Derek walked out of the heavy double doors of the drawing room. The terrible screams of his brother Carlos were muffled as the doors closed behind him, but Derek did not care. His mind was already miles away. His mind was with Marissa.
He walked fast down the long corridor and pushed open the front doors of the main house. The freezing night air hit his face like a physical blow.
As Derek got to the stone courtyard, he yelled. His voice was loud, tearing through the quiet night.
"Ready my horse!" Derek shouted toward the stables. "Now!"
The stable hands were startled. They dropped their tools and immediately ran to do as they were told. They grabbed saddles and bridles, rushing to prepare the Duke's fastest mare.
Derek stood on the top step of the courtyard. He took a deep, shaky breath. The air was bitterly cold. He looked up at the dark night sky.
