A Harlot Among Thieves II Closed~ AskDaddyDutch
this is a second thread connected to this
Annabelle was not as slick as she thought. She felt Dutch’s arm fall back against her body. His breath was hot against her ear as he asked if she would prefer they both sleep on the cot instead of the ground. There was no reason to continue playing games. She nodded and moved over letting him have a space on the cot.
Dutch was generous with the covers, making sure that Annabelle was comfortable. It was rare for her to be able to actually sleep next to a man. Usually there were others waiting and Madame Marielle wouldn’t allow her much sleep in the night. Annabelle put her own hand over his and rubbed tiny circles with her thumb.
“Goodnight, Dutch,” She whispered.
Not being used to a full nights sleep Annabelle had a harder time falling back under. She listened and tried to harmonize with Dutch’s long sleepy breaths until she couldn’t hold her eyes open any longer.
She awoke softly at first and turned over to look at Dutch. When he wasn’t there a flash of fear made her think she dreamt it all. This passed quickly as she looked around and saw that she was still in his in his tent. She sighed with relief and pushed herself up from the cot.
Her hair was in it’s usual morning tangle. She searched the tent for her pillowcase bag which had her brush inside. When she couldn’t find it she just patted down her hair until she felt it was presentable. On the cot she saw Dutch had laid out a dress for her. It looked comfortable enough for the ride back. She put it on and stepped outside the tent.
Dutch was the first to greet her. She beamed when she saw him. Thank god you weren’t a dream, She thought.
“Good Morning,” She said.
He didn’t have much time to talk since they needed to get going back to the main camp, but Annabelle didn’t mind. She knew she would have the whole ride back to be close to him.
Hosea caught her eye by the fire and she made her way toward him. She sat down beside the older man and took the cup he was offering. Annabelle was starting to see that Hosea was actually very sweet now that she had gotten to be around him more. He asked her if she had had a goodnight’s sleep.
“I did! In all honesty, I think that’s the best sleep I’ve had in awhile.” She looked over at Dutch as he was taking down his tent. A little blush ran over her cheeks.
“Uh-huh,” Hosea chuckled and the color in Annabelle’s face deepened, “Don’t worry miss, I won’t press ya further,” He said. Annabelle hid herself behind her cup.
It wasn’t long until the only thing left of their presence was the fire. Dutch walked over and told them it was time to go. Annabelle felt a rush of excitement of the thought of going back to the main camp. It would probably be her home for a while. Maybe she would make some new friends!
Dutch helped her back onto his horse. After he hopped up himself she scooted backwards slightly so she could be closer to him. His hand found its way to her hip and she looked up at him with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Ready when you are Dutch,” She said. She was getting used to saying his first name. It felt like something she had always known, something so right.
The ride back to the main camp was a long one, but Annabelle enjoyed riding. There were new things to look at all around, new types of grass and trees and animals. The only two places she had ever been were Tall Trees and Blackwater and both of those places felt ugly to her because of association. She breathed in the cool air through her nose and let the wind wash over her face. She loved the feeling of being close to Dutch while riding, their two bodies moving perfectly in sync.
By the time they were near the camp the sun only had a couple of hours left. As they approached, Annabelle felt a knot in her stomach. Anxiety crawled like vines over her body, constricting her. What if the rest didn’t want her? What if they booted her out? No, she said to the intruding thoughts, Dutch won’t let that happen.
They rode up to the hitching post. He got off first then helped Annabelle down. Before she knew what was happening she saw a flash of a woman run past her. She twirled around and saw the woman hanging onto Dutch, her lips pressed against his cheek.
Annabelle looked at Dutch, then the woman, then back to Dutch. Her mouth was hung agape and her eyes were wide.
“What the-” She didn’t have time to finish the thought before the other woman was insulting her.
Harlot. Harlot? Annabelle scoffed. She knew what it meant but it had never been used in her direction before. The sharpness of the woman’s tongue cut her. She felt rage bubble up inside, but she couldn’t tell if it was from the insult or how she felt watching the woman wrap herself around Dutch.
“Dutch, who’s the old hag?” Annabelle asked.
The woman scoffed, “I’ll be the death of ya, if you don’t be quiet girl.” She looked back to Dutch, “Why do you have to bring in everyone you find?” She scowled back at Annabelle “Some of them ain’t worth it.”
“I’d be careful if I was you, you don’t know me,” Annabelle said.
The woman took a step forward, “You’re right I don’t, but I know you’re type, young, and pretty, and useless.”
Annabelle’s nightmare had come true. She was unwanted, but instead of feeling sad she began to see red. Her hands were naturally forming into fists. “Lady, I’m only gonna say this once. You better walk away now or..”
“Don’t threaten me child, I’ll put you down if I have to!” The woman yelled.
Hosea turned to Dutch, “I told you this wouldn't end well.”
