The Pirate's Choice — Trinity Lee

Pirate captain's daughter Nancy Black has found love with Rufus Hardy on the island of Bermuda after walking away from the Briar Rose, the ship she had one day hoped to command, now captained by her enemy and former lover, Heath. But when she discovers more about the danger that faces the Briar Rose, Rufus encourages her to return to the Rose to see if she can change Heath's mind about a risky mission. There, she discovers that her feelings for Heath are anything but spent, and she faces an agonizing choice. Advisory: This 11,000-word erotic romance is the fourth in the Briar Rose series. Contains explicit sexual material and is not suitable for under-18s.ExcerptI could smell the muskiness of his skin, see the fine lines that creased around his eyes and feel the warmth blazing from his skin as though he were a sun god."Nancy, you tore the heart from my breast when you left," he said. "We have known each other all our lives, and yet you would throw it away to marry a stranger?"You threw it all away the day you decided to sail my ship - our ship - to near-certain destruction without first discussing it with me."My breath was quickening. I desired him so much, although he maddened me."And if I admit that you are right, and I am wrong? That I am a hot-headed wretch who has risked the ship and her crew for the second time in a lunar month. you would then forgive me and return?"My mouth was dry."I don't. I don't know. Rufus is a good man, and he treats me with respect and kindness, not the contempt you show me."Nancy, I have never shown you contempt. This war that rages between us, it is because we are equals. Or maybe because you anger me by bettering me at every opportunity. If I agree to call off this mission, which I now admit is foolhardy, and which I should have examined more closely, will you stay?"I turned my head away."No."I could feel his hot breath on the back of my neck and his finger running slowly down my spine. The hot prickling sensation turned to s