The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) Read Free Page A

course of action. He knew well how to fight. He had done battle with the British for well over five years. He knew how to tend to the land and have seeds sprout up in a glorious harvest, but to give comfort…in that, he didn’t know.
    “You are safe,” he offered, but in return, she screeched louder.
    Rising, he looked toward the open door. In the still of the night, who would the screams disturb? He could leave her until her crying ceased. What harm could she do in this state? She would have to eventually stop.
    He slipped out into the hall, but glanced back. Grimacing, he stopped. What in the world could he do, he didn’t know, but he couldn’t leave the woman in such a state. Was he a coward? He had never been called one before and wouldn’t begin this night.
    Walking back into the room, he swept her into his arms and fought off her attempt to push him back. He held her tight until she hadn’t the energy to fight anymore. She collapsed into his arms.
    Sumner eased onto the bed with her in his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder and he whispered comforting words while tears fell heedlessly down her cheeks. She clung to him.
    A warmth surfaced within him as he looked down upon this woman. He made no attempt to withdraw and held her until she slept once more.
    * * * *
    Jane woke with a sudden jolt. Sunlight filtered in the open window announcing a new day, but something wasn’t right. To her dismay, her dreams had returned with a vengeance and the horror of that day relived.
    Her head ached; there was a ringing in her ears. She rose in stunning realization that she lay within someone’s arms. Her eyes wide with shock, she stared at her bed companion as memories of the night resurfaced. Good Lord! It had to be the intruder!
    Quickly, the man leaped out of bed. Disheveled himself, he hastened to quiet her. “I’m certain you are confused, but I only gave you comfort. You were having a bad time, and it seemed the only manner to calm you.”
    Gasping, she was lost for words and could only stare at the tall, rugged stranger. His dark hair fell to his broad shoulders. His muscles bulged beneath his unbuttoned shirt. His intense eyes held hers. Not in a manner that scared her, but in a way that made blood rush to her cheeks.
    Regarding him with trepidation, she asked, “Are you not from the Williamsons’ gang?”
    “Heavens no!” he declared. His reaction was instantaneous. Then as suddenly, his manner eased. “Good Lord, you aren’t hiding from Bloody Benny?”
    She gave no answer but tried to stand. Rising from the bed too quickly, she stumbled. He caught her in his strong arms.
    “I’m fine,” she protested. “I need only to leave. I have my horse.”
    He made no effort to release his grip upon her. Instead, he said, “I believe you have need to rest further. Since I’m the cause of your injury, I must insist you stay.”
    “Insist?” she questioned. “Obviously, I’m a trespasser and have no right to be here, but if you weren’t sent from Bloody Benny, who are you?”
    “I own this place,” Sumner said forthwith. “Old man Beltcher was my caretaker.”
    Her face fell, and the color drained from her face. “I beg forgiveness. I will take my leave.”
    “There is no need until you have gathered your strength, but, pray tell me, why you would have attempted such an action last night? You could have gotten yourself killed.”
    “What would you do if Bloody Benny was after you?” An awkward silence ensued. After a long moment, she said, “I beg your forgiveness in partaking of what was yours. When I’m settled, I give you my word I will repay you in full.”
    She moved forward, but a hand went to her head, and her legs wobbled. In her next breath, he had her in his arms and placed her back upon the bed.
    “We will talk further when you have recovered sufficiently,” he said firmly. “Until then, I will find us something for breakfast. My supplies won’t be here until the afternoon, but I