Return to the House of Sin

by Anabelle Bryant

  ‘Why are you?’

  ‘But I’m not,’ she objected.

  ‘Nor am I. Twenty-one. Vingt-et-un.’ He stood, his full height shadowing over her where she remained on the edge of the mattress. ‘That’s all for this evening.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She was quick to stand before he left, but he didn’t say more and she wondered at the nerve she’d touched and why he’d behaved so oddly.

  He didn’t return the next day but she found the full basket outside her door. When at last he knocked after the dinner hour, she was ready. With restlessness eating away at her sanity, the four walls of the quarters closing in, she proposed the ideal wager.

  Chapter Seven

  London, England

  Lady Sophie Daventry adjusted her position on the overstuffed chair in an attempt to offer the baby in her lap a more comfortable snuggle. Someday she wished for a child as adorable and precious as little Maxwell, her best friend Vivienne Sinclair’s son. She’d decided to visit Vivienne’s Mayfair home on a whim, in need of conversation and comfort while her parents were away. Holding an infant, sniffing his fresh baby scent, and adoring his miniature features was just the antidote to her melancholy.

  ‘He’s very content in your arms.’

  ‘I doubt that has anything to do with me. I’m nervous holding him. He’s so new. I don’t want to do anything wrong.’ Sophie tucked the cotton blanket further beneath her elbow.

  Vivienne laughed and sat beside her in a matching chair. ‘You can’t do anything wrong.’

  ‘He’s wonderful.’ Sophie stroked her fingertip across Maxwell’s cheek and savoured the softness. ‘I’m so worried about my brother, I knew coming here was a good decision.’

  ‘Have you heard from your parents?’ Vivienne’s fretful expression matched her own.

  ‘Not for the last few days. As soon as the runner notified them Crispin was in Italy, they booked passage and followed.’ She sighed heavily. ‘I just hope this latest information puts an end to Crispin’s escapade. I don’t understand why he needed to leave, or worse, why he hasn’t contacted any of us.’

  ‘I know.’ Vivienne touched her arm. ‘I never meant for this to happen.’

  ‘Of course not, and you’re not to blame. We’ve talked about this often enough for you to know you shouldn’t feel any responsibility. Crispin’s choices and emotions are his own and you’ve done nothing wrong.’

  ‘Still, sometimes I feel as though I could have prevented everything from unravelling so quickly.’ Vivienne sank back against the chair cushion.

  ‘Do you mean while you were busy saving yourself from danger and escaping the threat of those horrid men?’ Sophie shivered and bundled the baby closer. ‘Let’s not talk about the past.’

  ‘Agreed. We’ll talk about the future,’ Vivienne answered. ‘It’s hard to believe things have changed so quickly in such a short period of time. I’d love for you to find the same happiness as me. Now Cole and Luke are married too, the Underworld has lost a bit of its allure and it also demands too much of their time. Max visits about twice a week, but he’d rather be home with me and the baby.’ Her smile reflected genuine delight.

  ‘I’m certain there’s someone out there meant to share my life. I just haven’t found him yet, that’s all.’ Sophie watched in awe as the baby’s eyelids fluttered, all of a sudden drowsy. His tiny lashes pressed against his rosy cheeks as he fell into a peaceful sleep.

  ‘Someone very special,’ Vivienne agreed, though she shook her head soon after. ‘At times, I worry that all this wonderfulness won’t last.’

  ‘Oh, you can’t live like that. Otherwise every happy moment will have a shadow over it.’ Sophie lowered her voice and tried not to breathe too deeply. She didn’t wish to disturb the baby.

  ‘So, even with no word from your brother, you’re able to keep sunshine in your smile?’

  ‘Well, I didn’t say that.’ Sophie flared her eyes. ‘I hesitate to mention this because it doesn’t make any sense, but there have been a few times recently when I’ve become uncomfortable for no reason. It could be I’m too anxious for news about Crispin, so I don’t know if it’s my imagination or if I should be concerned.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘It’s difficult to explain. Just a feeling or unexpected thought. Sometimes I’m out shopping or going for a visit and I sense someone is watching me.’ She shook her head to dispel what the words suggested. ‘Don’t pay any attention to me. I know it sounds ridiculous.’

