Chapter 41

He checked in with his mother and learned she’d sent Evan to the pond. Things were looking up. If Evan was still there, they would have the loveliest spot on the estate all to themselves. Danny hurried to the pond, grinning warmly at his erotic visions of lingering kisses. What he saw stopped him cold.

Sean Dwyer was flat on his back in the water, his hands fluttering helplessly. The fight clearly had gone out of him, but Evan, straddling Sean, was pounding on the helpless man’s face. Danny ran forward and waded into the pond to pull Evan off.

At Danny’s touch, Evan whipped around, fists drawn up, ready to attack.

“Evan! Stop. It’s me.” Looking at Evan’s face, Danny was stunned.

His pupils were dilated until only the narrowest band of blue showed. His jaw was clenched, his nostrils flaring. The blonde curls hung in clumps, streaming rivulets of dirty water down his face and neck. He staggered to his feet and stared at Danny, no recognition in his eyes.