The Pirate Prince by Connie Mason Page B

unfortunate experience would turn him away from her. If she wished to wed, her father would be forced to buy her a husband. France was beginning to look like a better choice once she escaped, for Willow knew that her mother would welcome her unconditionally.
    Piercing screams interrupted Willow’s reverie, and she knew immediately that Abdul’s punishment had begun. Had Dariq severed his hand as he’d threatened? Or had he relented and shown mercy? The screams continued too long for Willow’s peace of mind, then stopped abruptly.
    Some time later Dariq returned to the cabin. His face was grim, his mood tense and unreadable.
    “ ’Tis done,” he said tonelessly.
    “What did you do to him?”
    Dariq grimaced. “I do not enjoy maiming a man who needs his limbs to survive. In the heat of anger, I did consider taking his hand for touching you, but in a saner moment I decided a whipping would suffice. Abdul will recover to serve me again, but he will think twice before breaking my rules.”
    “I am glad you did not maim him,” Willow said. “You are not as brutal as you pretend.”
    Dariq’s dark eyebrows shot upward. “I am not a cruel man by nature. Events outside my control have forced me to make difficult choices. I have done things contrary to my nature in order to survive.”
    “Is holding me against my will against your nature?”
    “Aye. Women are made to be cherished and loved. Abusing women is against Allah’s teaching as well as God’s. I adore women. Giving them pleasure is one of my favorite pastimes. One day you will experience my passion and judge for yourself. My plans for your future are necessary to save someone I love and honor above all others.”
    “Tell me about her. Is she very beautiful?”
    “To me, she is.”
    “Is she in danger?”
    “I have every reason to believe she is.”
    “From Ibrahim?”
    “Aye. He is furious because I allow few of his ships to reach their destinations. He has threatened my loved one if I do not give myself up to him.”
    “I am sorry that I cannot help you. I do not know what happened between you and your brother, but I am not the solution to the problem.”
    Dariq reached her in two long strides and pulled her against him. “You are wrong, sweet Willow. You are exactly what I need to barter for my moth… loved one.”
    Then he kissed her.

Chapter Four
    Dariq slid his hands onto Willow’s cheeks and pulled her to meet his mouth. Her hands went to his chest, intending to push him away, but she hesitated when she felt the strong beat of his heart and the warmth of his skin through the fine linen of his shirt. The sensation was so thrilling, she felt her will drain away. His lips brushed hers once, twice, then claimed them with a fierceness that stirred her senses.
    When his tongue searched for hers, she let him take it. As her hands slid over the contours of his muscles, the sharp intake of his breath returned her scattered wits. She gasped and pushed away from him, flinging her hand over her mouth. He searched her face, his expression inscrutable.
    “You caught me off guard,” she said. “I did not want this to happen. Besides,” she added, “I was quite unaffected by your kiss.”
    Dariq chuckled. “Tell that to someone who will believe you. Mark my words, beauty, one day we will fully explore our passion in ways you cannot begin to imagine.”
    He gave her a slow, burning look, then took his leave.
    * * *
    Mustafa was waiting for Dariq when he arrived on deck.
    “How does the lady fare after Abdul’s attack? Did the cur hurt her?”
    “She bears a few scratches, but no serious harm was done.”
    “It would be wise to keep her confined to her cabin until she is safely ensconced in your harem. Your crewmen are too woman-hungry to be trusted.”
    “Though it may seem the wisest course, I cannot do that to Willow. She would rebel.”
    Mustafa scowled. “She must accept her lot if she is to survive in Ibrahim’s harem. Foreign women are given