“When you said you had somewhere to be, Captain, I assumed it was the castle,” a feminine voice rang out. “Yet, it seems you actually snuck away to ravish your male.”
Maddox pulled from my lips. “What I do is no concern of yours, Stone. Our business is concluded for the time being. What more do you want?”
“What do I want?” Isabel, aka Captain Stone, wore a red tunic and a black corset that fastened down the front. Her dark hair fell in long waves, and black liner surrounded both eyes. “A heavy bag of coin, to start. My ship could use a fresh coat of paint and minor repairs. Softer padding for the crew’s bedding and dozens more barrels of rum to keep us company on those long, cold nights at sea.”
“The Crown has paid you generously for your services. It’s no fault of mine that you’ve squandered said payment on liquor and women.”
“And what beautiful women they were,” she said with a devilish grin. “It might serve you well to indulge in them every so often. Perhaps you wouldn’t be so rigid.”
“I have no desire for them,” Maddox responded, touching my lower back.
Her gaze fell to me. “I see why. Very few others compare to this little beauty. You ask what I wanted? I wouldn’t mind tasting his lips to see if they’re as sweet as they look.”
Maddox growled. “I thought women were your preference.”
“Ah, they are.” Isabel smiled at me. “However, he is quite alluring, no? Golden hair, fair skin, and eyes like emeralds. Soft, pink lips.” When Maddox growled again, she laughed and stepped back. “Very well. I shall keep my hands to myself. For now.”
“A wise decision,” Maddox told her.
Isabel winked at me. “If you ever tire of this too serious bore of a man, come find me. You can join my crew. I’ll even let you sleep in the captain’s quarters.” She fluttered her fingers in a wave and then joined a group of men waiting near the tavern.
“Okay, previous verdict overturned,” I said, smile wide. “I like her.”
Maddox huffed and snaked his arm back around my waist.
“Is that jealousy I detect?” I asked, mimicking him from earlier. “If you’re feeling stabby, I have a baguette you can borrow.”
He dropped his head to mine. “Perhaps I should take up bread making. Punching some dough and pretending it’s a… how did you once phrase it, a tart-faced brothel wench?”
A surprised laugh bubbled from me. “This is a side to you I’ve never seen. I love it. Best day ever.”
“It’s a side I was unaware I had.” Maddox slid his hand to my neck. “I enjoy watching Briar kiss you. Lake and Rowan too, for I know how dear they are to your heart. But I suppose I’m not fully immune to jealousy. The thought of her tasting your lips made me inwardly rage.”
“Well, no worries.” I rested my hand over his. “There’s only one captain I want to kiss, and it’s not Stone.”
With a tender smile, he leaned in and captured my lips—much like he had my heart. The kiss was soft, as if holding all the romantic things he struggled putting into words. Not as intense as earlier but affecting me all the same.
But as amazing as his lips felt on mine, my curious mind couldn’t be stalled for long.
“Why were you meeting with her?” I asked, pulling from that delicious mouth.
“Another business arrangement.” Maddox toyed with my scarf. The overprotective grump shifted it closer to my neck to block out even a lick of cold air. “Some of the men involved with the recent brawl often frequent the tavern. Stone and her crew will report to me about any concerning intel they find, such as another riot or plans of that nature.”
“That’s why you’ve been so tense, huh?” I linked my hands behind his neck. “Worrying about all of this.”
Wariness caused a deep wrinkle in his brow. “Fighting demons, I understand. But this? Having the very people I’m sworn to protect possibly incite a rebellion? It’s…”
“Stressful?”
“That’s one way to describe it.” Maddox placed another soft kiss to my mouth before drawing back. “I must be on my way.”
“Nope.” I held on tighter. “The muffin lord demands more cuddles first.”
“You demand it, do you?” He caressed my jaw with the backs of his knuckles.
“Yep. But I may be persuaded to let you leave if you tell me what’s so important that you can’t give me a few more minutes of loving.”
“A royal feast is scheduled for this evening,” he said. “I need to meet with Captain Braun to arrange an escort for the caravan bringing the food and supplies. Then, I’ll be with Captain Vanderand knights of the Royal Order overseeing the security of the grounds.”
