Page 11 of Ruthless, But for Her

His eyes narrowed. If it was possible for the man to appear even more still than before, he did so now.

“Who has hurt you?”

She continued to attempt to find air to breathe.

Ashton seemed similarly unable to speak. He breathed in deeply and out just as deliberately.

“I will not touch you. I will not harm you in any way. No one on this ship will do so either. Do you understand me?”

No, she did not understand him. It made little sense. Why take her if she wasn't to be abused?

“Please. Please don't...”

“Lady Cassia. My brothers and I have taken but one oath in our lives: to protect each other and all women. I've never broken an oath, nor have they. We do not intend to start now. I will not harm you. Nor will anyone on this ship or in my presence, as long as you are beside me. Do you understand?”

It made little sense. A man like him? She'd heard the stories.

“I... You... I...”

He stood suddenly—so suddenly that Cassia hit her head on the bunk above her as she scooted back even further.

Her back now touched the wall, the enclosed space a slight comfort.

Her captor did not move toward her, however. He instead went in the opposite direction and sat on the only chair in the small cabin.

He said nothing, but simply watched her.

The air began to flow through her more easily. She could breathe normally again. Why had she laughed so? Had she gone mad? Well, if there were any reason to do so, being taken by one of the black sails’ crew was as good a reason as any.

“You will not rape me?”

He said nothing.

Was he reconsidering?

“No man will rape you. Including me.”

She almost asked, ‘Not even my husband?’ But of course, she did not. Roland could do anything he wished with her. That was the way of things.

“Why?”

He looked so angry at her question that Cassia amended it.

“Why did you take me, then?”

“That is a question I cannot answer right now. If you're able, get some rest. There is a wash bowl there.” He pointed to an earthenware basin in the corner, larger than the one in the merchant captain's quarters, and considerably less grimy. “After we set sail, I will return.”

With that, he stood and left as quickly as they'd come.

Was it possible that he would not harm her? He could have done so already. Perhaps he had to tend to something first, like murdering those remaining on The Aldgate.

Nell. He had said she would remain unharmed, but how could Cassia believe his words? The words of a man who would board another ship unprovoked and take that which was not his?

A kidnapper.

She couldn't. And that was why Cassia had to leave immediately.

Even if it meant taking her chances in the North Sea…