“But then the prize was stolen from one pirate by another, is that right?”
“Yes.”
“The Hawk, of course, instantly knew your value.”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
He stroked his chin. “How strange. He then decided to release you, asking nothing for you.” He leaned forward. “So you came to know him well.”
“Well enough.”
“And you were imprisoned separately from the others?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
The rapid, spitfire questions had her reeling, feeling deeply on the defensive. She leaped to her feet, allowing her chair to fall back. “Stop! I do not care to speak about it longer!”
“But you were treated well!” he reminded her.
“Lord Cameron!” She stared at him with all the icy reserve that she could summon. “I do not care to speak of it anymore! Not now, not ever! Governor Spotswood will seek out his pirates, and he will slay them all, no doubt! But I cannot go on tonight, do you understand me, sir?”
He came around, righting her chair. His hands fell upon her shoulders and she was startled by the strength of him. He spoke softly, his voice low, well modulated. He was a lord, a gentleman, yet more than ever she had the feeling that he was not to be underestimated, that a simmering anger lay deep within him, and that if it rose to the surface, it would be dangerous indeed.
“Sit, milady. I have not meant to distress you.”
“I am not distressed.”
“I am grateful to hear that. We will speak no more of it for now. The future lies before us, and we should not speak of the past.”
She raised her eyes to his. “I am grateful, Lord Cameron. I am very grateful for your presence here, for the fact that you came so swiftly to my rescue. I will not marry you.”
He arched a brow.
“You will not marry me?”
“No.”
“Your father gave promise.”
She shook her head impatiently. “I know, sir, that you did not wish to marry me—”
“Perhaps I have changed my mind.”
She gritted her teeth. “I have not changed mine.”
“I don’t think that you understand. My will is very strong.”
“I don’t think you understand. I promise that my will can be of steel when I so choose.”
“You cannot change what is.”
“But I do not want—”
“You insult my family name, milady,” he said pleasantly, but his eyes flashed their silver warning.
“This was a fool’s bargain made by two doting fathers when we were just children. I was an infant. You cannot hold me to this.” She pushed away from the table and stood. “If you will excuse me now, sir, I am very exhausted.”
