Pirate's Conquest

by Mary Martin

  It was the only time in her life that Starlin knew complete terror. She could not move, could not breathe, she could only lie there and watch as a longboat was lowered and directed toward the shore.

  Abra's soft whinny brought Starlin to her senses. Rigid with apprehension, she whirled away from the bluffs edge and forced herself to think calmly. She knew if she tried to leave here now that she might be or worse, captured. Dressed in white, upon a white mare, she'd be spotted in a moment. And these men were undisputedly pirates. They would take no chances, but shoot first and worry about asking questions later.

  Her mind quickly sought a solution to her predica­ment. If she sent the mare on alone, and stayed hidden, perhaps they would think that the horse had been the white vision on the cliff that had caught their attention. Maybe they'd even leave without investigating further.

  "Yes ... oh yes . .. please work," she prayed fer­vently, giving Abra a desperate hug before untying the reins and slapping her soundly on the rump. "Run Abra ... my very life depends on you!"

  As if she understood, the mare hesitated only momentarily, then trotted off down the only trail to the beach. Starlin watched her go, then her gaze darted quickly over the shoreline, saw that the boat was docked and that a group of ferocious-looking men— outlaws!—were now walking her way with lighted torches.

  Why didn't they look over and see the mare! she thought in panic. Were they blind! Glancing around for something to use as a weapon, Starlin gave an anguished cry when she saw nothing that looked very intimidating. What could she do? She just couldn't stand here like a ninny and let them do with her whatever they wanted. Think, Starlin! she demanded, or your life may well be over. She released a pent-up sigh when she saw one of the pirates point toward the galloping horse. The group halted, appeared to be conversing in earnest.

  One man stood out from the rest. He was a good head taller than his counterparts and did not appear to share in their discussion. A black cloak swirled about his lithe form, catching in the breeze, revealing clinging breeches tucked into turned-down jackboots. He continued onward, his targeted destination perfectly clear. His determined strides sent Starlin into a flurry of motion, and upon spying a good piece of driftwood lying to one side, she rushed over and snatched it up before plunging into the dark opening of the cave.

  "It must have been the horse that I seen, Captain!" a burly pirate called after the intimidating form striding purposefully away from them, leaving the group staring after the fleet-footed horse fast retreating in the distance.

  "Perhaps," came back the deep masculine reply.

  "If Giles were here he'd have signaled back by now and sent someone out to meet us!" another man shouted.

  The knot of ruffians watched their captain walk steadily toward a tower of cliffs that rose high above sea level. Their gazes met: uneasy, for they were always mindful of a trap. Only one shrugged before separating from them and trotting after his captain.

  "Scorpio!" he yelled out, "wait before you go charging up there! It could be an ambush! This is not where we usually meet up with Giles!" He managed to catch up to the captain at last and grabbed his elbow, pulling hard.

  "Dammit, Ely," Scorpio growled, turning up his heel. "I know what I'm doing. Now go on back with the men and try to keep them calm. If it was the mare that we saw, then we have nothing to fear. We just missed our location because of the weather, that's all." He attempted to smile reassuringly at the younger man. "We can lie low here and ride it out until morning, then be on our way."

  "I don't like this place. Come back to the ship with us," Ely urged.

  "I'm going to have a look around, Brother, then if I find that I am truly alone, I think I'll pick a spot where I can see everything that moves, and stand guard for the night." Scorpio pounded his brother's back good-naturedly. "Rest easy. I'll send a signal back to you, then you'll know all is well. Take the men and go back to the ship. You can all get a good night's rest knowing I can easily spot anything from up there."

  Ely hesitated, his expression one of concern. "I do not know what you're up to ... or why you suddenly felt such a need to take the ship into the bay, but by the look in your eyes . . . it's far more than even I realize, isn't it?'

  "Is it?' Scorpio parroted huskily, before continuing onward.

  "Yes!" Ely shouted. "Since leaving Antare over three months ago, you have been like a man possessed. Why?'

  There was no answer, just a curt order called back gruffly. "Ely, go back to the ship with the men."