  ‘No. Not at all.’ Vivienne stood and paced a few steps in front of their chairs. ‘Would you like me to talk to Max about it?’

  ‘Your husband or your son?’ Sophie stood as well and carefully lifted the baby to settle in Vivienne’s arms.

  ‘I’m serious, Sophie.’

  ‘I am as well.’ She took a moment to straighten her gown. ‘If I see someone or feel scared in any way, I promise to tell you. Now, let’s forget about all this maudlin conversation.’

  ‘Agreed.’

  Sophie turned and moved closer so she stood shoulder to shoulder with Vivienne. ‘One look at your darling son should erase any poor feelings.’

  ‘Thank you, Sophie.’ Vivienne pressed a soft kiss to Max’s forehead. ‘It seems today we’ve been exactly what the other needed.’

  ‘And that’s why we’re such dear friends.’ A long moment of quiet passed.

  ‘I think we should go up to the nursery and put the baby down with no more talk of shadows, strange incidents or missing brothers.’

  ‘A very good idea,’ Sophie whispered. ‘And besides, wherever Crispin is, I’m sure he’s entirely capable of taking care of himself.’

  Chapter Eight

  Aboard the galleon at sea

  Crispin stared at Amanda’s confident expression and wondered for the hundredth time what he’d got himself into. He’d purposely stayed away, unsure of the war between body and brain, determined not to fall down the well of emotion he’d worked so hard to purge from his soul.

  Last evening’s card game was a surprising delight, but a distraction while on their voyage was all it would ever be. All day long he’d assessed the passengers aboard the galleon. Their conversations, ambition banter and friendly salutations didn’t recommend Amanda’s existence would stay secret if he allowed her to leave the room. Life on the ship became a small community after a few days and, with a week’s travel already accomplished, Amanda’s sudden appearance would draw too much attention. By the same note, he knew she must be bored beyond comprehension.

  And then there was the matter of Ferris. Having spent the day away from Amanda, he’d had several conversations and meals with the count. Above all else, his friend bemoaned the lack of female company. He’d like to improve the situation for the mouse hiding in his quarters, but every small choice had immense consequences.

  And it was her decision to stow away. She might have confronted the captain first thing. While he could feel poorly by her condition, concerning himself with her welfare was the beginning of the end and he wouldn’t allow it. Hadn’t he learned that lesson with Vivienne? What could he ever gain from attaching his heart to a woman beside additional heartache?

  ‘I have a proposition.’

  She smiled and he felt her words as if they’d reached out and stroked his skin. He exhaled deeply. ‘You do? I bet you spent all day deciding how to torture me.’ He stepped inside with caution.

  ‘I think you’ll like my suggestion,’ she countered, her green eyes twinkling. ‘Vingt-et-un. One deck. Winner chooses the reward.’

  He chuckled. He couldn’t help it. He knew exactly what she angled for. ‘And that would be?’ Carnal images of every variety crowded his brain. In truth, he’d looked forward to hearing her voice all day and the moment did not disappoint.

  ‘If I win, we go above deck. Tonight. Late. Fewer passengers will be about and I’ll have your protection.’

  ‘And if I win?’ Those same carnal images r
ose up with force.

  ‘You choose. The prize is yours to win.’

  ‘Risky proposition, Amanda. Who would have guessed you had a gambler’s streak of confidence after only one night of game play?’

  She sauntered over to the trunks and returned with the card box, running her finger over his inlaid initials. Had she practised all day? Probably. She seemed far too confident for her own good, but he’d gladly teach her a lesson. ‘Pull up a chair.’

  ‘Or a bed,’ she quipped, her hands quick to shuffle the deck and place the stack at the centre of the trunk.

  ‘You wouldn’t mean to cheat, now would you? Should I check the deck for additional aces or pat down your gown for hidden pockets?’ The latter sounded outrageous and he appreciated the flare of her brilliant green eyes.

  ‘You’re asking me? When you’re the self-proclaimed rake? I find that suspicion somewhat ironic.’

