Touch of Steel: A Novel of the Clockwork Agents by Kate Cross Read Free Book Online Page B

Last time it took him seven years to find his way back. Claire Brooks works for the people responsible for that.”
    “She did work for them.”
    “You believe she’s turned traitor, then?”
    Dhanya nodded and took a sip of tea. “Huntley believes it, and I’m inclined to trust his judgment. He knows how to handle this woman, Alastair. You do not.”
    He snorted. “I’m no stranger to women like her.”
    “Precisely. The last one almost killed you. I’d hate for you to take any unresolved feelings you might have regarding that misfortune out on our prisoner.”
    “You think I’d abuse her?” He couldn’t keep the indignation from his voice. He’d kill her if necessary, but he would never make sport of her—or any other woman. “I may be an idiot, but I am not cruel, Dhanya.”
    “I would never suggest that you were. Only that . . . you’re not exactly an excellent judge of character when it comes to women.”
    Carefully, Alastair set his cup and saucer on the desk. He leaned back and linked his hands over his stomach. He put every ounce of will into presenting a calm façade rather than tell his superior exactly what she could do with her opinion of his ability to judge character.
    “Perhaps not, but I am an excellent friend. Lucas Grey no longer works in a professional capacity for this organization. He is entirely u Cis ut nsuitable for the task of guarding Brooks. I’ve volunteered my services. You do not have to accept them, but regardless, you will not
use
Luke.”
    Brows as black as raven wings lowered over her eyes. “You do not make those decisions, Lord Wolfred.”
    He leaned forward. “He’s a civilian. You have no dominion over him. Leave him alone, Dhanya.”
    “Or what?”
    “Or you’ll prove my judgment of women faulty indeed.”
    They stared at each other a moment, and then she laughed. There wasn’t much humor in it, but there was enough to make him relax. “Well played, my lord. You let me walk right into that.”
    He shrugged. “It would have been ungentlemanly of me to stand in your way. Are we agreed? Luke stays home, and I deal with Brooks?”
    “We are. If you wish to have the assignment, it’s yours. But have a care, my lord. If this goes badly, I will hold you responsible. I want the Doctor, Stanton Howard and Claire Brooks delivered to me alive and ready to divulge all their secrets. Am I understood?”
    “Perfectly.”
    “Good.” She took another sip of tea. “Now have something else to eat. You are far too thin.”

Chapter 4
     
    “Sweet hell! Are you trying to kill me?” Claire’s eyes watered as she glared at the woman hovering over her.
    Dr. Stone shot her a dry glance. “Luvie, if I wanted you dead, you would be already. I’m trying to help you, so be a good girl and stay still—and quiet.”
    Claire might have smiled or had a smart-ass remark in reply if the wound in her side didn’t hurt so damn much. “What is this for?” Two guards had “escorted” her to the hospital ward but hadn’t told her why she was going. She had assumed it was so Stone could check her wound, but now she wasn’t so certain that it wasn’t torture the good doctor had in mind.
    “It’s to help your body heal faster.” The other woman removed from Claire’s torn flesh the tip of what had to be the largest syringe ever made. It had to been buried at least two inches inside her.
    “I thought you gave me some of that already.”
    “This recipe is better.”
    “You mean it’s the stuff you give to your agents rather than your prisoners.”
    The doctor didn’t even bother trying to look contrite as she covered the raw tissue with a fresh bandage. “Exactly. My employer wants you well quickly, so it’s my job to ensure you are ready for duty.”
    “Aren’t you afraid I’ll escape and take this miracle serum of yours back to the Company?”
    Large dark eyes turned to meet hers. “No.”
    “You don’t think that’s a little naive?” No matter how much she