ho!d& She h%dn"t +o'(otten ho$ to 'ide, but he $%
out o+ .'%ctice, %nd he' thi(h 6%''ed uncom+o't%b!, % he t'ied to +ind the 'h,thm&
The, c'oed de$0o%*ed .%ddoc*, $he'e the cent o+ the ('% 'oe .un(ent!, to he' not'i!, into 'ut!in( $ood, $he'e
the un" '%, +i!te'ed th'ou(h the bou(h& The m%'e" hoo+ c'unched on cone %nd 'ottin( !e%)e, %nd c%ued % t%'t!ed 6%c*0'%bbit to
coot %c'o thei' .%th& Bi'd %n(# bee bu44ed %'ound % hi)e o+ $i!d hone,# %nd the moitu'e 'oe +'om the +o'et +!oo' to o%* he'
.e'.i'in( *in&
The, eme'(ed into +ie!d th%t t'etched to$%'d othe' +o'et o+ o%* %nd .%!metto, 'ich %('icu!tu'%! !%nd, e-tendin( into
undu!%tin( hi!!& But, inte%d o+ cotton +ie!d % +%' % the e,e cou!d ee, /o%nn% %$ %c'e (i)en o)e' to co'n %nd c%tt!e, %nd o'ch%'d
o+ +'uit t'ee, $ith the mit 'iin( +'om them&
Co!e 'eined in the b%, to (uide the %nim%! bet$een 'o$ o+ $eet0.'outin( u(%' c%ne& Inect bu44ed %bout them, m%*in(
/o%nn% (!%d he h%d 'emembe'ed to co)e' the mot eniti)e .%'t o+ he' bod,, %nd %!o (i)in( he' % 'e%on +o' $e%'in( the di(utin(
h%t& She $% e)en (!%d he $% on ho'eb%c*, $hen he 'emembe'ed the .ide' th%t th'i)ed in the c%ne +ie!d& And e)e', time one o+
the $%,in( t%!* touched he' !ee)e he b'uhed %$%, %nothe' im%(in%', ho''o'&
It $%n"t unti! the, c%me out o+ the u(%' c%ne th%t he 'e%!ied $he'e the, $e'e& She h%d been dio'ient%ted b, the ch%n(e
th%t h%d been m%de %t Tide$%te', %nd it $% $ith ome u'.'ie th%t he %$ the, $e'en"t +%' +'om $he'e the h%c* h%d been itu%ted&
She cou!d he%' the 'i)e', too, %nd he' ne')e ti(htened $ith 'emembe'ed .%in& W% Co!e o ineniti)e7 She $onde'ed& Didn"t he
unde't%nd th%t thi $% the !%t .!%ce he $%nted to ee7
But Co!e $% %!'e%d, ome dit%nce %$%, +'om he', the b%, t'ottin( %c'o the 'ou(h tu'+ th%t e.%'%ted Tide$%te' +'om the
c!ute' o+ d$e!!in( %t P%!me'" Point& He didn"t !oo* b%c*, %nd he h%d on!, t$o choiceF eithe' (o $ith him, o' (o b%c* to the houe&
And, bec%ue the .'o.ect o+ 'etu'nin( to the houe $% e)en !e %tt'%cti)e to he', he u'(ed the m%'e %+te' him& But
'eentment bui!t % the, c%nte'ed do$n the !o.e, %nd he (!im.ed the 'oo+ o+ the bui!din( be!o$ them&
She c%'ce!, noticed the 'i)e', % he *ic*ed the m%'e into % (%!!o. %nd o)e'too* him& She .%id no %ttention to the mud0
+!%t, $he'e he h%d once .ent o m%n, hou', *etchin( the m%n, bi'd th%t c%me to +eed the'e& She didn"t e)en me!! the %!t, t%n(
o+ the oce%n, o' .%ue to %dmi'e the !on( $hite t'etch o+ %nd th%t ed(ed the etu%',& A!! he cou!d thin* %bout $% he' o$n +ee!in(,
$hich 'ein+o'ced he' hoti!it, to$%'d him +o' b'in(in( he' he'e&
"I thi u..oed to be ome *ind o+ ic* 6o*e7" he dem%nded, % he .%ed him, but Co!e didn"t %n$e'& And then, % the
('ound !e)e!ed out, he %$ the c!ute' o+ d$e!!in( immedi%te!, %he%d o+ he'&
He' %tonihment $% $i+t %nd (enuine& The Di!!%(e $% ti!! the'e, 6ut % he 'emembe'ed& But the h%c* h%d
di%..e%'ed& In thei' .!%ce tood mode'n t'%ct houin(, mot!, one0to'e, bui!din(, e'ected on .i!e& +o' m%-imum coo!ne& "
"Some 6o*e, hmm7" mu'mu'ed Co!e, hi ti''u. nud(in( he' !e(, %nd /o%nn% (%)e %n in)o!unt%', t%'t& She h%d been t%'in(
%t the b'i(ht bo'de' o+ toc* %nd .%nie th%t ed(ed the 1u%'e o+ tu'+ in +'ont o+ e%ch .'o.e't,, %nd the e)idence o+ cu!ti)%tion in
the 'ent0!i*e ('o$th o+ be%n0.o!e %t the b%c*&
";ou' +%the' did thi7" he e-c!%imed, +indin( it di++icu!t to %oci%te the m%n he *ne$ $ith $h%t he $% eein( in +'ont o+
he', %nd Co!e h'u((ed&
"I th%t o h%'d to be!ie)e7"
"8'%n*!,, ,e&" /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& "It" inc'edib!e5 "
Co!e e-.e!!ed % !on( b'e%th& ";e%h, $e!! && &" He hoo* the 'ein %nd ent the b%, $%!*in( do$n the dut, !%ne bet$een the
houe& "A I %id !%t ni(ht, I")e (ot omethin( to ho$ ,ou&"
"And thi in"t it7"
/o%nn% $% u'.'ied, but Co!e didn"t %n$e' he'&
?A
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Thei' %''i)%! h%d %tt'%cted %ttention, %nd % $om%n h%d come out on to the )e'%nd% o+ the houe o..oite %nd c%!!ed to him&
"Mo'nin(, the'e, Co!e," he %id, 'etin( he' e!bo$ on the '%i!, %nd mi!in( do$n %t him& "Somethin" I c%n do +o' ,ou7"
"Mo'nin(, Suie," Co!e 'e.onded, % 'e!%-ed %nd e%, % he $%, %nd /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d& It $%n"t 6ut the houe th%t
h%d ch%n(ed %'ound he'e, he thou(ht d'i!,& And (oodne, $%n"t th%t Su%n 8enton, Bi!!, 8enton" mothe'7
";ou 'emembe' /o%nn%, don"t ,ou7" Co!e $% %,in( no$, %nd Su%n tu'ned % +'iend!, mi!e on the othe' $om%n&
"O+ cou'e," he %id& "Hi, the'e, M'& M%c%!!ite'& I he%'d ,ou $e'e b%c* %t Tide$%te'& 9ue ,ou didn"t e-.ect %n, thin" !i*e
thi&"
"No&" /o%nn% m%n%(ed % 'ue+u! ('im%ce& "Ho$ %'e ,ou, Su%n7 ;ou0e'0,ou !oo* $e!!&"
And he did& Whethe' it $% the +%ct th%t /o%nn% h%dn"t een he' +o' ome time, he didn"t *no$, but the $om%n !oo*ed +it
%nd he%!th,, %nd undeni%b!, .'e(n%nt& And much too %tt'%cti)e to be !oo*in( %t Co!e !i*e th%t, /o%nn% %c*no$!ed(ed tene!,& Ho$
$e!! did he *no$ he'7 H%d he, !i*e hi +%the', +ound di)e'ion he'e7
"He,, I"m O>&" Su%n .'o..ed he' hi. on the )e'%nd% '%i!, %nd 'eted % com.!%cent h%nd on the $e!!in( mound o+ he'
tom%ch& "Ne)e' been bette', % it h%..en& Since Co!e mo)ed u into thee +%nc, houe, $e %!! (ot no com.!%int&"
"Since Co!e0" /o%nn% b'o*e o++ %nd (!%nced %t he' e-0hub%nd& ";e, I ee&" She choo!ed he' +e%tu'e& "When" the b%b,
due7"
"In % cou.!e o+ month&" Su%n ('inned& ";ou u'e < c%n"t (et ,ou %n, thin"7 Some nice co!d !emon%de, m%,be7"
"No, th%n*&" Co!e .o*e be+o'e /o%nn% cou!d %, %n,thin(& ";ou !oo* %+te' ,ou'e!+, 'i(ht7 And don"t !et /on% $e%' ,ou
out&"
Su%n dim.!ed& "I $on"t," he %id& "See ,ou !%te', M'& M%c%!!ite'& ;"%!! t%*e c%'e no$&"
A the, (ot out o+ e%'hot, /o%nn% nud(ed he' ho'e ne%'e' to Co!e"& "/on%7" he %id, +'o$nin(, %nd Co!e .u!!ed % $',
+%ce&
"/on% Wi!on," he to!d he' e)en!,& "He' hub%nd&"
"But < thou(ht0"
"Bu!!" de%d," Co!e intoned, %c*no$!ed(in( the ('eetin( o+ e)e'%! othe' $omen %nd chi!d'en, $ho h%d come out on to
thei' )e'%nd% to ee $h%t $% (oin( on& ";ou")e been %$%, th'ee ,e%', /o& Thin( ch%n(e& Peo.!e ch%n(e&"
"Inc!udin( ,ou' +%the'7" he 1ue'ied, tu((in( on the m%'e" 'ein, % % du*,0*inned !itt!e bo, '%n %c'o he' .%th& "He,,
in"t th%t 9eo'(ie D%)i7 But no& It c%n"t be&"
"T', hi b'othe' Bobb,," %id Co!e !%conic%!!,, !e%nin( %c'o to ('%. he' b'id!e& "I (ue $e $%!* +'om he'e& I"d h%te +o'
,ou to be the un$ittin( c%ue o+ omeone" de%th&"
/o%nn% !oo*ed %t him, but he $%n"t !oo*in( he' $%,, %nd, bec%ue thei' %ction $e'e bein( monito'ed b, %t !e%t % do4en
.%i' o+ e,e, he h%ti!, !id out o+ the %dd!e& But the i(ni+ic%nce o+ $h%t he h%d %id $%n"t !ot on he', %nd he $ihed he h%dn"t
m%de uch % t%tement 'i(ht in the midd!e o+ P%!me'" Point&
Thei' .'o('e %+te' th%t $% !o$& So m%n, .eo.!e $%nted to to., %nd .% the time o+ d%,& The, $e'e ob)iou!, cu'iou
%bout /o%nn%, but t'%n(e!, enou(h he +e!t %n outide'& E)en thou(h he *ne$ mot o+ thee .eo.!e, it $%n"t the %me& She h%d
%b%ndoned them, %nd Co!e h%d t%*en he' .!%ce&
Not th%t he 'e%!!, minded& She $% (!%d Co!e h%d +ound hi o$n 'o!e %t Tide$%te'& And he $% t'u!, de!i(hted th%t he
h%d .!%,ed ome m%!! .%'t in hi en!i(htenment& She 6ut $ihed he cou!d h%)e to!d he', be+o'e he '%n %$%, &&&
The di'ection he' thou(ht $e'e t%*in( he' $% udden!, +'i(htenin(& She cou!dn"t me%n $h%t he $% thin*in(& He'
'e!%tionhi. $ith Co!e h%d +!ounde'ed !on( be+o'e N%th%n died& The'e $% ti!! S%mm,0/e%n, %nd he' o$n in%bi!it, to concei)e&
Beide, he h%d he' $o'*& She didn"t $%nt to come b%c* to South C%'o!in% %nd !oe he' inde.endence %nd he' identit,& But the +%ct 'e0
m%ined th%t, the !on(e' he t%,ed he'e, the h%'de' it $% to i(no'e $h%t the,"d once h%d&
She $% o bu, t',in( not to be im.'eed th%t $hen Co!e h%!ted outide % !%'(e' bui!din( th%n the 'et he %!mot '%n into
him& "Wh%t do ,ou thin*7" he %*ed, %nd +o' once hi )oice $% tot%!!, de)oid o+ e-.'eion&
/o%nn% +'o$ned, but he' %ttention $% c%u(ht b, the 1u%'e $ooden i(n, t%ndin( in +'ont o+ the bui!din(& , The N%th%n
Smith C!inic," he 'e%d, he' b'e%th c%tchin( in he' th'o%t& "Oh, 9od, Co!e, did ,ou do thi7"
"No&" Co!e !i+ted hi hou!de'& "P% did&" He tied the ho'e" 'ein to the '%i! %nd $ent u. the te.& "Come on," he %dded +!%t!,&
"I"!! ho$ ,ou %'ound& A+te' %!!, it $% ,ou' ide% o'i(in%!!,& No one e!e c%'ed enou(h to (i)e % d%mn&"
The tide $% out % the, $%!*ed the ho'e %!on( the ed(e o+ the $%te'& /o%nn% h%d t%*en o++ he' boot %nd tied them to the
.omme! o+ he' %dd!e, %nd he' toe cu'!ed coo!!, into the d%m. %nd& The, h%d !e+t the etu%', %nd the mud0+!%t behind, c!imbin( into
the dune to c!e%' the he%d!%nd, %nd then d'o..in( do$n on to the be%ch %(%in to $%!* %!on( the ho'e!ine&
Co!e h%dn"t %id %n,thin( ince the, !e+t the c!inic, %nd /o%nn% $% +indin( it di++icu!t to %imi!%te $h%t he h%d een $ith
the m%n he *ne$ R,%n M%c%!!ite' to be& He mut be .'ett, de.e'%te to (%in Co!e" %..'o)%!, he thou(ht, (!%ncin( ide$%, %t the
m%n beide he'& She 6ut $ihed he *ne$ $h%t Co!e $% thin*in(, %nd $hethe' N%th%n" de%th $% the on!, 'e%on he $% %!ien%ted
+'om hi +%the'&
>ic*in( u. % .'%, o+ %!t $%te', /o%nn% ti!ted he' he%d to !oo* %t the un& E)en thou(h it $% ti!! e%'!,, it bu'ned do$n
hot!, on he' hou!de'0%nd on he' unco)e'ed he%d& But he 'e+ued to $e%' th%t h%t $hen he $%n"t 'idin(, %nd he h%d +ound ome
.in %nd *e$e'ed he' h%i' on to. o+ he' he%d&
"Wh%t"'e ,ou thin*in(7" he %*ed %t !%t, noticin( th%t the cu++ o+ he' ho't $e'e .!%hed $ith e% $%te'& "I")e %id I"m
im.'eed& ;ou' +%the' mut h%)e h%d ome ch%n(e o+ he%'t&"
";e%h&" Co!e" mouth +!%ttened& "A oon % he *ne$ hi t%b $% %!mot u.&"
/o%nn% +'o$ned& "Th%t" .'ett, h%'h, in"t it7" he mu'mu'ed& She $% no +'iend o+ R,%n M%c%!!ite'", but he $% bein(
com.e!!ed to +ind 'e%on to be ch%'it%b!e&
Co!e !%nted % n%''o$ (%4e do$n %t he'& "He,, don"t te!! me he" (ettin( to ,ou," he moc*ed, thou(h the'e $% % d%'* (!int in
hi e,e& "Be c%'e+u!, /o& ;ou mi(ht be tem.ted to te!! me $h, he $%nted ,ou b'ou(ht he'e& O' h%!! I te!! ,ou7 The o!d de)i!" +ound
out he" not immo't%!, %+te' %!!&"
/o%nn% !et (o o+ the m%'e" 'ein, %nd to..ed %t the $%te'" ed(e, cu++in( he' toe in the $%te'& "He $%nt me to0to
inte'cede $ith ,ou on hi beh%!+," he %id, decidin( he $%n"t (oin( to (%in %n,thin( b, *ee.in( i!ent& "He %,0Ben %,0,ou %nd he
don"t (et on !i*e ,ou ued to& Do ,ou $%nt to te!! me $h,7"
"No&"
Co!e" 'e.one $% ho't %nd uccinct, %nd /o%nn% i(hed& She $% (oin( to (et no$he'e %t thi '%te, %nd he ti!! h%dn"t
?B
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
.o*en to him %bout Ch%'!e, %nd Bi!!, 8enton&
