Page 150 of An Imperfect Scoundrel

And stole a letter.

Clutched in his father’s hand was one of the missives filled with money that Sebastian sent to Dinah. The paper bills peeked out of his fist, fluttering as Mr. Ashmore stalked down the street.

“What are you going to do?” Alana grabbed his arm with both hands, pulling. “Sebastian! Stop!”

He glanced back at her, surprised to find her hanging on his arm.

“I want to know if he recognizes me.”

“And if he does?”

Sebastian shrugged. He didn’t have a plan. Turning, he took Alana’s hands, his thumbs sliding over the backs of them.

“I refuse to live in the shadows. We’re not going to conceal ourselves in the country for the remainder of our years.”

“We’re not?” She pouted. “I rather prefer the country. And Louisa is going to teach me to swim.”

He chuckled, inclining his head.

“If we stay in the country, it will be from choice, not fear,” he replied, pulling the gold ring from her finger.

Her mouth popped open.

“I swear to replace this with a proper band.” Brushing a kiss across her forehead, he wrapped his hand around hers, tugging. “Would you like to meet my father?”

“After what you’ve shared about him, no. However, I couldn’t allow my husband to endure the dreadful experience alone.”

“You couldn’t?”

“I owe him my life,” she said, turning and leaning into his torso.

“He owes you his.” Sebastian wrapped his arm around her waist, and they followed his father down the crowded dock toward the postal building.

“Then we are equal.” Alana’s thoughtful voice floated up from his side.

“As long as you do everything I say.”

“That may be an issue, dear husband, as I plan to argue with your every direction,” Alana said, her voice low. “I have two older brothers, as well as several male cousins, and none of them have the luxury of telling me what to do.”

“That’s because they can’t make you scream their name.”

She blushed, the brilliant shade of red exploding across her face within seconds.

“Louisa will hear you,” Alana hissed, glancing back at Mrs. Parker, who strolled behind them, her gaze on the ships bobbing alongside the docks.

“Mrs. Parker was married. She’s quite aware of how things work between a man and a woman.”

“I doubt her husband was as…”

“Direct?” he interrupted with a grin. “I thought you liked that quality.”

“I do, however…” Alana’s blush deepened.

His hand tightened around her fingers, his eyes flicking to her.

“I will not hide my desire for you. It may not be acceptable to love your wife, but I do, and I won’t deny it.”

“Keep that strength when you talk to Patrick,” she replied, tilting her head. “I’d like to see him punch you.”