The Captain's Pearl by Jo Ann Ferguson Page B

hands framed her face, she did not resist as she was turned to Bryce. His fury had vanished, leaving only the pain. He tipped her cheek to graze it with his lips. Her breath caught on her serrated grief.
    â€œI am sorry,” she whispered.
    â€œFor lying to me?”
    â€œIt was no lie. I wish I had never met Davis. If I had not, he would not be dead now.”
    â€œHe would not have died uselessly.”
    She jerked away. His face grew hard again as she snapped, “He did not die uselessly! He honored his promise to me. Do not belittle that because you would not do the same!”
    â€œI have never broken a promise.” He grasped her shoulders and tugged her to him. “I shall not forget the one I made to the captain or the one you made to me, blue eyes.”
    â€œI made you no promise.”
    He gripped her chin. “You promised to do whatever I wished to repay me for rescuing you.”
    â€œI am obligated to do as you wish.” She tensed. How could he think of bedding her when her brother was dead only a few feet away?
    â€œLook at me, blue eyes,” he whispered.
    She forced her eyes open. He was not wearing a superior smile. Instead his face was an empty mask, showing he was determined to govern his grief.
    â€œI ask you to fulfill that obligation to me by fulfilling the pledge Davis asked of you.” He took her hand.
    â€œTo let you take his place as my older brother until I reach my father’s home?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou did not need to ask that. I promised Davis.”
    â€œI know, but you may not realize, blue eyes, how difficult that vow will be to keep.” He pressed his lips to her neck above her ch ’eÅ­ng shaam .
    A stream of fire washed over her, melting her to him. Her fingers rose to twist through his hair as his mouth coursed along her, seeking her lips. He crushed her to his chest. When his mouth captured hers, she tasted his desperation—desperation to satisfy this craving, desperation to discover pleasure, desperation to forget the pain of loss …
    With a soft cry, Lian pulled herself out of his arms. She wobbled to where a single chair was set beneath the window. She gripped it. “You gave Davis your word, too. I thought you said you never broke a promise.”
    â€œI don’t intend to.” His slow smile taunted her. “I just want you to understand what will happen if you fail to honor your pledge. If I am not your surrogate brother—”
    Bowing, she let sarcasm cover her fury at how easily he had manipulated her once again. “As you wish, Older Brother, so shall it be.”
    As she straightened, he shook his head. “I wish we had left you in that brothel. You’re so coldhearted, you would have been a good whore.” He opened the door and strode out.
    She hid her face in her hands as she dropped to her knees. Deep sobs burst from her. Rocking back and forth, she wept for every dream that had died with Davis today.
    Tropical sun seared Lian’s hair, but she shivered with the cold inside her. Standing in silence, she watched as the sailors prepared for her brother’s burial in the sea. Her brother’s spirit would have to seek beneath the waves for his body, if he returned to this world. She tried not to stare at the corpse which was set on a plank near the railing. These Yang Kuei-tzÅ­ were barbaric!
    Bryce walked toward her. With his hands clasped behind his back, he said, “You shall remain silent through this. I don’t wish to hear any Chinese caterwauling. Davis Catherwood was a man of dignity. I intend for him to have dignity in death.”
    She stared in astonishment. She would not do anything to ruin her brother’s funeral. “Bryce—”
    â€œYou should call me ‘Captain,’” he replied in the same cold tone. “I have assumed command of this ship.”
    Her back stiffened as she met his eyes. “You need not worry. I shall