The Pirate's Jewel Read Online Free Page A

sensible, she would have
married a man who would give her a stable future. “My birth is questionable. I
have no family besides my mother. And I just ran off the only man who would consider
marrying me. You’re all I have, and I can’t let you leave without me.” She
looked down at the handkerchief she had been rubbing between her fingers. She had
always known she was illegitimate but had never dared say it out loud. Of
course, the pity and hostility she had experienced over the years had never let
her forget.
    She glanced up at Nolan, afraid she would see condemnation
in his features as well. His scowl softened. She let out the breath she hadn’t
realized she held. If anyone could understand her, Nolan could. They shared secrets.
“I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. I just want your help. If I’ll never
have my father’s name, I’ll find his treasure.”
    Nolan’s eyes narrowed. “ My treasure. It was never Bellamy’s.”
    She changed tack. “I’m not denying that, but I’ve guarded
the map all these years. I deserve to be a part of finding the treasure. Please
be reasonable.” Jewel kept her tone pleasant, even cajoling, but it didn’t seem
to do a thing to soften his stance. A muscle jumped in his jaw, belying the
coolness in his gaze.
    “You’re a woman.”
    Jewel ceased her efforts to win the battle bloodlessly and
lunged at his weak spot. “But I have the map.”
    Nolan didn’t flinch. “I won’t take you with me.”
    She had to fight not to wilt under his unyielding stare. Instead,
she raised her chin, matching his determination with her own. “Then you won’t
have the map.”
    He leaned back, rubbed his chin and studied her. It was
obvious he hadn’t counted on such resistance. “You’re not a little girl
anymore.” He paused, as if taking in that fact. “But you’re still as foolish
and naive as the night we first met.”
    She clasped her hands on the table, not letting him know
his comment stung. Maybe it was foolish to hang on to a dream, but the dream
was all she had. “You don’t know anything of me.”
    He smiled. It strained his mouth and eyes rather than softened
either. “I can see that.” He tapped the table again. “I’m doing you a favor by
offering to pay you for the map before I’ve found the actual treasure.”
    “You’re not giving me a choice.”
    His eyes turned harsh, as if he saw something he didn’t
like. “You don’t know what I’ve given you.”
    Jewel got angry. “Then explain it to me! Just because I’m
a tavern girl doesn’t mean you have the right to dictate my life. After all, you are a pirate.”
    “I’m not a pirate anymore,” he said through gritted teeth.
But his ferocity was unconvincing.
    “Why? What happened? What happened between you and my
father after you left here?” Perhaps she’d been too hasty in absolving his
responsibility in her father’s death.
    He picked up his gloves. “A curious young woman is a
dangerous thing.”
    She blinked, not liking the chill in his voice. “For who?
You? I have a right to know.”
    “You should think before you speak.” Nolan stood. “I hope
you’ll change your mind about selling me the map. Take my offer or you’ll be
left with nothing.”
    Jewel stood, too, letting him know she had no intention of
backing down. Her father’s map was important. “But you forget, I have the map.
Sail without me and you will be the one left with nothing.”
    Nolan put on his gloves and hat. “You don’t know what to
do with it.” He stared at her, waiting.
    She stared back. Going with Nolan to find the treasure would
change her fate. She had to prove to herself, as well as Nolan, that she was a
woman of her own means, master of her own destiny.
    His anger was palpable. “You have more than your father’s
eyes, Jewel. I hope it doesn’t bring you to a similar end.” Nolan walked out
the door without a goodbye.
    Jewel wasn’t insulted. She’d see him again. Nolan’s parting
words were