The deck was passed and while the next man shuffled it, MissMontclair leaned forward, placing both elbows on the table. “I heard there was a pirate in town.”
The men sniggered and one spoke up. “Plenty of pirates here.”
She arched her back and Isaac couldn’t help an appreciative glance down to where her bottom rested in his lap. “I’m looking for a very specific one. One who doesn’t play by the normal rules. One you’re probably glad has left.”
It took a moment for Isaac to realize what she was doing and he quickly scanned the men’s faces for any glimmer of recognition, cursing himself for nearly missing the chance.
But Miss Montclair had already focused her attention on an older seaman with deep wrinkles on his weathered face. “What do you think?”
He glanced around the table. “Was happy to see him go. Something dark about that one.”
Isaac straightened, a tingle running up his neck. Not a quarter hour in and she’d already made headway. He rubbed his aching knuckles as she leaned even further forward.
“Did you see him?” She gave the man her rapt attention. In fact, now he had the attention of the whole table.
He nodded. “He was at the Eagle Tavern a few days ago. Looking for men sympathetic to his cause. I’ve no desire to go up against the Navy, but a good friend of mine welcomed the chance and joined his crew.”
Isaac’s pulse quickened as Miss Montclair’s nose scrunched. “His cause? Didn’t he find what he was looking for on that naval ship he sunk?”
Now, he fought the urge to lean forward with her, and forced himself to look down at the pile of money in front of them, pretending to count it while he waited for the answer.
“Heavens no. And he was right mad about it.”
She nodded and flipped a coin between her fingers. “I imagine hewas eager to get on his way and try again. Do you know where he sailed?”
His brow furrowed. “Now, why would a girl like you want that type of information?”
Her laugh rang out, echoing across the room and turning heads their way. “Let’s just say, I’ve a bone to pick with him.”
The man glanced around and leaned forward, this time speaking in a much lower voice. “My friend said they were sailing north.”
She smiled. “What a coincidence. We also sail that direction.”
“Well, I would recommend changing course. No telling what he would do if he got his hands on you.”
With a shrug, she settled back into Isaac’s lap. “He doesn’t scare me.”
The man straightened. “It’s time I leave.” He shook his head, pale eyes flicking to hers as he gathered his money. “I wouldn’t tempt fate if I were you.”
Miss Montclair stiffened at the warning and Isaac leaned over her shoulder. “What do you think, dear, have you won enough yet?”
She gave a single nod and stood, shoving her stack of coins into the money bag. Isaac rubbed his palms over his thighs, trying to ignore the sudden lack of warmth where her bottom had rested, the space between them an unwelcome reminder of the distance he should be keeping from her.
The man sitting next to him grabbed his elbow. “Come, friend, why don’t you share your pretty piece with us?”
Heat surged through Isaac and his fist curled. Miss Montclair set her hand over his and gave the man an apologetic look. “My lover is a jealous man. Perhaps next time.”
Isaac gave the smuggler one last glare and followed Miss Montclair outside. They walked in silence until they rounded the corner. He stopped and she followed suit. “Your lover?”
Even in the darkness, the blush across her cheeks stood out. “It’swhat they all assumed.”
“They expected a lucky kiss as well?”
She swallowed and dropped her gaze. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have.”
He shifted his weight to take pressure off his erection. Blasted trousers were too tight. Part of him wanted to shake her for her foolishness, but the rest of him? He had half a mind to pull her back into his arms and kiss her senseless.
But he wouldn’t. He pulled his shoulders back. “What you did in there, that wasn’t your first time playing like that. Where did you learn to cheat at cards?”
