Viktor’s trepidation vanished, replaced by a childlike exuberance. “Where haven’t I been is a better question. I’ve spent some time in France, Spain, Morocco, a month in Madagascar, and then I made it back to the Caribbean. You should see Nassau now, Vivian. It’s flourishing!”
Her eyes lit up at the mention of the word. “It is? I haven’t been there since we went, what was it, two years ago?”
Nora’s stomach tightened with a knot of emotion she couldn’t identify. She traveled to the Caribbean with him? His relationship with Vivian no longer seemed to be that of a whore and a regular customer. The thought of them traveling together bothered her. Why she cared what this near-stranger did with a woman was a mystery to her. She had no reason to care, yet the more she thought of them together, the deeper the burn seethed in the pit of her stomach.
“It’s a marvel now. Anything your heart desires is just waiting to be plucked like a perfectly ripened fruit hanging low on the branch. Blackbeard, Charles Vane, Calico Jack... all the old gang is there.”
“Charles is still there?” Her eyes flickered.
Viktor nodded, a wily smile along with it. “Everyone is there. You, my dear, would love it. Perhaps you should entertain a move. The money you and your girls could make is without limit.”
“Oh! Can we go, Vivian?” the small red-head chimed.
Vivian sighed. Nora watched her eyes wander, memories of times past likely playing through her mind. She shook her head. “No, girls. We cannot go. Our place is here. Word around England is Britain intends to move on Nassau soon anyway. The party there may have an end date in the near future. Not to mention, there is no way you spoiled London whores could handle the lawless land and pirates of Nassau.”
“Pirates?” Nora sputtered, trying to catch up. They were talking about an island full of pirates?
“Yes, darling,” Vivian snuffled. “Have you been hiding under a rock? Nassau is a pirate republic. There is no law there, no government, and most importantly, no rules. It truly is a magical place.”
“I didn’t know such a place existed. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to spend time with filthy, treacherous pirates!”
Vivian furrowed her brow. Amusement filled her jade eyes. “Are you serious? You don’t want to be around pirates? But—”
“Well, it’s been a long journey and I’m sure Nora is exhausted.” Viktor cut in.
Vivian’s eyes darted back and forth between them. Her eyes squinted, a devious smile tipped her lips, and a look passed between her and Viktor. Nora furrowed her brow as she struggled to understand the silent conversation they seemed to be having.
“Do you think perhaps we could get her some fresh sheets and a room to rest?” he continued.
Nora’s attention moved quickly from the horror of pirates to the revulsion of sleeping in a whore’s room. The things that had happened in that bed sickened her stomach.
“Of course, Viktor. My apologies.” Vivian answered. “Lucy, please go fetch clean sheets and prepare a room for our guest.”
A blonde woman with a bosom so large it threatened to topple her over nodded and disappeared up the stairs. Nora stood at Viktor’s side while they waited, an uncomfortable silence stealing the oxygen from the room.
“It’s ready!” the buxom blonde called down from the stairs far too soon for a proper room cleaning. Nora shuddered at the thought of walking in there.
“Well, I guess this is goodnight.” Vivian twirled a long, black curl seductively. “Unless of course, it isn’t?”
Nora watched in confusion trying to understand her meaning. The frisky smile on Viktor’s face and the allure that appeared in Vivian’s eyes gave Nora the answer she sought. A gasp escaped her lips. She was offering to bed him.
Viktor turned to meet her wide eyes. He could hardly contain the amusement in his face at the sight of her slacked jaw.
“While I appreciate the offer, love, I have other things to attend tonight.” Viktor turned back to Vivian, kissing her hand once more. “Your hospitality is appreciated, and I can assure you that I will make it up to you.”
Nora breathed a sigh of relief that he wouldn’t be doing that with her tonight. The thought they had done it before was revolting enough, the thought they would do it with her in the house was abhorrent.
Vivian returned his smile. “I’ll hold you to that. Good night, Viktor.”
