My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley Read Free Book Online Page B

flare for dramatics—he was quite the drama queen. “What happened to ‘I’m super spy Double-o-Trouble’?”
    The pale brows drew together and one aquamarine eye cracked open.
    “That was before I was forced to wear smothering clothes. This rains meteors, Hawk.” Trouble pushed himself off the floor and back onto the seat with a sigh. “These pants are so tight my balls are practically in my throat. Or rather they would be if this noose I have around my neck wasn’t restricting the space in there.” He pulled at the starched white cloth tucked into his collar again. “I don’t see why I have to wear this getup. I’m supposed to be a servant.”
    “You’re a valet. How can you be expected to dress me, if you can’t even dress yourself?”
    “I didn’t dress you. You dressed me.” He motioned to the cravat that Nate had tied into an intricate knot. “Why can’t I be the earl and you be my valet?”
    “Because an earl does not flop around on the floor and complain about his unmentionable anatomy being in his throat.”
    Trouble’s eyes widened. “Damn, Hawk, you sound like you have a stick up your ass.”
    Nate turned back toward the window, studying the vibrant green grassy slopes and trees, keeping Trouble from seeing his grin. “Lords don’t mention foreign objects up people’s arses either.”
    “Speaking of things up people’s asses—”
    “Trouble…” he warned. He had no idea what the pest was about to say, but it certainly wasn’t the kind of talk the imp should use. It wasn’t
    -44-

    My Fair Captain
    at all proper and he needed to be getting into character. Of course, it was Nate’s own fault because the kid had been raised around sailors for half his life.
    “Whaaat? I’m just saying… This is a gay society, right? So, does this mean I can find a boyfriend?”
    Nate groaned. “No, you may not. This is a job. You are supposed to be gathering information.” The thought of his son in possible danger wasn’t a pleasant one. It brought to mind the pest’s last escapade that nearly got him killed.
    A smile crept across the boyish face. “What if I have to get cozy with the enemy to get information?”
    “Now why do I have the feeling you will find yourself in just that sort of situation?”
    The pest shrugged and squirmed a little, pulling at his waistcoat.
    “Remember, you are the prestigious servant of an earl. We are not on holiday.”
    The red light over the hatch blinked, indicating an incoming transmission. Nate peeked out the window again and noticed they were approaching a large, ornate iron gate. Looking at Trouble, he pressed a finger to his lips and touched the intercom button.
    “Good afternoon, Lord Deverell,” a baritone male voice greeted as the gates swung open allowing them entry. “I’m Jeffers, the head butler.
    Welcome to Townsend Castle. Thomas, my assistant, will meet you at the front entrance.”
    “Thank you, Jeffers. Will you please send additional servants to help my valet with my belongings?”
    Trouble rolled his eyes.
    “Yes, milord.”
    “Thank you.” Nate frowned at his son. It was time to get serious. The sooner they figured out who stole those damned weapons and how, the sooner they could get back to the Lady Anna and stop living a farce. The intercom clicked off.
    -45-

    J.L. Langley
    Apparently, the pest had decided to behave and take on the role he was to play. He still wore a grimace and was stretching his neck strangely, compensating for the cravat, but he sat straighter and had composed himself.
    “Remember, when we stop, you will go through the side servants’
    entrance and stay either downstairs or in my room. Likely your own room will be a very small one connected to mine. Try to act proper, no cursing, watch your posture, and for Galaxy’s sake, stay out of trouble.”
    “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got i—”
    “Ahem.” Nate gave him an arched look.
    “I mean, yes, milord.” Trouble sighed. “I remember the lesson on proper