Page 23 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

Taken aback because his name had flowed from her lips so readily, Trinity’s mouth dropped open.

“Why, yes. Yes, I did. I beg your pardon. I am not sure what came over me.”

Mirth lighting Devin’s eyes—he had such lovely, warm, melted chocolate eyes—he dropped his candy into his mouth. He leaned nearer and winked.

“I do not mind.”

Heat seared Trinity’s cheeks.

She’d best be more careful, or he would think her fast.

Hadn’t he said she was forward already?

Yes.

When she had helped him that first night.

Rogues like him would think nothing of a shipboard tryst, especially if he believed her a willing participant.

She, on the other hand, had her reputation to consider.

Mrs. Peagilly might not be conventional according to le beau monde standards, but even she mightn’t approve of her new companion compromising her reputation—even unintentionally.

“Well, I do mind.” Trinity lifted her chin in a show of determination and defiance, which would’ve been more effective if her chin did not possess a small dimple. Others found the indentation charming, but she’d always thought it made her appear weak. “Such familiarity is not proper.”

“Neither was your entering my chamber this morning,” Devin said without a jot of remorse or a moment’s hesitation.

He was right; dash it all.

Must he be so smug about it though?

“Well, as I said previously, Mr. Everingham, circumstances sometimes prevent adherence to social strictures aboard a ship. However, when protocols can be observed, they should be.”

Trinity hid a grimace.

She sounded as prim as a fusty old maid.

“Will you stroll with me?” Devin neatly changed the subject and took the wind from her sails in the process.

“After I look in on Mrs. Peagilly.” She nodded. “If she doesn’t need me, I shall meet you.”

Trinity had neglected her employer all morning and would not be surprised if Mrs. Peagilly required her services for the remainder of the day. After all, she was not employing her to watch other people’s children or take the air with handsome rapscallions.

Devin took her hand and raised it to his lips.

She should object—yank her hand away.

Scold Devin for overstepping.

But her will seemed to have flittered away, along with what remained of her common sense. In truth, she wanted him to kiss her hand. With her breath suspended, she anticipated the touch with far more eagerness than was warranted.

He brushed those velvety lips across her skin, the merest whisp of a touch. Which could in no way account for the acceleration of her pulse, the tingling from knee to neck, or the blood heating in her veins.

Could it?

Mouth parted, she stared at him, slightly dazed.

He lowered his eyelids over his smoldering gaze, and good thing too, for she was nigh on to going up in a conflagration of sensation.

Did he feel it too?

“Until then, little prude.”

“Pru…prude?” she stuttered on an unbecoming squeak, coming back to herself with a jolt. “I am not a prude.”

Compared to the women whose company he normally shared, she must appear as prim and proper as a nun. Except, she had been unchaperoned in his cabin when he was dishabille.

Had he forgotten that?

Laughing, he winked, tossed the apple in the air before catching it and taking a bite, and then strode from the saloon.

Good Lord.

Devin Everingham was dangerous. Perilous to a spinster with no experience in warding off disarming rogues. What was more, Trinity was not altogether certain she wanted to discourage him.