To Catch a Pirate Read Online Free PDF

twenty-four hours to reconsider. At that time, we’ll decide whether to set course for New Providence or elsewhere.”
    He did nothing more than stare at her. Insolent bastard. When she could no longer stand to look at him, she spun on her heel.
    “Princess?”
    She looked back at him. “I’m not a princess.”
    “But you act like one, as though the world is yours to command, and I was put on this earth for no other purpose than to do your bidding.”
    “I can’t deny that I consider you beneath me. If I were a boy, I’d spit on you.”
    “If you were a boy, I’d have taken your life in the hold.”
    A shiver went through her at the utter conviction of his words.
    “Is nothing of value to you?” she asked.
    “Precious little.” He jerked his head toward her. “Don’t suppose you’d leave the lantern.”
    “Afraid of the dark?” she taunted, loathing him more with each passing moment. Had she really thought she had the power to convince him to help her?
    “Not fond of the rats. The light keeps them at bay.”
    She should leave him in the dark, with the rats. He’d come around more quickly if she did. But she wasn’t as ruthless as he was. Didn’t want to become like him.
    She hooked the lantern on a peg near the cell. With one last look at him, she turned and made her way out of the hold. He’d cooperate with her one way or another. If she had to take a cat-o’-nine-tails to his back, he’d cooperate.
    *  *  *
    James waited until the door above banged shut. Then he slid down to the floor and awkwardly brought his chained feet closer to his chained wrists. Embedded in the heel of his leather boot was a slender wire, something he kept on hand for emergencies. He’d always known capture was a possibility. He believed in being prepared for anything. Although a few things tonight had certainly taken him by surprise.
    He wasn’t limber enough to reach the wire with his teeth, so he used his fingernails to work it free. When he finally had it in hand, he inserted it into the lock on the manacle of his left wrist. He dug it around, listening as the tumblers clinked, right before the manacle snapped open. He quickly opened the other one. If he heard anyone coming, he could put them back on easily enough.
    Rubbing his chafed wrists, he glanced around now that he had a bit of light. Wasn’t much to see. A brig was a brig. He could tell by the constant creaking of the ship and its rolling motion that they’d set sail. That surprised him. It seemed he was the only cargo they’d meant to pick up.
    The girl coming to see him had taken him off guard. Her offer even more so.
    He wasn’t the one she was really after. She wanted Crimson.
    It seemed they had a common goal in that, at least.
    But he didn’t trust her any more than she trusted him. Grant him his freedom? Not bloody likely.
    But that didn’t mean that he couldn’t obtain it. On his own terms.
    *  *  *
    Annalisa stood at the prow, staring into the night. It was so incredibly dark on the sea. Sometimes she felt as though it could swallow her whole.
    “What did he say?” Nathaniel asked quietly beside her.
    She sighed deeply. “He refuses to help. I’ve given him twenty-four hours to reconsider.”
    “And if he still refuses?”
    “We’ll take him to New Providence, and then I suppose we shall have to redouble our efforts to find Crimson Kelly on the high seas.”
    “I suppose we could start the rumor that we have treasure on board. Bring the pirate to us.”
    She’d considered that but dismissed it as too dangerous.
    “He’s ruthless, Nathaniel. Better we be the ones doing the attacking.”
    “As you wish, Captain.”
    She glanced over at him. “Will you rename the ship when she’s yours?”
    “I will. I shall rename her Annalisa .”
    “That’s hardly a name that will strike fear into the hearts of pirates.”
    “I care little for their hearts. I care only for yours.”
    Suddenly uncomfortable with the direction of the