Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

F R A N C I N E R I V E R S
Michael looked up at Angel’s window. Something was wrong. Very
wrong. He strode across the street and went in through the swinging doors.
Except for a couple of men playing cards and drinking, the place was almost
deserted. The bodyguard wasn’t at the foot of the stairs to stop him from
going up. The hall was dark and quiet. Too quiet. A man came out of Angel’s
room, and the Duchess was with him. She saw Michael first.
“What are you doing up here? No one’s allowed upstairs until they’ve
dealt with me!”
“I want to see Angel.”
“She’s not working today.”
He looked at the black bag in the man’s hand. “What’s the matter with her?”
“Nothing,” the Duchess answered sharply. “Angel’s just taking a few days
off to rest. Now get out of here.” She tried to block his way, but Michael set
her aside and went into the room.
The Duchess grabbed at his arm. “Stay away from her! Doc, stop him!”
The doctor fixed her with a cold glare. “No, ma’am. I won’t.”
Michael reached the bed and saw her. “Oh, sweet Lord…”
“It was Magowan,” Doc said quietly from behind Michael.
“It wasn’t my fault!” Duchess said, drawing back in fear from the look on
Michael’s face. “It wasn’t!”
“She’s right,” Doc said. “If Duchess hadn’t come in when she did, he
probably would have killed her.”
“Now will you get out of here and leave her alone?” Duchess said.
“I’ll leave, all right,” Michael answered. “And I’m taking her with me.”
Angel roused to someone’s touch. The Duchess was ranting again. Angel
wanted the darkness. She didn’t want to feel anything, ever again, but someone
was there, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. “I’m going to
take you home with me,” the gentle voice said.
“You want to take her home, fine. I’ll gift wrap her,” the Duchess said.
“But you’re going to pay first.”
“Woman, have you no decency?” Another man’s voice. “The girl will be
lucky to live—”
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