Captain's Price

Captain's Private Journal, May 30, 1790 My heart pounds hard in my chest as I think of her-the lass awaiting me, naked in my cabin as I commanded. She was discovered masquerading as one of my seamen, yet I am still appalled at myself for demanding such a lewd price for her passage. But when I looked into her eyes-wide, but somehow beckoning-I was filled with a need deeper than any I'd ever known. For her. For Julianna. Can I truly touch her and taste her and satisfy my lust on her without taking the maidenhead meant for another? I am a man of impeccable self-control-an asset that has redeemed my family and ensured I'll not become my wayward father. Then what has taken hold of me? Each moment, the urge to go to her and steal away all that rightfully belongs to another man grows more irresistible. I must touch her. I must hold her. I must drive myself into her . . . I must not.