“I know my way around a ship probably better than you do.”
“How is that possible? You’re a bloody lady’s maid.”
“In case itstillhasn’t sunk in, you lug-headed brute, I’mnota lady’s maid. Just likeyou’renot a London gadabout leeching off his brother’s money, or named CaptainOakleaffor that matter.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, apparently not believing any of it. “This ship isn’t going to France if that’s what you think.”
“I know. You’re following Lafayette Baptiste to St. Helena, which is where I’m going, too. Stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours, and perhaps Grimaldi can explain this mess when we get there.”
Cade looked positively dumbfounded. “There’s no possibility I’m allowing you to remain pretending to be this ship’s cook’s assistant. Not even for one night.”
She smiled at him smugly and crossed her arms over her chest. “What do you intend to do, toss me overboard?”
He gripped the back of the chair so tightly his knuckles turned white. “No. If Grim put you here, as you said, you must stay. But I also cannot allow you to go gallivanting around the ship unprotected, either.”
“No one but you knows I’m a woman.”
His gaze traced her up and down, a sultry look in his eyes. “I find that difficult to believe.”
She gave him a tight smile. “Believe it.”
“Ihappen to know the truth and I won’t allow you to go about. The more interaction you have with the crew, the more chance they’ll discover your sex.”
She groaned and rubbed her temples. “I don’t expect you’ll believe this, but I’ve made my way on ships, convincing everyone I was male, since I was thirteen.”
He gave her a tight-lipped smile. “You’re right. I don’t believe you.”
“You’re a stubborn ass.”
“And you are my responsibility now.”
“I can take care of myself.”
He planted both fists on his hips. “I will not take the risk.”
“What do you intend to do? Store me in a trunk in this cabin?”
“You’re partially right. I do intend to keep you in this cabin.”
“What!” Her eyes flew wide.
“My cabin boy will take over as cook’s assistant.”
“That makes no sense. What will you tell everyone?”
“I’ll tell them Martin wants to try his hand at cooking. I’ll tell them I want to keep an eye on you because I don’t trust you. I’ll tell them I bloody well made a ruling decision. It doesn’t matter what I tell them. I’m the captain and what I say goes.”
She glared at him, nearly spitting out of anger. “Have I told you you’re a stubborn ass?”
“Not in the last five seconds.”
“Well, you are.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He called out, “McCummins!”
The first mate arrived in seconds, doffing his cap. “Yes, Cap’n?”
“Tell Martin he’ll be taking over as cook’s assistant. I’m going to teach Cross here how to be a proper cabin boy.”
