Nicole Jordan by The Passion

Aurora,” he returned coolly. “I make no apology for my privateering. And I assure you, Gerrod and his ilk are hardly innocents themselves. Any number of Americans have been killed by the British navy, some of whom were my friends. I’ve had crewmen, illegally taken by your press gangs, who were savagely beaten like animals, some who died in service—” Sabine stopped himself and took a slow breath. His anger under control, he moved to stand before her. “My own past is not entirely spotless, but I have never been guilty of murder. And I have never shown violence toward any woman, ever. I promise you solemnly, you have nothing to fear from me.”
    No, Aurora reflected. Nothing to fear but what he made her feel. His mere nearness made her pulse race, made her skin warm and her body feel flushed with awareness.
    “And keep in mind,” he pressed, “the short duration of our union. Even if I were the kind of man you claim, you wouldn’t have to suffer my company for long. I certainly can refrain from acting the savage pirate for the brief term of our marriage.”
    Aurora felt an ache in the vicinity of her heart. She couldn’t believe this man would soon die. He radiated vitality and vibrant life….
    “What you are proposing sounds so…cold-blooded,” she said finally, grasping at straws.
    He shook his head. “Think of it as a business arrangement. Ladies of your class commonly enter into such agreements.”
    It was
not
common for ladies to marry only to lose their husbands the next day, Aurora thought in dismay. “So you wish this to be a simple business arrangement?”
    “Not precisely.” She heard him draw a slow breath. “I should make my meaning clear, Lady Aurora. Our marriage would not be in name only. To be legitimate, it must be fully consummated.”
    Her gaze locked with his, searching. His fathomless eyes were steadfast, unwavering in their intensity.
    “I want no question of the legality of our union,” he said levelly, “or the possibility that it could be set aside. Your father is a powerful man, as is Halford. I don’t care to see my efforts to secure my sister’s future go for naught.”
    Her heart faltered in its rhythm as she understood his meaning: they would share a bed as husband and wife.
    Taken aback, Aurora stared at him. She had seriously been considering his desperate proposal until he added that disturbing condition. The possibility of physical intimacy with this man unnerved her. The thought of giving herself to a stranger—But was that not what she would be required to do when she wed Halford? This man, no matter how intimidating, was infinitely more appealing than the aging duke. She felt her pulse quicken dangerously.
    Sabine was still watching her. Holding her gaze, he took her hand and raised it to his lips. But instead of kissing her fingers, he turned her hand over and kissed the tender inside of her wrist. His lips on her sensitive skin felt like a brand and sent hot and cold shivers through her.
    “Will you consider becoming my wife for a night, sweetheart? I think I can safely promise that you would not find your introduction to the marriage bed onerous.”
    Her breath caught in her throat at the images his promise conjured in her mind. That and the seductive sensuality in his eyes held her so spellbound, she couldn’t reply.
    His gaze dropped to her lips. “I regret I’m not able to court you as you deserve. A woman as lovely as you should have an equally lovely setting…moonlight, roses, whispered promises…” He leaned toward her, his breath fanning her lips….
    When Aurora stiffened instinctively, however, he stopped. Instead of kissing her, he spoke in a velvet-edged voice. “I cannot believe you truly fear me, Aurora. Not a woman of your rare courage. I saw the fascinating change in you yesterday, from proper lady to avenging angel.”
    Warily she searched his face. Stubble still shadowed his jaw, giving his handsome features a dangerous aura. He might