Lord of Devil Isle Read Online Free PDF

refrain from attempting to kiss me unless I give my permission.”
    “Truth to tell, that kiss of yours was no prize and is hardly worth repeating.” By thunder, no woman had ever refused to bed him, let alone kiss him. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at her.
    “However, if I decide to kiss you again, I’ll do it,” he said with certainty. “And I’ll not be asking for any permission then either.”
    “We’ll see about that.” She narrowed her eyes at him. They were the deep aqua of the Great Sound on a clear summer day, but now there was a definite squall brewing behind them. Then her gaze swept down his form and he could almost see her remembering that she was supposed to be upset about his bare chest. She lowered her eyes.
    “For the sake of our shared danger, I shall try to overlook your unchivalrous behavior.”
    “Unchivalrous?” he said, thunderstruck. “I leaped into shark-infested waters for you. If that doesn’t qualify as chivalrous in the extreme, I’d like to know what would.”
    “Captain, I will not be drawn into a debate. Of course, I appreciate that you rescued my friends and me. I simply will not be treated as though I owe you more than a lady ought to repay.”
    Nick’s lips thinned. I’ll be buggered. A bona fide lady. For the past few years, he’d avoided that rare species as if they carried the plague.
    “However, it seems I also owe you an apology,” she said, lacing and unlacing her fingers on her lap, while her gaze darted about the room, looking anywhere but at him.
    “And what was your offense? Besides barbering without a blade.” He chuckled, hoping to ease the tension between them, though he decided to take his time about donning a clean shirt since his state of undress clearly unnerved her.
    “When we were in the water and the shark headed back toward us…well, my tongue seemed to act of its own accord. I said some unseemly things. I hope you’ll allow that I was not myself for a moment.”
    “No, I suspect you were exactly yourself. At times like that, a body cannot be otherwise. Besides, the situation called for a few ripe phrases.” He was about to commend her for levelheaded behavior in straits that might have undone many a man, but she plunged ahead with her agenda.
    “But now that we are no longer in dire straits, I must insist that you and I reach an accord.”
    “Willingly,” he said with a ready grin. “I’m always agreeable to an accord with a fine young lady.”
    “Young lady of good family,” she corrected. “And as such, I entreat you to help us continue our journey.”
    Good family. He allowed that might be so. The lace at her bodice and wrists bespoke quality and she wore a silver necklace with a locket. He pulled his shirt on overhis head and tied the tabs at his throat. It covered him to midthigh.
    “And just where are the three of you going in such an all-fired hurry?” he asked.
    “My friends and I are en route to the Carolinas.”
    He made frequent runs from the Turks to Charleston, delivering salt and other less legal goods in exchange for foodstuffs desperately needed in Bermuda. The island waters provided bountifully, but a man could only stomach so much fish. In Charleston, he would load up the Susan B ’s hold with jerked beef, salt pork and much needed grain. Miss Upshall’s plans might dovetail nicely with his.
    Nicholas reached under the hem of his fresh shirt and popped the buttons on his slop trousers.
    “Captain Scott!”
    “I need to get out of these wet trousers.” He let the broad-legged britches drop to his ankles and stepped out of them, frowning at her. “Salt water will gald a man in short order.”
    “But you’re…you’re…” Her eyes were round as a pair of sea urchins.
    “Naked beneath my shirt? Aye, but I’m covered enough for decency,” he said as he hitched up a clean pair of trousers. “Besides aren’t you naked beneath your skirts as well?”
    “A gentleman should not speak