Seducer. Kayla Gray

you and you will become me—until the Oxford is out of danger. That way, if the pirates take someone for ransom, it will be me. You’ll be left on the Oxford and Captain O’Brian will take you home.”

      “But then what will happen to you? No, I don’t think we should be separated.”

      “When they realize they have the wrong captive, they will have to let me go.”

      “Are you sure? Don’t you think we should stay together?”

      “Of course, that would be best. But it’s doubtful they’ll allow it. Let’s prepare for the worst and then we’ll both be able to face whatever happens,” Madelaine answered, turning away to look out the porthole.

      She couldn’t face Olivia after the lie she’d just told. The ransom part was likely true, but the rest of it…Madelaine had no idea what they would do when they found out she would bring no ransom. She wasn’t even certain that this charade would work. If this Captain Angel was as bloodthirsty as they said, he would kill them all, ransom or not.

      Chapter Five

      Captain Angel swung his legs over the railing of the larger merchant ship, landing solidly on the spotless deck. The Oxford had surrendered without a single shot being fired. He was pleased to keep his perfect record intact.

      The rumors that had started before he’d taken his first ship had been instrumental in creating an adequate fear of the pirate known as Angel. It didn’t matter to him that people called him a pirate. His loyalty to his country was what mattered, and if as a pirate he could help America gain her freedom, then that’s what he would call himself.

      “McKinney, take ten men into the hold,” Angel said. Then, to others, he ordered, “Secure the ship. Check all the cabins. Henry, you and Rawley take three men and round up the crew. Shoot anyone who resists. I want every English carcass on deck in five minutes. Go!”

      Sailors scattered to do Angel’s bidding, while some of the Oxford’s crew gathered under the mast talking in hushed, worried whispers.

      “Cap’n Angel, this here’s Cap’n O’Brian,” one of the sailors stated, shoving the tall man forward.

      “O’Brian,” Angel repeated the name with contempt. “What am I going to find on this ship that might anger me?” he asked, watching O’Brian’s eyes bulge.

      “The Oxford is a merchantman. I—”

      “Very well. With each lie I’m going to exact payment. For the first lie it will be your right hand. Your left hand for the second lie, and then I’ll move to your legs, below the knee.”

      O’Brian blanched white. “If I come forward with the information, would you consider sparing my crew?”

      “Don’t trifle with me, Captain,” Angel said, lifting his sword to press the edge firmly against O’Brian’s throat.

      “I have guns. And six cannon. Shot…and a dozen kegs of powder. You can have them all.”

      “Oh, I know I can have them all,” Angel replied. “Well, well, well. Good old merchant O’Brian is carrying weapons for the British,” he sneered. “I should cut you down right here and let you bleed out on the deck of your fine English ship. Tory swine.”

      “England is your sovereign, too. You Colonials would be nothing without England. You would have all died out in this pitiful wilderness a hundred years ago without our protection…our money to back you…our trade. How dare you treat us this way now!”

      “Captain, please,” begged one of the Oxford’s men.

      “Don’t say any more, Captain,” pleaded another.

      “What do you know? O’Brian is a man, after all. There’s a rumor going around that you Loyalists are all eunuchs, castrated by the king himself. But not you, O’Brian. You can still speak for yourself, can’t you?”

      Angel pushed forward, forcing the captain back as the tip of the sword blade nicked the man’s bearded neck. O’Brian turned red-faced, his eyes as round as moons. He obviously believed he was about to be skewered for his rant.

      “I think we should all be able to speak for ourselves. And that is precisely why I dare, Captain O’Brian. I dare because I believe in freedom for this fine country of mine. What do you say to that?”

      “Your fine country? Why, you’re nothing more than a pirate. You’ll be hanged by your country the moment you’re caught,” the captain sniffed.

      “Enough! I tire of your speeches and my sword is thirsting for English blood,” Angel said, drawing back his sword.

      The low murmurs of the men gathered on the deck ceased as they waited for the blow to fall. Some lowered their heads, while others crossed themselves, their faces showing the fear of men about to die. Captain O’Brian was trying to face death bravely, though he was visibly shaking.

      “Captain Angel!”

      “What is it?” Angel turned to McKinney, whose whiskered cheeks were flushed as red as the hair that covered them.

      “There’s women on board, sir,” he said into his captain’s ear.

      Angel pulled back. That was not something he expected to hear.

      “Aye. Two of ’em. Below. One of ’em says she’s the fiancée of Hugh Davis, Captain.”

      “What did you say?”

      “You heard me right, Angel. What do you want me to do with them?”

      “Leave the women be, pirate! I promised to see them safely home. They are under my care,” said Captain O’Brian.

      “It looks like today you’re going to be breaking your promise, old boy,” Angel replied, walking away. “Bind him and the others. Have someone report to me on the progress below. I want to be out of here in an hour.”

      “Aye, sir. The women?” McKinney asked.

      “I’ll take care of them myself,” Angel said, heading toward the hatch.

      Madelaine heard resolute footfalls coming down the passageway and gestured to Olivia to sit in a chair. “Someone’s coming. Are you ready?”

      “Yes. Are you?” Olivia said, sitting down and blowing out a deep breath.

      “I’ll be fine. Now, remember. You’re my maid. Try to be meek.” Madelaine tried to smile and hoped her friend didn’t see her lip quivering.

      “You look lovely in my dress. We must make sure to make you a dress in just that color,” Olivia said. Her face was a pale shade of gray and her voice was breathy with fear.

      Just then the door crashed against the opposite wall and a tall, black-clad figure filled the opening. The man would have been intimidating in his size alone, but his face was largely hidden by a full black beard and mask, giving him the appearance of a demon. He leaned casually against the doorjamb, crossing his thick arms over the wall of his massive chest.

      “Good afternoon, ladies. Captain Angel at your service.”

      Neither woman spoke. Madelaine had to swallow the lump in her throat. She feared Olivia might outright faint from the sheer menace the pirate exuded. He studied Madelaine with intense blue eyes that seemed to burn through her clothes to her very soul. He would know she was lying. No, now was not the time for thoughts of failure. One look at Olivia’s terrified face reminded her that she had to get hold of herself and act her part.

      “Take what you want, Captain Angel, and leave us in peace.” She planted her hands on her hips, feigning a haughty indifference she could barely maintain.

      The influence of his strength pervaded the cabin, leaving scarcely enough room for her to draw breath. Then to make matters worse, his sapphire gaze raked slowly over her body, sending a shiver of apprehension up her spine. Her skin tingled as