With the firm decision in mind to dig deeper into her newamigo’s life, Maxey nodded to the stranger. “You must tell me your name first. I cannot allow you to take me to my cabin otherwise.”
“My name is Raúl Zamora.” He bowed slightly.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Señor Zamora. I’m Miss Maxey Littleton.” She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. They walked side by side toward the stairs, heading for her cabin.
“I would prefer it if you called me Raúl.”
She smiled. “Then you must call me Maxey.”
He nodded.
“Are you traveling alone?” she inquired.
“Sí.”
“For what purpose, if you don’t mind me asking? Business or pleasure?”
“I travel back and forth from Britain to my homeland, Spain. I am in the trading business.”
“How fascinating.” And it truly was. He would possibly know about Nash’s uncle and have information for her.
“It is, and yet it is not. You see, Maxey, rarely do I have someone accompany me on my trips.” He patted her hand. “So I always appreciate the opportunity to meet new people. It keeps me from going insane.”
“I would like to get to know you. I find the trade business fascinating and would like to learn more.”
“Then will you permit me to be your companion for the duration of the trip?”
She cocked her head and studied his profile with a grin. Nash would have a few words to say about that. But what if Raúl knew something about Nash’s uncle? The only way she would know was by getting to know this man better.
“I will certainly have to think about it.”
After realizing her journey to Devonshire wouldn’t be as awful as she had first thought, her spirits rose. Hopefully, with Raúl as her new friend, he would keep her mind off her sinfully handsome and overpowering protector.
In the late hours of the night, when she lay awake in bed, memories of Nash’s kisses would disrupt her thoughts again—just as they had done since she met the incredibly charming man.
She widened her smile. “Shall we meet back up on deck after dinner?” Had she been too forward? Would Raúl suspect she was working with Nash to get information?
“I thought of inviting you to have dinner with me instead.”
Panic surged through her, and she breathed slowly to calm her fear. Strange, but she didn’t feel right being alone with him. So why had she not felt this way with Nash?
“As much as the idea is enticing, it would not be proper, and I need my uncle to be my chaperone.”
“Then bring him along.”
She laughed. “You don’t know him as well as I. Moving a mountain might be easier than convincing him.”
He chuckled. “So, dinner is out of the question?”
“Yes, for now. Let me speak with him tonight. Perhaps he will be in better spirits this evening.”
“That sounds wonderful.” He leaned near her ear. “Until the time when I can get you alone, that is.”
She pulled back. “You shock me with your forwardness, sir.”
“You do not seem to mind it overmuch.” He grinned, almost too smugly.
Are all men arrogant, or is that just their charm?
