Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Read Online Free

remained by her side for what seemed hours, but eventually excused himself for a brief moment for business in a local shop. “Forgive me, Anna, I will only be a few moments.” Char gave a small bow to her before turning to Guardian Cole. “Remain with Anna.”
    “Yes, Highness,” Cole confirmed the command.
    Anna fidgeted for a few moments once Char was out of sight, slowly strolling down the road they were on. She felt Cole’s presence, but was grateful the intimidating man seemed content to remain stationary during her wandering. Anna brushed her hand across an intricately designed filigree locket at a nearby stand, the old woman sitting by it eyeing her with a kind, wary interest.
    A loud group of men exited a building at Anna’s side, their words a jumble of alcohol and testosterone as she recognized the building as a bar. With the crowd gaining in size and volume, Anna was jostled into the street. Distracted by the onslaught of people surrounding her, Anna didn’t notice the large, man-sized object hurled from the doorway until it struck her legs, bringing her down atop its form.
    Anna squeaked as strong arms wrapped around her, ensuring she didn’t land on the hard ground, but on the equally hard male body beneath her. She looked up into a pair of sapphire blue eyes flecked with emeralds. Anna found herself mesmerized by their swirling colors for a moment before coming to her senses and examining the rest of the man lying beneath her.
    Mussed black hair haloed his head, the sun glinting blue off its silken strands like flame. His masculine jaw was dusted with stubble, despite the early afternoon hour. His lips turned up into a hint of a smile as she continued to stare; bringing Anna back to her senses and jerking her eyes back up to meet his. “Are you alright?” The man’s voice was thick with English accent blended with the unrecognizable flare of the realm.
    “I’m fine,” Anna struggled to sit up amid the chuckles of nearby villagers and the laughter of the man beneath her. His muscular torso tensed and released under her palms as she attempted to untangle herself from him. The man chuckled at her efforts, the sound vibrating beneath her palms. “Are you going to lay there and laugh or help?”
    “Sorry, Love,” The stranger untangled himself from her, easily setting her on her heels in front of him. “It’s not every day a creature as beautiful as you literally falls into my lap.” The man’s drawl was nearly a growl.
    “I didn’t fall into your lap,” Anna corrected him. “You were thrown and took me with you.”
    “Aye,” the man rose to his feet, offering her a black, glove-covered hand and pulling her with him. “And, I do apologize for that, my lady. Though, I must say if I had to be thrown at a woman’s feet, yours are quite lovely to befall. May I know your name?”
    “Anna, Anna Blake,” Anna was confused and uncomfortable by his obvious flirtation, but managed to speak her name in what she hoped was a stable voice. A heat crept up her neck, staining her cheeks a brilliant crimson at the unaccustomed flattery. Her obvious discomfort seemed to offer the man encouragement as he bowed regally before her.
    “Anna,” he repeated, still clasping her hand tightly in his own. He pressed his lips to her knuckles, his mouth firm and warm against her skin.
    “We need to go, Captain.” An older man stepped to the stranger’s side. “We are attracting some attention.”
    “Aye,” the man who still held Anna’s hand looked disappointed at the interruption. “Falling at your feet has been the greatest experience of this day, Anna. I hope to do it again very soon.”
    “Well, considering the highlights of your day have thus far included being thrown from a bar,” Anna felt her composure returning. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t find that as complimentary as you intended it to be.”
    The man’s eyes lit with amusement and intrigue at her sharp remarks as the older