Page 18 of Paid to the Pirate

“You knew I’d take you, punish you,” I insisted. “Why not run? Why play like you’re a lady who’s never been aboard a ship before?”

Charlotte shut down, I could see it as I watched her face smooth into indifference. “You said one question. May I please be released from this hold now?”

What game was this?I fisted my hands at my sides. I could break her. She knew it. I could torture her until she talked. So why did she willingly place herself in my hands? Why under the guise of a ladyship?

None of it made any sense. Every action of mine own felt like it played into her diabolical plan.

I needed to do what she wouldn’t expect.

I smiled, baring teeth as I unlocked the cell door and stepped aside.

“My lady,” I bowed with a flourish. “My ship is yours. During the day, you’re free to roam as you will and do as you please.”

Not missing my implication, she asked, “And the night?”

“At night I’ll doIwill and asIplease. You’ll return to my cabin. We’ll have ourdiscussionagain. And when I’m through with you, I’ll deposit you here, to sleep in your cell.”

“You call beating a lady a discussion?” she said, snarling the accusation.

“No,” I replied, stepping close so that she had to look up to meet my eyes. “Beating a lady is a despicable act. Last night involved neither a beating nor a lady.”

The corners of her pretty mouth turned down, affronted.

“The journey to Nassau is several days. That’s many evenings for us todiscussmatters. The power to stop anytime is all yours, Miss Charlotte. Just say the word.”

I held her gaze, almost afraid she’d fold and end the game I didn’t want to admit I might enjoy playing.

“I don’t know what you mean,” she said, brushing past me.

A grin I shouldn’t have allowed crept across my face.

Chapter 13

Charlotte

Icouldn’t explore the ship in a chemise. I wouldn’t deign to ask Colt for something to wear. But the man who’d stood outside the brig, Conks… he seemed to at least respect a woman’s dignity.

I found the old sailor near the doorway. Maybe he’d stood by to eavesdrop and spread gossip amongst the crew. Or could he have waited, ready to intervene on my behalf?

Were we friends in another life?

Before I could speak, Conks flourished the tonic I’d refused.

Blushing, I grasped it and said, “Thank you.”

After gulping the bitter, medicinal concoction, I asked the kind crewman, “Could you help me find my dress or, at least, something else to wear?”

He stroked his graying whiskers and said, “Johnson’s already got something set aside for you.”

We found Johnson below deck, having sourced a pair of clean breeches and a blouse with frilled-trim. It wasn’t clothing fit for a woman, but it was better than ambling about in nothing but my slip.

“No boots,” the tall, skinny crewmate said. From his height and his voice, I recognized Johnson as being the eloquent man who’d announced Captain Colt back in our tavern. “I can’t get you those without the captain’s approval.”

“This is more than enough, thank you,” I replied, grateful. Although I didn’t fancy exploring the ship barefoot, at least I had something to cover my body.

Not that it matters come moonrise,I thought, heart skipping a beat.Colt will easily strip it all off again.

Neither Johnson nor Conks spoke much, waiting with patient curiosity and filling the air with an anticipatory tension.

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