Once a Mistress

by Debra Mullins

  Chapter Six

  “You cannot keep me against my will.”

  He pushed her hair back over her shoulder. “I could make you beg to stay with me.”

  A quiver shot through her, sensitizing her body from head to toes, making her acutely aware of him, of his scent, his heat. The thought of surrender seemed more a pleasure than a price.

  “What were you doing at my home last night?” she challenged in a hoarse whisper, clutching at composure.

  He brushed a finger along her moistened mouth. “I was looking for someone.”

  At the gentle touch, her thoughts threatened to scatter. She struggled to keep her words coherent. “Who? Lord Chilton, perhaps?”

  “Perhaps.” Abandoning her mouth, he glided the backs of his fingers down her throat. “If I were seeking Chilton, I certainly found him, did I not?” He teased the edge of the robe, his fingertips just brushing the upper curve of her breast. “You seem to be well acquainted with my lord Chilton.”

  “He is my father’s business partner,” she whispered, barely aware of what words she spoke. Her entire being focused on the sensations bursting to life in her body. Her breasts tingled and grew heavy, the nipples tightening. Her heartbeat quickened. She pressed her thighs together as heat bloomed between her legs.

  “Obviously your father values him, else he would not be a suitor for your hand.” His fingers glided up and down the edge of the robe, each movement causing the garment to open a fraction further.

  Something penetrated Diana’s consciousness that his words were not quite right, but sensations lapped over her like ocean waves. She couldn’t think.

  “Well?” The robe fell partially open, catching on the tips of her breasts. He traced a finger down one soft, white mound, stopping just short of touching the nipple hidden beneath the black material.

  “He is nothing.” Her voice came softly and quickly. “He seeks to marry me, but…”

  “I can understand his eagerness. You are very beautiful.” Brushing aside the material, he cupped one naked breast in his palm and caressed the puckered nipple with his thumb.

  She gasped as heat streaked through her. She opened her eyes to find his face inches from hers, his dark eyes hot with need and something else. Something more deliberate. She glanced down at the hand cradling her breast, strength against softness, dark skin against light. What was he saying? Chilton. Chilton and Marcus. Dear God. Her father.

  Clarity exploded in her brain. Her temper quickly followed, fueled by frustrated desire and the sting of knowing that Alex had been using her body’s responses against her.

  “You bastard!” She shoved his hand away and jerked the edges of the robe closed. “You are trying to seduce me in order to gain information!”

  “Not precisely.” Alex clenched the hand that had so briefly caressed her softness and straightened, smiling sardonically. True, he was guilty of the charge she leveled. But one action had served twice the purpose. He had indeed tried to seduce a bit of information from her, hoping to aid his quest. Yet his seduction had uncovered something else as well.

  Though Diana had claimed that Marcus had not raped her, Alex had not been sure. However, she had not responded to his touch as a woman abused, but as one encountering her own sensuality for the first time. He would still have Birk examine her to be certain, but he breathed easier at this further evidence that she had escaped Marcus untouched.

  Still, his sense of honor stung that he would stoop to such levels. Worse, he had enjoyed it. He had thought his own considerable experience would give him enough control to stop short of bedding her. But now he was not so sure.

  He glanced at her, her flesh so fair against the dark material of his robe. Unable to face her accusing glare, he turned away and reached for the goblet of brandy. Even now he wanted to touch her again. And never stop.

  Diana watched him turn away, a sliver of pain piercing her heart. He hadn’t wanted her at all.

  She leaped from the chair, unwilling to spend another moment in the position of what might have been her ultimate humiliation.

  “You do not even deny it,” she accused, disgust heavy in her voice.

  “No.” He swallowed the last of the brandy.

  She hissed out a breath. “You are no better than Marcus. At least he never lied about his motives.”

  “Is that so?” Alex set aside the empty goblet. In two strides he stood before her. Gripping her arms, he pulled her to him.

  “I warned you once before not to compare me with him.”

  Too late she heard the dark passion in his voice even as her skin warmed in response to the touch of his hands. She licked her lips nervously. “Don’t do this.”

