The Duchess (MacBride Sisters Trilogy Book 2)

by Kira Freitas

  - Thank you! Thank you!

  - Take good care of her and be sure to keep me posted.

  Bruce nodded and frowned. What the hell kind of cabin was that? How did he know Alastor? Where did Bruce come from if I didn't see him anywhere? Those were some of the questions that I asked myself and I wanted him to answer, but I was too tired to think.

  When Bruce opened the door, I held my breath in surprise. The cabin was small, but comfortable and airy. There was a fireplace in front of a bed made of hay and sheepskin. There was also a table in the center and Bruce sat me down on it starting to untie my wrists. He kept quiet while I did that and the silence bothered me.

  - You're not gonna say anything? - I asked him weirdly how he didn't fight with me.

  - If you want to know if I'm angry, yes, I am. - he answered without taking his eyes off what he was doing. - Still, I can't blame her after everything she's been through.

  Surprise, I frowned and shivered from the cold. Bruce rubbed his hands on my arms and finished taking the rope off. He grunted when he saw that the fine mark caused by the ropes on one of my wrists...

  - Those damn animals! - he yelled, carrying my wrist to his lips and kissing. The gesture made my blood circulate faster and my skin shiver. I held my breath. - I kept hoping they weren't who I thought they were, but I was wrong and it took too long to act.

  - I knew you were in the tavern, I just couldn't see you. - I fired without thinking.

  - I was in the opposite corner of the bar, in the dark, sitting in a chair. - he responded by leaning one hand on each side of my thighs on the table. - From there, I had the perfect vision of everything and everyone.

  - All of them?

  - All of them! - he whispered making me choke.

  He smiled sexy. Her hair was stuck to her forehead and her face was very close to mine. The black shirt that he wore was with the ribbons at chest height, untied and that gave me a beautiful glimpse. There was a knock on the door and he went to answer it.

  - Captain, my father sent this for the landlady to feed and some clothes to warm them. - said a child's voice, and I figured it was Alastor's son.

  - Thank you, Eric! - He said taking the stuff and bringing it to the table. - I was coming back from the patrol when I saw her entering the tavern and I decided to go after you in case you got into trouble.

  Bruce said by folding his arms and stopping in front of me. Putting one hand on his chin, Bruce looked at me for a few seconds.

  - What makes you think you have an unrequited love? - he asked.

  I opened my eyes and knew that my cheeks were red, because I felt a heat rising up to my face.

  - Did you hear what I said?

  - Yeah, and I didn't like seeing her take a chance on my account.

  - You're very presumptuous, you know that? - I asked indignantly. - I wasn't risking myself because of you, I just wanted to have fun and forget that you just want me as your lover, you stupid fool!

  As soon as I finished speaking and Bruce's lips covered mine in a voracious kiss that made me even more dizzy. His hands held my throat tight and I put mine around his wide wrists.

  - I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - he said panting away. - That seems to be the only way to make her stop talking nonsense or stop offending me. I've been struggling with an uncontrollable desire that lights me up every time I look. That wish scared me because I didn't know what to do. I've never felt anything as strong as I feel for you, Annabel.

  Bruce's voice came out loud and dragged. He leaned his forehead against mine and closed his eyes.

  - When I said that I am not a man to seduce and leave a woman for pure pleasure, I was not lying. I never wanted to join a woman for sheer convenience and I always made a point of postponing it as long as I could.

  - I don't understand! Is that an apology for possessing me?

  - Yes and no! - he took a break. - You really seduced me that night, but it wasn't your fault. I had wanted her since I found her in the forest that day, when I came to Alistair's wedding. I just didn't know it until the day I kissed her at the inn.

  I smiled when I remembered that day and turned my eyes.

  - You knocked me off my horse, Bruce!

  - I know that, but in my defense, I thought you were a bandit. - he said shrugging his shoulders. - In the end I was right, because you stole my heart and soul. They belong to you and only to you!

  Sniffling, I closed my eyes tightly.

  - How much Adelaide?

  - What about her?

