Ibernia had made a mistake.
Obviously. Oh, only too late did she realize she should never have succumbed to the temptation of a meal. She should have endured wormy biscuits instead of letting herself into this situation.
There was something about Baldassare’s hungry gaze that persuaded Ibernia that he had only his own pleasure at heart. She had a fairly good idea that their objectives were not as one and cursed herself for not anticipating this most obvious ploy.
Ibernia was forced to concede that Rowan had been right in declining the captain’s invitation to her. Oh, how she hated being at the whim of men!
Should she flee now? But how, when the key was so safely tucked away? Nay, ’twould be better to lull Baldassare into complacency, win his trust and look willing to savor his touch, t