And, inte%d o+ t%,in( $ith he', Co!e h%d $%!*ed on, hi b'o%d hou!de' %nd n%''o$ hi. %'ouin( %n %chin( ene o+
deni%!& She $%nted Co!e to c%'e $h%t he thou(ht, $h%t he did, /o%nn% 'e%!ied .%in+u!!,& But, ho$e)e' much he mi(ht to'ment him,
u!tim%te!,, he $ou!d be the !oe'&
"D%mn ,ou, $%it5" he e-c!%imed no$, t%m.in( he' +oot, %nd then m%de % ound o+ +'ut'%tion % the $%te' .!%hed u. to
he' thi(h& She h%d +o'(otten $he'e he $% +o' % moment, %nd no$ he $% ne%'!, o%*ed to the *in&
Co!e h%d $%!*ed % +e$ ,%'d +u'the' on but then eithe' % ene o+ 'e.onibi!it, o' im.!, cu'ioit, c%ued him to to. %nd
!oo* b%c*& And, %ctin( .u'e!, on im.u!e, /o%nn% 'e%ched do$n %nd un+%tened he' t'oue'&
Th%t, %t !e%t, %'oued ome 'e%ction& "Cut it out," he n%..ed, t'idin( b%c* to $he'e he $% t%ndin(, but /o%nn% on!,
*ic*ed o++ the cut0o++, %nd d'%.ed them o)e' the %dd!e&
"The,"'e $et," he %id, hi)e'in( in .ite o+ the he%t&
8o', %!thou(h he $% %$%'e th%t he' b'ie+ $e'e no !e modet th%n the bottom h%!+ o+ he' bi*ini, the'e $% omethin(
$ho!!, de)%t%tin( in $%tchin( Co!e" e,e +!ic* o)e' them&
"Thi i South C%'o!in%, not the South o+ 8'%nce," he %id th'ou(h ('itted teeth, n%tchin( the cut0o++ +'om the %dd!e, %nd
th'utin( them into he' h%nd& "The,"!! d',& Put them on&"
"The,"!! d', much 1uic*e' thi $%,," dec!%'ed /o%nn%, toin( them o)e' the %dd!e %(%in& Then, be+o'e he cou!d to. he',
he h%d *i..ed %$%, into the c'e%min( u'+& "Let" (o $immin(, hmm7 The $%te'" he%)en!,5"
"/o%nn%5"
He %id he' n%me !o$!,, %nd men%cin(!,, but he 'e+ued to be d%unted& Thi mi(ht be the !%t time the, $e'e %!one
to(ethe', %nd, ho$e)e' c'%4, it mi(ht be, he $%nted him to h%)e omethin( to 'emembe' he' b,&
"Come on," he %id, de!ibe'%te!, un+%tenin( %nothe' button on he' hi't, o th%t he cou!d ee the du*, ho!!o$ o+ he'
c!e%)%(e& "Don"t be uch % .oi!0.o't, Co!e& Whe'e" ,ou' ene o+ %d)entu'e7 We ued to (o *inn, di..in( in T%hiti, %nd ,ou $e'en"t
o .'udih then5"
Co!e didn"t heit%te& Com.!ete!, dumb+oundin( he', he t'ode into the $%)e $ithout e)en bothe'in( to t%*e hi boot o++&
And, bec%ue it $% the !%t thin( he h%d e-.ected, he c%u(ht he' e%i!,& He ('%.ed he' e!bo$, % he tu'ned to +!ee, %nd h%u!ed he'
b%c* into hi %'m&
She %!mot o)e'b%!%nced him, % he thudded %(%int hi h%'d chet, but he .'e%d hi !e( %nd %)ed them both +'om bein(
ubme'(ed& "No mo'e (%me, /o," he o'de'ed ('im!,, d'%((in( he' b%c* to$%'d the ho'e, %nd he *ic*ed he' !e( in +'ut'%tion % he
$%ded out on to the %nd&
She h%d o%*ed him % $e!! % he'e!+ no$, %nd, 6ud(in( b, hi e-.'eion, he didn"t +ind it %t %!! +unn,& ";ou"'e c'%4,, do
,ou *no$ th%t7" he ('%ted, 'e!e%in( he' to e-%mine hi $et thi(h& "8o' 9od" %*e, $h%t %'e ,ou t',in( to .'o)e7"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him, not 'e%!!, *no$in( the %n$e' he'e!+& A!! he *ne$ %t thi moment $% th%t he ti!! $%nted him#
th%t, $h%te)e' h%d h%..ened in the .%t %nd $h%te)e' mi(ht h%..en in the +utu'e, he' detin, h%d b'ou(ht he' the'e, to thi .ot, 'i(ht
no$&
"Co!e," he %id he!.!e!,, %nd omethin( in he' )oice eemed to t'i*e % cho'd inide him& He !oo*ed %t he' then0not % he
h%d !oo*ed %t he' be+o'e, but $ith % $e%',, to'mented e-.'eion, %nd he' he%'t $obb!ed .'ec%'iou!, in he' chet&
"We!!7" he dem%nded, %nd he ni++ed to ho!d b%c* the te%' o+ +'ut'%tion th%t .'ic*!ed behind he' e,e& "I"m o'',," he
$hi.e'ed, not 'e%!!, *no$in( $h%t he $% %.o!o(iin( +o'& "I0I didn"t me%n to m%*e ,ou m%d& Honet!,&" She te..ed +o'$%'d %nd
bent to b'uh the .e%'! o+ e% $%te' +'om the !e( o+ hi t'oue'& "He'e# !et me he!. ,ou0"
"Don"t5"
Hi deni%! $% t'%n(!ed, hi h%nd d%hin( he' $'it %ide, %nd *noc*in( he' o++ b%!%nce& She t'ied to %)e he'e!+, but he
cou!dn"t, %nd, to he' i(nomin,, he tumb!ed on to he' *nee %t hi +eet&
"Oh, 9od5" With % mu++!ed cu'e, Co!e c%me do$n on hi h%unche beide he'& "Did I hu't ,ou7" he mutte'ed, (%4in( do$n
%t he' bent he%d, %nd /o%nn%" ton(ue c%me to ci'c!e he' !i., %nd he '%ied he' +%ce to !oo* %t him&
"On!, m, .'ide," he mu'mu'ed 'ue+u!!,, % % %nd c'%b, t%'t!ed b, he' in)%ion o+ it te''ito',, cutt!ed %$%, %c'o the
%nd& She hoo* he' he%d, %nd i(hed % he' h%i' tumb!ed do$n %bout he' hou!de'& "I (ue ,ou didn"t $%nt m, he!., hmm7 I +o'(ot,
I"m not u..oed to touch ,ou, %m I"7"
Co!e d'e$ % !%bou'ed b'e%th& "I didn"t *no$ ,ou $%nted to," he mutte'ed, %nd he 'e%!ied th%t he' +%!! h%d t%*en him o++
(u%'d& He $ou!d ne)e' h%)e %id uch % .'o)oc%ti)e thin( to he' in the no'm%! cou'e o+ e)ent, %nd he' b'e%thin( 1uic*ened
%utom%tic%!!, %t the .oibi!itie it c'e%ted&
"Oh0I"m u'e ,ou did," he )entu'ed, he' o$n )oice not 1uite te%d,, %nd, t'%i(htenin( he' b%c*, he !i+ted one h%nd to
u..o't he'e!+ on hi *nee& Bene%th he' d%m. +in(e', he +e!t the intincti)e ti(htenin( o+ hi bone, %nd %!thou(h he $%nted to !oo*
he *e.t he' e,e on hi&
"Thi i0m%t0un$ie," he %id, %nd he 'e%!ied th%t hi moment%', !o o+ cont'o! $% bein( chec*ed& T%*in( %nothe' (u!.
o+ %i', he +i'm!, 'emo)ed he' h%nd +'om hi !e(, but $hen he $ou!d h%)e 'e!e%ed he' he he!d on %nd b'ou(ht hi +in(e' to he' !i.&
She $% 1uite .'e.%'ed +o' him to n%tch hi h%nd %$%,& Co!e $% % m%te' %t cont'o!!in( hi emotion, %nd cone1uent!,
he he!d it ti(hte' th%n he mi(ht h%)e done&
But, %!thou(h hi +e%tu'e tened, %nd he %$ % .u!e .%!.it%tin( %t hi 6%$ !ine, he !et he' (et %$%, $ith it, $%tchin( %
he .ut out he' ton(ue %nd !ic*ed the ti. o+ hi +in(e'&
Ho$e)e', $hen he $% 'ec*!e enou(h to %!!o$ he' e,e to d'o. do$n hi chet %nd o)e' hi +!%t tom%ch to the
unmit%*%b!e 'i(idit, o+ hi ('oin, hi to!e'%nce n%..ed&
"8o' .it," %*e, /o," he mutte'ed ho%'e!,, %nd he $% 1uite u'e he intended to .ut %n end to it the'e %nd then& But, be+o'e
he cou!d (et to hi +eet, he !un( he' %'m %'ound him, %nd he !ot hi b%!%nce %nd +e!! b%c* on to the %nd, $ith he' h%!+0n%*ed bod,
on to. o+ him&
He' o$n %tonihment %t he' teme'it, $% nothin( com.%'ed to hi& Co!e !%, +!%t on the %nd, (%4in( u. %t he' $ith
dibe!ie)in( e,e, %nd +o' % moment he $% too hoc*ed to t%*e %d)%nt%(e o+ it& But then the d%$nin( %n(e' in hi (%4e, %nd the
ubidin( h%'dne bet$een hi !e(, $%'ned he' th%t he $% in .e'i! o+ !oin( he' on!, ch%nce o+ 'edem.tion& She $% on!, $he'e
he $% no$ bec%ue he h%d t%*en him un%$%'e& An, minute, he $% (oin( to 'emo)e he' b, +o'ce&
With % he!.!e ene o+ need, he i(no'ed hi +o'biddin( e-.'eion %nd co)e'ed hi !i. $ith he', $itht%ndin( hi
intincti)e 'e6ection, %nd .'ein( he' ton(ue into hi mouth&
?C
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
The'e $% % he%'tbe%t $hen he thou(ht he h%dn"t ucceeded, $hen Co!e" h%nd ('i..in( he' hou!de' eemed in
imminent d%n(e' o+ th'o$in( he' %ide& She +u!!, e-.ected to end u. in % humi!i%tin( he%. on the %nd, $ith Co!e t%ndin( %bo)e he',
co$!in( hi contem.t&
But he' !e( .!%,ed %c'o hi %bdomen detected the moment $hen the d%n(e' .%ed, %nd hi bod, c%me %!i)e %(%in&
A!thou(h he mi(ht de.ie hime!+ +o' it, he cou!dn"t .'e)ent hi intincti)e 'e.one& Hi h%nd ti!! ('%.ed he' hou!de', but hi
('i. $% (ent!in(, %nd % he continued to .oe hi mouth hi .u!in( %'ou%! th'obbed %(%int he' thi(h&
"9od," he ('o%ned, !e%)in( he' in no doubt % to hi +'ut'%tion, but one h%nd $% t%n(!in( in he' i!*, h%i', %nd the othe'
'o!!ed he' o)e' o th%t no$ he $% on to. o+ he'& Then, $ith hi thumb ('%4in( the eniti)e *in inide he' !o$e' !i., he +o'ced he'
!i. %.%'t, +%tenin( hi mouth to thei' t'emb!in( $eetne, %nd +i!!in( the o+t moit c%)it, $ith hi ton(ue&
/o%nn% !ot %!! ene o+ time %nd .!%ce& She $%n"t e)en %$%'e o+ the %nd in he' h%i', o' the ('itt, +ee! o+ it d%m. ('%nu!e
%(%int he' b%c*& She h%'d!, noticed the incomin( tide, % it $i'!ed in the 'oc*0.oo! %'ound them, o' the coo! %!t, 'i)u!et th%t $et
he' !e( +'om he' hee! to the bottom o+ he' .%ntie& A!! he $% %$%'e o+ $% Co!e0hi h%nd, hi !i., hi ton(ue# %nd the %ti+,in(
$ei(ht o+ hi bod,, % he ('ound hi hi. %(%int he'&
He' hi't $% o.en %nd o $% hi, %nd the +ine h%i' th%t !i(ht!, +i!med hi chet te%ed the t%ut ni..!e o+ he' b'e%t& 8%'
+'om +ee!in( coo!, he $% on +i'e, %nd the bu'nin( need o+ hi e'ection dem%nded to be +i!!ed& He cu..ed he' b'e%t, uc*!in( on thei'
$eetne % %nit, !i..ed %$%,, %nd e)e',$he'e he touched he' %'oued %n %che th%t on!, he cou!d %u%(e&
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
/o%nn% %$o*e to the ound o+ the .hone 'in(in(, %nd +o' % +e$ mind!e moment he $onde'ed $ho it $%& Once u.on %
time, he h%d %n$e'ed the .hone $ithout thin*in(, %nd in th%t h%.., t%te bet$een !ee.in( %nd $%*in( he on!, 'eented the ound&
But then, % concioune too* ho!d o+ he', %nd the +u!! $ei(ht o+ he' .'eent itu%tion decended u.on he', he !um.ed
b%c* %(%int he' .i!!o$& Thee d%,, he %)oided .e%*in( to %n,one, %nd % he *ne$ it $% mot .'ob%b!, eithe' 9'%ce o' he'
mothe' he !et the %nno,in( bu44 (o on&
It to..ed, +in%!!,, %nd he t'etched % h%nd out o+ bed, %nd tu'ned the c!oc* on the bedide t%b!e to$%'d he'& It $% h%!+0
.%t ten, he decided, o' $% it h%!+0.%t e!e)en7 Eithe' $%,, $h%t did it m%tte'7 She"d (ot nothin( to (et out o+ bed +o'&
He' e,e d'i+ted 'ound the bed'oom $ithout enthui%m& It $% % .!e%%nt 'oom, o)e'!oo*in( the (%'den %t the b%c* o+ the
'o$ o+ houe, %nd bec%ue the 'oom +%ced e%t it c%u(ht the mo'nin( un& She 'emembe'ed ho$ much +un he h%d h%d, $hen he
bou(ht the !e%e o+ the %.%'tment, chooin( the de!ic%te!, .%tte'ned $%!!.%.e', %nd h%n(in( it he'e!+& She h%d choen the +u'nitu'e,
too, un%$%'e th%t $hen he h%unted the %!e'oom, %nd decided on o!id Dicto'i%n .iece, he $% %ctu%!!, %ntici.%tin( the *ind o+
+u'nihin( he $ou!d +ind in he' hub%nd" home&
O+ cou'e, $hen he %nd Co!e (ot m%''ied, he h%d $%nted to e!! the %.%'tment, but 9'%ce h%d .e'u%ded he' %(%int it&
"P'o.e't," % (ood in)etment," he h%d %'(ued, thin*in(, but not )oicin(, he' +e%' +o' /o%nn%" +utu'e& ">ee. it," he %id& "A % net0
e((, i+ nothin( e!e&"
And /o%nn% h%d h%d c%ue to be ('%te+u! +o' th%t h'e$d .iece o+ %d)ice&
Not th%t $h%t h%d h%..ened th'ee ,e%' %(o $% %n, com+o't to he' no$, /o%nn% 'e+!ected& She mi(ht h%)e !itened to
9'%ce then, but he h%dn"t !itened to he' mo'e 'ecent!,& When he h%d .honed 9'%ce th%t ni(ht +'om the B%h%m%, %nd to!d he' he
$% (oin( b%c* to Tide$%te', 9'%ce h%d $%'ned he' to be c%'e+u!& She hou!d h%)e .%id %ttention& She h%d been )u!ne'%b!e, %+te' %!!&
She i(hed no$ %nd 'o!!ed o)e', bu',in( he' +%ce in the .i!!o$, %nd .'%,in( +o' ob!i)ion& But it didn"t come& She $% $ide
%$%*e no$ %nd un.'otected& She *ne$ +'om .%t e-.e'ience th%t nothin( he cou!d do $ou!d c!oe he' mind to the .%in+u! 6%b o+
'e6ection&
