When he stepped outside, Madelene was draped over Brennan’s shoulder. “What in God’s name are you doing? Put her down.”
The brute set her back on her feet, her dark eyes wide with fear. She wasn’t as young as he’d first thought. Her small stature and quiet voice had made him guess somewhere between sixteen and twenty, but she was definitely closer to thirty. And in spite of her lack of attire and messy hair, she was beautiful.
“She tried to run after I removed the blindfold, and I couldn’t just abandon you here to go after her.”
Simon rolled his eyes. “Of course she tried to run. Have you seen the size of you?”
Brennan’s whole body slumped slightly. “Sorry, miss. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
The poor woman looked so lost and confused. “It’s going to be alright, Madelene. I promise we will not hurt you. We need to get you away from here, but as soon as possible, we’ll stop so you can change into something dry.” He picked up the gown and towel from where she’d dropped them and quickly ushered her toward his horse.
He helped her into the saddle, but she wasn’t very stable.
“Have you ridden before?”
She nodded. “A few times, but never astride.”
“Well, I don’t happen to have a sidesaddle handy, so we’ll just have to make due.”
“My father would be appalled.”
At first, he thought she was joking, but she didn’t smile. She simply tugged on her wet gown to try to cover more of her legs. It was a strange statement coming from a woman her age. Presumably she’d never been married. “Your father isn’t here.”
“Let’s move,” he said to Brennan. They both strode swiftly, leading the horses. Even at a jog it was slow progress, but they didn’t have to go far before there was some cover they could use to at least get her out of that wet gown. It was a warm night, but even still, she must be half frozen by now.
Madelene felt utterly lost. She should be terrified, but she was so glad to be out of that tub of ice cold water, nothing else mattered. Even now, her whole body shivered. She placed her hands on the man’s shoulders as he helped her off the horse. Before her father had left her at that horrible place, she’d never had any physical contact with a man. The men in there had all had their hands on her bare arms and legs and had seen her completely naked. If she hadn’t been before, she was surely destined for hell after all that. If only she hadn’t wantonly asked for that kiss. She’d still be at home, unspoiled. Her father was probably right about her wickedness though, because despite everything, she still wanted to be kissed. Just once, to know what it was like.
The man’s fingers around her arm were gentle yet strong as he led her behind a large bush, while the larger man stayed behind with the horses.
“Do you need help to get that gown off?”
She stared down at the ground and shook her head. She would manage it on her own. The last thing she wanted was more men seeing her naked body. Not that it made a whole lot of difference. He could probably see everything through the wet fabric anyway.
He raised her chin gently and looked into her eyes. No one had ever done that before, and it startled her. Made her feel strangely vulnerable. “I’m going to go back to the horses to allow you some privacy. Please don’t try to run. We’re very isolated here, and you’ll only manage to get yourself lost.” He placed his other hand on her shoulder. “I promise no harm will come to you while you’re with me.”
Madelene had lived her whole life as a shadow. She didn’t understand what was happening. Why was he helping her? “Who are you?”
He smiled and his face was suddenly filled with kindness. “My name is Simon. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before. That oversized oaf over there is Brennan. He won’t do anything to hurt you either, even if he is a lummox.”
She nodded. Despite his words of assurance, she knew she should be afraid. She was alone with two strange men, one of whom had already thrown her over his shoulder. There was definitely a nugget of fear inside her somewhere, but she didn’t seem capable of actually feeling it. She didn’t seem to be capable of feeling anything, other than relief that she was out of that tub.
He handed her the towel and the dry gown. “Promise me you won’t try to run?”
She nodded.
“Good. When you’ve finished, come back to the horses. Call for me if you need any help.”
She should be afraid of him. He had threatened to kill those men, and there was no doubt in her mind, he would have followed through.
Who were these men? Why had they rescued her? Was that, in fact, what they were even doing? Where were they taking her? Why had they been at Auburn Ridge in the first place? They hadn’t come for her, but as far as she knew, they hadn’t done anything else.
Was it possible this was all some kind of strange dream? Something her mind had conjured after she’d wished for a life of adventure? She pinched her arm. It definitely wasn’t a dream. She slipped the dry gown over her head. The thin cotton wouldn’t do anything to chase away the chill, but at least it was dry. That had to help.
With a deep breath to muster her courage, she slowly made her way back to the horses. Simon removed his coat and held it up for her to slip her arms into its sleeves. His warmth lingered in the heavy fabric along with his spicy aroma. It was incredibly comforting.
“Are you alright?” Simon asked.
She nodded.
