Two Mouthy Dames (original) (raw)

“Very well, then, Emma.” Stephen’s mouth curved in the barest hint of a smile as she looked up at him with wide eyes. “I need you to give me your dress.”

She took an uncertain step backward. “I beg your pardon?”

“Your dress,” he said, gesturing at the changing screen. “Take it off and give it to me.”

She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “Why should I?”

“Because it’s wet and you’ll drip all over the only bed in the room. And because if I have your dress, I am assured that you won’t try to escape during the middle of the day.”

“Can’t I just give you my word that I won’t escape? You surely don’t think that I’m eager to spend time with the rabble down in the parlor, do you?”

“Was that a parlor downstairs?” Stephen gave her an amused look and gestured at the screen in the corner. “And no, Miss Mayhew. Emma. So far you have announced to the world that you have been kidnapped. You have screamed for help despite my admonitions otherwise, and you have tried to attack me. Forgive me if I’m not eager to believe you now.”

“I see your point,” she conceded. “What am I to wear?”

“Your stays?” He gave her a lazy smile.

She gave him a calculating look. “And here I thought you said my virtue was safe with you.”