"You fool!" Hawthorne snarled, driving his knee into James's stomach. "I'll see you both dead!"
James gasped, the air driven from his lungs, but he refused to relent. His fingers closed around Hawthorne's wrist, twisting viciously until the pistol clattered to the floor.
"Selina, the pistol!" James called out, struggling to pin Hawthorne's thrashing form.
From the corner of his eye, he saw her dart forward, her movements swift and graceful despite the sheet wrapped around her. She scooped up the fallen weapon, her hands steady as she leveled it at Hawthorne.
"It's over, Henry," Selina said, her voice cold and resolute. "You might as well surrender."
Hawthorne's eyes widened, a flicker of fear finally breaking through his arrogant facade. "You wouldn't dare," he hissed.
James felt a surge of pride as he watched Selina, her chin lifted defiantly.
"Perhaps not," she replied, her finger tightening on the trigger as she pointed the gun at the ceiling, then fired.
Hawthorne’s face turned scarlet. “That was the last bullet, you little fool!”
The room descended into chaos as Hawthorne lashed out with renewed vigor. James grunted as Hawthorne's elbow connected with his jaw, sending him staggering backward into an ornate side table. The crash of shattering porcelain filled the air as a priceless vase toppled to the floor.
"Selina, run!" James called out, his heart racing as he saw Hawthorne lunge toward her.
Her eyes darted around the room, but she did not flee. In one fluid motion, she tossed the pistol to the floor and seized the fire poker.
"I won't let you destroy any more lives," Selina said, her voice steady despite the trembling of her hands.
Hawthorne sneered, circling her like a predator. "You have no idea the depths I'll sink to, my dear. Your late husband learned that lesson too late."
James felt a surge of rage at Hawthorne's callous words. He lunged at him, pushing the man against the wall and pinning him in place. "It's finished,Hawthorne. Surrender now, and perhaps you will avoid the gallows."
But Hawthorne was beyond reason. With a roar of frustration and strength, he broke free. He charged at Selina, his hands outstretched to throttle her. James watched in horror, his fingers tightening into fists, when suddenly Selina swung the poker with all her might.
The resounding crack of iron meeting flesh echoed through the room as Hawthorne crumpled to the floor, unconscious.
For a moment, silence reigned. James stared at Selina, her chest heaving, the poker still clutched in her white-knuckled grip. "My God, Selina," he breathed. "You are magnificent."
Three footmen and the butler appeared in the drawing room doorway, their eyes wide as the butler pressed into the room. “My Lady.”
“I am unharmed,” Selina said.
“Send for Bow Street at once,” James ordered.
A short time later, the clatter of boots in the entry hall announced the Bow Street Runners. James quickly explained the situation, and within moments, the unconscious Lord Hawthorne was bound and carried away.
As the commotion died down, James turned to Selina, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you truly alright, darling?"
Selina nodded, her body still trembling from the rush of adrenaline. "I... I think so. It is over now. Bow Street knows what Hawthorne has done and he will be made to suffer for his crimes."
“You have my word, darling. Hawthorne will be held to account.” James took her hand, gently leading her toward the terrace. "Come, let us get some air."
They stepped out into the cool night, the stars twinkling above them like scattered diamonds. Selina leaned against the balustrade, her eyes closed as she took deep, calming breaths.
James watched her, marveling at her strength and beauty. "You were extraordinary tonight. I have never seen such bravery."
She turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I could not have done it without you, James. We make an excellent team, do we not?"
He chuckled, moving closer to her. "Indeed, we do. Who would have thought that the widowed Countess of Hollyfield and the notorious Lord Blackwood would end up saving each other?"
Her eyes softened as she gazed up at him. "Youhave changed me, James. I have been consumed with a burning need for vengeance ever since Nile's death, but you... you have shown me that there are more important things to focus on."
