But if she took that role now, with Brandon, that would be her life. She’d never escape it.
“Humor me then. Tomorrow, or rather today, is going to be a busy day and—”
“Why?” she asked, turning then. Standing on the deck he was even more handsome. He’d changed from his evening wear and he wore the casual clothes of a sailor as the wind ruffled his hair.
She was in her ballgown still with a pelisse meant to be pretty rather than warm. Even in her gloves her hands were half frozen.
He looked so strong and…warm. Her resolve faltered. It would be so easy to fall into his arms. Let him and his strength carry her away.
He was the sort who would do it. He’d shield her for her entire life. Did she need that sort of protection?
And what of him?
She’d hesitated because she wasn’t certain she was the best choice for him either. What if her weakness caused them both heartache?
“Emily.” He stepped closer then. “I thought we might marry today.”
She blinked several times. “Marry? Today? But…” She shivered, the cold air on her skin not the primary reason for the reaction, but he slipped his coat off and pulled it tight around her shoulders. Heat and his scent wrapped about her.
“I know it’s sudden, but the captain can officiate and—”
“No,” she answered. “I don’t think this is a wise plan.”
He drew back a bit. “We’ve sailed off together. It’s the only plan.”
Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her chin. She knew she looked like Eliza but…her sister did some things very well. “It is not.”
“What else might you do?” His arms crossed as he made a point of looking down at her. Or perhaps that was just his height.
“My aunt is here. I’m chaperoned. And if society doesn’t accept that, I could become a spinster. I could—”
She did not imagine the way his jaw clenched. “You would rather be a spinster than marry me?”
That made her gasp. That wasn’t what she meant at all. “I would rather assert myself than be forced into something. We need to make these decisions together. You’re talking not just about the events of today, but about my entire life. Our entire life. I’m tired of everyone telling me what to do all the time without consulting me.”
He winced and then scrubbed his face. “I see.”
Had she just wounded him? He’d sounded hurt, his voice tight. “Things are always happening to me. Tonight. I’ve not made a single choice.”
He slid a hand under her elbow. “I didn’t mean to take your choices away.” A muscle in his jaw ticced. “I’m sorry that I did.”
She shook her head, her own hands coming up to rub her temples. “You’re right. I am tired. Perhaps we should discuss this after some rest?”
“Of course,” he answered. He pulled her closer and his lips just brushed her temple. “Let me show you to your cabin.”
She let out a breath as she nodded. He held her elbow as they crossed the deck and then lifted her into his arms to carry her below deck.
Their bodies pressed together and even as tired as she was, hers shuddered at his touch, his body sending ripples of awareness through her.
It made her forget why she was resisting.
He was a duke, for heaven’s sake.
He was her hero.
She let out a sigh as he didn’t bother to set her down. She should insist on walking, but he was strong and warm, and she was tired.
Laying her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes.
She’d never be Eliza. But she had to have a say in her marriage. How was she going to stand her ground when everything about him was so inviting?
Brandon opened the door to her cabin and set her down. She swayed on her feet and he cursed himself for waiting so long to bring her below deck.
He’d been giving her space to think.
He deserved her irritation. He’d forced her on several fronts, and he knew it. Ones she wasn’t even aware of yet. Ones that would make her far angrier than she was now.
This entire time he’d been trying to prove that he wasn’t his father’s son, but he’d gone and done exactly what his father might do, he’d selfishly trapped her in a situation she didn’t want.
The realization rocked him, and his jaw clenched, a muscle ticcing in his cheek. He was a cad. Worse. He was as bad as those thieves.
But if she married him, he’d give her everything she ever wanted in life. He amended to that this very moment.
He slid his jacket off her shoulders, checking her skin to make certain she was warm enough. “Thank you,” she murmured as her hand twisted behind her back to the top pearl button on her dress. Even fully functioning, she’d have a difficult time getting those buttons undone on her own. But he knew she must be exhausted.
He saw her hand drop again as she eyed the bed.
“Do you need help?” he asked, stepping closer again.
She shook her head. “I’ll just sleep in my dress. I don’t have anything else to wear anyhow.”
He shook his head and crossed to a small bank of built-in drawers. Then he pulled out a fresh shirt. Crossing back over to her, he raised a brow. “This is normally my cabin.”
“It’s lovely,” she said, her gaze barely sweeping across the sparse décor as she sighed.
“May I?” he said, his fingers lightly touching the nape of her neck.
She clutched her hands to her chest. “May you what?”
“Take off your dress,” he replied, trying to hide a smile.
Her face turned pink as a blush crept up her cheeks. “I couldn’t possibly.”
“You’ll sleep better without a dress and corset on,” he replied. “And we forgot to bring you a maid.”
She gave a quick laugh at that. “Our departure was a bit rushed.” Then she swallowed, her throat working. “It isn’t proper,” she finally said.
“I’m sorry
