Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #1.5)(9)

“Not that you’re willing to give me,” Lord Thorton replied.

Derek worked to keep his hands open and loose. “Shall I wait?”

Ruby turned to him. “Perhaps I can have Mr. Simms show you upstairs and I’ll join you as soon as I have Lord Thorton settled. Is that acceptable?”

Derek glanced at the other man, who was staring straight at Ruby’s breasts. He had to admit he felt some sympathy for the fellow, but that didn’t prevent the desire to punch him. “That would be fine.”

“Joining the captain upstairs, are you, Ruby? I do hope you’re not offering him anything you refused me, my dear.”

Ruby slapped Thorton lightly. “Of course not. You know I always stick to my rules.”

Thorton’s face grew solemn. “That’s good. I am a big believer in not breaking the rules. Bad things happen when you break the rules.”

Derek’s desire to plant a fist in the man’s face grew. Life was so much simpler at sea. There was no need for pretense there, no need to hide behind the veneer of civilization. “I do hope that is not a threat, my lord. I am sure you realize that Madame Rouge is more than capable of making her own decisions.”

“Still, a gentleman always cares for a lady, when possible.”

Well, at least he called her lady, even if Derek was none too fond of the man’s tone or the fact that his eyes were still on her breasts.

Before he could reply, the older man, Mr. Simms, came to the door, and directed him to the stairs. He wasn’t quite sure why he couldn’t just take care of the matter in the parlor, but perhaps Ruby guessed he’d have other needs this night. He hadn’t come here intending to indulge, but seeing the delectable madame in that dress had definitely stirred things down below. He wondered if it was worth propositioning her again.

Probably not, which was a problem because he wasn’t sure anyone else could relieve his growing frustration.

—

Normally, Ruby would have admitted to feeling an edge of exhilaration over having two men fighting for her attention. There was something about rippling muscles and flared nostrils that did get to a woman. They might as well be stallions scenting a mare, ready to do battle.

And she had enjoyed watching Captain Price curl and uncurl those long, calloused fingers. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, wishing that Mary would arrive. Lord Thorton was good company and he always kept his flirtation to a light level; it was only the captain’s presence that had brought the escalation.

Turning to look at Lord Thorton, she wondered why she’d never found him desirable. He was a trifle older, it was true, but she’d never found that unattractive. He was kind, well-spoken, and she’d never heard a girl complain about him, but he simply didn’t interest her. It was a pity. If she was going to take another lover he would have been an excellent choice. She imagined he’d have no problem agreeing to a discreet arrangement away from the house.

Only she didn’t feel desire for him, none at all.

“Are you sure you won’t reconsider my offer?” he asked, as if reading her thoughts. “I do think we could get along quite well together. I always find you such good company.”

Such good company? Wasn’t that what a girl wanted to hear? “I am sorry, but rules are rules.” She picked up her closed fan off a nearby table and batted him playfully.

He smiled back.

Normalcy returned.

“Oh, here’s Mary. And she’s wearing the gown you like so much.”

Mary came forth with a giggle and sway and led Lord Thorton away.

Letting out a long sigh, Ruby glanced about and then scratched under her wig. It was feeling monstrously heavy and she longed to take it off. If only there was a way. Perhaps she should tell Simms that she had a headache and let him care for the house the rest of the night. She didn’t do it often, but it would be far from the first time.

Only she did have to deal with Captain Price first. It would be cowardly not to. And a woman on her own who didn’t act bravely didn’t last long.

A quick glance in the mirror. Did her lips need more color? No, they were quite flushed, as were her cheeks. If anything she needed a touch of powder, not that she thought the captain would mind.

The captain.

He was why she was flushed. There was no denying it.

She wasn’t quite sure what it was about him that had her acting like a young girl, but there was something—and it was far more than the physical. She saw plenty of attractive, well-muscled men every day. If anything the man was too muscled, almost burly. He looked like a man who worked for a living. She bet he pulled on ropes himself—or whatever it was that sailors did. Heaved heavy crates? Climbed the riggings? He certainly did something.

Now, those thoughts weren’t helping. If she weren’t careful she’d be redder than her cherry tarts any moment now.

Just take care of the matter. Then it would be over and done with and she could put it, and him, out of her thoughts.

With that in mind she squared her shoulders while giving her lips a welcoming curl and proceeded up the stairs. She stopped to greet several patrons and to give a reassuring pat to one of her newer girls. She’d have to take a peek when she was done with Captain Price to be sure that everything was acceptable. Sometimes the newer girls didn’t know where to draw lines.

Ruby knew all about drawing lines. She wouldn’t have succeeded if she didn’t.