Chapter 7

“Sam…” he stammered in shock. She avoided his gaze and distanced herself, not wanting him to see her so haggard and dirty.

“Get away from me,” she uttered almost in a whisper and stood up on her feet intending to leave. This couldn't be happening to her, why did she have to show up at her worst moment? She couldn't stand the embarrassment and awkwardness. Him, so cute and neat; in fine clothes and expensive jewelry, perfumed with that delicious scent. And she, a malnourished, dirty beggar dressed in rags. It was a nightmare that the man she liked -because even though six long months had passed without seeing him, her feelings for him surfaced just by hearing his voice-, would see her in those clothes and with that stench. She had to run away, she couldn't bear to be in his presence a second longer.

“No, Sam,” he confronted her decisively. "You're coming with me” he carried her like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder, ignoring her fists and tantrums. He put her on his horse quickly so that she would not get away from him, and then he rode the animal with her close to his chest. All his men watched in astonishment, they did not expect their chief to act in such a crazy way, taking a mad beggar on his lap.

Arthur managed to get lodging for himself, his men, and Sam. He bought her a dress, a pair of shoes, and a veil, for he knew she would not take those rags off if he did not bring her one.

Sam bathed and put on his clothes, combed the hair she had washed and of course, the comb got tangled several times and even pulled out a large number of strands, but at least it was now representable. She stood in front of the mirror and wept at the change. Almost three years ago she was a beautiful young girl full of life and dreams. Now, she was pale and emaciated, her hair battered and her skin scarred. Sad, lonely, and empty. Nothing to fight for without that spark and joy that characterized her. She caressed her cheek and tears were inevitable, they had destroyed her, they had taken everything from her and only an ugly shell remained.

“Sam," Arthur knocked on the rough wooden door, "May I come in?

Sam put on the veil nervously, she didn't understand why his voice provoked her, it was only a kiss and it had been six months since then. She scolded herself for feeling that way, she had to understand once and for all that no one would feel those things for her, least of all Arthur. He was an unattainable man.

“Sam?” Arthur snapped her out of her thoughts and she hurried to open up to him. She stepped aside to let him in and stood in front of the door with her eyes fixed on her shoes.

“Come, here” he patted the bed, for it was the only piece of furniture in the small bedroom. “You must be hungry.”

She came over and sat as far away as she could, trying to hide her nervousness, but it was difficult. He, on the other hand, came over with an amused smile and lifted her chin above the cloth. Their gazes met and Arthur lost himself in her beautiful hazel eyes. His heart pounded and he knew it was wrong, he berated himself in his thoughts for wanting to kiss her; if only he had met her earlier or if only she had accepted his proposal, maybe something between them could have started, but it was too late. He had to get rid of that feeling that refused to leave him. He licked his lips, holding back his desire, and fixed his gaze on the tray resting on his legs.

“You must eat," he said in a muffled voice and she nodded. Sam ate in desperation, as she had not done well in a week. After she ate, Arthur got out of bed and looked at her tenderly. “Get some rest. Tomorrow we will travel back to my estate early.”

“Arthur, thank you so much for what you did for me, but I won't go with you. You've done too much already.”

Arthur turned and landed in front of her.

“I won't take 'no' this time. You have nowhere to go and no money. I don't know what happened to you and I hope it wasn't something too serious or I wouldn't forgive myself. I'm not going to risk you getting hurt or suffering hardship. No, Sam, this time you're coming with me. Now it's my turn to take care of you and help you, then we'll see what you want to do," he said. Sam did not answer. He left the room in complete silence, giving her no chance to refute.

The walk was pleasant. She clung to his back as he rode in the direction of his estate. His scent, the firmness of his body, and the warmth it emanated had her intoxicated; she wanted to stay that way forever, hugging him.

A 'we've arrived' snapped her out of her reverie and she widened her eyes as she noticed the huge entrance. Arthur was richer than she thought, which was ironic, given the humility with which he treated others. It was rare to see a man as wealthy as he was behaving that way. She remembered that time he was in her little hut, after recovering from his wound he was helping her with the chores around the house and looked happy, even though they didn't have the luxuries and comforts he was used to.

They rode for several minutes until they reached a mansion. He helped her dismount from the horse and she felt the emptiness of having to take off. Some men greeted Arthur and looked at her curiously. After a few minutes, a teenager took the horse from him, but before taking it away, he approached her and looked at her undisguisable.