  His gaze fixated on her mouth. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  “Please.” It was all she could say. Her voice trembled. She knew she should pull away from him, but her limbs seemed oddly heavy. “Please,” she said again, unsure if she were begging him to stop…or pleading for him to continue.

  Cupping the nape of her neck in one hand, he gently touched her mouth with the other. Desire shot like a cannonball to her stomach, melting her knees and leaving her shivering.

  “You’re so responsive,” he murmured.

  Caught up in a sensual haze, she tried to recall that she had been stolen from her home, that the man holding her was a pirate. Confusing emotions surged through her. In reckless response, she caught the tip of his caressing finger in her teeth.

  The action triggered something untamed to flare in his eyes. He took his hand from her mouth and speared it into her hair, holding the back of her head in both hands, his actions jerky, as if he had no control over them. He tilted her face toward him and lifted her to her toes.

  Something hot and exciting coiled in her. She had no idea what had possessed her to bite him, but as she felt his strong hands gently cradling her head and watched his mouth descend toward hers, she suddenly understood. This was passion. This was freedom.

  This was life.

  And despite his unscrupulous motives, she was not about to let this opportunity to taste it slip away.

  His mouth closed over hers, stunning her with the hunger of his kiss. She hadn’t remembered his lips being so soft. Ensnared in a silky web of need, she reached up to clutch his wrists, her fingers curling into his flesh as her knees threatened to dissolve.

  He broke the kiss, gliding his tongue over her lower lip before slowly raising his head. She stared helplessly into his dark eyes, his mouth still inches from hers. She leaned closer to him, turning her face up to his in a silent plea.

  Suddenly he set her away. She frowned in confusion, then realized that what she had thought was the pounding of her heart was actually someone rapping on the door. They stared at each other, gasping for breath, as the knocking continued.

  “Bloody hell!”

  His harsh curse severed the tension between them with the sharpness of a blade. Shaken from her sensual spell, Diana closed her eyes as a second wave of humiliation swept over her. Fight him to the last breath? Why, she had practically crawled into his bed and begged him to take her—just as he had claimed she would. Mortified, she raised a shaking hand to her mouth, her face hot. Alex stormed to the door and threw it open.

  The wooden portal bounced off the wall. “What?” Alex roared. “I gave orders…oh, ‘tis you.”

  “Well now. In a wee bit o’ a temper are ye? Is yer wound painin’ ye that much then?” A tall, brawny man with dark hair and the face of a fallen angel bounded into the room. He stopped short upon seeing Diana. Glancing at Alex, he said, “Are ye aimin’ tae introduce me tae the bonnie lass, captain? Or do ye mean tae keep her tae yerself?”

  “Birk, this is Diana Covington.” Alex closed the door, noting with male satisfaction that the flush of passion still lingered in her cheeks. “My sweet, this rascal is Birk Fraser. When he can see straight, he serves as our surgeon.”

  “Surgeon!” Birk huffed. “Dinna be blackenin’ ma name like that, man. I�
��m no bloody barber! I’m a physician, highly educated and wastin’ my talents on the likes o’ you.” He slammed his satchel of medicines down on the table. “And I’m nae stumblin’ sot, either . I just enjoy ma ale, that’s all.”

  “And everyone else’s,” Alex quipped.

  “The devil take ye.” Birk brushed aside the insult and sent Diana a beaming smile. “Dinna be listenin’ tae him, lass. It’s the truth he gets a bit ill-tempered when he’s no feelin’ fit.”

  “Indeed?” Sarcasm dripped from her words. “I thought ‘twas his natural disposition.”

  Birk barked with laughter. “There’s a lass.” He turned to Alex. “Now I’ll be seein’ tae that wound, captain.”

  Alex frowned and glanced down at the slice across his ribs. The brandy had long ago dulled the pain. Truth be told, he had forgotten about it. “‘Tis just a scratch.”

  Birk snorted. “It’s the bite o’ a viper. Now set yerself down and let me take a peek at it.”

  “If you insist.” Alex stripped off his shirt. From the corner of his eye, he saw Diana’s mouth fall open. Shock crossed her face before she could hide it, and her gaze swept over his naked torso with maidenly fascination. Amused, he gave in to the urging of his male vanity and asked, “Is something amiss?”

