Page 26 of The Lyon’s Lass

Another toss, and an unnecessarily hard punch to his pillow.

He settled again and squinted his eyes closed as tight as possible. As if he’d be able to sleep through sheer force of will.

His eyes were still closed when he heard a click and then soft footsteps.

He opened his eyes and there, in the moonlight coming through the open window, he saw what he first thought was a ghost. A specter would have been a more fathomable explanation than that Maisy had come into his room wearing only her shift.

But it was not an apparition.

He sat up and tossed the covers aside in his hurry to get to her. Something must be wrong if she would come here so late, but looking down at his nakedness, he pulled the blanket back to cover himself.

“Is something the matter?” he asked.

She came closer and shook her head. The light coming through the open window cast her thin garment to nothing. The night air pulled her nipples to tight buds he’d gladly give his ship to taste.

“There’s no danger or injury, but yes something is the matter.”

“What is it?” he asked as he looked to the chair next to his bed. It would have been too much to hope Hodge had left a robe nearby. Not Iain’s because he didn’t own such a garment, but surely the earl would have left one behind?

Maisy began pacing, looking at him through sidelong glances.

“I am not able to sleep. It is so quiet here and… still.”

He couldn’t help but smile.

“I understand too well. But you will get used to it again in time.”

“I’m sure I will get used to a great many things in the near future. It is only…”

He waited, allowing her a moment to gather her thoughts. Why did he feel so eager to hear them?

She cleared her throat and stood straighter.

“By law, a marriage is not considered binding until it is consummated. And while we both agreed this union was in name only, I have concerns. About the legality of our agreement. What if someone were to challenge the validity of our marriage while you are away? Jack and I could be turned out.”

Again he wanted to go to her, to comfort her worries.

“I assure you, no one will challenge anything. And even if they did, no one knows what has happened in our bed but us.” She was a smart woman, she wouldn’t openly tell everyone they’d not lain together. Unless… was she using this as a reason for them to solidify their marriage vows?

“That’s just it. I know,” she all but shouted. “I know it’s not real. And I understand. A man of the world, such as yourself, would not be interested in an awkward spinster. But I once had dreams of romance and passion, and while I left many of those silly thoughts behind, I do still wish to know a man’s touch in that way.”

This time he didn’t think about scandalizing her. He flung the linens aside and stood to go to her. She looked toward him, then gasped. He worried for a moment he’d scared her.

“Caroline has surely deceived me,” she muttered.

“Pardon?” He’d heard her clearly, but didn’t understand her meaning.

She was staring at him. Or at least one specific part of him. The part that grew harder and lunged like a proud peacock. He worried for a moment she’d been stunned into a statue, but then she answered.

“My friend Caroline, Lady Harding that is, assured me the first time I saw a man’s member I might worry it would not fit into my body. She said it would. But perhaps Lord Harding is not of a size? He is much older and rather soft in the middle, maybe that is why—”

“Might we stop talking about Lord Harding?” He stepped closer and rested a hand on her arm, hoping his touch might calm her some. That didn’t seem to work. A tremor seemed to go through her.

She was probably cold. No, she was definitely cold. He once again looked at the tight buds of her nipples poking through the thin silk of her nightgown.

His cock pulsed again, catching her attention.

“The window.” He turned from her and went to close it so she would be more comfortable.