Fields of Fire Read Online Free

although no turf burned there to offer any comfort against the chilly July night. The meager scattering of rushes over the earthen floor gave little protection against the dampness. So much for country hospitality, he wryly thought.
    “Why don’t you try to get some sleep?” Taylor spoke quietly to her.
    “I’m cold and scared. How can I possibly rest, not knowing what will become of us?”
    The look on her face tore at his heart. “Don’t be worrying yourself. Everything will work out.”
    “How can you be sure?”
    “I don’t know yet, but we’ll be all right. Move closer to me. Our combined body heat will help keep us warm.” He wanted to put his arm around her; however, tied up as they were, all he could do was watch her reluctantly scoot next to him. Inwardly, he cursed his helplessness. “Rest your head against my shoulder and close your eyes, at least.”
    She did as he suggested, and despite what she told him, she slept fitfully.
    He remained awake well into the early morning, watching the thugs that Donnegan had left as guards, until they were both snoring. Wherever Donnegan planned to take them must be some distance away, since they’d stopped overnight. Bastard. Such a man was used to doing and getting things he wanted, no matter the cost. He still had no proof, but he was certain Donnegan was involved in the illegal distillery operation Colonel Hume had commissioned him to investigate.
    He sighed. How the hell was he going to get out of this one? Thus far, he’d failed to come up with any possible solutions. Daybreak neared, and its coming would, no doubt, bring Donnegan.
    Moments later, the cottage door banged open, startling him from his thoughts. Donnegan stormed in with the early morning breeze, causing the rushes nearest the door to flutter about the room. He set a lantern on the table and tossed several blankets beside it onto the floor.
    “There’s been a change in plans,” he announced to his men, who immediately jumped to their feet at his noisy arrival.
    Donnegan walked over to Jalene’s sleeping form. The cad pulled her up into his arms. He ran his hand down the front of her bodice.
    “Leave her be! You sick bastard.” Taylor struggled to loosen his ties, although he knew it was useless.
    “I intend to, but not because you desire it. Unfortunately, something more pressing has transpired. It looks like I’ll have to forgo my sweet treat, but not before I have some fun.”
    Jalene stirred in Donnegan’s hold. He pressed her closer to him and kissed her mouth.
    Taylor watched helplessly, and when Jalene still didn’t respond, Donnegan slapped her. “Wake up!” He shook her hard by the shoulders, and tried to kiss her again. Jalene awakened with a start and jerked away. He grabbed her head, and kissed her violently.
    “I guess women find you so grossly offensive you have to tie them up and resort to force to receive their favors.” Taylor taunted Donnegan, hoping to distract him.
    “Shut up!” Donnegan shoved Jalene into the cottage wall and stood in front of Taylor. “I’d kill you now if I didn’t need you. Where you’re going you’ll be dead soon anyway.”
    He turned his attention to Jalene, who had managed to stand, leaning heavily against the wall for support. “Though your gentleman friend was unaware he was being followed, he managed to lose my man. A carriage crashed, caused a commotion, and separated the two.” He grabbed her jaw in his hand and squeezed. “Who is the man? If I think you’re lying, I’ll take it out on him.” He nodded in Taylor’s direction and released his grip so she might speak.
    “Don’t hurt him,” she said.
    “Never mind me ...”
    “He’s my cousin, Wil Somerville,” she answered, interrupting Taylor.
    “Where can we find him?”
    Taylor waited for her reply, wondering if she’d tell the truth and whether Donnegan would know the difference.
    With an unreadable expression on her face, she answered, “He lives in Dublin on