Free Angie Arms - Flame Series 03 by The Darkest Flame

believe I did this to you.  You do not want to have a bastard,” he quickly explained, his distaste for the title was evident. 
    “Stroud left his men to do this.  He took Daley.  He had a special interest in the boy.”  It took several minutes to get the entire explanation out , but once she did her body began to shake.
    He released her , looking down at the white hand print on her bare thigh that quickly turned red, and his anger raged.  Stroud had no right to do this to his future bride.  He stood and in one quick motion he drew his sword and sparks flew as he struck the chains with it.  Two more blows and the chain broke and she was free.  He knelt back to her and she tried to shrink back into the wall, but had nowhere to go even without the chains holding her to the wall.  He reached for her, tucked one hand behind her stiff back and another under her thighs, and lifted her.  She moaned quietly at the movement and he felt himself want to stop her pain, but he was too late for that.  He had to ask himself why her pain and suffering would matter to him.  He likened it to his care of Malik, a fine steed who carried him in and out of many battles, his usefulness made it necessary to care and thus must be the same with his future wife.
    Marcus led the way up out of the darkness with Christopher trailing close behind.
    “Gather the men and tell them we found the Countess and are returning to Kilkenny.  I want the men going toward Lenox and I’ll catch up to them in the morning after I’ve enjoyed my wedding night.”
    Marcus immediately left to obey.  “You’re with me,” Garrick said to Christopher , giving him a quick appraisal before leading the way out of the hall, still carrying Ryann.  Once Christopher gained his saddle Garrick walked to him.
    “The Countess rides with you.  If we are set upon get the Countess away.”  Reluctantly Garrick released his future bride to her guard and he turned quickly away.  Away from the fear lurking just beneath the surface.  Awa y from the pain Stroud’s men caused her because Garrick brought her into his life.  Away from the desire to snatch her back and hold her forever, this last desire was far more disconcerting than his desire to shed Stroud’s blood. 
    They rode hard to Kilkenny, and the protection of its walls.  Exhausted horses and riders finally came to a stop inside the courtyard.  Quickly Garrick was off Malik and strolled to Christopher, taking the Countess from her guard’s arms. 
    “Send for the priest and Alena,” Garrick ordered , gathering her close despite her stiffening body.
    “Who’s Alena,” Christopher questioned.
    When Garrick answered he sounded impatient, “She’s Marcus’s woman.  Any of my men could tell you where to find her.  Whatever you do, say nothing of the circumstances we found her in, and what Stroud’s men did to her.”
    “But everyone will see the bruises on the morrow.”
    “After our wedding night.  So they will assume I brought my reluctant bride into line.”
    “What they did to her was brutal and unforgiveable.”
    Garrick’s eyes narrowed and his voice made it clear he didn’t appreciate the delay in his orders being carried out, or the questions about them.  “Priest, Alena, if you care anything at all about her,” he said, casting a glance down at the shivering woman.
    He turned and entered the main hall and on to her chamber.
     

Chapter 4
     
    Ryann couldn’t control the tremors that were taking her over.  She felt cold and the warmth from Garrick’s strength drew her in.  With her head nestled on his chest the world didn’t tilt wildly out of control.  Tears threatened t o fill her eyes because she expected Garrick to be capable of the cold brutality that left her broken.  By all accounts Garrick’s army left behind death and destruction, gave no quarter, showed no mercy.  Yet he was carrying her with utmost care.
    She found it difficult to follow why the marriage had to