Ruined by the Pirate by Wendi Zwaduk Page A

wing surely must be open.”
    “He probably wants to go home.” Isaiah nudged her out of the way. “He’ll be happier at home.”
    Killian sighed, but she swore the sound was more of a growl. “I’ve had a lovely time meeting you, Sarah. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Goodbye, love.” He kissed her hand then bowed. “Good evening.”
    Sarah fought back tears. His farewell sounded so final. She watched him weave through the others in the parlor. When the front door clicked shut, her heart tore in two. He’d taken a piece of her soul with him. She wanted to run after him. Coming home had been a mistake.
    “Come now, darling.” Isaiah grabbed her elbow. “Darling? Don’t tell me you’ve formed an attachment to him. He’s beneath you.”
    Beneath her… “Did you miss me?” she managed. When Sarah looked up into Isaiah’s eyes, she didn’t feel warmth—just a chill.
    “Of course. I made some of the wedding arrangements while you were gone. I’m sure you’ll find them satisfactory.” Isaiah nodded to Nelson. “Hyacinths for the church and ice sculptures for the reception on the back lawn. I’ve even purchased you a gown for our big day.”
    She stared at Isaiah, unable to speak. He’d bought her a gown? The one thing she didn’t need or want, he’d gone ahead and purchased. More proof he didn’t know her at all. She balled her fists. “I’m wearing Mother’s dress.”
    A faint smile crossed her father’s lips.
    “You want something new and fashionable,” Isaiah spat. He clicked his tongue. “I know what’s best for you. I don’t have time to listen to your foolishness. Nelson, where were we? I believe we needed to go over the details of the Levant Packing acquisition.”
    “Just a moment.” Nelson held up his hand once more. “I’d like a word with my daughter.”
    “You’ve got all evening to see her,” Isaiah replied. “This acquisition won’t wait.”
    Nelson slowly turned his attention to his protégé. “I’ve not seen my Sarah in almost a year. I’ve missed her terribly.” He smoothed his index finger and thumb along his salt-and-pepper mustache. “For being such an enthusiastic suitor, you’re not showing me you care. Money does not mean more than her well-being, are you telling me it does?”
    Sarah pressed her lips together and wobbled onto the arm of the sofa. She’d never heard her father speak in such terms. His apparent shift in attitude pleased her.
    “We all have business to attend to. I’ll be certain to entertain my future bride at the cocktail hour.” Isaiah stuffed his hands into his suit coat pockets. “This is more important.”
    “My daughter is more important than any acquisition.” Nelson bowed his head. “As I said, I’d like a word with my daughter.”
    “As you wish.” Isaiah clapped his hands.
    Frederick and Delia scurried out of the room ahead of him. Isaiah took his time. Did he want her to challenge her father for the right to keep Isaiah in the room? Not a chance. He finally closed the door and left her alone with her father.
    “I’m quite glad to be home, Father.” Sarah scooted off the arm of the couch and took a seat on the cushions. “Thank you for the lovely trip.”
    Nelson sat beside her and slipped her hand into his. “Do you expect me to believe this charade?” He paused and stared at her. “Sarah, I’m quite certain that man didn’t simply rescue you from the bay.”
    She wanted to ask him how he’d figured her out but kept quiet.
    “I’ve learned to read people. That boy you accompanied cares about you. Tell me the truth of his identity and how you’ve come to know him.”
    “Father, I can’t.” He’d have Killian arrested, certainly. After all he’d taught her and the way he’d treated her, she couldn’t give Killian up.
    “Do you truly wish to marry Isaiah?”
    “No.” She’d answered too quickly. “I don’t love him and never have. I’ll do what you see fit, but no, I