And ,et, 'emembe'in( th%t mo'nin( on the be%ch, he $onde'ed i+ he 'e%!!, $ihed to ch%n(e %n,thin(& She h%d *no$n %
b'ie+ t%te o+ h%..ine, %nd u'e!, th%t $% $o'th omethin(& But i+ he h%dn"t !et Co!e m%*e !o)e to he', he $ou!dn"t be (oin(
th'ou(h thi emotion%! c'ii no$& And $h%t .'ice hi !o)em%*in(, $hen %!! he"d $%nted $% e-u%! %ti+%ction7
And th%t on!, bec%ue he h%d initi%ted it, he %dmitted honet!,& I+ he h%dn"t th'o$n he'e!+ %t him, he mi(ht ti!! h%)e
%)ed he' .'ide& A it $%, he *ne$ he 'eented he' +o' educin( hi intention, +o' m%*in( him do omethin( he de.ied&
But, %t the time, he h%dn"t been thin*in( %bout ho$ he mi(ht 'e%ct $hen hi bod, $% %ted& And it $% ce't%in he h%dn"t
been thin*in( too '%tion%!!, eithe'& Hun(e'# .%ion# $h%te)e' 0.'imiti)e need h%d been d'i)in( him on h%d tem.o'%'i!, .%'%!,ed hi
'e%onin(& With the hot un b!%4in( do$n, %nd the $hite u'+ b'e%*in( %'ound them, he h%d o.ened hi t'oue' %nd bu'ied hime!+ in
he' e%(e' bod,, 6ut % he h%d done th%t )e', +i't time in London& He h%d t%*en he', 'i(ht the'e on the be%ch, in .!%in i(ht o+ %n,one
$ho c%'ed to !oo*&
Sometime, he $ihed the, cou!d h%)e d'o$ned %t th%t moment, $hi!e he $% ti!! %b!e to .'etend th%t Co!e c%'ed +o' he'
% much % he c%'ed +o' him& She o+ten $onde'ed $h%t mi(ht h%)e h%..ened i+ Ben h%dn"t come %c'o them& Mi(ht the, e)en h%)e
%!)%(ed ome, thin( +'om the $'ec*%(e o+ the .%t7
Wh%te)e', he m%n%(ed to %tt'%ct thei' %ttention, $ithout undue emb%''%ment& Hi t'ident $hit!e $% u++icient to b'in(
Co!e to hi ene, %nd he d'%((ed hime!+ %$%, +'om he' $ith un+!%tte'in( .eed& But, in one ene, Ben h%d been too !%te, /o%nn%
'e+!ected $',!,& Too !%te to .'e)ent Co!e +'om e-.oin( hi o$n $e%*ne&
And he h%dn"t +o'(i)en he' +o' th%t& In the hou' th%t +o!!o$ed, $hen he !e%'ned th%t hi +%the' h%d u++e'ed % t'o*e %nd
h%d been 'uhed into ho.it%! in Be%um%'i, he $ou!dn"t %!!o$ he' to com+o't him& Indeed, he $ou!d h%)e nothin( to do $ith he',
t%,in( c!oe b, hi mothe'" ide, %nd %ctin( the duti+u! on&
But he $% on!, %ctin(, /o%nn% h%d (ueed th%t& E)en thou(h he %nd Co!e h%d d'i+ted %.%'t, he cou!d ti!! +ee! hi ene
o+ bet'%,%!& He h%dn"t +o'(i)en hi +%the' +o' $h%t h%d h%..ened to N%th%n& The'e $% ti!! th%t t'emendou (u!+ bet$een them&
And, %!thou(h %!! he' o$n ene $e'e c'e%min( +o' he' to !e%)e no$, be+o'e he cou!d hu't he' %(%in, /o%nn% *ne$ he
h%d to do omethin(& She h%d (i)en u. ho.in( th%t %n, (ood cou!d come +'om R,%n" de%th& It $%n"t (oin( to m%*e %n, di++e'ence to
he' itu%tion& And $hi!e he o$ed the m%n nothin(, %nd c%'ed !itt!e +o' hi enibi!itie, he $% %+'%id o+ $h%t it mi(ht do to Co!e&
Ri(ht no$, Co!e $% u'e th%t $h%t he $% doin( $% 'i(ht, %nd % !on( % hi +%the' !%, in th%t emi0conciou t%te,
$hich ome t'o*e )ictim %chie)ed, he +e!t he h%d nothin( to b!%me hime!+ +o'& Hi +%the' $% ti!! %!i)e, 6ut, %nd in the b%c* o+ hi
mind the'e mut be the thou(ht th%t the'e $% ti!! time +o' 'econci!i%tion& But i+ R,%n died, th%t ch%nce $ou!d be (one, %nd /o%nn%
*ne$, +'om he' o$n e-.e'ience $ith Co!e, th%t the memo'ie o+ $h%t mi(ht h%)e been cou!d te%' % ou! to h'ed&
Th%t $% $h, he %..'o%ched Co!e, the e)enin( be+o'e he !e+t Tide$%te' +o' the !%t time& She h%d decided not to t%, %n,
!on(e'& Wh%t $% the .oint7 Co!e i(no'ed he'& Hi mothe' 'e(%'ded he' % %n un$e!come int'ude'& E)en Ch%'!e, $% too u.et %bout
he' +%the'" i!!ne to .end %n, time $ith he', %nd $%itin( %'ound +o' R,%n to die eemed unbe%'%b!, mo'bid&
?E
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Ne)e'the!e, it too* %!! he' cou'%(e to (o !oo*in( +o' Co!e %+te' u..e' th%t e)enin(& Me%! $e'e t%*en %t i''e(u!%' time %t
the moment, %nd it h%d been no u'.'ie e%'!ie' to +ind he %nd Ben $e'e the on!, one %t the t%b!e& Not th%t Ben $% .%'ticu!%'!,
ch%tt, eithe'& She (ueed he h%dn"t +o'(otten $h%t he h%d een e)e'%! d%, %(o on the be%ch, %nd, $hi!e he mi(ht h%)e ,m.%th, +o'
he', he mut *no$ ho$ Co!e $% t'e%tin( he'&
She +ound Co!e in the !ib'%',, ittin( %t hi +%the'" de*, (oin( o)e' the t%c* o+ bi!! th%t ti!! %..e%'ed, $h%te)e' the
ci'cumt%nce& The m%n%(ement o+ the .!%nt%tion $% %n on(oin( thin(, %nd it im.!, $%n"t .oib!e to %b%ndon thee mund%ne
t%*&
/o%nn% .%ued in the doo'$%,, chec*in( th%t %!mot %!! the button o+ he' +u!!0*i'ted Indi%n cotton d'e $e'e c!oed&
P%tte'ned in h%de o+ ('een %nd b!%c*, it $% the mot cone')%ti)e item in he' $%'d'obe, %nd he h%d $o'n it de!ibe'%te!,, o th%t he
$ou!dn"t thin* he h%d %n,thin( .'o)oc%ti)e in mind&
He didn"t !oo* u. +'om the de*, e)en thou(h he $% %!mot u'e he mut h%)e he%'d he' +ootte., %nd he h%d to c!e%'
he' th'o%t, %nd %,, "Co!e," be+o'e he choe to %c*no$!ed(e he' .'eence&
He did !oo* u. then, %nd he +!inched %t the !oo* o+ !o%thin( in hi e,e& I+ he h%d h%d %n, doubt %bout hi +ee!in( +o'
he', the, $e'e e-tin(uihed %t th%t moment& He h%ted he', %nd it ho$ed& She $%nted to tu'n 'i(ht %'ound %nd !e%)e him&
But he didn"t& Dete'min%tion, concience, 'emo'e, O' im.!, the need to %..e%! to him one !%t time, *e.t he' $he'e he
$%& Co!e mi(ht h%te he', but he !o)ed him, %nd he cou!dn"t %!!o$ hi +%the'" de%th to .oion the 'et o+ hi !i+e& Not i+ he cou!d
he!. it&
She moitened he' !i.& "Cou!d I t%!* to ,ou7"
"Wh%t %bout7"
Co!e" )oice $% % chi!!in( % hi e-.'eion, %nd /o%nn% *ne$ % ho.e!e ene o+ ('ie+& "I06ut $%nted to te!! ,ou, I"m
!e%)in( tomo''o$," he %id, chooin( the !e%t cont'o)e'i%! thin( he cou!d thin* o+, %nd then c%u(ht he' b'e%th une%i!,, $hen he
!u'ched %b'u.t!, to hi +eet&
";ou"'e !e%)in(7" I+ he h%dn"t been %b!e to ee hi +%ce, /o%nn% mi(ht h%)e been decei)ed b, hi inton%tion& He %ctu%!!,
ounded hoc*ed %t the ne$, %nd %!mot di%..'o)in(&
";&,e," he %dded 1uic*!,, (!%ncin( behind he' %t the em.t, h%!!, be+o'e te..in( %$*$%'d!, into the 'oom& "I0I c%n"t t%,
he'e inde+inite!,, c%n I7 And ,ou c%n"t .'etend ,ou $%nt me to&"
Co!e" +e%tu'e h%'dened& "H%)e I %*ed ,ou to !e%)e7 H% %n,one %*ed ,ou to !e%)e7"
"No0but0"
"So thi i ,ou' deciion&"
"I+ ,ou .ut it !i*e th%t&" /o%nn% !i+ted he' !im hou!de' in % dimii)e (etu'e& "I 0I")e (ot to (et b%c* to London& The0the
e-hibition0"
"Oh, ,e& The e-hibition5" The $%, Co!e 'e.e%ted he' $o'd $% h%'h $ith %'c%m& In % diconce'tin( (etu'e, he c%me
'ound the de* %nd .'o..ed hime!+ %(%int the +'ont& "I"d +o'(otten $h%t % +%mou .%inte' $e h%)e in ou' midt& A't be+o'e honou', i
th%t $h%t the, %,7"
"I")e ne)e' he%'d it&" /o%nn% he!d u. he' he%d& "And it" not !i*e th%t %t %!!&"
"So ho$ i it7"
/o%nn% $%!!o$ed& "I+0i+ I $% $%nted he'e0"
";e7" Co!e" b'o$ %cended& "I+ ,ou $e'e $%nted0 $h%t7"
"I"d t%,, o+ cou'e&"
"On u++e'%nce7"
"No, not on u++e'%nce&" /o%nn% i(hed, ('o$in( $e%', o+ t',in( to de+end he'e!+ to omeone $ho $% me'e!, to'mentin(
he'& "I"m not $%nted he'e& ;ou *no$ th%t, %nd I *no$ th%t& It" bette' i+ I !e%)e& Be+o'e0be+o'e0"
"Be+o'e m, +%the' die, %nd ,ou mi(ht be c%!!ed u.on to ho$ ome ,m.%th,," +inihed Co!e b!e%*!,, %nd /o%nn%"
hou!de' !um.ed&
"No," he %id, h%*in( he' he%d& "Th%t" not $h%t I me%nt %t %!!& I 6ut0h%)e no .!%ce he'e %n, !on(e'& And I thin* it"!! be
e%ie' +o' e)e',one, i+ I (o b%c* to London&"
Co!e" +%ce !ot %!! e-.'eion& "De', $e!!& I"!! %''%n(e to h%)e Ben d'i)e ,ou into Ch%'!eton tomo''o$ %+te'noon&"
"Th%n* ,ou&"
But % Co!e .uhed hime!+ u. +'om the de*, %nd t%'ted b%c* to hi e%t, he !in(e'ed& She ti!! h%dn"t %id $h%t he"d
come he'e +o', %nd, %!thou(h the .'o.ect $% e)en mo'e d%untin( no$, he h%d to t',&
"I the'e omethin( e!e7"
Co!e h%d .%ued beide hi de*, %nd $% !oo*in( %t he' $ith co!d, $%', e,e, %nd he hi)e'ed& H%d he on!, im%(ined7
Th%t mo'nin( on the be%ch7 She $onde'ed& She cou!d ee !itt!e o+ th%t m%n in thi 'emote, un%..'o%ch%b!e t'%n(e'& Did nothin( e)e'
touch him thee d%,7 Not e)en m%*in( !o)e&&&7
On!, it h%dn"t been !o)e, he 'eminded he'e!+ .%in+u!!,& It h%d been e-, .u'e %nd im.!e& She h%d %'oued him, %nd he h%d
'e.onded& At bet, the, h%d ued e%ch othe'&
No$ /o%nn% c%me +o'$%'d %(%in, unti! he' h%nd $e'e Within 'e%ch o+ the !e%the'0too!ed u'+%ce o+ the de*& But he didn"t
touch it, e)en thou(h he $ou!d h%)e $e!comed it u..o't& He' d%m. +in(e' $e'e !in*ed ti(ht!, to(ethe'0%n indic%tion, i+ he h%d
needed it, o+ 6ut ho$ ne')ou he $%&
"It" %bout ,ou' +%the'," he be(%n, %nd, i(no'in( Co!e" ('im +e%tu'e, he hu''ied on, "C%n"t ,ou +o'(i)e him7 Oh, I *no$
I")e %id ome h%'h thin( %bout him in the .%t, %nd I *no$ $h%t he did $% $'on(, but ,ou h%)e to t', %nd +o'(et it& When0$hen
the t'uth %bout N%th%n c%me out, he mut h%)e .%nic*ed& O+ cou'e he $% %n(',& O+ cou'e he b!%med me +o' m%*in( +'iend $ith
N%th%n, %nd c%uin( it to h%..en& M%,be he didn"t 'e%!ie ho$ eniti)e N%th%n $%& No one cou!d h%)e (ueed $h%t $ou!d h%..en&
No one $%nted N%th%n to die& It $% %n %ccident0% ho''ib!e %ccident5 It doen"t e')e %n, .u'.oe to c'uci+, the .%t5"
Co!e t%'ed %t he' im.%i)e!,, but the'e $% co'n in hi )oice, % he e-c!%imed h%'h!,, "Thi $% $h%t he $%nted, $%n"t
it7 Thi $% $h%t he b'ou(ht ,ou he'e +o'7 ;ou $e'e me%nt to .!e%d hi c%e +o' him& 9od, I hou!d h%)e (ueed5"
/o%nn% e-.e!!ed % b'e%th he"d h%'d!, *no$n he $% ho!din(, %nd $onde'ed i+ R,%n h%d 'e%!!, thou(ht he' %..e%! $ou!d
do %n, (ood& Co!e $ou!dn"t !iten to he'& He didn"t e)en !i*e he'& Ho$ cou!d hi +%the' im%(ine th%t he $ou!d t%nd % ch%nce7
"I"m 'i(ht, %'en"t I " Co!e %id no$, %nd he' i!ence $% %n$e' enou(h& "We!!, $h%t % .it, he !e+t it too !%te5 I (ue Nemei
'e+ued to be che%ted&"
@3
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
/o%nn% i(hed& "It" not too !%te," he bu't out de.e'%te!,& "Not +o' ,ou, %n,$%,& M%*e ,ou' .e%ce $ith him, Co!e& 8o' ,ou'
%*e, i+ not +o' hi& Do it, I be( ,ou& I+ ,ou don"t, ,ou"'e the one $ho"!! 'e('et it& He $on"t be %'ound to c%'e&"
The i!ence th%t ('eeted thi !%t 'em%'* $ent unb'o*en& And, +o' the !i+e o+ he', /o%nn% cou!dn"t thin* o+ %n,thin( e!e to
%,& She"d done $h%t he cou!d& No$ it $% u. to Co!e& But, !oo*in( %t hi b!e%* +%ce, he doubted it h%d been enou(h&
She !i..ed %$%, then, %nd 'etu'ned to he' 'oom to do he' .%c*in(& She +e!t numb0not on!, bec%ue he *ne$ he h%d !ot
the on!, thin( th%t h%d %n, 'e%! )%!ue +o' he', but %!o bec%ue he h%d .e'6u'ed he'e!+ +o' no 'e%on& Co!e $ou!dn"t !iten to he'
%d)ice, %nd ho$ cou!d he b!%me him7 It $% di++icu!t to be con)incin(, $hen ,ou didn"t be!ie)e $h%t ,ou $e'e %,in(&
The ne-t mo'nin(, Co!e didn"t %..e%' %t b'e%*+%t, %nd he (ueed he $% *ee.in( out o+ the $%, unti! he h%d !e+t& It $%
ob)iou!, e%ie' +o' him th%t $%,, but $% it 'e%!!, e%ie' +o' he'7 H%dn"t he ec'et!, ho.ed to ee him i+ on!, to %, (oodb,e7
