A Pirate's Ransom Read Online Free PDF Page B

room.
    “Yes.”
    “I thought as much. My cabin is where I customarily take my meals.”
    “Did Mister Smith not deliver my message?”
    “Aye, I received your message.”
    “Yet you chose to ignore my wishes?”
    “Need I remind you, Countess, despite the fact that you are being treated with respect and dignity, you are, in fact, my prisoner?”
    Temper bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me and before I realized it, the silver goblet was in my hand. Tossing its content in his face, I flung the empty goblet aside and strode toward the door.
    “Enjoy your meal, Captain,” I said, storming from the room.

Chapter 6
    The night air was cool and refreshing against the heat of my cheeks. I rushed along the deck until I found myself breathless and standing at the prow of the vessel. Closing my eyes, I allowed the peacefulness of the rise and fall of the ship cutting through the sea to ease my ire. I refuse to allow that man to bait me or best me. Surely if he were to harm me in any way, it would render me worthless, and he would have no claim to a ransom. Nay, he shall not harm me. I refuse to cow down to his demands. We shall see who really is in control aboard this ship. Once I came up with this strategy, my temper began to cool.
    My hand rested on the smooth wood of the rail while I watched the moonlight dance upon the waves, the sound of the wind in the sails was almost liberating. I don’t know how long he stood behind me in silence but when I sensed his presence, my backbone stiffened. What was it about this man that riled me so?
    He took a few steps closer. “Catherine,” he said in a voice just above a whisper. The deepness of his murmur caused my mind to wander. Why was I picturing him using this tone with a lover? My back stiffened further and I chided myself for allowing my thoughts to wander in that direction. Refusing to face him, I kept my gaze upon the water.
    “It would give me great pleasure if you would do me the honor of dining with me this evening.” He seemed to purr.
    He inched closer and the heat of his body radiated into my rigid back. Placing one hand upon my shoulder and his lips close to my ear he whispered, “Please.”
    The heat of his whisper caressed my ear and the tension seemed to melt away from me. I closed my eyes and tried to swallow the lump in my throat.
    “You look truly beautiful this evening, Milady.” His hoarse whisper scorched my neck and goose bumps ran up my arms. He stood so close that when I relaxed, my back nestled against his chest. His body was hard and warm and the intoxicating smell of him made me dizzy. Heat spread through me in a sensation I had never experienced before as his soft lips gently brushed my neck, but my heart nearly stopped when he whispered, “but not nearly as lovely as you looked this afternoon in the mirror.”

Chapter 7
    I tried to pull away from him, but he tightened his hold on my arm. He turned me to face him and the look in his deep green eyes disarmed me. They were still dark, but seemed to soften somehow, almost pleading. I couldn’t draw my gaze from his, and my heart fluttered as he drew me further into his embrace. His arms wrapped around me and despite his size and strength, he held me gently.
    The moonlight reflecting off the water gleamed in his hooded eyes and the gentle breeze dancing around us gave me the feeling of being caught up in a hypnotic and magical dream. A warm heat spread through me, seeping into my bones. I was surprised when, almost against my will, I leaned into him. His body was muscular and hard, yet at the same time, warm and inviting. He drew me closer, and I rested my head upon his chest. His heart raced beneath my ear when he buried his face in my hair. A deep, contented sigh came from somewhere, and I was shocked to realize it had come from me. When he drew his lips away from my hair, I instinctively lifted my face to look up at him. Slowly he leaned toward me, his eyes dark and smoldering.
    His full