Barbara Faith - Kiss of the dragon (6 page)

Hours passed. Bethany sat up in bed, her back braced against the bulkhead. Too frightened to be seasick, all she could do was hang on and pray that the
Dragon
would weather the storm. By late afternoon she couldn't stand the solitude any longer. She put on a sweater, covered her hair with a scarf, and fought her way to the galley. Lee Tung, his round face wrinkled in a worried frown, short legs hooked around the rungs of a fastened-down chair, looked up. "You hungry, missy?" he asked.

Bethany shook her head. "But I'd like a cup of coffee."

"There is a fresh pot in the oven." Seeing her puzzled frown he said, "It would not stay on top of stove so I put it in the oven."

Bethany braced herself against the wall as she opened the oven door. She looked at the stove, not sure how to light it. With a sigh Lee Tung unwrapped his feet and lunged for the stove. Quickly he lit it, then angled back to his chair.

When the coffee was hot Bethany poured a cup for herself. Then she looked inside the refrigerator and finding wrapped ham and cheese, took them out and made six fat sandwiches. She filled a thermos with coffee, and added a good-sized dollop of brandy, then put everything into a canvas bag she found under the counter. Putting the bag over her shoulder and taking a deep breath she bade goodbye to the frightened cook and aimed for the door.

The force of the wind was even stronger now. It flung the door out of Bethany's hand and threw her back against the boat. Quickly she grabbed a safety line. She managed to close the door, then began her slow struggle toward the wheelhouse. Waves lashed over the
Dragon's
bow. Rain blinded her and her hand tightened on the line.

As she grew closer the door of the wheelhouse was flung open and Tiger pulled her inside.

"You were told to stay in your stateroom," he said. He looked tired. His face was drawn and grim.

"I couldn't stand it in there another minute. Besides you had to have something to eat, and from the look of Lee Tung I doubt that he's fixed anything for you."

"Lee does not like storms," Chang said from the helm. "Each time we go through one he vows he will never set foot on a ship again."

"I made some sandwiches," Bethany said. "You've got to eat something."

Tiger looked at her approvingly. "You're wet," he said. He helped her remove the sweater and handed her a towel and a windbreaker. "Dry off, then put this jacket on." To Chang he said, "I'll take the wheel now; you have a sandwich and a cup of coffee."

"No, you eat first. I will stay until you finish."

Tiger took Bethany's arm, and bracing himself, led her to the curved seat at the side of the wheelhouse. When she handed him a sandwich he took a bite and said, "I didn't realize how hungry I was." He looked at her. "Are you all right? I was afraid you would be sick."

"I was much too frightened to be sick," she said with a smile.

"Was? Does that mean you are no longer afraid?"

"Not here with you, Tiger." Bethany touched his hand. "You look so tired."

He ran a hand across his face. "I am, and so is Chang. After he eats I'll make him go and rest." He took another bite of the sandwich. "As soon as we left the island I used the radio. What we are in now is the tag end of a typhoon
by the name of Angelica." His li
ps quirked. "But Angelica is no angel. This is one of the worst storms I've ever been in. I've never seen anything like it before."

"How long will it last?"

Tiger glanced at his watch. "It's after six. The storm has been raging for almost eight hours. It can go on far into the night. Or into the morning. We just have to ride her out."

"Can we?" She took a deep breath. "I don't see how a boat can take a beating like this and still stay afloat."

"The
Dragon's
a seaworthy craft. She'll weather this." Tiger took a second sandwich and drank his coffee. Then he leaned back against the curved seat, and with his arm around Bethany, closed his eyes.

Bethany let him rest. Trying not to disturb him, she managed to hand the coffee and sandwiches to Chang, then sat close to Tiger. After a while she too closed her eyes and slept.

She awoke to silence. The wind had stopped. The sea was still rough but not as bad as it had been. Beside her Tiger stirred and opened his eyes. "It's over,"
Bethany said as she turned to him. "Tiger, the storm's over."

He sat up straighter and flexed his shoulders. "No, Bethany, this is the eye of the storm." He stood up. "How long have we been in it?" he asked Chang.

"Twenty minutes."

Tiger glanced at his watch. "It's nine-fifteen. Why don't you check for any damage now, while there is the opportunity? Report back to me, then get some rest. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night."

"But there's no wind," Bethany said. "Aren't we all right now?"

Tiger shook his head. "A typhoon is shaped something like a donut. One section of it comes, then there is the hole—the eye—where nothing happens. After that there is the other side of the storm."

"How long will the eye last?"

