A Pirate's Love by Johanna Lindsey Read Free Book Online Page B

it is dangerous for a woman to be that lovely. She could have the world at her feet if she wanted, but I don’t think she realizes her own worth. That one will wreck many lives before she is through.”
    â€œBut not yours, eh?”
    â€œNo. I would consider keeping the wench for myself, but she might distract me, and I cannot rest until I find Bastida and put an end to his miserable life!” Tristan replied heatedly.
    â€œI know what eats at you, Tristan, but let’s not think of it now. There is time and enough to find Bastida.”
    â€œYou’re right, old friend. There are much more pleasant things to think of now.”
    Jules grinned mischievously. “I thought you liked your women willing.”
    â€œWhat I don’t like is using force and facing a woman’s wrath. But as usual, logic won out over force.”
    â€œThe men, they envy you this one. I don’t think any of them have ever seen such a one as her,” said Jules.
    â€œNor have I ever seen one so lovely before. She is a lady, but one with a temper.”
    â€œWell, after seeing her, the men have only one thing on their minds. I think it would be wise to drop anchor in the nearest port. Let the men have a day or two carousing in the brothels. That should help them forget the one tucked away in your cabin, and satisfy them until we return home.”
    â€œI agree,” Tristan replied. “We can head for the Virgin Islands and make Tortola by nightfall. The men—” Tristan stopped short when he saw Bettina’s servant talking to one of his men. “What is she doing out of your cabin?”
    Jules looked in the same direction as Tristan, then answered, “I released her to work in the galley. We haven’t had a decent meal since old Angus died.”
    â€œYou trust the old woman not to poison us?” Tristan asked with a grin.
    â€œNo. I will see that she tastes the food herself before it is served.”
    Tristan frowned as he watched the servant slip into his cabin. “What the devil? My cabin is not the galley. Go ask Joco what the old woman spoke to him about.”
    Jules did as he was asked and came back to Tristan’s side a few minutes later. “She asked to be taken to the prisoners. What would make—”
    â€œBlast!” Tristan cut him off sharply. “I suppose Joco told her there were no prisoners?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œMother of God! You should have asked me before you released that old woman. Now I can expect the wrath of hell to fall on my head when I walk through that door!” Tristan exclaimed, nodding at his cabin.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œI told the girl we took prisoners. I told her I would spare their lives if she did not fight me. She agreed. But now she must know I tricked her. She is probably plotting right now how to tear my heart out!”
    Jules burst out laughing. “You give the girl too much credit. She’s probably too frightened of you to do anything.”
    â€œI have doubts about that.”
    â€œWhy did you tell the girl we had prisoners when we have never taken any before? Why didn’t you just threaten the servant’s life? That would surely have done the trick.”
    â€œI did not want the girl to think me monstrous enough to kill old women,” Tristan answered irritably.
    â€œWhy should you care what she thinks of you?”
    â€œNever mind,” Tristan replied in a gruff voice. Then he saw the servant leaving his cabin. “Go speak with her. I would know what to expect before I enter my cabin and find my pate split open.”
    Jules left and returned with a halfhearted grin on his lips. “The old woman said the girl has vowed revenge and might do something foolish. Do you want me to go in first—to make sure she is not waiting to slit your throat?”
    â€œI have been a fool! I didn’t think to remove the daggers from my