Did she actually think she could satisfy a man as lusty and experienced as Captain Lucifer? And why would she even think such a foolish thought? He cared nothing for her. He would use her, and then discard her.
He hides a tender side.
She flushed at her thought, her hands rushed to cover her cheeks. Lucian had displayed a tender side. She recalled a few mornings she had stirred to near waking and had felt him ease the covers over her. He had seen that she received a daily recess on deck, warm wash water, plenty of tasty food, and a gentle arm protectively wrapped around her as she drifted into sleep. These actions were not the actions of a bloodthirsty pirate.
But then Captain Lucifer differed from Lucian Darcmoor. The captain was moody, argumentative, demanding, and brazen in his remarks. And it was Captain Lucifer she needed to protect herself from.
How? How could she gain the necessary knowledge to continue a believable charade?
"Catherine," Lucian said, dragging her attention back to him.
She looked his way, a faraway gaze in her eyes.
"Pay attention, madam, this is important."
Catherine sat up straight and fixed wide eyes on him.
Satisfied she was listening, Lucian continued. "I must meet with someone privately. You will stay put until my return. Bones and Jolly will be nearby if need be."
His eyes searched the room, Catherine's followed spying Bones and Jolly two tables away, quaffing ale and shoveling stew into their mouths.
Lucian shook his head. "They don't resemble men who can offer protection, but they're both swift with a blade and their fists. They will let no harm come to you — or they will have me to answer to."
Catherine didn't doubt the two men would defend her courageously, yet the thought of Lucian leaving her filled her with dread. "Will you be gone long?"
"No." He stood.
Catherine reached out, grabbing his hand.
He cast an uncertain glance down at her. "What's wrong, Catherine?"
She shrugged, produced a weak smile, and spoke with honesty. "I fear your absence."
Her sincere response returned him to his seat. "Why?"
Another shrug followed a fading smile. "A strange island with strange people. I much prefer your presence while here. And you had warned me about leaving your side."
Lucian smiled the devils own smile, wicked and sensual and definitely heart stopping. "I would allow no danger to touch you. You're as safe from harm with members of my crew as you are with me."
Catherine found herself responding before giving consideration to her remark. "How safe am I with you, Lucian?"
He caressed her cheek, tempted her lips with a light kiss, and whispered, "Since your virtue is no longer intact, your safety is guaranteed."
The color drained from Catherine's face.
"Something ails you, that you're suddenly pale?" he asked concerned.
Catherine placed her hand to her stomach. "I'm hungry."
He nodded, searched the room, and catching Bonnie's eye he waved her over. "Bonnie will make certain you —"
He stared at her strangely, his sudden silence disturbing.
Catherine said nothing, feeling it a wise choice. He looked perturbed and she had no intentions of increasing his ire.
"You pale even more, what troubles you?"
"Hunger," she repeated softly.
His eyes narrowed and his icy tone sent shivers through her. "I want the truth, Catherine."
She opened her mouth to confirm her earlier answer when he interrupted. "Do you carry a lover's child?"
His question shocked Catherine speechless, her mouth fell open but no words slipped forth.
"I'll have an answer now, Catherine." His low raspy voice warned her of his anger.
The truth rolled easily from her lips. "I carry no child."
Bonnie reached the table, depositing the pewter tray heavy with food in the center. "I brought extra bread and some fresh cheese.
Lucian ripped off a hunk of bread and grabbed several slices of hard cheese. He focused angry eyes on Bonnie. "See that she eats and make certain she stays put till I return."
With his orders issued he stormed off, Santos rushing to finish his tankard of ale at a nearby table before dutifully following behind him.
Bonnie shook her head and plopped down next to Catherine. "Eat while the food is hot and fresh."
Catherine for all she had been through found herself surprisingly famished. She helped herself to a large bowl of stew, a fat piece of bread, and a portion of cheese.
"Had a lovers' spat?" Bonnie asked.
Catherine chewed on the delicious warm bread while she shook her head.
"Aren't you Captain Lucifer's lady?" Bonnie queried, slicing a piece of cheese.
Her remark amused Catherine. Bonnie tagged her perfectly, a lady. "I'm a thorn in his side."