Pleasing the Pirate

Book 3: Secrets & Seduction

by Sharon Cullen

Genres: Regency Romance; Scottish & Highlander; Victorian Romance

Synopsis

From the USA Today bestselling author of Loving the Earl comes the tale of a ruthless pirate and the Scottish lass who fills him with desire for something greater than plunder.
 
With her clan’s crops burned and their property confiscated, Mairi McFadden is desperate to free her brother from imprisonment so that he can take his rightful place as chief. Her only hope is the fierce English pirate Phin Lockwood, but the buccaneer laughs at her meager funds. His roving eyes, however, tell Mairi there’s something else he’ll take in exchange for her brother’s rescue. Though she burns with hatred for the English, she’ll do anything to save her clan.
 
The crown has made it clear that Phin has two choices: bring in a certain Scottish traitor or hang. And he’s not about to let a tiny, whiskey-eyed woman get in his way, even if she is pointing a gun at him. When Phin learns that Mairi’s brother is the very man he seeks, he’s more than willing to use the lass as bait. But as the moment of capture draws near, Phin is surprised by his feelings for the courageous beauty who has him considering risking his life—for someone besides himself.

Look for all of Sharon Cullen’s delightful historical romances:
 
The All the Queen’s Spies series: WED TO A SPY  | BOUND TO A SPY
 
The Secrets & Seduction series: THE NOTORIOUS LADY ANNE | LOVING THE EARL | PLEASING THE PIRATE | HIS SAVING GRACE | SEBASTIAN’S LADY SPY | THE RELUCTANT DUCHESS
 
The Highland Pride series: SUTHERLAND’S SECRET | MACLEAN’S PASSION | CAMPBELL’S REDEMPTION

Praise for Pleasing the Pirate
 
“A fast-paced, adventure-filled romance . . . with passion, engaging characters and a storyline that will capture the reader throughout. Well done, I loved it!”—My Book Addiction Reviews

“A sizzling, smart relationship that evolves beautifully to capture readers’ hearts as well as their imaginations . . . Cullen crafts an engaging romance that is as much a tribute to the past as it is a tale of two unlikely lovers.”—RT Book Reviews
 
“The sexual tension between the two characters propelled me through most of the novel.”—The Siren’s Mate
 
“When I finished the story, my senses were filled—no emotion spared.”—Booktalk with Eileen
 
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.

Release date: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Loveswept

Print pages: 256

Sample

“Your Majesty, I have asked for an audience in regards to Phin Lockwood, the gentleman on my right,” Sebastian said.

The king leaned forward to peer at Phin. “Lockwood. Aren’t you the pirate we just seized?”

Phin suppressed a shudder at the word “seized.”

Sebastian cleared his throat. “He is, Your Majesty.”

The king sat back. “What business have you with a pirate, Addison?”

“As you know,” Sebastian said, “I’m still in pursuit of Grant McFadden.”

“Reprobate and traitor.” The king spat on the ground.

Phin had to suppress a smile. The king held no love for any Scotsman who fought for Bonny Prince Charlie, and Grant McFadden would definitely fall into that category. He was more of a burr in the side of the king than Phin had ever been.

“I feel that with Mr. Lockwood’s assistance I just might be able to capture said reprobate and traitor,” Sebastian said. “But Mr. Lockwood can’t help me if he’s residing in Newgate.”

King George turned narrowed eyes on Phin and studied him for long minutes. Phin tensed, every muscle screaming in agony from spending long days and nights on the cold, wet floor, from the beating he’d received before arriving at Newgate, and from the very real fear that the king would deny Sebastian this request.

“Lockwood. You’re the one who plundered Farrington’s cousin’s ship?”

“Something he would have never done if he’d known the ship was owned by someone so esteemed,” Sebastian said.

Phin stiffened at the lie, but Sebastian shot him a warning look.

The king huffed. “How might Lockwood help in capturing McFadden?”

“He has skills and contacts in the underworld that I don’t possess.”

Phin shot Sebastian a surprised look. What contacts in what underworld? All he knew were other sailors.

The king drummed his bejeweled fingers on the arm of his chair. His gaze slid to Atwater.

“I trust you, Atwater, so I must believe if you’re willing to back Addison then this must be true.” His gaze slid back to Sebastian. “You may have Lockwood.”

Phin’s relief was so great that his shoulders sagged and he feared he would fall over.

“However, if Lockwood does not bring McFadden to me then his life is forfeited.”

Phin snapped taut. He looked at the king in disbelief. His life was forfeited?

Bloody hell.

Sebastian bowed. “Of course, Your Majesty. He won’t disappoint you.”

Sebastian grabbed Phin’s arm and squeezed. Phin managed to bow without falling on his face, but just barely. He was reeling from the fact that in one moment he was free and the next a noose hung over his head. He was teased with the taste of freedom and he was damn angry about it.

Sebastian led the way out of the palace. Somewhere in the dark hallways they lost Atwater before stepping into the brightness of the day where Phin stood blinking. The carriages rolling past, the finely dressed people strolling the street seemed foreign to him after so long on the sea and then days locked in a small, airless room.

Sebastian tugged on his gloves and looked up the street. “That went well.”

“How in the bloody hell do you think that went well? How am I supposed to find Grant McFadden?”

“Your ship and crew are waiting for you. You’re to set sail for Scotland where you will encounter McFadden’s sister. Bring her to England. We will use her to flush her brother out.”

Phin blinked. His stomach growled and his knees shook with weakness. “If I fail, I lose my life,” he said.

“Yes. That’s unfortunate.” Sebastian frowned. “We’ll just have to see that you don’t fail then.”

Unfortunate? “Addison,” he growled.

“Let’s not worry about that just yet,” Sebastian said. “Our first order of business is to get you bathed and shaved.
You’ll frighten the ladies.”

“I don’t give a damn about the ladies.” What was this nonsense about McFadden’s sister?

“Splendid. Because you don’t have time to worry about ladies right now. We need to get you to Scotland.”