  Funny how they’d fallen into such comfortable, casual company. Whoever chose Amanda for a wife would never have a dull moment. He paused, unsure why the idea ignited a spark of irritability.

  ‘Then, let’s play.’ Dismissing all thoughts beyond the game, he dealt the first hand. ‘Twenty-one,’ he drawled, cool as the ocean breeze, though his thoughts were anything but.

  He took a quick lead, collecting her cards into a neat pile on the corner of the trunk. He didn’t spend time on conversation, nor would he search her face for clues. He already knew what he’d like when he won the game, so he wouldn’t invite distraction.

  ‘Who was she?’ Amanda speared him with a wide-eyed gaze.

  ‘Who?’ He took a card from the top of the deck.

  ‘The woman who broke your heart.’ She flipped her hand to reveal a queen and nine of spades.

  It was the first he’d lost in several hands.

  ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. You should concentrate on the cards.’ He shifted, uncomfortable if she chose to pursue the conversation. At present, death seemed more appealing than marriage.

  ‘I know we’ve just met. You don’t need to talk about it, but I’ve always believed it helps to give life to the words. Keeping emotion bottled up inside allows it to remain fresh, like jam or marmalade. Once you open up the jar, it’s easy to finish and clean up.’

  He stared at her, simultaneously baffled by her comparison and delighted she would describe serious business in such lighthearted terms. It almost made his feelings seem ridiculous when compared to fruit preserves. ‘And what has contributed to this great knowledge of yours?’ He collected their cards from the trunk and added them to his stack. They were only halway through the game, but he doubted any streak she might have would run so strong as to hand her the win.

  ‘Somehow, I consistently manage to draw unwanted attention.’

  Her expression turned mulish and he wondered at her discontent. She continued before he could probe further.

  ‘My father calls them endearing mishaps. My sister claims I have my head in the clouds, and when it comes time for marriage no man will have me because of the tendency. But honestly, I don’t plan for these things to happen. I don’t wish to appear foolish. And in regard to marriage, I hardly need someone to remind me of my errors when, without a doubt, my mistakes are not intentional. Just like boarding this ship. I believed I was in complete control of the situation.’

  He placed a hand on his chest and rubbed vigorously. Dinner must be in disagreement with his stomach for the ache which squeezed his chest. ‘It can’t be that bad. Your sister exaggerates.’

  ‘I’m not so sure.’ She tapped on the canvas and indicated the need for another card. ‘I’ve provided the tongue-wags with embarrassing chatter more times than I’d like to remember.’ She revealed a sum of eighteen which bested his hand. ‘That’s why I must return and attend the soiree. It’s the event of the season. Everyone will be there and I plan to at last show society I’m a cultured, graceful lady. Despite what they all believe, I am self-reliant and purposefully independent. For once and for all, I’d like to appear unfailingly polite, elegant and poised.’

  She straightened on the bed’s edge with this last bit and he found himself unable to pull his eyes from the precious innocence of her face. Her cheeks held a gentle blush and a few soft tendrils of hair curled around her nape.

  How long was her hair anyway? He needed to see it out of that thick braid. How would she look in a fashionable evening gown, diamonds on her neck, flowers in her hair? His body responded, his groin tightened, and without provocation he realized he needed to attend her moment of glory. He had no doubt she would charm every guest at the gathering, turn every gentleman’s head. He should be on her arm to chase away her bevy of suitors. Ha! The irony of the latter thought had him drawing in a deep breath.

  ‘Twenty-one.’ She grinned, her eyes clear and alive with delight, while his heated body struggled to regain equilibrium. ‘There’s only one deal left and our piles look even.’

  Indeed, play had shifted, their piles even, the last of the deck on the top of the trunk.

  ‘That’s quite a recovery.’ He cleared his throat and distributed their cards. Beyond his better judgement, they’d forged a makeshift, if unlikely, friendship. More from necessity than desire, he told himself. ‘I’m not so sure you need to concern yourself with the gossips. They’re just that. Bitter, foolish people who have nothing better to do then exploit others.’

  ‘So, you’ve also fallen victim.’

