The Pirate Prince (Pirate's Booty Series, Book Five) by Temple Hogan Read Free Book Online Page A

tossed her head in anger and rose.
    At once, Hestia got to her feet and bowed slightly, but her eyes were bright with an emotion Azara didn’t want to explore. More than ever, her dislike of the girl flared.
    “Since you have disturbed my meditation,” Azara raised her voice so all could hear, “I propose we go on deck and take a bit of air. Cover yourselves well.”
    The women chattered with excitement that the princess would be so bold as to show herself to the ship’s crew yet again. Oma rushed forward.
    “Azara, you cannot,” the old nursemaid scolded. “’Tis not seemly to go among the men so often.”
    “We will wear our burka’s and cover our heads,” Azara replied. “I am tired of sitting below deck like a timid mouse. I wish to go up and feel the wind on my face as we did before.”
    “Your father would not approve,” Oma warned ominously.
    “My father is not here,” Azara said. “I have been kidnapped by a pirate and am uncertain what will occur, therefore I will go speak to the captain and discern what I must for my safety and that of all my ladies. Come,” she called and without giving Oma a chance to protest further, proceeded to the stairs that led upward to the deck.
    The men spotted them as they showed themselves on deck, their silken burka’s like colorful flowers blooming at sea. They called to the women and stared open-mouthed. Azara became afraid she’d made a terrible mistake by bringing her ladies on deck so soon after their last outing until a voice called out and the men immediately returned to their work, their faces now averted from the women.
    Azara turned to the bridge where Rajak stood glaring at his crew. When he was certain they were all back to work, he descended the short stairs and hurried toward her.
    “You should not be here,” he said, staring into her eyes with such intensity, she blushed.
    “My women are tired of being below. They wished to take some exercise on deck,” she said with her gaze averted.
    Her servants tittered behind their veils, their bright eyes barely revealed, lively and unafraid.
    “I will assign someone to walk with them and see to their safety,” he replied and summoned a tall, well-built man forward. “This is Kalari. He’ll accompany your ladies. As for you.” His eyes darkened and she felt heat flood her cheeks and travel down her body to the place below her belly. “I would be pleased if you would join me on the bridge.”
    He held out his hand and she had no choice but to take it. As soon as she did, she felt a ripple of warmth shimmy up her arm. Without looking back, she knew that Oma had trailed along behind her. She thought of ordering her to join the other women, but reminded herself a chaperone was necessary. Oma sought only to protect her. Rajak accepted her presence without comment.
    He led them to the bridge and to a place at the railing that gave her the best view of the vast ocean falling away before their prow. The wind blew the silk covering around her face, and she longed to throw it aside, but customs must be observed. Still, the feel of the powerful wind pressing against her skin was exhilarating. Rajak’s eyes sparkled as he watched her raise her face so she might experience it even more. Moved by the sheer excitement awakened by the elements, she let go of her hold on the railing and raised her hands above her head, squealing with delight. Suddenly the ship surged and she fell backwards, but Rajak’s arms were there to steady her. His arm remained at her waist and she leaned against him, sighing with contentment.
    Oma made a sound, but Azara ignored it. This was heaven and she wouldn’t have a chance to enjoy this often. She refused to let fear of disapproval of people who were far away in another land inhibit her pure enjoyment. Oma clucked in distress.
    “Oh come, Oma,” Azara cried in exasperation. “Come feel the wind against your face. It’s intoxicating.”
    She pulled the old woman beside her and