"Anywhere from half an hour to an hour, or even a little longer. But when it passes the storm will begin again, probably even worse than before." Tiger looked down at her. "Perhaps you would be better off in your cabin," he said.

"No." Bethany shook her head. "I want to stay with you."

"It may be a long night."

"That doesn't matter."

Tiger's green eyes appraised her. "Very well," he said, "you may stay."

He was right, it was a long night. The wind rose to a furious pitch. Each wave that crashed over the
Dragon's
bow seemed even more menacing than the last. Down, down, down, the cruiser plunged and each time Bethany held her breath, praying, tensing her
shoulders as though by sheer willpower she could bring the boat out of the trough that appeared to be carrying her down into the depths of the sea.

Tiger fought the wheel, his face grimly determined as he brought the boat back up out of the waves.

Bethany stood beside him through the long dark night, her feet braced, hands curled around a strut as she tried to keep her balance. At last, just before dawn, the wind lessened and Tiger's grip on the wheel relaxed. With a tired smile he looked at her and said, "We've made it, Bethany. We'll be all right now."

A few minutes later Chang came into the wheel-house, full of apologies for having slept so long. "I'll take the wheel," he said to Tiger.

"How is the
Dragon!
Was there any damage?"

"Only to the salon. The glass in one of the portholes shattered and there's water damage. Lee is mopping up. Also he has managed to prepare something for you and Miss Bethany to eat. Then you must rest, Tiger."

"I will." Tiger stepped aside to give Chang the wheel. "Is there any sign of the boat that was following us?"

Chang shook his head. "I searched the sea with binoculars. I could see no one. I've told Lee that as soon as he serves you he's to keep watch. But don't worry, Tiger, I'm sure we lost them in the storm."

"You're probably right." Tiger took Bethany's arm. "I'll relieve you at noon," he told Chang as he guided her out of the pilothouse.

They went down
to the galley where they break
ed on bacon and eggs, hot rolls and coffee. When
they were finished Tiger said, "Let's get some sleep now." His hand closed over Bethany's.

They left the galley and headed for the companion-way. Tiger led Bethany to the door of his cabin. "I must sleep," he said, "but I want to sleep with you beside me."

Bethany looked up at him for a moment. Then she rested her hand against the side of her face. "I want to sleep beside you, too," she said softly.

He brushed his lips against hers, and together they went into the cabin.

Chapter 6

T
he sea was calm, the air still when Bethany awoke late the next morning. Tiger lay on his side, breathing deeply, the sheet covering him from the waist down. A day's growth of beard shadowed his face and there were patches of fatigue under his eyes. He had fallen into bed exhausted from his long hours at the helm, reached for Bethany's hand, and with a sigh had closed his eyes and gone to sleep.

Bethany looked at him and caught her breath. Tiger was handsome in a way that no other man in the world was handsome. His features were classic, his skin clear and smooth. But those weren't the things that made him so special, so different. There was a mystery about him, a fathomless depth in the emerald-green eyes, that slight Eurasian look, the sensual fullness of his
l
ips that stirred her as no one ever had.

Almost from the moment Bethany met Tiger, everything had been cloaked in adventure. She hadn't had time to think or to rationalize. Tiger Malone lived in a different world than she did, a world of exotic flavors and excitement. She was a small town girl. Her area of experience had been limited to Tiffin and the four years she'd spent at Ohio Wesleyan, a university close enough to Tiffin that she'd been able to go home every weekend. Her only short romance had been with a young man from her hometown, and her only job had been at her father's flying school.

She and Tiger Malone had nothing in common. The whole shape of their lives was different. They had different responsibilities. Her mother was ill; she would return to Tiffin as soon as she and Tiger found and sold the golden dragon.

I shouldn't have let myself fall in love with him, she thought as she looked at his sleeping face. But now it's too late, and I don't know what I'm going to do.

Tiger opened his eyes and looked at her. "What is it?" he asked in a sleepy voice. "Why are you sad?"

Bethany smoothed the dark hair off his forehead. "I'm not sad," she lied. "Just tired."

"Then come and rest in my arms." Tiger raised himself on one elbow to see the clock. "I must relieve Chang at twelve, that gives us thirty minutes." He kissed her. "What can we do in thirty minutes?"

"Shower and dress and have breakfast." Bethany ran her hand across his chest, entwining her fingers in the thatch of black chest hair. Slowly her fingers moved downward.

The green eyes widened, the nostrils flared, but Tiger didn't move as Bethany followed the line of curly
black hair below his navel. She heard the sharp intake of his breath and felt the fire within her own body as her hand descended even further. Lightly, softly, she caressed him. He closed his eyes and sighed with pleasure at her touch, wondering if she knew how much this pleased him, how the touch of her fingers against his flesh sent hot licks of flame through every part of his body.

