In the Arms of a Pirate (A Sam Steele Romance Book 2) by Michelle Beattie

put all her fear and anger into keeping herself upright. She had not, absolutely had not, come this far to fail now. She would remain where she was—thank goodness they hadn’t lit any lights—until they were gone and then she’d make her escape as planned.
    She held her breath, became absolutely still as the two men climbed the stairs, coming closer and closer to her. She heard their breathing, smelled the sea on their garments. They had only to reach out an arm and they’d have her. It was a wonder they didn’t hear the hammering of her heart or smell the perspiration dampening her brow. One hesitated at the top of the stairs and she feared they had, indeed, found her. Squeezing her eyes shut she prayed, begged, negotiated. Anything to keep her location from being found.
    The waiting was endless. It couldn’t have been more than the span of a few breaths, but Sarah had never felt the time pass any slower. Go, she willed. Just go .
    And then finally, finally, the man moved on. Sarah trembled with relief. Knowing they’d left a guard downstairs, however, she remained still. She would wait until they’d left and then she’d—
    Sophia!
    Sarah closed her eyes, wanted to bow her head though she didn’t dare. She’d been so consumed with thoughts of escape and of not being noticed she’d forgotten about the maid she’d left in her room. Dressed in Sarah’s clothes. Sophia had stirred some as Sarah had switched their clothing, and had, in fact, helped a little before the alcohol had once again dropped her into sleep. But in the end, Sarah had managed it. And now, here she was safe and hidden and dressed as a maid while Sophia lay unaware and helpless, dressed as the woman these men were clearly intent on taking.
    No, no, no, this wasn’t part of the plan ! She’d left the note for her father that would ensure Sophia wasn’t punished for what Sarah had done. But never, never, had she anticipated this. Where would they take her? What would they do to her? More importantly, could she live knowing she’d put an innocent at risk, very possibly in harm’s way for her own gain?
    The thoughts spun and churned and then so did her stomach when she heard them coming back, when she dared poke her head around the plant and saw Sophia was thrown over one of their backs like a sack of potatoes.
    “You knock her out, Cap’n?”
    “We had some luck in that she knocked herself out.”
    A door opened. The dining room most likely as the parlor doors were usually left open.
    “How many?” the captain asked.
    “Only four.”
    Sarah nearly revealed herself when she whimpered. Did they mean four had been found and were alive, or four were dead?
    “All the rooms checked?”
    “Yes, under the beds and cellar as well.”
    “She was the only one upstairs,” the captain said. “Let’s find out what they know.”
    The dining room door closed behind them and Sarah folded against the wall. Dear Lord what was happening? She’d always known her plan to escape had been risky but she’d never dreamed it would become this nightmare. Who were these men? What did they want? What did they believe the servants could know? Only…
    It wasn’t only servants. They believed she was down there among the staff. And any moment now one amongst them would recognize Sophia. Which meant Sarah had to act fast. Pushing away from the wall she lowered her bag to the floor. Her heart was galloping and her mouth was dry as a day old biscuit but she knew what she had to do. The only way to save Sophia and the others was to run for help. With her stomach tight as a fist, Sarah eased from behind the potted plant and crept down the stairs.

Chapter Five
    T he lights had been lit, revealing they had four prisoners, not counting Sarah. It was an easy number to deal with, especially with his men lined against the wall and blocking the exits. The butler—greying hair and tall, stick-like body which creaked when he sat at the table—the burly guard from outside