The ship's gentle creaking as it docked was a soothing contrast to the chaos of the past few days. I gazed out over the bustling port, the salty sea breeze tugging at my hair, trying to reconcile the serenity of the scene with the tension that still gripped my heart. Our mission was clear.

To find Meredith and Nikolai before they slipped away from us.

The urgency of it had been pressing heavily on me, a constant weight that seemed to follow me from St. Ives to this new port town.

As Lord Darius and I disembarked, we were greeted by a British soldier, his uniform immaculate and his demeanor respectful. He saluted with practiced precision before extending a courteous hand to both of us.

"Lord Darius, Lady Scarlett," he began, his voice steady and professional. "I am Sergeant Bennett. I've been instructed to escort you to our briefing room where we will discuss our strategy to capture the fugitives."

I followed Darius, the cool night air mixing with the faint sounds of revelry from the nearby pubs. My thoughts raced. The sight of a full contingent of soldiers prepared for action made my heart ache. I couldn't help but think of Meredith and hope she wouldn't be hurt.

Once we reached the briefing room, I was struck by the sight of a large, well-organized force. Tables were scattered with maps and intelligence reports, and the soldiers moved with a practiced efficiency. My heart clenched as I took in the sight.

"Lord Darius," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the anxiety swirling inside me. "Please, don't harm Meredith. I know she's made mistakes, but she's my sister. I can't bear the thought of her being hurt."

Lord Darius's expression softened, but his eyes remained serious. "Scarlett, I understand your concern. But I can't make promises. If Meredith poses a threat to my men or our mission, I have to act accordingly."

His words were a harsh reminder of the peril we faced. I felt a knot of worry settle deep in my chest, knowing that despite my plea, the situation was out of my hands.

With the plans laid out and our next steps clear, we prepared to move to the pub where Meredith and Nikolai were rumored to be. Mr. Ralph, ever the attentive guardian, made sure I was taken care of despite my protests.

"Lady Scarlett, you should stay behind. You're injured," Mr. Ralph insisted, his concern evident in his tone.

"I'm fine," I argued, though my leg throbbed with every step. "I need to be there. I can't just wait."

Mr. Ralph's eyes were filled with a mix of exasperation and respect. "Very well, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know."

As we approached the pub, I could already hear the wild energy from within. The building was a classic British establishment, its wooden facade and flickering lamps casting a warm glow in the dim evening light. The sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and raucous singing spilled out into the street. The interior was packed with patrons—men in their working clothes, women in lively dresses, and the occasional soldier taking a break from duty. This was my first ever time visiting a pub and as much I hated to admit, I wanted to witness the place.

Inside, the pub was alive with the pulse of the night. The air was thick with the scent of ale and the warmth of the crowd. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering discomfort from my injury. Darius and I had to blend in, so I adjusted the headpiece that hid my hair, effectively disguising my appearance.

We found a secluded corner where we could keep a low profile. I watched as Darius scanned the room, his gaze intent. He was in his element, commanding yet subtle.

The evening seemed to stretch on, each moment weighed down by the anticipation of what was to come. As I sat nursing a drink, trying to ignore the dull ache in my leg, I noticed a striking woman approach Lord Darius. She had a confident stride and a flirtatious smile that immediately drew my attention.

They exchanged a few words, her laughter ringing out as she bent down to take Lord Darius's hand. The gesture was intimate, almost too familiar, and together they slipped out of the pub, leaving me staring after them.

A pang of weird sensation, sharp and unexpected, twisted in my chest. It was a feeling I hadn't expected to experience, especially not in this context. My thoughts drifted back to the first day of our marriage when I had seen a similar scene—a woman sitting on Darius's lap, a memory that had stung with the same sense of confusion.

I spoke to myself quietly, trying to make sense of it. "He's just playing with me," I murmured. "Just like he did on the deck."

Mr. Ralph, ever observant, noticed my silence and approached me. "Lady Scarlett, I see something's troubling you."

I looked up, my eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and hurt.

"I saw Lord Darius with that woman. I thought—"

"Lord Darius," Mr. Ralph interrupted gently, "has always been a man of discipline and focus. Women don't approach him often, and when they do, it's usually out of curiosity or respect. He has a reputation for keeping his distance."

