“I suggest you relax, my sweet Maxey. We are staying here until we obtain passage on the ship.”
Clearing her throat, she forced herself to speak. “Nash, there is no way I’m going to stay in the same room as you. It’s not proper at all, and you know it.”
He laughed and walked across the room to the window. Parting the curtains only a tad, he peered outside. The morning sun shone through.
“In time, you will see it differently, I assure you. Do not think of it as indecent.” His eyes met hers. “Merely remember that I am protecting you.”
As he loosened his cravat, his grin stretched across his tempting mouth. Her heartbeat took on a different rhythm.
“What are you doing?” she said, breathless.
“I am making myself comfortable.”
“Not likethat, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Nash, I really must protest.”
Ignoring her, he shrugged out of his overcoat and waistcoat, then loosened his shirt. With a gasp, she turned her head away so as not to see his naked chest, fearing it would be as muscular as she had imagined. Nothing could sway her, especially this sensual man who constantly tried to charm her.
A full-length mirror in the corner of the room caught her attention, and she couldn’t tear herself away from studying his reflection as he undressed. Oh glory! The sight of his bare chest caused her throat to dry. Her fingertips itched to graze the black hair sprinkled over him, so she quickly balled her hands into fists to keep from acting out.
Her cheeks burned, so she squeezed her eyes closed, but his magnificent image remained branded in her mind. Suddenly, his masculine scent in the room surrounded her, quickening her breathing.
Folding her arms across her stomach, she concentrated on the anger she had lost in the last few minutes. How dare he not allow her to contact Sally or Lady Wentworth? At least the maid should know Maxey was in no immediate danger. Nash was such a demanding man, and she had to keep in mind he was still a murder suspect and thief.
True, she had told him she believed his story, but deep inside her, doubt niggled at her, reminding her of the obvious holes in his explanation. Unfortunately, she must pretend to trust him. Until she could expose the truth.
The low rumble of his chuckle made her disregard her thoughts, and she glanced back at the mirror. He had just finished pulling on another shirt. The material could be almost transparent if she concentrated hard enough. His laughter grew, and she lifted her eyes to meet his in the mirror.
“Did your innocent eyes catch something they should not have, my sweet?”
Embarrassment washed over her in a heated wave. Quickly, she turned away, but there was no way he could have missed her humiliation. The soft tap at his door made her forget her mortification. Saying a silent prayer, she hoped for someone to rescue her from this handsome brute. The blunt truth was that nobody could save her. She had to stay by his side until she could return him to Lady Wentworth.
Nash hurried to the door. “Who is it?” he asked as he rested his hand on the knob.
“It is I, Peter.”
Maxey’s hopes dropped.Hecertainly wouldn’t help her.
Nash quickly let his servant inside, closed the door, and walked to his desk. “Did anyone follow you?”
“No.”
“Good.” From his money pouch, Nash pulled out a fistful of gold coins. “I need you to book two passages on the next ship sailing to Devonshire. I think the booths will be opening soon. If not, use my connections to get tickets posthaste.”
“Of course, Nash.” Peter took the money and slipped the heavy coins inside his coat pocket. “I will do it immediately.”
“Peter?” Maxey called to him before he reached the door. “How is Sally? You remember, my friend at the party?”
He hesitated while his hand rested on the doorknob. “She is safe at the inn where you two are registered.”
“Are you certain she is safe?”
“Do not worry. She is well.” Peter grinned.
Maxey sighed. “Will you send her a note for me and tell her what has happened? I don’t want her to worry.”
