Daughters of the Dagger 03 - Amber Read Online Free PDF Page A

He’d been reared by the unforgiving hand of Father Armand and also disciplined by the strict Sister Dulcina who was obviously under the priest’s control though she had earned the title and position of running the double monastery herself. And if Lucas hadn’t stopped his training by rebelling and leaving the monastery, he would have been a damned monk by now. Ever since he’d returned, the priest had been doing all he could to make Lucas’s life miserable.
    “How is he?” asked the abbess, walking forward with a threatening stare to peruse Lucas.
    “ Sister Dulcina, I have done my best,” Amber told her. “His stitches have remained clean, and the rest of his wounds are healing nicely, including the bump on his head.”
    Lucas put a hand to his head when she said that, remembering now why he felt as if his scull were splitting open. Because the man who’d raised him had also tried to kill him.
    “Has he taken to a fever?” Sister Dulcina slappe d her beefy hand on Lucas’s forehead, then roughly tore off the sheet, inspecting his chest. She was reaching for his wounded side when he stopped her.
    “I am fine, no need to check.” He held up one hand and covered his wound with the other. “Sister Amber has seen to all my ministrations with a gentle hand and the finest of care. I have no fever.” He looked over to Amber whose eyebrow raised and so did the corner of her mouth as she almost smiled, leading Lucas to believe she approved of his compliments. He felt his body reacting to her beauty as he remembered the kiss. He yanked at the sheet to cover his lower half, thankful he was still clad in his braies. “No fever, that is, that can be remedied by herbs or ointments, anyway,” he added, thinking how hot and bothered he was right now. Damn, what was this girl doing to him with just a look?
    Amber’s eyebrow dropped and her slight smile turned into a frown and he knew she once again did not approve of him relaying his thoughts aloud.
    “Sisters , you can leave now,” instructed Father Armand. “And Sister Amber, now that Lucifer is awake and healing, you no longer need to stay at his side, but can resume your normal routine. I expect you to meet me in the church for confession first thing in the morning. I will decide then what your penance will be for the way you addressed me in the church last night.”
    “Of course,” sh e told him, keeping her eyes focused downward as she headed toward the door right behind Sister Dulcina.
    Lucas could tell Armand was trying to get rid of them, and he knew the conversation between them was going to be far from pleasant.
    “Well, hello Father,” said Lucas sarcastically. “I didn’t expect such a smashing reception or I would have worn a helm. ” He rubbed his head as he spoke. “After all, I almost died trying to save those damned worthless relics and the money they brought us.”
    The priest’s eyes burned with fire and his head snapped around toward the door. The abbess had already quit the room but Amber stopped and turned her head slightly upon hearing his words. Father Armand turned back to Lucas and shook his head as he spoke to Amber without turning around.
    “Is there something you need, Sister Amber?” the priest ground out. “If not, be on your way and close the door behind you.”
    Amber didn’t even acknowledge him, and Lucas was secretly glad. The priest didn’t turn around or continue talking until he heard the click of the door as it closed. Then he quickly glanced over his shoulder checking that she’d left, and turned back with his dark eyes focused on Lucas.
    “What are you doing, talking like that with the women in the room?”
    “Well?” asked Lucas. “You seemed to have no problem trying to kill me in front of them at the church so what does it matter?”
    “I was only trying to shut you up,” said the man. “You can’t be barging into the church spouting blasphemy. I’ll have to punish you for that or the abbess will