The Queen of the Waves

26: is it a Tramp?

Bas found Mara curled up asleep on the front step of his house. He hadn't meant to stay out so late with his mother but she wouldn't stop plying him with tea and nagging him about Mara.

He felt terrible about the words his mother had spat in Mara's face, but he felt even worse that he didn't defend her.

Sighing, he bent down and scooped her up off the stone paving slabs, her head lulled and rested against his shoulder.

He rapped on the door and it was opened by the maid he employed while he was away on trips.

"Master Sebastian." She curtseyed low and respectful before her eyes flitted to the grubby looking Mara.

"Gosh, is that a tramp?"

"No," Bas growled as he stepped over the threshold to his house, "this will be the mistress of the house from now on."

"Oh." The maid scurries backwards and into the kitchen. "Ill turn on the stove to heat the water for a bath for her."

"Thank you Mildred." Bas called out, forgetting for a moment that Mara was sleeping.

She stirred but didn't wake. It didn't surprise Bas, Mara hadn't slept well since Bayen's murder and he knew she hadn't slept well before that either.

She was exhausted, needed rest and care. Bas intended to give her all that and more.

He quietly carried her up the stairs and laid her on his bed. She groaned in delight at the soft cushions and warm blankets.

Bas smiled and bent down, kissing her forehead lovingly.

"Sleep, angel. I'll have food and a hot bath waiting for you."

Bas closed the door quietly behind him and sighed, he rested his head against the wood and took deep breaths.

"Sorry sir." He jumped when Mildred's voice appeared behind him.

"I was coming to enquire if you want any food?"

"That sounds amazing, thank you." Bas said with a smile, following her down the the dining room.

After he had eaten, Mildred placed all the letters he had missed on his travels but she hung around the door.

"Is there something you need?" Bas question and Mildred nodded.

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir I just wanted to ask, with a woman in the house, will you still be needing my services? Only I need to start search for a new job if you don't."

"Right now you don't need to start looking." Bas reassured. "Mara needs to rest and get used to her new life here, then she can decide if she wishes for help."

"Very well, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

Mildred scuttled off and Bas smiled to himself as he began the arduous task of opening and replying to all unanswered letters.

Mara awoke with a slow groan, her bones cracked as she stretched. She expected to feel the harsh stone she fell asleep on but instead she woke to warm blankets and soft pillows.

Her eyes opened and she found herself in a large room with a canopy curtain hanging above her. Swinging her legs off the bed, Mara flinched at the cold flagstones on her bare feet.

She didn't remember taking her shoes off, but then again she didn't remember walking upstairs. Bas must have done both, he always took care of her.

Padding down the stairs, Mara paused to listen to the house around her. A habit she learned with all her time training as a killer.

"I'm in here Mara." Bas called as her feet reached the bottom step, she froze.

How had he heard her?

Mara walked towards the sound of Bas' voice and found him sat of a long cushioned chair; she had never seen anything like it before.

As Mara entered the room, one she sensed was his domain, she felt unsure.

How would their dynamic change now they were off the boat?

Mara's heart pounded with nerves, she wanted Bas like she had never wanted anything before, but now, with such uncertainty, Mara wondered if love was worth the pain.

Whatever Mara's worries were, they didn't last long. Bas lifted his head from his desk and letters, smiling at her warmly. He stood and strode over to her as she hovered in the doorway.

Bas gripped her by the waist and pulled her tight to him. He bent down and kissed her with passion, her back found the doorway as her hands found their way up into his hair.

"Morning gorgeous." Bas grinned down at her and her heart melted away all her worries.

"I missed you." He kissed her again, then the corner of her mouth, over her cheek and up over her eyelids.

His touch was gentle and loving. Mara sighed happily as he rested his forehead on hers.

"I was only a sleep a few hours." Mara giggled up at him and his sweetness.

"Well that was a few hours too long, that is unless you're sleeping next to me."

Bas playfully snarled, his hand gripping her behind possessively. Mara squealed and laughed, teasingly throwing her hands against his chest.

"Stop it you."

"Why?" Bas questioned, leading her by the hand back over towards his desk.

He sat heavily down in the chair and then promptly pulled Mara into his lap. She sighed and curled up, resting her head on his chest.

"I don't want you to stop, not really." Mara finally admitted, she couldn't see the delighted grin on Bas' face.

"That's good, because I don't want you to stop, ever."

Mara sighed contentedly and closed her eyes. Even though she had slept for hours already today, Bas' warmth and methodically breathing was lulling her back to sleep.

"I wasn't sure about how we would be now we're back in your house." Mara mumbled, her sleepy state making her admissions more free and open.

"And are you sure now?" Bas asked, his attention falling from the letter on his desk and back onto his sleepy little love.

"I think so."

"Only think?" Bas frowned and pushed the seat back away from the desk a little.

With the extra space he could lift Mara up until she was straddling his lap, her eyes looking into his.

Bas leant forwards and kissed her again, intensely and full of desperation. His hands clasped at her waist and he held her tight, so tight it was like he would never let her go.

"And now?" He asked, stroking her cheek with his palm.

"Now I'm sure."

"Good." Bas smiled as Mara grumbled, trying to get comfortable on his chest so she could sleep, but it was unsuccessful.

"Come on then, sleepy." Bas chuckled and eased her back down until she was curled up against his chest, laying across his lap.

With Mara now contented, her eyes closed and a slight smile on her lips, Bas shuffled the chair forwards against the desk so he could continue his work.

Bas smiled, distracted from his letters every few minutes as Mara let out a little snore or sniffle.

He ignored his mother's words, he knew Mara's presence wouldn't bring shame upon his reputation.

After all, he loved her and how could that ever be shameful?