The Scandalous Lady Sandford (Lost Ladies of London 3)

“I suggest you lock it. Mackenzie often forgets to knock.”

Baring her naked body bit by bit, she eventually padded over to the door and turned the key. Fabian rested his head against the rim of the tub, entranced by the sight of her round buttocks.

Holding her arms awkwardly across her stomach and chest, she came to stand before him. “Would you like me to pour warm water over your back, my lord?” A shiver shook her body, and her teeth chattered.

“What I’d like is for you to get into the tub with me.”

Her eyes grew wide as she scanned the length of his body. “There’s barely enough room for you in there.”

“Trust me. I shall make room. Pirates are renowned for being resourceful.”

“You’re not a pirate.”

“I am now,” he said offering a wolfish grin. He sat up straight and pressed his back against the tub. “I intend to plunder your mouth and take your precious bounty.”

Without further protest, Lillian stepped in and lowered herself down. She was right. There wasn’t any room, and she had to sit on his lap. Not that he had any complaint.

“Lie back against my shoulder.” Fabian eased her gently back, swished water over her stomach and breasts until she relaxed.

A chuckle escaped her lips.

“What is it?”

“For a moment, I imagined myself back at Sandford Hall, seeing Francis’ face as she appeared behind the screen to offer me my robe. My maid would swoon if she saw me like this.”

Fabian took her hand and pressed her palm against his. “As I told you the night you arrived. Here, you’re free to be yourself. With me, you need never censor your words or actions.”

The more time he spent with her, the more he glimpsed the fun-loving young woman he remembered. And yet, he liked the inner strength she possessed now, the strength that gave her the courage to blow a blade from a man’s hand and wield a sword like a warrior.

“On the subject of maids,” h

e continued, threading his fingers with hers. “The one in Berkeley Square gave me a handful of dresses and undergarments. The trunk should be in your bedchamber, along with the pistols you requested and a small blade in a sheath.”

As expected, Lillian tried to turn around to face him but could only glance up over her right shoulder. “You saw Vane?” Panic infused her tone. “Why did you not mention it before?”

“We have been somewhat preoccupied since my return. Besides, Vane was out. Bamfield granted me entrance although I did not give the butler much choice in the matter.”

Fabian had hoped to apprise Vane of the situation before he came to the island. Yes, they would have fought. But it would have spared Lillian any more heartache.

“I waited for three hours, went to his club, visited the usual haunts. In the end, I had no choice but to write a letter.”

“W-what did you say?” Her body trembled against his.

“Nothing other than where he might find you. I left directions for him to come to Branscombe. The fishermen there know to ferry Vane across if need be.”

Vane had visited the Eight Bells, almost throttled the landlord in a bid for information, although Jim told him nothing.

“Did you mention our marriage?”

“No. I thought it best we deliver the news in person.”

“I see.”

“All will be well. I promise you that.” He had every confidence Vane would come to accept the situation. But in the interim, it wouldn’t be pretty. “Come, the water is cold. Let’s climb back into bed, and you can tell me what you’ve been doing in my absence.”

In an effort to stand, she came up on her knees and gripped the end of the tub for balance. The sight of her lush, round buttocks inflamed his desire.

“On second thoughts, stay exactly where you are.” Fabian came up on his knees behind her.