Read Online Kimberly Nee - The McKenzie Brothers by The Pursuit - Free Book Online Page B

to lift her chemise for a look.
    However, he didn’t move her chemise. Instead, he frowned, then poked her. She jumped and screamed as pain flared through her.
    “Ah, as I thought. You have cracked a rib, Katherine.” He glanced at her over the rims of his spectacles. “Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do. It will mend on its own in time.”
    She fought to keep her breathing as even as possible. Anything heavier, and the torture would never end. As the radiating waves died out, she licked dry lips to ask, “I can go about my normal routine?”
    “You might wish to rest for a few days. But when you feel better, you may return to your normal routine, with some restrictions. It’ll heal in time.” He slipped off his spectacles, folded them, and tucked them into his bag. “I understand you are employed here?”
    “Yes. I am one of Mr. McKenzie’s domestics.”
    He nodded. “I will speak to Mr. McKenzie about restricting your more arduous tasks for the time being. He seemed fairly concerned about you so I doubt there will be a problem.”
    “Oh, no. Please, that won’t be necessary.”
    It wasn’t that she thought Garrett would object to her resting those few days, but was afraid she’d go mad with too much leisure time, too much time with only her thoughts for company. Not to mention, it would hardly endear her to the others.
    “Very well.” Samuels sounded hesitant. “I want someone to contact me at once if the pain grows worse, do you understand?”
    “Of course.”
    “Then my work here is done,” he said crisply, lifting his bag from the bed. “I bid you good day then, Katherine.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Samuels.”
    He bobbed his head in response and slipped around the door. She sank back into the soft pillows. Garrett must have hovered right outside the door. Katherine could hear him speaking with the physician. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they were discussing her, no doubt.
    A few moments later, Garrett stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “A cracked rib, eh? Care to explain how that happened?”
    “It was foolish.” She winced as she tried to sit up. “I tripped over my own two feet.”
    “Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded.
    A fine mist of perspiration beaded her forehead. “I’ve chores that need tending to.”
    He sat on the edge of the bed. “You’ll do no such thing. You are to rest.”
    “Oh, but I couldn’t.”
    He didn’t let her answer. “You will and that is that. Is this understood?”
    “But, Mr. McKenzie, I — ”
    “I thought we agreed. You are to address me as Garrett.”
    “I’m afraid I cannot do that, just as I cannot remain abed. It would raise so many questions. Why, Mrs. Riley alone would — ”
    “I assure you, my proper lady, Mrs. Riley doesn’t frighten me half as much as she might you.” A devilish grin lifted his lips. “I insist you rest because I have every intention of continuing what began in my office last night.”
    “Is that so?” She felt giddy, but hoped it wasn’t too obvious.
    “Most definitely. But, you’ve no need to worry; I will be discreet and I only ask that you are as well.”
    “Discreet.” The giddiness vanished. Of course he wanted discretion. He was the son of a prominent family and she was merely his maid. It wouldn’t do to have anyone know he desired a lowly maid, would it?
    A nod. “Yes. I prefer not to share what goes on inside my bedroom.”
    “Of — of course not.” Perhaps she shouldn’t be insulted, but she glared at him anyway. “Discretion being the better part of valor and all.”
    “Exactly.”
    “Exactly.” She pressed her lips together, then shifted to pull the sheet to her shoulders. “If you will excuse me, Mr. McKenzie. You said I was to rest, so I suppose I should take advantage of this generosity while I can.”
    His forehead creased. “Have I said something wrong, Katherine? I get the distinct feeling you are angry with me.”
    “No.