A Lady at Last Read Free Page B

knees. Cliff tensed. Her face was level with the governor’s lap. Did she know how provocative her position was? “He has never been a pirate, you are wrong, sir! The jury was wrong! He has been a privateer. He has worked for Britain, hunting pirates—just like Captain de Warenne. If you will pardon him, he will never sail again, ever.”
    â€œMiss Carre, please get up. We both know your father has nothing in common with Lord de Warenne.”
    She didn’t move. Her full, lush mouth began to tremble. Even had she been standing, it was so provocative it would have been impossible to ignore. But she was on her knees, as if a skilled whore before a paying client. Woods was staring at her mouth. His face had become taut, his dark eyes turning black.
    Cliff did not like what was happening.
    â€œI can’t lose him,” she whispered throatily. “If you pardon him, he will obey the law like a saint. And I….” she stopped, licking her lips, “I will be so grateful, sir, forever grateful, no matter what…you ask me…to do.”
    Wood’s eyes were wide, but he did not move.
    She would prostitute herself for her father? Cliff seized her arm, hauling her to her feet. “I believe that’s enough.”
    She turned a murderous glare on him. “No one wants you here! Leave me be! I am talking to the governor! Go mind your own affairs!”
    â€œPropositioning him, is more like it,” Cliff said, feeling quite furious himself. He yanked her once. “Be quiet.” He faced Woods. “Thomas, why not pardon Carre? If his daughter is being truthful, he will give up his roving. If not, I promise you I will bring him in myself.”
    Woods slowly stood. He briefly glanced at Cliff but then his gaze returned to La Sauvage. Although she stood straight and tall, she was trembling. “I am going to consider your proposal, Miss Carre.”
    Her eyes widened. So did Cliff’s. “You are?”
    â€œI intend to spend the night doing so.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
    And Cliff was livid, for he understood.
    But La Sauvage was not as experienced as either of the men, and it took her a moment. Then she drew herself up straighter. She was red-faced. “Can I wait here, then, for your decision?”
    â€œOf course.” He finally smiled at her.
    Cliff stepped in front of him. “And to think I have thought of you as a friend,” he said tersely.
    Woods raised both brows. “I am certain you would avail yourself of such an opportunity, as well. Now you defend her virtue? ” He was amused.
    It seemed that was what he was doing. “May I assume Mrs. Woods remains in London?”
    â€œShe is actually in France.” He was not perturbed. “Come, Cliff, do calm down. We shall adjourn to our delayed luncheon, while Miss Carre rests and awaits my decision.”
    â€œI’m sorry, I have lost my appetite.” He turned to La Sauvage. “Let’s go.”
    She was standing there, appearing very young and very grim—and very resolute. She might have been on the way to the gallows. She shook her head. “I am staying.”
    â€œLike hell,” he said softly and dangerously.
    And the tears filled her eyes—real tears. “Go away, de Warenne. Leave me be.”
    Cliff fought with himself. Why did he care? She seemed young, but she couldn’t possibly be innocent, not having lived the kind of life she had. He wasn’t her protector.
    â€œYou heard the…lady,” Woods said softly. “She won’t be hurt, Cliff. In fact, she might be pleased.”
    He was blinded by a kind of rage he hadn’t ever experienced. Images danced in his mind. Woods embracing La Sauvage, Woods ruthlessly availing himself of her slender, yet lush body. He fought to breathe, and when he could speak, he looked at the governor. “Don’t do this.”
    â€œWhy? She’s a beauty, even if her