Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Seven



Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase

Part Thirty-Seven:

I’m roused from my pain-induced stupor when Greyson hands me to a footman so the duke can climb out of the carriage. Greyson enfolds me in his arms again and moves into the house, calling for Johnson, the butler and the housekeeper.

They convene in our bedroom. Greyson lays me on my stomach in the middle of the bed. I don’t know who sobs, but I’m sure my back isn’t a pretty sight. I manage to move my head, so I can see them.

“Have a footman go for the doctor,” Greyson orders the butler. From the housekeeper, he asks for warm water and sheets torn into bandages. “We’ll have to soak your shirt off, love. It’s dried to the wounds.”

“It’s happened before.” Quite a few times, but I’m not interested in telling those stories. I close my eyes to rest.

* * * *
“Love, the doctor’s here.” Greyson’s voice and touch on my shoulder wakes me up.

I find I’m naked with a sheet covering me from the waist down. I must have lost consciousness since I never felt them cleaning or moving me.

“Fine.”

I close my eyes again. Greyson’s hand trails down my arm to grasp my hand. The mattress dips a little and I peek through half open eyes to see the duke sitting next to me. I squeeze his hand each time the doctor probes a deep wound.

Finally the doctor finishes with my back. He takes a quick glance at my nose. He rinses his hands after bandaging my torn flesh.

“Some of the wounds are deep, so I’d keep an eye on them. They might fester. You’ll get a fever. We’ll deal with that when it comes. The best I can tell you, my lord is you’ll heal, but it’ll take a while and you’ll have more scars to add to your collection.” The doctor frowns. “I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.” He nods to both of us and Johnson escorts him out.

Greyson moves from the bed to a chair set beside it. He’s farther away than I like, but he reaches out to take my hand.

“What did he do to you, love?” His voice is broken and fills with sorrow.

“He freed me, Greyson.” My voice is hoarse from exhaustion and pain.

A puzzled frown appears on Greyson’s face. “He put you in chains and whipped you until your back looks like raw meat.” He caresses my palm. “How does this free you?”

“I no longer fear him. I no longer hate myself. I understand what love is and I’m strong enough to embrace it when I see it.” I bring his hand to my mouth and kiss it. “He has no power over me any more. I’m free.”

“What happened?”

I shake my head. I’m not ready to tell Greyson about my ordeal. Maybe I never will. “When we left Father’s house, you told Uncle to take care of him. How will he do that?”

Greyson let me change the subject. Maybe in his heart, he knows he isn’t ready to hear it. “It seems your father owed a few men quite a bit of money. So between your uncle and I , we bought the markers. As long as he leaves us alone and quits spreading rumors, we won’t call in the debts. The minute he tries anything, we send him to debtor’s prison.”

“Will it work?” I’m fighting to stay awake.

He squeezes my hand and smiles. “Rest now. I’ll be here when you wake up. You’re home.”

I allow my eyes to drift shut. For the first time I believe it’s true. I am safe and I’m home. Like a caterpillar that shed its skin to become a butterfly, I’ve had my skin stripped from me and found a beautiful being beneath it. My soul is strong now, forged by the hammer of my father’s hand and strengthened by the adoration of my lover’s heart. I am loved and I am free.

The End.

18 Responses “Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Seven”

  1. T.A.Chase says:

    Yvonne,

    Thanks for stopping by twice. 🙂

    I have some encouraging news on Angel’s story. I got an email that’s lead me to believe that I should be receiving a contract soon for his story. As soon as I get it, I’ll let everyone know.

    Yes, there will be at least three if not more stories in the Dragon series. I really want to give Mordred and George their own story to star in. 🙂

    Thanks again.

  2. Yvonne Moore says:

    Hi again,
    Will there be another book in the Dragon tale? I can’t wait to see how they manage to find the force behind the attacks.

    Yvonne

  3. Yvonne Moore says:

    Hi-
    I am new to your stories but I love them!! Angels story MUST be expanded!! It will be as wonderful as “Home”.
    Even though I am a straight BF-your stories touch me.
    Please continue to write.

    Yvonne Moore
    Annapolis MD

  4. Anonymous says:

    Hi-
    I just finished your dragon book and came here. I loved your stories, both of them. I’ll be looking around for more. Thanks!

    JEN

  5. T.A.Chase says:

    Jenna oreo cookie, huh? Maybe I’ll get some inspiration and write a scene or two for you.

  6. T.A.Chase says:

    Well anonymous, I hope you keep stopping by. Even though Angel’s story is done, I’m planning a new one, just have to figure out what it’ll be. 🙂

  7. T.A.Chase says:

    Paige. 😉 Thanks for the help.

  8. Jenna Howard says:

    A suggestion T.A.? The Jenna oreo cookie story? That’s a fantastic idea. *mwah!*

  9. Anonymous says:

    Excellent story and sorry to see it end. I’m a fan.

  10. Paige Burns says:

    Yeah!

  11. T.A.Chase says:

    Thank you, everyone. I’m hoping you’ll all get the chance to read the expanded version. 🙂

    Now I’m trying to decide what sort of story to start for y’all next. Hmm..might take a day or two to figure it out.

  12. Anita says:

    That was the PERFECT ending!!! I LOVED IT!!! Great job T.A.!!! I am SO buying this when it comes out! Can’t wait for Here Be Dragons, either!

  13. S. W. Vaughn says:

    Now I’m speechless.

  14. Jenna Howard says:

    Wow, T.A. Just…wow.

    Thanks for bringing us a long on Angel’s journey. Can’t wait to read the long version. GOOD LUCK!

    Whooot!. Looooooooooved this!!!

  15. Felicia Forella says:

    I’ll delurk to add my cheers and accolades! 🙂

  16. Emma Sinclair says:

    I don’t know if I should be happy for Angel and Greyson or sad for me now that it’s over!

    Brilliant!

    Like Sherrill, eagerly awaiting the expanded version!

  17. Sherrill Quinn says:

    BRAVO!! *clap* *clap* *clap* I cannot wait for the expanded version!

  18. Anonymous says:

    Just like a butterfly leaving a cocoon- how apt. love how Angel claimed his name and is strong enough to love Greyson
    cathy

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