Sometime later, the noise of the city woke her up. Horses, cattle, wagons and occasional gunfire were everywhere, creating a perfect chaos. Glancing up, she saw Anthony’s tired gaze land on her. “How’d you sleep?”
“Well, thank you.”
He nodded, and pulled the hat from his head, giving it back to her. “Shall I get on the other horse, so you have some room?”
“No, we are almost at our destination. You see that big building ahead? We’ll be stopping there.” The building looked to be two floors that were covered with massive windows that allowed a steady breeze. “I’ve used that hotel several times and know the owner very well. He’ll get us some supplies and make sure you have your privacy. I thought maybe we’d ask for rooms on the second floor, so you don’t have to worry.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Stopping in front of the building, Anthony dismounted the horse and stretched his legs. She saw the hesitation in his eyes as he started to help her down, and quickly drew back his hands. It was nice that he listened and tried to pay attention to what she wanted. “I could use the help this time. I’m quite sore from being in the saddle all night.”
The knowing look and tender smile made her feel infinitely better about asking for help. He very carefully lifted her under her arms, avoiding where her stitches were at. “I will need to check your stitches and see how you are healing.” Nodding, she followed him inside.
The hotel momentarily reminded her of the bordello from New Orleans. A brilliant chandelier hung from the ceiling along with painted murals behind the bar, but that is where it ended. Where in New Orleans, there were ladies everywhere waiting for their next turn, here, there were none. Simply a round settee for incoming guests and a few tables where men were playing faro.
“Antonio! You are back!” An older man came out, slapping him on the back and hugging him. Maggie watched with surprise as the two reacquainted, chatting and hugging each other again.
“Julio, this is Maggie,” he announced. His whole face alit with happiness. “Maggie, this is my eldest brother.”
“Oldest?”
“Brother?”
They called out at the same time. Maggie stared at Anthony and Julio, seeing the vague resemblance. Julio’s dark hair was streaking with grey and his eyes were heavily creased. The family must have laughed a lot as they grew. “How many brothers do you have?”
“Nine,” Julio answered, hugging Anthony again. “Mi madre stopped when this rascal came along.” he said ruffling his younger brother’s dark hair.
“She finally hit perfection! I’ve told you that before, old man,” Both laughed and hugged each other again. It was heartwarming, and Maggie felt a tear slip out of her eye. It must be something to be part of a family like this. In the orphanage, no one hugged like this. No one was happy to see you when you returned. This was missing from her childhood, her life so far. She felt a distinct yearning in the pit of her stomach wanting to be a part of such happiness someday. Wiping her eyes, she smiled at the two.
“Come, Maggie. Would you like some food? Are you hungry?” Glancing down, Julio saw her socked feet and rattled off something in another language towards Anthony that did not sound very pleasant.
“Don’t!” she interrupted. “He said he was buying me boots since I lost mine. Don’t scold him.”
“You speak Spanish?”
“No, but I didn’t have to know the words when you started in that tone after looking at my feet,” she admitted, blushing at having both men look at her in surprise. “Well, it’s true. I could tell that you were getting on to him.”
“Oh, I like this one!” Julio said, quickly pulling her into a hug. Maggie froze and stared at Anthony’s apologetic and shocked face. As fast as he hugged her, he released her and patted her on the back. “Come, come! Let’s get you two a room.”
“Two rooms.” Maggie and Anthony said simultaneously. Julio frowned and shook his head. “There is one large room with two beds or you can stay with me at my house. I can put the twins in the loft for the night. You’d probably get more rest here than at home. It’s tough with twelve children.”
“Bloody hell! Twelve?” she screeched indelicately and slapped a hand over her mouth. She was amazed at how many there must be in his family. Nine brothers, twelve children to just one of the brothers… there must be at least fifty to one hundred of them to the family! That just boggled her mind. She’d been given up and there had only been one of her. Twelve children!
Laughing, both brothers nodded and spoke rapidly in Spanish. Finally, Anthony was handed a key and pointed in the direction.
“Pequena, what size shoe do you wear and what measurements for your dress?” Julio asked politely.
“I really don’t know.” She’d never really been measured. They passed down clothing to each other as the girls outgrew them. She’d not had anything new before, even the gown she wore to the masquerade had been used.
“I will send someone to fetch several different dresses and you can try them on. It’s no trouble.”
“Thank you so much, Julio. You are too kind.”
“It’s what we do for familia, pequena,” he said happily. Maggie’s face fell as she realized that he had been misled by her introduction. Stunned, she didn’t even protest when Anthony took her hand without a word. As they climbed the stairs, she eventually pulled it free and looked away at his questioning glance.
Anthony opened the door and held it for Maggie. The room was simple but clean and well kept. A ceramic pitcher, just like the one she cracked over the man’s head in New Orleans, sat on a small dresser in the corner. Two full size beds sat beside each other and a large screen stood in the corner. As if he could read her mind, Anthony grabbed the screen and put it between the two beds. “Take whichever you choose,” he said, pointing at the two beds.
“It doesn’t matter to me.”
“I’m thinking it does,” he countered with a frustrated glance, raking his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry Julio hugged you. I know you hate being touched. He didn’t know.”
