“Easier said than done.” She chewed another piece of flatbread.
“I want to ask you something.”
“Anything.” She paused drinking.
“Were you hesitant to marry me because you felt guilty or because of my face?”
“Heavens, Anthony. It was never your face.” She put a gentle hand on his scarred side. “I’m so sorry if my behaviour made you believe that. I was conflicted about what to do. I was scared, and I knew I was being horrible and selfish. But your scar doesn’t bother me.” She traced the scar with her finger as if to make a point.
Hell, her touch.
He wasn’t ready for the absolute shock going through him, so intense it was almost painful. He closed his eyes and leant into her soft palm, trying to remember when he’d last felt a woman’s touch.
Not that he cared about being with any other woman other than Isabella, but the kindness of her touch was overwhelming. The sensation was equal parts pain and pleasure.
“I’ll get better,” she whispered. “I’ll do everything to get better.”
“I’m sure of that, and let’s start with a change of clothes. Your gown is wet.”
“I can wait for Lawson.”
“We’ll be on Mytos if you wait for her. Even my grandmother’s lady’s maid is sick. Wilson is passed out in his bed. It’s a massacre.”
He helped her out of the gown as the cabin rocked gently. She avoided his gaze.
“Uncomfortable?” he asked.
“A bit.”
She unhooked her corset while he steadied her.
In her chemise and bloomers, she was simply stunning. Her smooth skin was the colour of the moon, and her dark hair fell like a silk sheet on her shoulders. He caressed her arm, amazed at how different it felt from his own—soft, smooth, and silky.
“I’m exhausted,” she said.
“Time to go to sleep.”
She circled his neck with her arms and rose on her tiptoes. He held her up from her waist. The ship gave a big jolt—even he couldn’t deny it—and she gripped him for dear life.
“What was that?”
“A big wave.” He laid her down on the bed, but she didn’t let him go, so he went down with her.
Another mighty jolt.
“Is that normal?” She gripped him harder.
“We aren’t going to sink.”
“Honestly, my stomach frightens me more than sinking. I don’t want to be sick again.” Her breath feathered on his neck, causing all sorts of emotions.
“Try to sleep. I’m sure the storm will pass soon.”
As if to contradict him, thunder boomed overhead.
She laughed. He propped himself up on his elbow not to crush her, wanting to see her face while she laughed. She was so beautiful his heart stuttered.
“You need to sleep.” He rolled off her and pulled up the covers.