“Good night, Vivian. Shall we?” He held out a hand for Nora. Tentative fingers reached out to take it. His soft look reassured her once again.
She followed him through the sitting room and up the wooden stairs. Lucy awaited them at the top, eager to show them her room.
“Here it is. It’s all yours tonight. I’m sure the bed isn’t as comfortable as you’re accustomed, but I hope you sleep well. I placed a glass of water for you on the table in case you are thirsty and a nightgown on the bed. Please make yourself at home.”
She was very sweet, with a young, plain face filled with joy despite her unfortunate situation. Nora wondered what tragedies had befallen her to force her into a life of prostitution. She knew all too well how easy it was for women to follow this path when all other doors of opportunity had been slammed in their face. Her heart ached for this girl, wishing that she had been granted the same good fortune that had helped her rise to Baroness.
“Thank you, Lucy.” Nora gave the girl a genuine smile.
Viktor ushered her into the room and closed the door behind him. She turned to face him. Relief to be on the other side of the door, away from Vivian and the others, was quickly replaced with the realization she now stood alone in a room with a man other than her husband. A man she barely knew. A man who, now fully visible for the first time, in the warm lantern light caused her stomach to flip-flop.
He had been impressive on the balcony that night, but darkness had hidden the depth of his eyes. Golden flecks speckled the warm hues that embodied the leaves one would find on a crisp, fall morning. Dark mocha wrapped around the translucent swirling colors, a sharp contrast between darkness and light. They pulled her in deeper. Perhaps it wasn’t the colors that reflected darkness and light. Perhaps it was the man behind them.
He moved to the window, and her lips parted while she continued to drink him in. He looked out over the streets, his suspicious eyes checking for any signs of a threat. His large hand raked through hair darker than a starless night. It was tousled from their ride, falling in careless waves that brushed his stubbled chin as his fingers moved through it. His jaw clenched while he examined the streets. The deep lines that chiseled his tanned cheeks grew deeper when he scowled. Nora felt a rush pulsing through her veins.
“I think we’re safe,” he said. She jumped at his voice, her eyes darting away while her hand clutched her chest.
He yanked the curtains closed and turned to face her. “Are you all right? You look flushed.”
His observation only caused the heat to deepen in her cheeks. “Yes, of course,” she stammered. “I’m just still shaken from the evening.” It’s not a lie, she told herself.
“You should get some rest. You’ve had a hell of a night, and we are going to likely have a long day tomorrow.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Tomorrow? Why? What’s happening tomorrow?”
Viktor shrugged. “Right now, I couldn’t tell you. We’ll regroup with Charlie and John and come up with a plan.”
“Charlie and John?”
“The couple who joined me in saving your life tonight.”
The exquisite red-head and the man whose looks rivaled Viktor’s. She had barely had a chance to look at them, but they had left quite an impression.
“You need to get some sleep.”
Nora’s eyes moved to the bed. Her stomach turned at the thought of the vile acts that had happened in there. The countless men who had been there before her. Her nose crinkled as she looked it over.
“It won’t bite.” Viktor chuckled. “I’ve slept in far worse places than that. Do you need help getting o
ut of your dress?”
“Excuse me?” she snapped her head around to face him. “Help me undress? I think not!”
“How else do you plan on getting out of that thing? Who has a dress with laces in the back? Seems silly if you ask me.”
“It’s from France,” she defended. “It’s the new style.”
“Well, the new style is beautiful, but unless you have maids in your employ, which I’m assuming you do, getting in and out of it seems to prove a challenge. If you aren’t comfortable with me doing it, perhaps I can get one of the girls? You’ll be much more comfortable in that nightgown.”
“I will have nothing of the sort!”
“Unless you are incredibly flexible, I don’t think you’ll be able to reach your corset.”
“I will just sleep in my gown then,” she huffed.
“You’re going to be terribly uncomfortable. I can’t say I’ve ever worn one of those before, but from what I’ve heard, torture can be a pleasant reprieve from a night laced in stays.”
