“Not well.”Stiffening at his comment, she added, “But Papa would never place me in harm’s way.”She glanced at his arms pointedly, but he refused to move them.He wanted to see what she would do.Would she push him aside?Or surrender, waiting for him to let her go?
Right now, he wanted to take her below the deck, away from everyone else.To kiss her until she could no longer stand.To feel her naked skin beneath his.
“And then there’s you,” she said softly.“You would protect me, if I needed it.”
“Don’t try to put me on a pedestal, Hannah.”The more time he spent near her, the more he desired her.Michael let his hand brush against hers, and she started at the contact.She truly had no idea of the sort of danger she was in.Twice, he’d kissed her.And though he possessed a slight bit of honor, even that was beginning to unravel.
“You’re trying to intimidate me,” she accused.“And I know none of this is real.You wouldn’t dare hurt me.”
Michael leaned closer so that his breath was against her cheek.“Sweet, you don’t know me at all, do you?”
“You—you don’t know me, either.”She squared her shoulders, lifting her chin until her mouth lay only inches from his.
“I know enough about ladies such as you.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“You live your life bound by a strict set of rules.I’m the sort of man who breaks those rules.”
“Do you truly believe I enjoy living that way?”she asked.“I’m not allowed to choose my own clothing or decide what to eat.”Her eyes held frustration, and she stared down at the wooden decking, her face pale.
“I can’t go back to the life I had,” she murmured.“It’s gone forever.This time, I want to make my own choices.”She pushed his hands aside and broke free of him.
“I want to eat whatever I want and wear a gown of my own choosing.”She calmed herself, taking a deep breath.“I want my freedom.”
He saw the desperate need within her and knew he could do nothing to destroy that hope.“You have two days before we reach Germany.Perhaps less.”
Staring hard at him, she whispered, “Then I’ll have to make the most of my voyage.”
God help him, he hoped she would.
Chapter Nine
Hannahspentagoodpart of the afternoon exploring the ladies’ saloon and the promenade deck with her maid Estelle.She’d met several of the other ladies traveling in first class, and most seemed friendly enough.One had urged her to explore the ship further, and Hannah was delighted at what she’d found.She’d expected this passage to be grueling, but instead the ship was designed for luxury at every turn.
She spiedportièresof crimson velvet at each of the doorways, while the maroon carpet was thick and comfortable.Within the saloon, the sofas were made of Utrecht velvet, while the walnut buffets were covered with green marble tops.Grand chandeliers hung throughout the saloons, giving them the appearance of ballrooms.
In one corner, a string quartet was rehearsing their set of music.Standing with his back to her was Lieutenant Thorpe.He looked uneasy, pacing slightly as he appeared to stroll through the saloon.
Hannah almost turned on her heel and walked away.He hadn’t seen her, so there was no need to greet him.She could leave right now, and he’d never know differently.
But then, that was the coward’s choice, wasn’t it?He’d cornered her this morning, intimidating her without actually laying a finger upon her.She pressed a hand to her heart, trying to calm the rhythm.Just thinking of it made her even more aware of him.
He was intensely handsome, in an uncivilized manner.Although his new clothing fit him perfectly, it didn’t change the man he was.Unpredictable.And...not at all safe.He’d been right about that.
Without warning, he turned around and saw her.His gaze held none of the polite greeting that most men would have offered.No, he looked as though he wanted to cross the room and take her away with him.
Her senses grew weak just thinking about it.
Gesturing for Estelle to remain a short distance behind her, Hannah braved a polite smile.Best to say hello and leave as quickly as possible.But as soon as she reached his side, he turned away.
The ship’s funnel casings were enclosed with mirrors, and a rich pattern of gold and white covered the wall surfaces.“Are you studying the wallpaper?”Hannah asked.“It’s lovely enough but a bit boring, I’d imagine.”
“Listening to the music,” he corrected.“And trying to remain unnoticed.”
That much was doubtful.A man like the lieutenant could never escape attention.His height and handsome demeanor made that impossible, not to mention he walked like a man in command.
“You’re not a very good wallflower,” she said.
