The Duchess (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  - The cut wasn't deep. - she said without looking at me. - I'll put in a herbal preparation to stop the bleeding and not get infected.

  She threw the cloth into the bowl and, taking a small glass containing a green cream, put two fingers inside bringing a generous portion. Annabel took it to my forehead and began to spread the mixture.

  - How do you know that'll cure the cut? - I asked closing my eyes.

  - My paternal grandmother was a healer and knew everything about herbs. Plant, harvest and prepare. All in the right measure, for everything that heals...

  - It kills too!

  Annabel sighed.

  - Yeah. - She whispered. - What she couldn't teach us, she wrote down. Everything was taught about absolute secrecy. Aideen has more talent with herbs than I do.

  - Why did your grandparents decide to hide their knowledge? - I asked, keeping my eyes closed.

  - Because of our mother! - she fired. - Ravenna didn't approve of any of us using guns or dealing with household chores. She said that this was work for the servants and that it was not graceful, a lady carrying a gun, but she always had a small beast and a dagger in her hand.

  She took a break to get the cloth.

  - Aila was the only one who was allowed to go out alone, so she spent more time with our grandparents, since she lived by running away to their house. - she shook her head making a face. - I think my mother thought she might be attacked by wolves and die. Aila had an immense talent for saying what she thought and challenging Ravenna.

  - Just like you? - I fired without thinking.

  Annabel sighed and threw a crooked smile. She took the sheet off, and then I lifted my shirt up. I felt something cold against my skin and shrunk my stomach immediately. She started rubbing that cream on top of the wound and soon I started to feel a little numbness. She laughed at my face and kept going.

  - I think I inherited some of my sister's attitudes after she left. - Annabel shrugged. - I took responsibility for protecting Aideen in her absence, so I continued the training she had started. I wanted to be prepared in case...

  Annabel paused and then picked up the glass and sealed it off.

  - You better get some rest! - she said getting out of bed. - I brought another bowl of soup in case you're hungry, and a jug of water. I suggest you drink it so you don't have a fever. Contrary to what you think, I'm an excellent cook.

  Annabel took the basin and walked to the door.

  - I promise to keep quiet from now on, since my opinions displease you. I'll be back in a moment, but if you need anything, just shout my name. I think you know what it is.

  So she left the room again. I sighed with relief, for the throbbing on my forehead was already beginning to diminish. Looking at the bowl, I made a face, but I took it anyway. My stomach snored, despite the nausea that came and went. That soup couldn't be as bad as I thought. I took the spoon to my mouth to make sure it wasn't really bad. On the contrary, it was delicious. Actually, I've never eaten anything as good as that before. As I devoured that soup, I wondered how unfair it had been to Annabel. Soon the story of Aideen came to my mind and I decided to try to be a little friendly with her. After all, we would both be there indefinitely, because we didn't know when that blizzard would pass.

  After eating the soup, I decided to get some sleep and closed my eyes. Soon the image of Cora populated my dreams and I felt in paradise. This time she was not alone and I could get a glimpse of an angel with long curly hair, silver color. To my amazement, the angel had the same face as Annabel and she smiled at me. I woke up when I realized that I dreamt of Annabel in an involuntary way. Taking a deep breath, I looked around and noticed that she had not yet returned and that I had slept for a short time.

  - Damn it! - I whispered, went back to bed and laid my hands on my eyes. - What the hell was that?

  Tired to get an explanation, I closed my eyes again and this time I fell asleep without dreams. I just hoped it would be permanent and never dream of Annabel again. Unfortunately, we are not masters of our will, and later that same night, Annabel's angelic face populated my thoughts again, but in an unconventional way.

  Chapter 07

  Annabel

  A few days later...

  - Good morning! - said Bruce as soon as he saw me enter the room.

  - Good morning! - I answered dry.

  Bruce was standing, looking out the window. He could already move without feeling so much pain, but I was still trying at all costs to make him rest.

