Chapter Eleven

Wilkes stepped toward her and bowed. The words he spoke, Colin didn’t understand. He knew Najja did when she also bowed and responded, her voice low, gaze straight forward. His mood sank even lower when they exchanged smiles.

She finally placed her eyes upon him. “Good night, Mr. Faulkner. Thank you for a lovely evening.” Without so much as another word she ascended the stairs and vanished from view without a single glance back.

“Stay away from her,” he growled, gaze still focused on the spot he’d seen Najja last.

“Stay away…bloody hell, Colin. Are you…do you…Najja?” Wilkes asked in astonishment.

He was fairly certain flames leapt from his eyes the way Wilkes stepped back. “What?”

“Did you even hear one thing I said in there?” Wilkes demanded.

“I heard.”

Wilkes sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “Who you pursue is your business, chap. Can I suggest you ask her about the hijacking? She may have some ideas from the places she has been.”

He filed that away. “Wilkes.”

“What Colin?”

“Have you ever…with Najja?”

“Lud, you have it bad. No. In fact I never saw her leave with a man in that vein. I watched her dance, she was damned good at it, but…look, just be careful.”

“You think I would let a woman get the upper hand?”

Wilkes met his gaze head on while he shoved his arms into an old tatty coat. “I think she already has. I have never seen you like this, Colin and I have known you since we both wore little britches. We have been friends since before my father wasted our fortune and turned us into fodder for amusement in the Beau Monde.” His tone cut sharp.

“You know you only--”

One hand waved in dismissal. “I know. This is not about me asking you for help, Colin. Besides, I am doing fine, the downfall of my family name works well with my cover. My point is I have never seen you watch a woman with such possessive hunger or heat before.”

Colin listened to his friend talk, but in truth his thoughts had again returned to Najja. He mentally went through her disrobing and getting ready for bed. Damn. He hardened.

“I can see this is a hopeless cause,” Wilkes stated. “Good night my friend.”

Wilkes left out the back where his horse waited. Colin sighed. He turned back to his study but changed his mind and hurried up the stairs. Berry waited in his chamber.

“Go to bed, Berry.”

“Anything you need before, sir?”

“No. Get some rest.”

“Very good sir.” Berry vanished.

Alone, Colin began to undress but paused when his shirt hung open and over his black breeches. Before he could reason with himself or talk himself out of it, he found himself standing in the dark hall outside Najja’s room.

Slowly, he turned the handle and slipped into the room. As it clicked softly, he waited for his eyes to adjust, the glowing embers of the banked fire offered only a little light. He was nervous, sneaking around brought back memories of being young and full of himself.

“Mr. Faulkner,” a slow drawl came from his right, even more pronounced was the accent and it slid along his skin, leaving him wanting. “What are you doing in here?”

She became visible in his peripheral and the fleeting glance was more than enough to shove all remaining air from his lungs. Bloody hell! All the blood rushed to his groin. She wore a white top which showed off her midsection courtesy of the way it was cut. The neckline dipped down to a point exposing the swells of her breasts and the bottom of the blouse rose to a point as well. Then she wore a pair of black long pantaloons. Her feet were bare. Along one side of her belly he saw what looked like to be scars.

Lust broadsided him so hard he nearly collapsed. Lord; had he known this was the body she kept hidden beneath those drab dresses…

“What are you wearing?” The question sounded more like a croak.

“Blouse and kurta. I prefer this to the dresses which are important in your society. You have yet to answer my question. What are you doing in here?” She stared at him with hunger in her eyes and yet he could see it was very contained. He wanted to break those walls and release it to be reveled in.

Her hair sat gathered in a loose twist down her back. He longed to free it, feel it tumble about his skin, wrap his hands in it while he plundered her mouth, feel it trail over his thighs as he... With difficulty he focused on her face. He longed to explore her body.

“Colin,” he said, voice silvered with want as he approached her.

“Very well. What are you doing here, Colin?”

He gripped her arms and backed her against the door. Lowering his head by hers so their lips were barely separated he allowed himself one more moment of bliss. Her satin-like skin rested beneath his fingers, her alluring scent poured around him. He hovered on the brink between heaven and hell.

In a guttural voice, he said, “I have come for my kiss, luv.”