M%((ie c%me out to the c%', % Ben $% !o%din( he' uitc%e& She c%me 'ound to $he'e /o%nn% $% t%ndin(, %nd, in .ite
o+ the +%ct th%t he h%d no 'e%on to 'eent he' %n, !on(e', Co!e" mothe' cou!dn"t 'eit h%)in( the +in%! $o'd&
";ou"'e !e%)in(," he %id, %nd the'e $% % $e%!th o+ %ti+%ction in he' $o'd& "Co!e (i)e ,ou ,ou' m%'chin( o'de', did he7
I *ne$ he $ou!d, oone' o' !%te'&" /o%nn% $%!!o$ed& "It $%n"t !i*e th%t& I0h%)e to (et b%c* to London&"
"Re%!!,&" Ob)iou!,, M%((ie didn"t be!ie)e he'& "Seem !i*e he c%n"t $%it to (et hot o+ ,ou&"
/o%nn% 'e+ued to be .'o)o*ed& She *ne$ it $% $h%t the othe' $om%n $%nted, %nd he $% dete'mined not to (i)e he' th%t
%ti+%ction % $e!!&
"We!!, ,ou"'e $'on(," he dec!%'ed .!e%%nt!,, $ihin( M%((ie" bu!* $%n"t .'e)entin( he' +'om o.enin( the t%tion0$%(on
doo'& "It $% m, deciion&"
"A it $% ,ou' deciion to t', %nd b'e%* u. thi +%mi!,, 'i(ht7" M%((ie dem%nded h%'h!,, (i)in( u. %!! .'etence o+ bein(
ci)i!& "Co!e h%n"t +o'(i)en ,ou +o' th%t, o don"t ,ou +o'(et it5"
/o%nn% (%.ed& "I didn"t t', to b'e%* u. ,ou' +%mi!,5"
"Then $h%t $ou!d ,ou c%!! it7 Be!ie)in( %!! thoe !ie %bout R,%n %nd th%t $om%n5 Th%t bo, cou!d h%)e been %n, m%n"
b%t%'d5 Ho$ do ,ou *no$ he $% R,%n"7 He didn"t e)en !oo* !i*e him5"
/o%nn% +'o$ned& "I didn"t e)en *no$ ,ou"d een N%th%n," he %id, t',in( to 'em%in c%!m, %nd M%((ie" .!um. +e%tu'e
'eddened&
"Oh, I %$ him %!! 'i(ht," he b!u'ted de+eni)e!,& "I %$ the t$o o+ ,ou to(ethe' !ot o+ time& Do$n the'e on the 'i)e'0b%n*&
I to!d Co!e $h%t ,ou $e'e doin(& I to!d him ,ou cou!dn"t $%it to (i)e %nothe' m%n $h%t ,ou $e'e den,in( ,ou' !%$+u! hub%nd5"
/o%nn% (u!.ed& ";ou %$ u5" She hoo* he' he%d& "N%th%n %nd I $e'e +'iend5" he .'oteted $e%*!,& "/ut +'iend5"
"And I bet ,ou thin* I ti!! be!ie)e in the tooth +%i',,"
M%((ie nee'ed& "The'e" no m%n he'e (onn% be!ie)e ,ou didn"t !et th%t mibe(otten on o+ % bitch (et bet$een ,ou' !e(,
(i'!5 Hen, ,ou $e'e 1uic* enou(h to be!ie)e the $o't %bout Co!e" d%dd,5"
/o%nn% $%,ed& 8o' % moment, he $% u'e he $% (oin( to .% out, %nd % co!d $e%t b'o*e out on he' +o'ehe%d&
A!thou(h the d%, $% hot, he +e!t chi!!ed to the co'e o+ he' bein(& Oh, 9od, he +e!t o di44,& She cou!d +ee! %!! the b!ood d'%inin( out
o+ he' +%ce&
"He,0don"t ,ou (o +%intin( on me, (i'!5"
M%((ie ('%bbed he' %'m, %nd it $% % me%u'e o+ /o%nn%" $e%*ne th%t he didn"t t', to h%*e he' o++& "It" not t'ue," he
$hi.e'ed, (%4in( %t Co!e" mothe' $ith $ide, %ccuin( e,e& "I didn"t 0 I $ou!dn"t 0 I ne)e' !e.t $ith N%th%n& ;ou h%)e to be!ie)e me,
I")e ne)e' !e.t $ith %n, m%n but Co!e&"
M%((ie bund!ed he' %ide, %nd $'enched o.en the c%' doo'& "Don"t m%tte' none no$," he dec!%'ed, hut!in( he' into the
t%tion $%(on, %nd /o%nn% 'e%!ied th%t Co!e" mothe' didn"t be!ie)e it he'e!+& She h%d .'ob%b!, ne)e' be!ie)ed it& But it $% % $%, to
.oion Co!e" mind %(%int he', %nd he ued it& A he $ou!d h%)e ued %n,thin( to det'o, thei' m%''i%(e, %nd e)e',thin( it
'e.'eented&&
CHAP<ER 8OURTEEN
Which $% $h, he +e!t no $i!! to (et out o+ bed thee mo'nin(, /o%nn% 'e+!ected, (!%ncin( %t the c!oc* $ithout inte'et&
Since he (ot b%c* to London, he h%d h%d no enthui%m +o' %n,thin(, %nd he' .%'ent $e'en"t the on!, one $ho $e'e %n-iou %bout
he'& 9'%ce $% $o''ied, too, .%'ticu!%'!, % /o%nn% 'e+ued to t%!* %bout $h%t h%d h%..ened %t Tide$%te'& 8o' the +i't time ince the,
h%d become +'iend, the'e $% % b%''ie' bet$een them, %nd no %mount o+ c%6o!in( on 9'%ce" .%'t cou!d b'e%* th'ou(h the he!! he"d
e'ected&
It $%n"t th%t he b!%med the othe' $om%n +o' $h%t h%d h%..ened& He%)en, 9'%ce h%d $%'ned he' %bout (oin( the'e, e)en
i+ he h%d +e!t ome com.%ion +o' Co!e" +%the'& But /o%nn% im.!, didn"t h%)e the he%'t to te!! he' $h%t h%d h%..ened % he $%
!e%)in(& Th%t $% im.!, too .%in+u! to con+ide to %n,one&
And he +e!t uch % +oo!, too& A!! thee ,e%', he h%d b!%med Co!e +o' uin( hi b'othe' % % c%.e(o%t& She h%d thou(ht
Co!e $%nted % di)o'ce, %nd th%t he h%d ued he' +'iendhi. $ith N%th%n to %chie)e hi o$n end& She h%d ne)e' d'e%mt hi mothe'
mi(ht h%)e been !,in( to him behind he' b%c*& No $onde' he h%d 'e%cted o )io!ent!,, $hen he +ound N%th%n %t the c!inic&
And the t'oub!e $%, i+ he .e'mitted thou(ht !i*e th%t to (e'min%te, it .ut in doubt the $ho!e 1uetion o+ $h, thei'
m%''i%(e h%d +%i!ed& Who *ne$ ho$ !on( Co!e h%d been +ed thoe !ie7 Thei' 'e!%tionhi. h%d been in /eo.%'d, e)e' ince he (ot b%c*
+'om South Ame'ic%& Mi(ht he ne)e' h%)e (ot in)o!)ed $ith S%mm,0/e%n, i+ he h%dn"t thou(ht he $% h%)in( %n %++%i'7
It $% thou(ht !i*e thee th%t he h%d to *ee. %t b%,&
And he cou!dn"t do th%t i+ he .o*e o+ them to 9'%ce&
It h%d been h%'d enou(h 'emembe'in( $h%t Co!e h%d %id to hi +%the' the ni(ht N%th%n died, %nd 'e%!iin( ho$ e%, it h%d
been +o' he' to miinte'.'et hi %ction %+te'$%'d& But, i+ he e)e' %!!o$ed M%((ie" m%!iciou $o'd to me%n %n,thin( to he', he
mi(ht t'u!, !oe the $i!! to !i)e %!to(ethe'&
The .hone t%'ted to 'in( %(%in, %nd /o%nn% .u!!ed % .i!!o$ o)e' he' he%d to d'o$n out the ound& But it didn"t (o %$%,, not
e)en $hen he 'e%ched out %nd n%tched the 'ecei)e' o++ it hoo*, %nd bu'ied it bene%th the bedco)e'& The int'ui)e, .e'itent ound
$ent on %nd on, %nd he 'e%!ied it $% the )iito'" inte'com +'om do$nt%i'&
She contem.!%ted not %n$e'in( it, but 9'%ce $ou!d *no$ he $% he'e& He' cu't%in $e'e ti!! d'%$n, +o' he%)en" %*e&
She $ihed no$ he h%d (ot u. e%'!ie' %nd d'%$n b%c* the cu't%in, o th%t he cou!d %t !e%t h%)e .'etended to be out& But, e)en o,
9'%ce $% un!i*e!, to be!ie)e it& Not ince he h%d 'e+ued to %ttend he' o$n +i't e-hibition&
Puhin( he'e!+ u., he !id he' !e( o)e' the ide o+ the bed& But, % he .%dded $e%'i!, to$%'d the doo', % $%)e o+
n%ue% hit he'& It $% o une-.ected th%t he h%'d!, h%d the time to tu'n %nd d%h +o' the b%th'oom, be+o'e he $% udden!, %nd
@<
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
)io!ent!, ic*&
8o' % +e$ moment, the initent bu44in( +'om do$nt%i' $% d'o$ned out b, the he%), thum.in( o+ he' he%'t& She !e%ned
o)e' the b%in, +ee!in( he' tom%ch chu'nin(, %nd t'emb!in( !i*e % 6e!!,& 8o' 9od" %*e, he thou(ht $e%*!,, $h%te)e' h%d he e%ten"7
She cou!dn"t be!ie)e the tin o+ ou. he h%d h%d +o' u..e' the ni(ht be+o'e $% 'e.onib!e +o' he' +ee!in( o i!!&
But, to he' 'e!ie+, the n%ue% ubided % 1uic*!, % it h%d %..e%'ed& B, the time he h%d $i.ed he' +%ce on % to$e!, %nd
e-%mined he' .%!e +e%tu'e in the mi''o', he $% +ee!in( %!mot no'm%!& And the bu44in( h%d to..ed, he noted ('%te+u!!,& Oh, $e!!,
i+ it $% 9'%ce, undoubted!, he $ou!d come b%c*&
Then, % he tu'ned on the t%. in the ho$e', % h%tte'in( thou(ht occu''ed to he'& It $% e-%ct!, i- $ee* ince he h%d
!e+t Tide$%te'& Si- $ee*, %nd he h%dn"t h%d % .e'iod in %!! th%t time5
Tu'nin( o++ the t%. %(%in, %nd $ith 'em%'*%b!e c%!mne, he .%dded b%c* into the bed'oom %nd .u!!ed he' di%', out o+
the bedide d'%$e'& She didn"t *ee. % di%',, e-ce.t % % *ind o+ c%!end%', %nd he 'i++!ed th'ou(h the .%(e, !oo*in( +o' the d%te in
1uetion&
A +e$ moment !%te', he d'o..ed the di%', b%c* into the d'%$e', %nd %n* do$n $e%*!, on to the ide o+ the bed& She $%
'i(ht, he %c*no$!ed(ed, e)en thou(h the $'itten .'oo+ h%d been incident%!& He' bod, c!oc* $% %!'e%d, te!!in( he' %!! he needed to
*no$& She h%d %ctu%!!, mied he' econd .e'iod, %nd un!e the'e $% omethin( '%dic%!!, $'on( $ith he' met%bo!im0$hich he
doubted0the'e $% e)e', .oibi!it, th%t he $% .'e(n%nt&
He' b'e%th ec%.ed on % $i., i(h& "P'e(n%nt5" She %id it out !oud, % i+ he needed to he%' the $o'd to be!ie)e it& She $%
(oin( to h%)e % b%b,& A+te' %!! thoe b%''en month, $hen he h%d be(un to be!ie)e he mi(ht ne)e' (et .'e(n%nt, the im.oib!e h%d
h%..ened& Co!e" b%b, $% %!'e%d, ('o$in( inide he'&
Then he t'ied to be '%tion%!& She didn"t *no$ th%t +o' u'e, he to!d he'e!+ +i'm!,& Accident h%..ened& She mi(ht 6ut be
(oin( th'ou(h ome bio!o(ic%! u.he%)%!& It $% e)en .oib!e th%t he' emotion%! t%te mi(ht h%)e omethin( to do $ith it&
But, dee. inide he', he didn"t 'e%!!, be!ie)e th%t& A he '%n % tent%ti)e h%nd o)e' he' ti!! +!%t tom%ch, he +e!t % ('o$in(
con)iction th%t the b%b, $% 'e%!& She $%n"t in)entin( the $%, he +e!t# he h%dn"t im%(ined he' ic*ne& Th%t mo'nin(, on the be%ch
%t Tide$%te', Co!e h%d (i)en he' mo'e th%n he cou!d e)e' h%)e im%(ined&
Co!e &&
She !ic*ed he' d', !i.& Wh%t $% he (oin( to do %bout Co!e"7 W% he (oin( to te!! him, %nd 'un the 'i* o+ hi mothe'
t',in( to t%*e the b%b, %$%, +'om he'7 But ho$ cou!d he *ee. it +'om him7 Oh, 9od5 The chi!d $% hi, too&
And then the doo'be!! '%n(& He' doo'be!! thi time&
Not the bu44e' +'om do$nt%i'& E)ident!, 9'%ce h%d b!u++ed he' $%, into the bui!din(& But ho$ cou!d he t%!* to he' no$,
$hen he needed time to conide' $h%t he $% (oin( to do7
O+ cou'e, he didn"t h%)e to te!! 9'%ce, he %c*no$!ed(ed, (ettin( u. +'om the bed %(%in, %nd o.enin( the bed'oom doo'&
She c'oed the h%!! into the !i)in(0'oom, % the doo'be!! '%n( once mo'e, %nd he ('im%ced& It $%n"t !i*e 9'%ce to be o im.%tient&
She mut be 'e%!!, $o''ied thi time&
But %n inn%te c%ution, bo'n o+ thee ,e%' o+ !i)in( %!one, to..ed he' +'om %ctu%!!, o.enin( the doo' 'i(ht %$%,& It $%
%!$%, .oib!e th%t omeone e!e *ne$ he !i)ed %!one, %nd he h%d no dei'e to become %nothe' t%titic on London" !it o+ c'ime
%(%int $omen in thei' o$n home&
"9'%ce7" he c%!!ed, he' h%nd on the de%d!oc*, 'e%d, to 'e!e%e the !%tch&
"No& It" Co!e," dec!%'ed % !o$ %tt'%cti)e m%!e )oice th%t he h%d ne)e' e-.ected to he%' %(%in& "Come on, /o& O.en u.5 I $%
be(innin( to thin* Aunt 9'%ce mut be $'on(, %nd ,ou $e'en"t home&"
/o%nn% !um.ed %(%int the .%ne!, he' +in(e' +%!!in( ne')e!e!, +'om the bo!t& "Co!e," he b'e%thed dibe!ie)in(!,& De%'
9od, h%d he con6u'ed him u. out o+ the %i'7 And $h%t $% he doin( he'e in London7 He cou!dn"t *no$ %bout the b%b,& She"d on!,
6ut dico)e'ed th%t he'e!+5
"/o, come on&" Hi )oice ounded % !itt!e te'e no$, % i+ he $% %+'%id he $%n"t (oin( to %n$e', %nd he $% uin(
im.%tience to hide hi unce't%int,& "I"m not (oin( %$%, unti! I t%!* to ,ou&"
/o%nn% too* % te%d,in( b'e%th %nd t'%i(htened he' .ine& "Wh%t %bout7" he %*ed, he' )oice % thin %nd 'eed, % he'
t'etched ne')e, %nd, %!thou(h it $% b%'e!, %udib!e, he he%'d the mu++!ed o%th he utte'ed&
"Let me in %nd I"!! te!! ,ou," he t%ted %t !%t& "P!e%e, /o& It" im.o't%nt& I h%)en"t +!o$n %!! thi $%, 6ut to hout %t ,ou
th'ou(h the *e,ho!e&"
/o%nn% (%)e % he!.!e h'u(, %nd !oo*ed do$n %t he' c'um.!ed ni(hthi't& "I0I"m not d'eed," he %id, uin( the on!,
e-cue he cou!d thin* o+& But it $% % )%!id one, he thou(ht 'ue+u!!,& She $ou!dn"t $%nt %n,one to ee he' in thi t%te, !e%t o+ %!!
