A Taste of Paradise Read Online Free PDF

ship was handy.”
    â€œWhat have you done now?”
    â€œIt’s a long story. I was running from the Watch and found myself near the docks. I snuck aboard your ship to escape, intending to leave before the ship sailed.”
    He let his keen gaze roam over her, obviously coming to his own conclusion when he noted her filthy, torn gown. His voice held a note of disgust. “You look like a cheap doxy.”
    Her chin rose slightly. “How dare you insult me! None of this is my fault. If you will kindly turn the ship about, I will be more than happy to leave.”
    â€œIt’s too late.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou heard me, Sophia, it’s too late to turn about. I fear you’re stuck aboard the
Intrepid
until she reaches Jamaica.”
    â€œJamaica! No, I don’t want to go there. Please, Christian, return me to London.”
    â€œSorry, Sophia, this is my ship, and you’re stuck here. Once we reach Jamaica, I’ll send you home on another ship.” He stared at her breasts. “You’ve changed.”
    Sophia crossed her arms over her chest. “So have you.”
    He eyed her narrowly. “Where is your husband?”
    â€œI’m not married.”
    â€œEngaged?”
    â€œNot even close.”
    â€œA rich man’s mistress?”
    â€œNo, damn you!” Sophia sputtered.
    He shrugged. “It’s a natural assumption. You were going to sell yourself to Desmond.”
    â€œThat was Father and Rayford’s doing. You know I preferred you. I had no choice. I was too young and inexperienced to fight them for the man I wanted.”
    â€œStop it! I don’t want to hear about who you did or did not prefer. It’s the result of your actions that’s important.”
    â€œI’m sorry about Desmond. I know you hold me responsible for his death.”
    He turned away from her. “I blame myself.” He whirled back to face her. “Damnation! What devil tempted Fate to bring you back into my life?”
    Her chin rose defiantly. “It’s not as if I planned this.”
    â€œAre you living in London now?”
    â€œNo, I’ve only been in Town a few weeks.”
    â€œFrom whom were you running away?”
    Sophia grimaced. “Men.”
    Chris gave her a wry grin. “Why don’t I believe that?”
    Sophia shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
    Chris searched her face, pausing at her lips before abruptly looking away. “Are you hungry?”
    â€œA little.”
    â€œI’ll have my cabin boy bring hot water and something for you to eat. You look like you could use a good wash. Don’t leave this cabin,” he warned. “I can usually control my crew, but you’re a bit too fetching to pass their notice. I’ll return later.”
    There came a knock on the door.
    â€œThat will be my cabin boy,” Chris said. “Come in, Casper.”
    A towheaded lad of eleven or twelve bounded into the cabin and skidded to a halt when he saw Sophia. His mouth dropped open as he stared from her to Chris.
    â€œYou can close your mouth, Casper,” Chris said. “It seems we have a stowaway. Miss Sophia Carlisle will be traveling to Jamaica with us. Sophia, this is Casper—he will be seeing to your needs during our voyage.”
    Casper darted a glance at Sophia, then lowered his gaze. “Miss,” he said shyly.
    â€œBring a jug of hot water for Miss Carlisle,” Chris said. “I’m sure she’d welcome a bath. Then see if you can rustle up some food from the galley. Oh, yes, and bring more charcoal for the brazier. We won’t hit warmer waters for another two weeks.”
    â€œAye, Captain,” Casper said, darting another glance at Sophia before ducking out the door.
    â€œYou should be set for a while,” Chris said coolly. “I’ll return later; we can talk about your circumstances then, and what’s to be done with you.”
    He