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preparing for the battlefield.”
    â€œI don’t want to be remembered as a coward.”
    â€œWill your brother be able to take care of your problem once he returns?”
    â€œOh, yes,” she answered. She rested her cheek against his chest. “Nathan wouldn’t let anything happen to me. Since our papa died, he’s become my protector. My brother’s a very strong man.”
    â€œThen I’ll keep you safe until your brother returns. I give you my word.”
    A long, silent minute passed before she showed any reaction to that promise. Caine thought she might be too overcome with gratitude to speak. Then she moved away from him and looked up into his eyes. He realized she wasn’t overcome at all. Hell, she looked downright irritated. “You’ve already broken your word to me, sir. You promised you’d kill me and then changed your mind.”
    â€œThis is different,” he argued.
    â€œYou really mean what you say?”
    â€œYes, I mean what I say,” he answered. “You just explained that you’ll be safe once your brother returns in two weeks. It is two weeks, isn’t it?”
    Her expression was solemn. “Perhaps even sooner. But you’re a pirate. You cannot be taking such chances keeping me safe for two long weeks. There’s a bounty on your head. I won’t be responsible for getting you killed.”
    â€œYou don’t have much faith in my ability.”
    â€œI don’t have any faith in your ability,” she qualified. “Why should I? You’ve just admitted that the rumors about you aren’t at all reliable. You probably don’t even leave a white rose on your victim’s pillow, do you?”
    Caine was exasperated with her again. “You don’t have to sound so damned disappointed in me.”
    â€œBut I am disappointed!” she cried out. “You aren’t even honorable. That’s the real pity. Besides, you don’t look at all strong enough to take on my enemies. You’d be an easy target, Caine. You’re such a . . . big man. No, I’m sorry. I’m afraid you simply won’t do.”
    He wanted to throttle her.
    She turned her back on him again and tried to leave. Caine was so astonished by her attitude he almost let her get away. Almost. He caught her just as she reached the walkway outside the door.
    His hold wouldn’t allow her any freedom as his arm was anchored around her shoulders. He tucked her into his side with as much care as he’d give an old blanket, then turned to speak to Monk. “I don’t want you telling anyone what happened here tonight. Give me your word, Monk.”
    â€œWhy should he give you his word when you so freely break yours? A gentleman only asks as much as he can give in return, sir. Didn’t your mama teach you any manners?” she asked.
    â€œAh, Jade,” he said. “That’s the rub.” He looked down at her and slowly stroked the side of her cheek with his fingertips. “I’m not a gentleman. I’m a pirate, remember? There’s a distinct difference.”
    She went completely still the second he touched her. Caine thought she looked quite stunned. He didn’t know what to make of that odd reaction. When his hand dropped away, she came out of her stupor and shoved against him.
    â€œYes, there is a difference,” she muttered. “Tell me this, Caine. If I make you angry enough, will you kill me in vexation?”
    â€œThe idea’s beginning to have merit,” he answered.
    â€œLet go of me. You must never touch me.”
    â€œI mustn’t?”
    â€œNo. I don’t like to be touched.”
    â€œThen how in God’s name was I suppose to kill you?”
    She obviously hadn’t realized he was jesting. “You were going to use a pistol,” she told him. She paused to give him a suspicious look. “You do own one, don’t you?”
    â€œI