Page 96 of Bride of Fire
She’d given Morgan her honor. Her trust. Her virginity. Her heart. To think it had all been for naught…
Her eyes misted, and she bit back bitter sorrow.
She wouldn’t think about it. Not now. For now, she would do the right thing.
Straightening her shoulders by strength of will and preparing for a deed that was far more challenging than any bout with a blade she’d undertaken, she perched the babe on her hip and headed for the door.
“Be a good lad now, Miles. ’Tis time for us to meet your rightful mother.”
Chapter 44
Morgan rose on one elbow. He stared down at his sleeping wife beside him in their bed.
He still had trouble believing she was alive. Only the gentle rise and fall of the coverlet proved she’d eluded death.
His throat closed with pity as he tried to imagine the horrors she’d been through.
Thank God she’d survived.
Thank God she’d managed to escape.
By the light of day, he could see bruises mottling her skin in ugly shades of purple, green, and yellow. Bloody trenches carved by her abuser’s fingernails marred her pale cheek. There was a grotesque, misshapen lump near her hairline. And blood had collected and dried beneath her nails, proof she’d had to defend herself.
But more powerful than Morgan’s pity for Alicia was his thirst for vengeance upon her abuser. His blood began to simmer. Foul air filled his lungs. And he ground his ire between his teeth.
None of his anger, however, would gain him the justice he sought. Not until he learned the name of Alicia’s abductor.
And for that, he had to tread carefully.
“Alicia,” he breathed.
Her forehead creased.
“Alicia,” he whispered, brushing a stray wisp of ebony hair from her pale brow.
She woke with a start, slapping his hand away. Then she blinked, confused.
“’Tis all right now,” he murmured. “Ye’re safe.”
Her features relaxed when she looked up at him. “Morgan. Oh, Morgan,amor meu.”
“How are ye feelin’?” he asked.
She pulled the bedlinens up to her chin and lowered her eyes. “Safe, thanks to you.”
“And I intend to keep ye safe,” he promised. “There’s just one thing I need to know.”
“I’m so thirsty.”
“Oh,” he said. “O’ course.”
He threw off his covers, eliciting a gasp from her. He’d forgotten how his nudity shocked and bothered her. It was strange how that had slipped his mind.
He swiftly donned his trews. Then he poured a cup of water from the ewer Bethac had left.
Alicia struggled to sit up, wincing in pain. Morgan swept in to lend assistance with an arm around her back and carefully pressed the cup to her swollen lips.
She took a few sips and gave him a meek and grateful smile. He set the cup down on the bedside table.
