Garden of Desire: 1 Read Online Free Page B

It’s good for the heart.”
    Cantor leveled an exasperated glare on the man. “Have you narrowed down the field for yourself?” he asked, hoping to redirect the conversation.
    “I have.”
    The fervent tone of Doc’s admission caused Cantor to raise his eyebrows in question.
    “I’ve found a couple of ladies who have nursing experience,” Doc added quickly.
    Cantor nodded his approval. “A sensible choice.”
    “Then there’s Mika. Her talents lie in her hands.” Doc’s expression grew dreamy.
    “Ah hah!” Cantor rolled his eyes. “The first two ladies will help you with your practice, while Mika helps you with your co—”
    “She performs therapeutic massages,” Doc interrupted, his expression darkening. “And the two nurses will not lack for my attentions.”
    “Of course not,” Cantor replied silkily. “Besides, what man doesn’t need a therapeutic massage after a hard day’s work.”
    “That’s right!” Doc’s eyes narrowed. “And I’d highly recommend it for penile dysfunction.”
    Is that what Doc thought was wrong with him? “Good God! There’s nothing wrong with the functioning of my cock!” At the other man’s smirk, Cantor decided to leave before he throttled him. “I’d better make sure the mattresses make it to the dormitories.” He stepped away, heading for the group debarking the ship.
    “Keep an eye out, Cantor,” Doc said, his stride matching Cantor’s. “You may find what you’re looking for among the passengers.”
    Cantor’s hands tightened into fists and he glowered. “I’m not looking for anything among the passengers.”
    “You never know. A good woman can cure your restlessness.”
    “Maybe I don’t consider my restlessness an illness.” What was it with the men today? Would every one of them offer him advice like some tabloid Aunt Agony? So he wasn’t as thrilled with the thought of settling down as the rest of his fellow pirates. He was still young enough to thirst for adventure. They’re all getting soft! Bah! “ I’m glad to see you left off the cologne,” he said nastily, his patience at an end.
    Doc flushed at the reminder of his initial attempt at seduction. “Turns out I didn’t need the pheromones of a Moldan yak to attract the ladies.”
    “What clued you in? The smell?” Cantor asked, adding a surly dig, “Or did you figure out all you needed was the right equipment?”
    “It’s not just my cock,” Doc protested.
    “Oh?”
    “You’ve become a cynic as well as a grump.” Doc eyelashes fluttered. “I’ll have you know, the ladies tell me my eyes are what draw them.”
    Cantor pressed his lips together to hold back the guffaw of laughter that threatened to erupt.
    From the corner of his eye he saw a familiar figure among the passengers and he hurried forward.
    Darak, the pirate ship Raptor’s former security officer, strode toward him, a wide grin on his face. The two men embraced, exchanging manly blows to each other’s backs.
    Darak drew back, his expression full of devilment. “How’s life in paradise, Governor?”
    Cantor saw red. Paradise? The Captain had consigned him to the petticoat patrol while he and Darak enjoyed the footloose freedom of the stars. No doubt both men had enjoyed a good laugh at his expense.
    Without thinking Cantor reacted, hauling back his fist and planting a facer on Darak’s handsome chin.
    The blow knocked Darak to the ground. He sat up, eyeing Cantor warily. Rubbing his chin, he had the gall to smile. “That good, huh?”

* * * * *
    Fahgwat stood still as a statue, resisting the forward surge of the crowd around her as they swept past her and down the stairs on the gangplank. Her stomach churned and her palms grew sweaty.
    “Come on, girl,” Mary nudged her, urging her on. “Don’t you wanna see your new home?”
    Fahgwat didn’t have the words to reply. Her first impressions of her new home made her want to turn right around and reboard the ship. She’d made a devil’s