Read Lost Honor for Free Online Page B

he narrowed his eyes. Why was she so accommodating? Had she finally learned her place?
    He didn’t trust her. Before she caused him to lose his senses again, he would state his reason for being here and then leave. “I am allowing you to work on this ship until we reach our destination.”
    This decision was probably the worst he had ever made in his life, and the bright satisfied smile she shot his way reinforced it.
    “You won’t regret it.”
    He knew he would.
    She headed toward the end of his bed and snatched a bag from the floor.
    “What is that?”
    “My clothes.” She pulled items from the sack. “I will change as soon as you leave.”
    “No.”
    Arianna swung to face him, her eyes wide and very blue. “I will not remove my clothes with you in the room.”
    “You will remain as you are.”
    “You can’t be serious.”
    “Oh, but I am.” No way was she traversing the ship with her lush rear swaying in full view for his crew to gawk at and possibly take advantage of. They were men with needs, and he knew how she affected him.
    “I’ll kill myself if I work in this skirt. It’s too long.”
    “Then, you will have to be very careful.” And either he or someone he trusted would keep a close watch on her. She might think she was capable, but she was only a female with female abilities and faults.
    “But—”
    He folded his arms across his chest. “It is either that or sit in this cabin for the remainder of the voyage. It’s your choice.”
    She glared at him, her delicate face set in determined lines. “You know my answer.” She stuffed the clothes back in her bag.
    “Yes.” Unfortunately, he did. He had hoped she would take the easy way out. But he was learning that dealing with her was anything but easy.
    “Where would you like me to work?”
    “First, I want your full name.”
    She stood straight and tall, her breasts pressing against the bodice. “Arianna Pemberton.”
    “Christopher Pemberton is your father?” His shipping line was one of the largest in England.
    She nodded.
    “When he discovers you missing, won’t he be worried?”
    “I left my parents a letter.” She bit her lip. “Only it said I was sailing with my brother, Thomas.” Her face brightened. “They won’t know I am not with him until he returns. By then, they will receive another note from me, informing them I am now a seaman and able to take care of myself as I have told them many times. They never believed me.” Her lips curled up in delicious satisfaction. “Now they have no choice.”
    Sympathy for Christopher Pemberton that he had to live with a daughter like Arianna surged through his veins. How many years had he done so?
    “How old are you?”
    Suspicion clouded her face. “Why?”
    She needed a reminder he ran this ship. “As captain of this brig, it is my responsibility to know every member of my crew.”
    Again, she straightened to her full height of a little over five feet. No matter how tall she fought to appear, she still resembled a little girl.
    “Twenty-one.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure?”
    “I should know how old I am, and I don’t lie.”
    He lifted an eyebrow.
    “Well, maybe I stretch the truth now and then, but I am really twenty-one. What are my orders?”
    The willingness to prove herself flowed across her face. It enthralled him but also cut a notch in his heart. At one time, he had been as determined to please as she was now. Many years had passed since then filled with hard work and searing heartache. If she knew what her future held if she continued on this course, she would refuse his offer and remain in his cabin until the opportunity arose to disembark. But she didn’t, so he would kindly help to dissuade her.
    “Since you managed to sneak on my ship—”
    “I didn’t sneak on your ship. My brother’s men were to load me on the Midnight Star .”
    “Nevertheless, you are here. If what you say is true, there is a mix-up with the cargo.” He opened the top