“I know he didn’t. It’s not that I hate it,” she began, nervously.
“Oh? It’s just me then?” Anthony retorted softly, dismayed. Maggie stared at him, completely surprised. He had claimed they would be friends, and she took him at his word. He never hinted or implied that he was interested in her. In fact, thinking back over how she acted the last few days, she was shocked he found her attractive at all. He stood and moved towards the door of the room. He looked intent on leaving and she couldn’t have that wall between them. She didn’t understand why, but this man had coaxed her back to who she felt she was months ago.
“Anthony,” she whispered. She saw the surprise and hesitation on his face, knowing she’d made the right decision. “I think it’s time we had the rest of that conversation.”
“You know, that’s the first time you’ve ever called me by my given name?”
“I’m sor-”
“Don’t apologize, don’t ever. I like hearing you say my name,” he breathed, stepping close to her. She stared up at his fathomless eyes and watched them soften as he looked at her. “May I touch you?”
She shut her eyes, feeling regret for the decisions she had made in the past bringing her to this moment. “Yes, just take it slowly. Please.” She waited with her eyes tightly shut for what seemed like forever, and eventually opened one to see if he was still standing there. He towered over her as she glanced up at him.
“I won’t have you scared of me.”
“It’s not you, I promise,” she whispered. “I swear it’s not you, Anthony. You’ve been nothing but gentle towards me since you pulled me from the cactus.” He had been so good to her, so kind. She needed that kind of nurturing and was just afraid that if she opened herself up again that he could hurt her.
Anthony’s black eyes held her green ones captivated. She saw out of the corner of her eye that his hand was near her cheek and looked to be trembling. This
touched her and she felt hope blossom in her chest at the tenderness he showed her. She gave a shy smile as she waited ever so patiently for the contact. At the light touch on her cheek, she closed her eyes and felt contentment wash over her.
“You are so lovely, diosa. Breathtakingly beautiful,” she heard him whisper aloud and realized his breath touched her lips.
“Anthony? What does diosa mean?” she asked absently, feeling her heart flutter at the nearness of his large frame. She didn’t feel trapped or scared. She was fascinated and found herself laying a hand on his chest to steady herself.
“It means goddess,” he admitted gently, his voice cracking. A flush stained his cheeks at the confession. “I saw you and was struck by your beautiful face.” Maggie felt her whole body shiver with restrained intensity. Her fingers curled of their own volition against his shirt and she found herself pulling him a scant inch closer, craving him.
Anthony must have felt the same, because he moved a bit closer and captured her lips delicately. Small, soft, feathery kisses that had her holding on to him else her knees would collapse under her. Achingly sweet, he deepened the kiss and met her tongue, causing them both to moan aloud.
“Antonio? Antonio? Are you in there?” Julio called, banging on the door. Maggie smiled softly at the interruption. She had no intention of letting her guard down. Anthony grinned and rested his forehead on hers.
“Thank you for trusting me with a kiss,” he whispered, dropping a featherlight kiss on her lips.
“Thank you for not abusing that trust,” she admitted, stepping back from him. Her hand rose up and she found herself touching her lips, marveling that he could create such a feeling in her from one little kiss.
“Antonio? Maggie?” A scathing round of Spanish flew through the doorway and she saw Anthony yank open the door. Julio glanced over his brother’s shoulder and Maggie waved at him. They continued talking for a moment longer and the second Julio pointed at her, she got upset.
“You know, I can’t understand what you are saying about me and its rude,” she intruded, taking a seat. “Julio, come in. Anthony, please speak English. What were you two saying?”
“Julio brought you the dresses and boots for you to try on. I think I’m going to go downstairs and finish my argument with him while you do so.”
“Argument? I saw Julio pointing at me. Was it about me?” she asked, staring at the two men. Both answered at the same time. Anthony said “yes”, while Julio gave a vehement “no” in response.
“Try them on and we’ll talk over lunch,” he pledged and walked out of the door, shutting it firmly behind him. Maggie stared at it in surprise. The talker, didn’t want to discuss what it was they were talking about. She’d have to remind him about that rule, she thought, and grinned as she realized that they had broken a few others.
A short while later, she found herself dressed in a simple cotton gown with an apron over it to protect the material. It wasn’t anything elegant or glamorous but simply mimicked the other gowns she had seen the women in town wearing. What she wanted above all else was to fit in and feel like she was wanted. Coming down the stairs, she saw Anthony had a table waiting for her as he sipped on a small glass of whiskey.
“I’m sorry I took so long.”
“Never apologize. You look stunning.”
“Maggie! I see the dresses and boots fit you!” Julio exclaimed happily, pulling her into a quick hug. This time, she found herself hugging him back. This surprised her, and she saw it written on Anthony’s expressive face. Smiling shyly, she took her seat at one of the place settings.
“Did you settle your argument?”
“Yes, I believe so,” he replied, and Julio grinned at her.
“Good,” she said unfolding the napkin in her lap. The food smelled divine even if she couldn’t identify it. It looked like a thick soup, but it smelled tangy whereas the stews she had grown up with smelled greasy compared to it.
