SEDUCER
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Kensington/Zebra
February 2009 Release
ISBN: 978-1-4201-0191-1
Mass Market Paperback
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From the back cover:
IT ONLY TAKES ONE KISS . . .
When infamous rogue pirate Captain Angel storms aboard the merchant ship Oxford, he discovers more than just valuable cargo. He learns that one of the ladies aboard is the fiancee of his most hated rival. Angel can see that Madelaine Hartwell is quite a prize. For bedding her will give him both sweet revenge and immense pleasure. . . .
TO SEAL THEIR FATE FOREVER . . .
If Madelaine Hartwell's true identity is discovered, she could hang for a crime she committed in self-defense. But Angel believes her to be a betrothed lady, and Madelaine hopes his mistake will ensure her safety. As the two clash, Madelaine can't deny the simmering attraction that's heating up--and she may have no choice but to surrender to the pirate's enticing touch. . . .
"Set in the American colonies just prior to the Revolutionary War, this book seduces readers with plenty of action and romance set against a backdrop of historical authenticity. The perfectly matched protagonists are strong characters with past secrets that keep their relationship from fully developing. As friends, lovers and family members are pitted against each other, the action is nonstop, from conflict on the high seas to murder on a Virginia tobacco plantation. This one is hard to put down." 4 Stars (HOT)
--Romantic Times Magazine
Excerpted from SEDUCER
by Kayla Gray
Published by: Kensington Zebra (February 2009)
© Kayla Gray, 2008. All rights reserved.
Madelaine shook the handle of the door for the hundredth time. The pirate had unceremoniously dumped her on the bunk, locked her in and she hadn't heard a word since. That had been at least an hour ago-an hour during which she had searched the cabin top to bottom for a weapon. The flintlock pistol hung heavy in her pocket. There was no powder, but she didn't know how to load the weapon, anyway. She prayed that her bluff would be enough to convince the pirate to leave her alone.
What had become of Olivia? Had she really been brought on board?
A key turned in the lock and seconds later the pirate's broad frame filled the doorway. She retreated, practically diving behind a tall wingback chair facing the portholes.
"Don't tell me my little hellcat has lost her courage," he said mockingly.
He took off his black coat and gloves, and tossed them on another chair.
"Where is Olivia?"
"Who?"
Madelaine's heart dropped like a stone and she suddenly felt ill. Why had she believed for a second this man would keep his word? Reaching into her pocket, she drew out the gun and leveled it at his chest.
"Where is she?" Her demand sounded shrill even to her own ears.
"You are a bloodthirsty little minx, aren't you? I should have tied you to the bed, but I thought that would prove too tempting a distraction."
"You lecherous bastard!"
"There's that language again. Wherever did Hugh find a jewel like you, Madelaine?"
"If she's not on this ship-"
"You'll what? Shoot me? Come on, then, shoot," he said, spreading his arms wide.
His chest was quite a target. Even she couldn't miss it, and she'd never fired a weapon in her life.
"Let's get this out of the way, shall we, love? If you were to fire that gun, twenty men would come running at the sound, and before you could enjoy your victory for a second, you'd be dead. Sorry. I do hate to see that look of disappointment on your lovely face."
He began to close in on her and she tightened her grip on the gun, despite her sweaty palms.
"Don't underestimate me. I have killed before."
His step faltered. Surprise and disbelief were visible beneath the black beard and mask.
"Perhaps it's time you met your maker, Angel," she said derisively.
"Then we'll go together, my little hellion," he replied arrogantly.
In two strides he was on her, his hand squeezing her wrist until she cried out in pain and dropped the gun. He lifted her and tossed her onto the large bunk, then dropped onto his knees to straddle her and pinned her arms to the mattress.
"Remind me to teach you the proper way to hold a gun. Once you've mastered that, perhaps I'll show you how to actually load it and fire."
"You mean-?"
"That's right, love. There wasn't any chance of you killing me with that gun. Ah, I see I've disappointed you again. Well, don't worry. I'll make it all up to you soon-and I'll have all night to do so," he said smoothly.
She felt her cheeks fill with blood at his bold promise. It didn't help that she was in his bed and he was practically lying on top of her. The contact was far too intimate for her to think properly. "Does that mean you kept your word?"
"I'm hurt that you would think otherwise."
"Let me go. I want to see her."
"If you want to see your maid, then I want something in return."
"You have already asked too much of me! I have nothing else, you selfish rogue." She struggled underneath him, but with the slightest wiggle, his strong thighs contracted to hold her, and her awareness of his superior dominance intensified.
"What I want is very little. A kiss. That is all-for now," he reminded her, with a suggestive raise of his brow.
Madelaine groaned, feeling her cheeks redden further. But it was more than embarrassment fueling her emotions now. The weight of him was not unpleasant. His fingers were warm and firm, wrapped around her wrists above her head. She was a prisoner, yet she didn't feel threatened lying underneath him. A kiss from him wouldn't be so bad, she thought as she waited for him to take it.
"Well?"
"Well what?" she asked, confused.
"I asked for a kiss. That means you must kiss me," he explained, barely above a whisper.
Madelaine couldn't move. She had no idea what a lady was supposed to do in this situation. Not that she had been much of a lady for a long while. And God knows no lady would find herself in a pirate's bed thinking how he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen and wondering what his lips would feel like on hers.
"I can't," she whispered in distress. He watched her with such intensity in his rich, blue eyes that she had to squeeze her eyes shut or be consumed by them.
His warm breath caressed her skin a second before his lips found hers. The contact was so intoxicating, she couldn't hold back her moan of pleasure. His mouth was gentle, surprisingly soft, such a contrast to the natural whiskers on his chin and jaw that scratched her delicate skin.
He coaxed her to return the kiss, his lips slanting against her mouth with more insistence, but she couldn't let go of her modesty. She suddenly felt overwhelmingly shy. Madelaine was accustomed to force and cruelty from men, not this tender persuasion. And what she certainly wasn't prepared for was the crushing wave of desire that washed over her entire body as his mouth conquered hers.
She was on the verge of giving this pirate anything he wanted of her-and the realization was terrifying.
He finally pulled back and looked into her eyes as if he was trying to figure out her secrets. With the kiss at an end, sanity returned.
"There. I did what you wanted. I demand to see Olivia. Now!" Madelaine said, struggling against his greater strength.
"I suppose it's only fair," he said, releasing her. He rose and offered her his hand to assist her off the bed.
"No, thank you, pirate," she hissed.
"I like it better when you use my name."
"Fine. Pirate."
He laughed as he led her out of the cabin.
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