Davies, Corinne - Steam-Driven Seduction [Steampunked Lust 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Corinne Davies Read Free Book Online Page A

know what to do next.
    “I’m beginning to understand why you were so angry when you entered the room, Julien.”
    “I don’t think you understand half of what you think you do,” Kass shot back in defense. Miguel was a sly, observant man, but there was no way he was that good.
    “She needs a good spanking or better yet a flogging.” Miguel brushed off his arm as he settled back against the cushions.
    Kass flinched at that comment, and memories of the night she left Atlantis flooded back in a rush that left her nauseous. “I’ll put a bullet in anyone who attempts it.” She lifted her teacup and took a sip, trying hard to control the hammering of her heart. She’d left the saucer on the table in front of her. No point in giving away her true feelings by the sound of china rattling against itself.
    “I believe you were talking about Dubrova and why he wants Julien dead. If you weren’t his lover,” she directed at Julien and did her best to ignore Miguel for the moment, “what business were you in together?”
    “We’ve worked together to crush a few lines of human trafficking, but that’s all.”
    He’s lying to me. Kass knew that as sure as she knew that she would take the first opportunity to escape this place. Lying was a skill Julien had perfected, but she’d always seen through it. Which is why she’d run away that night two years ago. She couldn’t bear the thought that he would whip anyone so viciously. “If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I’m going to go freshen up and check on my crew.”
    “Your crew is fine, Kassandra.” Julien sat back in his chair, a glass of scotch in his hand. “You’re to stay on this level unless I accompany you.”
    “A prisoner once again I see.”
    “You were never a prisoner, Kassandra. Until I know I can trust you, then you will stay where I can keep an eye on you.”
    “Then we will be spending a great deal of time together,” she snapped as she got to her feet. “Mr. de La Vega, it was a pleasure meeting you. I wish you a safe journey on your travels.”
    Miguel had risen to his feet when she stood up. “I hope this is not the last we see of each other, Kass.” He walked over to her and lifted her hand to his lips. She froze, uncertain what he planned to do. Her palm tingled where he’d nipped it before, but this time he pressed a soft kiss to the backs of her knuckles. She felt slightly disappointed when he let her go. Then she berated herself for being foolish.
    She turned and jerked to a stop when she came face-to-face with Julien. He’d silently moved behind her while Miguel had kept her attention. “Dinner will be served at seven. Try not to get into trouble between now and then.”
    Kass inclined her head but refused to say anything. She stepped past him and out of the door. Once the door slid shut behind her, she took in a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She hadn’t realized how much their presence had affected her until she’d gained some space.
    “Try not to get into trouble…” She parroted Julien’s posh tone and warning, and she strode down the hallway. If he thought for one moment that she would remain on this level when her crew was somewhere else on the ship, he truly had gone insane.
    Relying on her memory, she navigated her way around a series of corridors until she found what she was looking for, the stairwell to the lower levels. Atlantis was set up like a labyrinth deliberately as a defense against invasion. Only a crew member with intimate knowledge of the layout could successfully navigate, and anyone else would easily lose their way around.
    Her hand was on the handle when she paused. This was too easy. He would expect her to defy him right away and head down there. She wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he had a guard on the other side of this door or one waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She could push the issue right now or bide her time. Her crew would be well taken care of. Julien was a