Page 123 of Once Upon A Haunted Castle
Jamie caught Bryce’s left jab in his palm mid-strike. Alarm and panic flashed in Bryce’s eyes. The bully stared at Jamie’s hand holding his fist.
Jamie almost tore Bryce’s arm out of its socket as he pushed it aside and set his stance, one foot in front of the other.
For a moment he thought to stop the madness, but the idea quickly died. Bryce had no idea what he’d let loose.
Before Bryce threw the next punch, Jamie exploded with a rapid cannon volley of left jabs at Bryce’s jaw. Stunned, Bryce lowered his defenses.
Jamie’s right cross burst from his shoulder as he shifted from his back leg to his front, throwing all his weight into the swing. He caught Bryce squarely in the face. Blood exploded in an arc of fine spray as Bryce’s head snapped back. Droplets dusted Jamie’s face, the warm blood spattering across his face.
Bryce’s head came forward. Jamie followed with a left uppercut and caught Bryce under his chin. The strike so hard it lifted Bryce into the air then sent him to the ground. To everyone’s amazement, Bryce laid unconscious at Jamie’s feet. No one said a word as he stood panting over the prone figure. Every ounce of him wanted to drag Bryce on his feet for another round. Instead, he marched away.
“If you’ll excuse me. I look forward to calling on you soon, Laura. Tomorrow?” Bryce looked down his nose at Jamie. “For now, I’m sure the family would like to be alone. Come Collins.” Bryce sounded as if he ordered his dog to heel.
“How considerate to understand our family’s need for time together. All our family.” Laura stressed the wordalland tightened her hold on Jamie. “I regret I’m not seeing callers. I’m sure you understand.”
Bryce’s eyes widened at Laura’s cut. The man gave a curt nod, slapped the riding gloves against his thigh and marched out the door.
“That wasn’t necessary. I can speak for myself.”
“I wasn’t addressing your leaving as much as responding to his request for an audience. I’m well aware you can take care of yourself.”
Definitely the feistier sister, but he did enjoy Bryce’s discomfort at her cut.
“What was Bryce doing here? I passed him in the hall. He didn’t appear pleased,” Lisbeth asked as she entered. “Jamie. Ann told me you arrived.” She gave her cousin a smile and peck on the cheek.
“Bryce came to extend condolences from his family to your father and me.” Darla fussed over Wesley.
“The nerve of the man—”
“Now, now Wesley. It’s not the first time Bryce made the request. Let’s not dwell on that. We’ll find a solution.” Darla encouraged everyone to the table. “Ann laid out our meal. I’m sure Jamie is hungry after a long ride. Besides, I’m eager for the news from Caerlaverock.”