him&
"9od, /o, I don"t c%'e i+ ,ou"'e t%'* n%*ed," he ('%ted, %nd he he%'d hi +it thud %(%int the doo' in +'ut'%tion& "Thi in"t %
oci%! )iit& I need to t%!* to ,ou& No$, c%n ,ou cut the $%++!e, %nd o.en thi d%mn doo'7"
/o%nn%" mouth $ent d',& "I c%n"t& I"m % me0"
"I")e to!d ,ou, I don"t c%'e $h%t ,ou !oo* !i*e&"
"No, but0"
"/o5"
Hi ue o+ he' n%me $% de.e'%te, %nd, 'e%!iin( it mut be omethin( .'ett, e'iou to b'in( him %!! thi $%,, /o%nn% (%)e
in& But he ti!! didn"t un!oc* the doo'& "Loo*," he c%!!ed, "(i)e me % +e$ minute, $i!! ,ou7 I0I"!! .ut omethin( on& Ho!d on&"
Co!e %id omethin( e!e, omethin( not )e', com.!iment%',, he (ueed, but he cou!dn"t he!. it& He $ou!d h%)e to $%it
unti! he h%d h%d % $%h, %nd ch%n(ed into omethin( decent& He' .'ide $ou!dn"t !et he' +%ce him !oo*in( uch % h%(&
Ten minute !%te', $ith he' +%ce $%hed %nd he' teeth C!e%ned, %nd % de!ibe'%te!, choen (eo'(ette tunic, in % becomin(
h%de o+ %.'icot, (i)in( $%'mth to he' .%!e +e%tu'e, /o%nn% o.ened the doo'& He' h%i' $% !ooe, % du*, +%!! o+ i!* th%t $un(
%(%int he' chee* % he te..ed b%c* to !et him in&
She thou(ht, be!%ted!,, th%t he hou!d h%)e $o'n Somethin( on he' +eet& In the o'din%', $%,, Co!e to$e'ed %bo)e he'&
When he $% in he' b%'e +eet, he $% % +o'ce to be 'ec*oned $ith&
And he' intincti)e 'ecoi! $hen he te..ed into the %.%'tment $% % much % 'e%ction to the th'e%t he 'e.'eented % oci%!
.o!itene& She didn"t $%nt him the'e, not no$, not $hi!e he $% ti!! t',in( to come to te'm $ith he' condition& 9od, he h%dn"t e)en
decided $h%t he $% (oin( to do %bout the b%b,& And he ce't%in!, $%n"t 'e%d, to (i)e him th%t %d)%nt%(e&
E)en o, % he te..ed +o'$%'d %nd too* ho!d o+ the doo' to c!oe it behind hi b%c*, he h%d % moment to tud, hi t%ut
@=
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
+e%tu'e& He' initi%! thou(ht th%t he h%dn"t ch%n(ed h%d to be !i(ht!, 'e)ied& He h%d ch%n(ed& He !oo*ed o!de' +o' one thin(& And
thinne', too, i+ he $%n"t mit%*en& E)ident!, hi +%the'" de%th0+o' u'e!, R,%n $% de%d no$, %nd th%t $% $h, he $% he'e h%d hit
him '%the' h%'de' th%n he h%d im%(ined& She ho.ed he $%n"t b!%min( hime!+ +o' $h%t h%d h%..ened& She ho.ed he h%d m%de hi
.e%ce $ith hi +%the', ho$e)e' .%in+u! th%t h%d .'o)ed to be&
She too* % ne')ou b'e%th& It $% t'%n(e eein( Co!e in % uit, +o' once& It m%de him !oo* mo'e e'iou, mo'e e)e'e& The
d%'* ('e, +%b'ic th'e$ the !i(htne o+ hi h%i' into .'ominence, h%do$in( hi chee*bone, %nd %ccentu%tin( the thin !ine o+ hi
mouth& And it %!o e')ed to m%*e him !oo* mo'e 'emote, %nd mo'e un%..'o%ch%b!e& Thi $% not the m%n $ho h%d m%de uch
de.e'%te !o)e to he' on the be%ch& Thi $% ti!! the t'%n(e' $ho h%d +%ced he' in hi +%the'" tud,&
But he h%dn"t !oo*ed into hi e,e, %nd, $hen he did o, he' inte'.'et%tion h%d to be 'e)ied once %(%in& The'e $% %n
une%, tenion in hi (%4e, %nd '%$ de.e'%tion& No, not the un+ee!in( t'%n(e', he thou(ht unte%di!,, but .e'h%. %n %..'o-im%tion&
Ne)e'the!e, hi .'eence ditu'bed he'& No m%tte' ho$ he t'ied to '%tion%!ie he' +ee!in(, 6ut !oo*in( %t him (%)e he' %
hi)e', +ee!in( in the .it o+ he' tom%ch& She ho.ed it $%n"t .h,ic%! She ho.ed he $%n"t (oin( to th'o$ u. %(%in $hi!e he $%
he'e& It $ou!d be too emb%''%in( i+ he h%d to (o d%hin( into the b%th'oom&
And, $hi!e he"d ne)e' (ue the 'e%! 'e%on, he mi(ht (et the $'on( im.'eion&
The i!ence $% unne')in(, %nd /o%nn% $% too emotion%! to co.e $ith it 'i(ht no$& "I0ho$ %'e ,ou7" he %id, 'e%!iin(
ho$ in%ne th%t ounded %+te' e)e',thin( th%t h%d (one be+o'e, but inc%.%b!e o+ thin*in( o+ %n %!te'n%ti)e& "I0I ne)e' e-.ected0"
"9'%ce %id ,ou"d been i!!," he inte''u.ted he' %b'u.t!,, mo)in( %$%, +'om the doo', o th%t /o%nn% +e!t ob!i(ed to b%c*
+u'the' into the 'oom&
She $%!!o$ed& "i!!7" he %id +%int!,& W% th%t $h, he $% he'e7 Bec%ue 9'%ce h%d ent +o' him7 "I0I"m +ine, 'e%!!,& I don"t
*no$ $h%t0$h%t (%)e he' th%t o.inion&" &
Co!e +'o$ned& "She %id ,ou"'e not $o'*in(&"
"Oh, th%t5" /o%nn% m%n%(ed to (i)e % ho't !%u(h& "No0$e!!, I"m not& But I don"t thin* th%t" %n, conce'n o+ ,ou'&"
Co!e" 6%$ ti(htened& "Ne)e'the!e, I %m conce'ned0"
"We!!, don"t be&" /o%nn% didn"t thin* he cou!d t%nd thi ti!ted con)e'%tion one minute !on(e'& "I+ 9'%ce h% t%*en it u.on
he'e!+ to cont%ct ,ou %nd b!%me ,ou, bec%ue I"m bein( !%4,, then I"m o'',& ;ou")e h%d % $%ted 6ou'ne,& I0I"!! $o'* %(%in, $hen I
+ee! !i*e it&"
"She %, ,ou didn"t e)en %ttend ,ou' o$n e-hibition&"
"So $h%t7" /o%nn% $% be(innin( to 'eent him %nd 9'%ce +o' .uttin( he' in thi .oition& It $% b%d enou(h +ee!in( % i+ he'
!i+e h%d !ot %!! me%nin(& The !%t thin( he needed $% Co!e comin( he'e to o++e' he' ome (ui!t, cono!%tion&
"So0he" $o''ied %bout ,ou," he %id ho't!,, but he h%d the +ee!in( th%t 9'%ce" emotion $e'en"t the Who!e 'e%on he h%d
come& "9od, /o, do ,ou h%)e to m%*e thi o b!ood, h%'d7 I 'e%!!, ho.ed ,ou mi(ht be (!%d to ee me&"
/o%nn% tened& "I th%t $h%t 9'%ce %id7"
"To he!! $ith 9'%ce5" 'eto'ted Co!e %)%(e!,& "I th%t the on!, 'e%on ,ou c%n thin* o+ $h, I mi(ht be he'e7"
Com.'ehenion d%$ned& With %n e++o't, /o%nn% 'emembe'ed $h%t he h%d thou(ht $hen he +i't c%me into the %.%'tment&
O+ cou'e& He mut h%)e come to te!! 9'%ce hi +%the' $% de%d& It $% the *ind o+ thin( he $ou!d do& So much mo'e ci)i!i4ed th%n
.uttin( it in % !ette'&
No$ he hoo* he' he%d& "I"m o'',&"
Co!e c!oed hi e,e +o' % moment, %nd then o.ened them %(%in& "Wh%t %'e ,ou o'', +o' no$7 Not m, $%ted 6ou'ne,
%(%in, I ho.e&"
"No&" /o%nn% (%)e % he!.!e (etu'e& "A0%bout ,ou' +%the'& I0I mi(ht not h%)e !i*ed him, but I didn"t $ih him0"
"De%d7" Co!e cut in h%'h!,, %nd he nodded& "We!!, I"m %+'%id ,ou' condo!ence %'e 6ut % t%d .'em%tu'e&" /o%nn% t%'ed %t
him& ";ou me%n07"
"I me%n m, +%the' i ti!! )e', much %!i)e&" Co!e !ooened the button o+ hi co!!%' %nd d'%((ed hi tie % cou.!e o+ inche
%$%, +'om hi nec*, % i+ he $% +ee!in( the he%t& "He" e)en 'eco)e'ed hi .o$e' o+ .eech, %!thou(h he in"t %!$%, inte!!i(ib!e& It
'%tt!e him !i*e he!!, but he m%*e hime!+ unde'tood, one $%, o' the othe'&"
/o%nn% $% %tounded& "9'%ce ne)e' to!d me&"
"9'%ce didn"t *no$&" Co!e .%ued& "Not unti! %n hou' %(o, %n,$%,& I (%the' ,ou didn"t te!! he' %bout hi t'o*e&"
"No&" /o%nn% $% be(innin( to +ee! une%,, %nd he (!%nced behind he', % i+ he $% (ettin( bo'ed $ith the con)e'%tion& "I0
I h%)en"t t%!*ed to 9'%ce much ince I (ot b%c*& I0 I0 I")e been && &"
"Too bu,7" u((eted Co!e %'donic%!!,, %nd /o%nn% +e!t the $%'m co!ou' in)%de he' th'o%t&
"Not0e-%ct!,," he %id, ho!din( u. he' he%d& "I0do h%)e % !i+e outide o+ .%intin(&"
"Do ,ou7"
Co!e" tone $% )%(ue!, %ccuin(, %nd /o%nn% $onde'ed $h%t he h%d e-.ected he' to %,& 8o' he%)en" %*e, he *ne$,
bette' th%n %n,one, ho$ he h%d +e!t $hen he !e+t Tide$%te'& It $%n"t % i+ he h%dn"t *no$n he $% !e%)in(& Didn"t he 'emembe' hi
chi!!in( 'ebutt%!7
T%*in( % dee. b'e%th, he decided thi one0ided %tt%c* h%d (one on !on( enou(h& "Wh, h%)e ,ou come he'e, Co!e7" he
%*ed& "I"m u'e it $%n"t to in+o'm me th%t ,ou' +%the' i b%c* %t Tide$%te'0"
"He" not&" Co!e b'o*e into he' $o'd $ith % $i+t deni%!&
/o%nn% +'o$ned& "He" not $h%t7"
"B%c* %t Tide$%te'&" He .%ued& "I %id he $%n"t de%d& I didn"t %, he $% b%c* home&"
"Doe it m%tte'7" /o%nn% +e!t tot%!!, indi++e'ent to hi t%tement& "A I %,, I don"t be!ie)e ,ou' +%the'"0.%'ti%! 'eco)e', $%
$h, ,ou c%me to ee me&"
"It $%n"t&" Co!e too* % te. +o'$%'d, %nd /o%nn% +e!t une%, %(%in& She $%n"t 'e%d, +o' thi, he thou(ht unte%di!,,
$ihin( 9'%ce h%d $%'ned he' th%t he $% comin(& But .e'h%. he h%d& She 'emembe'ed thoe un%n$e'ed .hone c%!! $ith % bitte'
ene o+ 'e('et& "I c%me bec%ue I thou(ht $e needed to t%!*&"
"Wh%t %bout7"
"Ho$ %bout0u7" )entu'ed Co!e, $ith coo! %ud%cit,& "Li*e m%,be $e"'e not +inihed ,et& De.ite %!! the i(n to the
cont'%',&"
/o%nn%" %'m +!%i!ed& "9'%ce did end ,ou he'e, didn"t he7" he e-c!%imed& "Oh, I $ih he"d0"
"9'%ce didn"t e)en *no$ I $% comin( to London," Co!e 'eto'ted, ('%.in( % .'otetin( %'m, %nd 'e+uin( to !et (o& "Liten
@?
