Chapter Two
When Aria awoke for a second time, she found herself in sumptuous quarters, far surpassing anything on theArgus.
Where am I? Am I dreaming?
Although the furnishings of the room were luxurious, they seemed to be thrown together from a hodgepodge of different styles and periods.
What is this place?
Aria was lying on a bed, its mattress firm but fitted with silk sheets and numerous blankets of varying colors and makes. They were, however, all astonishingly comfortable.
“It looks like an interior designer threw up in here,” she muttered.
Suddenly, the reality of her situation confronted her, as her memories flooded back.
Sacred Palamar! I’ve been kidnapped!
Aria sat bolt upright. She was still wearing the clothes in which she had been taken, so that was a relief. They weren’t the best, but her blouse and skirt would do.
Do? Do for what? You’ve been kidnapped, Aria!
Trying to quell her rising sense of panic, Aria left the bed and looked around. A dresser with empty drawers, a vanity with a mirror. She stopped and examined herself. A little rumpled, perhaps, but not too bad.
Not too bad for pirates?
“Settle down, Aria.” A bathroom, with a shower, sink, etcetera. No toiletries that she could see.
Okay. Time to try the door.She took a deep breath and returned to the bedroom.
A man was standing there, leaning against the open doorframe.
He was tall—six foot two, maybe six four—and had the build of a professional athlete: broad shoulders, slim hips, and he carried himself with ease and confidence. His lantern jaw had a hint of stubble, and his thick black hair was bound in a ponytail with silver rings. A few stray strands of his hair drifted over his forehead. His face was set in a charming and easy smile.
“Lady Aria.” He dipped his head. “It’s a treat to see you again.”
Aria’s jaw dropped. “Jacques?”
“Well, it’s Jack, actually.” He came all the way into the room, closing the door behind him. “Sorry. Needs of the moment and all that.”
Aria sat down hard on the end of the bed, stunned. “You…how are you here? Did they capture you as well? Are we prisoners?”
Jack regarded her silently for a moment, mouth twitching with amusement. “Ah…”
The pieces fell into place for Aria. “You!” You lied to me, you seduced me, you planned this whole thing! Itoldyou that I was sailing with the cargo of mandalum! That’s how you knew which ship to hit.”
“Guilty as charged, milady,” said Jack easily. “I always thought you were a quick one.”
“You…you liar! You charmed me into bed andwormedmy family’s secrets from me! You’re nothing but a thief and a seducer.”
Pointing to himself, he shrugged and said, “Pirate.”
Aria looked for something heavy to throw at him but could see nothing, so instead she launched herself from the bed, her hand raised to give him the hardest slap she could muster. To her dismay, he caught her hand easily, and pulled her close to his body.
Even in her anger, Aria could feel once again the hardness of his body against her. This close to him, she could smell the musky cologne he wore. Her body, remembering what this scent had meant in the past, reacted in dismaying ways.
“Easy, little cat,” he said. “Sheathe your claws, or something will happen that you won’t like.”
“Won’t like?” Aria wrenched herself from his grasp. “What’s to like? You invaded my bed, took advantage of me, stole my family’s precious resources, and now you’ve…you’ve kidnapped me!”
