“Go to hell.”
“Ah. The fire within you has returned. I am intrigued.” Her hard, green eyes glittered in the light of her lamp. “I will make an agreement with you. Come with me willingly, and you can share in all that I have—ships, gold, freedom.” She ran her hand down his face. “I am queen of my dominion, and you can be my king.”
“No.”
“But why?”
“Every day apart from home is a day of suffering.”
“Your wife plans to wed another. Just today she confirmed the banns.”
A pain seized his chest.The pirate lies.
The pirate softened her voice. “Why would you wish to stay where you are not wanted?”
He held her gaze with pleading eyes, ever inching his ankles upward behind his back.
“I’ve always told you.” She brushed his cheek a second time. “You are weak inside.”
“I will endure,” he replied.
She shoved his shoulder, knocking him onto his back.
“You will surviveonlyif I allow!” she shouted. “Tu es rein!”
His nightmare’s refrain scratched against his heart like fingernails on slate.
“Le capitaine grand et courageux,” she shook her head, lip curled in disgust, “impuissant et frémissant.”The great and brave captain, helpless and quivering.
Yes, he was helpless. Yes, her voice had left him quivering.
However, he would not give up.
Inside, he knew.
Inside, he trusted.
“I will survive,” he replied.
She could try and take him. She would not get far.
Sir Jerold swiveled back from his spot at the entrance to the cave.
“We have a problem. Men are coming down the beach—a whole crew.”
The pirate cocked her head. “Your soldiers?”
Sir Jerold shook his head. “Not mine.”
“Have you signaled the ship? Has the ship responded?”
“Yes and yes.”
“Then prepare the dinghy!” She hooked an arm beneath Chev by the shoulder and dragged him toward the opening.
Chev lost hold of the partially loosened knot.
“Help me with him!” she demanded.
