Edward didn’t hesitate. He pivoted sharply and dove headfirst into the dark water where he last saw Alice, the icy chill biting at his skin as he kicked furiously downward. The murky depthsgradually began to swallow what little light remained from above, as it faded with every hefty stroke.
His heart thundered when he finally caught sight of her, sinking lifelessly into the depths, her dress billowing like a ghostly shroud. She wasn’t moving, her stillness a dagger to his chest. Edward gritted his teeth, fear clawing at his resolve as he pushed himself harder, his legs straining with the effort.
Kicking harder, he finally reached her and his arms circled her limp form. Turning her carefully, he pressed her back to his chest, cradling her protectively as he began the desperate ascent. His lungs burned, the water pressing down on him like a vice, but he kicked with everything he had, each stroke carrying them closer to the surface.
Breaking through into the cold night air, Edward gulped a ragged breath, the night a cacophony of shouts and splashes. He caught sight of Benedict on the pier, his knee driven into Rutledge’s back as runners bolted down to haul the second man away.
Edward’s focus snapped back to Alice. Her hair had come undone, dark, sodden locks plastered to her pale face as he carefully laid her down on the wooden planks of the pier. Perched over her, he leaned in close, his ear to her lips, praying for the faintest whisper of breath.
Nothing.
Swallowing the rising panic threatening to consume him, he tipped her head back and sealed his lips over hers, breathing life into her still body. He pressed again, filling her lungs with air, his hands trembling but determined as he fought against the paralyzing fear that he was too late.
And he did it again. And again. Andagain…
Suddenly, a splutter broke the silence, followed by a weak cough. Immediately, he turned her on her side, patting her back to make her rid herself of the excess water. Her body convulsed, water spilling from her mouth as she gasped raggedly for air.
Edward’s chest heaved as he collapsed beside her, his palms slapping the wet boards in sheer relief. He sucked in a long, shaky breath, his head tipping skyward as gratitude flooded him.
But there was no time to linger.
“T-thank you for c-coming for me,” she whispered.
His heart twisted at her fragile tone. “Always.Now, stay with me. Don’t close your eyes—don’t you dare.”
Alice’s lips parted, but he silenced her immediately. “Hush. Don’t waste your strength. Save it—just stay awake.”
The world around her swayed, the edges of her vision fraying into shadow. A sudden shift of movement forced her focus back to him. He moved with the urgency of a man pushed to the brink, shrugging off his coat and letting it fall to the ground in a sodden heap. Before she could even process the image, he was pulling his shirt over his head in one swift, unrestrained motion.
Alice blinked sluggishly, her gaze catching on the taut expanse of his chest. The muscles in his shoulders rippled as he tore the fabric with a grunt. His wet skin gleamed in the pale moonlight. Gone was the Edward she’d always known—the charming, calculating rake without a care for the world—he was now replaced by a man stripped bare to his vulnerabilities, fierce and frantic.
“What are you…” she murmured weakly, her voice trembling with pain.
“Quiet,” he ordered, ripping the shirt into long strips with unsteady hands. “Just let me—” He swallowed hard, pressing a strip of fabric against her wound. Alice let out a sharp gasp as the pressure sent a jolt of pain radiating through her shoulder.
“I know it hurts,” he muttered as he worked to secure the makeshift bandage. “I’m sorry, Alice. But I have to stop the bleeding for now. Here, hold onto me.”
Her body jerked faintly beneath his touch, but she didn’t fight him. Every groan she stifled carved into him like a blade. He tied the knot firmly as his hands grew slick with her blood. The pressure sent a white-hot jolt of pain through her, and she bitdown hard on his hand, her nails raking into his forearm. Still, he didn’t flinch.
When it was done, he gathered her closer in his arms, cradling her head against his bare chest. She felt the frantic rhythm of his heartbeat, a wild, uneven thrum that matched the chaos of her own.
She tried to speak again, but he cut her off, his voice breaking as he pressed his forehead to hers. “Don’t,” he whispered. “Don’t you dare. I can’t lose you. Not you.”
She felt the faintest tremble in him, but before he could say more, a voice rang out.
“Alice!” Penelope’s cry pierced the thick night air. Her skirts rustled as she dashed onto the wooden pier. The sight of Edward’s bared torso gave her pause for just a moment, but then she promptly fell to her knees beside her sister. “Is she—what happened? Oh God. Was she—?”
Alice managed the faintest smile for her sister, but before Penelope could say more, Benedict appeared behind her, his presence quiet but deliberate. “Penelope…”he said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She glanced up at him, eye wide and glistening with tears. “Benedict, she’s hurt. I can’t just—”
“I know,” he said softly. “She’s hurt, but I think she might much prefer someone else’s company right now.” He leaned in slightly, his hand still on her shoulder. “Come with me. I promise, if they need us, we’ll be close by.”
Penelope hesitated. Her gaze flickered between Alice and Edward. Then she nodded reluctantly, her fingers brushing Alice’s hand one last time before she rose. Benedict guided her away, allowing the two of them some privacy.
Edward exhaled slowly, his focus falling back to Alice. His hand came up to cup her face. “Youmaddening, stubborn woman. Do you have any idea what you’ve done to me?”
Alice’s lashes fluttered as she fought to focus on him. “I—”
