“Yes, my lord,” the coachman said, his hand moving to the angry raised knot over his left eye. “I think they hit me with a rock. Knocked me unconscious for a moment, but I am right as rain now.”
“Very good. Return us to Lady Hollyfield’s residence,” James ordered, before climbing into the carriage and sitting beside Selina.
His hand rested gently on the small of her back as the carriage swayed into motion. Neither spoke asthey traveled and when they arrived, James handed her down.
The street lamps cast long shadows across the cobblestones as he led her to the door, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm.
"I cannot thank you enough for your bravery tonight," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she tightened her grip on his arm.
James patted her hand. "Think nothing of it, my dear. Your safety is paramount."
Once inside, James led Selina to the drawing room. As she sank into a chaise longue, he poured her a small measure of brandy.
"Drink this," he urged, pressing the glass into her hands. "It will help calm your nerves."
Selina took a sip, grimacing at the burn, then turned her gaze on him. "What are we to do now? Lord Hawthorne will surely not stand idly by once he learns of tonight's events. Those other ruffians may well be giving him the details as we speak. And what if the miscreants tale is not enough to have Hawthorne held to account? He is a powerful lord. Are we truly to do nothing save for wait?"
James's eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "On the contrary, my dear. I believe we have him precisely where we want him."
"How so?" Selina asked, her brow furrowing.
"Consider this," James began, pacing the room. "Lord Hawthorne's desperation has led him to make a grave error. By hiring those ruffians, he's exposed himself. By this time tomorrow, he will be behind bars."
Selina took a slow sip of the brandy before returning her gaze to him. "But what about tonight? What if he sends more assassins? He knows where we live. Surely a man of his standing?—”
"Has much further to fall," James finished. "Trust me. By tomorrow evening, Lord Hawthorne will no longer be a threat. As for tonight, I do not believe he will take the risk. Still, I will send men to guard your house."
Selina stared at him, a mixture of awe and trepidation in her eyes. "You are a dangerous man, Lord Blackwood."
"Only to those who deserve it," he replied softly, his gaze meeting hers.
A charged silence fell between them, the weight of the evening's revelations pressing down. Her hand trembled as she set down her glass.
"I owe you an apology," she said. "I misjudged you terribly."
James moved to sit beside her, taking her hand inhis. "You had every reason to be suspicious, given the circumstances. But I hope now you see that we are on the same side."
Selina nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "To think that Lord Hawthorne... that he was responsible for Nile's death all along. I feel like such a ninny."
"You are anything but," James said firmly. "You are a woman of remarkable strength and intelligence. Hawthorne preyed on your grief, manipulating it to his advantage."
Selina looked up at him, a newfound resolve hardening her gaze. "I want justice for all those Hawthorne has wronged."
“It is the best revenge.” James squeezed her hand gently. "And justice you shall have. Together, we will ensure the scoundrel is brought to his knees."
Selina's eyes lingered on their joined hands, her heart quickening at the intimacy. She cleared her throat, then said, “Stay with me tonight.”
James's breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening at her unexpected request. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, torn between propriety and the undeniable pull he felt toward her.
"Selina," he began, his voice low and husky, "I do not think that would be wise. Your reputation?—"
"Hang my reputation," she interrupted, her eyesflashing with a mixture of fear and determination. "After tonight's events, I... I cannot bear to be alone. Please, James."
Her words sent a shiver down his spine. He searched her face, seeing the vulnerability beneath her brave facade. With a sigh, he nodded.
"Very well, I shall stay."
Eight
