Page 52 of The Captain Claims His Temptress
“Did anyone follow me?” she whispered.
Gifted with the instincts of a guard dog, Stephen surveyed his environment—nothing but her intoxicating scent and breathy pants. The poor woman was both excited and terrified.
“’Tis safe, Madalene.”
She stepped into a ray emanating from the burning rushes and flew toward him, almost knocking the lantern to the ground. He placed it on the fountain ledge and wrapped her in a protective embrace.
“I never should have asked you to steal something on my behalf.”
She held up her hand and grinned. The key dangled between her fingers.
Pride surged through him, for now she washissensual little spy. He cradled her chin and planted an appreciative kiss on her lips. Unfortunately, he had to ignore his raging need and explain himself.
“Please do not believe the rumors about me that may follow. Those men in the dungeon are rotten scoundrels, but my instincts tell me they have proof of Dupont’s duplicity. I must release them so that I can obtain this information. I may be gone for a couple of days.”
She pressed her palm on Stephen’s heart and gazed into his eyes. “Pierre is accusing you of the theft on my uncle’s ships, and Hugo has spread salacious lies about me.”
Although she had already denied her involvement with the solicitor, relief flooded through him. “So, you truly never kissed Adams?”
She cringed. “No. I despise him. I believe he lied out of jealousy. Perhaps he thought you would not want me if I’d kissed him. Especially considering my horrid reputation. Which is mostly untrue.”
Mostly? What did that mean? Although, this was not the time to delve into her secrets.
“But why is Pierre accusing you of this? Is it not treason?” A gust of wind lifted her skirts and blew her already disheveled hair every which way. She shivered.
Explanations took time, and he needed to get to the dungeon. However, he wanted to avoid any more misunderstandings between them, so he would make it brief.
Hoping to warm her, he held her close. “Dupont and I have a past. I can’t share all the details with you since it involves military secrets. However, he knows I was not at my post when the ships were hijacked. Ridiculous because I was gone for small amounts of time, not weeks at sea. Still, I was not where I was assigned to be.”
Madalene gasped.
“So, you see….” Men did not cry, so he swallowed the lump in his throat. “The world hails me as a hero, but I left my post to protect my sister-in-law and another time to protect my twin. If found out, I could be court-martialed. I am not a saint or perfect, far from it. And now, Dupont is using this knowledge against me. When I out his deviousness, I must also admit my indiscretions. But truly, I have no choice if I mean to discredit him.” He dare not mention the weapons that would soon be on her uncle’s ships. But as soon as he had proof, he would request an audience with the secretary of state, confess his crimes, and relinquish his post.
“Oh, Stephen.” She caressed his cheek.
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“Never. I think more of you than ever. You protected your family.” Her eyes filled with the tears he could not shed. “I have known since I first saw you that something weighed heavy on your heart and that I had to help you.”
He did not deserve this woman. His soul’s mate…
“I suppose you will not be able to take me for a boat ride or teach me to shoot an arrow tomorrow,” she said.
“What?”
“Tomorrow’s activities,” she reminded him.
“Nay. I am exceedingly sorry.” He’d take her another time. That is, if he avoided the noose.
Grasping his hand, she tugged. “Let us go release the simpletons.”
He stood still. “You cannot go with me.”
She tugged harder. “Of course, I can. If I can’t enjoy a boat ride with you, I shall help you destroy Dupont.”
“Nay. ’Tis dangerous.”
She reached around his neck and guided his mouth to hers. When she finally backed away, he was left addle-brained.
