My Lady Vixen Read Online Free PDF Page A

superimposed the features of a fox. Though she had never seen him his identity was obvious.
    “You!” she breathed, trembling. “It’s not possible! You’re the Fox! How could you be in London harbor? The entire British navy is looking for you. How did youescape them?”
    “Easy, milady,” rasped the Fox, his voice a thick whisper. “We fly the Union Jack atop our mast. A devious trick, I’ll admit, but one that works.”
    “But … why am I aboard your ship? Where is Lord Penwell?” Warily Alexa looked from Mac to the Fox for an explanation.
    It was Mac who answered. “Adam and I have been friends for many years. We traveled on the same ship to America. When war was declared with England I was recruited by Fox to serve aboard his privateer,
The Gray Ghost
. In time I became his first mate.
    “While in London a few days ago on a secret mission I happened to meet Adam, who asked my help in enlisting Fox’s aid in a scheme that included you, milady.”
    “Lord Penwell paid well,” continued Fox, taking up where Mac left off. “And his plans fit in with my own, so I agreed. When he returns we will sail under the noses of the British navy to a secret destination.”
    Alexa was astounded. The man’s daring was legend but never did she expect to find the privateer berthed in London harbor. Evidently neither did the navy. “If it’s money you want,” Alexa offered bravely, “my father will pay well for my return. Far better than Lord Penwell.”
    “I gave my word,” whispered the Fox. “Besides, I don’t deal with the enemy. My ship will carry you and Lord Penwell to your destination. Now, if you will excuse me, milady, I’ll leave Mac to see to your needs.” Such was his presence that when he vacated the small cabin he left a definite void.
    “Your captain is a strange man,” Alexa mused, once he had disappeared from sight. “Why does he wear a mask? Is he so ugly he doesn’t want to be seen? Or horribly scarred?”
    “The Fox deems it wise to keep his identity a secret. By so doing he can operate more effectively.”
    “Bah!” scoffed Alexa. “Not only is he a pirate, but a spy!”
    “Perhaps.” Mac shrugged, unconcerned.
    “Does no one see his face?”
    “I do. So do most of the crew. But we are all loyal and would never reveal his identity.”
    After Mac left Alexa mulled over the first mate’s words. Evidently Fox was able to move about freely in society while remaining unidentified as the Fox, a renowned privateer, the scourge of the British navy. The man had no scruples. It was obvious she could expect no help from him. She must rely on her own resourcefulness if she wished to escape from Adam and the fate he had planned for her.
    During the long day an array of palatable food was provided by Mac as well as water with which to bathe. Of Adam there was no sign. Nor had the Fox returned. When Mac picked up her supper tray that evening he bid her goodnight and locked the door behind him for the last time that day. Stripping to her brief shift Alexa climbed between the sheets and was soon sound asleep, her dreams wild and unsettled.
    The grating of the key in the lock did not awaken her. Nor the nearly noiseless rasp of the well-oiled hinges as the door slid open. Rather it was an awareness of another presence other than her own in the airless room. Alexa’s eyes flew open to a darkness deeper than the depths of Hades. The moonless, starless night allowed not one glimmer of light through the porthole.
    Icy fear twisted around her heart as the whisper of soft footsteps commanded her attention. Rising on one elbow she swallowed the lump in her throat and calledout. “Mac, is that you?” Absolute silence. “Answer me, damn you, who is it? What do you want?” And then, “Adam?”
    A raspy chuckle gave Alexa her first clue as to the identity of her nighttime visitor. “Fox! What do you want? I know you’re there.”
    A hand caressed her face and Alexa gasped, jerking reflexively.