  "Aye-aye, sir," Ely retorted tersely, pausing to chew his lower lip for a moment, still uncertain what he should do. He stood watching his brother move away with that light, predatory stride of his that could catch even the most aware of men off guard it was so deadly silent. He knew something was amiss, and whatever it was, it had been gnawing at Scorpio the entire trip. And his brother was not ready to share it with him, that was certain. Ely recognized Scorpio's desire to be alone and sort out his thoughts, and resolved to let him do so. They had been at sea for months. Scorpio's responsi­bilities had been many. He felt confident that his brother could take very good care of himself. He had managed so far. His apprehension eased somewhat, Ely turned back toward the grumbling men and allowed his brother to walk onward.

  Starlin had listened to the echo of voices that had drifted up to her hiding place, and forced herself to stay back in the cave, not to move a muscle, or even to breathe raggedly.

  There had been a total of eight men. She gripped the driftwood tighter and pressed her body flat against the cavern wall. How could she manage to hold off so many? Perhaps if luck was with her, they would not see her in the darkness. She whispered a silent prayer.

  The pirate captain paused at the cave's entrance to peer into the absolute darkness. He thought he heard a flutter of movement inside, or a slight gasp, or perhaps ... destiny whispering? He glanced over at the flaming torch in his hand, contemplating his next move. He wasn't exactly certain what he might find within, but he felt almost driven to continue. Who, or what, waited for him here on this desolate strip of land?

  His emotions in turmoil, he tried to calm his racing heart before venturing farther. Some inner voice seemed to tell him that it was not Giles in the cave. He would have to wait until daybreak now, and a short while longer before disposing of the goods he'd pirated from Benton Cambridge. When he'd first felt com­pelled to guide his ship into the cove, after hearing his man in the crow's nest report sighting a white banner, he'd assured himself it was only the smuggler, Giles, whom he was scheduled to meet along this coastline. Then, after quickly taking note of the unfamiliar region, his gut impulse had been to turn away. Yet, he hadn't, even though he'd known staying here overnight meant holding onto the goods, a dangerous risk in these waters. And any other time he would never have weighed anchor carrying such a prized haul. Except that this was not like any other time. Taking a deep breath, he stepped just inside the entrance.

  Starlin's heart almost leaped into her throat upon observing the flickering light just ahead. Her mouth grew dry, her head was spinning, and for the only time in her life, she felt certain she might swoon. She pressed back against the cavern wall, her grip tightening on the piece of driftwood. She knew if she fainted, that she'd surely tumble out into their path. And if she did that. .. Oh, she did not want to die! She wished she could call back these past hours! At the moment, even going to London did not seem so terrible. Dying was terrible! Shaking badly, she tried to regain some measure of self-control.

  Scorpio could feel the presence of another, and somehow sensed their fear. He felt his own heart pounding frantically in his chest. With fluid strides he moved forward through the tunnel.

  Starlin watched the light grow brighter, saw the shadowy form of a man wavering against the shale wall, and raised her weapon with both hands in readiness. A sob bubbled in her throat, and she could not contain her small outcry. Immediately, the torch was abruptly extinguished and she screamed when she felt steellike finge
rs close about her left wrist. Yet, before she could react, he'd dragged her willy-nilly along behind him to the cave's entrance.

  Once in the moon's light, he halted and turned back toward her. He leaned forward slightly and found himself staring into wide, frightened eyes.

  "What the hell. .. why, you'rejustabitof a girl!" he breathed, clearly astonished.

  Recovering her voice, Starlin hissed, "Let go of me this instant, you blackguard." She stared up through the shadows at the fiercest man she'd ever seen. Remembering her weapon, and forgetting her initial fear, she swung the driftwood as hard as she could and caught him a glancing blow on the shoulder.

  He didn't even flinch, just knocked the crude weapon easily from her hand and flung her unceremoniously upon the sand. She fell back on her bottom, teeth jarring together, and glared up at him. He stood towering over her as if he were deciding whether he might devour her instantly or save her for a midnight tidbit. Even in deep shadow, their eyes challenged each other, smoky violet smoldering . .. hard jade glitter­ing.

