Flame Thrower Read Online Free PDF Page A

guess at the intense emotions that most likely rolled through her at the moment. Ryan’s chest vibrated with a low rumble before he slowly turned to glare dangerously at Wallace.
    “What?” he said in a tone that threatened punishment.
    “Your Highness, I have the healer,” the man announced. Wallace took in the two in the room. The woman was obviously awake and currently sat before the stone fireplace, huddled in Ryan’s cloak. She stared everywhere but at him, which suddenly made Wallace feel as if he just intruded on some intimate moment. The waves of annoyance rolling off Ryan further supported that train of thought.
    “Give us a moment and then please bring Edda in,” Ryan said more softly. He returned to watching Tillian with concern. She had not yet recovered from Wallace’s arrival and it was clear his presence was disturbing. Wallace had not moved so Ryan added, “That will be all.”
    Ryan watched his Captain leave and waited until the door was closed before he approached and knelt before her. She didn’t even look at him. Ryan reached out to gently turn her face to his, drawing her out of whatever hell she’d tumbled into. “Tillian, no one here will harm you. You have my word. That man is Captain Wallace and he ensures your safety even as we speak.”
    She continued to stare at the wall blankly. The fear still gripped her with a firm hold and he began to get nervous. “Tillian,” he tried again. He failed at resisting a caress of her cheek and saw her eyes flutter a few times before she blinked. Those green irises focused on his face and he saw the fear in her eyes. This was too much for him to bear, and she found herself quite ensconced in his arms when he wrapped them around her in a strong embrace.
    The moment his arms hugged her securely, Tillian lost her own battle to control her emotions and fell apart. The room filled with the sounds of her uncontrollable weeping.
    The depth of her despair told Ryan just how broken her spirit really was, regardless if she put on a brave front.
    “Shh, it’s all right to cry. I’ve got you.” His heart broke with each tear and Ryan was willing to do just about anything to make her stop. He knew she needed to let it out though, and he wanted her to feel safe enough to around him. “Tillian, please tell me what I can do to help you,” he whispered against her ear, letting his lips graze her lobe lightly. “Please.”
    Being right here, in his arms the world seemed safer, less painful. Tillian felt a need to be near this man and against her better judgment she voiced it. “Don’t leave me alone. Please,” she moaned against his chest. “You are the only good thing that has happened so please don’t leave.”
    Ryan growled deeply in his chest and pulled her tighter. “I won’t.” He placed another gentle kiss on her ear and whispered, “You have my word.”
    The gesture was so simple, so tender, but it didn’t go unnoticed by Tillian who gave up all pretense of being strong. She sobbed and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up so she practically crawled up his body. She burrowed her face in the crook of his neck and pressed against his skin. She leeched as much comfort as that little contact would allow.
    Ryan stifled a groan because in this position, he could feel every full curve of her body pressed against his and it was enough to tempt his desires. She really was quite stunning and tempted his control. This wasn’t the moment to do something stupid and betray her trust.
    They remained like that until the moment was shattered by a throat being cleared from the doorway. A short sturdy matron entered and purposefully approached Tillian with a watchful eye. She had a young woman on her heels, carrying two stuffed bags over each shoulder who barely made eye contact with either of them. Ryan detangled himself, but didn’t go far. He chose to keep a watchful eye on Tillian to evaluate how she reacted to this new situation.
    Ryan’s