Page 151 of An Imperfect Scoundrel
“Would you?” He relaxed his grip as his gaze swept the crowd. His father remained twenty paces in front of them.
“You chained a cannonball to my ankle.”
“I thought you were a man.”
“I’m still angry with you.”
“How would you like me to apologize for falling for your deception?”
She ground her teeth. “That is why you’re sleeping in the other cabin.”
“I’ve already shared my position on that arrangement,” he said, desire flaring in his body as he pictured her moaning beneath him. “I said until you pass out, my dear wife, and I intend to exact that punishment.”
Before his father reached the postal building, Sebastian jerked Alana forward, hastening through the clogged street, and stopped the man several meters from the door.
“Pardon me, Sir. Are you Mr. Ashmore?” Sebastian asked, his voice ringing clear.
His father turned, the same dark brown eyes staring at him, drinking in his appearance.
“I am,” he replied with hesitation. “Who are you?”
“Sebastian Dubois.”
He stuck out his hand, holding his father’s gaze, who reached out and clasped Sebastian’s fingers, pumping once. He felt nothing, no connection, no fury, no hate. It was as if he was touching a stranger.
“How may I assist you, Mr. Dubois?” his father asked, his indifferent tone indicating his impatience with the conversation.
“My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting your son after our ship was attacked by pirates.”
That drew his father’s complete attention. “What do you know of Charles?”
Sebastian pulled the ring from his pinkie and held it out.
“He was a prisoner aboard Captain Shaw’s ship for many years, and he gave his life to help me escape. Before he died, he gave me this ring and asked me to return it to his family.”
“You and your wife survived aboard a pirate ship?” His father arched both eyebrows as he inspected the ring.
“As did a friend of ours.” Sebastian tightened his grip on Alana. “Mr. Ashmore, allow me to introduce my wife, Mrs. Dubois, and Mrs. Parker.”
“Where is your husband, Mrs. Parker?” his father asked, nodding to each lady.
She hiccupped and twisted away, blinking her eyes.
“I’m the only man who survived the attack.” Sebastian nodded his head toward the ring. “I wish I had better news to share with you.”
“My son was a thief and coward,” his father snapped, his fingers closing around the ring. “I’ve squandered too much time chasing his ghost. At least this gold will compensate me for the ticket to America.”
Without another word, his father marched around them and headed toward the docks.
“What a horrible man,” Mrs. Parker said. “It’s a pity you never attacked his ship.”
Sebastian laughed.
“There’s one good thing that came from this interaction,” Sebastian said, opening the door to the post office. “If he didn’t recognize me, then we should have no troubles with this ruse in Wiltshire.”
“With the exception of my family,” Alana replied as she passed under his arm. “I am bringing a dead man to dinner.”
“I suppose we should send a letter to your brother as well.”