  She closed her mouth with a snap. “Have you no manners at all, disrobing before a lady?”

  “First decency, now manners. You have strange expectations of a pirate, my dear.” Alex rubbed a hand through the light dusting of hair on his chest and watched her eyes follow the movement. “If you have not seen a naked man ere now, ‘tis high time you broadened your education.”

  “I have no need of any education you might provide,” she retorted.

  Alex smiled and sat down in a chair, sprawling his legs out before him. “So you say. But perhaps this innocence of yours is a good thing. After all, I do not need a wench big with Marcus’s bastard strolling my ship.”

  “I…why you…oh!” Diana’s face grew as red as her hair. “You vile cur!” Fists clenched, she advanced on him. “You poxy son of a dockside whore!”

  “Such language, lass.” Birk’s tone was one of admiration as he poured water into a basin.

  “You lily-livered bastard!” Diana kept coming, and Alex stood his ground. His attempts to subdue her had done little. She was still way too reckless.

  “Diana,” he warned.

  “You plague-ridden spawn of Satan!”

  “Enough!” Alex’s roar shook the cabin. He surged to his feet, towering over her. “Do you wish to be regarded as a lady, you will cease at once.”

  She jutted her chin. “And if I do not?”

  He took that stubborn chin in his hand. “A trollop’s mouth has many uses. Mayhap I should teach you one or two.”

  “I am no trollop!” She jerked her head away.

  As fast as she pulled away, Alex whipped out a hand and grabbed her arm. “Then do not behave as one.”

  “I am no trollop,” she insisted again. “No man has ever touched me.”

  “Indeed.” Alex cocked a brow and glanced down at the robe she wore. “I cannot help but remember your attire when you first boarded my ship, my sweet. It seems you were ill-used at some point during the night.”

  “Marcus tried to force himself on me, but your attack interrupted him.” She yanked her arm from his grip. “I bear no man’s bastard.”

  “Yet.” He bared his teeth in a mocking grin, and felt Birk’s heavy hand clamp down on his shoulder.

  “Enough now.” With a hard look at Alex, Birk turned his attention to Diana. “The two o’ ye can stop squabblin’ like a couple o’ bairns long enough tae let me do my work. Lassie, set yerself down in the chair there and keep yer bonnie mouth shut.”

  Diana hesitated only a moment. Throwing Alex a haughty look, she stormed over to the chair farthest from him and sat down, her back ramrod straight, her face turned away from them.

  “At least one o’ ye has sense.” Birk nodded once in approval before turning back to Alex. “Set yerself down, captain.” As Alex complied, Birk continued, “I need tae be stitchin’ up that slice in yer side, and I’ll thank ye no tae be bellowin’ at the lass the while. If ye take the notion tae be leapin’ out yer chair, then I’ll no be responsible for what portion o’ yer body ends up stitched.”

  Alex’s lips twitched. “Understood, Mister Fraser. But when you are done, I shall bellow as I like.”

  “Captain, when I’m finished, ye can do whatever ye bloody well please.”

  “Just so we understand each other.”

  “I’m understanding things quite well,” Birk muttered. Then without another word, he set about treating the wound. First he cleaned the gash with water, wiping away the dried blood and bits of thread. “It’s a fair simple cut, captain. Clean but a wee bit deep. I’ll need ye tae be still.”

  “I’m well accustomed to the procedure,” Alex remarked with amusement. “How many times has it been for me, Birk?”

  “More than yer share.” Birk fed the needle with silken thread and bent to his work. He jabbed Alex with it, making him jump. “What do ye prick the lass like that for?” he murmured. “She’s surely been through enough this night.”

  Alex winced as sharp pinches of the needle bit through his flesh. “She challenges me at every turn,” he said, pitching his voice so that only Birk could hear. “The wench doesn’t know when to concede the battle.”

  “And ye think you do? Ye stamp and snort like a stallion, tryin’ to prove to that bonnie mare that yer worthy o’ her.” Birk shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “Ye dinna even ken what yer doin’, do ye, laddie?”

