The Captain's Caress Read Online Free Page A

trunk.
    “But you don’t know what kind of disreputable rogue he might be. He could do anything!”
    “He’s less likely to do it on deck in front of people,” Summer countered. She retrieved a dress from the bottom of the trunk. “And you heard that man say he’d carry me out if he had to. Well, if I must go, I’ll go on my own two feet looking like a countess, not like some scared little girl.” She held a gown up and considered her reflection in the mirror. “Now stop complaining about what can’t be changed and help me dress. That man is not going to wait forever.”
    “A pox on all men!” Bridgit exclaimed as she moved to help her mistress.

    Summer stepped boldly onto the deck of the Sea Otter, then paused to let her eyes adjust to the bright sunlight. She wondered what kind of man received such absolute obedience from hardened outlaws. The captain couldn’t be anything like the planters she had known; they had neither the trust nor loyalty of their men. Curiosity and an odd desire for excitement overcame her trepidation, and she moved toward the waiting men.
    Brinklow bustled up in an attempt to shield her from the curious stares of the gawking crewmen, but she swept imperiously past him in search of the man who was so determined to meet her. Her eyes swept over those nearest her; instinctively she knew that none of them had the power to hold the destiny of men and ships in his hands, and her gaze moved on, darting from one man to another until it came to a shuddering halt against the imposing form of Brent Douglas. Summer felt as though she had run full tilt into a stone wall, and the shock of the impact left her feeling bruised and breathless.
    He was the most magnificent creature she’d ever seen. Sapphire blue eyes stared at her from under thick brows bleached as blond as his hair by sun and salt. Every detail of his proud profile had been chiseled with infinite care, but none more so than his broad, tapering nose or his parted, sensual lips. And not even his elaborate finery could disguise the powerful chest and bulging muscles that made his body a work of art.
    A surge of energy coursed through Summer’s body, and she moved toward him with a sinuous grace that made every man present aware of the months he had been without a woman.
    A path opened before her. Even Brinklow, loudly blaming Bridgit for his mistress’s shocking behavior, let her pass unhindered. Summer lowered her eyes, not sure whether she did so from fear or embarrassment. For a moment, only the muted fall of her footsteps broke the silence; then she became aware of the sound of ragged breathing. It reminded her so strongly of the utter exhaustion that follows the performance of a backbreaking task that she directed a questioning glance toward Brent. What she saw nearly rocked her off her feet.
    Fury, incandescent in its intensity, burned in those hard blue eyes, a fury so hot she could feel it scorch her skin. She tried to draw back, but she couldn’t. Riveted by his gaze, she was impelled to draw nearer to him. His look contained nothing of admiration or curiosity; his scrutiny mercilessly appraised her as if she Were an object to be bought and haggled over. She felt his eyes strip her naked, and then burrow deep into her soul.
    Chilling fear shook her, and she lost all desire to meet this frightening man. She wanted to run, to hide behind Bridgit or anyone who would deflect the searing gaze of those uncompromising eyes.
    “I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you, Countess.” His harsh voice easily reached everyone on deck. “I was eager to meet the woman who would sell herself to Gowan for his money and title, but I never expected to find her a girl young enough to be his daughter.” She shrank under the blast of his withering contempt, but he reached out and pulled her closer to him. “Don’t be so quick to draw away. If you can endure Gowan’s company day after day, you should be able to tolerate mine for a few