Read Unexpected Treasure: A High Seas Adventure for Free Online

drifted from the other side of the room.
    “Yes, of course. Nice to see you again.” Sarah tried to give him a genuine smile as she stepped into the room. Sander seemed like an affable fellow but she could not focus on anything but Rex. He stood behind his desk, but somehow he dominated the entire room.
    “How is Anne?” Sanders leaned forward as he spoke, a deep line of concern marking his brow.
    “She is well. I am sure she would enjoy a visit, if you would like to ask her yourself. She is tired of Mrs. Flannery’s and my company.”
    “I doubt that,” Rex called drily.
    “I just might do that, Miss Sarah. Thank you kindly.” He smiled as he set down the trunk.
    “Thank you for bringing the trunk in, Sanders. Sarah and I have a few thing to discuss, would you excuse us?” Rex came around the other side of the desk.
    Sanders gave a single nod before he slipped out the door.
    Sarah clasped her hands. She didn’t know how to begin.
    Rex approached her, “Are you going to tell me wat is happening to you? I am trying to be patient but I can help you if just tell me.”
    “That doesn’t matter n-n-now.” She caught her breath on the last word, he was so close now she could reach her hand out and touch his chest.
    “It matters to me.” His hand brushed a wisp of her hair. “Would I do anything to hurt you?”
    “No, I trust…” she was about to say that she trusted him. And she did. Shockingly, she had come to trust him. The words bubbled up onto her lips, desperate to come out. But she had trusted others, in the past, and that had proven what a fool she was.
    “Then you can tell me.” His breath whispered over her ear and she leaned in even closer.
    “I tried to tell my father’s childhood friend. He, he turned me out, sent me back to my uncle.” Her voice rose with every word, fear strangling her.
    “I will not send you back to your…” Rex stopped talking and Sarah realized that she was shaking her head back and forth. His hands reached out and grasped her around the waist. Then he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She tensed for a moment but it had been so long since anyone had comforted her that she relaxed into his arms and against his body. It was hard muscle against her softer curves. Her head rested on his chest and her arms wrapped around his waist. His warm masculine scent filled her nostrils and, combined with the feel of his body, a vibrating started deep within her.
    “What if the Prince Regent himself told you that you must?” Her voice was muffled against his chest but she didn’t want to lift up her head.
    One of his hands travelled from her waist and up her back. Gently, his fingers skimmed up her neck, cupping her cheek and chin. Tilting her chin back, their eyes met. His were warm and soft as they gazed into hers. A soft smile touched his lips, “Now why would the Prince-Regent concern himself with a woman who isn’t even a lady?”
    A small laugh bubbled from her chest replacing some of her fear. She pressed a little closer, drawing strength from him.
    Dipping his head, his lips touched hers. She let out a gasp but held him closer and he smiled against her lips. His lips pressed down on hers again and this time she met their demand.
    Every so slowly, he teased her lips with his tongue and, by instinct, she opened her mouth. When his tongue touched hers, she whimpered with need. It felt as though she was losing control of her body and it was divine.
    Sarah lost track of time as his mouth plundered hers but her body was acutely aware of every touch from his hands and lips. As he skimmed his fingers over her body, his lips travelled down her jaw and over her neck. She tipped her head back to give him more access.
    As he reached the neckline of her gown, his fingertips replaced his lips to trace the path along the seam of the fabric. “You can tell me who you really are.”
    Her eyes cleared and she blinked a few times. “No, I cannot.”
    He straightened then.