Whispers rippled through the crowd. "Did you hear? Hawthorne's to hang at Tyburn!" an elderly gentleman exclaimed to his companion.
"Good riddance," a woman in a lavender bonnet replied, her eyes darting to Selina and James. "And itis all thanks to Lady Hollyfield and Lord Blackwood. Such bravery!"
Selina felt her cheeks flush at the admirative glances cast their way. She turned to James, her voice low. "I never imagined we would become the talk of London society. Leastwise, not in this manner."
James's lips quirked into a half-smile. "I daresay it's preferable to the gossip that usually circulates about me. And soon, darling, it will be our wedding they are gossiping about.”
Selina smiled, her eyes sparkling at the mention of their coming union. “Indeed, they will,” she said.
Their carriage pulled up, a welcome refuge from the prying eyes and wagging tongues. As James handed her in, Selina felt a surge of emotion at the familiar warmth of his touch. Once inside, she let out a long breath, feeling the tension of the day ebb away.
"We did it, James," she murmured, her gaze meeting his. "We got justice for Nile and ensured Hawthorne will never bring harm to anyone ever again."
James took her hand in his, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm. "Indeed we did, my love.Though I must confess, there were moments when I feared we might fail."
Selina leaned closer, drawn by the vulnerability in his voice. "What gave you doubt?"
"Hawthorne's reach was vast, his influence insidious," James replied, his brow furrowing. "If not for his foolish move in showing up at your residence welding that pistol... He could have killed you."
“Oh, James,” Selina's free hand came up to cup his cheek. "I am alive. We are alive, and free now to move on with our lives together."
James leaned into her touch, his eyes closing briefly. When he opened them again, they held a mixture of tenderness and mischief that made Selina's heart skip a beat.
"Well, my dear," he drawled, "how would you like to spend the first hour of the rest of our lives?”
“Honor de?—”
The carriage jolted over a rough patch of road, causing Selina to sway against James. He steadied her with a muscular arm around her waist, pulling her close.
"Honor, you say?" James murmured, his lips tantalizingly close to her ear. "I am not entirely certain my thoughts at this moment are particularly honorable, Lady Hollyfield."
A delicious shiver ran down Selina's spine. "Is that so, Lord Blackwood? And pray tell, what thoughts might those be?"
James's gaze darkened with desire. "I find myself contemplating how best to celebrate our victory. Perhaps with a private toast?"
Selina's breath caught in her throat. The proper response would be to decline, to maintain the facade of respectability until their wedding. And yet...
"I believe," she drawled, her voice husky with anticipation, "that sounds like an excellent idea."
Their lips met in a searing kiss, full of promise and passion. And as the carriage turned toward Mayfair, James's thoughts raced ahead to the evening before them. The trial might be over, but he sensed the most thrilling adventure of his life was only just beginning.
Epilogue
Ten years later…
The soft glow of candlelight flickered across Selina's face as she stood before the mirror, her fingers deftly adjusting the delicate lace at her décolletage. Movement caught her eye, and she glimpsed James entering the bedchamber, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"My darling," he said, sauntering toward her with roguish grace. "I have a surprise for you."
Selina's breath caught in her throat. Despite their years together, he still had the power to make her pulse race with a single look. She turned to face him,her eyes widening as they alighted on the small velvet box in his hand.
"James, what have you done?" she murmured, a mix of excitement and admiration coursing through her veins.
He chuckled, a rich, velvety sound that sent a thrill of longing through her. "Nothing you won't approve of, I assure you."
With a flourish, he opened the box, revealing a stunning necklace adorned with diamonds and sapphires. Selina gasped, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached out to touch the exquisite piece.
"Oh, James," she breathed, "it's beautiful.”
