Saved by My Blackguard (Linked Across Time Book 1) Read Online Free

her from giving in to him. She had a future to protect and it wasn’t with a too handsome pirate. Besides, while he refused to be with her without her consent he still gave the orders to murder everyone on the ship she’d been sailing on. Ironic that Abby had wanted to be separated from her to obtain her own safety and she still ended up finding her death at the bottom of the sea. She should feel sadness, and a part of her did, but a larger part of her didn’t. Abby had made it clear how she felt about her. Evelyn had never wanted her maid to die though. She’d never wish that on any person.
    “How is the lovely Lady Evelyn this afternoon?”
    She looked up and almost got lost in his beautiful sea-green eyes. He wasn’t for her. The Duke of Southington would not marry a woman with a sullied reputation. He still might not once he realized she’d been kidnapped by pirates. As long as she remained true to herself, it would all work out as it was supposed to. She had faith in her destiny. Jack Morgan was not her future.
    “I would be better if I could leave this cabin.”
    He smiled. “I can arrange that. But you would owe me a boon.”
    She tilted her head and studied him. This was a trick, she was sure of it. She’d gotten to know him over the last week. Instead of falling headfirst into his scheme she decided to change the subject.
    “Where are you taking me?”
    He laughed and folded his arms across his burly chest. She pushed her heathen thoughts out of her head and stared him in the eyes. It wouldn’t do to get caught ogling him like a prize.
    “We’re headed to the pirates’ den.” He raised an eyebrow mockingly. “Why, are you hoping you’ll get a better offer at Port Royal?”
    She snorted and then covered her mouth and nose with her hand. It was a reflex. Snorting was unladylike and her father would have slapped her for such a rude gesture. Evelyn shook her head slowly. “No, I don’t want anything another scalawag has to offer. I’d rather you took me to England. My betrothed is expecting me.”
    The captain frowned and shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t accommodate you. If I get anywhere near England it would be the hangman’s noose for me. I rather enjoy breathing and having an intact neck.”
    She’d been afraid that would be his answer. How was she ever going to get back to England and marry the duke? “There must be a way for you to send me home.”
    He shrugged. “I rather like having you around. In time you won’t mind the pirate life. It has its benefits.” Captain Jack wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
    Oh, he was so stubborn. Why couldn’t he see reason? She stomped her foot with frustration. “I don’t want to live this life. Did you ever once stop to think what this would do to me? My reputation is in tatters. No respectable man will have anything to do with me. I’m impure just by being alone with you.”
    His smile widened as he gazed at her. Wickedness poured out of him as he glanced over her. “Then I don’t understand why you’re fighting what is between us. Surely you feel what I do.”
    “Lust?” She raised an eyebrow. “There is more to life than giving into your baser instincts. I will not lay with you no matter how prettily you wrap up the package. It is not something I want or will condone.”
    “Then we’re at an impasse, love.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “But you should know pleasure beyond your wildest imagination, and I can give that to you.”
    She sucked in a breath. His promises were so tempting, if she wanted that from him. He was gorgeous but she didn’t want to be anything more than friends with him. Evelyn mentally counted to ten to regain control. Dealing with Jack was akin to reasoning with a small child.
    He took a step back and smiled down at her. “I have decided to give you something you want without compensation.”
    What game was he playing now? She scrunched her eyebrows together with disbelief. “What are you