Page 16 of Lord of Temptation
She wrapped her hand around the crook of his elbow and allowed him to lead her up the corridor. He’d thought Lady Anne might tremble, if not with his nearness, then with the anticipation of the journey. Instead, she seemed to become almost somber as she stepped onto the deck.
“Peterson, get us under way.”
“Aye aye, Captain.”
While Peterson began shouting commands and men began scurrying around the ship, Tristan said, “I’ll show you to your cabin.”
“I’d rather stay out here while we leave.”
“As you wish, but let’s get you out of harm’s way. Up the steps there.”
She did as he bid, and he followed her up, his eyes level with her swaying hips. Once up top, she crossed over to the railing. Joining her there, he realized that the maid was right behind him. She was going to be an inconvenience, but he could work around her.
“WhyRevenge?” Lady Anne asked quietly.
“Pardon?”
“Why did you name your shipRevenge?”
Planting his elbows on the railing, he clasped his hands together and stared at the black water beneath them. He’d done similarly the first time the ship on which Sebastian had left him had drawn away from the harbor. He’d thought the sea mirrored his soul. The next morning it had been a brilliant blue that had given him hope once again. “For a good many years the need for revenge gave purpose to my life. It seemed an appropriate name for a ship that would bring me untold wealth.”
“It’s bad form to speak of money.”
“You asked.” He shifted his gaze over to her. She, too, was looking out, and he wondered if she was imagining her meeting with her fiancé.
“Whom did you wish revenge against?” she asked.
“I don’t know you well enough to share that tale with you.”
She did glance over at him then. “I suspect you’re a very complicated man, Captain.”
“Not really. I see something I want and I take it. It doesn’t get much simpler than that.”
She looked back out as the ship gave several creaks and moans. A sudden lurch and it was moving slowly through the water.
“I was under the impression you had a fast ship,” she said.
“Not when we’re in the harbor. We have little moon by which to see. You could have hardly picked a worse night. A daytime departure would have been better.”
“Yet you didn’t try to convince me to hold off for a better time. Why ever not?”
“Because, Princess, I’m not certain you’ve been quite honest with me, and you required a midnight departure for a reason.”
He was studying her with such concentration that she was surprised her heart still managed to beat. “I’ve never lied to you.”
“That doesn’t mean you’ve been completely honest.”
She could say the same about him. She’d nearly spun on her heel and headed in the other direction when she’d watched him swagger down the gangway. His face no longer sported a shadow of stubble. She’d thought him handsome before, but cleanly shaven he was devastating. His hair was pulled back, tied in place with leather, and she dearly wanted to set it free. The light breeze billowed his loose white shirt, somehow making him appear more masculine.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d looked at the male form and appreciated it. Not since Walter had left. To gaze upon any man with even a hint of lust would have been betrayal to her betrothed. She couldn’t claim what she felt now was lust, but it was definitely awareness. Acute awareness that was unsettling in its intensity. Her stomach quivered, and she had a strong urge to sit. Instead, she stood her ground. “As you so succinctly said, I don’t know you well enough to tell you everything. But I swear to you that there is no danger.”
“Pity. I thrive on danger.”
“Yes, I quite imagine you do.”
They were moving farther from the docks. More shadows were weaving among them and fog swirled about, challenging the ship’s lanterns to hold it at bay. Water slapped against the hull. A peacefulness claimed the night. She wasn’t certain how much he contributed to her serenity. Somehow she knew he had the strength and skills to protect her from any peril that might come their way.
She heard flapping and glanced back to see a sail unfurl. Soon the ship was gliding faster. Closing her eyes, she leaned into the wind.
