Page 5 of Paid to the Pirate

But what did it mean that she still wore the locket?

Charlotte had further bloomed into a stunning woman. My cock twitched at the memory of those intimate glimpses. Too few, but seared into my brain nonetheless. Time had only fleshed out the curves of her hips and breasts, separating her even more from the scrawny girl I knew before.

What her rear looked like; I couldn’t tell beneath the voluminous skirts of her ridiculous gown. But I’d find out soon enough.

Chapter 4

Charlotte

“Iwon’t be some prize for this pirate,” I whisper-shouted, hands curled into fists, tears threatening to spill. More calmly, I continued, “If I had some association with the scoundrel in the past, I’msureit was unwilling on my part. And I don’t care to know it, in any case. If my past involves any contact with these horrible men, I won’t stand to hear of it.”

Even as I hurled the declaration, I knew I lied. I wasdyingto know anything at all about who I was before I lost my memory. I just didn’t want it to be anything less than perfect. Less than my fantasies.

My mother and father were supposed to show up and claim me. Noble, respected, gentle. Or – or – a well-to-do aunt, at least. That was the way it was meant to happen. Not some swarthy pirate captain thinking he knew anything about me.

“Shh… my beautiful, sweet, Charlotte,” Daniel soothed, though he seemed even more rattled himself. “It’s obvious you escaped this black-hearted captain sometime in the past. Most likely he kidnapped you. What passes by a woman’s attention is observed, man-to-man,” Daniel intoned, and I frowned at the casual slight. “I caught the look in his eyes and I could see right through to the vulgar images in his mind.”

“You don’t mean… you don’t think…” I couldn’t finish the shameful sentence. Was Daniel implying I’dknownColt, as a wife knew a husband?

“Shh, my sweet Charlotte, I would never suggest that,” Daniel replied, gently squeezing my shoulders. I was too distressed to shake him off. “Put that thought from your mind.Iknow in my heart you’re pure as the lilies by Isaac’s farm. But I’m saying that I know when a man’s eyes darken with desire, and I could see that monster wants you for himself.”

No. I was untouched. I knew it. Felt it.

Wasn’t I?

I was saved from having to say more by Mrs. Penningham bursting into my small room above the inn. Daniel and I turned to her in unison, holding our breath.

“The captain knows you,” she announced, frowning. “I don’t know how that filthy pirate knows you, but he is undoubtedly from your past.”

Impossible.My head resumed its maniacal shaking.

“Child, you know I can tell when a man is lying,” Mrs. Penningham insisted.

I did know; it was her talent. She’d honed the skill over pitchers of ale throughout the years, conversing with all sorts of men who sat a stool, seeking a sympathetic ear or a regaling chat.

“That man knows you from before your accident, as sure as I’m standing here today.”

I whimpered and she quickly added, “But I can tell you that he doesn’t intend to kill you and I don’t think he means to… violate you. He seems to want… something else.”

Mrs. Penningham’s assurances sent mixed feelings shooting through me, almost too fast to process.

Captain Colt doesn’t mean to rape me,and her words implied he hadn’t, in the past. It was some relief, at least, to know I remained unspoilt. But she hadn’t negotiated my release and he intendedsomethingwith me.

“I don’t understand,” I cried. “Why does he want me?”

“I’m not sure, exactly. He’s hiding something and I couldn’t sort it out without giving away that you lost your memory, child. And I don’t think that’s a secret he should know.” Mrs. Penningham’s eyes held mine. “He could easily use it to manipulate you. Make you believe falsehoods about your history. Far better you should find out everything you can about your past, while pretending you never forgot.”

“But… how am I supposed to act when I don’t know anything?”

“He thinks you’ve been putting on an act here in your pretty gown. Pretending to be something you’re not, some kind of highborn lady.”

I am,my mind insisted.At least, I might be.

“Keep with it,” Mrs. Penningham advised. “As if you refuse to stop pretending.”

My only reply was to drop my jaw. She truly wanted me to go with him?

“I’ve negotiated a sort of check-point, a confirmation that you’re unharmed on his ship. Captain Colt plans to return to these parts in a few weeks time, ferrying sugar and coffee from Nassau up the coast. The man’s got a dizzying mix of piracy, extortion, and legitimate trade, I’ll tell you that.”

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