"Wait!" Kent shouted. "Tell him to wait!"

Morris crossed brawny arms over his chest and smirked.

"Take me," Kent said.

"What did you say?" Morris cupped a hand around his injured ear. "I don't think I heard you."

"Myself instead of her and the babe," Kent panted, writhing in the pirates' clutches. He'd uttered the words without thinking but knew no amount of thought or time would alter his decision.

Morris bent over in laughter. "Why I'll be a ...