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
to me, /o, I"m the !%t .e'on Aunt 9'%ce $ou!d chooe to (et in touch $ith& I+ he" $o''ied %bout ,ou0%nd he i0he $ou!dn"t end
+o' the m%n $ho he be!ie)e i to b!%me +o' it %!!5"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him indi(n%nt!,, but hi $o'd did h%)e ome me'it& 9'%ce mi(ht !o)e Co!e % % ne.he$, but he h%d
%!$%, been $%', o+ him % /o%nn%" hub%nd& And, *no$in( $h%t h%d h%..ened in the .%t, he $% h%'d!, !i*e!, to %..e%! to him
no$&
Hi h%'d +in(e' $e'e be(innin( to bite into the o+t +!eh o+ he' u..e' %'m, %nd, % i+ becomin( %$%'e o+ it, Co!e utte'ed %n
o%th %nd 'e!e%ed he'& But he didn"t mo)e %$%,& He t%,ed $he'e he $%& And he $% ti!! o)e'$he!min(!, %$%'e o+ him, %nd the
th'e%t he 'e.'eented&
"Loo*# he %id, %nd $hen he .o*e %(%in the hu*, timb'e o+ hi )oice c'%.ed initent!, %c'o he' ne')e& "I didn"t come
he'e to %'(ue $ith ,ou& 9od *no$, $e")e done enou(h o+ th%t in the .%t&"
"I u..oe th%t" m, +%u!t5"
/o%nn%" 'e.one $% $i+t %nd indi(n%nt, but it $% % much % .'otet %(%int the un$i!!in( %$%'ene he $% %'ouin( %
% de+eni)e .!o,& It $% h%'d to 'em%in det%ched, $hen hi $%'m b'e%th $% $%+tin( o)e' he' +o'ehe%d, %nd the m%!e cent o+ hi
$e%t $% +i!!in( he' noe&
"No# Co!e 'eto'ted no$& "It" mine&" And he $% ti!! t',in( to %bo'b thi $hen he %dded, $ith bitte' e!+0'ec'imin%tion, "I
hou!dn"t h%)e be!ie)ed m, mothe'" !ie, but, $hen ,ou"'e in !o)e $ith omeone, ,ou"'e )u!ne'%b!e5 :
/o%nn%" *nee $ent $e%*& "I0be( ,ou' .%'don7" he $hi.e'ed, ('o.in( behind he' +o' the b%c* o+ % ch%i', %n,thin( th%t
cou!d (i)e he' ome u..o't& And Co!e mo)ed % !itt!e ne%'e'&
"I %id, I $%0I ti!! %m0in !o)e $ith ,ou& Wh, did ,ou thin* m, +%the' %nd I $e'e et'%n(ed7 He *ne$ d%mn $e!! the'e $%
on!, e)e' (oin( to be one $om%n in m, !i+e& And he"d d'i)en ,ou %$%,& He %nd m, mothe' bet$een them&" Hi b!ue e,e d%'*ened
$ith emotion, % he %dded, "Th%t" $h, I"m he'e, /o& Th%t" the on!, 'e%on& I *ne$ I h%d to t', %nd m%*e ,ou be!ie)e it&"
/o%nn% h%d ne)e' +%inted in he' !i+e, but +o' once he +e!t ne%' to it& Co!e" +%ce $% $%)e'in( be+o'e he' e,e %nd he $%
+%i'!, u'e he mut h%)e im%(ined $h%t he thou(ht he 6ut %id& W% thi $h%t !oin( concioune +e!t !i*e7 he $onde'ed,
un%$%'e o+ 6ut ho$ .%!e he"d become&
"I0don"t +ee! )e', $e!!," he %id, +ee!in( +oo!ih, %nd Co!e" e6%cu!%tion $% h%'h %nd e!+0de'ii)e&
"9od d%mn it," he mutte'ed, %b%ndonin( %n, !in(e'in( h'ed o+ e!+0cont'o!, %nd $in(in( he' u. into hi %'m& "I %!$%,
$% % t%ct!e b%t%'d& I"m o'',& I"d +o'(otten 9'%ce to!d me ,ou $e'e ic*&"
"I"m not ic*," %'(ued /o%nn% +%int!,, % Co!e c%''ied he' %c'o to he' ettee, %nd de.oited he' on it& "Re%!!,, I"m not& I0
(ue it" 6ut the he%t&"
"O' $h%t I %id," %id Co!e ('im!,, d'o..in( hi 6%c*et on to % ch%i', %nd .e'chin( on the ed(e o+ the o+% beide he'& He
tu((ed o++ hi tie, %nd ent it cu'!in( on to the +!oo'& "I didn"t intend to b!u't it out !i*e th%t, but, he!!, I h%d to (et ,ou' %ttention5"
/o%nn% +e!t bette' no$ th%t he $% o++ he' h%*, !e(, but the h%'d t'en(th o+ the thi(h beide he' hi. $% ti!! d%untin(&
And no$ th%t he $% $ithout hi 6%c*et he cou!d ee the h%do$ o+ b'o$n *in bene%th hi c'e%m i!* hi't, %nd (!im.e the un0
b!e%ched h%i' th%t %''o$ed do$n hi chet&
"It doen"t m%tte'," he %id, $ihin( he d%'ed %* him to 'e.e%t $h%t he h%d b!u'ted out& "Um0do ,ou thin* I cou!d h%)e %
d'in* o+ $%te'7" he %dded, de.e'%te to +ind ome $%, o+ (ettin( % !itt!e b'e%thin( .%ce& "I h%)en"t h%d %n,thin( to e%t thi mo'nin(,
%nd I %m +ee!in( % bit em.t,&"
";ou h%)en"t h%d b'e%*+%t7" Co!e (ot to hi +eet %nd to$e'ed o)e' he', %nd no$ he' e,e $e'e i''eitib!, d'%$n to the
n%''o$ cut o+ hi t'oue'& W% it he' im%(in%tion, o' $e'e the, ti(hte' th%n the, hou!d h%)e been %c'o hi hi.7 De%' 9od, he
thou(ht unte%di!,, he $% '%.id!, !oin( cont'o!&
Sh%*in( he' he%d in %n$e' to hi 1uetion, he $% unutte'%b!, 'e!ie)ed $hen he t'ode %$%, into the *itchen& In the +e$
moment it $ou!d t%*e him to +ind % (!%, %nd 'un the t%., he h%d to c%!m he'e!+& And the'e $% no $%, he cou!d do th%t i+ he
thou(ht %bout $h%t he"d %id&
The ene o+ un'e%!it, h%d .%ed b, the time Co!e c%me b%c*, c%'',in( % t'%,& But it mut h%)e t%*en !on(e' th%n he"d
thou(ht, he 'e+!ected 'ue+u!!,, +o' he"d t%*en the time to +i!te' ome co++ee %nd m%*e ome to%t& O+ cou'e, he *ne$ hi $%, %'ound
he' *itchen, he conceded& He h%d !i)ed he'e +o' e)e'%! $ee* be+o'e thei' $eddin(& Oh, thoe b!i+u! d%,, he 'emembe'ed $it0
+u!!,& Be+o'e the coi! o+ Tide$%te' h%d t'%n(!ed thei' 'e!%tionhi.&
Co!e hoo*ed % !o$ co++ee t%b!e $ith hi +oot, %nd et the t'%, do$n beide the o+%& Then, to he' conte'n%tion, he 'eumed
hi e%'!ie' .oition beide he'& "Co++ee, %nd to%t," he %id unnece%'i!,, hi e,e ditu'bin(!, $%'m %nd intent& "C%n ,ou it u.7"
"I"m not %n in)%!id," %id /o%nn%, he' )oice h%'.e' th%n it mi(ht h%)e been bec%ue he $% ne')ou, %nd Co!e inc!ined hi
he%d&
"I+ ,ou %, o," he %!!o$ed, 'e.ectin( he' ob)iou $ih to be inde.endent& He !et he' hu++!e into % ittin( .oition, %nd
then 'e%ched +o' the 6u( o+ co++ee& "C'e%m, but no u(%'& ;ou ee, I 'emembe'ed th%t, too&"
/o%nn% $%nted to %, omethin( +!i. %nd c%u%!, %n,thin( to di.e! the un$i!!in( intim%c, o+ thei' itu%tion, but the me!!
o+ the co++ee $% tu'nin( he' tom%ch& "I0thin* I"d .'e+e' % (!% o+ $%te', %+te' %!!," he dec!%'ed, t'u((!in( to cont%in he' n%ue%& "I0
e-cue me, +o' % moment& I h%)e to (o to the b%th'oom&"
When he c%me b%c*, the t'%, h%d di%..e%'ed, %nd Co!e $% t%ndin( b, the $indo$, t%'in( out on to the un0b%*ed
('% in the .%'* %c'o the $%,& Hi h%nd $e'e in hi .oc*et, but the'e $% tenion in e)e', muc!e o+ hi t%ut +'%me& But he h%d
e)ident!, he%'d he' behind him, bec%ue he (!%nced o)e' hi hou!de' % he ho)e'ed in the doo'$%,, %nd hi mouth +!%ttened 'ue+u!!,,
% he %id, "I (ue ,ou $%nt me to (o&"
/o%nn%, $ho h%d 6ut .ent the !%t +e$ minute !e%'nin( ho$ %..%!!in( it $% t',in( to be ic* on %n em.t, tom%ch,
heit%ted !on( enou(h +o' him to %ume he did& With % ti(htenin( o+ hi !i., Co!e bent to !i+t hi 6%c*et +'om the ch%i' $he'e he h%d
d'o..ed it e%'!ie', but $hen he tu'ned to$%'d the doo' de.e'%tion m%de he' 'ec*!e&
"I0$h%t ,ou %id," he t%mme'ed, ho.in( he mi(ht b!u++ him into ome *ind o+ con+eion, "did ,ou0did ,ou me%n it7"
Co!e" b'o$ d'e$ to(ethe'& "I")e %id % !ot o+ thin(," he 'e.!ied $e%'i!,& "And I"m not .'oud o+ % !ot o+ them&"
"No&" /o%nn% i(hed, 'e%!iin( he $% not (oin( to (et 'ound it th%t $%,& "/ut no$& When I %*ed ,ou $h, ,ou"d come
he'e& ;ou %id0%t !e%t, I thou(ht ,ou %id0,ou ti!!0!o)ed me000"
"I do&"
The'e $% no mit%*e thi time, %nd /o%nn% c!utched the +'%me o+ the doo' $ith $e%tin( h%nd& But Co!e $%n"t 'uhin(
to$%'d he' $ith dec!%'%tion o+ hi intent& He $% im.!, t%ndin( !oo*in( %t he', $ith % de+inite %i' o+ de+e%t&
@@
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
Wettin( he' d', !i., he t'ied %(%in& "But0$hen I c%me to ee ,ou, the ni(ht be+o'e I !e+t Tide$%te'0"
"I $% % b%t%'d, I *no$&" Co!e !i+ted hi hou!de' in % he%), (etu'e& "I (ue I $% ti!! de.iin( m,e!+ +o' $%ntin( ,ou&
And $hen ,ou %id ,ou $e'e !e%)in(, I t'ied to hu't ,ou % ,ou $e'e hu'tin( me&"
/o%nn% c%u(ht he' b'e%th& ";ou ucceeded&"
";e, I *no$&"
"Then $h,07"
"Wh, did I ch%n(e m, mind7" Co!e" !i. t$ited& "I"d !i*e to %, it $% on!, bec%ue I"d be(un to u.ect th%t the'e h%d been
nothin( (oin( on bet$een ,ou %nd N%th%n&"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him& "The'e $%n"t5"
"No& We!!, % I %,, I h%d be(un to h%)e m, doubt& 9od, I e)en h%d doubt be+o'e ,ou $%!*ed out on ou' m%''i%(e& But
,ou didn"t $%nt to !iten to them then& ;ou $e'e too bu, h%tin( me +o' $h%t h%..ened to N%th%n&"
/o%nn% bent he' he%d& "We %!! m%*e mit%*e& And I didn"t h%te ,ou& I06ut thou(ht I did&"
";e%h, $e!!0,ou $e'e .'ett, d%mn con)incin(&" Co!e" Shou!de' hunched& "And, (od d%mmit, I hou!d h%)e h%d +%ith in
,ou& But $hen ,ou !e+t, I (ue I con)inced m,e!+ th%t ,ou mut be (ui!t,&"
/o%nn% $%!!o$ed& "So $h%t did ch%n(e ,ou' mind7"
"Ben&"
"Ben7"
";e& He he%'d $h%t M% %id to ,ou % ,ou $e'e !e%)in(& Ho$ he"d een ,ou $ith N%th%n, %nd .'e%d thoe !ie %bout
,ou&"
/o%nn% ti++ened& "She ne)e' %id the, $e'e !ie," he t%ted honet!,& "A +%' % I *no$, he be!ie)ed th%t N%th%n %nd I 0 th%t
$e $e'e0" She b'o*e o++ unte%di!,& "I+ Ben to!d ,ou he %dmitted m%*in( the $ho!e thin( u., he $%n"t te!!in( the t'uth eithe'&"
