Corinne Davies - Steam Powered Passion (Siren Publishing Menage Amour

CORINNE DAVIES

Copyright 2010

Chapter One

Under normal circumstances, I would relieve you of all your possessions, but Im feeling generous today. Ill allow you to retain one item.

The wind gusted across the bow of the ship, whipping Viktorya Trentons hair across her eyes. A seagull sitting on the ships railing gave an indignant squawk, as if it couldnt wait to hear the next move in such tense negotiations between her husband and the pirate that attacked the ship.

Your wife or your frigate? Choose one.

A small measure of relief flooded Viktorya. She might have a knife held to her throat, but at least she wouldnt die this way.

My ship.

Betrayal radiated through Viktoryas breast, stealing her breath. Her sense of relief died an icy death with her husbands choice. She felt as though the pirate holding her captive had slid the knife across her skin, before plunging it into her chest. Why would her husband betray her like this? Their marriage hadnt been for love, but she thought they had grown to respect each others positions, in a way.

He couldnt know what she'd truly done during their marriage. As far as he knew, she was a perfect wife. What she realized now is that she allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of security.

Alexander? This had to be some sort of misunderstanding. He wouldnt truly choose his bloody frigate over her. What are you saying?

I dont want her to suffer. Would you be so kind as to make it quick? Her husband glanced at her and gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, as if the situation raged out of his control. Nothing personal, love. You know that in times like these the business will support the family. You wouldnt want them to go hungry because you selfishly put your life before theirs.

She wanted to respond, but the acute hurt radiating in her chest froze the air in her lungs. Breathing continued to be a conscious effort at the moment. Speaking seemed impossible. What had she done to deserve this? For the five years they were married, shed worked hard to be exactly the wife he wanted. She worked harder to make certain he never knew she hated every moment.

Ya married a cold-blooded bastard, didn ya? Words spoken by her captor brushed her ear. At least he held a knife to her throat and had enough honor not to plunge it in her back. The lock on her chest eased enough for her to pull in a thin thread of air.

Her second breath felt easier as cold calm washed over her emotions. So, her husband thought her disposable? Alexander Trenton, you are truly an evil bastard, and if you think my death will stop me from gaining revenge, you really dont know me.

Sweetheart, his voice carried the same condescending tone it always had when he corrected her for some insignificant error, its you who doesnt know me. Dont worry. Ill console your little sister, as Im sure she will be devastated.

Yzabeau might be younger than her, but she was Viktoryas best friend and confidant. Insane fury burned away the icy calm that held her captive. She lunged against her captors arms, intent on tearing that bastards evil heart out with her nails. The man behind her cursed, his arms tightening around her chest as she wrestled against the restraint, and a sting prickled against her neck. She would smack Trenton right in his pretty face, even if it ended up being the last thing she ever did.

Enough! The pirate captain stepped in front of her, and she caught the first glimpse of the man who now held her life. Toris height allowed her to look most men in the eye. Until this moment, she had never felt like a short woman. This pirate towered over her, his wide shoulders blocking the view of her deceitful husband. Dark trousers tucked in to perfectly polished Hessians. He wore a long black coat made from a type of buckskin and a pristine white shirt with a wide swath of tartan crossed over his chest. He didnt look anything like the pirates she had heard of in stories. The bright sun behind him kept his features shadowed. The rays glinted off a pair of brass goggles that sat against the thick, dark hair spiked wildly about his head.

The glare blinded her for the moment, and she blinked rapidly to try to clear her sight. He gripped her chin between his thumb and fingers, tilting her head up a tad and exposing her neck. Her chin hadnt moved up too far when she felt a hot, burning pain on her skin.

Instinctively, she jerked her chin back out of his grip. He tisked at her and pulled a pristine white handkerchief from his pocket. That was a stupid decision on your part. Unless you were hoping to end your life before I make the decision for you.

Closing her eyes, she allowed him to think her terrified. Fear would come later. Right now, white-hot rage pumped adrenaline through her system. How the hell would she get out of this predicament? Despite his harsh words, his movements were gentle as he pressed the fabric against her skin. She had a moments alarm when he anchored the pad by tying something around her neck. Unsure of her future, she stayed completely still, unused to having so many hands on her. You do know its a thin line between bravery and stupidity?

As thin as the line between pirate and privateer. Tori opened her eyes to see what kind of response that might have triggered. Clenching her teeth together prevented her jaw from dropping at her first good look at him.

Arent you a brave one? He looked her over as if judging her character by her appearance. Nothing angered her more than someone who judged worth based on exterior appearance.