The Captain's Lady Read Online Free Page B

in his mind, but it didn't feel right. He gave his head a quick shake and dismissed the thought, even though deep down, awareness of his duty as captain must come first.
    She was so innocent. Or was she? He mulled over the odd facts of her arrival. No, she was the one in need of protection. It was then that the deep-seated fury rose up within, consuming him with a sudden desire to find the guy who hurt her. God help the bastard when he did. He blew out the building anger in a sharp exhale, then forced his errant thoughts back to the ship and his immediate responsibilities.
    From the small pile on the left edge of the desk, he snapped up a report awaiting his approval. He flipped impatiently through the pages of information. Sighing in frustration, he threw it down while berating himself for allowing Abby to distract him. If this were one of the crew, he would take them to task and give a stern lecture on his responsibilities.
    Pushing himself out of the chair, Eric strode through the doorway without a second glance at the unattended reports, now scattered across the desk. He cursed under his breath. The only way to regain some sense of control was to get the answers he so desperately needed. With a determined stride, he silently dared anyone to get in his way.
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    Chapter Four
    Eric pushed open the sickbay door and strode inside, giving a silent nod of acknowledgement to the tall, lanky guard posted outside the door. He turned to walk over to Abby and froze at the sight of her nestled on her side in one of the bunks. She was propped up by pillows, one pushed up against her back, one between her knees, and another slightly elevating her right leg. Her right palm rested easily on the mattress. White tape covered the entire surface of her small hand, holding the plastic tube of the IV in place. In her sleep, she was the picture of innocence and peace.
    Gail Carruthers, 2nd class hospital corpsman, was on duty. There was an air of disdain about her and Eric found himself merely tolerating the young, arrogant corpsman. There was no acknowledgment for his authority as Captain. In fact, she looked right at him, bold and unflinching. He was almost certain there was a flicker of defiance in her rounded eyes. What is this, he couldn't help wondering as his intuitive nerves flickered a subtle warning.
    "Where's Lieutenant Saunders?"
    "He went to the wardroom; he'll be back at 1200."
    She turned her back on him, walking away as if dismissing his presence.
    "Excuse me, just what do you think you're doing?” He surprised himself by his own self-control.
    She merely turned her head as she shuffled through the records in the adjacent open cupboard. “I'm on duty and I need to currently update the medical records, maintain the accounts, and update the supply list for the upcoming shipment..."
    He cut her off in the rehearsed spiel. “Whoa, stop. I'm not interested in a detailed description of your duties here. You will not disrespect me. Did you sleep through the entire basic training and completely miss the concept of protocols and authority, and how to conduct yourself in the presence of your commanding officer?"
    Her mouth dropped open as a slight flush colored up her neck and cheeks. He studied the girl in her discomfiture with a honed icy censure that enabled him to see into the core of a man. He was aware it left many sailors subjected to it sweating and wishing he were anywhere instead of at the receiving end of this torment.
    "Oh yes, sir, I am aware. I apologize, I'm sorry...” He held up the flat of his hand to stop her rambling. He crossed his arms as an odd sensation rekindled a vague memory of a disturbing rumor about her, but right at this moment, he was unable to conjure it up. “How's Miss Carlton?” He gestured at Abby with a subtle tilt of his head.
    "Her vitals are stable, sir."
    God, where had she gotten such a piercing voice? And why hadn't he noticed it before? He winced as Abby