Read Upon Your Return for Free Online

suitors?”
    “I've had many, but I do not wish to become a man's chattel just yet.” She did not feel that admitting her affianced state would help matters. He already knew about Monsieur Le Croix’s plot.
    “Not all men are like that,” he said softly.
    “I've not met one who thinks women have minds of their own!” She angled her neck to glare at him, but his face was the picture of innocence and the slicing pain suddenly shot through her skull again. She gasped and winced.
    “Now, Fara. It is time for you to rest. The ache will lessen by tomorrow.”
    “ Oui ,” she agreed. The pain was intense and she didn't feel like arguing. She laid back and realized suddenly that her corset was very tight. She felt the heat rising over her cheekbones, but she knew he would not guess at her discomfort. “Grant?”
    “ Oui ?”
    “Where will you be sleeping?”
    “Right here, if you do not mind.”
    She swallowed. “Here? In this bed?” She drew in a sharp breath. Surely he was joking.
    “That's right. Someone must look after you. You've had a fairly eventful evening, and if you have a concussion, I must fetch a physician right away. But, if you insist, I will find another place. Perhaps Eric will relinquish his quarters for the night...” His voice was soft, as if he was speaking to himself.
    This man had saved her life and already she was pushing him out of his cabin on his ship? It did not seem quite right. “No, I do not want you to do that, M onsieur .” She sighed. “We may share the bunk, Grant. It is quite simple.” She colored beneath his gaze. “Of course, you would have to be a gentleman about it.”
    “I would not encroach...” His gaze traveled over her from head to toe.
    It should have made her shudder; she should have been appalled at that kind of look, but it seemed almost normal in the intimacy of the moment. She felt gratitude for his rescue, but more, a part of her was comforted by the protection he provided. And she craved that safe haven desperately, or at least to hold on for it for a while, if only for tonight.
    “You saved my life. It is only right that I give you something in return, if not a good night's rest.”
    “You owe me nothing, Fara.”
    “Tis' not the way I see it.”
    “Very well.” He began to unbutton his cravat and white shirt and threw them aside. He bent to pull off his boots and then approached her. “Is there some way I may assist you, to make you more…comfortable?”
    She hesitated a moment, unnerved by his half-naked state, and then went on. “I do have a predicament. My corset...it is dreadfully tight. If you would assist me, I should be very grateful.” She watched his lips part in surprise and he swallowed audibly.
    “Of course.” He waited for her to sit up, and then bent to work at the buttons of her lavender dress.
    His body was so near that his clean, male scent was almost intoxicating. An additional aroma wafted about too, musky like cigars. It reminded her of the ones she smelled when she passed by her uncle's office while he met with other men for business affairs.
    Her breathing came faster and she struggled to control it. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears and she half-wished it all to go away. But, she felt giddy with it too. It was almost a sense of invincibility as his gentleness was lover-like.
    He eased the fabric away and when she leaned forward to assist him, he bent over her still to work at the bands of her corset and his hands splayed across her lower back.
    Soon, the fabric fell away and she licked her lips, staring into his gaze. His dark eyes were bright with something she'd never seen before. His face was nearly inches from hers and she feared he might kiss her. Half of her wanted it; the other half was her uncle's voice telling her it wasn't right for unattached ladies to display such behavior. No, ’twas too soon for she'd just met this man. She cleared her throat, looking away.
    He sat back, away from her. “I was thinking to