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Roger. He hadn t beat Cutter James, but his arrival looked
to be well-timed.
Cutter s men held the crew at bay on the Fairfax. Ash
grabbed a rope, twisted it around his arm, and swung
aboard.
 Blast ye, Sin, this be a private doin , and ye werena
invited. Cutter s sword swished the air, and Ash jumped
back.
 We need to talk, he grunted as the next swing sliced
his knuckles.  About Mercy.
 What about me lass?
 I ve come to help her get our baby back.
 Aye, I hear you be the scoundrel that defiled me
daughter.
 I love your daughter, he admitted quietly.
 Then, let s us see what she has to say on the matter.
Cutter waved his sword for Ash to go first.
Their steps quickened at the sight of Henry Cree holding
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Mercy by the throat, a shield between him and Cutter s
crew. He must have figured out where his wife was headed
and boarded the Fairfax before she sailed.
 Let her go! Ash demanded.
 Here, have the bitch. I took her in payment for her
grandfather s gambling debt on the basis she would come
into money from her titled father. Except she s nothing
more than daughter to a pirate and whore to you.
Ash s eyes narrowed on the man as Mercy was shoved
at him.
 Do not look so shocked, Sinclair. I know you fucked
my wife both before and after we were married. I was
willing to overlook her affairs until I learned the duke lied
to me about her being the daughter of a Scottish
nobleman.
Cutter stepped forward.  The man oughtna to ha
promised me sweet lass in such a way, but me title is no
lie.
 Father? Mercy looked at him puzzled.
 I meant to tell ye, lassie. He scratched through his
wiry beard.  I am a baron. It means nary so much as bein
captain of me ship, but  tis the truth of the matter and I
canna change it.
Mercy smiled. She didn t want to be happy her father
was of noble birth, but it had special meaning that her
mother had not loved or married so far beneath her as the
duchess had led her to believe.
 Now, what say ye, Mercy lass, to me cuttin up yer
husband for fish food? Cutter lifted his cutlass in front of
the man s face.
Mercy s mouth would not move. She couldn t say yea or
nay to the idea, and it made her turn to Ash for help. His
arm went about her shoulders, and she could have cried
with the dilemma she faced.
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 I think it better he seeks an annulment, Ash said.
 Speaking as one gentleman to another, would you not
agree, Cree?
Henry s eyes turned black and dangerous. Mercy
shuddered.
 I would rather my peers hear a sad tale of how she died
amongst cutthroats. He drew his saber from its sheath.
Ash lifted his sword. Blood still dripped from the tap
Cutter gave to his knuckles.
 Stand back, m lady. He pushed her toward her father.
 It appears your husband wishes an immediate dissolution
to your marriage.
Mercy whimpered as steel clashed and a dangerous
ballet took them around the deck.
Her eyes traveled between the duelers to her baby.
 Have no worry, m lady. Ashton is a good swordsman.
The ghostly shape of a young girl formed next to her.  My
brother will live up to the honor of his name and the trust
you have shown him.
 Are you real?
 I am a spirit staying in this world until Ashton has
more happiness than sadness. You are the cure for his
loneliness and his heartache.
 Who are you?
 I am Lady Emma Sinclair. She curtsied.  It is so very
nice to meet you formally, Lady Mercy Jamison. I am sorry
I could not help you the night of the ball, but...
 You were in the gazebo.
 I assure you, I did not peek. I just wanted...I needed to
see you to be sure.
 Sure of what?
 Sure that your eyes reflected the instant love my
brother Ashton poured from his soul. He really could not
help it. He has never loved anyone except his family. Our
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mother s death as well as mine took away the only females
he had ever been close to, so he has always been afraid to
grow attached to another lady until you caught his eye.
Mercy gasped when the sword swung close to Ash s
head. She squeezed her eyes tight when Ash, at the same
time, skewered her husband.
 He s won! Mercy cheered to Lady Emma, but she was
gone.
Ash rushed up to her and hugged her tight.
 I m sorry. He kissed the top of her head.  I know you
asked I not kill him.
She tilted her face up.  Do you think it awful of me if I
say I m not?
 I will never have anything but the highest regard for
what you think, my sweet Mercy. He bowed and kissed
her lightly on the lips. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]