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me?” she asked sarcastically.
    â€œExactly.”
    She stared at him, aghast. She had expected a denial, but without one, what could she say?
    â€œIs—is that your intention?” she asked fearfully.
    He stared down at his tankard of wine for a moment, as if contemplating her question. Then he looked at her, an amused expression on his face.
    â€œTake off your clothes.”
    â€œWhat?” Bettina whispered.
    â€œI intend to make love to you, Bettina Verlaine, then I will take you to your betrothed. So take off your clothes. I would rather not have to rape you and perhaps hurt you in the process.”
    â€œ Non, monsieur, non! Comte de Lambert will not take me if I am dishonored!”
    â€œI assure you, mademoiselle , he will take you, and he will pay a high price to do so. He has seen you, hasn’t he?”
    â€œYes, but—”
    â€œThen there is no question about it. Your lack of virginity will not matter too much.”
    â€œNo!” Bettina replied adamantly. “I will not go to him dishonored. It would shame my family. I will not do this!”
    â€œI’m afraid you have no choice in the matter. But I’m sure the comte will hide the fact that you will be no virgin on your wedding night,” the captain remarked calmly.
    â€œNo, you cannot do this to me!” Bettina cried, her green eyes wide with fear.
    â€œI repeat, Bettina, I am going to make love to you. Nothing will save you from that. But I don’t want to have to force you. I don’t like rape.”
    â€œBut it is rape, monsieur , for I don’t want to make love!”
    â€œCall it what you like, as long as you don’t fight me.”
    â€œYou—you must be crazy! You cannot expect meto be submissive, to just let you—I won’t!” she stormed, her fear replaced by anger. “I will fight you with all my power!”
    â€œLet us strike a bargain, mademoiselle . Besides you and your servant, a few other prisoners were brought aboard for sport, including the captain of the French ship.”
    â€œFor sport?”
    â€œMy men are a ruthless bunch. They seem to take pleasure in killing a man slowly. First they cut off the ears, then the fingers, then the feet—need I go on?”
    Bettina felt sick. “You—you allow this?”
    â€œWhy not?”
    She turned pale at his answer. He must participate in this sport also. Mon Dieu!
    â€œYou spoke—of a—bargain,” she said weakly.
    â€œYour submission for the lives of those men. You I will have whether you fight me or not. I will not be denied you. But I will spare the lives of the prisoners and set them free in the next port on one condition—that you don’t fight me.” He paused and smiled. “You have lost already, Bettina, for I will have you no matter what you decide. But the prisoners have everything to gain. They will live and not be harmed if you agree. I want your answer now.”
    â€œYou are merciless!” Bettina gasped. “Why must you rape me?”
    â€œYou surprise me. You are a prize worth having, and I want you,” he said.
    â€œBut I do not want you!”
    â€œI will tell you, Bettina, that you are the only reason I captured your ship. I usually prey only on Spanish vessels. My lookout saw you on deck anddescribed your beauty to me. You should be grateful that I don’t intend to share you with my crew. But enough, I want your answer!”
    â€œYou leave me no choice,” Bettina replied slowly, feeling completely helpless for the first time in her life. “I must save the lives of those men.”
    â€œYou will put up no resistance?”
    â€œNo, monsieur , I will not fight you.”
    â€œGood. You have made a wise decision. I’m sure the prisoners will be most grateful. I will tell the men to leave them be. While I’m gone, I want you to remove your clothing and wait in my bed.”
    He left and closed the door