Page 61 of Paid to the Pirate

“That’s none of your business!” I scolded. “And no gentleman would ask such a question.”

“No lady would find herself in a position where it needed to be asked,” he returned. “You’re a ruined woman now.”

His words stung. Maybe because they were true. Who would have me now, if not Colt, who was not my husband and had not made any such proposal? And all my hopes of being a lady… I’d dashed them upon the rocks myself.

But I still had my pride. “So be it,” I said, falsely brave. “I am ruined. Too far beneath you to be a desirable bride.”

I couldn’t make sense of the emotions crossing Daniel’s face. He seemed to have difficulty finding words.

“And what of our plan, hm?” he finally demanded. “Will thousands more lose their livelihoods, lose their lives, all because you want to spread your legs for some scoundrel of the seas?” Before I could reply, he pressed, “How many times did he have you, Charlotte?”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I cannot betray Colt and his crew. You don’t understand. You don’t know them like I do.”

“I should have known what you were the day I found you,” Daniel said with disgust.

I shouldn’t let it hurt, but Daniel was growing to be a respected young man in our community. He’d been clever enough to develop the wealth he’d come into. He’d been my savior that day. And he’d been my friend and companion ever since.

“You’re no mermaid, no goddess of the sea. You’re less than a pirate, even,” he declared. “You’re nothing but a pirate’s whore.”

Tears welled in my eyes and Daniel’s face softened.

He shook his head and covered his eyes, ashamed. “I’m sorry, that was cruel. But you’re… I can’t…”

He gave me a lingering look and I could see the pain, anger, and disappointment on his face, along with a host of other emotions I couldn’t identify.

“Daniel, I-” I began, but he cut me off.

“I can’t even look at you,” he said, re-covering his mouth as if it sickened him. Daniel spun on his heel and left before I could say more.

I swallowed back the lump in my throat as he scurried away. If Daniel felt this way about me, surely the rest of the townsfolk would as well. I’d participated in my own ruination and would have nowhere to turn if Colt turned me out. Mrs. Penningham would never shun me, but perhaps she’d be forced to, if everyone shunned the tavern, should I continue to be associated with it.

It doesn’t matter,I told myself, standing alone in the darkness.Because I don’t want this life or any of them. I only want Colt.

I heard a noise coming from the shadowed trees behind the tavern -- the snap of a twig. My stomach knotted in fear as a familiar and unwelcome face appeared from woods.

I should have known Colt had me followed.

Chapter 27

Colt

The steady drumming of my fingertips against the tabletop belied my fear. Fear that Charlotte was in love with Daniel. Fear that she planned to betray us to him. Fear that she planned to run away with him, that she was lying…

Of course she’s always lying,I thought.But maybe about more than I’d ever guess.

I sat behind my desk, feigning calm, when my door finally opened. Robert’s casual gait into my cabin told me nothing. He was curating his appearance as much as I was. I’d wondered again if I should have sent Johnson to spy on Charlotte, but my pride had gotten the better of me.

Twirling his dagger, Robert sauntered to my bookshelves, as if interested in examining their spines.

So, we’re both playing a game of who’s going to show their hand first?I thought, aggravated.

He knew I desperately wanted information and I would be forced to speak.

Well, then. Purposeful misinterpretation of your silence it is.

I sighed dramatically and declared, “You were unsuccessful.”

Robert’s head snapped in my direction and I bit back the grin.

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