  - I brought you something to eat. - said by putting the tray on the table between the beds. - This will help increase your strength.

  He shook his head.

  - Who cooked it?

  - Oh, me! - ...I answered by putting everything away on the table. - It's been a great hobby.

  - I appreciate your attention, but I feel good already and I'd rather not risk it. - he answered.

  I suddenly stopped what I was doing to look at him with indignation in my eyes.

  - Are you refusing my food again?

  - Yes, I am!

  - For what reason?

  - Because you're trying to poison me!

  I frowned on that accusation and crossed my arms.

  - I don't understand. What makes you think I'm trying to poison him? If he wanted to kill him, it would have been easier to have let him drowned in his own blood instead of helping him recover.

  Bruce let out a cold laugh and approached me.

  - I know that you put something in the food, because every time I eat, I feel sleepy and end up falling into a deep sleep that doesn't let me remember anything when I wake up.

  - Why would I do that?

  - I don't know, but you look like those girls who take advantage of us when we sleep. - he said on an accusatory note. - I know, because I know one that...

  I didn't let him finish his sentence and by the time I saw him I was slapping him.

  - Why'd you do that? - he asked between his teeth. - Don't you know you shouldn't hit a man in the face?

  - You have offended me once again as you have done since we met. - I responded dryly by taking a step back. Bruce's gaze was full of anger and made me feel vulnerable. - He's an ungrateful, arrogant and rude man!

  - And you're a witch! - ...he fired and kept coming at me. - She asks me not to judge her because she is the daughter of a treacherous snake, but she is as self-interested as she is. What do you do when I'm asleep?

  My breathing accelerated when I understood your observations.

  - I hope you're not implying what I think you are! - he said between his teeth. - I won't let you offend me any more than you have already. I warn you, I might kill him!

  - Yes, I am! - he said laughing. - I'm the king's cousin, a very rich duke...

  He slowly said every sentence.

  - Wasn't it Ravenna's plan to marry her to a duke?

  - You bastard! - I screamed.

  The snap of my fist on Bruce's chin echoed through the room. The punch made my fingers snap and I shook my hand into a face of pain.

  - Nice punch! - he said laughing.

  - I wouldn't lie with you if you were the only man on the face of the earth! - I growled. - You're disgusting to think I'd take advantage of you this way or anyone else.

  Bruce let out a laugh like he took my words as a challenge. He ran his hand over his chin and then looked at me intensely.

  - Yeah, I doubt that very much! - he whispered. - You know, and I can even prove my theory!

  - You're bluffing!

  - Is it?

  There was no way to run or get rid of me when Bruce closed the gap between us and grabbed my throat with one of his hands.

  - Let go of me! - I growled with a suffocated voice.

  - No! - he fired, making clear his intentions.

  I tried to dodge myself as he pushed me until I leaned my back against a cold wall. Then, as one of his hands held my throat tightly, the other grabbed the base of my neck tightly and his mouth covered mine in a
furious kiss. I grabbed his wrist tightly, sticking my nails in his skin, but the more I struggled, the deeper he got the kiss. I felt helpless for the first time in my life, but instead of being afraid or desperate, I found myself wanting more. That's when I realized I was returning the kiss. My hands released Bruce's wrists and tied his neck bringing him closer. He loosened my throat and tied my waist. Even though I was covered in metres of fabric, I could feel the warmth of his chest skin against mine. Bruce's beard rubbed against the skin of my face causing chills all over my body. I could feel the size of your erection against my belly. My heart was racing and I felt a cold go through my stomach and twitch my bowels. I've never felt anything like it before. Suddenly our disagreements and picky points had been left aside and I forgot why we were arguing.

  Bruce inserted his tongue into my mouth making the kiss even more voracious. I moaned when he squeezed my body against his. But in the same explosive way as it all began, Bruce interrupted the kiss. He leaned his forehead against mine and breathed breathlessly. I kept my eyes closed fearing that it was a dream, until it really became a nightmare.