She $%ited then +o' Co!e" e-.'eion to ch%n(e& She h%dn"t 'e%!!, be!ie)ed th%t thei' .'ob!em cou!d be o!)ed o e%i!,,
%nd !e%'nin( $h%t h%d b'ou(ht him he'e on!, 'ein+o'ced th%t +%ct& It h%d been *ind o+ Ben to te!! him, *ind o+ him to !ie, i+ th%t" $h%t
he h%d done& It .'o)ed he h%d %t !e%t one +'iend %t Tide$%te'& At !e%t one membe' o+ Co!e" +%mi!, $%nted to m%*e %mend&
But Co!e" e-.'eion didn"t ch%n(e, e-ce.t .e'h%. to ('o$ % !itt!e (ent!e'& "I *no$ e-%ct!, $h%t he %id," he to!d he'& "Ben
(%)e me it, $o'd +o' $o'd& But $h%t ,ou don"t *no$ i th%t I ne)e' *ne$ unti! then $ho it $% +eedin( me th%t in+o'm%tion& M% didn"t
t%!* to me, /o& She ent me !ette', %non,mou !ette'& The, t%'ted 'i(ht %+te' I (ot b%c* +'om South Ame'ic%& So +%' % I *ne$, M%
didn"t e)en *no$ o+ N%th%n" e-itence&"
/o%nn%" 6%$ %((ed& "But ho$ do ,ou *no$ ,ou' mothe' $% endin( thoe !ette'7"
Co!e" +%ce h%'dened& "I con+'onted he' $ith it %+te' ,ou"d !e+t, %nd he h%d the ne')e to te!! me he"d done it +o' m, o$n
(ood&"
"8o' ,ou' o$n (ood7"
";e& It tu'n out M% *ne$ %!! %bout m, +%the'" in)o!)ement $ith S%'%h, %nd %bout N%th%n, too& But the'e $% nothin( he
cou!d do %bout it, not $ithout incu''in( m, +%the'" $'%th, o he *e.t it %!! bott!ed u. inide he'& Then, $hen ,ou %nd N%th%n (ot to
*no$ one %nothe', he %$ % ch%nce to0to00"
">i!! t$o bi'd $ith one tone," %id /o%nn% h%*i!,& "Oh, 9od, Co!e5 Ho$ cou!d he7 Wh%t h%d N%th%n e)e' done to he'7"
"He e-ited," %id Co!e im.!,&
"I didn"t 'e%!ie ho$ b%d!, it h%d %++ected he' unti! i- $ee* %(o&" /o%nn% +e!t d%4ed& "It" unbe!ie)%b!e&"
"I *no$&"
"Poo' N%th%n&"
";e, .oo' N%th%n&" Co!e" mouth ti(htened& "C%n ,ou e)e' +o'(i)e me7"
"8o'(i)e ,ou7" /o%nn% 'e%!ied he $% 'e.e%tin( hi $o'd, but he cou!dn"t he!. it&
";e, +o'(i)e me," %id Co!e h%'h!,& "I+ I h%dn"t been o 1uic* to be!ie)e the $o't o+ ,ou, none o+ thi need h%)e
h%..ened&"
/o%nn% heit%ted& "And0%nd S%mm,0/e%n7"
"Wh%t %bout S%mm,0/e%n7"
";ou0,ou m%''ied he'&"
";e, I m%''ied he'&" Co!e" hou!de' !um.ed& "And I *no$ th%t condemn me in ,ou' e,e, doen"t it7 But, $hen ,ou
$%!*ed out, th'ee ,e%' %(o, I didn"t c%'e $h%t I did %n, mo'e& It $% $h%t M% $%nted," he %dded bitte'!,& "And, %+te' $h%t P% h%d .ut
he' th'ou(h, I thou(ht he dee')ed % b'e%*&"
/o%nn% t'emb!ed& "Did ,ou !o)e he'7"
"I+ I"d !o)ed S%mm,0/e%n, I"d h%)e m%''ied he' +i)e ,e%' %(o, inte%d o+ ,ou," he 'e.!ied 1uiet!,&
"Oh, Co!e5" /o%nn% mo)ed he' he%d in % he!.!e (etu'e, $ihin( he $ou!d .ut do$n hi 6%c*et %nd do omethin(, inte%d
o+ 6ut t%ndin( the'e, t%'in( %t he'& "So0$h%t %'e ,ou %,in(7"
"I"d h%)e thou(ht th%t $% ob)iou," 'e.!ied Co!e +!%t!,, %nd the'e $% % !oo* o+ $e%', %cce.t%nce in hi e,e& "I $%nted u to
be to(ethe' %(%in& But0I (ue I $%ited too !on( to te!! ,ou&"
CHAPTER 8I8TEEN
Co!e $% tu'nin( %$%, th'e%din( hi +in(e' th'ou(h the t%b o+ hi 6%c*et, 'e%d, to !oo. it o)e' hi hou!de', $hen /o%nn%
c%me to he' ene& Ab%ndonin( the unn%tu'%! det%chment $ith $hich he h%d !itened to hi e-.!%n%tion, he +!e$ %c'o the 'oom,
%nd +!un( he'e!+ into hi %'m& "Wh%t too* ,ou o !on(7" he cho*ed, bu',in( he' hot +%ce %(%int hi chet& "Oh, 9od, Co!e, I")e
mied ,ou o much5"
Hi 'e%ction $e'e !e d'%m%tic th%n he', but +%' mo'e )io!ent& With % ('o%n o+ %n(uih, hi %'m c!oed %bout he', %nd
he +e!t hi muc!e t'emb!in( % he hu((ed he' ti(ht %(%int him&
"I $%nted to come %+te' ,ou 'i(ht %$%,," he to!d he' unte%di!,, hi !i. %(%int he' e%'& "But the'e $e'e thin( to do, thin( I
h%d to ee to& I $%nted ,ou to *no$ $h%t I $% o++e'in(, be+o'e ,ou m%de u. ,ou' mind&"
/o%nn% $ound he' %'m %bout hi nec*& "Nothin(" mo'e im.o't%nt th%n ou' bein( to(ethe'," he $hi.e'ed unte%di!,& "And0
%nd % !on( % ,ou !o)e me, th%t" %!! th%t m%tte'&"
"No&" /o%nn% !oo*ed % !itt!e %n-iou %t hi deni%!, but Co!e .uhed hi +in(e' into the i!*, !en(th o+ he' h%i', %nd he!d he'
+%ce u. to hi& "No, th%t" not %!! th%t m%tte'," he to!d he' hu*i!,& "I thou(ht it $% once& I thou(ht $he'e $e !i)ed $%n"t im.o't%nt& I
$% o e!+ih0o 6e%!ou o+ ,ou' $o'*0I $%nted to %bo'b ,ou into m, !i+e o com.!ete!,, ,ou $ou!dn"t h%)e time +o' %n,thin( e!e&"
@2
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
"Co!e0"
"No, !iten to me," he im.!o'ed he'& "I $% $'on(& I $% $'on( to e-.ect ,ou to !i)e $ith m, +%mi!,, %nd I $% $'on( to t',
%nd to. ,ou +'om continuin( $ith ,ou' c%'ee'&" Hi thumb b'uhed %n e''%nt te%' +'om he' chee*& "Th%t $on"t h%..en %(%in&"
"Oh, Co!e0"
"The'e" mo'e&" He cou!dn"t 'eit b'uhin( he' o+t mouth $ith hi, but $hen he $ou!d h%)e dee.ened the *i he d'e$
b%c*& "I+ ,ou don"t $%nt to (o b%c* to Tide$%te', $e needn"t& I"!! e!! the .!%ce i+ ,ou $%nt, %nd mo)e to En(!%nd& It" u. to ,ou0"
/o%nn% (%.ed& ";ou"d e!! Tide$%te'7 But $h%t %bout ,ou' +%the' %nd mothe'7"
"Since P% h%d hi t'o*e, I")e been (i)en hi .o$e' o+ %tto'ne,& Beide, P% $i!! ne)e' (o b%c* to Tide$%te', he *no$ th%t&
He" been mo)ed to % nu'in( +%ci!it, in Ch%'!eton, $he'e the, c%n monito' hi condition on % d%,0to0d%, b%i& And M%7 We!!, he
%nd S%nd, %nd the t$in %'e t%,in( $ith /oe %nd A!ici% +o' the time bein(& She *ne$ he %nd I cou!dn"t (o on !i)in( in the %me
houe, %nd I (ue, e)entu%!!,, he"!! (et % .!%ce in Be%um%'i&"
/o%nn% t%'ed %t him& "So the'e" no one !i)in( %t the houe7"
"On!, Ben&" Co!e ('im%ced& "And the t%++, o+ cou'e& Not +o'(ettin( Hen',&"
"And0th%t" $h, ,ou $%ited thi !on( be+o'e ,ou c%me to ee me7"
";e&" Co!e !oo*ed 'ue+u!& "I $%nted the'e to be no mo'e miunde't%ndin(& I+0i+ ,ou %('ee to m%'', me %(%in, it"!! be on
,ou' te'm, not mine& I"m not much (ood %t 'e!%tionhi.& I %!$%, c'e$ u.&"
/o%nn%" !i. 1ui)e'ed& "I $ou!dn"t %, th%t&"
"I $ou!d&" Co!e d'e$ he' e)en c!oe', %nd he 'e)e!!ed in the o!id +ee! o+ hi h%'d bod,& "I")e h%d .!ent, o+ time to thin*,
%nd I don"t c%'e %bout %n,thin( o !on( % $e"'e to(ethe'& ;ou"'e %!! th%t m%tte' to me& ;ou %!$%, $e'e# ,ou %!$%, $i!! be&"
Some time !%te', Co!e te..ed into the ho$e' cubic!e beide he', %nd /o%nn% (u!.ed % hi d%m. h%nd cu')ed
.oei)e!, %bout he' thi(h& D'%$in( he' b%c* %(%int hi hi., he too* o)e' the t%* o+ o%.in( he' b'e%t %nd tom%ch, %nd /o%nn%
hi)e'ed uncont'o!!%b!,&
The, h%d 6ut .ent the !%t cou.!e o+ hou' 'ene$in( thei' m%''i%(e )o$ in the mot %ti+,in( $%, .oib!e, %nd it $%
%m%4in( to +ee! the ti''in( he%)ine o+ hi %'ou%! %(%int he' bottom& ";ou"'e in%ti%b!e, do ,ou *no$ th%t7" he $hi.e'ed une)en!,,
% hi h%nd !id do$n bet$een he' !e(, %nd Co!e chuc*!ed % he tu'ned he' to$%'d him&
"On!, $he'e ,ou"'e conce'ned," he %u'ed he' hu*i!,& "Doe it bothe' ,ou7"
"Shou!d it7"
"On!, i+ ,ou"'e thin*in( o+ !e%)in( me %(%in&"
/o%nn%" mi!e $% ('%ti+,in(& "I"m not&"
"Honet!,7"
She $ound he' %'m %'ound hi nec*, %nd !i+ted one !e( to coi! it %bout him& "Wh%t do ,ou thin*7"
Co!e ('o%ned& "I thin* i+ $e don"t (et out o+ he'e .'ett, oon, I"m (oin( to e-.!ode," he mutte'ed thic*!,& "9od, /o, ,ou h%)e
no ide% $h%t ,ou do to me&"
"I h%)e % .'ett, (ood ide%," he (i((!ed o+t!,, % he te..ed out o+ the ho$e' $ith he' in hi %'m, %nd ('%bbed % to$e! on
hi $%, b%c* to the bed'oom& "He,, ,ou +o'(ot to tu'n o++ the t%.&"
"To he!! $ith the t%.," 'eto'ted Co!e te'e!,, %nd he' !%u(hte' died bene%th the hun(', .oeion o+ hi mouth&
It $% hun(e' o+ % di++e'ent *ind th%t e)entu%!!, d'o)e /o%nn% to $'i((!e %$%, +'om Co!e" !ee.in( +o'm, %nd !i. he' %'m
into the !ee)e o+ he' i!* $'%..e'& 8o' the +i't time ince he (ot b%c* to En(!%nd, he +e!t 'e%!!, hun(',, %nd he $% munchin( he'
$%, th'ou(h % dih o+ co'n+!%*e $hen Co!e %..e%'ed in the *itchen doo'$%,& Un!i*e he', he didn"t h%)e % d'ein(0(o$n to $e%', %nd
hi uit t'oue' h%d e)ident!, been .u!!ed on in ome h%te&
"Wh%t" (oin( on7" he %*ed, e,ein( the mi!*, ce'e%!&
"In"t it % !itt!e !%te +o' b'e%*+%t7 I $% (oin( to u((et t%*in( ,ou out +o' !unch&"
"Mmm, th%t ound inte'etin(&" /o%nn% nodded, $%!!o$in( %nothe' mouth+u! o+ the co'n+!%*e& "When I")e +inihed thi I"!!
(et 'e%d,&"
"When ,ou")e +inihed th%t, ,ou $on"t be hun(',," 'eto'ted Co!e d'i!,, 'unnin( %n e-.!o'in( h%nd o)e' the c!oud o+ +ine h%i'
th%t 'ou(hened the b'o$n *in o+ hi chet& "Don"t ,ou h%)e %n,thin( e!e $e cou!d e%t7"
"Not 'e%!!,&" /o%nn% $% 'ue+u!& "I0I h%)en"t +e!t much !i*e e%tin( ince I (ot b%c*&"
Co!e" e,e d%'*ened %t he' $o'd, %nd hi mouth too* on % decided!, enu%! !%nt& "I"m o'',, b%b,," he %id, %nd it too* %!!