The revelation was surprising. "But why—"

"It's not often known, but the estate was abuzz when it became apparent how he cared for you and looked for you everywhere whenever you were out of sight," Mr. Ralph continued.

"I've been with Lord Darius since he was a child, and in all my years, I've never seen him show such care and concern for anyone. It's quite extraordinary."

His words struck a chord. I found myself reflecting on Lord Darius's behavior—his unexpected tenderness, his concern for my well-being, and the moments we had shared. The realization that his feelings might be genuine began to take root, but I was unsure. Something was stopping me from believing Mr. Ralph.

The door to the pub swung open, and Lord Darius reappeared, his demeanor relaxed despite the crowd's continued revelry and he walked to us to the side of the bar. Mr. Ralph excused himself, leaving me alone with Lord Darius.

The moment he approached, I could smell the faint trace of the woman's perfume on his black shirt. His sleeves rolled up and his hair disheveled.

The woman was nowhere in sight. I chose not to comment on it, instead focusing on maintaining my composure and focusing instead on the warmth of his presence as he leaned close, his breath tickling my ear.

"What's wrong, my dear Scarlett?" he asked, his voice low and flirtatious.

"I was just thinking," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I could really use a drink."

"Is that so? Why don't you let me take care of that?" Lord Darius's eyes gleamed with mischief.

Before I could respond, he leaned closer, suddenly, his body caging me against the bar. The proximity was overwhelming.

His lips were mere inches from my ear as he whispered, "You should look at me, Scarlett. I have an interest in you."

His words were clear, his breath warm and heavy. The scent of alcohol was potent, and I could feel the effect of his inebriation. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through me.

"Lord Darius," I said, my voice trembling. "You're—"

"Shh," he murmured, his hand resting on the bar next to mine, trapping me in place. "Let me show you how much I care."

I was caught between fear and desire, unable to pull away. His flirtatious words, combined with his drunken state, created a confusing swirl of emotions within me.

A group of rowdy men started singing in the back, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere. As I stood there caged between him and the bar, trying to process the situation, Lord Darius's hand brushed against mine. His touch was warm and assertive.

I looked up at his, his brown eyes staring deep into mine as if staring into my soul.

"Scarlett," he said, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper.

I tried to muster a smile, but my anxiety about his condition was overwhelming. "Lord Darius, can you please move back?"

"Back?" he teased, his lips curving into a playful grin. "Why should I give space to my positively radiant wife?"

I couldn't help but laugh, hearing the words he just used. The sound mingling with the pub's raucous energy. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

"Only for you, Scarlett," he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "In fact, I think I'm becoming quite enamored with you. How could I not be?"

"Have you ever been kissed under the stars, Scarlett? Because I'd be honored to give you that experience," he whispered seductively.

"We're in a pub, Lord Darius. Everyone's watching!" I said, trying to keep my voice steady ignoring the weird feelings in my stomach.

"Ah yes, not exactly the most romantic of settings," he murmured. "But who cares what's everyone thinking, you're my wife," he leaned closer and I moved as much as I could.

"Ah, but you see," he said, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur, "romance can be found in the most unexpected places."

He then grinned and took my hand, gently squeezing it. "I want to show you just how special you are to me, even if I'm a little tipsy."

He drew back slightly, his eyes still locked on mine. "You're my favorite adventure, Scarlett," he said with a grin. "And I plan to savor every moment with you.

"Scarlett," his voice laced with a playful undertone, "you've been on my mind all evening. How is it possible that you look even more enchanting with that headpiece on?"

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks but tried to remain nonchalant. "I'm just trying to blend in."

Darius chuckled softly. "You know, it's quite a sight seeing you here, surrounded by all this chaos. You're like a calm in the storm. Or maybe it's just you that's storming my heart."

I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the intensity of his gaze. "I'm just here to help with the mission. To find my sister, Mere-"

"Damn Meredith. Why is it always about her? I can't help but notice how you're the center of my attention tonight. Ah that soft skin of yours, I want to feel it again. And even with that legs of yours giving you trouble, you manage to be the most stunning woman in this room."

I looked away, trying to mask my nervousness. "I'm sure you're just being charming."

"You seem a bit distant, Scarlett. Am I not doing a good job of making you feel special? Because that's my sole intention tonight—making you feel like the queen you are."

