Chapter 5
“Dios mio…”
Why had he just walked away? Angelica would have been fine in the rain. He should have seen to Ben’s comfort and health before worrying about a stubborn beast. Moving quickly in the dark, he lit the nearest lamps, turning the flame up to chase the shadows out of the room. The fire was low—almost burned out entirely. He laid fresh fuel on the warm ashes and stoked it until new flames caught and spread.
“I’m so sorry, Ben,” Alonzo murmured, crouching to put one arm under his neck and the other under Ben’s knees. He lifted him easily and carried him across the small room to the pallet beside the fireplace.
Ben stirred upon contact with the rough ticking, but his attempts to sit up were easily thwarted by Alonzo’s hand on his shoulder. “Hurts,” he muttered. His thick lashes fluttered as he fought to waken, and he struggled with the chains, his strength obviously sapped. “My back…”