Call of the Wild Wind (Waterloo Heroes Book 2) by Sabrina York Read Free Book Online Page B

criminal. That’s what it was.
    Beyond that, what on earth had she been thinking? How had she imagined such a disguise would work? What man with red blood in his veins would not see her for what she was?
    Blinding rage and some scalding hint of fear for her welfare rocked him.
    The woman was a menace.
    She needed a keeper.
    Hell, she needed a spanking.
    A lesson, at the very least.
    And he was the man to give it to her.
     
    Britannia shook with relief at the sight of Charles charging toward them on his beautiful grey. But once he had chased off their assailant, it was quickly replaced with trepidation. Should he recognize her, he would immediately send her home. She was certain of it.
    She pulled her hat down over her face and tried to position herself behind the convenient bulk of Mr. Cole-Winston. Fortunately, Charles’ attention was stolen by the thanks of the men as they all hurried to re-don their clothing.
    She eased herself toward the coach, thinking to slip in before he noticed her. To her horror, he stepped in front of her and put his hands on her shoulders. She flinched at the touch.
    “Are you all right, boy?” he asked.
    Keeping her head down, she nodded.
    “These are dangerous times.”
    He seemed to expect a response, so she nodded again.
    “You seem young to be traveling alone.”
    Oh, bother. Why didn’t he go and talk to someone else? “Not so young,” she said in a low voice, one she was certain did not sound like herself at all.
    “How old are you, lad?”
    Oh bloody hell. How old would a boy of her size be? She hardly knew. “Old enough.”
    “Hmm.” His gaze seemed to burn through her and, against her best intentions, she glanced at him. To her relief, there was no flare of recognition in his eyes. “And where are you heading, may I ask?”
    She thrust a thumb up the road. “North.”
    “How far?”
    “Um, Scotland.”
    “Ah. Excellent. I myself am heading to Wick, and I find myself in need to a valet on this journey. I can offer you safe passage for your services. Ah. Here is my carriage now.”
    Britannia glanced at the equipage that rolled up. A coach and four. And quite luxurious looking as well.
    Safe passage would be wonderful, but Britannia knew if she agreed to travel with Charles, he would, at some point, recognize her. If she could keep him from doing so long enough, perhaps he would be inclined to escort her all the way to Wick.
    “Have you ever acted as a valet before?”
    She peeped at him again and shook her head.
    “There is little to it. Brushing out my clothes, tying my cravat, arranging for my meals and such.” His offer was casual, relaxed and friendly. And frankly, the more she thought about it, the more attractive it was.
    For one thing, his carriage probably did not smell of man sweat. It probably would not lurch wildly with every bump in the road. He would probably stop for longer than a few minutes at a time.
    She would love a night’s sleep in a comfortable bed and a real meal.
    “Well?” he asked.
    And she had to nod. She had to agree. It might be the most foolish decision she’d ever made, but if she could maintain her disguise, it was, undoubtedly, her best choice. Clearly the mail coach was not as safe as she’d thought.
    “Excellent. Shall we?” He gestured to his coach and, with a deep breath, she preceded him. The coach was well-appointed and lavish. The seats were thickly cushioned and covered in felt and the windows had curtains. The interior was marked with luxurious burled wood siding that had been shined to a high gloss and yes, indeed, it smelled like beeswax.
    To her surprise, he did not join her in the coach. Rather, he touched the brim of his hat to her and mounted his grey once more. He sketched a farewell to the men he’d saved, who were collecting their things and climbing aboard the mail coach, and he took off, with his carriage—and Britannia—following behind.
    Oh, this was an unexpected boon. For one thing, she did not have to