The Bargain: A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Episode 2 by Vanessa Riley Page A

been truthful about his worship at sea.  
    Cocking his head back to lean on the heavily carved spindles of the chair, he lifted his boot to her. “Pull.”
    Stretching her unhurt arm, she clutched the nearly-dry hide and yanked it free. The jarring sent up a vibration, making her bones ache. “You do the next one. I can’t.”
    His face lifted and a small smile peeked. “Well, how could you with a hurt shoulder? You should truly learn to just tell me the problem.”
    She tested her arm, trying to move it. The sting made fresh tears come to her eyes. “Then how could you wish to ravish me in this condition?”
    He propped up his head in hands and stared at her. “True, I prefer bedmates who are not writhing from the pain of an injury.”
    “Then, I can leave?” Hopping off the bed, she scooped up her robe.
    He swung his leg wide, blocking her. “It’s not that simple. The captain’s mistress can’t leave after five minutes.“
    “Mistress?” Her heart shriveled. He did intend to punish her.
    “Yes, my lover. You’re the captain’s woman, Precious Jewell. No man on this ship will dare touch you if you are mine.”
    She wasn't worried about the other men right now, just this one with the intense spark in his eyes. “I’m no lover. Not when forced.”  
    He sighed long and hard, but what could be frustrating him? He was about to take the rest of her pride.  
    “No one is forcing any thing, Jewell. I’m the last man you should worry about.”
    His gaze felt hot and thick, as if he measured the thickness of her nightgown or if he could see down through to her stays. She bundled the robe closer to her bosom. “Then let me leave or make good on your threats. I don't want to wait in fear of you.”
    His brow cocked. “So, mouse, you are giving me permission? How very interesting.”
    That didn't quite come out like she wanted, but something in her gut wanted an end to his game. “You think this is easy for me? Just get it over with; the waiting to be humiliated is the worst.”
    He rubbed at the light scruff on his chin. “You and my darling Eliza are very similar. She wanted things on her terms, but sometimes life doesn't play along.”
    She balled the fist of her working arm and shook it at him. “Just start already.”
    “Start what? Molesting you? You work for me. Blast it. I enslaved you but a month ago. A woman needs a choice. You can't choose under bondage or fear. You must always choose.”  
    His deep voice grew lower, slowing, making each of his syllables punch her in the gut. “I know. I have suspected since the night of the storm that some blackguard didn't let you choose before. That’s why you jump when I touch you. You freeze if my arms are about you. That’s not what I or any decent man wants.”
    Backing up, the footboard stopped her retreat, poking her leg. There was no escape from his accusation. It was true, but she couldn’t talk about that time with him or anyone.  
    Yet, the tremble in her body wouldn’t quit. Oh, how low Lord Welling must think of her. That was it. He didn't want another man’s garbage. That horrible fiend who’d taken her trust, who’d erased every easy smile since, was still with her, still cutting up her insides. She rubbed her neck, her voice filling with anguish over a nightmare that refused to go away. “Please let me go to my cabin. Jonas may have awakened with the ruckus. I won’t come out for the rest of the trip.”
    “I can't let you out that door. How do I put this for your stubborn ears? If you don't look thoroughly ravished, the dogs will be on you again. I can't beat everyone up defending you.”
    There was no guile in his voice. He wanted to protect her. That silly notion made her want to cry aloud. Instead, she swiped at her nose and glanced back at him, hoping to look like stone.
    His arms folded. His mouth huffed. “I’ve dumped the ringleader in the ocean. Won't be much of a crew if I have to throw them all in."
    “You should.