“I will be just fine.” Tipping her nose up, she looked away.
“Suit yourself. I’ll be just outside this door. If you need anything, hear anything, see anything... just scream. God knows you’re good at it.” He snorted.
Nora pursed her lips and shot him a glare.
“Anything you need, I’ll be right here. Good night. Sleep tight.”
He stepped through the doorway and pulled the door shut behind him. She heard his back thud up against the door. Having a strange man just outside her door should cause her unease, but tonight it provided a sense of relief, a feeling of security knowing he was just a few strides away.
Exhaustion finally set in. Nora cringed when she slid onto the bed. She tried to push the images of what had transpired here from her mind. The stays of her dress gripped her tight, making breathing even more difficult than when she was standing. For a moment she considered asking him for help, but pride and prudence held her tongue tight. She tossed over with a groan and tried her best to let sleep carry her away.
CHAPTER FIVE
VIKTOR RUBBED THE CRICK in his neck while he rolled forward from the door. Since he’d slept up against it, the awkward position had taken its toll on his comfort. A decade ago, he probably could have bounced up with ease. Each year his appreciation for comforts such as soft beds and firm pillows grew.
He stretched while he rose to his feet, a crack in his shoulder causing a grimace on his face. A sigh escaped as he rubbed his shoulder, and a gaping yawn finished up his morning routine. He looked back at the wooden door standing between him and Baroness Aberdeen. Several times throughout the night while he stood watch, he had cracked it open to check in on her. Each time he saw her sleeping peacefully in a heap of soft blue silk and taffeta. Even with all the excitement, he was glad she had managed to get some rest. A turn of the wrist and a careful push popped the door open once more. He heard the soft snores keeping time to the rhythm of her breathing. He suppressed a chuckle at the unseemly sounds she made when she slept.
“Good morning, Viktor. See something you like?” Vivian asked, appearing around the corner.
He lifted a finger to his mouth and pulled the door closed, careful to latch it without sound.
Vivian leaned against the wall, her arms crossed as tight as her pursed lips.
“Good morning, love,” Viktor whispered, ignoring her disapproving stare. “You look radiant as always.”
“Always with the flattery, Viktor. It will only get you so far.” Her meticulous eyebrow rose while she pushed off the wall and moved toward him.
“Aye, you are correct, love,” he said as she stopped just in front of him. “But, I have a feeling it will get me a bit further, don’t you think?”
She swatted his shoulder in playful response. “I waited for you last night. You never came.” Her red lip pushed out into a pout.
“I know, and I’m sorry. However, I had more pressing things to take care of.”
“Well I would have preferred you pressing on me instead.” Her smirk curled the corners of her lush mouth.
Viktor laughed, shaking his head while he looked her up and down. “You know that given even the moment’s opportunity I would have joined you. It wasn’t safe to leave her unattended.”
“Who is the princess, anyway? With a dress like that, I imagine she’s quite important.”
“I wish I could tell, but it’s not safe at this point. Someday when all this is behind me, I will tell you the whole saga.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Along with her teasing words, a tapered finger traced the outline of the muscles that bulged from his chest. “You know she can’t make you as happy as I can.”
He felt the stirring in his pants as her fingers continued their intimate dance down his stomach. A gulp bobbed in his throat. “Vivian, no,” he cautioned.
“Why not?” she whispered, a seductive bat of her eyelashes flickering over emerald eyes. “She’s asleep and we can be quick. I can do that thing you like.”
Viktor moaned at the thought of it. His pants grew tighter yet. He struggled to find his resolve, knowing very well her exceptional skill set. He had experienced it countless times. Several years ago, he had grown close enough with her that one would have considered them a couple. She traveled with him for months, warming his bed on the ship at night and playing cards with him and the crew all day. She followed him on his adventures, excitement radiating from her at each new port. She was fearless, inhibitions didn’t weigh her down.
