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

slight lift to the corner of his mouth as if he tried not to grin. Perhaps there was an ounce of kindness somewhere in that man.
    “The captain would certainly want you to keep busy.” He marched to the other room only to return moments later carrying a broom.”
    “Thank you.” She smiled her best, although still worried of being the only woman here.
    She swept off the rugs the best she could before carrying them outside to hang over the porch’s wooden railing. She’d beat the rugs after she swept the floor. Once she had that done, she ventured outside again. The summer breezed shifted through the air, and the gentle wind fanned her face. She welcomed the small amount of coolness, if only for a moment. She tilted back her head, lifted her hair off the back of her neck to let the wind dry the moisture gathered there. She wished she could arrange her hair in a bun to keep it off her shoulders.
    Hawk’s men walked by, taking slow steps as their attention moved over her. Bile rose in her throat, but she was certain now Hawk wouldn’t let his men touch her. If the captain could follow their example, she’d leave this place without being compromised. When she helped Hawk, she would have to remember how much she hated him.
    But did she hate him? A while ago, she’d looked upon him as her hero. Impossible . Yet because of his heroic act, she couldn’t remove the feeling of trust he instilled in her.
    Heated shivers slid over her, and she couldn’t decide if it was disgust or anticipation. Although she didn’t want to help him, her mind kept wondering what he was really like once he took off his mask.
    Gabe walked beside her and grabbed the broom. “You’re finished here. Captain Hawk wants his bath. Now.”
    Dread filled her, making her limbs weak as she trudged to his room. When she walked in, she held her breath. Hawk sat on the edge of the bed, his legs hanging over the side. At least he still wore his breeches. But seeing his bare knees and muscular calves, made a blush rise to her face.
    He looked at her with a smile. “Did you have a good morning, my dear? Gabe tells me how excited you are to help around the house. I’m pleased to know you’re eagerly accepting your new position.”
    “Uh, yes. I had a lovely time.” Hopefully, she didn’t sound sarcastic. “How are you faring? Do you feel better? You didn’t look too good when I’d helped you into bed earlier.”
    “Yes, I feel much better. The rest did wonders.”
    “I see you’re ready for your bath, so let me fetch the water–”
    “No need.” He pointed to the tub in the corner of the room. “Gabe did that already. All you have to do is take off this bandage then help me into the tub.”
    He made it sound like the task was minimal, when in fact, it would be the hardest thing she’d ever done.
    Isabelle shut the door behind her before taking slow steps to his side. Her heart hammered, beating at an incredible speed against her ribs. When she reached the side of his bed, he held his arms away from his sides as she unraveled the bandage. Standing this close wasn’t healthy. His breath blew against her, making her insides quiver. When her fingers brushed his skin, his muscles flexed.
    Once the bandages were removed, her attention fell to the evenly stitched small red puckered scab. For some reason, she’d expected it to be bigger. The dagger she’d used couldn’t have made this mark. Without thinking, she drew her finger underneath the sore. Hawk sucked in his breath.
    She jumped, removing her touch. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”
    “Not at all. I didn’t expect the jolt of warmth that shot through me.”
    Her mouth dried. Why did he have to say that? “I thought the wound would be larger.”
    “So did I.” He glanced down at it. “I gather you didn’t push the blade in very deep.”
    “It certainly felt as if I did, and the amount of blood spurting from your body made me believe I had.”
    “If you had, I might not be alive. I