Free Love With an Improper Stranger by Barbara Devlin

be patient.  And in the relative isolation of her cabin, he would exact proper payment for the suffering she caused.  However, at that moment, her needs reigned supreme, as evidenced by her whimper of distress.
    “Come now, none of that.”  He pressed his lips to the crest of her ear.  “When we return to London, and I have locked you in my suite, I shall savor the warmth of your naked body, the cradle of your luscious hips, the intimate embrace of your form-fitting, untried sheath as you take me inside you for the first time, and the wonder of your virgin completion.  I shall revel in your unrestrained ardor as I pleasure you, and I shall cherish every tender attempt you make to employ each salacious skill I teach you.”
    “I…I…I—are you out of your mind?”  Lenore’s cheeks boasted a glorious pink shade.
    “Perhaps, especially when I am in your company.”  He chuckled and tried to ignore his overpowering arousal.  “Shall we disembark, Miss Teversham?”
    Glancing to her left, she discovered they had arrived at their destination, and it appeared he spiked what had been shaping up as a fine female tantrum.  Then she studied him and smiled.  “You distracted me, on purpose.”
    “I did.”  He adjusted the bow of her bonnet and then tapped her chin, and her features softened.
    “What am I going to do with you?”  She shook her head and cast an expression of reproach that fooled him not for a second.
    “Believe me, I have plenty of suggestions.”
    At that, she laughed, a rich and throaty sound that eased the dank void within him, and then he noted her enlarged pupils, her rush of breath, and her subtle shiver she could never conceal from him.  It occurred to him then that she wanted him, and the attraction was no mere fancy or girlish crush.  As he ached for her, she desired him in equal measure; on an innate level so deep and with an unmistakable intensity so strong it startled even him.
    “You should take care, Captain, as I almost slapped you.”  With both hands resting on his shoulders, she giggled, as he lifted her to the dock, where Lucy waited.  “So what is the plan for today?”
    “Must we have a plan?”  After leaping from the jolly boat, he extended an arm in escort.  “I had thought we might patronize the boutiques and, later, a local establishment that boasts a succulent sauerbraten with potato dumplings and spargel with hollandaise sauce.”  Then he turned to Lucilla.  “And for dessert, I recommend the black forest cake, but you might like to try the obstkaltschale .”
    “What is that, Cap’n?”  He found Lucy’s grin infectious, and he marveled at her composure, given their conspiratorial venture.
    “It is a decadent fruit pudding served with a heaping portion of whipped cream.”  He winked.  “And if you are good, you may sample both dishes.”
    “ Ooh , I will be very good, sir.”  She saluted.
    As they strolled the sidewalks of the city, Blake highlighted various points of interest, all with the singular goal of lulling the luscious Lenore into an unguarded state.  While he had visited the town on several occasions, never had he appreciated the culture as he did in his future bride’s company.
    With his lady at his side, they ventured into numerous shops, and several merchants made assumptions about the elder Teversham, which he refused to correct.  Against her stated wishes, he purchased a book on astronomy for Lucy and a small bundle of silk ribbons for Lenore.  After a few hours, he checked his pocket watch and steered his quarry for the restaurant—where he would get Lenore foxed.

 

    CHAPTER FIVE
    “Blake Elliott, I cannot believe you permitted that poor shopkeeper to labor under the impression that I am your wife.”  Lenore shifted, draped a linen napkin over her lap, and perused the menu.  Of course, she would never admit that his proprietary demeanor, which bordered on arrogance a little too much for her liking, offered