Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) by Sandy Loyd Page B

disappearance,” he sneered. “He’s involved. So deep, it’s up to his neck. I can feel it.”
    “That’s purely conjecture.” Markham shook his head.
    “I know he had contact. They were seen together in the park.”
    “A chance meeting between childhood friends. If Geoff saw her, he’d never ignore her, nor would she him. You’re making something out of nothing.”
    “She just happens to disappear after this chance meeting.”
    “Mere coincidence.” He rejected the notion with the wave of his hand. “You’ve no proof Geoff acted inappropriately.”
    “Her trail leads to your brother and I don’t mean to stop until I find her.”
    “I understand. You need your heiress back,” Markham mocked in a scornful tone with a derisive smile on his face.
    “If you’re involved, Wyndham, I’ll bring you up on charges and make you rue the day you interfered in my life,” he lashed out angrily. “You’ve done so for the last time.”
    “If you’re through making veiled threats, I believe we’ve nothing further to discuss.” Markham sat behind his desk and nodded toward the door. “I’m a very busy man, Kentworth. Continue to harass me, and I’ll be forced to take action.” He returned to his correspondence, totally ignoring the man.
    “ Your Grace.” The earl bowed his head briefly, his demeanor becoming more polite and deferential, as if realizing he may have pushed too far. “If you hear of anything, I’d appreciate it if you’d pass on the information.” He then turned and walked out.
    Markham’s gaze stayed on the empty doorway. The man wasn’t bluffing. If Geoff had offered more help than what he’d admitted, Kentworth would cause trouble. He waited until he heard the front door open and shut before he quickly turned and yanked on the bell cord, summoning his butler.
    When Putnam appeared at the door, he barked, “Get Geoff down here. Now.”

Chapter 6
    The ship lurched and yawed. As Penny made her way to the officers’ dining room, she grabbed on to the polished wood beams for support. After a fitful sleep, memories of her actions the night before continued to plague her. She’d fled from Parker Davis as fast as her legs could carried her, with full knowledge she’d run not only from him, but from herself as well.
    How had she willingly allowed him such liberties? Even more mortifying—she hadn’t wanted his kisses to stop. The tingling sensations she’d come to associate only with him still coursed through her system.
    Warmth engulfed her face. She closed her eyes, working to forget her stupidity, only her mind wouldn’t cooperate.
    She touched her lips, remembering the pleasure. For too many days, she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss him. The reality of it had been so much nicer than conjecture. His mouth had been tender and gentle. Geoff’s kiss never affected her in such a way.
    His golden image came into her mind just then and self-revulsion roiled in her belly. She’d wantonly and knowingly kissed another man! He’d not forced her to endure his touch, as she’d had to suffer Gerald’s . She’d been instructed numerous times to call the vile man by his given name and that’s how she thought of him. Yet the captain’s brother wasn’t Gerald, an indisputable fact considering she’d loved his touch.
    Heavens above! She didn’t want to think about Mr. Davis anymore. It was bad enough to find him attractive. And now she’d done the unthinkable. She pounded her fist with more resolve. Geoff was her beloved and she meant to make him a good wife.
    When she entered the dining room she felt Parker’s gaze, but didn’t make eye contact. Shameful heat suddenly washed over her as renewed thoughts of the minutes in his arms flashed through her mind. She pushed out her musings and sat next to Mindy, eyes straight ahead, seeing only the table with different, less formal utensils and place settings than those used their first night.
    The more durable metal plates and