Free The Raider by Jude Deveraux

piece of whale fat floating on the sea. “Tell me what you thought of the Raider.”
    Jessica was thoughtful a moment. “He likes glory. Why else would he ride through the middle of town for everyone to see him?”
    â€œPerhaps that was the idea. Maybe he wanted everyone’s attention on him so Ben could remove the tea. You heard, didn’t you, that they’re gone? Ben, his wife and all four kids left in the middle of the night. Don’t you think the Raider gave them that chance to escape Pitman?”
    â€œDon’t mention that man’s name to me! You who take money from him!”
    As she walked by him, he caught her wrist, encircling it with his fingers but not squeezing. “Did it ever occur to you that if I take twenty-five percent of my esteemed brother-in-law’s profits, then I will know how much he’s earning? And as a partner of sorts, I can look over his books. I might, if he begins to trust me, find out whose ship he’s planning to take next.” He released her wrist.
    â€œNo, I never thought of that.”
    Alex put his hands under his head. “Do think about it.”
    Jess put clams in the basket and looked up at him out of the corner of her eye. His fat thighs were straining against the yellow satin breeches and his belly was about to pop two buttons.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter about this Raider, he won’t have courage enough to reappear. Pitman’s on to him.”
    â€œAnd of course you’re sure Pitman’s smarter than the Raider.”
    It was difficult for her to consider the Raider in any terms but hatred after what he’d done to her. “He’s a glory-seeking braggart and I hope I never see him again.”
    â€œYou have no idea who he is? After all, you were very close to him.”
    â€œNo idea at all, but I’m sure I’d recognize him if I saw him again. He has a very cruel-looking mouth. Oh no!” she gasped, looking out to sea. She had spread one of her two precious fishing nets on a rock to dry and now one of the many lobsters that the tide had lifted out was carrying it away. She made a grab, missed, then ran into the sea.
    Alex was off his log in seconds. He caught himself just as he started after her. He had to remain in character. “Jessica, are you planning to swim to China after that net?”
    She stopped, waist deep in the icy water, and watched the net float away from land. “I think I can get it if I could get down that rock ledge.” She gave Alex an appraising look. “Could you hold my feet so I can hang over the side?”
    Alex nodded, keeping his eyes raised, not looking down at her dampened shirt clinging to her breasts. “I think I could manage.”
    â€œI’m awfully heavy.”
    He wiped his sweating palms on his padded thighs. “Let’s try it.”
    Jess stretched out on the grass, using her arms to support her half way over the rock ledge.
    Alex stood over her. The baggy sailor’s pants were clinging to her thighs and showing every curve of her lovely little fanny.
    â€œAlex!” Jess said impatiently. “Are you going to hold me or not?”
    â€œI will,” Alex said in a subdued voice, then took her ankles and lifted her so she could hang over the side of the ledge.
    â€œJust a little more,” Jess said, stretching to reach the net. “Got it. You can pull me up now.”
    Quite easily, Alex pulled her up, being careful not to let her body touch the rough rocks. He dropped her feet when her head was on flat land.
    Jess lay still for a moment while she examined the net. “No new tears, I’m thankful for that.” Lithely, she got to her feet. “Alex, you look a little pale. I think I was too heavy for you. Sit down and rest.”
    Alex did as she bid.
    â€œI’ll get the clams and walk you back. A man of your…physique shouldn’t have exerted himself like that.” She ran down the