He had grown very fond of her, and she of him, but their equally independent ways had sent them down different paths. He left her in the care of Captain Vane when her attentions drifted his way. She remained, and always would remain, a valued friend... and a bed he had visited anytime he passed through.
“Vivian, I can’t. Now, go be a good love, and fetch my bag from the back of my horse. I need to get out of this ridiculous outfit and back into something more comfortable. Thanks to you my cock is ready to rip a hole in these pants.”
Vivian chuckled. Her hand slipped to the front of his pants. “Well, there it is.”
“Vivian,” he said, grasping her wrist and urging her hand away.
“Perhaps I’ll just tell her you’re a pirate. I saw the look in her eyes when she heard that word last night. I bet when she hears that, she’ll go screaming out of here and I’ll have you all to myself.”
“That would be a terrible idea. The poor thing has been through a lot. We need not be dropping that down on her head just yet.”
She cocked a half smile and grabbed him with gusto while he tried to pry her hand away. Viktor choked as he felt her fingers squeeze him tight. “Woman, you will be the death of me.”
A gasp down the hallway snapped both of their heads to meet it. Nora stood in the bedroom door, her hands clasped over her mouth. Wide eyes moved to the front of his pants where Vivian still held him firm. She spun on her heel and disappeared into the room, the door slamming shut behind her.
“Shite,” Viktor blurted.
Vivian’s hand moved from his groin. She choked on her snicker, doing a terrible job concealing her amusement. “I’m sorry, Viktor.”
They locked eyes. Her chest shook as she tried to contain her laughter. Viktor shook his head and snorted. “Well, that was most unfortunate. Now, I will go attend to this mess, you go fetch my bag.”
“I will. Again, I’m sorry Viktor,” she said between snickers, “I hope the princess can recover.”
Vivian disappeared down the hall. Viktor stared at the door like a formidable opponent. He needed to go in there, but the thought of facing her after what she had just witnessed impaled him with fear, a feeling he didn’t welcome, and didn’t need.
He blew out a heavy breath before he marched to the door. He rapped on it, pressing his ear to the wood while he waited for a response.
“Go away, you pig!” she shouted from behind it.
“Please, just let me in. It’s not what it lo
oked like.”
“I will not! You stay away from me, vile creature!”
Viktor sighed. They needed to strategize and he couldn’t very well do it from the other side of this door. “I’m coming in.”
“You will do nothing of the sort!” she shouted, her voice fluttering up several octaves.
Viktor exhaled and cracked open the door. He peered around the edge with cautious eyes. A pillow struck him square in the face.
“Get out!” she shrieked, and Viktor stumbled backward, pulling the door closed with him.
“This is the famed lady’s man I keep hearing about? Looks like you’re doing smashingly well.”
Viktor cringed and turned around to the sound of John’s voice. He found his green eyes lit with amusement, matching the wide grin on his face. Charlie stood beside him, her head shaking in a slow censure.
Viktor stammered and searched for words. “I can explain. This isn’t what it looks like. Actually, this is the result of me being a lady’s man.” He puffed out his chest and grinned.
“Viktor, what did you do?” Charlie’s melodic voice dripped with disapproval.
“It would seem our friend in there is a bit skittish about the sight of a woman with her hand on my pants.”
While John snorted in laughter, Charlie rolled her eyes.
“It was my fault,” Vivian said as she came up behind them carrying Viktor’s bag. “I may have been imposing myself on Viktor in the hallway when the little princess decided to show herself. The sight of his baubles in my hands sent her screaming back to her hiding place. Sensitive little thing.”
“See?” Viktor raised his chin and smirked, “A lady’s man.”
John shook his head and chuckled. Charlie couldn’t contain her titter. She turned to face Vivian. “It’s good to see you again, Viv.” They met with open arms and fell into a warm embrace. “It must be two years since I last saw you.”
Beneath The Assassin's Touch (Daggers 0f Desire Book 2) Page 5
