Then we will all have to wait till we reach the port," De Lessops growled " None of us have that much amount on us here"
" I have."
The words were quiet but everyone heard them and watched fascinated as the tawny haired captain drew a heavy purse from his red sash and tossed it lightly into the air. He caught the solid chink of the coins.
" The thousand pounds, lads," he said , dangling the purse before them. Three thousand pounds to be divided among you now. Does anyone offer more for the wench?
The only sound was a deep animal growl of outrage and hatred from De Lessops. Then the pirates burst into animalistic cheers of acceptance. The tall pirate tossed the purse to his first mate, who was in charge of the the division of the spoils. A round, booking looking little man, the mate caught the purse awkwardly and led the crew away to split their loot.
" You have not heard the last of this," De Lessops threatened. Then he turned and stomped away.
A laugh rang out of her new captor as he stood, his arms akimbo, watching his adversary stalk away as if the item of a pirate Captain in control of a ship larger than his was no worry at all. Then he rounded on her, his saber still clenched in the first at his waist, his feet widespread, and his head tilted to one side studying her. He was taller than average and we'll build, his broad shoulders tapering to slender hips and a lean belly. His shirt hung loose and opened halfway to his waist, exposing a hard, tanned chest sprinkled with light blonde curls. Wide topped boots came halfway to the knees of his long, well muscled legs and feet, he seemed oblivious to the gash on his left thigh. His laughter changed to warm appreciation as he looked at her, and she squired beneath so thorough a scrutiny.
His probing blue eyes roved over her black curls, her perfect oval shaped face, her wide, black eyes fringed with thick black lashes. They took in her pert nose and fragile rose colored mouth. His eyes fell to the creamy column of her throat, hardening with anger at the angry red rope burn. They warned again as they sailed over the crest of her full, round breasts and down the curve of her waist. " Aye," He said, letting his breath out slowly, " I was right." You are well worth three thousand pounds. Indeed, I fear I may have badly cheated my mates.
He then attacked her bonds, cutting away what he could with his saber, working at the knots close to her flesh. I doubt that you have found our hospitality to your liking, so far, he said to her, but you will soon be safe aboard my ship.
And will I fare any better there than I would here? she challenged, still blushing from his perusal.
His face was close to hers, and she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek as he paused. He grinned roguishly at her and amusement leaped into his eyes, turning them from ice to warm pools of blue.
" That you have to judge for yourself," he responded.
His answer gave her no reassurance. He bent his head silently to resume his task of untying the knots and she studied him. His nearly blond hair was streaked now with dirt and grime from the battle but it had been recently washed, as had his clothes. De Lessops, she was sure, could not have had a bath in weeks, and his clothes looked like he never took them off. As the captain stood close to her, his shoulder brushing hers, she felt his strength, and his fresh manly scent assailed her. His shirt sleeve had been rolled back and she could see the smoothly corded muscle of his arms and hands. His fingers were long and fine, and though his hands which grappled with knots were blood smeared and gunpowder begrimed from the recent battle, his nails were clean and showed evidence of careful paring. She turned her attention to his face so near her own. His wide forehead was shadowed by a shock of nearly blond hair and his brows, a little darker than his sun bleached hair, came together intently now above deep set eyes. His nose was straight and fine with nostrils flaring like a stallion's. But it was his mouth that captured her interest - full mobile lips, sensitive and sensual, yet lacking weakness. The kind of mouth made for kissing a woman, for holding her in thrall with his touch.