Read Online Ruined by the Pirate by Wendi Zwaduk - Free Book Online Page A

hallway.
    Other voices spoke, but he couldn’t understand what they said.
    The door to the restroom opened and Delia smiled at him.
    “Hello,” he said, not sure what else to say.
    She cocked her hand on her hip and leaned on the doorframe, keeping him in the bathroom. “It’s funny, seeing you here. When I left Boston, I assumed you’d come after me. I never suspected you wouldn’t or that I’d run into you in Norfolk. It took almost ten years. I truly never thought you’d find me.”
    “I became a pirate because of you,” he confessed. “Wasn’t my plan, but it happened.”
    “Me? You’re a legend because of me?” Her eyes widened and she clasped her hands together. “I’m honored.”
    “You wanted riches I couldn’t afford. When you left, I swore I’d get them. I’d do whatever I needed to in order to make you happy. I joined up with others who shared my views. I never dreamed I’d find you. Years went by and I realized I didn’t need you.”
    “You weren’t looking for me, it appears.” Venom laced her voice. “You never truly wanted me to be your girl and to sail the seas with you.”
    “I was nursing a broken heart.” How could she even think he wanted her to join him? He’d moved on because she’d left him. Looking back, she hadn’t meant as much to him as he’d once thought.
    “You and I had fun, but we’d never have worked out. I need stability and a home on solid ground. If I’d have known you’d become famous, I might have changed my needs. You can’t commit to anyone or anything without water involved.” Delia’s eyes narrowed and she stepped into his personal space. “You used to tell me you loved me. Was it a lie? A reason to get me to make love to you?”
    “I truly loved you.” At one time, his heart had ached for her. Not now.
    “Then love me again.” She threw herself into Killian’s arms. “Sarah isn’t important to you. She’s a passing fancy.”
    “No.” Killian nudged her out of the way and left the stuffy air of the bathroom. “You walked away from me because you wanted money. I know where I stand with you. Don’t you love Freddie?”
    Her lip curled in a sneer. Apparently he’d pricked her conscience by mentioning her beau. Delia grabbed his arm. “You kidnapped Sarah. She hates you for putting her through that ordeal.”
    “I love her,” he blurted. Sarah hated him? He knew better, but he wasn’t sure.
    “Ah, yes. You love Sarah. The perfect and wonderful Sarah.” Delia pushed him against the wall. “She might like you now, but she’ll realize what you are. You’re nothing but a filthy pirate. She’ll want the grand life she’s used to and you’ll be useless.”
    “I suppose I will.” Killian noticed a shadow moving across the floor. When he glanced to his right, he saw the reason for the shadow.
    “Excuse me.” Sarah crept farther into the hallway. “I’m sorry to interrupt this interlude, but it’s time for supper.” She turned on her heel and hurried away from them.
    “Sarah, wait.” Killian moved Delia aside.
    Her cackle followed him as he quickstepped his way to the woman he loved.
    “Sarah.”
    Sarah disappeared into a side room. She wasn’t going to evade him now. He stopped in the doorway. Apparently, Delia stuck with them.
    “He’s a scoundrel,” Delia snorted. “He’ll break your heart the way he broke mine.”
    “Delia, you’re excused.” Sarah whipped around and glared at Delia. “Go.”
    With her head bowed, Delia left them alone. She didn’t close the door.
    “Sarah, I’m sorry.” He didn’t care who heard him. “I’ve got a past with Delia, yes. Ten years ago, she was my girl. I should’ve said something. I’m very sorry, love.”
    “How?” Sarah folded her arms.
    The gown she’d chosen accentuated her breasts with the ribbon pulled tight just below her bust. The neckline gave him a nice view of her cleavage and the blush creeping into her décolletage.
    “You and I barely exchanged last