Tara Kingston - Claimed by the Captain

Claimed by the Captain

Tara Kingston

Jason Kane lost everything to one mans treachery. Thirstingfor vengeance, the ruthless privateer abducts Catherine Farrell, daughter ofthe swindler who destroyed his family. Intending to extract the debt owed himfrom his tempting prisoner, he plans a cold-blooded conquest. Aroused by hiscaptives sensual beauty, he claims her with seductive persuasion. As heplunges her into a world of pleasure, her passionate surrender sparks a deeplonging in his heart and soul.

Catherine Farrell lived the sheltered life of a prosperousmerchants daughter until Captain Jason Kane made her a pawn in his quest forretribution. Claimed by the captain, she finds herself at the mercy of a manwho will settle for nothing less than complete domination. His tender masteryawakens Catherines passions and stirs her heart. If only she convince him thatlove is far more satisfying than sweet revenge.

Elloras Cave Publishing

www.ellorascave.com

Claimed by the Captain

ISBN 9781419933431

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Claimed by the Captain Copyright 2011 Tara Kingston

Edited by Grace Bradley

Cover art by Syneca

Electronic book publication June 2011

The terms Romantica and Quickies are registered trademarks ofElloras Cave Publishing.

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may notbe reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without writtenpermission from the publisher, Elloras Cave Publishing, Inc. 1056 HomeAvenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons,living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. Thecharacters are productions of the authors imagination and used fictitiously.

Claimed by the Captain

Tara Kingston

Trademark Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademarkowners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

The College of William & Mary: The College of Williamand Mary state university

Chapter One

May 1813

Tidewater, Virginia

I will not marry that dim-brained sot. CatherineFarrell stared across the ballroom, her gaze settling on the long, lean,dour-faced man holding court with her father. She dragged in a breath heavywith the cloying sweetness of honeysuckle. The aroma lingered in her senses asshe studied Jonathan Marburys weak-chinned profile.

Arianne Churchill squinted her dark eyes to slits, pinchingher lips together in that way she had when she regarded something mostunpleasant. Hes not so bad, Cathy. Leaning forward, she lowered her voice toa conspirators whisper. I imagine hed make a most devoted husband.

Catherine snapped open her fan with a crisp flick of herwrist and partly veiled her face. In that case, you are more than welcome tohim, dear friend. Id rather marry a scarecrow than warm Jonathan Marburysbed.

The strains of a waltz swelled in the background.Catherines gaze drifted to the trio of musicians. Their passion brimmed inevery note. Such handsome men, young and virile, yet utterly unsuitable. Herfather would never approve of a union that would not add coin to his coffers.

Tempting morsels, are they not? Arianne laughed. Pity Imnot in the market for a lover. When my darling Henry returns from sea, Illspeak my vows. I fear I must restrain my appetites just a while longer. Shetilted her head to the far corner of the ballroom. Perhaps Mr. Marbury willhave to do without your affection. I believe you may have another admirer. Hehasnt taken his eyes off you the entire time weve been talking.

Catherine followed the path of Ariannes lingeringattention. A raven-haired man lounged against the wall, taking in the scenewith an assessing gaze. His elegant ebony coat hugged broad shoulders and amuscular torso. Snug black trousers clung to his powerful legs. With hischiseled features, the face of a fallen angel, he might have been a strikingincarnation of Lucifer come to lure unsuspecting souls to hell.

Her pulse quickened at the thought, but she drew in a breathand forced the fanciful notion from her mind. Hes probably wondering how ourtongues can wag without pause. We must look like two gossipy biddies.

It seems he has a taste for redheads. The man has eyes onlyfor you.

She waved away her friends words. Have you found your wayinto your fathers brandy?

If only I had. Henrietta Blakelys blather about heroh-so-wicked suitor might have been far more palatable. Arianne flicked openher embellished fan and peeped over the ribs. I do believe that delectable manis coming this way. This is most exciting.

And most improper.

Catherine drew her fan closer to veil her features. Thegesture did not deter the dark strangers course. He crossed the ballroom withlong, stealthy strides.

Will you at least allow him a glimpse of your face, youstubborn girl?

She sighed and dragged in a breath. Very well. If doing sowill bring you peace, I suppose I have no choice.

Searching her mind, she struggled to recall some hint of hisidentity. Surely she would not have forgotten such a remarkable figure of aman. The stranger allowed perhaps two paces between his body and hers, standingfar too close for proprietys sake. Eyes dark as the midnight sea raked overher. He watched her, the heat in his stare stirring an unfamiliar vulnerabilitythat flickered a chill along her spine.

Miss Farrell, its a pleasure. Ice coated his wordsdespite the curve of a smile on his lips. He tipped his head to Arianne. Imust confess I had not expected to encounter two incomparable beautiestonight.

Catherine studied his chiseled features. Have we met? Imust confess I do not recall the occasion.

Her question hung unanswered as Ariannes practiced poutdrew his attention. Her friends pale complexion colored prettily as she methis gaze with the skill of a practiced coquette. You are too bold, sir.

I cannot deny I had no patience to wait for a properintroduction. May I ask your name, lovely lady?

Her friend fluttered her lashes and pretended to hesitate.Arianne. You may know my father, George Churchill.

His dark head inclined toward her as he pondered the name.Ive made his acquaintance. A tobacco merchant, is he not?

Father has enjoyed great success in recent years.

Im familiar with many of his ventures. Hes partnered withEdwin Farrell on several occasions.

Yes, thats true, Catherine spoke up. Im afraid I amstill unable to place you, sir.

Many years have passed since we last met. You were a girlthen, all red hair and freckles, firmly entrenched in the school room. Sincethen, your father has spoken highly of your beauty, but Id believed him to beexaggerating. Until now.

My father is quite shameless, Im afraid. His quest tomarry me off knows no bounds.

Ive known your father since I was scarcely more than a boy.For once, hes spoken the truth.

Catherine searched his face for some trace of humor. Such anodd thing to say. As though reading her thoughts, his eyes narrowed, tinycrinkles of amusement etching the corners.