Rescued by a Highlander(59)

Her breath still came fast, but she would not look him in the eye yet. She was in a different world, fighting someone. He was going at this completely wrong. Mayhap her troubles were more than he could handle. But who could offer advice on such an atrocity? Who did he trust?

Before he sought advice, however, he needed to understand.

“Maddie? Talk to me. I would hear your thoughts. Help me understand. We are to be married in less than a fortnight.”

Maddie glanced over at the man she loved. How could she explain? She was so embarrassed, so humiliated. Her arms wrapped tight around her middle. She hated Kenneth for what he had done to her. She knew God did not want her to hate anyone, but she couldn’t help it. What Kenneth did to her was so wrong.

And what would Alex say about this? She was aware there was a possibility he would be so disgusted he would just walk out of the water and never return. Then what would she do? Her humiliation would be complete. Maddie buried her face into her arms, reaching back with her hands to fist her hair. Everyone would hate her, just like Kenneth had always wanted. He was always jealous that people liked her. He tried to ruin her in every way possible. Maybe he had finally won, maybe he would have the last laugh.

But then Madeline thought of the conversations she had had with Alice. Alice had always been there to remind Maddie of her innate goodness. Alice had tried to convince her she was one of God’s favorites. Maddie certainly didn’t believe that, but she had always clung to her heart, and did what she thought was right. She had refused to let Kenneth’s ways poison her before, and she decided she would not give up now, not when she was too close to happiness. Alice had advised her to always be honest with Alex, and Maddie trusted them both. She turned to Alex, gathered her thoughts and forged ahead.

“I need to tell you something,” she said with her arms crossed in front of her.

Alex’s head dropped momentarily, but then rose. “I am listening.”

Madeline’s eyes watered, but she controlled her tears. “My stepbrother was very angry that I refused to marry the Comming.”

“I know that, Maddie,” he whispered. “I am a witness to his brutality.”

“I had refused him two times before the night you rescued me. Kenneth said if I would not marry the Comming then he would make sure and mark me so no man would want me.”

She studied Alex’s face, tried to gauge his reaction. He did not react to her words.

“Go on,” he said.

“He used a tool and always let it heat in the fire while he whipped me.”

She could see Alex’s jaw clench before he closed his eyes, but she forced herself to continue.

“After he finished whipping me, he turned me around and while his guards held me, he held the tool to the skin under my breast. He did it each time I refused him, and said that he would make sure they were all scarred if I never married Niles. He wanted to make sure no other man would ever touch me.” She wrung her hands as she thought carefully.

“He told me he loved the smell of burning flesh.”

Alex turned his face to the heavens and let out a deep breath.

“I am not afraid of your touch, Alex. I was afraid if you saw my scars, you would not want me anymore.” A single tear rolled down her cheek. Her hands shook as she reached to wipe her face.

Alex held his hand out to her. “Come here, Maddie.”

She hesitated, but then walked over and placed her hand in his. Alex moved into shallow water and sat in the sand where the water reached his chest. He settled Maddie onto his lap, wrapped his arms around her tight and rested her head on his shoulder. Maddie reached her arms around his back and leaned into him. There was nowhere else she would rather be.

Neither one spoke. Alex willed himself to rid the anger from his body. He knew Maddie needed him more. They held each other silently.

Alex, totally undone by the unfairness in the world, couldn’t fight the deep sadness that enveloped his body. Would the poor lass ever be able to put this behind her? How could anyone be that cruel to a helpless woman? Although Maddie was not totally helpless, she could not fight the strength of three men. He smiled at the irony. In fact, wee Maddie was stronger than all three men combined. Her strength was an inner strength, a strength of character he had never seen before. He was so proud of how she conducted her life. After all the pain she had been forced to endure, she still had the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. Wonderful with the bairns, adored by his sister, Jennie, she was always helpful and carried her head high. He knew many strong men that would have been beaten down a long time ago. But not Maddie.

“Maddie,” Alex whispered several minutes later.