"He was not my choice. My grandfather betrothed me to Simcoe."
Ben woke to the sound of Cinnamon's anguished voice. She stared down at him with swollen eyes and an exhausted expression. Dark circles plagued her lids. Faint bruises encircled her delicate wrists.
"Simcoe's soul is black. Your's is not, Ben Tallmadge. Do not allow him to darken yours anymore than he already has."
He reached up and pushed her locks to the side of her neck, his stomach churning at the aftermath of lust. He had marked her from her throat to her breasts. Shame-washed, he apologized. "I allowed my anger to feast revenge upon you through my drunken rage. I do not ask for your forgiveness nor do I deserve it, but know that both my heart and soul bleeds for my actions last night."
"Ben, get her dressed! General Scott just entered camp." Caleb stuck his head in, his eyes softening at the sight of Cinnamon's appearance. She felt as sore as she looked.
"I have nothing left but revenge. I am going to kill Simcoe and Rogers. He will make you a wife merely to make you a widow."