Pirate's Golden Promise by Lynette Vinet

she can be ready meat for the sharks in the morning. Your problem is you have a kind heart. I’ll handle this troublesome wench.”
    â€œJa, ja,” Dirk agreed.
    From where Wynter stood she noticed lights in the dark night aboard the pirate ship, and though the captain had said the Mary Jack was sinking, she couldn’t imagine actually boarding such a vessel.
    Her attention was brought again to the shadowy outline of the captain when she heard him say, “I’ll see to the woman.”
    A dying lantern which hung from a wall peg illumined the captain as he walked forward. Wynter caught her breath. It couldn’t be! But it was, and when his tawny gaze widened in mute surprise, she felt faint.
    â€œTake these people to the ship,” Van Linden ordered Dirk and two others. “Leave the lady here. I’ll see she gets aboard safely.”
    Fletcher was about to protest, but he noticed that something had passed between his wife and the captain. Silently he was led away.
    Van Linden advanced towards Wynter. His long legs, clad in dark brown pants and boots, appeared longer as his shadow hovered over her. The dying lantern light emphasized the hard angles of his face, the golden hair that blew in the strengthening breeze.
    He stared long and hard at her, almost as if he couldn’t believe it was her. But Wynter rose to her full height and placed her hands on her hips.
    â€œMerchant ship, indeed! You’re nothing but a bloody pirate.”
    â€œSuch vile language from such a lovely mouth is offensive,” he complained, but amusement lit his features.
    â€œI’ll have quite a bit more to say when I report you to the authorities,” Wynter retorted.
    Van Linden shook his head. “Well, you can wait here until you’re found, but that may be a long while; or you can be sensible and board the Sea Bride with me. Believe me, I shall make certain your every wish is met.”
    She didn’t care for the sound of that and said haughtily, “I want nothing from you, sir, but to be taken to shore.”
    He laughed, a long hard laugh that aggravated her more. “My dear, there’s not a thing around but water. We’re some days from land. Anyway, don’t worry your beautiful head about something that is my job anyway.”
    â€œI see how well you do your job!” Wynter snapped.
    â€œSomeone must do it.” He sounded detached, almost philosophical. “Now tell me what are you doing here and with such a low-born bunch.”
    She didn’t want to tell him the truth, expecting him to laugh at her, but she knew there was no way around it. He’d find out sooner or later.
    â€œI’m on my way to Virginia with my husband. We’re indenturers.”
    â€œYou’re jesting,” he said.
    Wynter shook her head. “You know Father made no provisions for me in his will. I have no money, nothing. Just the love of my husband. And if I must work my fingers to the bone to get the money to buy my father’s estate, I shall.”
    Cort’s eyes took in her plain appearance, and he realized she was telling the truth. “Your husband is a lucky man,” he said.
    This wasn’t what she expected him to say, and it disarmed her. The deck tilted suddenly, and she felt herself skidding into his arms. She began to fight when he picked her up, feet dangling in the air.
    â€œKeep your hands off me! How dare you!”
    â€œI dare because this ship will soon sink, and I have much too much life left in me to become food for the sharks. And I think you do, too.”
    Cort positioned her over his shoulder, her head hanging down. She had no idea what he was going to do, or how he would be able to board his own ship, carrying her like so much baggage.
    â€œYou can put me down, sir. I won’t run away,” she said.
    She felt him lift his leg, then with a start she saw they were on the railing.
    Heights had always frightened her, and she