  - Are you going to marry her or have you forgotten that?

  Bruce breathed a long sigh.

  - I will not marry Adelaide!

  - No?

  - No. Bruce whispered. - That's why she attacked her over dinner and this morning.

  - I don't understand! - I whispered with a frown. - Didn't you have a deal saying you should face her?

  He smiled on the side.

  - How do you know about the deal?

  - Vassals! - I answered with sarcasm. - They hear everything we say in the corners. I think we should just whisper.

  - Is that an invitation? Because you know I can make you not just whisper.

  A shiver ran through my spine making my blood pulse. In fact, it wasn't the only thing that pulsed. Realizing my annoyance, Bruce smiled, then became serious again.

  - The deal was made by my father with Ector. It wasn't a word I said, so I can pretty much override it if I want to. - he took a break. - I have chosen to annul because not only do I need to repair your honor, but I wish to do so.

  - Bruce, don't...

  - I love you! I love you! - he whispered.

  I held my breath when he kissed me. I couldn't think of kissing Bruce with the same ferocity. We were like a sea of storms. He squeezed me against his arms and I heard a groan when I squeezed his neck. My body was on fire and I felt that the fire would consume me at any moment. Bruce lifted me up in his arms and put me to bed. He smiled before he kissed my lap and started loosening the bodice loops. Holding the bar on his shirt, I pulled it over his head and threw it on the floor. Knocking Bruce down on his back on the bed, I rode on him and smiled.

  - What are you doing? What are you doing?

  - I'm sorry, but I've been accused of being a seductive witch. - said whispering. - Time to prove that theory.

  Bruce held his breath when I kissed him. He grabbed my hair and tried to get me off it, but I stopped him. He grunted when I ran my hand over his chest and abdomen. I went down a little to his legs, opened his pants and touched his limb. He closed his eyes tightly and held his breath. Bruce was tough and tough when I started to touch him. Raising my skirt, I rode on his limb slowly. He held my breath and held my thighs tightly. I started riding him slowly and leaned over to kiss him. He gasped as he squeezed the wall of my vagina. When I began to feel that sensation that looked like it would explode, Bruce held my arms and turned us around. He started stocking up fast, making me scream. He stifled my screams with his mouth and kept stocking. Soon we came to ecstasy, together and fell exhausted.

  - Will you marry me?

  Tears came to my eyes and I nodded.

  - I'll take it!

  Chapter 16

  Bruce

  Annabel leaned her head against my chest as we rode back to the castle. She was tired of the events the night before. She had spent the night having countless nightmares and waking up all the time. As far as I could tell, the nightmares were with the time of his childhood, going through the rape of Aideen and the death of his sister Aila. Although the situation was tense, I had the opportunity and the pleasure of having her in my arms until dawn this time. We made love one more time after she accepted my proposal. Annabel was able to awaken in me something I had never experienced before. It was great sleeping with her in my arms and being able to protect her. Now I had to keep my promise and honor it with my word.

  - Are you all right?" asked Aideen as soon as we entered the courtyard. - I've been worried all night! Where were y
ou? Why did they disappear?

  - I'm sorry, Your Majesty! - said he took Annabel's waist to help her disassemble. - I saw Annabel wandering along the riverbank and she confessed that she would like a little fun. I took her to the tavern, where everything was going very well, until we were attacked by some mercenaries.

  - Oh! God! - she exclaimed scared and hugged Annabel. - You're both okay? What was that absurd idea of going to a tavern?

  - Calm down, Aideen! - said Alistair approaching. - I'm sure Bruce has some explaining to do about that attack.

  - We're fine, but the mercenaries who were chasing her, unfortunately, aren't breathing. - I answered by folding my arms. - As for going to the inn, I didn't think there were enough dumb men to come here after her, knowing that I was on watch.

  Alistair laughed and Aideen shook her head from side to side.

  - Believe me, the village is safe, but I ask you both not to go beyond the forest at the entrance to the bridge. - I did. Annabel made mention of blinking, but I cut her off. - Don't think it's to keep you prisoner, but until I find out how these men are getting past the border guards, I think it's better not to take any more risks.

