Kit Black by Monica Danetiu-Pana Read Free Book Online Page A

Armand were polished to a high shine. I had kept them safe in the bottom of my sea chest. His sword, long hidden in my bunk, was now strapped to my side. I still had the nightmares of meeting him and having to use it on him. Those were interspersed with dreams of him that were of such an erotic nature I’d wake up crying out and drenched with sweat. My hair had grown back to shoulder length and I kept it tied back with a black ribbon. I had a bath every week, even though the men would laugh at me. They shook their heads at the lengths I went to clean up Gareth’s mess, but I was not about to risk putrid fevers again.
    We set sail for the Barataria Bay where I would meet the great Jean Laffite and change the course of my life once again. I had just turned twenty-two and found myself living the dream I had held for so long. I was Kit Black, and I was a buccaneer. And yet, I was still in love with a man I’d thought I’d likely never see again.

Chapter 3
    Jean Laffite was a handsome man. He was tall, even taller than me. He wore his jet-black hair to his shoulders and had his beard trimmed close to his face. His eyes were grey, a light wolfish color. I was terrified at first when he came on board The Black Moon , but he was impressed with me. He was a little surprised that I would draw my sword to protect myself. Instead of fighting, we shook hands and he invited me to his villa. He made me several interesting propositions over dinner, just as we toasted with the finest of French wines.
    I was just ready to call it a night, a very late night, when Roger knocked on my cabin door.
    â€œRoger, come, my friend. Come,” I said, feeling a little tipsy. I’d consumed a lot of wine with Laffite and even smoked one of his fine cigars. Truth be told, those things turned my stomach a little. I had little interest in making drink and cigars a habit. But the food had been sumptuous, the pie for dessert made with real cream. I had never tasted anything so wonderful.
    â€œSo, how is it to be keeping company with the likes of the gentleman pirate?” Roger raised his eyebrows.
    â€œHe’s a real gentleman.” Well, for the most part. I wasn’t surprised at all when he asked me to warm his bed. I held him off at arm’s length with a teasing retort. “Do you ask that of the male captains who sit at your table?” He was shocked at my audacity, but he laughed. I had no intention of sleeping with Laffite. Unless I lost our wager.
    â€œWe set out next week for France,” I told Roger excitedly. “And not in the likes of this leaky sponge. We’ll be sailing in a schooner of Laffite’s called The Dark Jewel .”
    â€œHis ship?”
    â€œAye, one of his best. And if we beat him to France, I shall be made captain of one of the best in his fleet. If I do well, Roger, I will be given a share in the company.”
    â€œAnd why is that? Because you have a pretty face? “
    â€œBecause I’m skilled and because I took this ship from Gareth. Why do you keep giving me those looks, Roger? Is my face dirty?”
    â€œDid you know there’s a price on your head?”
    â€œThe English have better things to worry about,” I laughed. “They’re likely glad I rid them of the little pervert.”
    â€œI think you’re too cocky by half, girl. I think you need someone to take you down a peg or two. Perhaps that Frenchman. What was his name?”
    â€œDon’t mention his name to me. I’ve forgotten him completely.”
    â€œAh, tell yourself that. And what happens if you lose this race to France?”
    â€œI have to sleep with Laffite. But I won’t lose.”
    â€œI want to ask you something. I thought you were the one always bragging about your high ideals, Kit. About not wanting to transport slaves.”
    â€œI won’t be doing it, Roger. Goods. Goods only. Laffite has agreed.”
    â€œYet, he does it. He makes most of