Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #1.5)(3)

“Think what you will. Now would you care for some refreshment before you leave? I was about to send for something sweet. My cook does make the most delicious pastries and biscuits. I often find that a little refreshment can improve one’s mood immensely.”

“There is nothing wrong with my mood,” the captain said with a glower.

Granted, he had looked about as grim when she’d spoken to him last night. The man evidently did not know how to smile, not even when he…No, those thoughts were inappropriate at the moment.

“Well, I am hungry.” She called for the maid and asked for a full tray of pastries. She’d yet to see a man turn down a cherry-and-cream tart.

He just stood there and glared.

She leaned back and surveyed him again. She’d always enjoyed a fine physique.

She let out a slight, and very calculated, sigh. “Please take a seat. I do understand that you are upset and I will, just this once, speak to Tilly about returning your money. She should not have taken it.”

“Bloody hell,” he exclaimed, but did sit down in the chair across from her. “I don’t want my money, I just want a whore to come with me to the Dawn’s Light.”

“One would think you were English the way you curse. Even the accent is right,” she said, trying to distract.

“Let’s just say some of my first years aboard ship were spent serving at His Majesty’s pleasure. And I still want a whore to come with me.”

“I am afraid that is not going to happen.” She picked up her tea and took a sip, looking away from his hard gaze. It was rude to drink before more refreshment was brought, but at the moment she did not give a damn. “As I have said my girls do not work outside this house. I am sure that any need you have can be accommodated here. We are quite versatile. Except for the most extreme, we cater to all needs. And, I do not like my girls called ‘whores.’ I do not deny the truth of the term, but do not care for it.” She’d like to have added that they only did what they needed to survive, but men didn’t like to be reminded of that fact. They all liked to pretend that the girls did what they did because they enjoyed it. She couldn’t blame her clients for the conceit, but she wished she didn’t have to pander to it.

“I am a man of simple tastes. I am happy with a good f*ck or two,” he stated flatly.

Or three or four, she thought. She’d never seen a man with such stamina as Captain Price had demonstrated the night before. And she had to stop thinking about that. She should not have lingered and watched as long as she had. The peepholes were only to ensure her girls’ safety. Nothing more. “Then why do you need a girl to accompany you to your ship? I assume the Dawn’s Light is your ship.” She did hope he didn’t have some type of naval or water fetish. She could probably accommodate him, but…

“It’s not me I am asking for. It’s my first mate.” Did she detect a hint of warmth in his voice?

“And he cannot come here? I can promise you we do not turn clients away without great cause.” Perhaps the mate was a man of color or some deformity. Either way, he would be welcome here.

“He cannot come. The wh— girl must come to him.”

“That is not possible.”

The maid tapped on the door and then carried in the large tray of scrumptious treats. Cherry tarts glistened with cream. Ginger biscuits rose in a great heap. Frosted sponge cakes held court in their multicolored icing. This was not going to be good for her waist. She’d probably only have to eat one to get the man started, but even one was more than she’d planned on.

She held up a hand delaying the maid’s departure. “Would you like some tea? I can have the maid bring you a mug if you’d prefer it to a cup. I know some gentlemen don’t care for my china. Or perhaps something stronger?”

His eyes fell to her dainty painted cup and then moved to his large, work-roughened hands. She thought he was about to refuse, but then he shrugged. “I’d appreciate tea—strong and black. And yes, a mug if it’s not any bother.”

Ruby nodded to the maid. It was a wonder how refreshment could add civilization to any meeting.

The maid returned quickly with the mug, and rising to her feet Ruby went to pour his cup herself. Personal catering was always a step in the right direction. “No sugar?”

“Three spoonfuls.” He did not sound pleased by the admission.

“Giving in to temptation?” She tried to lighten the mood.

“No.” He was not amused.

“Then why did you come here?” The words came out before she could stop them.

“A man who’s been at sea for months simply has things that must be done.” No. He was not happy with this discussion—not that he seemed happy with anything.

Sea for months—that might explain the stamina.

“I do believe I understand.” She came over and brought him his cup, bending at the waist, letting her bodice gape.

Hot, sweet tea. A few good pastries. A healthy glimpse of bosom. He’d be agreeing with her in no time.

He did not turn his eyes away, took full advantage of the view she offered, but still he showed no pleasure. He took his tea and swallowed, rapidly downing the hot liquid. “Do you always treat your clients this way?”

“It is my profession to keep my patrons happy. I am only a simple businesswoman,” she replied, taking her own seat. She leaned forward again and pushed the heavy tray toward him, but not before nabbing a cherry tart, the top thickly covered in sweetened cream, a single scarlet cherry at its center.