Read Online For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Free Book Online Page A

fierce glare of his own.
    “Both.” His twisted grin infuriated Malcolm, but he held his temper in check. Sailors like Mr. MacKinnon enjoyed throwing around their authority on the ships they sailed. Outnumbered and outranked, Malcolm would have to do his best to protect Lauren’s innocence by his wits.
    “Thanks for the warning.” Malcolm gave the sailor a nod. “What about the hammock? Where can I find it?”
    “Go toward the mizzenmast and follow the steps below. Take the hallway toward the back of the ship. The third door on the right will be a storage room with a crate of hammocks.” Mr. MacKinnon cut a skeptical glance at him. “Should I send a sailor with you? I doubt you have the proper tools to mount it.”
    “Nay.” Malcolm shook his head. The last thing he wanted was to encourage sailors to happen upon Lauren’s cabin. He would make do on his own. “I am a peasant Scotsman an’ used to making do.”
    “Suit yourself.” Mr. MacKinnon shrugged, his dark hat angled to the side of his head. “I have work to do.”
    Malcolm followed the directions Mr. MacKinnon had given. The lower compartment on the backside of the ship smelled of molded wood and rotten food. He sniffed, wondering if he should be worrying about their meals. He lit a lantern hanging on a hook and grabbed it. Flour sacks lined the corner so at least their bread would be fresh. Other stocked barrels lined the hallway as he came to the third door. Though not locked, it groaned and took a bit of muscle with Malcolm shoving a shoulder against the heavy wood. It gave way, stirring up a cloud of dust and a musty stench. He wrinkled his nose in distaste.
    A crate of coiled rope laid over another crate of hammocks hanging over the edges. Chests were stacked on one side with barrels on the other. Malcolm lifted the lid on one of the chests and found various tools inside. He sifted through them until he located something that would mount the hammock.
    He removed the crate of ropes and sorted through the hammocks. He tossed a number to the side that had holes and needed repairs. After he’d gone through a handful, he discovered one that would hold Lauren’s weight without putting her safety at risk. He righted the crates and put everything back.
    Malcolm hurried through the dark hall and climbed the steps. He set the lantern back on the peg by the steps where he found it. If he wanted to hang the hammock before Lauren and the other lasses returned to their cabin, he’d better hurry.

    Lauren stepped inside the cabin with her friends and paused. Hanging from the ceiling was a hammock. The thick, corded rope swayed with the movement of the ship. She exchanged glances with Deidra and Kathleen, wondering if she was to sleep in it. Tears stung her eyes. She blinked several times. Her throat muscles constricted in rebellion.
    “The ship is out of beds an’ I thought this would suffice.” She didn’t have to turn around to recognize Malcolm’s deep, masculine voice.
    Lauren closed her eyes, unable to meet his gaze just now. He already thought her a spoiled lass who had only known a good life of pampering. She would have to muster up enough strength to show that it didn’t matter—that sleeping in a hammock like a sailor didn’t bother her.
    “Ye do not have to sleep in that thing,” Deidra said. “We could share my bed.”
    “Nay, I do not want to be a burden.” Lauren wished her tone sounded more confident.
    “Ye’re not a burden,” Deidra said. “ ’Tisn’t proper for a genteel lady to sleep like that.” She pointed to the swaying hammock.
    “Lauren, may I speak with ye—alone?” Malcolm asked.
    “Can it not wait until the morning?” Lauren turned and gave him a weary look. Anger coursed through her. It took all her strength to crush it. I will not hate him.
    “Please, ’twill only take a few moments.” His gaze tugged at the edge of her heart. How could he look like both a bewildered lad and a handsome rogue who wanted to