  - But... Annabel tried to argue and I approached her.

  - No more! - I whispered with a smile. - I want to die of old age by your side and not trying to get you out of one mess after another. Please try to do as I say, just for now. Are you all right?

  Annabel closed her eyes and knew at the time she was counting to ten. Then she opened them up and stared at me with her ironic smile.

  - All right! All right! - she finally said and hugged me. - Only if you promise to die of old age.

  I smiled kissing the top of his head and walked away.

  - I promise! I promise! Now, why don't you come in and get some rest? - I did. - I have business with my cousin, and I think it's taken me most of the day. I don't want to disturb you.

  - All right! All right! - Annabel nodded. - Can we talk later, then?

  - Maybe, if you're not tired!

  Annabel smiled, settled down and, standing on tiptoe, gave me a kiss on the cheek. The gentle gesture made my whole body shiver and I pulled her into a kiss. Aideen looked at me from her sister and smiled. His face was confusing, but ecstatic. I was sure we didn't go unnoticed, not even by my cousin who looked at me from the side.

  Following my advice, Annabel grabbed her sister's arm and they both went into the castle.

  - So, did you guys get it right? - Alistair asked.

  - Yeah. - I said smiling. - I asked her to marry me and Annabel said yes.

  - My congratulations! - he said hello to me. - Annabel's a good girl. You combine and deserve to be happy.

  - Thank you! Thank you! - I sighed. - Now I need your help to send Adelaide away. You know she won't give up until she can marry me.

  - And how do I know! - he responded by turning his eyes. - I'll talk to Ector to have you leave this afternoon.

  - Thank you! Thank you!

  - Now, tell me this story about finding her by the lake. - he said sarcastically. - You know that didn't collide with Aideen.

  - You don't believe me?

  He rolled his eyes and I sighed laughing.

  - It's okay! It's okay! I couldn't find her on the edge of the lake. Actually, I was on my way back from rounds when I saw Annabel entering the tavern. - I explained. - I decided to go in just to keep her safe. When I settled in a remote corner, I saw the group of men and thought of dragging it out. I thought it might get their attention, since I didn't know why they were there. I decided to stay away, just watching. She was having fun and there didn't seem to be any danger. I'd let her have some beer mugs and then convince her to come to the castle.

  - You let Annabel drink beer?

  - Yes! Why not?

  - Because it's not a drink you give a lady.

  - Like you don't know your sister-in-law. - I said sarcastically.

  - I really don't! - he fired ironically. - You, on the other hand, seem to know her very well, I suppose.

  I had a laugh.

  - Yes, my dear, and I'll tell you there's still a lot to unravel.

  - I suppose you're willing to spend eternity doing that?

  - Certainly!

  Again, he laughed and leaned against the wall next to me. Alistair shook his head from side to side and smiled in a debauched way.

  - Bruce MacCalister, the Black Knight, falling in love. That even sounds funny. - he said hitting me on the shoulder. - Welcome to the club, cousin! I know what it feels like and I respect your decision. He was always a man of character and very honorable.

  - With the fathers and mothers I've had, it wouldn't be too hard to be.

  Alistair nodded and then hugged me.

  After spending the afternoon trying to convince Adelaide that she should leave as soon as possible before Dunhill, I managed to get her to agree to leave the next day. That would be a long night, because we would still have Adelaide's presence in the castle. We had to talk to Aideen about marrying Annabel.

  - Are you busy? - he said by putting his head in the groove of the library door.

  - No. - She said smiling. - Come in, please!

  Coming in, I closed the door and sat on the armchair in front of her.

  - I believe Annabel talked to you about what happened. - I started. - I would like to say that I am deeply ashamed of what I have done and said to her. I want to make it very clear that I love your sister and nothing would make me happier if you blessed our marriage.

  Aideen smiled at me tenderly. She was getting prettier every day because of her pregnancy.

