Read Online Lori Brighton - [The Seduction 02] by To Capture a Rake - Free Book Online

roaring fireplace close by, to beams above covered with webs and dust, to the barkeep behind the counter against the far wall. The place smelled of ale, of smoke, and of unwashed men.
    Suddenly, Gideon was a young lad again, the memory coming swiftly and bitterly.
    “Where are we, Mama?”
    “Hush now, Gideon.” She shifted the baby to her right hip and took his hand. He’d never stayed at an inn and was nervous and excited at the same time. “We’re here to meet your papa.”
    But his father had never shown, and they’d wasted the money they didn’t have on a room, waiting. His mother had been forced to entertain a man in the back of the stables just to get enough coins to return home. Gideon forced the memory into the past, where it belonged.
    Not surprisingly, the Ole Ship Inn was full of travelers. And not surprisingly, they all turned to stare at Mrs. Ashton as if they’d never seen a woman before. A handful of pale, weathered faces hunched around small tables. Gideon’s hackles rose, and he stiffened to his full height, which was rather impressive at over six feet. For a long moment, the only sound was the crackle of the fireplace and the soft patter of raindrops. Instinct told him that it was imperative he enforce his dominance immediately. With a thorough glare, he managed to scare off a few, who shifted their attention to the tabletops.
    Aye, he was annoyed with their blatant interest. But at the same time, he didn’t blame them for staring. Her face was flushed, her damp clothing clung to her lush body, and that hair was like sparkling fire that drew a man’s attention whether he wanted to look or not. Gideon shut the door, and the sound of rain abated. He sure as hell didn’t need trouble. And Mrs. Ashton courted trouble.
    “Ken I help ye?” the barkeeper barked.
    Mrs. Ashton lifted her chin high and started toward the man. “A room—”
    Gideon gripped her arm tightly. Startled, she paused in midstride. Those wide, innocent eyes told him she hadn’t a clue thatshe’d almost destroyed her reputation. Gruffly, he pulled her back beside him, anchoring his arm protectively around her shoulders. “A room for my wife and me.”
    She flushed, realizing her mistake almost too late. What the hell had she been thinking? She might be in charge in her world, but not here. Christ, he hadn’t signed up to play nursemaid to a woman with no common sense. He slid some coins across the counter, thankful Lady Lavender gave them an allowance, as small as it was.
    The keeper hesitated, his bushy white brows drawn together. Gideon would have been suspicious as well. They were wearing fine clothing yet had arrived on one mount and had no luggage.
    “Very well,” the man grumbled, scooping up the coins, recovering quickly enough from his confusion. “Mary, get yer arse over here.”
    A woman pouring ale behind the counter sashayed toward them. She looked forty if a day, although he had a feeling she was more likely around his age; life had taken its toll on the wench. She plopped her elbows onto the counter’s surface, her bosom practically bursting from the low neckline of her dingy brown gown.
    The woman didn’t bother to glance at Mrs. Ashton but only had eyes for Gideon. “What ken I do fer yer?”
    “Room,” the owner snapped.
    Gideon leaned closer to the woman and gave her a disarming smile. “And make sure it’s clean.” He winked, and her round cheeks flushed. “We’d also like a bath, if you can manage.”
    He ignored Mrs. Ashton’s snort of disgust, keeping his attention on the serving wench where it belonged at the moment. When one didn’t have the coins to acquire excellent service, one quickly learned to use other means. His mother would be proud.
    “Of course, me lord.” She rounded the table, her massive bosom brushing Gideon’s shoulder. He knew an invitation when he felt one. The smile she gave him only confirmed her offer. It took a whore to recognize one. She snatched a glowing