Page 33 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

“You’re a pirate,” Alana scoffed. “What good is your word?”

“Don’t aggravate him,” Mr. Parker muttered.

“You should listen to your friend.” Captain Shaw’s gaze slid over Alana’s face. “I would happily add another bruise to the growing collection.”

She whimpered, shrinking away from him.

“Violence isn’t necessary,” Mr. Parker said, leaning his body against Alana in a comforting gesture.

Captain Shaw’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”

“You don’t need my name. I have no intention of joining your crew.”

“Is he aware of the ramification of refusing?” Captain Shaw glanced up at Mr. Evans.

“I know what choice I’ve made.” Mr. Parker’s strong voice carried across the deck.

“Please, think of your wife,” Alana begged.

“She’s dead.” Mr. Evans dropped beside Captain Shaw, his sneer filled with malice. “Captain pushed her overboard with the rest of the women.”

Was it possible to hear a man’s heart shatter?

Mr. Parker’s face crumpled as a wounded howl tumbled from his lips.

Alana’s chest gave a tight squeeze, constricting until she could no longer breathe.

“I hope you hang from the gallows,” Mr. Parker snarled, snapping his teeth at Mr. Evans.

“If you have a grievance to settle with me, meet me in Hell.”

Raising his pistol, Mr. Evans placed the muzzle to Mr. Parker’s head and pulled the trigger. Blood and bone sprayed the side of Alana’s face.

Captain Shaw twisted away, closing his eyes, revulsion on his face. When he turned back, a mask of stone had replaced the flash of pity.

Untying Mr. Parker’s wrists and lifting the body, Mr. Evans slogged to the side of the ship. With a grunt, he hefted the body over the side, dropping the corpse into the darkness.

Rising, Captain Shaw stalked a circle around the mast.

“Would anyone else like to join Mister…” His eyes flicked to Alana.

“Parker,” she replied, her gaze locked on his face, curiosity burning in her veins.

She’d seen it, the fleeting moment of compassion. Was it possible the cruel Captain Shaw had a heart?

“Mr. Parker.” He nodded. “I give you two options, either join my crew or join Mr. Parker in a watery grave.”

One by one, each man gave his assent to join the pirate crew. When Captain Shaw reached Alana, he knelt again. Extracting an embroidered handkerchief, he slid the stained cloth down the side of her face, wiping away Mr. Parker’s blood.

“Have you made your decision, Mr. Dubois?”

“I will work for you.”

He leaned closer, his mouth almost touching hers.

“Forever?”

“Until you die.” Alana narrowed her eyes.