Excerpt of Pirate Child by Heide Katros

A frisson of pleasure shot through him and he immediately turned to Dr. Radcliff, unable to hide his delight. "Perhaps if you could find the time, sir, I could show you around the Enchantress while we are in port. I doubt I will conclude business for another couple of days, so I could arrange my schedule to accommodate your visit."

Annemarie reached for her father’s hand, her face reflecting her enthusiasm. "Papa, could we? I would love to see a ship from the inside, climb upon her rigging, and feel the sway of the sea beneath my feet."

"Annemarie! You don’t know what you are saying. You are a lady and as such you cannot climb the rigging."

Trevor caught the distress in Dr. Radcliff’s voice, though he felt little sympathy, since he was too elated over the fact that he had drawn her out of her shell.

Annemarie laughed softly. "I guess your description of the sea turned my head, Captain. You are such a vivid storyteller that for a moment I totally forgot myself. Forgive me please."

Trevor was not fooled by her little act of remorse. He held her gaze and saw the mutiny in the depth of her expressive eyes. Annemarie was no demure miss and certainly no shrinking violet. She was fire and ice, honey and lime, and that struck an unfamiliar note within him. One he was not averse to feeling. Damn convention and the need to take things slow, when he really wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

Annemarie’s breath caught in her throat when his eyes met hers. There was wanton need in their inky depth. There was danger in their blackness, but instead of repelling her, it drew her like a moth to flame. Only a discreet cough by her father sent her spiraling back to the present.