He suspects something

It took close to three minutes for Charlotte to recover from the mind-shattering orgasm enough to evaluate her circumstances. It would never do to have Mr. Fuller return from his visit to Marlton Manor and find her like this. Repositioning the great bed back against the inclined stone wall of the cavern and pulling the bedding tightly back into bed took almost ten minutes and a few more to tidy the bedding but even after tightening the drawstring of her bloomers and tying it securely with a double knot, she had time to lie back on the bed and await Black Brand's return. Charlotte lay on the bed in a pleasant daze for close to an hour, her mind flirting from one fantasy to another as her fingers caressed and teased her body - not to another climax, but enough to maintain a steady glow. Thankfully this moderate stimulation left her attentive enough that she saw the Highwayman's silhouette through the curtain of water before he stepped into the cave.

When she saw her captor shake his head like a great hound Charlotte's breath caught in her throat. He looked for all the world like the Viking warrior from her fantasy. His broad chest and strong arms that might easily wield an ax and shield could just as well carry away a maiden; she knew too well what it felt like to have Black Brand's ropy sinews holding her tightly against his muscular chest.

"Did everything go well?" Charlotte asked trying not to think about what a lawless man like this might demand from the helpless captive he had chained to his bed. Fuller tossed two split-pine logs on the embers of the fire and as the dry wood burst into bright flames he turned his attention to where she sat nervously on the edge of the bed.

"It went well enough Miss Charlotte." Black Brand's eyes narrowed as he approached, and Charlotte could feel the blood rush to her cheeks as he studied her. Did he know she had tried to escape, or that when that failed she had … with a start she realized Mr. Fuller was still speaking " - details to be arranged before I will have my chance with your father. I hope your wait was not too demanding?" Charlotte could see the smirk on Fuller's lips and knew in her heart that the man was not fooled by her attempt to appear poised and confident.

"You're making a mistake Mr. Fuller, my father will never deal with you." Charlotte decided that ignoring his question was the safest option. "He'll have his wardens arrest you instead."

"He cannot take that risk, Lady Charlotte." Her captor reminded her, sitting by her side on the bed as he pulled off his worn boots. "He knows you are my prisoner, almost certainly helplessly bound in some unknown location; if I am accidentally killed, he would be condemning you to a most gruesome end." Charlotte had trouble concentrating, shocked at Mr. Fuller's boldness at joining her on the bed. There was a six inch gap between the two of them but he was close enough to catch a whiff of his smoky musk, surely he must notice the pungent aroma of her feminine juices.

"However, at the moment, I am far more interested in Lady Marlton than her father." Fuller was somehow closer now, he took her hand in his and lifted it gently to his nose and Charlotte knew that she had been found out. "What is this?" He chuckled softly. Charlotte should have been mortified by his discovery; she should have pulled her fingers free and slapped the rogue's cheek but found she lacked the strength to even try. Mr. Fuller must have sensed her weakness because he kissed the back of her knuckles before adding huskily.

"Have you been a naughty girl?" Had Jason Worthington or any of her other suitors spoken these words she would have surely responded with fiery anger to their condescending mockery, but Mr. Fuller's tone was playful and light not meant to be hurtful. She marveled once again at how an outlaw his size and reputation could be so gentle.

"Yes, Sir." Charlotte could feel the colour rising in her cheeks as she meekly submitted to Mr. Fuller's questioning, knowing that this could lead to only one possible outcome.

Randy was stunned by Miss Marlton's admission. The incriminating lingering scent on her fingers was evidence enough for him but he had not expected this refined gentlewoman to confirm his suspicions without a fight. Releasing her hand he lifted her chin until he could study her face. Even in the dim light he could see the blush on Lady Marlton's face and her eyes remained lowered seemingly no longer able to meet his gaze with the confidence he had grown to expect. When she spoke her voice was low and needy.

"I couldn't help myself."