Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series) (9 page)

“If you had, I might not be alive. I think perhaps my ribs stopped the blade from going deeper.”

She met his eyes and frowned. As much as she disliked him, she would have truly been miserable knowing she’d killed a man. “Once again, I’m sorry,” she whispered.

His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she knew it was time to back away. If he chose to kiss her right now, she was too close to stop him. “Um… may I ask what you did with the dagger?”

“I still have it.”

“Where?”

“The weapon is in a safe place.”

Disappointment crept into her chest. He still didn’t trust her. She’d have to change that soon. The only way to feel truly safe around him was to earn his trust.

Clearing her throat, she stepped backward. “Well, I suppose I should fill the tub with water.”

He motioned to the corner of the room. “Actually, Gabe has taken care of that as well. All you need to do is help me to the tub then wash me.”

Isabelle grasped his upper arm to help him stand. When he was on his feet, he slid his arm around her shoulders, and automatically she wound hers around his waist to support him. She diverted her gaze, not wanting to look at him. It was hard enough she stood this close. As they took small steps toward the tub, his chest rumbled with a low chuckle.

“Miss Stanhope, I fear if you don’t look where you’re taking me, we may walk into a wall.”

“Captain, forgive me, but I’m most uncomfortable doing this very personal thing for you. Bathing you is not at all proper.”

“Since you’ve been appointed my nursemaid, those rules don’t exist.”

If only she could believe that. She stared at the tub, trying her hardest not to focus on anything else. They reached the tub and he climbed inside.

“Captain Hawk? Are you not going to remove your breeches?”

He grinned. “Were you going to remove them for me?”

“Absolutely not.”

He shrugged. “Since I cannot do it myself, and since you are uncomfortable with bathing me, I decided to take a bath with them on.”

Her face flamed with embarrassment. “A very concise decision, thank you,” she mumbled.

She knelt beside him and grabbed the sponge and brick of soap before scrubbing them together to create lather. Although he kept his breeches on, she still hesitated to wash him. Nursemaid or not, this was highly improper!

His strong fingers caressed her cheek then moved under her chin before he turned her face toward his. A grin stretching wide across his face made her very nervous. “My dear, this isn’t the time to be shy.”

“Captain, please don’t tell me this. I cannot be anything other than what I am. I have never had to do such a personal task for a man.”

He chuckled and leaned forward. “Then you can start with washing my back.”

Sighing heavily, she dipped the sponge in the water before moving the lathered sponge over his back.

      
His wide shoulders were extremely muscular, and as she washed him, she marveled at the roughness of his skin. A few scars cut across his back, but not many. He was powerfully built, indeed.

She swept his long hair off his shoulders. Perhaps she needed to wash his hair, too, but she should take off the scarf covering his eyes, first. As she plucked at the knot tied in back, he growled and grabbed her wrists. His head whipped around until his blazing eyes met hers.

“The mask remains on. Nobody looks at my face without it. Is that clear?”

His voice came out harsh, deep, and stirred something inside her chest. “Yes, you are very clear.”

She pulled away and lifted one of the buckets, pouring enough water over his hair to dampen the strands. He picked up the soap and started to scrub, then turned and looked at her, offering her the brick.

“I would like you to do it.”

Nodding, she did as requested while he held the mask to his face. Once her fingers were in his hair, Hawk’s body relaxed, and she thought he’d sighed as well. Now she was able to let her gaze wander over him, and she cursed herself for enjoying the view. Why weren’t all men muscular like this? But it was more than just his body that interested her, it was the kindness he had shown her—a woman who’d almost killed him, no less.

He’d attempted to hide his soft side, yet why would he be so accommodating? Because of her crime, he could have had her in shackles while she cleaned his room. He could have even starved her. Surely, he wasn’t as terrible as he could have been.

He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. The satisfied grin on his face made her want to smile as well.

“Captain? Can I ask you something?”

“Depends on what you’re asking.”

“Do you never take your mask off?”

“Not while I’m a highwayman.”

“Have your men seen you without it?”

“Some.”

“What about your…
er
, women friends?”

He peeked at her through one eye. “What makes you think I have women friends?”

Embarrassment scalded her face. “I’m not that naive, you know. You are quite a handsome man, so of course you’ll have women friends.”

Chuckling, he closed his eyes again. “No. They don’t see me without a mask, either.”

“May I ask why?”

“No.”

She gasped. “No? I cannot even ask?”

“You can ask, I just won’t answer.”

She grabbed the bucket, wishing he wouldn’t be so obstinate, and poured more water on his head to rinse. She’d rather splash it in his arrogant face. He shook off the liquid, getting her wet in the process and cooled her heated skin.

He glanced at her wet gown. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get you wet.” His gaze met hers again. “Please, continue with my bath.”

She quickly dipped the sponge in the water then started washing his arm. He kept his eyes on her as she scrubbed.

“Isabelle, you’re very tender with me. I like that.”

His deep voice stirred havoc inside her. He took her hand and twined his fingers with hers. She couldn’t find the strength to pull away.

“Just as you are with me,” she replied.

Hawk’s gaze dropped to her mouth. A mixture of fear and excitement bounced inside her, and the urge to lean closer became strong. But she couldn’t let him kiss her, so she pulled away and picked up the sponge to wash his chest.

“Miss Stanhope, have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

Inwardly, she groaned. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear right now. “Please, Captain, can you remain silent? You’re disrupting me. I cannot focus.”

