Badlands by Seleste deLaney Read Free Book Online Page A

his eyes at last. “Your little doll already informed me I could not stay here. Like the clothing, I will accept the sleeping arrangements in order to keep your crew happy.” Ever pushed up from the ground and gathered the shirt and her weapons. “But do not pretend it is some noble gesture.”
    There was nothing Spencer could say to that. He kicked himself mentally. She was right and he’d managed to shove her further away with the deception. He’d planned on assigning her quarters, but it happened now because Henri pushed and he caved. Just like with the clothes. At what point had he lost control of his ship?

    Ever followed the captain back up from the bowels of the ship to the corridor she’d run from earlier. He opened the door directly next to his quarters. She paused a moment. She’d staked out the spot below to be as far from him as possible. The suggested cabin was much too close.
    “When Henri came aboard, she claimed our stateroom, said it was her right as the owner’s daughter. I hope crew quarters are acceptable.” His face colored a tiny bit.
    Did the woman always get her way? Ever glanced inside. The cabin was similar to his, but without the personal touches: the desk less worn, blanket instead of coverlet, bare walls, and not a tintype to be seen. “I do not require finery. This is more than adequate. Thank you.”
    “If you need anything, I’m next door. Mahala’s across the way, and Zeke next to her.”
    Ever nodded and moved to the closet, swaying with the gentle motion of the airship. The brass hangers inside were fixed on the rod, and she buttoned the top of the blouse as she hung it up. When she stepped back, Spencer was still standing in the doorway. “Is there something else?”
    “Yes. Our conversation earlier interrupted my attempts to rectify your clothing situation—”
    “I am passable now, correct?” Ever waved a hand at the shirt.
    “Of course, I just thought you might want—”
    Zeke popped his head into the room. “There you are, Cap’n. Mahala says we crossed the border several miles back. We should be in Austin by morning.”
    “Austin?” Ever knew the people of Texas were wild, like the Badlands, but with men in charge they had little order or stability. South of the Badlands, their territory stretched east to the cursed Mississippi River, west to the ocean and south to Mexico. Her soldiers often traded with Texans during patrols and she’d learned enough about the geography to know the Dark Hawk ’s destination lay well within its borders. “Why so far south? We need to—”
    Spencer held up a hand to silence her and she crossed her arms, glowering at him while she waited. “Thank you, Zeke. Tell Mahala if she sets us a course, I can take over the helm so she can rest.”
    Zeke nodded, favored Ever with a smile and disappeared back into the corridor.
    Stepping to the door, Captain Pierce eased it shut. “We’re going to Austin because a straight shot to the north puts us over too much Badlands territory. Another air battle isn’t on my list of things to do. Besides, Zeke’s family lives there. We can unload and make better speed. I’m trying to keep your secret, Ever, but if you make a habit of questioning my decisions in front of the crew, it’s going to be hard.” He rubbed a hand across his brow with a weary sigh. “You need to get some rest. We’ll outfit you better in Austin. I have some favors I can call in.”
    His words were like a slap in the face. She was doing as much to risk the princess as anyone with the way she hounded him. As the captain laid his hand on the door, Ever stopped him with a word. “Apologies, Captain. I am accustomed to making decisions, not being unaware of them. Please forgive me.”
    The nod he gave was the barest of movements. “Get some sleep.” He pushed the door open and left her alone.
    She stood, staring at the door for several minutes before she accepted that he wouldn’t return. Her fingers tore at the