“I-I’m all right,” she said shakily, burrowing into his chest. “I was so afraid… I thought I’d never see you again.”
He kissed her hair, her brow—anything to remind himself she was real. That she was and always would be his. “I’d have torn through those flames to reach you. You know that. But I heard a gunshot. What happened, love?”
She gripped his arms, grounding him with her touch. “I had no choice. He locked us in a closet and started the fire. I only had one shot, so I aimed at the lock—and it worked. Mrs. Wilson and I got out just in time.”
“You’re bloody brilliant,” he said hoarsely, pulling her tight against him. “Have I told you that?”
“Not nearly enough,” she teased weakly, her smile faltering. “Please… take me home.”
“As soon as we speak with the magistrate.” He cupped her face and brushed his thumb along her cheek. “I promise.”
His lips claimed hers, heedless of their surroundings. He didn’t care who saw—he’d been too close to losing her. Again. And he doubted he’d feel at ease for quite some time.
When the magistrate arrived, Evan gave his statement through gritted teeth, barely keeping himself from dragging Marina home on the spot. Only when the blackguard was hauled away in irons did some of the tension in his chest begin to ease.
“Let’s get you home,” Evan murmured against her temple.
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice unsteady as unshed tears filled her beautiful caramel-colored eyes. His minx was a pillar of strength. She was the most capable woman he knew, and the only person she ever allowed to see her vulnerable side was him. And the sight almost broke him.
He swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the force of his emotions. “I love you too.”
Marina leaned into him, her hand curling into his waistcoat. “I just want to forget today ever happened.”
“You’re going to let me take care of you,” he said firmly. “Whatever you need.”
“Please,” she whispered, voice trembling as she submitted to his command.
The moment they were alone in the carriage, her breath hitched—a ragged, fragile sound that broke him all over again.
He hated that she’d endured even a moment of fear, and he questioned his choice to leave the bastard to the magistrate. But Marina needed him more than vengeance did. She was all that mattered—more than settling a score with a man whose fate was already sealed.
Evan held her tightly, stroking her hair, his lips brushing her temple. “You’re safe now,” he whispered. “I won’t let anyone take you from me.”
She curled into him, gripping his coat. “I know… I just—” Her voice faltered, and she shook her head, fighting her emotions.
“Tell me, love,” he urged softly.
“I don’t want to be afraid anymore,” she whispered. “I can’t face those nightmares again.”
“You won’t,” he promised fiercely. “I won’t let them. I’ll spend every day showing you that you’re safe. That you’re loved. That you’re unbreakable.”
She let out a shaky laugh. “Spoken like a true knight in shining armor.”
“Only for you.” He sighed, tightening his hold on her. “We’ll start with a long bath. I’ll wash away every bit of fear you’re still holding onto. You’ll feel much better afterward.”
She exhaled slowly, her body relaxing into his. “Perhaps you’re right.”
“I am going to remind you repeatedly that you just said that,” he said with a hint of a smile.
Marina swatted his shoulder, the glimmer of her usual teasing returning. “Don’t get used to it.”
Epilogue
1 week later: The day of the house party
Marina
Marinawasbentoverthe chamber pot, muffling her retching to avoid waking Evan. He’d worry—again—and he’d already spent the past week glued to her side. She wiped her mouth with a cloth, a small smile forming. The sickness had worsened since the incident at the dress shop, but this wasn’t fear. She knew that now.
