he didn’t believe in ghosts. It was certainly a minor detail when the entirety of a relationship was concerned.
As Epworth deepened the kiss and Miranda grew breathless and heated, she decided ghosts mattered not at all, especially when she was in his arms.
At the clearing of a deep masculine throat, Miranda’s eyes popped open and she pulled back. Directly above Epworth stood Uncle Jonathan.
He decided to show up now?
Uncle Jonathan tisked and heat flooded her face.
Epworth pulled back. “Is anything wrong.”
“No. Yes…we shouldn’t…”
“No. Of course,” he nearly stammered and pulled away from her person, then stood, nearly falling again.
He bent to begin picking up the scattered books.
“Oh dear! That is why you tripped.”
“Yes, though I can’t find a reason to complain.” His blue eyes twinkled with mischief.
Goodness, if her face got any hotter, it would go up in flames. “Nor I.”
He held out a hand and assisted her to her feet. “Though, I apologize. I should not have taken advantage of the situation.”
Was he sorry for kissing her? “There is no need to apologize.”
“I thought it necessary given the way you jerked away from me.”
Miranda could tell him that it was because they were no longer alone, but Epworth wouldn’t believe her. He didn’t believe in ghosts.
“I just realized where we were, alone, and didn’t wish to be caught if someone came in the room, like your grandmother.”
Epworth gave a nod and took a step back. “Yes. Of course.”
Miranda frowned. Why was he so stiff all of a sudden? They’d been relaxed only a moment ago.
“Shall we see what is in the book that caused our downfall?”
Downfall indeed. They nearly fell completely into sin, and that would never do.
How could she have forgotten herself. Hadn’t she just reminded herself that she wouldn’t be ruled by lust? Yet, if they hadn’t been interrupted, how much would she have allowed? How much would she have experienced and enjoyed?
Wesley could have remained on the floor of the Captain’s quarters for much longer, kissing and then caressing Miranda. He had even considered sweeping her up in his arms again and taking her to the chamber as Captain Vail had done to his grandmother. Thank goodness she’d come to her senses or he might have ruined her.
That was just it. While he was warring with not taking any further advantage, she’d had enough.
What did that say about them and what could it mean? Was she not as lost in passion as he?
Did she simply enjoy kissing, but that was all she’d ever want or need?
Of course, she had no idea what more there could be and perhaps that was the reason she pulled away.
Though, by the way he was kissing her, it was a near seduction, and she’d ended it.
Blast! He should just let it go and not think on it further. They were not suited and any further passion, seduction or even kissing was unwise.
Wesley unrolled the yellowed documents and hoped that they’d finally found what they were looking for so that they could be done with this quest and that he could be away from her. Not only did he need to get control of his thoughts, build a wall around his heart, but he needed to get his body under control. That was the reason he’d found a seat behind the desk, and why he’d turned his back to Miranda when he began gathering the books. When he helped her from the floor, she had the opportunity to notice exactly what their passion filled kisses had done to him, but she hadn’t. Then again, Miranda was an innocent miss and wouldn’t think to note the change in his anatomy.
As he read, Wesley’s eyes widened, and his stomach sank. Though, there was one name that was familiar, he couldn’t recall why he knew it, or from which country or nation he ruled—King Merrik. Wesley was also certain it would come to him. However, the name wasn’t what troubled him.
He read the documents a second time. They weren’t easy to read as some of the ink was faded, but they all said the same. He just wasn’t certain what Miranda’s reaction would be when she learned what must be done to bring peace between Bocka Morrow and Laswell again. Though, it was possible the two villages wouldn’t require the same sacrifice, but it was one that would renew trust.
“What is it?” Miranda asked from the entry to the chamber.
“I’ve found the documents.” Wesley held them out to her.
“What is so dire?” she asked, coming