  “She is too proud,” Alex hissed, flinching at yet another stab of the needle. “She needs to be taught her place.”

  “And who better tae teach her than a man with more pride than she? Alex, yer temper is cloudin’ yer vision. Ye want the lassie. It’s lust, no anger, that guides ye.”

  “She is spoiled,” Alex insisted. “She thinks to order me about like a pup. But I’m no lapdog, and I will not be led about by a woman.”

  “It would seem yer loins have a different opinion.” Birk snapped the thread, having finished the stitching.

  Alex cast a glance down at the telltale bulge in his breeches and gave a rueful smile. “The wench is yet innocent and not given to noticing such things.”

  “Should ye bide in that state, she’ll no be innocent for long.” Birk stood and slapped Alex on the back, the crack of flesh on flesh drawing Diana’s attention. “I suggest ye walk about the deck, captain, so yer side doesna stiffen.” He bent closer to Alex to murmur, “And mebbe the night air will cool both yer temper and yer loins.”

  “A sound suggestion, Mister Fraser.” Alex stood and tested his arm experimentally, wincing at the pull of the stitches. His eyes touched on Diana for a moment before he turned to Birk. “I want you to examine her,” he ordered in a low voice, “to assure that Marcus did not harm her. She seems well enough, but she is too damned proud. I want to be certain.”

  “Indeed, captain.” Birk cast a meaningful look in the direction of the door. “Give ma regards tae the watch.”

  Alex nodded. Not even bothering to don a shirt, he swung about on his heel and left the cabin.

  Birk gave a hearty sigh as the door slammed behind Alex. “It’s the devil’s own temper he has.” He smiled at Diana. “The two o’ ye are like flint an’ steel, strikin’ sparks off each other.”

  “I have no desire to ‘strike sparks’ or do anything else with your captain.” Scowling at the closed door, she added, “I am naught but a captive.”

  “Nay, lass. Dinna judge the captain so harshly.” Birk smiled, the corners of his blue eyes crinkling. “Things are verra often no what they appear.”

  Diana snorted. “In this respect, Mister Fraser, I believe things are exactly as they appear. I was abducted from my home by Marcus, then taken yet again by your captain, a vile, wretched pirate—” She flushed and pressed her
lips together.

  Birk sighed. “Lass, I think there’s things ye should ken.”

  Diana regarded the handsome physician with skepticism. He had a pleasant manner about him, and his blue eyes were kind. His Scots burr had a calming effect, reminding her of both her mother and Maude. Yet he still sailed under El Moreno’s command, and she was wary of trusting him. But she needed so desperately to trust someone. She looked down at the hands in her lap.

  He seemed to comprehend her dilemma. “Lass, I am a physician, sworn tae heal folk, no hurt them.” He sat down in the chair Alex had vacated. “Mebbe I can shed a bit o’ light on yer situation.”

  After a moment’s thought, Diana raised her eyes to his. Alex’s departure had resulted in the cooling of her anger. She hadn’t realized until this moment that her temper had been the only thing keeping apprehension at bay.

  “‘Tis a frightening thing,” she admitted softly, “to have no control over a situation.”

  Birk nodded, his expression sympathetic. “Indeed it is. Tell me, lass. Have ye any idea how ye came tae such a pass?”

  Diana hesitated before answering, having already deduced the reason for Marcus’s abduction. She knew it had to have something to do with Chilton, and the conversation she had overheard in her father’s study. Obviously Chilton and Marcus had taken her captive in an attempt to force her father to relinquish the incriminating ledger pages. Thanks to Alex, they had not succeeded. Yet she could still be in danger, so as much as her instincts encouraged her to confide in Birk Fraser, she elected to keep the knowledge of the ledger pages to herself for the time being.

  “Did I bring on bad memories for ye, lassie?” Birk’s soothing tone once more urged her to trust him. “Ye says Marcus didna harm ye. Still, if ye got as muckle as a splinter aboard thon devil’s ship, I want tae be hearin’ about it.”

  “I am unharmed, Mister Fraser. Really.”

  “Tae be certain, I would like tae examine ye, if ye wouldna mind.”

  Slowly she nodded. “All right. But first tell me what you know of how I came to be here.”