The Rogue’s Prize Read Online Free Page B

deep
    breath. “’Tis a family issue.”
    “You’re obviously a woman of
    good breeding. What could possibly be
    so bad that you would risk sailing to
    Spain for it?”
    The purpose of her journey was
    none of his affair. “You’re a pirate.
    What could you possibly know about a
    woman with my breeding?”
    Her barb apparently found its mark.
    He grimaced. “You’re quite the prize.”
    He stared long and hard and then
    flashed a boyish grin, exposing teeth
    surprisingly white and straight against
    his battle drawn face. “Since you insist
    on being stubborn, I’m at a loss as to
    what to do with you.”
    He stepped back and beat his thigh
    with a leather glove, the staccato
    ominous in the small confines of the
    room. Had the time finally come for
    violence? His steely gaze assured her
    she’d receive no leniency. And rightfully
    so. He was everything she’d been
    brought up to hate: greedy, violent, and
    unpredictable.
    “Is it war you want?” His gaze
    flicked toward the door as if sensing her
    urge to run.
    “I
    want
    my
    freedom,”
    she
    confessed.
    “Freedom comes with a price,” he
    said. “Freedom has to be earned.” He
    crossed the space between them and
    grabbed her chin, tilting her face right,
    then left. “You remind me of someone.”
    Constance bit her lower lip to keep
    it from quivering, and winced, forgetting
    that she’d split it falling from her bunk.
    His eye narrowed in on her discomfort,
    and for a moment, she thought
    compassion flickered in his gaze. She
    licked her lip, tasting blood.
    “One of your strumpets, no doubt.”
    She regretted the words as soon as she’d
    said them.
    “They would be more imaginative,”
    he said, quirking his brow.
    Was he mocking her? “Do your
    worst, you despicable lout!” she spat.
    “Aye, you have a harlot’s tongue in
    that virginal body of yours. What else
    have you got in there?” he said, reaching
    for her waist.
    “You’ll rot in hell before I behave
    like a harlot for you.”
    He
    chuckled.
    “Promises,
    promises.” He was nearer than a man
    ought to be. So close, she could feel the
    rise and fall of his chest against the thin
    material covering her breasts.
    “Why are you so determined to
    conceal your identity? I assure you, you
    have nothing to fear.”
    “Liar,” she sobbed.
    “To believe otherwise will cause
    you unnecessary pain.” The demon was
    gone. This man seemed almost —
    human.
    “Let me go,” she pleaded.
    “Why would I do that?” he asked.
    “You’re insane!”
    “More like a man of purpose.”
    “You’re a pirate! Not a real man!”
    He rewarded her with a scowl.
    “How would you know the difference?”
    The look in his eye dared her to insult
    him again. He cupped her face, forcing
    her to look up into his powerful stare.
    “A bigger world than you know exists.
    In a moment, you’ll be forced to
    embrace it, whether you’re ready or not.
    Believe me, you’ll think twice before
    opening that delectable mouth of yours
    again.”
    “You’re a monster,” she cried.
    “You
    aren’t
    listening.
    It’s
    dangerous to tempt anyone aboard the
    Striker and that is where you’re bound.
    Angering one of the crew could very
    well get you killed — or worse.”
    He was warning her. Did that mean
    he meant to protect her? “What is it you
    are trying to say?”
    His gaze flicked to the doorway.
    He hailed a man stationed there and
    ordered him topside. When the man
    disappeared, he produced a rope and
    promptly tied her hands together. “I do
    not count myself among those who
    would take an unwilling woman. If you
    are who I suspect you to be, you’ll listen
    to my every word and follow my every
    command.”
    “How can I trust you?” she asked.
    A cough sounded from the doorway
    and the interruption deferred his answer.
    “Frink wants the lady topside.”
    “Captain Frink?” The words fled
    her mouth before she could stop them.
    “Yes,” he said, his voice like a nail
    in an empty