“Eat! Eat! You are too thin, pequena!” Julio urged. Maggie took a bite and groaned at the explosion of flavor in her mouth.
“Bloody hell, that is divine!” she uttered and grabbed another spoonful.
“Julio’s wife, Guadalupe, makes the best sopa Azteka I’ve ever had. That and beautiful tamales that melt in your mouth,” Anthony said fondly. “You’ll gain weight being around my family. They insist on eating because you are thin, hungry or simply awake.” Maggie laughed at the ridiculousness of his statement and continued eating.
The trio ate and then Julio moved to refill their bowls. They ate until Maggie could eat no more, laughing at the dismay on Julio’s face. They sat together and talked while she listened. Eventually, she joined in realizing that they wanted her to participate in the discussion. It was nothing, they talked simply about their travels here and Julio mentioned some of the beauty of the area. He then poured three glasses of ale for them, including for her.
“If you aren’t too tired, you should come to dinner tomorrow. I’d invite you tonight, but my sweet wife would be quite upset that she wasn’t given notice.”
“No, I understand. I would want notice of company coming as well.”
“I’m not sure we’ll be here,” Anthony interrupted. “I’ve supplies that I need to get to Fort Defiance.”
“If you do not come for dinner, you’ll need a fort for protection.”
Maggie smirked happily at Anthony’s crestfallen face as she saw that he realized it was accurate. “One day. We’ll leave afterwards.”
“Maggie could stay with us,” Julio offered. Both their faces turned at the same time, with a resounding “no”. They then looked at each other in surprise at their shared answer. Julio nodded. “Then its settled, dinner tomorrow and I will see you both as you travel back.”
“After the fort, I may head home.”
“Well, wherever you choose to go, make your home there and be content, Brother. I will leave you two to enjoy your drinks.”
They sat together for a while, sipping on the bitter brew. Maggie found herself watching the people mingle and walk around. It had been quite the eye-opening day and she marveled at the changes in her. She felt content.
“You said we needed to talk?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure this is the time. Today has been such a wonderful day already and it’s only lunchtime. I don’t want to spoil it.”
“It has been, hasn’t it?” Anthony said lightly, with a warm smile. He held up his glass and tipped it towards hers with a faint clink. “But I do have something to talk with you about. Where are you going after Fort Defiance? Do you want to stay there? Stay here?”
“Do I have to choose?”
“Well, that is why I’m bringing the matter up. I want you safe and I don’t know if Fort Defiance is going to be the best place for you. There’s been a lot of fighting in the area and that is why we’ve been traveling at night, to avoid an issue.” Anthony grabbed the pitcher and refilled both their glasses. She noticed that he seemed to be nervous.
“I… I like having you with me, Maggie, but I don’t want to ruin your name. I know we are just getting to know each other and I wouldn’t push you at all because I know you’re scared. My family is well known and if something ever happened, they would take care of you.”
“What are you asking me?”
“I’d like to give you the protection of my name. I’d like you to be my wife.”
“I fell for that before, I won’t do it again.”
“What?”
“I had a man propose to me in England and then throw me aside. I won’t be tossed aside again.”
“You were engaged to be married?”
“To a charlatan! A liar! He was the absolute worst and I had no idea. I was flattered by the idea of becoming someone, marrying into nobility! And he used my innocence… he took my innocence, casting me aside. I won’t be used again or lied to again.” Hot, bitter tears ran down her face as she admitted what she’d done. “I was so foolish.”
“How have I
lied to you?”
“You haven’t, but you don’t need an excuse to bed me because I’m not a virgin. You don’t have to marry me to get your way. Take it, if that is what you want. Another man has already, why not you, too?” she replied angrily. She noticed that he didn’t comment on her lack of maidenhead. But then again, she had nothing to bring to a marriage but herself.
“I’m not using it as an excuse. I don’t plan on bedding you until you are ready. I told you before that I didn’t want you scared of me and I meant it. I want you to have my name, Maggie. I don’t even know your last name or where you came from in England. I don’t really care! But here? Here in Texas? You could have a name, a home and a family. My family.”
“Antonio is right. Here, you’ll have our name and be part of our family,” Julio interrupted, leaning over and quickly clearing the plates. She blushed heatedly at the idea that he could have heard the conversation regarding her lack of innocence, but there was no judgement in his eyes. Only eager anticipation at the idea of his younger brother marrying.
“Why?” she whispered, confused at the suddenness of the conversation. The idea of being a part of someone’s family, having others to rely upon, was heady and so tempting. Anthony got out of his seat and got on his knees next to where she sat so he could look in her eyes. She watched as his throat worked, swallowing nervously as he took forever to speak. Julio took the silence as a hint and walked away. She was glad that they had the corner to themselves, because the mood suddenly turned very personal.
“Because friends protect each other,” he whispered to her, taking her hand and dropping a light kiss on her knuckles.
“Friends don’t kiss each other.”
“Really good friends do,” he teased nervously. “Rebellious good friends do all the time. Friends that break the rules and recognize when they have found someone that might be just perfect for them.”
“This is insane,” she breathed, staring at him. “You don’t want me.”
Fallen Bride (Bride Books Book 6) Page 5