Page 79 of Peasants and Kings
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked. “American coffee? Espresso? Something else you may enjoy?”
“I’d love a cappuccino,” I said. “Please.”
He bowed slightly which had me frowning in confusion.
“Mr. Rhys is on deck. You’re welcome to join him if you like. I’ll bring you your cappuccino.”
“Thank you, ah…”
“Angus, ma’am,” he supplied.
“Thank you, Angus.”
I saw Hadrian through the large sliding glass door, sitting at a table on deck, his head bent over his plate as he took a bite. He was dressed in a thick wool charcoal gray sweater and a pair of dark trousers.
Before venturing out to meet him, I took a moment to study the view of the ocean. Waves crashed against the beach with craggy mountains in the distance.
When I opened the door to the deck, Hadrian turned his head and smiled. “How are you feeling? Any trace of seasickness?”
“None,” I said with a shy smile and a shiver, feeling my nipples pebble.
I really should’ve taken the time to find undergarments before coming on deck, I realized.
“Come here.” He gestured to the other chair next to him. “There’s a heating lamp to keep you warm.”
“Maybe I should change,” I said.
“Don’t bother. You won’t even notice the bite to the air. I promise.”
Nibbling my lip, I padded over to the seat next to Hadrian and sat down. Apparently, I wasn’t close enough because he grabbed the arm of the chair and pulled me toward him.
“Good morning,” he said, brushing his lips against mine in a quick greeting before sitting back. He’d barely touched me, and I was already breathless.
“Is it? Morning?” I asked. “Not afternoon? There wasn’t a clock in the bedroom.”
The doors to the deck slid open and Angus appeared with my cappuccino in hand.
“Thank you, Angus,” I said with a genuine smile.
“Can I get you anything else, Ms. Smith?”
“No. I’m okay, thank you.” I took a bite of the chocolate croissant.
“Bring her a crab omelet and a side of fruit,” Hadrian commanded.
“Yes, sir.” Angus retreated before I could tell him not to bother.
I raised an eyebrow at Hadrian instead. “I don’t usually eat a heavy breakfast.”
“Humor me.”
“You’re in a really good mood.”
“I slept for six hours last night,” he said. “That never happens.”
I took a moment to study him. The shadows under his eyes did look less pronounced and my heart kicked up with emotion when I thought that maybe, he’d slept well because I’d been in bed next to him.
“You sleep like a corpse,” he said. “Did you know that?”
