Free Ravishing Ruby by Lavinia Kent Page B

near-dark. Only a single candle flamed, and it sputtered and danced, the smell of burning wax heavy in the air. She pushed up on her elbow, trying hard not to shift the heavy body beside her. Her body ached and protested as she moved. He’d used her well in the hours they’d been together—and she’d used him quite well herself. She wasn’t sure how many times they’d come together—although that would all depend on your definition of certain events.
    In any case, the man deserved his sleep. She slipped from the bed, drawing the white shirt around her. It was surprising that it still clung to her shoulders. Most nightclothes were lost long before the end of the first encounter, much less by the fifth or sixth simple fucking. If the man thought what he did was simple, she’d like to see complex.
    Her feet landed on the cold boards of the floor, and with great care she pulled a quilt up over Derek’s slumbering form. She should find her shoes, but it would be near-impossible. At least they were not memorable, simple kid slippers. No one finding them would know to connect them with her. Her gown and chemise were easy to find and she gathered them quickly, holding them tight to her chest.
    What time was it? With no window, it was impossible to tell. Once the candle sputtered out the room would be completely dark. Sometimes that could be a fun fantasy in and of itself, but this was not the time for that—although the thought of climbing all over that rock-hard body with only taste and sensation to guide her…
    No.
    She could not risk being found here. Simms might guess that she had spent the night here with the captain, but he would never say anything, not even if you threatened to spill red wine on his crisp white linens, or to force him outdoors in a wrinkled coat. The man was as meticulous as any gentleman’s valet, but that same sense of detail applied to his discretion. He would never whisper a word that might link her to the events of this night.
    The same did not apply to some of her girls. They might mean well, but secrets slipped from their lips like raindrops slid down a window.
    With one last look at Derek, she opened the door the slightest crack and peered out. The hall was empty, not a sound echoing, no click of heel or drunken laughter. It was possible some of the maids were sneaking about, ready to change used linen and light fires as needed, but if she was careful she should be safe.
    Her bare toes dug into the thick carpet of the hallway. Quiet step by quiet step, she slid down the hall and to the stairs that led to her room. Another moment and she was there.
    She shut the door behind her and pulled in a deep breath before walking to the window. Half-light reigned outside, that magical moment between night and day. Time had slipped by too fast. It was well past when she would have risen most Sunday mornings, needing to depart from the house and change before it was time to meet her grandmother for service. Still, if she hurried she should make it.
    Grabbing the simple blue walking dress she began each Sunday in, she lay it across the bed and then walked to the mirrored washstand.
    What a mess. The wig was no longer centered properly on her head and her kohl and rouge were smeared over half her face. Granted, Derek had not seemed to mind—but then he shouldn’t, as he’d caused the havoc.
    First, she pulled the sapphire bobs from her ears and set them on their little tray, then, undoing the clips that held the wig to her scalp, she pulled it loose.
    What relief. There was no better moment in her day than that moment of delicious freedom that came from the removal of all that weight and heat. A few quick twists and she freed her own hair from the braids that held it flat beneath the wig. Her own light-blond curls fell soft about her flushed face. They lacked their normal bounce and shine, lying sweaty and lank. Well, there was no time for a proper washing, but if she braided them neat and tight her