Beckworth took another step but then…
Suddenly Max’s worst nightmare played out when the closet door opened and Caroline stepped through it, smiling at him sleepily, rumpled, looking thoroughly tupped. But then she blinked.
Under any other circumstances, it would have been adorable. But, God. Not now. Not like this—
Pip took full advantage. He locked an arm around her neck and pressed the sharp edge of the blade against tender skin.
Max’s. Heart. Stopped.
Because the man holding the knife had nothing to lose.
And Caroline had become Max’s everything.
“That isn’t necessary, Pip.” Every cell in Max’s body stood ready. He couldn’t show how much he cared. He couldn’t show any fear. “Let her go, mate. No need to scare a lady.”
Pip edged around the room, dragging Caroline with him while Max and his associates mirrored the malicious man’s steps. But the traitor had his eye on escape, and as he crossed in front of Matilda, he seemed intent on using Caroline as his shield.
She wasn’t crying. And despite such a rude awakening, she moved carefully, guided by her captor, locking her stare on Max, and waiting…
Waiting for him to save her.
Because she trusted him.
“Let her go,” Max repeated. He would do whatever it took to save her. He refused to entertain any other outcome.
“I don’t think so. Like the fancy feller said. It’s too late.”
“But it isn’t. Don’t make matters worse for yourself. We can work something out.” Max had managed to take three steps forward but was still too far away to make his move. “It was for the Duke of Crossing, eh? He’s the one giving you the codes.” Max got in two more steps. “But you’ve angered him. I’m right. There’s no use denying it. But we can help you. We can protect you from him.”
The trapped man’s gaze shifted to the door and then back to Max. Pip shook his head. “There is nowhere safe for me.”
“I’ll buy your passage—to the continent—or the Americas if you prefer. You can start a new life.” Caroline flinched and then a bead of blood appeared on her neck—a spot Max had kissed at least a dozen times.
Holding the pistol behind him, Max adjusted his grip, checking himself. Because he wasn’t close enough. He didn’t have a clear enough shot.
“I’m all right.” Caroline made a sorry attempt at a smile and Max would have done anything to take her pain away. “I’ll be fine.”
With her life on the line, this woman, of course, would attempt to comfort him. Just as she’d put herself in jeopardy for her brother.
But Pip was dragging Caroline along the length of the massive printer, one hand tangled in her hair, the other clutching that damn knife, moving menacingly closer to the engine made up of steel pistons, wheels and chains. It would still be hot to the touch, hot enough to burn.
Pip had stayed late many nights, but never shown any interest in how the press worked.
“Caroline.” Max held her gaze, willing her to read his thoughts. Beware of the engine.
He’d shown her how it functioned. He’d told her it could be dangerous.
Love. Sweetheart. Darling. Max silently chanted feelings, disguised as words. Words he should have told her already.
She dipped her chin. The instant she was free Max fully intended to say them all. He didn’t care if her brother heard, or Beckworth or even Winterhope.
The entire ton could go to Hades, for all he cared.
As long as she was safe. Nothing else mattered.
“Have a care,” he added.
“Enough!” Pip shouted. His face had turned an unpleasant shade of red, his trembling and twitching growing more noticeable. Caroline winced at the sudden noise, and Max’s heart clenched at the sight.
