A Pirate's Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

today.”
    â€œWhere is your capitaine? ” Madeleine asked curtly.
    â€œYe’ll see ’im soon enough, old woman,” one bearded man said, leading them out of the cabin.
    Bettina avoided looking at the dead bodies of the Windsong ’s crew as she crossed the deck and was handed down to the other vessel. Madeleine keptclose by her side, with one arm around her waist for protection.
    The pirate ship was three-masted, about the same size as the Windsong . But the crew was a rowdy, unkempt bunch. The men stopped what they were doing and stared at Bettina. Some wore no shirts, others wore only short vests to cover bare chests, and most were barefooted. Many wore golden rings in their ears, and all were heavily bearded.
    â€œI demand to see your capitaine .” Madeleine said to the man who had escorted them onto the pirate vessel.
    Another man jumped down from the deck of the Windsong and came around to face them.
    â€œSo you speak English,” he said. “Well, at least we will know your worth now.”
    He was a big bear of a man, and Bettina felt tiny and frail standing next to him. She was used to looking at men on their own eye level, and even looking down on quite a few But this man was at least six feet tall and at least two feet wide across his chest. He was not fat, but was heavily muscled, as could be seen clearly by his huge, bare arms. His light-brown hair was cut short, coming only to his massive shoulders. But the thick, full beard that completely covered his face made him look so sinister, so dangerous. Bettina shivered.
    â€œWell, what have you discovered, Jules?”
    It was the man with the deep voice, who seemed to be in command. He jumped down onto the deck behind them.
    â€œThey speak English, Tristan, at least the old one does.”
    This man Tristan stood directly behind Bettina, and she turned around to face him. What she sawmade her gasp, for this man was even taller than the other one. He was truly a giant! He was only a few inches from her, and Bettina had to look up past his broad chest to see his face. His eyes were a startling pale blue, and a long, thin scar started in the middle of his right cheek and cut a path into the dark gold of his beard.
    Bettina stared for long moments at the thin scar, and the man’s muscles tightened and his eyes grew icy. He grabbed hold of her arm, making her wince, and started to walk her across the deck.
    â€œ Monsieur , wait!” Madeleine cried. “Where are you taking her?”
    The man turned around and smiled coldly. “To my cabin, madame , to talk with the young lady. Have you any objections?”
    â€œOf course!”
    â€œWell, save them!” he said curtly and dragged Bettina along.
    â€œ Monsieur , she does not speak English,” Madeleine called after him.
    This brought laughter from the crew, and halted the man again.
    â€œHow ye goin’ to tell ’er what to do, Cap’n?”
    â€œFer what the cap’n ’as in mind, no words is necessary.”
    More laughter followed, which obviously annoyed the captain, for his grip tightened on Bettina’s arm. She cried out in pain, and he released her immediately.
    â€œBlast you scurvy dogs!” he shouted at his crew. “You’ve had enough amusement for one day. Get to your duties and get this ship under way.” He then turned to Bettina. “I am sorry if I hurt you, mademoiselle .”
    She had not expected an apology from this pirate captain. Was he not as dangerous as he looked? She stared at him curiously, but did not speak.
    â€œBlast!” he said, scowling, and turned to the other big man. “Jules, bring that woman here.”
    Madeleine hurried to them without assistance, charged with concern. “You are not to harm her, Capitaine !”
    The captain looked at Madeleine with surprise, then suddenly burst into laughter. “Are you giving me orders, madame? ”
    â€œI cannot let you