/o%nn%" dete'min%tion to to. he' +'om (ettin( u. %nd (oin( to him&
";e0$e!!, $e hou!d t%!*," he %id, .uhin( the %!mot em.t, dih %ide, %nd Co!e +'o$ned&
"I thou(ht $e h%d&"
"Oh0$e!!, ,e& We h%)e, o+ cou'e&" /o%nn% !ic*ed % d'o. o+ mi!* +'om he' !i. in un*no$in( .'o)oc%tion& "But0the'e"
omethin( e!e0"
"I+ it" %bout S%mm,0/e%n0"
"It" not&"
";ou h%)e to unde't%nd, I $% ic* $ith 6e%!ou,0"
"Co!e, it" nothin( to do $ith S%mm,0/e%n&"
"Ch%'!e,, then&" Co!e mo)ed %(it%ted!, %bout the *itchen& "I *no$ $h%t ,ou"'e (oin( to %,, but he" too ,oun( to m%*e
th%t *ind o+ % commitment&"
/o%nn% !oo*ed .u44!ed no$& "Wh%t *ind o+ % commitment7"
"With Bi!!, 8enton& ;ou do *no$ %bout he' %nd Bi!!, 8enton, don"t ,ou7 She %id ,ou did&"
"Oh0" /o%nn% *ne$ % moment" 'emo'e& "She to!d ,ou&"
"No, M% did," %id Co!e +!%t!,& "And, I h%)e to %,, I $% .'ob%b!, mo'e inc!ined to t%*e Ch%'!e," ide, bec%ue o+ $h%t
h%..ened to u&"
"And7" /o%nn% $% ne')ou!, %$%'e th%t he $% .'o!on(in( the moment $hen he $ou!d h%)e to te!! Co!e he' u.icion
%bout the b%b,&
"And I")e %('eed to !et he' (o on eein( him, but he h% to (o to co!!e(e& I don"t $%nt he' doin( %n,thin( he" (oin( to
'e('et !%te'&"
/o%nn% !oo*ed u. %t him& "A ,ou did7"
";e& A I did," %id Co!e 'ou(h!,& "9od, /o%nn%, $h%t i it7 Wh%t" $'on("7 The'e" omethin(, I *no$0" He b'o*e o++& "I")e
@A
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
to!d ,ou0I"!! do %n,thin( ,ou %,&"
"It" not th%t&" /o%nn% heit%ted on!, % moment, %nd then he (ot to he' +eet& "I don"t mind i+ $e !i)e %t Tide$%te'&"
"A'e ,ou u'e7"
";e& I"m u'e&" /o%nn% !in*ed he' h%nd to(ethe'& "In +%ct, I thin* it" on!, 'i(ht th%t ou'0ou' chi!d'en hou!d be b'ou(ht u.
the'e& It" thei' he'it%(e& It" $he'e the, be!on(&"
Co!e" +%ce c!e%'ed& "Chi!d'en," he %id $',!,& ";ou"'e u'e $e"!! h%)e chi!d'en, then7"
/o%nn% nodded& "I"m u'e&"
"We!! && &" Co!e c%me %c'o the 'oom %nd .u!!ed he' into hi %'m " && , 6ut +o' the 'eco'd, $hethe' $e do o' $e don"t, I"d !i*e
to %,, he'e %nd no$, ,ou"!! %!$%, be the mot im.o't%nt thin( in m, !i+e& And0" he too* % b'e%th "0i+ ,ou don"t $%nt % +%mi!,, I c%n
!i)e $ith it&"
/o%nn% ni++ed& ";ou ti!! thin* I $% uin( ome *ind o+ cont'%ce.tion, don"t ,ou7&
"No&" Co!e hoo* hi he%d& "Not %n, mo'e& Not %+te' e)e',thin( th%t" h%..ened& But0m%,be $e $e'en"t me%nt to h%)e %n,
chi!d'en& 9od, $e")e (ot o much5 Wh, hou!d $e be ('eed, %nd $%nt mo'e7"
/o%nn% ni++ed %(%in& "But i+0i+ $e did h%)e % b%b,, ,ou $ou!dn"t ob6ect"7"
"Ob6ect"7" Co!e .u!!ed % !on( +%ce& "Wh, $ou!d I ob6ect7 A!! I"m %,in( i, o !on( % I h%)e ,ou0"
"I thin* I"m .'e(n%nt5"
The $o'd 6ut +!i..ed +'om /o%nn%" ton(ue, but he cou!dn"t t%nd the u.ene %n, !on(e', %nd he $%tched Co!e" +%ce
ch%n(e +'om (ent!e 'e%u'%nce to tunned inc'edu!it,&
"S%,0$h%t7" he (ot out 6e'*i!,, %nd /o%nn% cu..ed hi +%ce bet$een he' h%nd, %nd '%n the .%d o+ he' thumb o)e' hi
'ou(henin( 6%$ !ine&
"I thin* I"m .'e(n%nt," he %id %(%in, t'emb!in( in .ite o+ he'e!+& "I *no$ it" udden, but th%t0th%t" $h, I $% o i!!
e%'!ie'& It" 6ut the uu%! mo'nin( ic*ne& I"m .'ett, u'e I"m 'i(ht&"
Co!e" tunned e-.'eion $% (i)in( $%, to %n-iou conce'n no$& "H%)e0h%)e ,ou een % docto'7" he %*ed, hi !i.
tu'nin( %(%int he' .%!m, %nd he hoo* he' he%d& "I 6ut0'e%!ied m,e!+, thi mo'nin(," he %dmitted une)en!,& "About +i)e minute
be+o'e ,ou '%n( the be!!, to be e-%ct&"
Co!e t%'ed %t he'& "And ,ou !et me0" He b'o*e o++, hi !e%n +%ce 'eddenin(& "9od, /o, ,ou hou!d h%)e to!d me&"
"Wou!d th%t h%)e to..ed ,ou7" he te%ed, 'e%chin( u. to b'uh hi mouth $ith he' ton(ue&
"I0m%,be," he mutte'ed, ti!! not c%.%b!e o+ co.in( $ith the itu%tion& "Oh, /o000"
";ou"'e .!e%ed7"
"I"m .!e%ed&" Co!e hoo* hi he%d& "It mut h%)e been0"
"Th%t mo'nin( on the be%ch," %('eed /o%nn% hu*i!,& "I"m o (!%d I m%de ,ou do it&"
"M%de me7" Co!e ('o%ned& "I don"t *no$ ho$ I *e.t m, h%nd o++ ,ou % !on( % I did& 8'om the minute I $%!*ed %c'o th%t
.%tio in N%%u, I *ne$ I $% !ot&"
"Did ,ou7" /o%nn% $% e%(e' +o' mo'e& "Te!! me&"
"We!! && &" Co!e .%'ted hi !e(, o th%t he cou!d ho!d he' mo'e c!oe!, %(%int him& "I didn"t $%nt to %dmit it, but ,ou mut
h%)e *no$n&"
"No&" /o%nn% hoo* he' he%d no$&
"Not e)en th%t ni(ht, in the b%c* o+ the t%-i7" u((eted Co!e d'i!,& "Come on, /o, ,ou *ne$ $h%t h%..ened the'e& Wh,"d
,ou thin* I $% o b!ood, to ,ou %+te'$%'d7"
/o%nn% dim.!ed& "I thou(ht th%t $% ,ou' uu%! $%, $ith me&"
Co!e !%u(hed too no$, o+t!,, %nd ome$h%t dibe!ie)in(!,& "Oh, /o, do ,ou h%)e %n, ide% ho$ much I !o)e ,ou7"
"About % much % I !o)e ,ou, I u..oe," he $hi.e'ed, but he $ou!dn"t h%)e it&
"At !e%t t$ice % much % th%t," he %u'ed he', bu',in( hi hot +%ce in he' nec*& "And to thin* m, mothe' %!mot det'o,ed
u& I"!! ne)e' +o'(i)e he' +o' th%t&"
/o%nn% hu((ed him c!oe& "I mut %dmit, I b!%med ,ou' +%the'," he %id& "But, % it h%..en, he $% 'e.onib!e +o' b'in(in(
u to(ethe' %(%in, $%n"t he7"
"I doubt i+ th%t $% hi intention," %id Co!e 'ue+u!!,& "Thou(h, $ho *no$7 A+te' he 'e%!ied S%mm,0/e%n %nd I $e'en"t
(oin( to m%*e it, he h%d to %b%ndon hi ide% o+ e-.%ndin( Tide$%te'&"
/o%nn% d'e$ b%c* to !oo* %t him& "I"m o (!%d ,ou %nd S%mm,0/e%n didn"t h%)e % b%b,," he $hi.e'ed, %nd Co!e i(hed&
"Be!ie)e it o' not, but I didn"t !ee. $ith S%mm,0/e%n unti! %+te' ,ou !e+t Tide$%te'& And then0$e!!, I (ue ,ou cou!d %, it
$% % *ind o+ de+ence& When ,ou ued +o' di)o'ce0"
/o%nn% .'e%d he' +in(e' o)e' hi !i.& "It doen"t m%tte'&" She m%n%(ed % mit, mi!e& "But ,ou %'e .!e%ed0%bout the b%b,,
I me%n7"
"A !on( % ,ou %'e," he to!d he' (ent!,& "I me%nt it %bout ,ou' $o'*& I .'omie not to t%nd in ,ou' $%,&"
"He,0" /o%nn% %!!o$ed % hu*, chuc*!e to ec%.e he'& "I"m no ('e%t %'tit, ,ou *no$& I en6o, *etchin( %nd .%intin(& It (i)e
me .!e%u'e& And it" % ('e%t $%, to e%'n % !i)in(& But it" not the mot im.o't%nt thin( in m, !i+e& It ne)e' $%&"
"Ne)e'the!e0"
"Ne)e'the!e, nothin(& The $%, I +ee! 'i(ht no$, I don"t c%'e i+ I ne)e' ee %nothe' .%intb'uh& I"m (oin( to h%)e % b%b,#
,ou' b%b,& He'e& Touch me5 I $%nt u to h%'e e)e', minute o+ thi mi'%c!e5"
It $% %nothe' hot d%, %t Tide$%te', but /o%nn% $% ued to the he%t b, no$& It $% t$o ,e%' ince he %nd Co!e h%d (ot
m%''ied +o' the econd time, %nd he no !on(e' $i!ted e)e', time the tem.e'%tu'e c!imbed into the ninetie %nd %bo)e& Beide, he
$% too bu, to notice $h%t $% (oin( on $ith the $e%the'& She $% e-.ectin( )iito'09'%ce %nd R%, M%'den $e'e comin( to .end
% +e$ d%, o+ thei' be!%ted hone,moon %t Tide$%te'0%nd $ith %n ei(hteen0month0o!d todd!e' unde'+oot, %nd %nothe' b%b, on the $%,,
he h%d +%' too much to thin* %bout&
But he $% !oo*in( +o'$%'d to eein( 9'%ce %(%in&
A!thou(h he' .%'ent h%d come out +o' % )iit the ,e%' be+o'e, %nd he $% %t !%t on .e%*in( te'm $ith he' mothe'0in0
!%$, it $ou!d be nice to ee he' o!d +'iend %nd co!!e%(ue&
She (ueed 9'%ce $ou!d be %(it%tin( %bout the ne$ e'ie o+ .%intin( he $% en(%(ed on, but he' $o'* $% no !on(e'
the .i)ot%! .%'t o+ he' !i+e it h%d once been& Co!e, %nd b%b, N%th%n, h%d +i't c%!! on he' %++ection, %nd he h%d ne)e' +e!t o +u!+i!!ed
in he' !i+e&
@B
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
O+ cou'e, it h%dn"t been o e%, %t +i't& In thoe e%'!, d%,, it h%d been h%'d to come b%c* to Tide$%te' % it mit'e, %nd
e)en h%'de' to +%ce thoe membe' o+ Co!e" +%mi!, $ho h%d done o much to m%*e thei' !i)e into!e'%b!e& &
But time $% %n %m%4in( he%!e', %nd, %!thou(h he %nd hi +%the' h%d ne)e' %ctu%!!, become +'iend, the, h%d %chie)ed %
('ud(in( unde't%ndin( be+o'e R,%n died&
Co!e" mothe' h%d been % di++e'ent to',& M%((ie h%d t%*en % !on( time to %cce.t th%t /o%nn% $% b%c* %t Tide$%te' to t%,&
But the b%b, h%d (one % !on( $%, to$%'d e++ectin( % ch%n(e in he' %ttitude0e)en i+ /o%nn%" %nd Co!e" initence in c%!!in( him
N%th%n h%d c%ued % mino' u.he%)%!&
But th%t $% %!! ome time %(o no$, %nd, %!thou(h /o%nn% *ne$ M%((ie h%d no concience %bout $h%t he h%d done, $hen
it c%me to chooin( bet$een !oin( % on o' (%inin( % d%u(hte'0in0!%$0e)en one he didn"t !i*e0 it $% no contet&
It h%d been % ('e%t th'i!! +o' S%'%h, too, $hen the, n%med the b%b, %+te' he' on& It h%dn"t t%*en /o%nn% !on( to 'e%!ie th%t,
+%' +'om not $%ntin( to ee /o%nn% %(%in, S%'%h $% de.e'%te to t%!* to omeone $ho h%d been on uch c!oe te'm $ith he' on& O+
cou'e, Co!e h%d done $h%t he cou!d to m%*e he' !i+e e%ie', %nd /o%nn% h%dn"t been %t %!! u'.'ied to !e%'n th%t he' hub%nd h%d
he!.ed S%'%h o.en he' (uet houe& He h%d been one o+ he' +i't )iito', in the $ee* be+o'e hi mothe' h%d !e+t Tide$%te' +o' (ood&
8o' the 'et, the t$in h%d ne)e' 'e%!!, been in)o!)ed in thei' .%'ent" %++%i', %nd S%nd, h%d been too ,oun( to unde't%nd&
E)en /oe" $i+e, A!ici%, h%d unbent u++icient!, to o++e' %d)ice %bout +eedin( the b%b,, %nd o on& Bec%ue he' b%b, h%d been bo'n %
+e$ month be+o'e /o%nn%", he tended to .%t'onie he' ,oun(e' ite'0in0!%$&
And /o%nn% !et he'& It $%n"t im.o't%nt, %+te' %!!& So !on( % he h%d Co!e, he $% content& And m%*in( him h%.., $% %!!
he h%d e)e' $%nted %+te' %!!&
Co!e c%me in %t th%t moment, %nd +ound hi $i+e %''%n(in( +!o$e' in the (uet bed'oom& He' +%ce $% +!uhed, d%m.
t'%nd o+ ni(ht0d%'* h%i' $e'e c!in(in( to he' chee*, %nd %!'e%d, the e)idence o+ he' +i)e month o+ .'e(n%nc, $e'e be(innin( to
ho$&
"He,," he %id, .uttin( hi %'m %'ound he' +'om behind, %nd .u!!in( he' b%c* %(%int him, "don"t ,ou (o o)e'doin( it no$&
Thi in"t the +i't time 9'%ce h% )iited Tide$%te', ,ou *no$& Remembe', he ued to !i)e on the .!%nt%tion&"
"I *no$&" /o%nn% h%d 'ene$ed he' %c1u%int%nce $ith 9'%ce" e-0hub%nd %nd he' t$o on oon %+te' he 'etu'ned to
Tide$%te'& "But I $%nt e)e',thin( to !oo* nice& I $%n"t he'e the !%t time he c%me&"
"We!!, I $%nt ,ou to t%*e it e%,," dec!%'ed Co!e, tu'nin( he' 'ound to +%ce him& ";ou hou!d be doin( nothin( mo'e
t'enuou th%n ittin( %t ,ou' e%e!&" Hi h%nd c%'eed the (ent!e mound o+ he' tom%ch& "We don"t $%nt N%th%n" b'othe' o' ite' to
(et u.et, do $e7"
"N%th%n" b'othe' o' ite' i doin( 6ut +ine, th%n* ,ou," 'eto'ted /o%nn%, co)e'in( hi h%nd $ith he' o$n& "So0$h%t %'e ,ou
doin( b%c* %t thi time o+ d%,7 I thou(ht ,ou %nd Ben $e'e (oin( to Ch%'!eton&
"We did& And $e (ot the .on, +o' N%th%n, 6ut % $e .'omied& Do ,ou $%nt to come %nd ee it7 O' h%)en"t ,ou (ot time7"
/o%nn% mi!ed& "I")e %!$%, (ot time +o' ,ou, d%'!in"," he te%ed, %nd $hen Co!e !e%nt +o'$%'d to b'uh he' mouth $ith hi
!i. he de!ibe'%te!, dee.ened the *i& "But0h%)e ,ou (ot time +o' me7" he $hi.e'ed, he' +in(e' mo)in( do$n to hi be!t& "N%th%n"
t%*in( hi n%.& So I")e (ot %!! the time in the $o'!d&"
Co!e ('o%ned, dee. in hi th'o%t& "/o, ho$ did I u')i)e th'ee $ho!e ,e%' $ithout ,ou7"
"I don"t *no$," he 'e.onded hu*i!,& "But % ,ou")e mentioned it, $e do h%)e % !ot o+ time to m%*e u.&&
@C
TIDEWATER SEDUCTION
ANNE MATHER
MILLS AND BOON
@E