"I'm a virtuous lady," she said firmly. "And you'd best be remembering that, rogue."
He snorted, giving her a half smile and a dark look. "If you're so virtuous, what do you know of rogues?"
"That they seduce innocent, virtuous females."
"Oh, do we now?" he asked with speculation, his gaze turning to pure mischief. "And how can that possibly happen with a female who is completely virtuous? Such a lady should be immune to that sort of impiety and temptation."
She felt flustered of a sudden, for she suspected she might not be immune to the temptation of him. "I know not. But I hear rumors."
"I'm certain you eat up the gossip about rogues and their scandalous seductions."
"I do no such thing. You are wicked, sir."
The grin he sent her way was devastating in its sensuality. It halted her breath. What was wrong with her? Alec had never made her feel this way, as if her lungs were constricted, as if heat and chills rushed over her. Was she coming down with a sudden fever from the dip in the harbor?
Dropping her gaze from him and drawing in a deep breath, she felt a mite more under control.
"I won't deny it," Darack said. "I am wicked. But I'm an outlaw; what do you expect? I prefer plain speaking. So… are you saying Alec didn't seduce you?"
"Of course he didn't!" Heat flamed over her face.
Amusement lit Darak's dark gaze. "Did he kiss you?"
"How is that your business?" she demanded.
Darack smirked. "He did, I see."
"It does not matter! I'm done with him. In fact, I'm done with all men."
"Och. 'Tis a shame. You are a beautiful woman."
She was unsure how to respond to his unexpected compliment. Was he being sincere? Or trying to seduce her? Her face burned.
"A woman that any man would want to kiss," he continued.
She blew out a doubtful breath. He'd already made it clear he could hardly tolerate her company. He mocked her without mercy and called her spoiled. "Any man? Even you?" she challenged.
"Aye, of course, first and foremost. Are you offering me a kiss?"
