The Buccaneer(51)

"A rose is more like it, your beauty is such."

Her compliment caused Catherine to blush.

Seeking chatter and gossip since several patrons had left and calm had descended over the establishment, Bonnie continued. "I've not known the captain to worry over a female eating."

That bit of information sparked Catherine’s interest.

"The captain usually enjoys a woman and then takes himself off, not concerning himself further with her, at least around these parts, that is."

Catherine ached to ask Bonnie if she had learned that from experience, but being a lady she hesitated.

Bonnie smiled pleasantly and cut herself another piece of cheese. "The captain he teases me all the time, but he's never taken me to bed. Not that I wouldn't mind, him being as handsome and strong as he is."

Catherine relaxed listening to Bonnie's easy chatter. She had missed female companionship. The fact that Lucian hadn't bedded Bonnie also proved a relief, though she fought to understand the meaning of that.

Bonnie leaned in closer so the nearby tables couldn't hear. "Tell me; is he as good in bed as the women say he is?"

Lacking experience, Catherine hadn't the slightest notion how to rate him. She decided honesty was best. Before she could answer a sudden idea popped into her head. Instead of the smile that pinched her mouth she wore a frown. "The captain hasn't bedded me."

Bonnie seemed surprised. "He looks as if he aches to devour you."

Catherine continued. "I fear I haven't the skills necessary to please him."

Bonnie laughed and waved the silly remark away. "That's easily remedied."

Her heart jumped with excitement. "How?"

"I can give you some tips that are sure to please the likes of Captain Lucifer."

Elated Catherine smiled. "You don't mind?"

Bonnie shook her head. "Us independent girls need to stick together. If you please the captain, maybe he'll keep you. You're too beautiful and nice to be passed around like a common whore. Me. I pick and choose. I like it better that way."

Catherine liked Bonnie, she spoke from her heart and not many people possessed that quality. "I appreciate your help."

"Let's get busy before he returns. There's a lot to discuss." Bonnie blushed a faint pink. "My favorite is tongues. There's so much pleasure a man and woman can give each other with their tongues."

Catherine refused to display her shock. She kept a straight face and listened. She intended to learn all she could to help her succeed in her charade. Then as soon as she found the documents she planned to escape.

"Let's start from the beginning. When you first have an itch for a man and you want to let him know you need him to scratch it," Bonnie joked.

"I'm listening," Catherine said, pushing her partially eaten stew aside and resting her elbows on the table.

Bonnie leaned in closer and began to whisper.

Catherine soon found her cheeks blushing three shades of red. In only minutes the blush deepened and spread over her entire face. Catherine had had no idea what skills she had been missing.

Thirty minutes later, Bonnie sat back in her chair and smiled. "So how about a test?"

Catherine didn't comprehend. "Test?"

Bonnie nodded. "Your newly acquired skills."

"Here?" Catherine asked incredulously.

"You want to wait for the captain?"

Catherine shook her head. "No, but I really don't know about testing my newfound knowledge on any one but the captain," she lied, intending that all the information she learned would benefit her charade.

"Just a simple test. An innocent smile, a suggestive sway of the hips, a nonchalant lick of your lips, a few little tempts to stir a man."

"I suppose a sampling wouldn't hurt." At least she hoped it wouldn't. It sounded harmless enough.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you," Bonnie said. "If it looks like you're having trouble I'll step in."

Encouraged by her offer of help, Catherine agreed with a reluctant nod. She had her doubts. She had played her part well around Lucian, but a stranger? Revenge blinded the captain's senses, allowing her pretense to succeed. The tavern patrons possessed no blinders. Would they see the truth?

Bonnie cast a studious eye around the tavern. "See a man that strikes your fancy?"

Catherine pondered her choices carefully. None looked appealing. All the men appeared more interested in their food and drink than in women. And none came close to comparing to Lucian in looks, size, or manner. They were all truly a disappointment

"The fare is better at night," Bonnie said, sensing her discouragement. "Why don't you take a walk around the room, sway your hips a few times and lick those lips and we'll see what happens?"