- I'm not rejecting her, I just have much greater reasons for not agreeing to marry Adelaide.
- And what motives would those be?
- I'm sorry, Lord Macintosh, but this is a matter for me alone! - I fired before I opened the door and left.
Passing through the hall, I looked up the stairs. I didn't look back when I heard Alistair's footsteps coming after me with determination. I knew he'd come after me anyway. Actually, I was really hoping he would.
- Bruce! - he screamed at me and walked beside me. - What's the matter with you? Why confront Ector like this?
- I'm so sorry! - said sighing. - I didn't mean to piss him off, but I can't marry Adelaide.
- Why shouldn't I? - ...he asked if he'd come any closer. Alistair put his hands on my shoulders. - Is it because of Annabel's breakup? What happened between you two?
I took a deep breath. Alistair knew me well enough to know that I would never break my father's word. He knew something was wrong. Dropping a scream, I walked to the nearest wall and punched her so hard that my hand bled from the scratches made by the stones.
- I kissed her and things were happening when I realized... - I paused by running my hands over my face.
- You slept together.
- Not exactly!
- What do you mean?
- I was confused after... after I had possessed her and said horrible things to her. I put the blame on Annabel for my lack of control. I made it look like she'd seduced me when it was the other way around.
Alistair looked at me in shock.
- You what? - Alistair fired. - How many times have you scolded me about Rose? How many? Why did you do it, Bruce?
- I was terrified! - I fired nervously.
- Afraid of what? - Alistair insisted. - You've always been so rational. I had always done things in a very honorable way. I've never seen him afraid of anything.
- The way I feel about Annabel! - I fired, leaving Alistair even more confused. - I was confused by what I felt, because it was something new that I could not explain. You know I've never been seriously involved with any woman because of this damn war, but Annabel has awakened something in me that made me want more. That one scared the shit out of me.
I started walking around. Alistair shook his head from side to side.
- Do you love her? - he asked.
- What's that? What's that? - said stopping walking.
- Do you love her? - he asked again.
Swallowing dry, I paused and breathing deeply, I put my hands on my waist.
- Yes! - I answered at last. - With all the strength in my heart.
Alistair smiled and, coming to me, put his hands on my shoulder.
- I know what you're feeling, because I've been there. - he said smiling. - There's nothing shameful about loving a woman, especially the warm-blooded ones like Annabel MacBride. I know how much you hate Roy, but don't let it get in the way of how you feel about her.
- Alistair, I ignore the fact that she's that bastard's daughter!
- What's to stop you from marrying her then?
- Didn't you hear what I said? - I paused to sigh. - Annabel hates me for everything I said to her. To make matters worse, I know she's right. I'm a fucking bastard!
Alistair had a laugh.
- You're not a fucking bastard, my cousin! - he said. - Do it this way: convince Annabel that you love her and that you are very sorry. Tell her you wish to repair what you did by marrying her.
- What if she doesn't?
- After what I saw today, I doubt she'll ever reject your request. - he laughed. - But if necessary, force her to get married.
I looked at him with shocked expression.
- Are you out of your mind?
- Of course not! - he fired. - I know that with time and her charm, Annabel will end up thinking differently and accept you as her husband. She's only angry now, but she'll pass.
I rolled my eyes. Deep down, Alistair was right and I just needed a little luck, but something still bothered me.
- What about Ector and Adelaide?
- Let me take care of them myself! - he fired. - Concentrate on tame the beast.
I let out a laugh full of relief. I was just about to have to face a beast. I was just hoping I could tame it.
- I'm tired! - he said shaking his head from side to side. - I need a bath and a good meal. I'm starving!
Alistair let out a laugh and hugged me.
- Now you're the one I hear about! - he said to laughter. - Welcome back, my cousin!
I agreed to say goodbye to Alistair with a handshake. I went to the stable, where I took care of Esperanza. I wanted to be a little alone, and sometimes talking to her made everything better. I know it sounded silly, but it worked.
Then I went to the kitchen, where I picked up a bowl of fruit and cheese. I went back to the stable, where I sat inside the bay of Esperanza. I wanted to stay as far away from Aideen's eyes as possible. I knew my cousin's wife. She had the gift of knowing what was going on in our minds and hearts. I was afraid