  "Just what the deuce are you trying to do?' he growled, scowling down at her. "I mean you no harm."

  Starlin was almost too numb with shock to answer. She just sat there watching his every move, waiting, she felt certain, for him to ravish her.

  Something about the frantic expression in her eyes tore at his heart. She was like some beautifully savage sea nymph with those alluring, soulful eyes. His pulse jumped. My God, those eyes, those incredible violet eyes. Bettina's words rang in his head. He knelt swiftly beside her. "Who are you? ..."

  Starlin's stomach knotted in panic as he came forward out of the darkness, appearing even more threatening in size as he drew nearer. Lord, but this man was terribly wide of shoulder and fierce of expression, if that was a scowl that she could just barely make out on his face. In the shimmering hues of silvery light that backlit his powerful physique he appeared more dark prince summoned by sorcery to meet the night than mere mortal man.

  Irritated with what he assumed was a deliberate refusal to answer him, Scorpio's eyes blazed. "Answer me, chit!" his growl echoed off the walls.

  "I... I..." She found herself stammering, unable to stop.

  "Lucifer's twisted tail," he muttered savagely. Grasp­

  ing hold of her wrist once again, he yanked her up to

  stand before him. "Answer me, now!" **

  "I came here to ... to meet someone. A man ... a very big man," she blurted in a rush, head craned back to better watch his every gesture. "And he'll be here any moment."

  He studied her silently for a moment, those all-knowing jade eyes holding her own unwavering gaze. "I don't think so ..." he drawled at last.

  "Yes, it's true ... we always meet here after dark," she hurriedly added.

  "A lovers' tryst?' He laughed softly. "You?'

  Starlin was surprised to feel nettled by his arrogant tone. "And why not?' she retorted peevishly.

  "Forgive me, if I wound your pride, girl, but by the looks of you, I imagine you're more some poor chap's rebellious offspring who's managed to escape for a night of unchaperoned adventuring." His mouth twitched. "I'd say slaying fairy-tale dragons is more your style."

  "And I'd say ravishing helpless women, yours!" Starlin lashed back, stung. She watched him carefully, eyes widening as he moved his hand toward his sword. Oh dear God, but she never had known when to keep still! He would surely have his way with her, then kill her for such a remark! Without a tremor, she forced herself to stand bravely before him. When, after a few moments she felt nothing more than his amusement, her eyes flew to his and met his twinkling gaze.

  "You mean you aren't going to ... and kill me ... after?" she croaked.

  "After? After what?" he drawled mockingly.

  "I just thought... I mean . . ." Her lips clamped firmly shut. Damn him, he was purposely baiting her, looking every bit like he found it all so humorous. "Why would I want to kill you?" A flash of white teeth danced in shadow. "Besides ... I don't kill infants."

  "And the devil take me if I am to believe that," she shot back.

  "Careful, little wildcat, for he may be closer than you think" was the laconic reply.

  Yes, she thought, meeting his gaze head-on, he might at that. "I ... never thought him to have green eyes," she heard herself saying before she could stop the words.

  "I have been told that he can appear in any form that you wish him to." His voice was entrancing.

  Starlin looked warily at him, tensing when he drew her a heartbeat closer. His head dipped forward, nearer than she liked, yet she found herself mesmerized by everything about him.

  His features were difficult to discern clearly in the fused moonlight, but what she could see was enough to give her pause. His hair was worn rakishly long, curling about his collar, and was partially covered by a dark piece of cloth knotted at the back of his neck. A glimmer of a gold earring in one ear caught her eye, but it was upon his chiseled features that her gaze kept returning. She thought that his jawline appeared rigid and unyielding, but otherwise could find little fault with the way he looked.

  Scorpio stared down at her feeling as though everything Bettina had told him would come to pass was at this moment being set into motion.

