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Chapter 4
To the very fate that has abandoned us toturmoil.
Why did that echo in Morgan’s head? Because in his short acquaintance with this particular woman, she had done nothing but turn his orderly world inside out.
What could possibly be more torturous than spending the next few weeks trapped on board a ship with a woman who tempted him so mercilessly?
And she managed to do it effortlessly!
Even now, covered in grime and looking like a half-drowned pup, this woman had something about her that made a certain part of his anatomy sit up and beg for her.
Great hooks and crooks, why did this have to happen now, when the last thing he needed was something, or most especially someone, to get in his way?
He must stay focused with his thoughts.
He must…
Morgan looked at her and he sighed. With her eyes lowered, she rubbed her arms against the chill. She looked so vulnerable and timid.
Worst of all, she looked a mess.
But when not covered in soot, she was a pretty little thing, with a keen mind and fiery spirit that attracted him to her every bit as much as if she were a raving beauty.
Morgan clenched his teeth. He must have done something horribly wrong in his past! He must have committed some awful, wretched sin that fate was now punishing him for.
Yes, well, you better make sure you don’t do something wrong in the future,his mind scolded as he tried not to notice just how perfect Serenity’s cupid’s-bow lips were.
She was a decent woman, not some wharf-side doxy. Though he may have ruined her reputation, the least he could do was see to it that she was returned to her father every bit as intact as she had been when she left his home.
“I find it odd, Miss James, that you don’t demand I return you,” he said, noting the resignation in her posture.
“If I thought it would make you release me, Captain, I would. But you and Jake have made it quite clear that I have no voice in the matter.”
“And are you always this compliant?” he couldn’t resist asking as he remembered the way she’d boldly walked and talked circles around him that afternoon.
“Seldom.”
He laughed at her honesty. Still, he must make her understand the very real danger she posed. Not just to him, but to all of them. “Well then, Miss James, let me remind you that you’re on a shipfullof men. Rough men who will be at sea for quite a few weeks. Men who aren’t used to having a decent woman near them.”
She sighed. “I believe it’s what my mother used to call a recipe for disaster.”
“Without a doubt.”
She nodded in understanding, her eyes bold and brave. The only clue he had of her nervousness was when she began to chew the corner of her bottom lip.
“Which brings me to my next point, Miss James. Though I trust my crew with my life, I don’t trust them with yours. There are several of my men who were Caribbean pirates before I took them on, and though I’ve had no problems with them before now, I have no idea how they will react to your presence.”
“An ounce of prevention—”
“Please spare me the old wives’ sayings.”
Serenity clamped her lips together as if in effort to stifle more sayings. Though he wasn’t sure, he suspected that she liked rankling him.
Mayhap it was the mischievous gleam in her eyes belied by her nervousness. Whatever it was, he had an impression that she wasn’t always so forward with men. Somehow he was different, and if the truth were known, he liked the thought that she might see him as different. That she wasn’t this forward with all men.
Rising to her feet, she covered a yawn with one hand, and it was then he noted the dark circles under her eyes. Aye, it was after three o’clock in the morning, and no doubt she was used to being long asleep by this hour.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the ship lurched beneath her feet and sent her flying toward him.
