The Devil's Necklace

The Devil's Necklace Read Free Page B

Book: The Devil's Necklace Read Free
Author: Kat Martin
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fan of cards spread open in a slender hand. He had expected the woman to be attractive. She was, after all, the paid companion of a wealthy man.
    But Grace Chastain was far beyond pretty. She wasstunningly beautiful, with jewel-green eyes and skin like day-old cream. Her hair was auburn, dark copper streaked with gold, and even in her demure silk gown, a hint of full bosom rose enticingly above the modest neckline.
    She was younger than he had imagined, or at least appeared so, yet certainly no girl just out of the schoolroom. Still, she didn’t carry the usual world-weary look of a seasoned whore.
    No, Grace Chastain was beautiful and feminine, pale now as she rose to her feet, a tall, slenderly built young woman who, under different circumstances, he would have found incredibly attractive.
    Instead, all he felt for her was loathing.
    “Might we step outside, Miss Chastain?” Ethan asked, forcing a polite note into his voice, his faint bow only slightly mocking.
    “May I ask what this is about, Captain Sharpe?” she asked.
    He glanced at the tall aristocrat across from her ready to come to her defense. “As I said, I believe this conversation would be better spoken in private.”
    Her face went even paler, and yet a delicate rose still bloomed in her cheeks. “Of course.”
    “Perhaps I should come with you, my dear,” her companion volunteered.
    She managed to give him a smile. “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure this won’t take long. I shall be back very shortly to finish our game.”
    Like bloody hell.
    She started for the ladder and the captain and Ethan fell into step behind her. Once on deck, Captain Chambers briefly explained why Ethan had come.
    “I’m sorry, Miss Chastain, but Captain Sharpe claimsyou are wanted for questioning in a matter of national security.”
    Her burnished brows drew together and a confused look appeared on her face. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
    Ethan fought to control his temper. She knew why he was here, yet clearly she meant to continue her deception. Well then, so would he. “I’m sure you haven’t the slightest notion about any of this. Still, the matter requires clarification. I’m afraid you will have to come with me.”
    The last hint of color drained from her face. She looked as if she might faint dead away, and he swore beneath his breath. A swooning woman would only make the inevitable result more difficult for all of them.
    Grace Chastain did not swoon.
    Instead, her shoulders subtly straightened. She had resolved to brazen it out, to play the innocent victim. In a way he admired her courage.
    “I’m a passenger aboard this ship. I cannot believe you expect me to simply leave. That is clearly impossible. I am on the way to visit my aunt, Lady Humphrey, in Scarborough. Should I not arrive, my aunt will become quite distraught.”
    “Captain Chambers can make your explanations. Once the matter is resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, you will be allowed to resume your journey.” He urged her forward, toward the rope ladder slung over the side of the ship that led down to a small wooden dinghy waiting to return them to the Sea Devil —eager to get her there before any real trouble ensued.
    Captain Chambers stepped forward, blocking their escape. “I’m sorry, Captain Sharpe. I am forced to agree with Miss Chastain. I’m sure you have a valid reason for all of this, but I simply cannot allow you to remove thisyoung woman from my ship. As long as she is aboard the Lady Anne, Miss Chastain is under my protection.”
    A noise sounded behind them, a shuffling of feet on the deck. Six armed members of the Sea Devil crew stepped from their hiding places, pistols loaded and pointed at the captain’s chest.
    “I’m afraid, Captain Chambers, that you have no choice.” Ethan reached for Grace Chastain, slid an arm around her waist, and dragged her back against his chest. The guns remained leveled in the captain’s direction.
    Ethan spoke to Grace

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