“There’s an extra tribute to be paid from theArdent’shold,” Locke continues. “And my coffers in Ravensbeck are full to bursting. I’ve no need of the surplus swag. So I’ll make Neelan himself hand it over to the good people of the Scarab Archipelago. They’ll find good use for the windfall, I’ve no doubt.”
“But the storm, Captain—”
“The storm will wait. It’s not on our route to the archipelago, nor does it threaten our return to Ravensbeck.” Locke wipes his fingers on his pants and jerks his head to dismiss Dez. “Set a course, Mr. Dolomon, and let’s hear no more questions. I’ve had a difficult morning, and I’m ready to enjoy a little time with my woman.”
I’ve been so immersed in the conversation that I don’t have time to react. Locke’s long fingers close around my neck, stroking upward along the column of my throat until he cups my jaw. Bending low, he jerks my face up, a possessive gesture that brings my mouth nearly to his.
For a burning moment he holds my gaze, a faint smile playing over his mouth, a challenge in his eyes. Is he daring me to rebel against our ruse, or daring me to go along with it?
Any game you play, I can play better, I murmur inwardly.
I lower my eyes, lashes dipping seductively, and then I dart an adoring glance up at him. My lips part, and I trail my tongue over them slowly while my body relaxes, swaying forward.
The Pirate King catches my wrist and hauls me up, out of the chair. “Come with me.”
44
Locke practically shoves me across the deck and into the cabin. The instant the door closes, he whirls on me, frowning thunderously. “What the hell was that?”
“Um—I was playing the part of your happy little whore. Did I do it wrong?”
“You did it a little too well.” He eyes me suspiciously. “Are you sure you’re the daughter of some stuffy noble?”
“I’m from a high-born family in Ivris.”
“Why should I believe you? You were a little too good at playing the skittish, raspy-voiced cabin boy, and now you’re sliding into the role of wanton seductress far too easily.”
“I’ve had practice with seduction,” I mutter. “You didn’t think I was a virgin, did you?”
“Gods no. I know the difference between a virgin and a woman who’s had men before.”
“And how do you think I got the men?” I clasp my hands in front of me, arms straight, shoulders lifted slightly. I know from the mirror that the pose exaggerates my collarbones and breasts. Tilting my head aside, I curve my lips in a sensual smile.
So far I haven’t needed to ply these temptress’s tricks on Locke. But I won’t lie—it’s fun doing it now—a heady, terrifying, exhilarating kind of fun, because I know exactly who he is and how much power he wields.
Maybe I’m doing this to steal a little of that power for myself. Perhaps that’s why I’m letting my feline nature out to play.
And Locke’s inner predator responds. His chest dips and rises rapidly, and his fingers flex at his sides. “How many men have you been with?”
“How many women haveyoubedded?” I retort.
“I—I’m not sure.”
“You know the number.” I narrow the distance between our bodies, taking deep breaths that make my breasts swell and bulge against my neckline. With every inhale, my chest brushes his. “You just don’t want to say it. A man like you keeps track of everything in exacting detail. Isn’t that right?”
“You’re an actress,” he hisses. “A spy. Is that your power, your magical ability? You can slip from one role into another and persuade men of whatever you like? You’re some kind of siren, maybe—that would explain how quickly you gained a hold over me.”
My heart jumps with delight at his admission. “Wrong. I’m no siren.”
“But you can persuade or control men. Are you controlling me right now? Have you been controlling me since the beginning?” Locke grips my upper arms, his fingers spastic and painfully tight. His expression darkens, gaining the savage, bloody edge that I saw in him during the fight aboard theLady Marcella.
The truth jars me like a spike of lightning. The Pirate King is actually afraid of me. Now that he has dealt with the crew and the immediate danger, he’s circling back to me, wondering what threat I might pose. He’s remembering how I forced theLady Marcella’ssailors to surrender.
I should explain my power to him. But I’m so ashamed of it—it’s disgusting, unnatural—I’ve hidden it for so long—
When I don’t answer immediately, Locke shoves me against the cabin wall. “Damn you, Nick—I asked you a question.” He’s a shade paler under his tan, and his throat works as he swallows. He’s so beautiful and vulnerable like this, scared and dangerous.
I shouldn’t play with the cornered beast, but I want to put off the truth a little longer. “What if Ihavebeen controlling you since the first day?”
