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proves I’m no longer pure.”
    “He won’t believe you.” Killian threaded his fingers into her hair. He massaged the back of her head and stared into her eyes. “He’ll probably claim you’re bearing false witness because he knows he can’t keep you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re more woman than a man like him can handle and he’s scared of the challenge. I’m not.”
    He wasn’t afraid of her challenge? A streak of excitement flowed through her veins. Maybe her plan could work.
    “You’re quite right. Isaiah wants a statue. A prim and perfect wife to make him look like he belongs with the upper class. The lure of my father’s money is too great for him to accept my lies. My father wants me to stay pure as well. Think of how he’d appear if the rumor mill found out I wasn’t a virgin any longer? He’d be ruined, too. I don’t care. By being here with you, I’ve effectively given up my claim to father’s money.” She climbed out of bed, then pulled her dress down past her head. “He’ll disown me, but I’ll be free to do as I please.”
    A thought crossed her mind. Maybe Killian wouldn’t want her, either. Not when she wasn’t worth any money and couldn’t do anything for him financially. He said she was worth the challenge, but in the cold light of day, he could easily change his mind.
    “What?” Killian shrugged into his shirt. “You don’t appear to be convinced of your own plan? Talk to me, love.”
    “I’m fine.” Not really, but she’d wear a brave face. Now she understood what had to be his ulterior motive. The lure of her father’s money finally hooked him. She didn’t matter any more than the other ladies he must’ve romanced. Her head and heart ached. She never should’ve trusted him.
    Killian stood then crossed the room. He wrapped her in his embrace. “I don’t give in to very many people. I’d just as soon rob you blind, rather than return what I’ve taken.” He rested his forehead on hers. “You make me think otherwise. I’m never going to be a good man, but if I can prevent you from marrying some ass who doesn’t love you, I will.”
    Not the declaration of love she wanted, but he also wasn’t acting like a man in love with her father’s money. “Then take me home.” They’d sort things out there and she’d find out what kind of man Killian Thomas truly was.

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    Killian bit back a growl. He was losing her. He could see the resignation in her eyes. “Come to the bridge with me.” Give me another chance. Give me anything to prove I care about you.
    “I’ve seen my share of yachts. You do remember you kidnapped me from one, correct?” She rested her fist on her shapely hip.
    Damn it. “Sarah.” He held her tighter, only to have her pound her fists on his chest.
    “Don’t do this.” She shook her head. Tears slipped from her eyes. “Just don’t.”
    “What have I done?” Besides fall in love with you? He kept those words at bay.
    “You’re a pirate. I’m a lady. Our worlds shouldn’t mix. I’m sorry I thought they might and misplaced my faith.” She picked up her slippers and scrambled out of the cabin. The door slammed in her wake.
    His shoulders slumped and he sat hard on the bed. This was why he didn’t keep women around. He didn’t understand them. One minute they seemed to be enjoying themselves and the next minute he was being told how he’d ruined their lives. What did she expect from him?
    Killian kicked out of his boots. He grabbed clean socks from the chest of drawers and pulled out a fresh shirt. If he were going to meet her bastard father, then he’d do so in the nicest clothes he had. Her heart had been broken because of greed. He refused to hurt her because he couldn’t tell her how he truly felt. He eased his arms into the sport coat and switched his work trousers for the suit pants, then grabbed his sole pair of oxford shoes. She wanted him to look like a man of means? Fine. He’d