With a smothered moan Tiger closed his eyes, enduring this sweet torture, making himself wait because he knew that in a moment he would possess her. Soon. Very soon. His body quivered with need. With a groan his hand closed on Bethany's wrist and he rolled her beneath him.

"My sea witch," he whispered as he began to move against her, reveling in her sweet moistness, thrilling to the sigh of pleasure that escaped her lips. He wanted her now, wanted her to cry his name in the silence of the room and tell him that she loved him.

But it was Tiger who cried out. With frantic hands he cupped her buttocks to bring her closer. He kissed her lips and told her how wonderful she was, how beautiful.

Bethany was helpless against the strength of his hands, the force of his thrusts, lost in the power and the pleasure, as she gave herself up to it with small cries of joy.

Oh, how she loved the feel of Tiger's body against hers, the pressure of the hands that urged her closer. Bethany felt enveloped by him. Everything else was forgotten. All of the realities that only a moment before had seemed so important faded away. She kissed the side of his face, relishing the rough scrape of his
beard against her tender skin. Hungrily she found his lips, nipping their fullness before her tongue sought his in a silken duel. She heard the rasp of his breath against her throat and felt a thrill of excitement at her daring because she knew she was pleasing him.

Gripping her hips Tiger brought her even closer. He found her breasts and his teeth tightened on one swollen bud. He flicked hard with his
tongue, then took the tip betwee
n his teeth to tease and tug.

Bethany was lost in a whirlwind of desire; beyond thought or reason, carried high on the crest of an ecstasy too great to bear as Tiger whispered her name and together, clinging lest they fall off the world, they climbed to that highest peak of existence where only lovers venture.

When their breathing slowed Tiger gently brushed the damp hair from Bethany's forehead. Wordlessly he kissed her, again and again, soft kisses across her cheeks, her nose, her eyelids. His hands caressed her swollen breasts, then moved to the line of her back, soothing, calming. At last with a sigh he let her go.

"I have to relieve Chang," he said. "Do you mind if I shower first?" He smiled. "I'd like to shower with you but I know that if I do it will begin again." He took a strand of her golden hair and wrapped it around his finger as he looked at her. His face was serious, his eyes puzzled. "I don't know what it is you do to me, Bethany. What we shared a few moments ago should have been enough to last me for a while. But when I look at you I want you again and that frightens me. I wonder if there will ever be enough time for me to have all I want to have of you." He
kissed her lips, then quickly, before he changed his mind, went in to shower.

Bethany closed her eyes. There won't be enough time, my love, she thought. When this China adventure is over I'll say goodbye to you and to this wondrous magic that we've shared. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned her face into the pillow, wondering how she'd ever bear to leave him.

The next few days passed without incident. They put in to another of the small islands for fuel and supplies. That night they moored the
Dragon
in the island's marina at a dock some distance from the other boats. Lee Tung had relatives on the island so Tiger told both Lee and Chang to spend the night ashore.

Since the cyclone all four of them had taken turns standing watch. Either Tiger or Bethany searched the sea with binoculars during the day. At night when they moored the watch was divided between Chang and Lee.

The morning after the cyclone, on Tiger's insistence, Bethany had moved her things into his cabin. She protested at first, worried about what the crew might think, but Tiger hadn't listened to her arguments. They were together now and they would be together until the end of their voyage.

That night in port, when they were alone, Tiger fixed two tall gin and tonics and brought them out on deck. He looked at Bethany approvingly as he handed her her drink. The sun had tanned her skin a deep golden color, and tonight, dressed in a white summer dress that just skimmed her shoulders, with her blond
hair brushed loose, she looked so beautiful that she took his breath away.

Just for a moment his hand rested on one slender ankle, then he said, "Lee left a salad and dessert in the refrigerator. We'll eat later if you don't mind waiting a bit."

"No, it's lovely here. I don't think I've ever seen such a glorious sky."

Tiger sank down on the lounge beside her. He reached for Bethany's hand as together they watched the sky change from gold to salmon pink to vermilion and slowly darken. From the shore came the clamorous chorus of night birds coming in to roost. Gulls circled and glided low. The boat moved gently on the evening tide.

"There's never been a night like this before." Bethany's voice was hushed. "I'll remember it for as long as I live, Tiger."

"As I will remember the way you look in this moment with the last rays of the sun on your face." Tiger brought her hand to his lips. "My sweet Bethany," he said. "How did I manage before you came into my life?"

