by Lisa Olech
She pulled her boots off the desk and sat forward. “You, however, are a different story. From the moment you climbed down the rope at Wessler’s estate, until the time we deposit you wherever it is we are to deposit you, you are my new cabin boy. Samantha is now Sam and you will do nothing to raise questions to that fact. Clear?”
She nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“You will put your mark to the ship’s Articles and follow all the rules. You will be given duties and responsibilities to pay for our hospitality and you shall do nothing to disrupt the running of my ship. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Tupper.”
“Nay, you say, ‘Aye, Captain.’”
“Aye, Captain.”
Tupper gave a smart nod and sat back. “Now, about your final destination….”
“Take me anywhere.”
“Back to your family in England, I assume?”
“No…” She turned the glass in her hand. “I don’t want them to know about what happened at Wessler’s. I’ll send word when I’m able telling them I am safe and well. Their lives do not need the shame this would bring them.”
“The only shame is Wessler’s.”
Samantha gave a short bitter laugh. “He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.” She pushed her glass back across the desk. “Could I get a bit more of whatever this was?”
Tupper grinned as she lifted the bottle out and filled both their glasses again. Her sharp green eyes sparkled adding softness to her weathered face. “I’m beginning to think having you aboard may be all right after all.” She pushed Samantha’s drink across the desk. “How are you at shooting a pistol?”
Sam tossed back her drink and coughed. “If I were any good at it, would I be here?”
Meet the Author
Lisa A. Olech is an artist/writer living in her dream house nestled among the lakes in New England. She loves getting lost in a steamy book, finding the perfect pair of sexy shoes, and hearing the laughter of her men. Being an estrogen island in a sea of testosterone makes her queen. She believes in ghosts, silver linings, the power of a man in a tuxedo, and happy endings. For more please visit lisaolech.com.
