Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie Read Free

presented her family’s best chance for survival. She must determine their time of departure, and stammering like a school girl wouldn’t help.
    Determined to conclude their business quickly before anyone took notice of her, she strode forward to intercept him. “Captain Hillary.”
    His eyebrows shot upward as his gaze traveled over her body. “Have we been introduced, luv?”
    There was no time to practice proper etiquette—if there even were such codes in a hovel like The Abyss—nor was there anyone present to perform the task of making an introduction.
    “I am Lisette Lavigne.” She suppressed a wince. She’d meant to use a false name, but a quick look around reassured her no one was eavesdropping. “You met my representative yesterday, Monsieur Baptiste. May I speak with you a moment?”
    A fierce gleam in the captain’s eyes prompted her to step back. “I’m retiring to my room, madame. Would you care to accompany me?”
    “Your room?” Perhaps she had been too hasty to approach the captain alone. “Couldn’t we conduct our business at a table, monsieur?”
    “Do we have business to discuss?” Despite his acerbic tone, he sauntered to a vacant table and sprawled onto a rustic chair. He swept an arm to the place across from him. “Sit. I haven’t much time to indulge you.”
    She slid into the seat opposite him. “ Merci , Captain. Monsieur Baptiste spoke with you yesterday about carrying my family and me to England. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented him from relaying the details of the arrangements he made on our behalf. What is the fare you agreed upon? And I must know when you expect us to board.”
    “I don’t.”
    Lisette blinked, not comprehending his reply although she spoke fluent English. “Pardon? You don’t what, exactly?”
    “I don’t expect you to board. I’ve refused passage to you and your family.”
    “Refused us? But why? We have the funds to pay you.” She touched the coin purse in her pocket. Money always opened doors. “I’m willing to pay handsomely.” She plunked the pouch of coins on the table between them.
    “Good God, woman. Put that away before someone liberates it from you.”
    “But—”
    “Now!” He shoved the purse back at her with a scowl.
    Lisette snatched the heavy bag and tucked it back into her skirts. Her hand fluttered to her chest before she folded both in her lap. Captain Hillary’s brusque manner was unexpected, but she couldn’t allow him to see her flustered. Dealing with men of his caliber required a tough veneer.
    “Very well, Captain. I believe I made my point. I have the means to pay, and there will be a bonus when you deliver us safely to London.” The addition of a bonus was rather inspired, in her opinion.
    Captain Hillary leaned back, balancing the chair on two legs. His eyes looked black in the flickering light. The eyes of a devil. “As I mentioned to your man yesterday, madame, no women sail on the Cecily .”
    Lisette uttered a small cry of outrage despite her intention to remain calm. “That is ludicrous, monsieur. A lady’s money is as good as any man’s.”
    “I have no need for additional funds.”
    Of course he needed money. He was simply holding out for more. “ Merde ,” she mumbled.
    “Pardon?” A touch of amusement lingered in his rich voice.
    She met his gaze, heat inching up her face with her rising temper. “Do not pretend you care nothing for money. What percentage does the owner allow you?”
    “That’s none of your concern.”
    “I am aware of how this business operates, monsieur. You assume the risk, yet walk away with a pittance. The fruits of your ”—she jabbed her finger against the table—“labor line the pockets of the greedy owner.”
    “Indeed? Well, the greedy bugger who owns the Cecily might be offended by having his character maligned.”
    She waved a hand in the air. “I shan’t likely make his acquaintance.”
    The front legs of Captain Hillary’s chair banged against the