The Englor Affair by J.L. Langley Read Free Book Online Page B

in this part of the building.”
    Nate came further into the room, peeking over Payton’s shoulder. “Have you found anything of interest?”
    He thought about mentioning that Hollister frequented the gym on base, but decided against it. Nate would never allow him to go there if he knew. “No, have you?”
    Shaking his head, Nate crossed the room and lifted the curtain, peering out. “No.
    Needless to say Colonel Hollister wasn’t very forthcoming with info. I did find out he doesn’t like to be referred to as Your Highness.”
    “Can’t say that I blame him. I’ve never been found of the address myself. Makes it seem like I think I’m better than everyone else.” He shrugged. He liked being a prince, he did. He loved Regelence and he was proud to represent it, but he couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to be born a commoner and not be under constant scrutiny. He hated people always staring at him. It made him feel self- conscious. He’d always reveled in the fact that he was a great deal more intelligent than most men, but www.samhainpublishing.com 39

    J.L. Langley
    would rather inspire lust than be sought after for his family connections. “What do you have planned for the evening?”
    Nate blinked. “Nothing, why?”
    “I thought if it was okay with you, I’d go to the gym. My brain could use the break.
    Besides, it might be a good place to pick up stuff. Hear the latest rumors.” That was the truth, if not the whole reason.
    Nate grinned. “Good thinking. They’re much more likely to talk to you than me.”

    ~ * ~

    Sitting on the bunk in his room, Payton put his running shoes and workout clothes in his duffle bag with a sense of dread. He swallowed hard and tried to shake the foreboding feeling. He was being ridiculous, but the thought of changing in front of anyone else had him terrified. It was just too weird, some habits died hard, not to mention his Cony would completely flip if he found out. Who was he kidding? Payton was self-conscious.
    Changing in front of others was strange and something he’d never be allowed to do at home.
    Zipping up the bag, he considered once again waiting until nighttime, when the gym would be mostly deserted. He knew it would clear out around seven, because he’d looked at the gym log.
    By going at five, he might pick up on some rumors that could help his and Nate’s investigation. At the very least, maybe he could pick up something about Hollister—
    whether Hollister was there or not—that would shed light on his motives for sending a spy to Regelence. So far, everyone seemed to adore the colonel. It was suspicious. No one with the power Hollister had could be that liked, could they?
    Payton stood, stretching out his neck and arms. Wiping his hands on his pants, he winced. He really didn’t want to do this. What if they laughed at him? It wasn’t just the changing clothes. What if he was so out of shape he couldn’t lift even the slightest weight? Maybe he’d wait to lift weights until no one was around—surely they had machines as well as free weights—so he wouldn’t need a spotter. He groaned, grabbed 40
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    The Englor Affair
    his coat off the back of the chair and put it on. Stop being stupid, Pay. No one will even care if you’re there, much less how much you can lift. Picking up the bag, he threw it over his shoulder and headed to the door.
    The wind blew against the door to the building housing the officer’s quarters, so he had to put his whole body into forcing it open. Galaxy, he could use some more upper-body strength. After squeezing through the door, he winced and snuggled down deeper into his coat.
    The chilly air whipped down the back of his neck as he turned the corner. The gym was located on the west side of his apartment, opposite where the offices and mess hall were. It was a bit of a trek but at least the wind was at his back.
    “Lieutenant, wait up.”
    Payton turned to see an Englor