Richard's mind was far away when the Black Gaia crossed the Nazarin Strait near Chabone. And the visions or dreams... It could only be the sun... The memories he hadn't allowed himself to emerge before came in an incessant flow. The dreams that kept him awake at dawn...
"-This can only be a joke! - Cassie complained stupidly. - You can not be serious. Her eyes were wide with sheer astonishment. – Do you want me to go out wearing this?
His smile widened on his handsome face as he leaned against the wall with a mere shrug. In the distance, she could hear the happy music that began to be played. It was the beginning of celebrations for the anniversary of Chabone's founding. A truly perfect occasion.
Cassie looked again in disbelief at the profusion of tissue, her throat dry. Ah, an unfortunate darts game. Questions and answers? The winner would choose... Richard Morgan had warned her over Michael's laughter. She desperately tried to hold on to the rage as her fingers touched the fine lace in amazement. Was sure it wouldn't make any difference to be naked in those clothes. She hated corsets. Never wore them even in Scarlet when she was required to put on dresses. In general, she preferred the simple ones. Dear God, how could someone breathe in a corset? It was not without reason that women fainted. Richard Morgan! She was starting to hate that man. Rays. He had purposely challenged her, knowing she wouldn't refuse the provocation. And cheated.
-Captain Richard!"
Rick cursed.
The dreams...
It was like he could know what she was thinking...
"-You lost in the darts game. - He explained amusedly.
He spoke for the third time.
Cassie sighed in frustration. The petticoats...
Were you going to put on the petticoats first and then put on the dress? Oh, sir! The fine silk stockings had already been a martyrdom. She used to opt for cotton. Resigned as she tucked her arms into the sleeves of her dress and furiously tugged at the garment. hells! The fabric barely covered her shoulders. And as for the cleavage... Mercy.
She had never before worn a dress that bold and ingratiating. William despite everything and everything that meant the threats to remove her from the Armada, always ended up delaying his plans with indulgence.
She looked down at the dainty, satin slippers with a low groan, taking in the usual clothes.
Where did this man think she could carry a pistol or knife? It was already a feat to be able to breathe using so many clothes. They slowed her movements.
She recalled the promising night. It was just a card game. Luck smiled. She won a small fortune and the other angry players started to complain. So Richard... Cassie closed her eyes. Just once for a change. Why had she accepted the unfortunate challenge? "Just say no. It couldn't be that difficult."
-I'm not leaving here wearing this. She protested again.
Cassie was beginning to experience despair. God! Of all the embarrassing things she'd ever done in her life… It wasn't fair. How did he expect her to be able to board the Gaia if her father's orders were for his daughter to remain in the castle? The idea of disguising himself as a cabin boy had been harmless. She was right on Star! It had to be bad luck.
I want to die!, she thought in agony Why did everything have to bother?
Her hair was down. She never used them like that either. She usually preferred to secure them in a braid. Was nervous and, desperately wanted a mirror And it was impossible.
It would indeed be very embarrassing for a young man to enter one of the rooms to leave a woman. Cassie sighed. It was obvious they were going to fix it. They would find out.
-Are you dressed? - Rick pressed hiding his anxiety. Ah, it was a curse, the fascination this woman aroused in him. She felt like a clumsy little boy. Even so, he smiled again. - You better be dressed, because I'm going in.
Cassie's nervousness overrode all common sense.
Was he going to come in? How could he get in?
And to see her dressed like that?
Not that he hadn't already seen it all, but still...
Could cry easily. Damn challenge. Her legs were shaking. She wasn't capable of that. Certainly preferred a battle. it would be much easier
-Now, come on, my wild wolf. Are you dressed or not? This is not a battle, little one. It's just a dance. – Richard sighed.
A dance? Come on! Just a dance? Haha!
She mentally cursed, remembering the one ball she'd ever attended with horror. Didn't know how to dance. She was also beginning to regret not listening to her father. Was going to trip over her unfortunate slippers. She looked like she was barefoot. And as for the dress… The corset had already been a terrible setback. How did that annoying man expect that he could close so many buttons on his own? At the very least, was going to break my foot.
Everyone would look at her. were going to comment.
She was going to be the butt of jokes as long as she was alive. Blackwill's headstrong daughter in women's clothes! Everyone would know it was her. Cassie looked once more at her clothes.
