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

for enjoying the view. Why weren’t all men muscular like this? But it was more than just his body that interested her, it was the kindness he had shown her—a woman who’d almost killed him, no less.
    He’d attempted to hide his soft side, yet why would he be so accommodating? Because of her crime, he could have had her in shackles while she cleaned his room. He could have even starved her. Surely, he wasn’t as terrible as he could have been.
    He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. The satisfied grin on his face made her want to smile as well.
    “Captain? Can I ask you something?”
    “Depends on what you’re asking.”
    “Do you never take your mask off?”
    “Not while I’m a highwayman.”
    “Have your men seen you without it?”
    “Some.”
    “What about your… er , women friends?”
    He peeked at her through one eye. “What makes you think I have women friends?”
    Embarrassment scalded her face. “I’m not that naive, you know. You are quite a handsome man, so of course you’ll have women friends.”
    Chuckling, he closed his eyes again. “No. They don’t see me without a mask, either.”
    “May I ask why?”
    “No.”
    She gasped. “No? I cannot even ask?”
    “You can ask, I just won’t answer.”
    She grabbed the bucket, wishing he wouldn’t be so obstinate, and poured more water on his head to rinse. She’d rather splash it in his arrogant face. He shook off the liquid, getting her wet in the process and cooled her heated skin.
    He glanced at her wet gown. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get you wet.” His gaze met hers again. “Please, continue with my bath.”
    She quickly dipped the sponge in the water then started washing his arm. He kept his eyes on her as she scrubbed.
    “Isabelle, you’re very tender with me. I like that.”
    His deep voice stirred havoc inside her. He took her hand and twined his fingers with hers. She couldn’t find the strength to pull away.
    “Just as you are with me,” she replied.
    Hawk’s gaze dropped to her mouth. A mixture of fear and excitement bounced inside her, and the urge to lean closer became strong. But she couldn’t let him kiss her, so she pulled away and picked up the sponge to wash his chest.
    “Miss Stanhope, have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”
    Inwardly, she groaned. That wasn’t what she wanted to hear right now. “Please, Captain, can you remain silent? You’re disrupting me. I cannot focus.”
    He laughed. “That was the idea.”
    She leaned across him to wash his other arm, and his arm dove around her waist, holding her close. “Please, Captain. Release me.”
    “You’re fine right where you are, my dear.”
    “I… I… um, you see, my gown will get wet. And if that happens, I’ll have to change into my other dress. How can I take care of you if that happens?” She licked her dry lips, praying he’d not push her into doing anything she wasn’t ready to do.
    * * * *
    Although Marcus would like nothing more than to see her wet, having these stirrings of desire inside him was not a good thing right now.
    “I see your reasoning.” He smiled.
    He leaned back in the tub, breathing slowly. Pain from his wound throbbed, but he wanted to ignore it. Having her wash him was more pleasant than he’d expected. He’d prepared for her anger through her touch, but instead received gentleness.
    She leaned forward and washed his feet. He held himself from jumping when her touch tickled him. He must keep himself in check. Men like the fearsome Captain Hawk never lost control—and especially, were not ticklish.
    Isabelle was different from the others he’d been with, and that was the problem. Whether it was her shyness or her innocence, he enjoyed making her react. He liked it too much, in fact. Somehow he’d lost track of his goal for revenge.
    He took the sponge away from her. “Why don’t you fetch the towel while I finish washing?”
    She stood and hurried to find a towel. “Would you like me to lay out