Desire and Deception by Nicole Jordan Read Free Book Online Page B

face.
    He wasn't the only one surprised by her stunning loveliness, though; Lila reacted with a gasp when she saw the golden hair and ivory skin. "Why she is beautiful!" Lila exclaimed, before tearing her gaze away and regarding Jason with a suspicious frown. "Jason, is this some kind of hoax? Or are you trying to tell me you need two of us to satisfy you?"
    Laughing, Jason shook his head. "Believe me, Lila, this is no hoax. And you're enough to satisfy any man. But I had nowhere else to take her. Can you imagine what my crew would say once they got a glimpse of her? I'd have a mutiny on my hands within minutes. Besides, I thought it would be easier to hide her here till I could locate her parents. I'll pay for the use of the rooms, of course, plus the regular fee."
    "Chivalry, Captain?" Lila replied peevishly—but then she relented. "Oh, very well, of course she may stay."
    While Lila went to fetch a basin of water and a cloth, Jason removed the beauty's heavy cloak and sat beside her on the bed. Accepting the bowl he was handed, he wrung out the cloth and pressed it against her pale brow.
    Lila sighed as she watched his tender ministrations. She had been looking forward to spending the evening with Captain Stuart. After the rough-and-tumble ways of her usual customers, Jason's unique combination of passion and tenderness was as pleasurable as it was exciting, and she seldom found pleasure in her life.
    But the handsome, virile captain seemed totally mesmerized as he stared down at the golden beauty. That, and hungry. He looked as if he would devour the girl in one bite. A young woman like that would be helpless here. . . .
    Again Lila frowned. "Jason, surely you can see she can't stay here. Look at the dress she is wearing. It must have cost a fortune."
    Jason willingly obliged. The beauty was garbed in a simple empire-waist gown of gray silk that was completely devoid of ruffles and ribbons. The garment had a high collar that covered most of her slender throat, but it failed to hide the provocative swell of full breasts or the gentle curve of slender hips. Jason couldn't help speculating about the unexpectedly lush body beneath the gown. And he wanted very much to unpin that knot of richly colored hair. He wanted to plunge his fingers through bright tresses. . . .
    "More than likely she comes from a good family," Lila interrupted his erotic thoughts. "Someone is probably searching for her now."
    "I don't imagine anyone would think of looking here," Jason said absently as he gazed down at the girl.
    "That is precisely my point. What if this young woman is an innocent? She'll be ruined if she's discovered in a place like this. And what if Madame finds out she is here? If Fanchon catches sight of her, this girl will be lucky to ever see daylight again. She'll be kept too busy—lying flat on her back servicing as many customers as Madame can fit into a schedule."
    Jason reached out a finger to stroke the beauty's smooth cheek. "Nothing will happen to her, Lila."
    Lila opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it again. She was wasting her time if the captain had made up his mind. Besides, if anyone was a match for Fanchon , Jason Stuart was. "I'll go and fetch some wine," she told him. "I drank most of a bottle, waiting for you."
    She left by way of the hall door, and when he had completed his task with the washcloth, Jason also left the bedchamber, meaning to search the adjoining dressing room for a proper nightgown for his guest. Lauren at last found herself alone.
    She waited a long moment before daring to open her eyes and survey the unfamiliar surroundings. The throbbing ache in her head and jaw assured her it all had not been a dream. Her guardian's men had tried to kill Matthew—and by now they might actually have succeeded. Lauren swallowed, forcing back the tears that threatened. She couldn't allow herself to think of such things. If she did, her fears would paralyze her. Besides, she had an immediate problem to