  - Bruce, from the short time I've known him, I realized that he's a man of integrity and Alistair assured me that he would do what was right. My fear was that I was going against Annabel's will, but knowing that Annabel also loves you and that they are in full agreement... - she took a break. - Of course I give them my blessing! I'm happy for your union with my sister and for not having to have him killed.

  I let out a laugh and got up going to her.

  - You don't exist, you know that? - said hugging Aideen. - I promise I'll make her the happiest woman in the world.

  - It's really good! - she laughed. - Annabel is much better than me with a knife.

  I let out another laugh and said goodbye to Aideen. I breathed a sigh of relief on account of the news. There was only one thing I wanted at that moment. Only a few walls and doors separated us. Without thinking about it, I ran out, headed for the lobby. I climbed the stairs every two steps and only stopped when I arrived in front of the door to Annabel's quarters. I knocked hard, so urgent was the need to see her. It was just before nightfall and I knew I would see her at dinner, but I really wanted a kiss from that cheeky mouth and couldn't wait another second. Annabel opened the door and smiled when she saw me.

  - Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

  That's all she could say, because, without thinking, I tied her waist and took her lips in a sweeping kiss.

  Chapter 17

  Annabel

  - Hello! Bruce whispered as soon as he let me go. He was as breathless as I was.

  - May I ask what's gotten into you?

  Bruce smiled at me and took a deep breath.

  - I'm sorry! - he whispered to me and pulled me back. - I'm so happy I couldn't help myself.

  - So Adelaide agreed that we're getting married and decided to leave? - I asked by raising my head to face him.

  - Yes, but we'll have to wait until tomorrow, but that's not why I'm happy.

  - Why, then?

  - Aideen blessed our marriage and said she's very happy.

  - I know that! I talked to my sister earlier today and told her everything that happened. - I paused to laugh. - You guys tricked me right into hiding that you wouldn't marry Adelaide anymore.

  - I'm sorry, but I wanted to talk to you, but you never gave me the chance. - I turned my eyes and shook my head. - I was adamant the moment Ector exposed the contract to me.

>   - He was very angry.

  - Yeah, but it was Adelaide who worried me. She'd been planning it ever since she heard about the appointment.

  - I can imagine! - ...I retracted myself and I folded my arms...

  I knew what Adelaide was going through, but unlike her, I never planned to get married one day. To be honest, I've always thanked you for never having chosen anyone until now.

  - Well! Let's just forget about it, because there's no point in rowing!

  Bruce whispered to me and hugged me from behind. I sighed when your breath found the skin on my neck and gave me the creeps. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against his chest and held tightly to his arms around my waist. Turning to face it, I smiled. Slowly I began to loosen the ties that closed the shirt on his chest. Bruce gasped, but did nothing to stop me from continuing. He just smiled.

  - Annabel, behave! - he whispered closing his eyes.

  - What if I don't behave? - I challenged.

  Bruce laughed holding still as I untied knot after knot, sometimes bumping into the skin of his chest that was revealing itself. Smile naughtily and he arched his eyebrow. He was having fun with my cheeky way.

  - Oh, God! Oh, God! What do I do with you? - he whispered when I had finished untightening the room of the five loops in his white shirt.

  - If you don't know, I can show you! - I debated.

  Bruce brought me closer and kissed me in the voracious way that only he knew how to do. One of my hands coiled my waist by squeezing me against his body. I took my hands to his hair and groaned when Bruce's tongue invaded my mouth. He kissed me with urgency, as if our time was at an end and we were going to die at any moment. He turned us around and in seconds I was up against the wall, leaning against the cold stones, which were not enough to placate the fire that consumed my bowels. A knock on the door interrupted our moment and at great cost Bruce walked away from me. I grunted in a frustrated way and he let out a laugh.

  - Come in! - said staring at him with an unhappy look.

  A maid entered the room. She was wearing several dresses in her arms and turned red as she stared at us.

  - I'm so sorry! - she said embarrassed. - The queen asked me to come and help her get ready for dinner. I can come back later if you're bothering me.