Free Sea Mistress by Candace McCarthy Page B

you’re the same.”
    Bess flushed at the implication. A shiver raced down her back as he continued to study her with a look that was frankly admiring. He still found her beautiful; the thought was disturbing.
    She tightened her lips. Don’t be taken in by his charm! He’s a liar. Remember?
    Seth was within a foot of her. He touched her chin; running his fingers along her jaw as if he were studying an object, but clearly enjoying her smooth skin. Her pulse quickened with the caress. She swallowed and fought the inclination to pull away, for she didn’t want him to know how shaken she was.
    She thought that when she saw him again she would feel nothing but anger. Before coming on board ship, she’d thought all memories of the good in their relationship were gone. But they were back, haunting her, and they had been since she’d heard his voice again that first night.
    She found her gaze drawn to his mouth . . . the sensual lips that had once brought her wild pleasure. His head bent, and that male mouth was only inches away from hers. His breath caressed her, while he continued to stroke her cheek.
    â€œI lied,” he murmured, “when I said you’re still as beautiful as you were back then. The years have been good to you, Bess. You’re even more breathtaking than you were when we met.”
    Bess leaned forward, pulled by the desire to kiss him. “You look good, Seth,” she whispered.
    He stared at her mouth as she moistened it with her tongue. With a low groan, he bent his head, closing the gap between their lips, capturing her mouth in a kiss that was rough yet exciting.
    The kiss didn’t last long. It seemed to Bess that it was over before it began. She opened her eyes when he broke the contact. Her face burned as she realized how easily she’d fallen under his spell.
    â€œI should turn this vessel around and take you back to your dear cousin,” he said softly, evenly. His expression was dark and forbidding, but there was a glint in his blue eyes that suggested an inner satisfaction. “What on earth possessed the man to send you?”
    Bess’s heart thumped at the idea of returning to Wilmington. She thought quickly. They must continue the journey at all costs. “My cousin sent me, Captain, because I’m good at what I do.”
    â€œAnd that is?” A flame glowed in his blue eyes. The insinuation in his tone was plain.
    She refused him the satisfaction of an answer. She would not let him get the better of her! “If you take me back to my cousin, you’ll pay the price. The contract between you and my cousin will be null and void. George wants me on this trip. Either resign yourself to my presence or lose the biggest paying haul you’ve ever had.”
    The flame disappeared as Seth narrowed his gaze. “You’re privy to your cousin’s business contracts?” He had never met George Metcalfe, and now he was certain he didn’t want to. What kind of man would send a woman on such a dangerous journey? “Do you have any idea of the complications caused by your being here?” he asked her.
    â€œI know that sailors are superstitious about having a female on board ship,” she said, “but they’ll get over it.”
    He was angry. “Damn it, woman—the men on my ship are the toughest, most disreputable lot the world has to offer. What makes you think they’ll get over anything? And what makes you think you’ll be safe?”
    Bess’s eyes flashed. “I can understand your concern, Captain, but unfortunately there’s nothing either one of us can do. I expect you to see to my well being. In return, I’ll try not to put myself in peril.”
    â€œYour safety,” he mumbled. He raised his voice. “I could keep you below for months. Is that what you want? To be kept in your cabin for the three months it’ll take to complete this voyage?”
    â€œYou