Read Online The Pirate Prince by Connie Mason - Free Book Online

too much freedom.”
    “I agree, but as my guest, Willow will be allowed a certain degree of freedom aboard ship. She has agreed not to walk out on deck until either you or I can accompany her. Meanwhile, I intend to teach her Turkish.”
    Mustafa eyed him narrowly. “You are becoming too involved. I do not like it. You must remember why she is aboard your ship.”
    “Do not preach to me, my friend. I know where my duty lies. My mother is not safe in Ibrahim’s seraglio.” He clasped Mustafa’s shoulder. “Come, Mustafa, let us see to the running of the ship.”
    Willow prowled the cabin for lack of anything better to do. Though she’d found several books in Dariq’s cabin, they were written in Turkish. She hoped Dariq had meant what he’d said about teaching her his language, for she’d die of boredom if she didn’t at least have that to look forward to.
    Dariq did indeed keep his word. He appeared in the cabin after the noon meal to begin Willow’s lessons …andevery day after that. The language was difficult, but Dariq was an excellent teacher. Within two weeks they were conversing in short sentences. With nothing else to do but study, Willow learned quickly.
    To Willow’s relief, Dariq made no attempt to seduce her during those teaching sessions. The last time he had kissed her, she had been tempted to the point of allowing whatever he wanted to do to her or with her. Though she knew he wouldn’t take her virginity, he had hinted at other ways of finding pleasure; pleasure of which she knew nothing.
    One stifling afternoon as she waited for Dariq to arrive for her lesson, she heard a commotion outside the cabin. Pounding feet, loud shouting and the metallic clanging of weapons drifted to her through the closed door. She wanted to rush out to see what was happening, but hesitated when she recalled her promise to Dariq. But, oh, it was so hard to remain inside while something terrible might be happening, something that could affect her future.
    Willow couldn’t resist cracking open the door and peeking through the opening. The cabin was situated beneath the quarterdeck, making it difficult to see anything but a small section of the deck. Disappointed, Willow stepped away from the door seconds before it banged open. Dariq loomed large and frightening in the doorway. He was fully armed for battle, his countenance fierce.
    “What is it? What is happening?” Willow cried.
    “We spotted one of Ibrahim’s merchant ships. She’s riding low in the water, a clear indication that her hold is full. I intend to take it. You are to remain in the cabin until the battle is over.”
    Willow blanched. “Why must you attack the ship? There are bound to be deaths.”
    Dariq shrugged. “There always are. I know the ship andits captain. Hamid is Ibrahim’s man; he won’t give up his ship or cargo without a fight. Sighting the
Mahmed
is a stroke of good luck. Once the ship is relieved of her cargo, I shall send her on her way with word of your capture and my terms for your return.”
    “What if you lose?”
    Dariq gave her an incredulous look. “We will not lose. My men and I have never lost a battle and don’t intend to now.”
    “Perhaps I can be of some help. I can tend the wounded.”
    “Nay! You are to remain out of sight. I will return when it is safe.” His face settled into harsh lines. “Obey me in this, Lady Willow.” He strode out of the cabin, giving Willow no time to voice a protest.
    The tumult on deck intensified. Willow heard the roar of cannon and clapped her hands over her ears. Several rounds were fired before the big guns fell ominously silent. Minutes later she felt a tremendous bump and staggered against the bulkhead. Rushing to the window, she saw that the two ships were being hauled together with grappling hooks, and that the
Mahmed’s
crewmen were preparing to meet the pirates pouring across the boarding planks and swinging between the ships on ropes.
    Dariq was one of the first men to