He laughed. “That was the idea.”

She leaned across him to wash his other arm, and his arm dove around her waist, holding her close. “Please, Captain. Release me.”

“You’re fine right where you are, my dear.”

“I… I… um, you see, my gown will get wet. And if that happens, I’ll have to change into my other dress. How can I take care of you if that happens?” She licked her dry lips, praying he’d not push her into doing anything she wasn’t ready to do.

* * * *

Although Marcus would like nothing more than to see her wet, having these stirrings of desire inside him was not a good thing right now.

“I see your reasoning.” He smiled.

He leaned back in the tub, breathing slowly. Pain from his wound throbbed, but he wanted to ignore it. Having her wash him was more pleasant than he’d expected. He’d prepared for her anger through her touch, but instead received gentleness.

She leaned forward and washed his feet. He held himself from jumping when her touch tickled him. He must keep himself in check. Men like the fearsome Captain Hawk never lost control—and especially, were not ticklish.

Isabelle was different from the others he’d been with, and that was the problem. Whether it was her shyness or her innocence, he enjoyed making her react. He liked it too much, in fact. Somehow he’d lost track of his goal for revenge.

He took the sponge away from her. “Why don’t you fetch the towel while I finish washing?”

She stood and hurried to find a towel. “Would you like me to lay out some clothes for you?”

“There are some already on top of my trunk.”

“Will… will you require my assistance dressing?”

Her question was so soft he almost didn’t hear. He chuckled. “No, my dear. I will save you the embarrassment and do it myself.”

“But, you cannot. Your wound—”

“If I need help, I’ll call for Gabe.” Marcus stood and waited for her to bring him the towel. As she brought the towel to him and met his eyes, her blue eyes softened. “Once again, thank you for the small favor.”

Isabelle draped the towel around him as he stepped out of the tub. She hadn’t been prepared, and stumbled against him. He wrapped his arms around her to keep her upright. She inhaled sharply and looked up into his eyes.

She chuckled uncomfortably. “Captain Hawk, why do you insist on saving me?”

Inwardly, he cursed himself for not wanting to release her. She felt too good in his arms. “Isabelle, do you know what you’re doing to me, especially when you say things like that?”

Her smile relaxed. “You have never said my name like that before.”

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“No. I like the way you say it.”

He wanted so much to kiss her, but knew he couldn’t. As much as it would torture him, he had to stay strong.

She stepped back and helped him to the chair. Although he hadn’t a lot of strength in his limbs, he needed to change into some dry breeches.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Step outside and find Gabe to help me change. Then you may come back in and bandage me.”

“Of course.”

It didn’t take long before Gabe came to Marcus’ aide, and soon he wore a dry pair of breeches and sat on the edge of the bed. Gabe walked out of the room and seconds later, Isabelle entered.

She hurried to his desk to collect the bandages and ointment. When she returned, she sat next to him. Her gaze focused on his wound, and she frowned.

“Please know I feel just awful for stabbing you,” she said quietly.

His heart softened, and he wished it wouldn’t. He only wanted her for revenge, but that idea kept getting further away in his mind the longer he stared into her intoxicating eyes.

He didn’t reply to her comment, but instructed her on how to cover his wound before wrapping the bandages around his middle. She took special care, and when she was finished, she smiled with pride. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Now see, you are indeed a very good nurse.”

“Only from your instructions.” She sighed heavily. “Is there anything else you need?”

Weary, he shook his head. “I’m ready for another nap. Why don’t you retire to your room and rest as well?”

She nodded and stepped back, but he clasped her hand, twining his fingers with hers. “I must say, Isabelle, the bath you gave me was the best one I’ve ever had.”

“I’m pleased you think so, Captain. I’d like to think I’m doing a good job with my new duties.”

“Indeed you are.”

Shyly, she looked down and smiled. She turned and walked out of his room. As he lay back in bed, he realized he was smiling like an idiot. The lesson in humility he’d wanted to teach her was working out well… if only he would quit thinking about kissing her.

Chapter Six

Isabelle kept her eyes on the lad in the laundry room as he instructed her on how to clean Hawk’s clothes. The boy’s scraggly appearance tugged at her heart, yet he smiled as he taught her about the laundry, not seeming to mind how he looked.

Although she tried to listen carefully, her mind wandered back to the captain’s bath and how understanding he’d been. Several times she had to remind herself that he was a highwayman. Yet he certainly didn’t act like one when they were alone.

Her thoughts came back to what she was doing as the boy dunked a shirt in the water.

“Then, ye take the shirt like this and scrub it up and down. Do ye see now?”

She nodded and followed his example, but her gaze strayed to his own façade instead of focusing on the clothes in her hands. Bushy brown hair hung to his shoulders, and the shirt on his back looked two sizes too small, as did the breeches with many rips. Why couldn’t Hawk pay the lad better? Did the captain not care?

“What’s your name?” She gave him a caring smile.

“Monkey.”

Surprised, she gasped and stopped her hands from scrubbing. “Did I hear correctly? You said Monkey?”

“Aye.”

“That cannot be your Christian name.”

He chuckled and scratched behind his ear. “Nah, me name is Adam, but the crew calls me Monkey.”

“Why?”

“Because of me duties to the
cap’n
, Miss.”

“Which are?”

“When we were on the ship, I was called powder-monkey.
Ya
see, me duty was to fill the cannons with powder
durin
’ an attack. But the name
sticked
with me and now it fits.”