Isabel sat on the window ledge in the cabin and gazed over the choppy sea. A half-blackened moon cast its paltry light upon the dismal scene, only increasing the hopelessness that had taken residence within her. It had been five days since Captain Carlton had stormed aboard Charlisse's ship and once again dragged Isabel back into her worst nightmare.

Since then, he had been naught but kind, offering her every comfort and never forcing his attentions upon her. However, his ...