Lost Honor Read Free

further as he crossed the floor and nudged aside a few books to lay the tray on the table.
    “Your name is Mark?”
    His eyes wary, he nodded.
    “Well, thank you, Mark.” She strolled toward him. “Do you think you can help me?”
    As she advanced, he retreated. “The cap’n said to only bring you food.”
    “As you can see, my clothes are filthy.” She held her hands out to the side.
    He gulped.
    “I would feel so much better if I could change them.”
    He bobbed his head again but remained mute.
    “When Jurgens dragged me from the hold, he left my bag with all my clothes in it. Do you think you could get it for me?”
    “The cap’n said to only bring you this food.” He hurried to the door.
    Desperation gripped her. “Mark.”
    He halted with his hand on the door handle.
    She hated to use feminine wiles—it had never worked on her brothers—but she’d employ whatever weapons would get her what she needed. She laid a hand on his arm and batted her lashes.
    He trembled slightly.
    The captain had reduced her to deceiving this boy, who looked to be about thirteen and unused to girls. Another mark against her captor. “I would so appreciate it, and I am sure the captain wouldn’t mind. You are only returning what is mine.”
    Indecision between wanting to please her and obeying his orders flitted through his eyes.
    “The captain didn’t say you couldn’t bring me my bag, did he?”
    Mark shook his head.
    “Then I am sure it is fine. It will only take a few minutes, and I would be so grateful.”
    His green eyes brightened. “I guess I wouldn’t be doing anything wrong.”
    “Captain Danvers would want me to be comfortable while I waited.”
    That was a lie. He only cared she obeyed his every command. As she recalled the way his large hands had touched her, heat rose in her face until she remembered he had slapped her on the rear. No one, not even her papa, had punished her in such a way. Had Mark witnessed the degrading spectacle? She banished the thought and her anger as she forced a pleading look to her eyes.
    “I’ll get your bag. I’ll be right back.” Mark slipped from the cabin.
    She waited for the grating sound of metal on metal. It never appeared. She eased open the door and snatched the key from the lock where he had left it. If she kept him flustered, maybe he would forget it when he left for good. She was positive his usual practice didn’t include unlocking the door when he came in the captain’s cabin.
    With a new change of clothes and employing a little stealth, she might be able to work among the crew before the captain discovered her. By that time, she hoped he would recognize her ability and worth and allow her to continue.
    The smell of fish from the meal Mark had brought drifted to her nose, and her stomach rumbled, dissatisfied with its empty condition.
    She didn’t have time.
    Hunger pleaded with her to reverse her decision.
    She could eat until Mark returned, and she did need to keep up her strength. She sat at the table and shoveled fish, beans, and potatoes into her mouth, occasionally shoving in hunks of weevil-free bread, a luxury at sea.
    Mark rushed into the room, and she jumped up. “I got your bag, miss.” He held it out to her.
    “Thank you.” She took it and kissed his cheek.
    His face burned a bright red, and his eyes lit with wonder and adoration. “You’re welcome, miss.”
    “I won’t forget your kindness.”
    Mark shuffled his feet and wiped his hands on his pants. He swallowed hard before asking, “Is there anything else I can get you?”
    “No, I am fine now, Mark.” She smiled at him.
    “Then I better get back to my chores.” His voice croaked on the last word. Red in the face, he flew out the door.
    She held her breath, not moving.
    Silence.
    She expected him to return at any moment to try and lock the door.
    Nothing.
    She exhaled with a whoosh.
    Mark was a good, sweet boy. When Captain Danvers discovered her missing and working among the