“You refused to let us board,” Will said, opting for a calmer approach, removing his socks and cravat as he slid down heavily onto the deck. Calstone dropped next to him.
“Crazy bastards,” the captain muttered.
Will took a moment to regain his composure. His muscles ached and his bones were chilled, but none of that mattered. He tilted his head up to the captain. “Where is she?”
The captain snorted. “So eager to find your little bird. You’re not going anywhere before we have a talk.” He motioned to a rough-looking, red-haired sailor. “Find them dry clothes.”
The man nodded and disappeared from the deck.
“Shouldn’t you order him to put down anchor?” Calstone asked between heaves.
The captain laughed. Dry. Without any humor. “I’ve never turned a ship back in my life. I won’t start today. Welcome aboardThe Royal Oak,” his mustache quirked upward, “mylords. Destination: Charleston.”
Damn it.
Not an ideal circumstance. But not one Will would complain over. Not while they were both on the same ship.
Calstone, however, didn’t give up. “We’re not that far from the docks yet. Lower us on a boat and send us back.”
“You mean that I should spare my resources to escort you back?” The captain crossed his arms. “You’re on my ship now. Where I travel, you travel.”
Will glanced at his friend. “Why did you follow me?”
Calstone tossed a sock aside. “And miss the fireworks? You are jesting, are you not? Besides, I have nothing better to do anyway.”
The sailor returned and hurled them each a bundle of clothes.
The captain shot them a scowl. “Get dressed and meet me up in my cabin.”
“There are no socks,” Calstone said while ruffling through the items.
Will gripped his friend’s shoulder and nodded at the captain. “Just get dressed,” he hissed from the corner of his mouth, “before I toss you back into the sea.”
Calstone grunted, and they hurriedly changed clothes. Seven minutes later, they were all seated in the captain’s cabin, the man stroking his beard while regarding them with a thoughtful, yet distrustful scrutiny.
“I expect triple the fare for your antics.”
Will inclined his head.
Calstone snorted. “You expect triple the fare, but you didn’t even hand us a pair of socks. Shoes, I understand. You don’t know our size—”
“Blake.” Leeds shot a warning look at his friend.
“Fine. I shall wiggle my toes for warmth.”
The captain ignored him. “I won’t have you disturbing my passengers.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Will said. He only wanted to disturb one.
“That includes the woman you are here for.”
Will scowled. “She is my betrothed.”
“But she is my passenger.” The captain leaned forward in his chair. “I’ll tell you straight so that there are no misunderstandings while you are aboard my ship. Do not bother my passengers if they don’t wish to be bothered. Bothering one guest bothers the rest. I won’t have my ship’s reputation tarnished because of a lovers’ tiff, titled or not.”
Will could practically feel the disdain dripping from the man’s voice. “We don’t plan on making trouble.”
“We are your passengers, too,” Calstone spoke up.
