Read Online Mistress Below Deck by Helen Dickson - Free Book Online Page B

asked.’
    Tobias cocked a brow. ‘Anything, Rowena? I cannot think of any amount of money that might tempt me.’
    â€˜You have to help us, for without your help Jane is doomed. Will you please think it over?’ Her voice cracked painfully and she was looking at him with eyes that had turned a brilliant and quite incredible green in her despair.
    â€˜I have no wish to think it over and no need. I am sorry for your loss, but I cannot help you.’
    A great wave of disappointment and anger filled her heart. ‘So, you refuse,’ she said with a rush of emotion. ‘You really don’t care, do you? You don’t care for anyone but yourself. My sister can rot in some Arab prison and be murdered for all you care and you won’t lift a finger to help.’
    â€˜Spare me your temper, Rowena,’ he said, his voice clipped. ‘No one can help her. It would be useless to try.’
    â€˜But you must,’ she blurted out. ‘There is no one else.’
    â€˜Rowena,’ he said, sighing deeply, ‘you never cease to amaze me.’
    She bristled at his light, mocking tone.
    â€˜The debt your father owes me stands between us. Does that not bother you?’
    â€˜Of course it does, and I hate myself for having to come to you of all people for help, which must show you the extent of my desperation. I am quite helpless at going after my sister myself.’
    â€˜The hell you are. Helpless be damned. A woman who can approach her father’s enemy and beg forfavours, and still lift her head with fire in her eyes, is not helpless.’ He shook his head, his thick hair falling over his wide brow, unmistakable laughter bubbling in his chest, rich and infectious. ‘No helpless female would dare to board my ship alone and with nothing on her person for protection. You deserve a commendation for sheer guts, Rowena. I salute your courage and your boldness. You are undeniably brave—as well as beautiful. But your father is in debt to me up to his ears. Would you compound that debt by adding to it?’
    â€˜There—there is something I could give in payment.’ With surprise she was conscious that he was now studying her with a different interest. She returned his look. His expression did not alter, and yet she felt the air between them charged with emotion.
    â€˜Could you indeed? You mean that you and I could have—a very delightful arrangement?’
    His voice was like silk and his eyes had become a warm and very appreciative blue, and Rowena knew immediately what price he was asking her to pay. She felt fury rise up inside her—not just with him, but with herself and the excitement that stirred at the very idea.
    â€˜When I spoke of payment, I was talking about the Rowena Jane .’
    â€˜And why would I want another ship? I have any amount of vessels and no need of another.’ He frowned. ‘The Rowena Jane belongs to your father. What right have you to offer it to me?’
    â€˜Father—is quite beside himself with worry about Jane. He would do anything to have her home safely.’
    His eyes gleamed, an intense, speculative gleam that Rowena did not care for and she felt a frisson of alarm. His contemplation was steady, for he had already set the price in his mind and only waited the moment. ‘If your cause is so important, I will bargain with you, but the price will be high.’
    â€˜Oh?’
    â€˜I prefer payment of a different kind. In short, Rowena, you.’
    Her breath came out in a rush and her eyes flared with anger. She gasped with stunning rage at the affront. Never had she been so insulted, felt such humiliation, she told herself, her temper whipping up her colour until her cheeks glowed a poppy red. Deep down she was outraged and if she hadn’t been so desperate for his help she would have lashed out at that supercilious mouth and seen the flesh shatter. She despised him more than ever for this, but not so