My Fake Rake

In a way, Seb owed him a great debt. If it hadn’t been for Grace’s initial infatuation with Fredericks, Seb would never have been given the chance to know her better, and never would have known what it was to love her.

He kept his arm securely around her waist as the yacht’s captain guided his vessel back to the dock. Not touching her was impossible. He wanted to have the feel of her every moment of every day.

It took far too long for the yacht to return to its berth. The moment it did, Seb leapt to the shore and helped Grace onto the dock. Sailors assisted Grace’s maid and companion so that they, too, reached dry land.

“Holy Mother.” Mrs. Argyle was breathless as she and her husband rushed forward. “In all my days, I’ll never see a spectacle like that again.”

“It was rather dashing,” Grace said, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced at Seb. “You were a true Viking.” She nestled closer to Seb, and his weary body sprang to life at the press of her soft curves.

Grace’s companion made a tsk, her face tight with disapproval. Clearly, she was less enamored of grand romantic gestures than her mistress.

Seb dug into his pockets and produced most of the remainder of his money. He pressed the coins into the companion’s hand. “Thank you for all of your efforts. Your services are no longer required.”

“I will send you the balance of your wages on the morrow,” Grace said.

The companion wore a pinched expression, but she nodded, grabbed her valise, and walked away without a backward glance.

“Katie,” Grace continued, turning to her maid. “How do you fancy a day of leisure?” She dipped a hand into her reticule and held up a half crown.

The maid’s face lit up. “Oh! I can go to McKinnon’s for new books and then eat myself sick at Catton’s.”

“Don’t return home until late in the day,” Seb said.

“I’ll walk the length of London and back.” Katie plucked the coin from Grace’s hand and also hurried off.

That left only Grace, Seb, and Mr. and Mrs. Argyle. Normally, Seb enjoyed the Argyles’ company, but, good God, did he want some privacy with Grace.

His expression must have said as much, because Mr. Argyle looked to his wife with humor. “My love, perhaps you and I ought to return to our flat. I’ve a distinct feeling that our presence is not required.”

Grace’s face turned more pink, but she didn’t contradict him. Praised be.

“Yes. Yes!” Mrs. Argyle embraced Grace and then did the same to Seb. “So glad she picked you,” she whispered in his ear.

“Me, too,” he whispered back, and, following an impulse, kissed Mrs. Argyle’s cheek.

“Here, you’ve your own lady for that,” Mr. Argyle exclaimed jovially. “I’ll see mine home.”

Moments later, Seb and Grace were finally on their own. She gazed up at him through her lashes.

“My family believes me to be on the ship bound for Greenland,” she murmured. “Which means we aren’t expected anywhere.”

His entire body caught fire. “Have the whole day to ourselves.”

“Whatever shall we do with the time?” Her voice went low and husky.

Seb fought to keep from groaning aloud. Fortunately, he still had a penny, so he tossed the coin to a nearby boy. “Watch our things. We’ll be back . . . later . . . for them.”

“Aye, sir,” the boy piped.

Seb reached down and clasped Grace’s hand in his. The press of her palm to his arrowed sensation through him, and he drew in a deep breath. “I believe I spotted an inn not fifty yards from here.”

Heat flared in her eyes. “Hurry.”

It took no time at all to reach the inn, though each step seemed longer than a football pitch. As far as accommodations went, the inn was short on charm, but it appeared clean and well maintained, and so long as it had a bedchamber, that was all that signified.

“Room for the newlyweds?” the innkeeper asked as Seb and Grace crossed the threshold.

“Please,” Grace said.

It didn’t escape Seb’s notice that she didn’t correct the innkeeper’s assumption. “Send up a bath, as well.”

The older man handed Seb a key. “Got a room upstairs on the left. Most everyone’s out for the day so . . .” He waggled his brows. “Can be as loud as ye like.”