Once a Mistress by Debra Mullins Page A

remember—I had her first.”
    With a wave of his hand, McBride signaled two burly men, who grabbed the pirate and dragged him away. Marcus continued to glare at the two of them until he disappeared below deck.
    Alex glanced at Diana. “You are a brave woman,” he murmured.
    “I was terrified.”
    “An intelligent woman as well.” He grinned and shook his head. “But we really must do something about your affinity for such disagreeable companions.”
    “Absolutely.” She eyed him from head to toe and then turned away.
    He chuckled. “You must admit, I am a better choice than Marcus.”
    She shrugged. “One pirate is the same as another.”
    Her casual insult chafed like a splinter beneath his skin. He had saved her life, yet she treated him as if he were the one intent on harming her.
    Shoving his sword back into its scabbard, he reached for her. “Come with me.”
    She resisted as he tried to lead her to the ladder. “Where are we going?”
    “Must you plague me with questions?” Alex jerked her forward. She fell against his chest, grabbing his shirt for balance. The garment, slashed from his battle with Marcus, tore open to expose the bare skin of his midsection. Still clutching the strip of black cambric, Diana looked up into his face, her expression a picture of maidenly horror.
    “Ah, Diana,” he said with false innocence. “Your lusty appetites astound me. I would gladly have disrobed had you but asked.”
    “Oh!” Diana dropped the swatch of material as if it burned her. “As if I would ever ask such a thing!”
    “Perhaps you might. Someday.” He took her arm. “Now, you may walk with me to my ship like the lady you are, or you may share quarters with Marcus in the hold. ‘Tis your choice.”
    “You are vile.” Her nose raised in haughty disdain, she preceded him to the ladder. Chuckling, he followed.
    They descended to the lower decks. McBride awaited him in the waist.
    “Orders, captain?” The mate fell into step behind his captain as Alex led Diana across the deck.
    “Take a few men and secure the ship,” Alex replied. “Leave Fernandez in command here. I need you back on the Vengeance .”
    “Indeed I will, sir.”
    “And cut loose the grappling ropes as soon as you can,” Alex added. “A storm’s blowing up, and I don’t want the Vengeance dragged under by this barge if it hits.”
    “To be sure.” With a nod, the wiry, red-haired Irishman hurried across one of the planks balanced between the two ships. Alex made to follow, but Diana brought him up short.  
    Her gray eyes widened with apprehension as she stared down at the sea below them.
    “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you fall.”
    “I cannot tell you how much that reassures me,” she snapped.
    He cocked an eyebrow at her. “There is always the alternative. I am certain Marcus would be glad of the company.” She gave him a look of disgust, and he laughed. “That is what I thought. Now come.” Tugging her behind him, he mounted the plank.
     
    Diana burned with chagrin as Alex led her about like a spaniel on a lead. She wanted to protest but dared not test him further. He won every challenge.
    She followed him across the plank with small steps. Her stomach rolled as she viewed the choppy water beneath them. She looked up with haste and fixed her gaze on his broad back. How could he stroll such a narrow board with such confidence? He seemed totally in control of his environment, certain that he could handle any problem that arose.
    So where did that leave her?
    It had not occurred to her to be afraid of him, since he had once before refused the opportunity to do her harm. But that had been in the garden of her home, where one cry from her would have brought armed men to her rescue. Fear trickled along her spine as a new concern grew in her mind. What was to prevent Alex from abusing her now? On his own ship, no one would stop him.
    The thud of his boots hitting his own deck jerked her from her musings. He took a