Free The Pirate Prince by Michelle M. Pillow Page A

agree. But then why did she come after us?”
    “Perhaps it was to save the two women.” Jarek swallowed.Or to escape her duty
    and position.
    He knew all about escaping his princely title. It’s why he’d cultivated his easy demeanor, that way no one could tell what he was unless he wanted them to.
    “Unfortunately, I can’t get a good enough read on her to recommend showing her the map. I might be able to sense her lie if she tried to mislead us, but I can’t be certain of it.”
    Jarek took a deep breath. “What do you recommend?” “Time. She’s different when you’re in the room.
    You know I hate revealing what I read, but....”
    “Rick’s life is on the line. Time is something we don’t really have.” Jarek placed his hand on Evan’s arm.
    “I know.”
    “What did you sense?” Jarek wanted to shake the man, desperate to hear what he had learned about the woman.
    “She’s not immune to your charms. You confuse her, but you also interest her.
    She didn’t have that reaction to me, or to Dev. It was unique when you walked into the room. I think she likes you. A lot.”
    Jarek grinned. How could he not? Evan’s words boosted his male vanity greatly.
    “I don’t say this because I want you to take advantage of her,” Evan put forth sternly, pointing at Jarek in warning, “but out of necessity. Out of any of us, she might come to trust you the soonest. I will continue to study her. With time I will learn more.
    But if she were to develop an attachment to the crew, to....” Evan gave him a meaningful look.
    “To me,” Jarek finished. Evan was telling him to seduce her, to make her love him. His gut tightened. “I hate lying to her like that. I’m not so cold to pretend to love when it’s not there.”
    “I know, I hate it too.” Evan’s smile was sad. “There is a fine line between lust and love, but if you’re careful maybe you can walk it.”
    Jarek knew Evan never used his gift to harm others. He often went out of his way
     
    not to reveal what he knew, unless it was to judge someone’s intent against the crew. He could see by the look on his friend’s face that it was hurting him to even suggest this course of action. Though, if Evan said it, he truly believed it the only course for them to take. It wasn’t like Rick left them with too many options.
    “I just wish we knew if he was alive or not,” Jarek sighed.
    “If anyone can charm a kidnapper, it’s Rick.”
    “This is our only option, isn’t it?” Jarek glanced back down the corridor to where Mei was in the dining hall. It’s not like it would be hard to force himself to bed her. In fact, his body was more than willing to jump into it. He closed his eyes briefly, picturing her. She had her long, gorgeous hair down, but she still wore the gown she arrived in.
    The silky locks made him want to run his fingers through them, just as her smooth skin beckoned his hands. There were many things he’d like to do to her. He reined his imagination in.
    “I’m afraid so,” Evan agreed, frowning. “You got any ideas on how you’re going to do it?”
    “Seduction is the last thing I need help with.” Jarek stretched his arms over his head. Part of him liked the idea of seducing Mei. The other part of him still liked the idea, but was sorry that it would come about with such deceit. He hated the plan of purposefully breaking a woman’s heart for that was surely what would happen if Mei fell in love with him. Usually, he was honest about that fact from the beginning. With her, he couldn’t risk it. The more she cared about the fate of his crew, of him, the more willing she’d be to help them. It was this or risk losing their friend forever.
    “Rick would sacrifice for us,” Evan said.
    Jarek knew the man was picking up on his emotions. He nodded once in agreement and understanding.
    “People do mend from a broken heart,” Evan whispered. “Trust me. In time she will heal.”
    “Not all people.” Jarek took a deep