A Perfect Hero by Samantha James Read Free Book Online

She would not feel sorry for herself or bemoan her predicament.
    Better to make use of her time alone. Better to find a way out of it. Better to find a way out, pe riod.
    But first she had a most urgent need. Spying a chamber pot in the corner, she quickly made use of it. Replacing the lid, she turned and gazed around the cottage, taking note of her surroundings. It startled her to realize that the bed on which she reclined was quite comfortable. And now that she took the time to examine it, the cottage itself was actually quite good-sized, in excellent repair and—most surprising of all, clean as a whistle. A pair of wing chairs sat before the wide stone hearth. A small table and two chairs stood nearby; it was then she noticed the plate in the middle of it. Suddenly realizing she was ravenous, she crossed to the table and sat. Whatever the Magpie’s intentions, it wasn’t to starve her.
    Unwrapping a wedge of cheese and bread, she broke off a hunk. It was simple fare, yet in Ju-lianna’s mind, she’d tasted no finer meal served from the most delicate china and finest crystal. There was even a small bottle of wine—and quite excellent wine, at that.
    As she sated her hunger, her mind continued to race. With outrage. With possibilities. The Mag pie was not like any robber she’d ever imagined—not that she had an intimate acquain tance with men of his ilk! But he was right, she decided, finishing the last bite of cheese almost angrily. It was not wise to underestimate one’s en emies. And if he were wise, he would not under estimate her .
    Wiping her mouth, she eyed the massive cup board across from her. A search revealed that it was well stocked. It also held the portmanteau she’d packed for the journey to Bath.
    Julianna couldn’t help it. She made a small sound of pleasure. So. Her captor had had the foresight to retrieve her belongings.
    Careful, warned a voice. Remember, there’s a price on his head .
    It was a sobering thought. No doubt he’d only taken it believing there were jewels or such in side! Again her gaze roamed the room. There was something odd about it. It came to her slowly; and then she called herself every sort of bloody idiot. This was not, she realized, the cottage of a man of meager means. The furniture was sturdy and well crafted, no pallet on the floor but a proper bed; the bedding, even the wine, all spoke of comfort.
    So. He was not just a robber, but a successful one.
    Dusting off her hands, she got to her feet. The ache in her head had begun to subside, but she was still smarting inside that he’d locked her in, the wretch! Moving to the door, she tugged and pulled and rattled the latch, all to no avail.
    Calmly, she assessed the windows. There were four in all, two on either side of the door. Dis couragement shot through her, for they were tiny and set high in the wall. Even if she stood on a chair, she would never be able to climb through; it was too high.
    Rubbish! He was right. His absence afforded no opportunity for escape.
    It was then she spied a burlap sack in the cor ner next to the cupboard. Her hands on the ties, she paused, aware of a sliver of guilt. It was al most as if she were snooping in someone else’s home without permission ...which you are, chided a voice in her mind.
    But certainly the circumstances were out of the ordinary. With that, she loosened the ties and peeked inside.
    The bag was stuffed with banknotes! The thief!
    Beside her, Maximilian rubbed up against her. “You should tell your master there are safer ways to make a living than stealing.”
    In answer, Maximilian thrust his head beneath her palm, seeking her touch.
    With a sigh, Julianna moved to sit in the chair before the fire. Maximilian leaped lightly in her lap, kneaded her belly several times, then settled against her and closed his eyes.
    Julianna stroked her fingers through his fur, glad for Maximilian’s company, such as it was. Perhaps she should be ashamed, but if this was to be her