Free Mistress Below Deck by Helen Dickson

much as she despised herself, for she could not deny that she was deeply attracted by him.
    â€˜What are you suggesting?’
    He smiled slowly and raised a dark brow as he considered her flushed cheeks and the soft, trembling mouth. ‘Don’t play the innocent, Rowena. You are a woman—a very beautiful woman any man would desire to have in his bed. You know exactly what I am saying.’
    She stared at him, aware of the trap that closed slowly around her. There was a quiet alertness in his manner, like that of a wolf, its strength ready to explode, but docile for the moment. ‘Yes,’ she said tersely, ‘I think I do, Mr Searle.’
    â€˜Tobias. My name is Tobias. So, shall we strike a bargain?’ His lips curved slightly, and then, with all the time in the world, he shoved himself away from the table and turned to consider the map.
    â€˜And my future husband? How do you suggest I explain such an arrangement to him?’
    A secretive gleam shone in his eyes. ‘That, my dear Rowena, is a matter for you and your conscience.’
    Rowena looked at him hard, knowing that, if she wanted his help to get Jane back, she really had no choice but to do as he asked. ‘I came prepared to plead Jane’s case, to pay in any way possible.’ Her voice was low and husky. ‘I did not come to pay the price you ask—the highest price of all—but pay it I will, even though I shall despise you for it.’
    Tobias looked amazed for barely an instant. He had not expected her to comply so easily. He was well satisfied. It would almost be worth sailing into North Africa’s barbarian-infested waters in search of Rowena’s sister. ‘So, is it a bargain?’
    Convinced he had no morals if he could ask her into his bed, knowing she was promised to another, Rowena raised her chin haughtily. ‘Yes, we have a bargain—but it will be for one night only.’
    He nodded slowly and his eyes glowed intently. ‘For one night you promise to belong to me?’
    â€˜My need is great,’ she said, never more aware of the truth of it as she was then, ‘so, yes, if you will help me find Jane?’
    â€˜I will do my best. I will not rest until she is safe.’
    â€˜And I shall insist on going with you.’
    Tobias’s eyebrows rose in unison and he stared at her for one long, incredible moment before shaking his head. He moved close to her to lend weight to his words. ‘I don’t think so. It would not help your sister if you were killed in your impulse to rush after her.’
    â€˜I am under no illusions about the nature of the Barbarians who have taken her.’
    â€˜And this does not deter you?’
    â€˜No,’ she said, determined not to be outdone by Tobias Searle. Her eyes had turned from the usual soft velvety blue-green to the spark and fire of emerald. ‘It makes me even more determined.’
    Tobias’s expression warned her that her intention was not only ridiculous, laughingly so, but beset with more perils than she could possibly imagine. ‘If you don’t mind, Rowena, you will abandon the idea.’ He said it reasonably enough, but he was watching her, waiting for her response.
    â€˜But I do mind,’ she answered, her own voice quiet. Her temper was beginning to rise, for she had an aversion to being told what to do by anyone. ‘When Jane is found, she will need her sister. I can see no harm in sailing with you.’
    â€˜Can you not?’ Tobias’s face was hard eyed and keen, and the atmosphere charged with tension. ‘The answer is still no. The Cymbeline is not a passenger ship and has no facilities for females—besides, the crew will refuse to sail with a woman on board. They’re a superstitious lot and consider women on board a working ship unlucky.’
    â€˜But I must.’
    He heard the desperation behind her plea, but ignored it. ‘No, and unless you want me to