Free Kimberly Nee - The McKenzie Brothers by Fire, Playing

nerve!” Her stomach roiled painfully, tears pricking her eyes. If he looked down on her, convinced she was a strumpet, would the others do so as well?
    And what about Drew’s family? How would he explain her presence to them? Would they, too, take one look at her and know the truth?
    “So this is how everyone will think,” she whispered to the four walls. “And I suppose I ought become used to everyone treating me as if I am no better than the dirt smudging their shoes?”
    A heavy sigh worked its way free as she glanced around. Drew might not speak of his wealth, but it was apparent in this cabin. Although not large by any means, it was very well appointed and tastefully decorated.
    He’d kept it simple. His desk, the dining table, the wardrobe, and the bed — all bolted to the ship — were light-colored oak with clawed feet and surprisingly delicate scrollwork.
    The desk was littered with papers and charts, quills and bottles of ink. She pulled the chair away from it and sat down, sinking into the rich leather.
    It was odd to be sitting at Drew’s desk, touching his things, seeing this other side of him — the responsible sea captain. She hadn’t missed the respect he commanded from his crew, hadn’t missed how easily he donned the mantle of leadership.
    She ran a finger over the beveled edge of the desk. It was disconcerting. He gave no impression of being the sort who would think nothing of buying a woman. And yet, there she was. He was a responsible, respected businessman and sea captain. So why the devil did he spend all that money for her?
    She thought about what Henry said and her anger returned. Only she directed it at herself. How could she be angry at him? He spoke the truth and the sooner she accepted it, the sooner words such as his wouldn’t sting.
    But how did she do that? She didn’t feel like a fallen woman, didn’t feel weak, or diseased as she’d been told fallen women were. She felt almost the same as she had a week earlier. No. That wasn’t entirely true. She was still furious with her father. If anything, she was even more furious with him now. Henry’s words stoked that fiery anger. Damn her father. This was his fault, really. He’d sold her into her situation. Sold her in order to right his credit at Coal’s. Bastard.
    She sighed softly. “And this is what I am now. This is what I am.”
    Of course, it wasn’t too terrible so far. But still, she needed to speak with Drew to find out exactly what he intended to tell his family once they reached Brunswick. After all, he couldn’t keep her a secret, could he?

Chapter Ten
    It was nearly suppertime before Drew finished up his business and was back on board the Triton . He checked up on Scottie and Bobby, learned the cargo had been secured in the hold and went in search of Henry.
    “Henry, a word, if you don’t mind,” Drew said as he approached the younger man. Henry Donaldson had started out as his cabin boy, until he grew tired of Henry’s sour disposition. The lad was a decent enough worker so Drew allowed him to stay on as the bosun’s mate. The others grumbled about Henry to him, their complaints escalating to the point where Drew already decided this was to be Henry’s last voyage. He’d already stripped away most of Henry’s duties, while the rest of the crew chose to ignore him overall. It created a bit of tension, but not enough that Drew couldn’t overlook it for now.
    Henry nodded. “Of course, Captain.”
    “I understand you saw Miss Morgan to my cabin. Does she have everything she needs?”
    “Of course, Captain. I wouldn’t be doing my duty if she didn’t.”
    “Did she ask you for anything?”
    “Not a thing, sir.”
    “Have you at least been down to see that all is well?”
    Henry shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “No, sir. I hadn’t realized it was my duty to watch over her.”
    Drew sighed. “I assume Mr. Aldridge told you it was my order to make certain she was comfortable.