  As before in the dreams, he wanted to turn away; run as fast and far from her haunting violet eyes as he possibly could. Yet he knew it was useless. This% bewitching girl with her haunting eyes was somehow linked with his future, and whether he liked it or not, he knew he could not turn about and simply walk away from her.

  Bloody hell! Had he envisioned one so young? Even in the moon's light he could tell she was of tender years. How he longed to take her outside beneath the moon and look upon her soft features. Her high cheekbones and wide-set brows bespoke of fine ancestry, and he knew that she would be breathtaking to gaze upon, of that he had no doubt. His eyes shifted to her wild, thick mane floating about her and down her trim back, imagined where it might curve out over her shapely backside. He shook himself. Stop it, you fool, he raged inwardly, before she has you dangling from that British yardarm you brag so often of avoiding.

  Her head was thrown back, the slim white column of her neck inviting as he heard her whisper chokingly, tentatively, "Please ... let there only be you . . ."

  It was a plaintive sound, as if she could read the message in his eyes. It tore at his heart, yet he knew he must not weaken. If he sought answers, then he would have to appear unmoved.

  "Pirates always share the spoils, don't you know that, beauty?" The words were clipped even to his own ears, and sounded heartless.

  Starlin squirmed in his tightening embrace. "Let me go and I promise I'll never breathe a word to anyone of your being here!" She watched with trepidation as he shook his head.

  "That, I cannot do."

  His reply, ringing with finality, sent her into a flurry of desperate motion. She thrashed about like a wounded animal ensnared in a deadly trap, and now, when moonbeams caught his features, Starlin saw something that made her blood chill. Was it just the eerie cast of its rays that made it suddenly appear that there was another manentirely behind those beautiful, mocking eyes. Fear and desire stirred together.

  "Let me go . . ." she demanded in a choked voice.

  "I cannot," he whispered.

  Frantic now, she instinctively struck out and clawed the side of his face with her nails, yet felt gratification upon hearing his grunt of pain.

  Searing emotions blotted out his reason. He felt possessed, driven by something even he could not identify.

  She cried out and began twisting in his grasp. "No ... I don't wish this!"

  "It really doesn't matter anymore what you wish, love, for it appears that the die has already been cast." He grabbed her wrists, imprisoning them easily with one great hand until the tendons felt crushed. With infuriating dominance, he forced her to drop to her knees, then knelt before her. "You are mine, goddess of the night, and I, your master."

  She could feel every inch of him
pressed against her, and knew then what he really intended. In one smooth motion, he pulled her down with him to the sand. Startled into action, Starlin rolled swiftly onto her stomach and tried vainly to scramble away. He grasped her easily about the hips, dragging her flailing limbs back into the circle of his arms .. . then slid that long, steel-honed body over hers.

  Frustrated tears escaped from beneath her thick lashes to drop upon the silt floor. She felt their wetness upon her face as he slowly pressed her cheek into the sand. His lips brushed the throbbing pulse behind her ear.

  "Hush, don't fight me." He held her gently close now, battling the burst of desire raging through his veins and losing. It came as a shock to him to realize how much he wanted her—like no other female he'd ever known, he wanted her.

  With a muffled groan, he slowly lowered his head until his lips found that warm place at the nape of hei neck that tasted and smelled sweetly of woman.

  As soon as his mouth pressed against her rose-scented skin he was lost in a fiery haze of passion. His lips parted, tasting of her, savoring her upon his tongue. It was an instinctive action, brought about by his first glimpse into those illusive smoke-violet eyes, so captivating that they seemed to draw him into her very soul. His emotions and reasoning were shattered by her.

  There was nothing upon the face of the earth that could have stopped him from taking her, for he realized now, with possessive male acceptance, that she was his, and that very soon she would realize it, too. One could not freely exorcise the other. They were of one mind, one desire, one destiny.

  "Don't do this . .." she whispered, confused by the feelings that were awakening deep within her.

  He felt her resistance melting. "Ah, love, even if hell beckons it will not stop us. You were made for this moment, and for me." The soft words were near her ear as his lips brushed her lobe.