Read Online Raven Quest by Jo Ann Ferguson - Free Book Online

embroidered with silken flowers and split to show the lace on her petticoats. Her mother’s locket glittered over the modest neckline.
    A long piece of blue ribbon had fallen to the floor. She cut it into two uneven lengths and put her knife in its sheath under her skirt. The longer piece of ribbon she wound through her hair. The other she tied around her right wrist as the fine ladies of Port Royal did.
    When she heard a bolt being thrown, she realized she had been locked in. Did Nathan think she would agree to what she had agreed to and then flee? Her sharp question evaporated in the heat of his gaze.
    A smile uncurled along her lips as she discovered a sudden, intoxicating power. She had seen men looking at Olive and Caroline with this yearning, and she had seen the gifts those men had been eager to give them. “Good morning, Nathan”
    â€œGood afternoon.” Grinning, he said, “In that dress, you look like the answer to a man’s fantasy.”
    â€œIt’s nice to be a woman again.” Letting her hips sway, which she had fought for the last two years, she stepped closer. “Thank you.” On tiptoe, she stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.
    His dark eyes narrowed, and she knew he was suspicious of her ploy. “The dressmaker was curious why I wanted to purchase this gown and have it tailored to fit you.” With a husky laugh, he added, “No more breeches. I want to see you as a lady. As my lady.”
    As his lips created soft melodies of ecstasy on her skin, her hands moved to his chest. When he took her hands in his, she glanced up in surprise to see his smile. He raised her fingers to his lips, and she closed her eyes to savor the pleasure surrounding her in a flush.
    She forced the warmth aside. “Why are you locking me in here? I told you I’d stay. I don’t go back on my word.”
    His eyes narrowed. “Your word? Is that the only reason you are acting so sweetly?”
    â€œI told you I’d do what you wished.” She drew away and offered him a frosty smile. “You’re getting what you want, aren’t you?”
    Disgust crossed his face. “Don’t think you are the most irresistible woman I’ve ever met. Although you look much better now, you’re still an urchin.”
    â€œWho has no interest in sharing your bed and your quest.” That was a lie, but revealing the truth of how she trembled at his fiery touch left her too vulnerable. She would not be so careless again.
    â€œ And? Does that mean you’ll share one with me?”
    She moved away from him. What game was he playing now? She had known the rules in Port Royal until Nathan came into her life with a whole new set. Running her finger along the windowsill, she said, “Maybe.”
    â€œIf you’ll share only one, help me find the Raven’s treasure.”
    Her finger froze on the sill as pain riveted her. He wanted the gold more than he wanted her. Not that she should care. In fact, this should make things much less complicated. “Very well, Nathan. You’ll have my cooperation in solving your puzzle. Nothing else.”
    â€œI expected you’d say that, Rory.” He chuckled without humor. “That will be our bargain. I take you away from Warwick, and you help me find your father’s ship while you sleep here and I bunk with the crew.”
    â€œAll right. No more than that.”
    â€œAnd no less.” Holding out his arm to her, he said, “Let’s go for a walk around the deck.”
    â€œWalk?”
    â€œWalk,” Nathan repeated. “You know. Placing your feet one after another. It’s simple.” Taking her right hand, he placed it on his arm. He touched her wrist and said softly, “This looks lovely here. I’d hoped the shade of this ribbon would match your blue eyes. It’s close, but I doubt if anything can mimic that color.”
    â€œWhy are you being so kind to