Page 34 of A Wanton Adventure
Mistaking his unhappiness for judgment, she added, “Maybe not a lover but a kiss or a flirtation. But even if I don’t find someone, over the next few months, I want to live as if society’s thoughts on my actions do not matter. I want to allow myself to be more than the moral compass of London society.”
She was a fool if she thought she was only perceived as that. Sebastian didn’t see her as so simple. He moved to her and tilted her chin up, so he was staring into her eyes. “You are so much more.”
A wave of desire drifted between them.
“How do you know that?” she asked softly.
Warnings fired in his mind that being this close to Diana was a bad idea. Hell, upon their return to London, it was almost certain she would enter into a betrothal with Tremont. While Sebastian was always up for a liaison, he suspected he wouldn’t escape this without one of them or both getting hurt. He wouldn’t endure that again. Not after the debacle with Lilah.He released her chin as he stepped back. Trying to lighten the mood, he said, “Because a lady who is the moral compass of society wouldn’t spy on me in my gardens or join Addie in her crazy scheme.”
A surprised giggle escaped her, and she grinned at him. “Guilty.”
They were silent, both studying the night sky. Finally, Diana asked, “What do you say? Shall we help each other?”
Yes, the request. He’d somehow forgotten about it, or was he avoiding it? While he was taking this journey to be vice-free, Diana wanted his assistance to be a little improper but not with him. It was wise he wasn’t part of her plans, but it still rankled him.
In truth, every part of Sebastian’s being roared to tell her hell no because the thought of anyone even flirting with Diana made him see red. But he reminded himself they were just friends. He studied her face, so eager, and knew he would play this game with her, no matter where it led.
“I will help you, but I’m unsure how your assistance will benefit me. There are all of ten women on this ship. I don’t think I will have much trouble avoiding liaisons.”
“There are the ports. You could have a tryst at every stop. I’ve heard the rumors about the King of the Den.”
His face heated. “Most are likely not true.”
Diana had the gall to look at him in disbelief. She shrugged. “Regardless, I will make sure you avoid any ladies hoping to catch your attention, and you can assist me in pursuing things that are…well…what is the word—”
“Wicked,” he growled.
Her eyes jerked to his. She gulped. He waited for her to laugh and say she was only pretending or this was some sort of joke, but she whispered, “Yes, wicked.”
Her uttering of the word made him want to show her how improper she could be. Damn it! Sebastian shouldn’t be thinking such thoughts about her. They were only a few days into their journey. He reassured himself that he would get over this strange connection he felt for the lady.
“And I will make sure you are the opposite of wicked. Is there anything else you would like to abstain from? Drinking?” she added.
Hell no. He wouldn’t get through this without a drink. He shook his head.
“Smoking?”
He shook his head again. “I think what we have agreed to so far is more than enough.”
“Splendid. So, we are in agreement?”
Sebastian nodded, and she beamed back at him.
Chapter Ten
Diana made herway to one of the smaller saloons on the ship. The prior evening, Devons mentioned Captain Monroe wanted to meet with them. Since their departure, Diana had only spoken with the man a few times but was thrilled she was about to learn more about their port stops.
Entering the saloon, Diana realized she arrived first. She nodded to the staff who stood in the room, waiting to cater to her or any other passengers. One wall was covered in large mahogany bookshelves. She frowned and stepped closer, curious how the books were kept secure. She smiled. A brass rod at the bottom prevented them from flying out. Clever.
She made her way to a sitting area, and an attendant immediately appeared. “My lady, can I offer you some refreshments?”
“Tea would be wonderful, thank you.”
As the man hurried off, Devons and Captain Monroe stepped through the door. The captain smacked Devons on the back, and his lips flattened into a straight line. Captain Monroe seemed oblivious to his annoyance. Her travel partner didn’t appear to like him very much. As they reached her, they both bowed before sitting in two wingback chairs.
“Lady Hensley, I recently mentioned to Devons that I believe you have adapted to sea life better than any of the other women we have aboard.”
Diana smiled. “There aren’t too many of us.”
