Colleen Gleason - 02 Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason

Author:Colleen Gleason
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

A Wager Is Made

After her interlude with Sebastian, Victoria stubbornly stayed away from all areas of the ship’s deck when the stars and moon were out, confining her strolls to sunlit ones.

It was odd seeing him every day, including during those daytime walks around and between the masts and other objects fixed to the deck. She was used to having him appear unexpectedly—not being seated across from her at a meal. He acted as though he barely knew her, politely bowing and calling her Mrs. Withers whenever they came in contact, and spreading his charm evenly among the four other females on the ship. The captain’s wife and her sisters were duly charmed.

Victoria preferred him at a distance. It was easier to keep hold of thoughts of Phillip and how much she’d loved him and how recently she’d been widowed when she saw Sebastian only in passing.

But the fact was, she had thought of Sebastian, and quite often. It was hard to banish the reminder of his muscular body pressing her against the rail, and near impossible to forget the kisses they’d shared—particularly when his sensual mouth was curved in that welcoming smile whenever she walked in the room. His intentions were clear to her, at least; she hoped Aunt Eustacia hadn’t read them as well.

And the fact was, Victoria did wonder what would be the harm in giving in to what they both wanted. He’d made it clear that he had no interest in anything other than a mutually beneficial dalliance, which was all she wanted, or could allow herself to engage in, anyway. And there was no possibility of a baby to result from any liaison she might wish to embark upon, as Victoria had been provided a medicinal potion when she was married to Phillip to prevent pregnancy. It was an old tradition of the Gardellas; for no one, least of all Victoria, wished to have a Venator carrying a child.

If she were going to see what it was like to take a lover to whom she was not married or had no other attachment, Sebastian would be a rather logical choice. At least he understood and accepted her life. He was aware of her obligations, and didn’t have that overbearing sense of protectiveness that any other man would have. He wouldn’t need to be lied to; nor would she need to hide her vis bulla from him; nor would he expect anything more from her in the way of marriage.

He was attractive and charming, and he made her feel a bit reckless, even for a Venator. There was, of course, the whole issue as to whether she could completely trust him. But, trustworthy or not, he was a fine kisser, among other things, and she was a Venator and could take care of herself.

It was certainly something to consider.

Other than trying to avoid Sebastian—and thus her confused, tantalizing feelings about him—during the course of the voyage, Victoria had little to do.

At first, she tried to

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