She screamed and struggled to free herself of their hold. She sobbed helplessly as her legs were wrenched apart.“Cassie! Love, wake up.”The earl was shaking her, pulling her from the horror, but she couldn’t seem to stop the wrenching sobs that tore from her throat. Her nightgown clung to her, damp with sweat, yet she trembled uncontrollably.His strong arms closed around her, and she felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek. Cassie pressed her face into his shoulder, waiting for the terror to loose its grip on her.“The nightmare again?” he asked gently. He held her close as she drew a shuddering breath.“Yes.”The earl smoothed her tangled hair back from her forehead and eased her onto her back, careful of her bruised ribs. Her eyes were huge and dark in the dim light of dawn.“It’s over, Cassandra, and you are safe, I promise you.” He balanced himself on his elbow and looked closely into her face. “Are you in pain?”“Please make it stop,” she whispered. “I cannot bear it.
