Page 62 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

Except, she wouldn’t be alone. Damian would be here as well. Just as he had practically been by her side since they left Southampton. And he would remain with her through the night again, except this time, they’d be in a chamber, with a bed, and not on a mail coach.

Chapter Twenty-Three

If sitting next to Georgie had been difficult, sharing a chamber with her would be torture.

One bed, which he would not be sleeping in.

If he seduced her, he would have to marry her because he was honorable, not a rake or rogue who ruined innocents then went on his way which he must remember.

She was an innocent miss. She was an innocent miss. She was an innocent miss.

Those were the very words he repeated to himself as Damian waited out in the hall while she washed. Warm water had been delivered within moments of them entering the chamber and he left her to her privacy. A second pitcher had been delivered for his use, which would likely be cold by the time he was able to wash away the grime and sweat from traveling these past twenty-four hours, which was probably for the best.

If there were a lake nearby, he’d be tempted to take a swim in the cool water. Except, he would not leave Georgie alone in the coaching inn.

He had asked for extra blankets, which he would use to make the floor as comfortable as possible. Hopefully his exhaustion would likely send him into slumber quickly and he would not be thinking about Georgie in bed, nor would he dream about her again.

When Georgie finally opened the door, she stood back so that he could enter and he tried not to make note that she had once again changed her dress, and this time it was a pale-green, serviceable gown that hugged her full breasts in a way that he wished to do.

Damian shook the thoughts away and crossed to the bowl she had left then took it to a window and tossed it out. Thankfully they were at the side of the inn and nobody had been below them. He then returned to the dresser and poured fresh water. He then proceeded to remove his cravat, suitcoat, waistcoat, then as he pulled his shirt from his trousers he glanced back to Georgie, whose face had gone crimson before she quickly turned her back to offer him privacy.

“I can wait in the hall as you did”

“No!” He would not be able to protect her there.

“I can scream if someone bothers me,” she offered.

“And if I am in a state of undress, it would be difficult to go after whoever was attempting to harm you.”

It was an excuse because if she were in distress, he would rescue her even if he had to do so naked.

“I will just look out the window then,” she said.

Damian wanted to chuckle but her maidenly modesty was once again a reminder of her innocence, which he needed to keep in the forefront of his mind before he succumbed to seduction.

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside, then washed his exposed skin before he removed his boots then trousers. He’d worn this same suit of clothing for over twenty-four hours and he was ready to be dressed in something that was not wrinkled and more comfortable, such as the clothing he wore while working along the docks. A simple linen shirt and trousers were far more comfortable than when a waistcoat, suitcoat, and cravat was added to the ensemble.

He glanced back again. Georgie still stared out the window and he quickly washed the remainder of his exposed skin then pulled on a clean pair of trousers. If she had been embarrassed at seeing him without a shirt, he could just imagine her shock at him being completely naked.

This situation alone would see her ruined in the eyes of Society. Except, she was not from England and nobody knew of the current circumstance and likely never would, therefore, her reputation would not be harmed.

Once his trousers were secure, he pulled a clean shirt over his head, but that was all he would wear tonight. It was going to be uncomfortable sleeping on the floor, and he wasn’t going to add any unnecessary layers.

“You may turn around.”

She did and offered a shy smile.

Innocent miss! I will not seduce an innocent miss! Especially not one that I have known only four and a half days. To do so would be madness.

*

It took everything within her being not to turn around and watch as Damian disrobed. When she heard his boots being set aside, Georgie nearly peeked to see if he was removing his trousers as well but forced herself not to. Yet, that did not keep her from wondering if he was naked behind her.

The very idea caused her body to heat with desire.

What was wrong with her?

Just because she may have made an unwise decision in the past did not mean that she should be free with her favors with a gentleman she had only known for four and a half days.