Page 141 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

“A man who would have done the same to you, and worse, without any remorse.”

“Becoming a monster, simply because one is surrounded by them, seems a ridiculous reason to give up one’s morals.”

Cedric was silent for a while, the two of them watching the flames demolish his ship. Behind them, Wallace cleared his throat, and they both turned at the same time.

“Did you lose many possessions?” he asked and opened a door, gesturing to a brightly lit corridor.

“Nothing that can’t be replaced,” Cedric replied, squeezing Alana.

“I’d like to take a statement from you, but I think it best for the doctor to attend to those injuries first. Would you prefer separate—”

“No!” Cedric reddened. “My apologies. Only one cabin will be necessary.”

“Of course.” A faint smile touched Wallace’s mouth. “Mrs. Dubois can lead you to her cabin. I’m certain she’d like to properly greet you.”

He clapped his hands to his sides, bowed again, then turned on his heel, marching down the corridor.

“Did I offend him?” Cedric asked.

“Every interaction with him has been quite similar.”

They strolled—hobbled was perhaps a more appropriate word—down the corridor, stopping at every door to allow Cedric a moment to rest.

“I think,” Alana said with a grin, “physical activity will be forbidden by the doctor until you heal.”

“It most definitely will.” His hungry gaze slid over her. “Which is why I intend to seduce you before he arrives.”

Her stomach flipped, desire curling through her body. “You, sir, are a scoundrel.”

“The worst kind.” Leaning down, he pressed his mouth to hers, his arms sliding around her body, and he drew her closer with a possessive growl.

“Ahem!”

They turned toward the sound.

“I suggested your cabin for a reason,” Wallace said, disapproval dripping from his voice. “However, I’m glad to find you both clothed. We need your assistance.”

“At this moment?”

“Yes.” Wallace spun and marched down the corridor toward the exit.

They followed without him asking, assuming that was what he wanted, and emerged onto the main deck, which was abuzz with activity.

“What’s going on?” Cedric asked, his hand tightening around Alana.

“We think we’ve discovered Captain Shaw’s body,” Wallace replied. He glanced back at them, eyes shining. “Since you’ve both interacted with him, we wanted you to confirm the identity.”

“Have you conferred with Mrs. Parker?”

“She refused to look at the corpse.” Wallace paused and studied Alana for a long moment as though remembering she was a woman, despite the short hair and trousers. “Mrs. Dubois, the sight is quite gruesome. If you’d like your husband to verify our suspicions, you may wait here.”

“What makes you think the man is Captain Shaw?” Cedric asked, the bite in his question showing his displeasure with the suggestion of being separated from Alana.

“He was found floating among the debris near the stern of the ship.” Wallace shifted his attention to Cedric. “It appears he was trapped in the captain’s quarters when the ship exploded. His body is damaged by fire, and most of his skin has been burned off.”

Alana gasped and buried her face in Cedric’s chest.

“You don’t have to look,” he crooned, dragging a soft hand over her head.