41

Chapter 41

They stared at each other for a moment, hurt and confusion—along with a strong undercurrent of anger—in Tiernan’s eyes. “How could you do all this, Aidan?”

Aidan shrugged. “I’ve already explained all that to Madison. Perhaps she can enlighten you, if you both survive.”

Madison bit her fist as the men surged together, trading punches and kicks. They grunted in their exertion, and she honestly couldn’t tell who was winning for several minutes. It wasn’t until Tiernan managed to shove Aidan’s head up, his arm against his throat, that she saw a chance to help. Without hesitation, she grasped the pitcher on the dresser and slammed the pottery down on Aidan’s head. He slumped atop Tiernan a second later.

Tiernan pushed him off, wincing as he got to his feet. He cradled his middle. “I think he broke a rib.”

“Are you okay?”

He nodded, though grimaced. “I’m glad you didn’t call out.”

She frowned. “I didn’t? I just stood there frozen?” Shaking her head, Madison let some of her self-d