Page 36 of Hush Darling

“I’m in pajamas.”

“So?”

“I can’t go to a party this way.”

“Yes, you can,” Thayer argued.

When she twisted her lips, the boys crowded around. “Maybe lose the robe?” Nibbs suggested, already stripping the silk covering away.

If the party was at a lagoon they would be outside in the heat, so she didn’t need the layers. Maybe her nightgown could pass for a dress. “I feel silly and underdressed.”

They stared at her chest where her unbound breasts pressed against the thin silk.

“Nah,” Thayer said, swallowing tightly. “You look good.”

Tristan nodded, agreeing with his brother as his stare remained trained on her nipples.

“Very hot,” Cass agreed.

“Sexy,” Nibbs added, licking his lips.

“That’s enough.” She turned around and moved her robe to the back of a chair. “I left my shoes in the forest.”

“It’s a lagoon party. No one wears shoes,” Tate explained.

Nibbs laughed. “Half the people don’t even wear clothes.”

“What?” Her eyes widened. “What kind of party is this?”

“The fun kind.” Peter appeared, stuffing something into his pocket. “Let’s go. We’re leaving.”

They filtered out the back door, and she shivered under the night air. It was much colder than it had been when they arrived. “Maybe I should bring my robe after all. But then I’ll really look like I’m in my pajamas.” At least now, her nightgown might pass as a dress.

“I have an idea,” Cassian said, rushing back inside the house as the others walked ahead. A moment later, he returned with a dark maroon coat. “You can wear this.”

He swept the long duster jacket over her shoulders, and she slid her arms into the silk-lined sleeves. Wool ruffles spilled from the cuffs like waves, and brass buttons trailed along the lapels as if mapping out a hidden treasure. The trim was fine leather with long tails and beautiful detail stitched into the worn wool. It was a high-quality couture coat.

“Where did you get this?”

She sniffed the collar and closed her eyes at the dark, mysterious scent hidden there. Whoever wore this coat before wore it with authority. The masculine energy coming from the weight and detail spoke volumes about its true owner.

“We stole it.”

“You stole it?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry. It’s yours now.”

“Who did you steal it from?” She needed to know who the owner was. Desperately, she craved a name to put to this hypnotic scent.

Cassian grinned and leaned forward. “It belonged to a pirate. Peter snuck onto his ship in the still of the night and stole it right out of the captain’s private chambers.”

“A pirate?” She grinned, intrigued by a tale of danger.

“They call him Black Jack. Peter swears he’s always lingering off the coast, spying on him, but he can’t figure out why. He’s a dangerous man, so stay alert and tell us if you see anything.”

She envisioned a towering man with dark features and limitless authority. “Did Peter get caught when he stole the coat?”

“No, but I’m sure old Jack was furious when he woke up and realized it was stolen from his private chambers. Crooks don’t like it when they’re the ones getting robbed. But Peter’s always gotten a kick out of taunting those who think they’re better than him.”