The Pirate's Jewel Read Free

who was obviously in charge
cleared his throat. “That won’t be necessary. We didn’t come to partake of your
fine establishment.” His tone was pleasant enough, if condescending. He swept
the room again with his eyes. “Just a friendly visit to let the good people of
Charles Town know that the Royal Navy is glad to be of service.”
    “Thank you, sir. That’s good to know.” She affected a
polite nod. She wanted to glance back to see if Nolan had slipped away, but she
dared not bring any attention to him. “Is there anything else we can do to be
of service to you this fine afternoon?” She just wanted them gone before Nolan
and her father got nervous and escaped Charles Town without her.
    The marine officer’s wicked laugh forced her to realize
her blunder. “I’m so glad you asked. Sometimes these situations can be awkward.
May I request the pleasure of your company later?”
    “Leave it alone, Devlin. Solicit strumpets on your own time,”
said the naval officer. “We need a full crew before we set off to the beastly
West Indies.”
    Jewel stiffened. A glance at Harvey showed he had no
intention of coming to her aid this time. She’d been propositioned before, of
course, but suddenly she felt unnerved and very much alone.
    “Thank you, sir, for such a kind invitation, but I must decline,”
she said. The marine officer continued to grin and glanced over Jewel’s head.
“Ah, your other gentleman friend. He doesn’t seem pleased. But not to worry. I
can assure you, your interests will be better served with me—and I have plenty
of friends not unlike myself who don’t mind loosening their considerable purse
strings for a pretty woman.”
    She followed the officer’s gaze. Nolan was still there, staring
at them with open hostility. What was he doing?
    The officer tilted his head. “Are you afraid of him? You’ve
no need for that.” He reached out and caressed her cheek.
    Jewel stepped away. “If you don’t wish food or drink, I’ll
say good day, gentlemen.” Escape at this point was her best option, but the
officer’s hand dropped to her shoulder.
    “ Release her .” Nolan’s voice loomed behind her and held
an edge that made Jewel’s stomach clench.
    The officer did as he asked, but only to place his right hand
on the hilt of his sword. “And who might you be, sir? Do you have some claim on
the”—he cleared his throat—“lady?”
    The naval officer intervened. “All right. Enough of this,
Devlin. We have our orders, and I intend to see they are carried out. Leave the
man the strumpet. We have other stops to make.”
    Nolan stepped forward. “I believe Miss Sanderson deserves
an apology.”
    The heavyset naval officer blinked, as if he’d been dunked
underwater.
    Devlin, the marine officer, pressed the back of his hand
to his mouth in an obvious attempt to hide a smile. “I agree wholeheartedly,”
he said. “This fair maiden is so much more than a mere strumpet. Really, Lieutenant
Greeley. Speak up.”
    The musket-toting marines straightened and indiscreetly
repositioned their weapons.
    Lieutenant Greeley’s bulbous face reddened, and the set of
his shoulders proved he was angry rather than taken aback. He addressed Nolan:
“Step aside, sir. You’re in the presence of His Majesty’s officers. We shan’t
be ordered about by the likes of you.”
    “His Majesty’s officers ? As such, I would think you
would have the proper respect for a lady. I might not hold such an esteemed
title, but I have enough sense to know when a woman wishes to be left alone.”
    Devlin stepped forward. “You backwoods colonial—”
    Jewel stepped between the men. “Please. This is all my
fault. My friend and I just had a bit of a quarrel. I lost my temper with him,
I suppose. I didn’t mean to give you gentlemen the wrong impression. My sincere
apologies.”
    To her relief, Nolan apparently came to his senses and took
a step back.
    The younger officer held his gaze, not as eager to back
down. His