Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series) by Marie Higgins Page A

tried not to grin.
    She cleared her throat. “Anyway, after Father died and the debtors mailed me threatening letters, I waited to hear from a solicitor to tell me if I still had an inheritance. His valet who had survived your attack told me your men had confiscated all of my father’s belongings and his valuables. They were supposed to be my inheritance.”
    Marcus tightened his fists. The lying valet told her that? The deceitful Commodore had nothing of value, save for the miniature Marcus found of Isabelle. “I hate to disagree with your father’s valet, but I assure you, I didn’t take anything of value from your father, or any of the passengers besides correspondences from the Royal Navy. That’s the only thing I’m looking for. I don’t care for their expensive heirlooms.”
    Her forehead crinkled and she frowned. “But Father’s valet saw you.”
    “I suppose it’s his word against mine, but I promise, the Commodore had nothing of value in his trunks.”
    Her gaze dropped to her lap as her eyes misted.
    “Miss Stanhope? What of his solicitor in New York? Why did he not see to settling your father’s estates?”
    She shrugged. “After several months had passed and I heard nothing, I decided it was time to sail to New York to find out what had happened to his money.”
    He laid his hand on top of hers folded together on her lap. “For your sake, I hope you discover what happened so you will be able to pay off his debts.”
    “Thank you, Captain Hawk.”
    She moved to stand, but he slipped his hand around her legs to hold her in place next to him on the bed. “Miss Stanhope, my offer still stands to assist you with a solicitor.”
    “Indeed? Why? I mean… I nearly killed you.”
    “Yes, you did, and I should be unforgiving at this moment, but I’m a man of my word. I did promise the other day I would help, and I will.”
    Sighing, she rested a hand on his chest. Fire ignited inside him that had nothing to do with his injury. The tenderness displayed in her eyes and the softness of her touch told him of her feelings.
    “Oh, Captain. I don’t know what to say.”
    “No words are necessary, my dove.” He gave her a rakish grin. “Especially when you could show your appreciation by giving me a kiss.”
    Her body stiffened and she quickly pulled her hand away. “I… I don’t think that’s proper, Captain.”
    “It doesn’t have to be a passionate kiss like we shared the other day. A little peck on the mouth will be sufficient.” He rubbed his hand slowly along her leg. “Just enough to show me your appreciation.”
    This time when she swallowed, her gulp was loud. He nearly laughed. Instead, he stared into her wide blue eyes and waited for her decision.
    * * * *
    Isabelle couldn’t breathe. For the life of her, she couldn’t move off the bed, either. Hawk’s tenderness and kindness surprised her. She was hisprisoner, and yet he promised to assist her. Indeed, he could have killed her by now and not had a second thought about it.
    She should thank him, even as no more than a means of self-preservation, but with a kiss? She couldn’t possibly put her mouth on his again. Not after memories of the other evening invaded her senses every minute of the day, only growing worse now.
    If she did bestow a kiss upon him, would he want more? Would he trap her in his embrace and not let her go since they were on his bed? She glanced to his bandages. Hopefully, he was as weak as he’d been yesterday. With as much blood as he’d lost, overpowering him wouldn’t be a problem this time.
    Taking a deep breath for courage, she leaned forward, focusing on his mouth. Curse him, because those lips had tempted her since they met. She loved the way his mustache only enhanced his mouth. His smile relaxed, but he didn’t try to meet her halfway.
    The closer she moved, the better she could see his eyes. Gray and very expressive. Oh, good heavens. Why did he have to be so handsome?
    When she pressed her lips