He flashed her a grin and gave a mock bow. “Someone here has to keep their wits about them, and it seems I’ve been thrust into the role.” He gave Lieutenant Thompson a pointed look.
The lieutenant stared at where her hands had paused on the last button at her neck. He took his jacket from the officer and slung it over one arm. “I believe Red and I have an appointment in my cabin.”
He took a step toward her and Samantha’s heart thumped an erratic beat. A predatory gleam flashed in his eyes and she couldn’t help shrinking back. He noticed and raised a brow.
“Or are you going to back out of our deal? Shall we go down to the brig instead?”
She bristled. “Of course not. I am a woman of my word.”
He laughed then and she blinked at the rich sound. For a moment, the stern expression on his face disappeared and he was the same man that had flirted with her in the garden. He pulled his hat off, sending tousled locks cascading around his cheeks and her heart gave an erratic thump.
His smile faded. “A pirate, keeping their word? Forgive me if I’m not convinced.”
A few more steps and he closed the distance between them. Standing a mere foot away, he seemed so much bigger. Perspiration still glimmered on his brow, but his breathing had returned to normal. Hers, on the other hand... she fought to calm her racing nerves.
Breathe.
He extended his hand and she stared at it. “Shall we, then?”
Her eyes widened. “Now?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Isaac, bring me my schedule so Red and I can find a mutually acceptable time. Perhaps next week after church?” Sarcasm dripped from each word, and she frowned.
“I meant . . . I thought I would . . .”
He tilted his head. “Yes?”
Heat crept up her cheeks. “I would like to go change.”
A snort escaped him. “How daft do you think I am, Red? You think I’m going to let you out of my sight for even a minute?”
Her chest seized. She couldn’t do this. Not right now.
“I—I . . .” There had to be something.
“You what, Red?” He stepped closer and her mind went blank. His hand rose and he stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. “I see no reason to put off our meeting. Besides, you won’t be needing your clothes.”
“Your compass,” she blurted out.
“Excuse me?”
She straightened, pulling from his touch. “I need to go retrieve your compass.”
“I’m sure one of your men would be happy to.”
She shook her head. “It’s in a—a private spot.”
He stared at her for several tense moments then shrugged. “Very well. Isaac, restrain our visitor.” He pointed to Griff. “You have fifteen minutes, Red. If you don’t come back, we’ll have a little execution ofour own over here.”
She frowned as his officer directed two men to tie Griff up. “You wouldn’t.”
“Try me, Red. The governor has granted me the power to make these decisions at will.” He pulled out a pocket watch and flipped it open. “Fourteen minutes.”
Samantha’s pulse jumped and she shot him a glare as she twisted to the rope Griff had tied to the railing. She wrapped her hands around the rough cords and prepared to jump.
“Don’t do this. Take the ship and leave me.”
She stiffened at Griff’s whispered words and gave a subtle shake of her head. How dare he think she would desert him.Of all the cowardly things...Before he could appeal again, she pushed off the railing and sailed to theHurricane.
