Page 72 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
She blinked and pursed her mouth, but she did not cross to his seat. He moved his thumb to her lips. Soft, they were, and moist, like she’d just been kissed.
Her breath hitched warming his finger.
“You must know,” he said, containing his heart, controlling his voice, speaking matter-of-factly, “These moments of rescue stir my blood. I very much wish to kiss you.”
She sent him a stern frown. “You wish to kiss your male servant in a carriage?”
A laugh gurgled up and forced its way out. Of course, she was right. He threw back his head and succumbed to the laughter, and when she smiled and joined in, the urge to pull her onto his lap almost overwhelmed him.
Her smile faded and she gripped his hand. “The Captain must be on close enough terms with Kingsley if he feels confident he can talk him around to his will, and he knew about the engagement to Carvelle. Perhaps you are right about him after all, Charley. How would he know about that horrid betrothal?”
“He could have heard the rumor. Your betrothal ball was the talk of the town.”
“True,” she said, thoughtfully. “Why did you not share his report about my father’s death with me?”
“I haven’t seen it.”
“You were lying about it?” She grimaced. “Of course you were.”
“I didn’t much care for his quick dismissal of us. I didn’t much care for his story either. Your knowledge of seamanship is surely superior to mine. What did you think of the tale?”
She frowned again. “Papa always said, the pirate captains would calculate their risks. They are facing the forces of nature just like their prey. Papa’s preparations for this voyage included extra guns, and many of his men were former marines from the wars. He always tried to pass from afar as a naval ship, and this time especially. I do not believe a pirate would attack them in a storm.”
“Not even out of desperation?”
“Perhaps.” She shrugged. “And perhaps Captain Llewellyn could have created a better lie.” Her gaze turned grim. “You are an expert liar, Charley. What doyouthink of his story?”
He winced at the harsh words, but had to admit they were true. “I think we must get him and the men who claimed to witness your father’s death in for a detailed statement, and then pick them apart.”
“I should like that. If I found he has lied…I shall be very tempted to make use of my dagger again.”
“Leave it to me.” He dropped her hands and leaned back. “Let us have our own moment of truth-telling, Miss Kingsley. I am not lying when I say Idowish to marry you. Iamcapable of loyalty. I also wish to kiss you, and more. Much more. And I will never force you. Never. We will dispense with fixing a wedding date until you’re ready, or until you decide you will throw me over.”
The carriage slowed as they approached Shaldon House.
“And until you’ve decided whatever it is you will decide, there must be no more private meetings for us in the library—my brains were addled last night.”
She pulled a face at him and he laughed.
“And you must do me one more favor.”
“Cease wearing men’s clothing?”
“No.”
“Hide in my room or the nursery for all time?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
He swallowed a grin. “Allow me to train you in the proper use of that dagger, as well as pistols and other methods. Your next assailant might not conveniently walk into the blade, and if our engagement extends until you reach your majority, I have no doubt you’ll have need of those skills, if not for yourself then for Reina’s protection.”
The light that had sparked in her eyes went out. “Lord Kingsley did threaten her,” she said, breathless. Her eyes shone with tears.
It was quite the opposite of the reaction he was trying to engender. Yet…perhaps a good round of tears was needed to clear out the fog. She had been through so much.
But her mouth firmed and small fists clenched, and when she lifted her eyes they were blazing.
