A Code of the Heart (The Code Breakers Series Book 3) by Jacki Delecki Read Free Book Online Page A

the mammoth’s face. At six feet, a full sixteen stone, his assailant was far from little, but the taunt had the desired effect.
    Bracing himself, Brinsley kicked as hard as he could, aiming for his opponent’s kneecap. When the giant buckled forward, Brinsley positioned his knee and delivered the “piece de resistance” to the big man’s groin.
    The giant sprawled to the floor, his leg bent wrong and blood streaming from his broken nose and split lip.
    Brinsley looked around for Ash, but couldn’t locate him in the chaos. Distracted, he didn’t see the brute coming at him from the side until it was too late. Brinsley turned, but the ham-sized fist caught him on the right cheek.
    Infuriated by the pain, Brinsley grabbed the man by the neck and twisted. The man fell in a broken heap. It was a wakeup call for Brinsley. This was a brawl—men letting off steam—he understood the difference. But he’d come here already looking for a fight, now the agonizing pain in his face and his worries about Ash was causing him to feel explosive.
    He scanned the room for any sign of Ash, but in the dimly lit chaos, it was hard to discern who was on the ground. The door opened and he watched a short man leave and right behind him was Ash. He searched for Bev, but she had also disappeared.
    Brinsley made his way through the fighting masses, stepping over several crumpled bodies. He had to deliver a few more punches before he got to the door. He didn’t know what to expect when he got outside, but he hoped to hell he hadn’t lost Ash.

Chapter Five

    Amelia reverently unwrapped the doll from its silk coverings. She had packed both dolls in silk scraps from her workshop to protect them on her walk to Rathbourne house. A joyous anticipation raced through her body, as if she were discovering a special Christmas present. She hoped to build the dramatic moment for Gwyneth, anticipating and yearning for the perfect dress for her perfect day.
    Amelia watched Gwyneth expectantly. With her ever-expressive face, Gwyneth made it simple to read her emotions and her reaction.
    Amelia wanted to accomplish for Gwyneth the same dream she had achieved for Henrietta—to look and feel like a fairy queen on her wedding day. Unfortunately Henrietta was detained in the library with work and would miss the unveiling of the doll dressed in the lemon yellow. She would make sure it was carefully displayed on the pier table.
    Amelia’s heart thrummed a nervous beat, and her stomach had a flock of butterflies flitting around. In one look, Amelia would know if her vision meshed with Gwyneth’s imagined dress, or if she’d have to bury her own feelings and start again.
    Gwyneth’s dark, slanted eyes filled with tears. “She is beautiful. I couldn’t have dreamed a more wonderful gown.”
    She watched Gwyneth gulp and shiver with excitement. Relief washed through Amelia. She let out the breath she had been holding in anticipation of this moment.
    “With your dramatic looks, I envisioned you as a medieval Madonna.”
    Gwyneth gave a teary giggle. “Me, a Madonna?”
    “A veil with the red crown is simple but more dramatic than a bonnet. And the red crown is vivid and will highlight your dark eyes and hair.”
    Gwyneth stared at the doll in her lap touching the miniscule veil. “I want to look beautiful for Ash. But that you had the vision and knew what I’d like is incomprehensible.” Gwyneth squeezed her hand. “Amelia, you are so very talented and so very dear to me.”
    She felt a bit embarrassed by Gwyneth’s fervent display. “I’ve selected the perfect fabrics and will need you to come with me…”
    The door to the morning room flew open as Edward and Gus rushed in. “Are you almost done? I’m finished with my lessons and ready for today’s match.”
    Gus ran toward the women in pursuit of the food on the tea tray sitting on the table in front of the settee. Spurred on by his Labrador’s love of food, Gus raced toward the table. He held