Enticing the Earl

Simon watched as Charlie stood behind Mia. There was a gleam of madness in his glazed eyes and in one swift movement, he wrapped his arm around her neck. Panic raced through Simon at the sight of Mia being held captive.

“Move back, Simon.” Charlie almost screamed. “Get away from here.”

“You know I can’t do that. She is my wife and I love her.”

“She is my only chance at getting away,” Charlie said quickly. “I will take her with me until I get to London. Then I’ll let her go.”

Simon looked at Mia. Her eyes were wide with fear but he knew she could do this. “Mia, darling, what are you waiting for?”

Chapter 28

Mia looked at her husband and suddenly realized what he meant. She could do this. He had taught her what to do in just this situation. It didn’t matter if the man holding her was Charlie. She was not about to be abducted and taken to London against her will. She closed her eyes in thought. Toes. Elbow. Knees. Nose.

“Say it aloud, Mia,” Simon encouraged.

“She has nothing to say that will change my mind,” Charlie taunted.

“Yes, I do,” Mia said. “Toes!” She stomped on Charlie’s left foot and his grip loosened enough for her to move her arm. “Elbow.” A hard jab to his ribs and she was free. She turned quickly to face him and then kicked him in the right knee. Before he fell, she slammed her fists into his nose.

“Ahh! You crazy bitch!” Charlie dropped on the ground.

Simon and James were immediately there to restrain him. Once James had Charlie’s hands tied with rope, he walked him around the house. Simon turned to Mia, enveloping her in his secure warmth.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” she whispered.

“Perhaps. But you needed to know you could take a man down. And the fact that Charlie received the brunt of your anger was only fitting.”

Mia nodded against his chest. He was right but it was an odd feeling for a healer to deliberately hurt another person. “I didn’t like it.”

“Most people don’t. When I fought, it was as if another person entered my body. Sometimes

I didn’t even remember the fight.”

“That’s dreadful.”

“I never want to experience that again. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before we married,” Simon whispered. “I should have told you so you could make up your own mind.”

Mia lifted her head. “Yes, you should have.”

“Come on,” he said, grabbing hold of her hand. “We still have to deal with Charlie.”

“What are you going to do?” Mia didn’t want to see Charlie hang for what he’d done but many people would think he should.

“I want your mother to look at him.”

Mia pulled away. “Why my mother?”

“Because I don’t want you near my brother again. I think there is something wrong with him. I didn’t notice how much weight he’d lost when he was here before. His eyes are glazed and he was talking about a nasty headache. I want your mother to look at him and tell me what she thinks.”

“As you wish,” Mia replied in a cool tone. Perhaps it was time to realize that no one wanted her as the wise woman. She started to walk back to the house.

Simon clasped her arm and turned her to face him. “Darling, this has nothing to do with your skills. My only concern is your safety.”

She nodded but the feelings wouldn’t leave her.

“Come along. We need to let poor old Mrs. Perkins get some sleep.”

“You go ahead. I’ll ride back with my mother. I would like to talk to her before she sees Charlie.”