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

think perhaps my ribs stopped the blade from going deeper.”
    She met his eyes and frowned. As much as she disliked him, she would have truly been miserable knowing she’d killed a man. “Once again, I’m sorry,” she whispered.
    His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she knew it was time to back away. If he chose to kiss her right now, she was too close to stop him. “Um… may I ask what you did with the dagger?”
    “I still have it.”
    “Where?”
    “The weapon is in a safe place.”
    Disappointment crept into her chest. He still didn’t trust her. She’d have to change that soon. The only way to feel truly safe around him was to earn his trust.
    Clearing her throat, she stepped backward. “Well, I suppose I should fill the tub with water.”
    He motioned to the corner of the room. “Actually, Gabe has taken care of that as well. All you need to do is help me to the tub then wash me.”
    Isabelle grasped his upper arm to help him stand. When he was on his feet, he slid his arm around her shoulders, and automatically she wound hers around his waist to support him. She diverted her gaze, not wanting to look at him. It was hard enough she stood this close. As they took small steps toward the tub, his chest rumbled with a low chuckle.
    “Miss Stanhope, I fear if you don’t look where you’re taking me, we may walk into a wall.”
    “Captain, forgive me, but I’m most uncomfortable doing this very personal thing for you. Bathing you is not at all proper.”
    “Since you’ve been appointed my nursemaid, those rules don’t exist.”
    If only she could believe that. She stared at the tub, trying her hardest not to focus on anything else. They reached the tub and he climbed inside.
    “Captain Hawk? Are you not going to remove your breeches?”
    He grinned. “Were you going to remove them for me?”
    “Absolutely not.”
    He shrugged. “Since I cannot do it myself, and since you are uncomfortable with bathing me, I decided to take a bath with them on.”
    Her face flamed with embarrassment. “A very concise decision, thank you,” she mumbled.
    She knelt beside him and grabbed the sponge and brick of soap before scrubbing them together to create lather. Although he kept his breeches on, she still hesitated to wash him. Nursemaid or not, this was highly improper!
    His strong fingers caressed her cheek then moved under her chin before he turned her face toward his. A grin stretching wide across his face made her very nervous. “My dear, this isn’t the time to be shy.”
    “Captain, please don’t tell me this. I cannot be anything other than what I am. I have never had to do such a personal task for a man.”
    He chuckled and leaned forward. “Then you can start with washing my back.”
    Sighing heavily, she dipped the sponge in the water before moving the lathered sponge over his back.
           His wide shoulders were extremely muscular, and as she washed him, she marveled at the roughness of his skin. A few scars cut across his back, but not many. He was powerfully built, indeed.
    She swept his long hair off his shoulders. Perhaps she needed to wash his hair, too, but she should take off the scarf covering his eyes, first. As she plucked at the knot tied in back, he growled and grabbed her wrists. His head whipped around until his blazing eyes met hers.
    “The mask remains on. Nobody looks at my face without it. Is that clear?”
    His voice came out harsh, deep, and stirred something inside her chest. “Yes, you are very clear.”
    She pulled away and lifted one of the buckets, pouring enough water over his hair to dampen the strands. He picked up the soap and started to scrub, then turned and looked at her, offering her the brick.
    “I would like you to do it.”
    Nodding, she did as requested while he held the mask to his face. Once her fingers were in his hair, Hawk’s body relaxed, and she thought he’d sighed as well. Now she was able to let her gaze wander over him, and she cursed herself