  - What a beautiful liar you are! - he whispered with a cynical smile on his lips. - No woman has ever resisted me. I knew it wouldn't be any different with you.

  It took him a few seconds to realize that Bruce had kissed me out of pure whim. That had been my first kiss and I felt horrible inside when I realized that even though I had been with Bruce, I had enjoyed it. I swallowed the urge to cry and pushed Bruce so I could walk away. Lowering my head I went towards the table, where I began to collect the things I had brought.

  - Valerian! - I said in a low voice.

  - What's that? What's that? - he asked confused.

  - I put valerian in your food to keep you asleep. You've been feeling a lot of pain and evil for quiet. - I explained by walking to the door. - I was afraid that I would fall again because of some vertigo and, as I realized he was a strong man, I decided to give him Valerian so that he could let his body rest. It's a calming herb, not poison.

  I stopped at the door on my back for a few seconds and stared at Bruce.

  - You know, that was my first kiss and you blew it with your rude manners, so I hope you die! - said taking a break. - I'll ask Abby to bring your food, by the way, she'll cook for you from now on.

  - Annabel, I...

  - Good luck with your recovery!

  Turning again, I walked out and pulled the door with my feet until I heard it knock. I walked down the hallway, past the stairs and smiling at people as if nothing had happened. I was torn to pieces by the fact that my mother had made me the image of a messaline. I touched my lips as I stared at a mirror that was in the hallway. They were red and swollen. My face burned as if I'd been too close to the fire. I smiled when I remembered Bruce's words before he kissed me. He wanted to test me, but ended up proving that he liked it too. You knew that because of your erection. If he hadn't stopped, maybe he would have possessed me. That thought made it creep through my body. The fact that Bruce had felt as affected as I did brought me a certain amount of encouragement.

  - Miss MacBride! - said Professor Kaiser when he passed me in the hallway. - Is everything okay? Do you need help?

  Kaiser was a very nice and helpful man. We had stayed friends a few nights ago, when I decided to sit on the clothesline and watch the movement on the street. He sat next to me and we talked for hours. Kaiser had told us that he was a teacher who taught daughters of lords how to read, but who had long since given up this profession and started teaching in the village for poor children. This had occurred after being rescued from an attack by some mercenaries. He was on the verge of death and wandered the road until he found the village. Abby and his aunt healed him and gave him shelter at the inn.

  - Thank you, but that's not necessary! - I answered smiling.

  - How's your friend? - he asked with a smile of sympathy.

  There was contact with the Kaiser about Bruce and our attack. He had been surprised and shocked at the same time to discover that the Black Knight was staying at the inn. You knew that information was supposed to be confidential, but what was wrong with saying that to a teacher?

  - He'll be fine. - I responded by faking enthusiasm. - It is recovering well, thanks to the valerian that I have ministered and other herbs that I use for dressing. Soon we'll be able to continue our journey.

  - That's good news. - he said stopping to open the kitchen door so I could get through. - I have to go now, because I'll be teaching at the church today.

  - Sure! - said settling down. - Have a nice day!

  - For the lady too!

  I sighed when I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms. The memory of Bruce's lips about mine took over my thoughts and I grunted, returning to occupy myself in order to try to forget. The day was slow, so was the week. Abby had agreed to take food to Bruce, which made it much easier for me to keep busy with the other guests at the inn, who were not many. Every time I had to go to him to cleanse and redo the bandage, I ignored Bruce and spoke only what was necessary. That was enough to piss him off, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to stay away from him and get out of that place as soon as possible.

  Bruce MacCalister was the kind of man I hated. Arrogant, self-centered, bossy. Like every Scotsman, he didn't hide his stubborn, brutal side. Every time I thought about that damn kiss, I remembered the sensation it had caused and caught myself sighing. It made me very angry because I thought I could feel something for that idiot.

