She narrowed her eyes. “Likewhat?”
Like give our entire pretense away,he wanted to say.
“We’re sharing a bed, remember?”
A blush swept up her throat. “If you think I’d try to take advantage of you—”
Gideon barked a laugh.
Oh, Rune. If you had any idea…
Her face got redder. “What’s so funny?”
“You. Taking advantage of me.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Because I’m so repulsive, you wouldn’t even be tempted?”
Gideon laughed harder. “Youaredrunk. Come on, sugarplum. We’re leaving.”
Reaching for her gloved wrist, he slid from the booth and pulled her after him.
“But I haven’t ordered dinner…”
“I’ll have them deliver it to our cabin.”
Threading her fingers through his, he glanced over at the police officers seated near the windows, only to find their seats empty. Gideon scanned the dining saloon, but they were nowhere in sight. Hoping he and Rune had thrown them off with that display of wanton lust, Gideon led her away, glancing back only once to find Abbie watching them.
He waved to her, remembering what Rune had gotten them into. The last thing he wanted was to fully commit to this charade under the watchful eyes of Abbie.Especiallyif she was a spy. But it would seem suspicious to back out now.
Once they were inside their cabin, Gideon locked the door behind them. Rune sat down on the bed. The moon was full and shining through the window, casting a glow over her.
“Everything is spinning,” she whispered.
“You need to drink some water.” He crouched in front of her and pulled off her shoes. “Food will also help.”
Rune lay back on the comforter. “Too bad you whisked us away from the food.”
“Yes. Too bad we didn’t stay longer so you could out us to everyone on board.”
“Gideon?” She propped herself up onto her elbows and scrunched her eyebrows together. “What are you doing?”
Gideon, who’d pushed up her dress and was pulling down her stockings, stopped in his tracks.
Whatwashe doing?
Helping her undress.Like he would if she were his actual inebriated wife. So he could put her to bed.
He shot to his feet and stepped back.
Snap out of it.
This wasRune. The Crimson Moth. The witch who was plotting to betray him as certainly as he was plotting to betray her.
He reached for the door. “I’ll get you some water.”
“And food!” said Rune, flopping back down. “I’m starving.”
FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, GIDEONhad a pitcher of water and an empty glass. Their food was being prepared and would be delivered within the hour.