  No one would ever accuse Amanda of not being clever. If he shared a bit of his story, she might realize her situation proved far less dire.

  ‘I left London under unusual circumstances.’ He met her inquisitive gaze before he continued. ‘I played the fool, more so than you. I believed in feelings that weren’t there, convinced I could somehow change matters of the heart, and fell into debt, which caused disappointment in the process.’ He fell silent. Would she think less of him for having admitted his folly?

  ‘It takes a courageous and honourable man to recognize the ramifications of impetuous choices and own that responsibility.’ Her expression softened and she watched him closely. ‘I’m endeared to you for commiserating with my ineptitude and indebted by your generosity aboard this ship.’

  ‘Thank you, Amanda.’ No, she found kindship more than censure.

  ‘No, thank you, Crispin.’ Then her face broke into a wide grin. ‘I’ve sixteen. A jack and six of clubs.’

  He bent the corners of his cards and stared hard at the king and queen of hearts. Those same provoking carnal images rose up in celebration. His hand defeated hers. ‘You won.’ He scraped his cards into the deck and collected everything before she could pose a question. ‘I’m a very good teacher apparently.’

  She popped from the bed with so much enthusiasm he thought she might upset the trunk. ‘I’ll change now.’ She rushed past him, her skirts swishing against his arm as she hurried to collect what she needed and disappear behind the privacy screen.

  He took his time assembling the cards and replacing them in the box, unwilling to allow his mind to conjure images of Amanda undressing. It was well past eleven and he doubted anyone would be about atop deck aside from the watchmen, but they’d melt into the shadows just to be sure.

  ‘I’m ready.’ Her cheerful bid drew his attention and he stood to lead them above deck. With a soundless click, he sealed the door behind them, surveyed the corridor and climbed the stairs. He went first to secure no one was about, and also so he wouldn’t have to watch the attractive sway of her hips. He led them to a shadowy corner near the bow, out of sight of the night watchman high in the crow’s nest, away from the ocean’s spray yet close enough to the railing that they could enjoy a little conversation under the stars. And when he moved to pull her into the darkness, he dropped his hand before he made contact, reminding himself she would follow on her own. And she did.

  Endless ocean stretched in every direction. Blue-black sky and silence filled the void. P
erhaps this was enough. Fresh air and their mutual reluctance to pierce the quiet.

  ‘Thank you.’

  Maybe not. He finally allowed himself to give her his full attention. Beneath the round moon, with a velvet-black sky filled with diamonds as backdrop, she already appeared the elegant lady. Even dressed in a gentleman’s clothing.

  ‘You’re welcome.’ He swallowed, his gaze wandering to the delicate arch of her neck. How would he ever confine her to quarters again? Her eyes shone with pure delight, her profile outlined by the golden glow of moonlight. Was her skin as soft and lovely as he imagined? Now, in the dusky shadows of night, would she object were he to steal a kiss? A brief, fleeting caress?

  ‘I wonder what happened to my father and sister.’

  Her comment revealed she considered none of the romantic nonsense his brain had conjured and he stifled a chuckle before he answered. ‘I’m certain they’re safe aside from their worry on your behalf. What will you do when we reach London?’

  ‘I’d rather not think of anything beyond this moment.’ Her breath ghosted in little puffs as heat escaped her to disappear as surely as they had into the shadows.

  She turned and his heart did as well. It was a dangerous proposition, smuggling Amanda above deck, but he’d witnessed the desperation in her eyes when she’d pleaded her case. He understood restlessness, had spent months seeking any amusement and distraction to numb the pain he harboured within. And, too, he wouldn’t mind her company over Ferris’s tonight. Regret resurrected and crowded his brain, but he had no time for it at the moment.

  ‘I don’t regret boarding this ship.’

  For a moment he thought she was going to finish with being here, but she hadn’t, had she? Why were these uninvited ideas attempting to revive hope? Hope was for other people.

  ‘So you say.’ He didn’t need conversation. Viewing her beauty in the moonlight was enough for pleasant dreams later. His body concurred and his groin tightened. He couldn’t do anything aside from look, but his cock seemed to think otherwise.