Too Late to Run

I wanted to back out.

I didn’t want to go.

But I’d given him my word and I knew that the hell he’d make me pay this time would involve public humiliation and possibly the murder of my husband.

The man who’s name currently protects me.

I put on a simple muslin dress with laces up the front and a pull over vest. Walking across that meadow on hesitant feet.

I drew a long breath, trying to control my feverish sweating. I clenched my fists and fought the urge to run back to that castle the way I had that first day.

Maybe I could persuade them to keep him out. I looked back.

“You’ve come too far to run now.” Alaric stood at the edge of the trees. Concealed from the view of the towers by a broad treetop. His shoulder rested against the trunk and his arms were crossed over his muscled chest as he watched me. Sensing what I was thinking.

I rather disagreed with him. I thought I could make it back.

“Com