Youre a pirate? Obviously. Still, hard to believe. He pressed forward, forcing on her a series of blows meant to test her strength and will.She parried and blocked his every move with an aptitude that amazed. Aye. A pirate, and captain of the Sea Sprite, she boasted, a wry smile upon her full lips.Indeed, she appeared very much a pirate in her mens garba threadbare, brown suit with overly long sleeves shed had to roll up. Her ebony hair had been pulled back in a queue and was half hidden beneath a rumpled tricorn. Also, like her men, was her look of desperation and the grim cast to her countenance that bespoke of a hard existence.We offered you quarter, she said as she evaded his thrust with ease. Why didnt you surrender? You had to know we outnumbered you.He didnt answer. In all honesty, hed thought they could defeat the pirates, if not with cannon fire, then with skill. After hearing of all the pirate attacks of late, theyd hired on additional hands, men who could fight. If it hadnt been for the damn illnessIts not too late. You can save whats left of your crew. Surrender now, Captain Glanville, and well see that your men are ransomed back. A wicked gleam brightened her eyes as if victory would soon be hers. He should do as she asked. It would be the sensible thing, but pride kept him from saying the words. Not yet. He still had another opponent to defeat, and so far she hadnt been an easy one to overcome. Despite his steady attack, she kept her muscles relaxed, her balance sure. Her attention followed his movements no matter how small, adjusting her stance, looking for weaknesses. How do you know Im Captain Glanville? When work was at hand, he didnt dress any differently than his men.I know much about you. Stepping clear of two men battling to their left, she blocked his sword with her own and lunged with her dagger. He jumped from the blade, avoiding injury by the barest inch. This one relied on speed and accuracy rather than power. Smart woman.What do you want from us? he asked, launching an attack of his own, this time with so much force and speed, she had no choice but to retreat until her back came up against the railing. We only just left London four days ago. Our cargo is mainly iron and ale.Her gaze sharpened even as her expression became strained. His assault was wearing her down. I want the Ruby Cross.How the hell did she know he had the cross? And did she believe hed simply hand it over? Hand over a priceless antiquity of the Knights Templar? Absurd. He swung his sword all the harder. The clang of steel rang through the air. Her reactions slowed, and her arms trembled. He made a final cut, putting all his strength behind the blow, and knocked her sword from her hand. Triumph surged through his veins. She attempted to slash out with her dagger. He grabbed her arm before her blade could reach him and hauled her close, their faces nose to nose. Youll never take the cross from me, he vowed as he towered over her, his grip strong.The point of a sword touched his back. Thomas tensed, he swore beneath his breath, self-disgust heavy in his chest. The distraction of this one woman had sealed his fate.Bloody hell.