“I know you," he said without taking his eyes off her. “You are that rare woman who saved our boss's life.”

“Raul, don't be disrespectful,” Arthur reprimanded him. "You don't address a person who hasn't given you that confidence, and that's not the way to approach a lady.”

“I'm sorry," he said in a huff and then walked away with the animal.

“Come on, I'll tell Nidia to prepare a room for you,” Arthur took her by the hand and they both entered the house. Sam was engrossed in observing every detail of the luxurious and enormous country residence. Although her father was a man who had several properties and a beautiful estate that made him a lot of money, that was not even a quarter of Arthur's properties, she had never been in such an elegant and big place. They went to the kitchen that had several departments and even a dining room for the employees. There were many workers and maids everywhere, it was logical, since cleaning that immensity required many people. She felt like he was in the palace of a king.

“My boy!” Sam was surprised to see Arthur wrap his arms around the woman who stopped stirring the contents of a large pot and threw herself on top of him. After leaving a resounding kiss for the lady, Arthur approached Sam.

“This is Sam, the woman who saved my life and took me into her home for a whole month,” Arthur introduced her with an admiring expression. Nidia wrapped her in a hug that surprised the girl. Sam lowered her face shyly as she regained her personal space and then observed the lady with dissimulation. She was wearing a flowered dress and a gray apron. Her black hair with some gray was pulled back in a bun, her face had wrinkles, her eyes were a beautiful honey color, her nose was long and thin, and on her lips was a sincere smile.

“You are welcome, my dear,” The lady said kindly. “I will be eternally grateful to you for helping Arthur, he is like a grandson to me.”

“Thank you,” that was all she answered sheepishly.

“Arthur, you're here!” A young girl threw herself at him. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, then left smacking kisses on his cheeks. Sam turned her gaze elsewhere, she couldn't stand that display of affection that was making her blood boil. Would she be his girlfriend?

“Anabela,” Arthur pulled her off him and put his arm around her shoulders. “Do you remember when I was attacked?” she nodded. “Well, this is Sam, who saved my life,” he extended his arm in the direction of the veiled girl as a form of introduction.

Anabela stood in front of her suspiciously, and both examined each other with their eyes. Sam was enraptured by the girl's beauty. Her black straight long hair reached to her waist, her eyes were honey-like Nidia's, her body pretty and delicately curved tight to a pair of pants of strong fabric, her long-sleeved shirt was inside it and had some buttons lose, as underneath she wore a black top tight to her beautiful and striking bust. Sam felt so ugly in front of that beautiful woman, who scrutinized her with suspicion.

“Are you from those tribes across the ocean?” Anabela asked with intrigue.

“No…” Sam dragged out the monosyllable.

“And why do you wear a veil on your face? Is your family of that origin?” The young woman inquired with confusion. Sam began to stammer, unable to articulate anything specific.

“She is comfortable wearing it, enough with the questions,” Arthur stepped in and stood next to Sam, taking her trembling hands. “Prepare a room for her upstairs, since Sam is my special guest. In the meantime, I will go with her to town, as she has some shopping to do.”

Sam looked at him with surprise and confusion. What shopping did she have to do and with what money would she do it?

Arthur dragged her away and put her in one of his vehicles. He decided to go along with her so he could have privacy. They visited various stores and dressmakers, shoe and jewelry stores.

“You don't have to buy me these things, Arthur,” Sam replied sheepishly.

“Of course, you do. Are you going to wear that dress all the time? You need clothes and these women's kinds of stuff. Sam, this is nothing compared to what you did, you saved my life, I'll always be grateful to you for that.

Sam nodded with a little disappointment. He was doing it out of gratitude. She cursed inwardly for expecting something more from him, his attention and care made her feel special, but it wasn't for the reason she expected.

They had lunch in the afternoon at an eatery in town and then returned to the estate. Sam made her way to her new room, sat down on the bed, and sighed. She felt out of place there, so long living in misery and suddenly she found herself living in a mansion full of luxuries, with a room that looked more like a house, with luxurious clothes, perfumes, and expensive jewelry. It seemed unbelievable and unreal. But what disturbed her the most were the feelings that were arising inside her.