"I appreciate the gesture, but we should focus on our task," I shook my head, trying to ignore the fluttering in my chest.

He smiled, his eyes never leaving mine. "Why do you look so nervous? Relax. I'm not going to bite—unless you want me to."

Oh dear lord! This is just going too far. When will this stop?

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. "I think I'd prefer if you just—"

Darius's gaze was unwavering as he interrupted. "You're so intriguing, Scarlett. I could spend all night just watching you and never get bored. Your presence alone is enough to keep me entertained."

I forced a small smile, feeling the weight of his words. "I'm sure you've seen more interesting sights today."

He shook his head, his expression sincere. "Do you know what would make this night even better? A kiss from you. A long beautiful kiss from those luscious rose lips of yours. What do you say, Scarlett? Let's make this evening unforgettable."

What in the world?

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. "I think we should stick to our plans."

"I've got a secret for you, Scarlett. The only reason I'm drinking so much tonight is to muster the courage to ask you for one dance. Care to join me?"

I felt a surge of anxiety. "I don't think—"

Before I could protest further, Darius's hand encircled my waist, pulling me close. His body pressed against mine as he caged me in with his frame. "Scarlett," he murmured, his voice dripping with flirtation, "Didn't I tell my dear wife, you should just look at me since I have an interest in you."

I struggled to maintain my composure as his proximity intensified.

"You know, I've been thinking about you all night. It's not just your beauty that captivates me, but the way you handle yourself with such grace under pressure."

I took a shaky breath, feeling the heat of his breath on my skin. "You're very flattering."

Darius's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Flattering? Maybe. But I'm also being honest. There's something about you that pulls me in, Scarlett. It's more than just physical attraction. It's... everything."

He continued, his tone a mix of teasing and sincerity. "You know, I could spend every night like this, close to you, enjoying the way you make me feel. But for now, let's just enjoy the moment."

The intensity of his gaze and the heat of his touch left me feeling both exhilarated and terrified. I had never encountered such a blend of flirtation and vulnerability.

Lord Darius leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear sending shivers down my spine.

"Just remember, Scarlett, when all this is over, I'd like to explore what else might be between us."

As he pulled back, the playful smile on his lips made my heart skip a beat. I watched him, caught between desire and something I couldn't decipher.

As Lord Darius and I were caught up in the whirlwind of flirtation and tension, a commotion erupted nearby. A drunken man stumbled into our secluded corner, his loud laughter and unsteady gait making him impossible to ignore. With a clumsy lurch, he fell directly onto me, sending me sprawling against the bar.

The sudden weight and impact left me gasping, my heart racing in shock. I tried to push the man off, but he was too heavy and disoriented. My discomfort turned to alarm as I looked up to see Lord Darius's expression darken with irritation.

"How dare you ruin my time with my wife!" Darius roared, his voice a low, menacing growl. Without hesitation, he grabbed the drunken man by the collar and began to pummel him. The once lively atmosphere of the pub fell into stunned silence as the patrons watched in disbelief.

"Stop it!" I shouted, trying to pull Lord Darius away. "Please, You're hurting him!"

But Lord Darius, now completely consumed by his anger, continued to beat the man mercilessly. I looked around desperately for help, feeling a surge of panic as the situation spiraled out of control.

Just as I was about to call for help, a deep, familiar thick Irish voice cut through the chaos. "Stop, now!"

The man grasped Lord Darius from behind, forcibly pulling him away from the drunken man.

It was Nikolai.

In an instant, Lord Darius drew his sword and placed the blade against Nikolai's chin. The playful demeanor from moments ago was replaced by a cold, serious intensity. The room's atmosphere shifted dramatically.

"Well, well, look who's here," Lord Darius said with a chilling chuckle. I watched as the drunken man scrambled away in terror. Nikolai's eyes widened with fear upon realizing the true nature of our presence.

The patrons of the pub gasped, their shock palpable. My own astonishment grew as it became clear that Lord Darius had been feigning drunkenness all along.

"You," Nikolai whispered, stunned.

Lord Darius's smile cut through the tension with a sharp edge. "I'm pleased to see you haven't lost your perceptiveness. I needed to ensure my little act wasn't too convincing."

Don't forget to vote and comment. I might change this chapter later. Also, do you like the new cover?