Richard hadn't forgotten a single detail in that martyrdom. The fine, soft silk, the delicate lace...she had never before worn clothes so delicate or provocative. That captain intended to embarrass her in front of the entire crew.
Or maybe if he cared about her, a treacherous little voice whispered in her ear. He imagined pleasing her. Every woman enjoyed receiving gifts. All that must have cost a fortune. The captain had spared no expense.
-Cassie... - The voice came low.
She swallowed hard. Ashamed. She was going to look clumsy in those clothes. Did it matter what he would think?
"I'm going to cry. Oh ,no!"
-No... I'm not leaving here. The words came stumbling.
She heard the door open and closed her eyes awkwardly. Seems didn't wear anything. She didn't know what to do with her hands. Was going to have a massive seizure and die. He wouldn't like it. Cassie would never know how to behave like those charming women who paraded around her trying to get her attention. If she heard any amused remarks she could easily pick up the pistol and practice marksmanship on a certain captain.
After all, there was no comment. The heavy silence after a few moments made her muster her courage and risk a shy look. With all the haughtiness in that situation.
-I... Are you... - Rick had trouble speaking.
The words were stuck in her throat. It was the magnificent sight of an angel before him. His loose hair cascaded down his back. Her white dress highlighted her feminine curves, outlining her slim waist, her cleavage barely showing off her well-shaped breasts.
He stopped in astonishment. And no reaction. Nervously trying to remember that Cassie was the Armada commander's daughter and was under his protection. And that she was his wife. And thatshe was also trying to regain her trust after Philip's lies and betrayals. It was his responsibility to watch over the girl... Since when had she become a woman and he hadn't noticed? It was his duty to protect her. But suddenly he found himself at the top of the list of setbacks for that task. It was just a dance...
She looked at him, tensely biting her lip. His black eyes mesmerized. They burned to admire her more boldly than convention allowed. His nervousness increased. What if he didn't like it? Cassie stopped, perplexed by the thought, realizing that her opinion was important to her. Ah, Willian was going to kick her out of the Armada this time.
-Then?
The man blinked in astonishment. She swallowed again, mortified. He hadn't liked it. It was the bare minimum. That alone explained the awkward look. A shiver ran down her spine. The inexperienced young lady inside her revolted, begging for mercy on her knees for her to be quiet. She looked at him seriously. Her legs were shaking so badly she could fall.
It was a horror. She liked him. She was aware of that as she struggled to keep her expressions neutral. It was her end, but she'd admitted it. The man was attractive, confident and made her breath quicken every time he was near. Urgently needed to leave the moon world and return to the reality of Chabone. Only she was seventeen. It was the second time she had worn a dress like that. His female hormones had unexplainedly awakened.
-Á lainn!- The whisper was low. His voice was husky and sensual.
She stopped, puzzled. Don't look at that man's mouth! Cassie mentally chided herself. Failure would be much worse if he let himself be carried away by absurd fantasies.
-You. Stayed. Beautiful. - Richard assured perplexed.
Beautiful? At last, Cassie let herself be caught in the deep, disturbing gaze. She was sure she was drowning.
-Liar!
Rick approached her slowly and took her very cold hand, forcing her to twirl, taking care of the silk straps and full skirt of her dress, ignoring her irritation.
The woman was nervous. With the dress. With the shoes. She was pretty sure she had two right feet and was tormenting herself not to trip. The corset suffocated. Richard Morgan made her twirl? Her eyes sparked.
-Why... Why are you doing this to me? – She asked in a thin voice.
Why?
Why was he delaying telling Will that Cassie was with him? Rick wondered in astonishment. He should be in Mayra's bed having fun. Only his heated body was burning with red-hot desire. It was the sight of Cassie that turned him on. It was her defiant, self-willed manner that spurred him on.
Rick had chosen not to explain to Philip Morgan that he had very politely declined his lover's charms before giving her up to his brother. Had spent most of the morning with the madam shopping for that dress. A surprise. Lili had accompanied him when hearing from the place. That gem... Richard looked fascinated by the hue of that raw amethyst. Oh, it was hell. Sex had never been a problem. She liked casual sex. He didn't want commitment or responsibilities. Mayra satisfied all his wishes. Until Cassie came into her life. Everything had changed.
He whistled, still admiring the woman.
-Honestly, my dear, what do you think we are doing?