  I looked at the children who were having fun in the snow, now not as intense as when we arrived. The blizzard will diminish greatly and now the snow will fall softly. The road to the border was still closed and some villages were isolated. It was the case of Sgurr, where we were a few hours ago from Dunhill. At the end of the day, instead of going to my room and staring at Bruce's grumpy face, I would sit on the balcony and read a book that I borrowed from the teacher. That distracts me until bedtime. When I walked into the room before I went to bed, I checked in on Bruce. He was like a bull. It didn't look like he was shot a few days ago.

  - Good night, Miss MacBride! - said Kai, the stable boy. - Tonight is colder than the last one.

  - Good night, Kai! - I answered smiling. - Yeah, that's right!

  - Do you need a coat? I can get one, if you want.

  - Thank you, Kai! I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm okay.

  - Would you like to come with me to the tavern?

  - I'm sorry, but I'm very tired. - said smiling. - I'd rather stay here and read a book.

  - All right! All right! Have a good night!

  - Thank you!

  Kai nodded before going to the tavern, where he spent his nights. He'd been a great friend, besides Abby. He had red hair and a freckled face. His eyes were as green as those of my sisters. It must have been sixteen. Every night he would invite me to the inn and he wouldn't get tired of hearing no answer. A noise scared me and I turned around in the chair to see what it was. I smiled when I saw Abby approaching.

  - He doesn't get tired, does he? - she said with an air of discouragement. - I wanted him to look at me the way he looks at you.

  - Don't be sad, Abby! - said by patting his hand. - If he still doesn't realize how special you are, he can only be a fool. Why don't you tell him how you feel?

  Abigail made a face sitting next to me. She had blond hair, full breasts and bright black eyes. She was a beautiful girl at the height of her youth.

  We met when she was only nine years old and was working in the Inverness kitchen with her mother. We've become good friends ever since. Our age difference was only five years and she taught me everything she learned from Tracy. She was the best cook in all of Inverness' fiefdom, so my mother loved her. Because of her health, she had to leave and ended up being expelled. It was a big surprise to discover that Tracy had managed to build a beautiful establishment amidst the road to Dunhill.

  - I'm scared, Annabel! - she said in a sad voice. - I couldn't star
t talking without stuttering. I'm sure I'd surprise you before you'd even say anything to Kai.

  I had a laugh. Abby was really very frightened and in the same proportion that she was exaggerated.

  - Abby, don't overdo it! You have your charms, just make him notice and Kai will fall in love with you. - I answered. - Since you can't talk, why don't you try to get his attention and let him take the first step?

  - I've tried that! - she said frustrated. - I've been in front of him in my best dresses, which aren't many. I even tried to make him jealous by dancing with his brother Karl at the last festival.

  She took a deep breath before resting her head on one of her hands that was on the arm of the bench we were sitting on. Abby was always playing charm for Kai, who was too blind or too foolish not to realize that she sighed for him every time he appeared in the kitchen.

  - I'm really unlucky or very shy.

  I let out a laugh and Abby made a face. There was a moment of silence and the children's laughter became loud. And Abby broke it when he began to speak of his work in the inn; how his uncle was dull and grouchy; and his cousin was very bossy. She wanted to get out of there, but she wouldn't know where to start.

  - I'm sorry about what happened between you and your mother! - she said. - Ravenna was never a very sensible woman.

  - Yeah, but this time she went beyond all possible and impossible limits.

  - I never imagined she could drag her into a marriage in exchange for benefits.

  - Actually, getting married was out of the question when she took me to Dunhill. I was really relieved by the choice Alistair had made.

  Abby looked at me incredulously. I kept going.

  - I know it was a selfish thought, but I really didn't want to marry a prince. Who'll say with a duke? - he said, lowering his head. - Men are despicable beings and I will certainly be treated like a ridiculous trophy.