Buck tilted his head. He didn’t give Ollie an answer, but he relaxed the hand holding up the gun just enough to provide Jeremy and Blackheart the opportunity they needed.
Jeremy met Lydia’s gaze and as though she understood his silent instructions perfectly, she threw herself onto the floor the instant he and her brother pounced.
Buck was tough and wily though, and he wasn’t about to go down without a fight. He kicked out and tried to throw a punch, but his efforts were in vain. It was two against one—two grown men against one boy.
The blast of the gun going off reverberated in Jeremy’s ears as Buck made his choice. Blood splattered everywhere. Jeremy felt it on his hands, on his face, and he even tasted the coppery liquid in his mouth. He dropped to his knees, cursing, searching for the source and terrified that the blood might be Lydia’s.
Strong arms pulledLydia off the floor and then wrapped around her almost desperately.
“Are you hurt?” Jeremy removed the gag from her mouth and frantically ran his hands down her arms as though searching for injuries. “Love? Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” It was all she could think to say. “I’m fine.” She’d been terrified that he’d gone to the warehouse despite her letter, that he had somehow fallen into Farley’s trap. Feeling him whole and solid beside her brought so much relief that she burst into tears.
Squeezing her eyes closed, she all but collapsed into his arms, face pressed against his chest as her tears soaked into the fabric of his shirt. She forgot they were not alone until she heard a flint strike from across the room.
Lydia jerked her head up then, wanting to make sure she hadn’t imagined him, and sure as she lived, her brother stoodstaring down at the two of them. With a grimace, he flicked his gaze to the young man lying on the floor.
“It exploded in his hand.” Blackheart lowered himself to his haunches, untying his cravat while Jeremy freed her wrists. “Bullet never made it out of the gun.”
“Buck!” Ollie sprang across the room and dropped to his brother’s side as well, his voice rising in panic. “Don’t die, Buck!”
Lydia had never seen so much blood in her entire life.
Lord Westerley peered inside just then. “Everything under control in here? We’re clear on deck. Farley’s in Baxter’s custody, and most of the others have been rounded up by the runners.” He pointed to Buck. “What about this one?”
“I’ll handle him.” Blackheart glanced over at Jeremy, who nodded and, without another word, lifted Lydia into his arms.
“I’m getting her out now in case there’s any more trouble.”
“Right.” her brother agreed.
“But—” she sputtered. What about Ollie? “Don’t I get a say?” she asked.
“No,” both Jeremy and her brother answered in unison.
Well, then.
“Ollie?” Jeremy moved toward the door, adjusting his grip as he cradled her in his arms. “Are you coming with us?”
But Ollie didn’t move. “What about Buck?” His violet eyes swam with tears.
“He needs a doctor,” Blackheart answered, then to Jeremy, “I’ll drop the younger one at your townhouse after.” Her brother didn’t look up as he spoke, all of his attention focused on Buck’s hand—what was left of it.
Jeremy turned to go, but Lydia stopped him by reaching out and catching the side of the door.
“Ollie?”
Her little orphan lifted his gaze to meet hers.
“I’m proud of you,” she said. She needed him to know he wasn’t to blame.This was the bad people’s fault.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I got you caught.”
“But you also helped save me,” Lydia said with as much force as she could muster. “Do you understand?”
Ollie stared at her and then slowly nodded.
“This man—” Lydia pointed a Blackheart “—is my brother. He’ll take care of you and Buck. Do as he says. All right?”