He put his arm around her and for a long time they didn't speak. When the sky grew dark they went into the galley and carried the plates that Lee had fixed for them back out on deck. They had just finished when Tiger noticed approaching lights and with a frown said, "That boat is coming in too fast. I hope the skipper knows what he's doing." He put his plate down and went to stand by the rail, muttering, "If he doesn't slow down he's going to tear up half the dock."

But the boat did slow down, just at the last minute, narrowly missing the small schooner next to it as it glided in.

"Bloody fool," Tiger murmured as he watched the boat tie up. Two men sprinted to the dock, growled something to a marina worker who was apparently telling them they'd come in too fast, and hurried ashore.

"They'll probably be drunk by midnight," Tiger said. "I think we will be wise to leave before they do in the morning so we don't get rammed." He looked at Bethany. "Ready to go below?"

"Just a few more minutes; it's such a beautiful night." She went to stand beside Tiger, and when he put his arm around her she said, "It's so quiet now, even the night birds are asleep." She looked up at him. "I'm glad we made this trip, Tiger. Even if we don't find the dragon I won't be sorry that I came."

"Nor will I, Bethany. The dragon brought us together. For me that is treasure enough." He brushed a kiss alongside her temple. In a few minutes they would go below. He would pull the curtains over the portholes and by the light of the bedside lamp he would take off Bethany's white dress and lay her down on the black silk spread. Slowly he'd slide her panties down over her hips and—

"Ahoy the
Dragon!
"
Chang called in Chinese.

Tiger looked startled as he hurried to the ladder, Bethany only a step behind him.

Chang scrambled quickly up to the deck. "I saw the boat that just came in," he said, trying to catch his breath. "I'm sure it is the same boat, Tiger, the one I saw through the binoculars just before the storm. I
followed the two men that came running off the dock. They asked the harbormaster if the
Dragon
was here."

"Damn!" Tiger caught his lower lip between his teeth. "We've got to get out of here. What about Lee? Did you tell him?"

Chang shook his head. "No, I came directly here."

"Then we sail without him."

"But you can't leave him here!" Bethany protested.

"We don't have any choice. We'll pick him up on the way back." Tiger started toward the wheelhouse. "Cast off, Chang."

"Yes sir." Chang sprinted back down the ladder to the dock. A voice rang out a Chinese command to stop as he ran to the mooring lines. Footsteps pounded down the dock toward them.

"Hurry!" Tiger called from the wheelhouse as the engine started.

Chang raced to the other mooring rope. A shot rang out. Bethany screamed and ran to the ladder. "Chang," she cried. "Chang, hurry!"

He flung the rope off the stanchion. Another shot cracked. Chang cried out and slammed against the side of the boat.

Two men raced toward him. Bethany saw them through the darkness as she started down the ladder to Chang. Behind her Tiger cried, "Bethany, no! Get back!"

Chang staggered toward her.

More shots were fired, this time from the
Dragon
just as Bethany reached Chang. She put an arm around his waist and propelled him toward the ladder, then up. Another shot rang out. She flattened
herself against the ladder. A hand fastened itself around her ankle, she screamed as she tried to kick herself free, and turned to look into the face of the man who'd assaulted her on the dock in Hong Kong.

Suddenly Tiger jumped past her onto the dock. She saw the flash of a knife, and turned her head as the man who'd grabbed her staggered back.

More shouts went up along the dock as Tiger backed toward Bethany. She heard the roar of the engine and knew that Chang must be in the wheelhouse. Tiger turned, shoved Bethany up the ladder, and bounded onto the deck beside her. "Stay low," he shouted as he sprinted toward the wheelhouse.

His voice was followed by another burst of firing and Bethany dropped to the deck. The
Dragon
moved away from the dock, angled around other boats, and headed back to sea. Bethany lay flat against the teak deck, waiting until the last shot had been fired. Then she got up and ran to the wheelhouse. Blood spattered the floor; Chang slumped on the padded circular seat.

"There's a first-aid kit in the galley," Tiger said. "Take care of Chang, I can't leave the helm."

"Yes, all right." There were a lot of questions Bethany wanted to ask, but she knew this wasn't the time to ask them. She found the first-aid kit and hurried back to the wheelhouse.

Chang's right pant leg was soaked with blood. Bethany eased him back against the cushions, then cut the material away so she could see the wound. The Red Cross course she'd taken in college hadn't prepared her for this. She took a deep breath and quickly sponged the blood away from the wound.

"How is he?" Tiger asked from the helm. "Did the bullet shatter anything?"

"No, I... I don't think so. It looks like the bullet went through the fleshy part of his thigh, in and out. I don't think it hit bone."