Still... she lifted her hand and brushed her thumb across her lips. He’d shown her passion. Passion she’d enjoyed every minute of.
“Miss Warstein, a word please.”
His voice rumbled across her, and she pressed her eyes closed.
Why?
Maybe if she ignored him, he’d go away.
The rustle of a boot on the smooth stone made her fingers clench together. A moment later, his scent washed over her, the soft sandalwood notes threatening to bring back memories.
“Don’t make me talk to your back.”
A little burst of warmth rippled across her skin and she spun, nearlybumping into him.
“Or what?” She moved to the side, but he copied the movement to trap her in place.
He stood rigid, hands behind his back and her mouth went dry. The double row of gold buttons on his navy uniform jacket shone in the night. No more stubble and his hair was tied back without a single errant curl peeking from beneath his hat. Every bit the admirable pirate hunter.
“I owe you an apology.”
Her gaze snapped to his. In the darkness the muted green depths hid his emotions.
“For what?”
“For what I said on the ship.”
She’s not marrying material.
God, how often had she heard that said of her? It had never hurt her before. So why had it sliced right through her soul when he said it?
She took a shaky breath and smoothed her skirts. Foolish to be upset. After all, he had been right.
Heat flushed through her. “Lieutenant, I’m no naive girl. I never had, nor do I hold, any aspirations to win your heart. Besides...” She forced a thin smile. “We would never suit.”
She held his gaze while silence wove around them, muting the sounds from the ballroom.
“Nevertheless, I apologize.” He fidgeted with his hat. “I wish things could be different.”
So do I.
“Apology accepted. Now, if that’s all, I’ll take my leave.” She took a step forward, but he didn’t budge.
“No. That’s not all.”
Great.
“I need your word that you’ll stop pirating.”
Her teeth ground together. “You have no authority over me.”
He somehow straightened even more, his face all hard angles. “You forget who I am.”
His hand slipped to his jacket and he lifted something from his pocket. Metal glinted in the light from the nearest torch.
A key.
“This belongs to a set of shackles.” He dropped it back in place. “I could arrest you. Here. Now.”
