Page 116 of A Knight’s Reward

He shuddered against her. “Thank God you are all right.”

“What they did to you⁠—”

“Do not speak of it now.” Catching her hand, he linked his fingers through hers. “We must get you away from here. Any moment, Ryle is coming to kill me.”

“But—”

Moisture glistened in his eyes. “Gisela, please. I lo⁠—”

A roar erupted behind them.

Dominic spun around, blocking her with his body. Yet, in the moment before he whirled to protect her, she saw Ryle standing by the tree. Less than three steps away.

Ryle tossed aside the flask in his hand. Men crashed through the brush, surrounding them. Her fingers still entwined with Dominic’s, Gisela pressed against him, terror’s bitter taste scalding her mouth.

“Bring them out here,” Crenardieu said, his drawn sword gleaming. Thugs seized Gisela’s arms, while Ryle and two others grabbed hold of Dominic. They dragged both of them onto the expanse of ground leading down to the dock.

Gisela straightened, shivering when Crenardieu’s hard gaze fixed upon her.

“How did you come here?” he demanded.

“I rode my horse.”

“Alone?” He adjusted his grip on his weapon. “How did you find this place?”

Dominic wavered on his feet. Ryle jerked hard on his arm, causing him to lurch forward. Dominic gasped. His face contorted with pain.

“Stop!” Gisela shrieked. “He is wounded enough.”

Ryle’s lips drew back in a cruel smile. “I have not even begun to hurt him.”

Fear seared through her, along with the urge to lower her gaze, to acknowledge Ryle’s power over her. If she looked away, he might be merciful.

Nay! She couldn’t let Ryle win. For those she loved, she would not yield.

Forcing her trembling chin higher, she stared at him. Her eyes burned. Her body shook, betraying her inner turmoil. But, she did not look away. “Do not hurt Dominic.”

Slowly lowering his hand from Dominic’s arm, Ryle laughed. His teeth, yellowed like a dragon’s, glinted in the sunlight. “You will stop me?”

“Aye.”

“You?” He laughed. The men around them chortled.

She sensed his fluctuating mood, smelled the drink he’d consumed. She also saw his fingers curling. Before she could turn her face away, his fist slammed into her jaw.

“Gisela!” Dominic cried.

The impact snapped her head back, smacking it into the face of the man behind her.

“My nose!” Releasing her, he clutched at his face.

Pain seared through the side of Gisela’s face. She reached up to touch it, hot, angry tears welling in her eyes. Through blurred vision, she saw Dominic struggling against the two men who pinned him. Twisting free, he punched Ryle in the stomach. Ryle grunted and clutched at his belly. He straightened, massaging his gut. His hand reached to his belt.

He drew out a knife.

Oh, God! Oh, God!

Icy fear rushed through Gisela. She stared at the dagger. She tried to move, to wipe away the sickly sweat beading on her brow, but her limbs seemed paralyzed.